Plasma exchange for acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Plasma exchange (PE) is a promising therapeutic option in patients with acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, the impact of PE on patient survival in these syndromes is unclear. We aimed to systematically investigate the use of PE in patients with ALF and ACLF compared with standard medical therapy (SMT). We searched PubMed/Embase/Cochrane databases to include all studies comparing PE versus SMT for patients ≥ 18 years of age with ALF and ACLF. Pooled risk ratios (RR) with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated by the Mantel-Haenszel method within a random-effect model. The primary outcome was 30-day survival for ACLF and ALF. Secondary outcomes were overall and 90-day survival for ALF and ACLF, respectively. Five studies, including 343 ALF patients (n = 174 PE vs. n = 169 SMT), and 20 studies, including 5,705 ACLF patients (n = 2,856 PE vs. n = 2,849 SMT), were analyzed. Compared with SMT, PE was significantly associated with higher 30-day (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.06-1.87, p = 0.02) and overall (RR 1.35, 95% CI 1.12-1.63, p = 0.002) survival in ALF patients. In ACLF, PE was also significantly associated with higher 30-day (RR 1.36, 95% CI 1.22-1.52, p < 0.001) and 90-day (RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.10-1.34, p < 0.001) survival. On subgroup analysis of randomized controlled trials, results remained unchanged in ALF, but no differences in survival were found between PE and SMT in ACLF. In conclusion, PE is associated with improved survival in ALF and could improve survival in ACLF. PE may be considered in managing ALF and ACLF patients who are not liver transplant (LT) candidates or as a bridge to LT in otherwise eligible patients. Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the survival benefit of PE in ACLF.

Predictors of marginal ulcer after gastric bypass: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Marginal ulcer (MU) is a common complication following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) with an incidence rate of up to 25%. Several studies have evaluated different risk factors associated with MU with inconsistent findings. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to identify the predictors of MU after RYGB. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was conducted through April 2022. All studies that used a multivariate model to assess risk factors for MU after RYGB were included. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for risk factors reported in ≥ 3 studies were obtained within a random-effects model. RESULTS: Fourteen studies with 344,829 patients who underwent RYGB were included. Eleven different risk factors were analyzed. Meta-analysis demonstrated that Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection (OR 4.97 [2.24-10.99]), smoking (OR 2.50 [1.76-3.54]), and diabetes mellitus (OR 1.80 [1.15-2.80]), were significant predictors of MU. Increased age, body mass index, female gender, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, and alcohol use were not predictors of MU. There was a trend of an increased risk of MU associated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR 2.43 [0.72-8.21]) and a lower risk of MU with proton pump inhibitors use (OR 0.44 [0.11-2.11]). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking cessation, optimizing glycemic control, and eradication of HP infection reduce the risk of MU following RYGB. Recognition of predictors of MU after RYGB will allow physicians to identify high-risk patients, improve surgical outcomes, and reduce the risk of MU.

Radiofrequency ablation as a novel modality in the USA for treating toxic thyroid nodules: case series and literature review.

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely accepted as a treatment for non-functioning benign thyroid nodules, mainly to reduce compressive symptoms. In addition to potential compressive symptoms, autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) can cause palpitations, weight loss, diarrhea, increased appetite, flushing, irritability, tiredness, poor sleep, and long-term cardiovascular and musculoskeletal consequences. Currently, there are no United States based RFA practice guidelines for the treatment of AFTNs. However, several reports from Asia and Europe have described the resolution of hyperthyroidism secondary to AFTNs with RFA. Case Description: Three patients with toxic thyroid nodules presented with symptomatic hyperthyroidism, suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and increased uptake on nuclear medicine thyroid scan. These patients were treated with RFA. At 3 months following ablation, TSH normalized to 2.09, 1.91, and 1.34 mIU/mL respectively. However, temporary hypothyroidism was encountered at 1 month following ablation. All patients discontinued their antithyroid medications following ablation. Nodules exhibited significant volume reductions of 38%, 32%, and 54% from the baseline at 1-month follow-up. Conclusions: RFA potentiates as a safe and effective treatment of toxic thyroid nodules. Though it carries a risk of temporary hypothyroidism following ablation, long-term consequences appear to be minimal. Future study with larger sample size and longer follow-up are encouraged to identify factors predicting response.

One hundred and one consecutive transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomies via the vestibular approach for PHPTH: a worldwide multi-institutional experience.

IMPORTANCE: The transoral vestibular approach for thyroid and parathyroid surgery is being adopted rapidly world-wide. Currently there is a paucity of information on this approach for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPTH). If this approach is safe and efficacious it would provide patients a completely scarless option for parathyroidectomy. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether parathyroidectomy via the transoral vestibular approach can be successfully done in a safe and efficient manner. DESIGN: Consecutive case series of 101 transoral parathyroidectomies performed over a two-year period. SETTING: Multi-institutional, academic, high-volume transoral thyroidectomy centers from the USA, Israel, and Thailand. PARTICIPANTS: A consecutive series of adult patients with a biochemical diagnosis of classic PHPTH and who met criteria for parathyroidectomy based on established international consensus for surgery for PHPTH. All patients also had well-localized single adenomas on at least two preoperative imaging studies. INTERVENTION: Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Surgical success rate defined by immediate intra or post-operative return to normal PTH values. Surgical complications including recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, permanent hypoparathyroidism, and infection. RESULTS: Of the 101 consecutive transoral parathyroidectomy patients 84% were female with an average age of 54.23 ± 11.0 years and an average BMI of 27.35 ± 6.19. Ninety-nine out of the 101 patients had immediate return to normal PTH after resection for a surgical success rate of 98%. There were no permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injuries, one temporary nerve palsy, and no permanent hypoparathyroidism. The median operative time dropped from 130.5 min (IQR 86) to 66.5 min (IQR 56) between the first- and second-half of cases. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy via the vestibular approach is a scarless method of removing parathyroids that is clinically feasible, safe, and efficacious and is a reasonable option for focused minimally invasive parathyroidectomy that can be offered to select patients with PHPTH.

Is Minimally Invasive Repair the New Gold Standard for Primary Unilateral Inguinal Hernias? Results of an International Survey of Surgeons.

Background: The Lichtenstein repair has long been heralded as the gold standard for unilateral primary inguinal hernias. However, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) repairs have gained popularity over the past decades given its advantages in recurrent, bilateral, and now even in primary inguinal hernias. We aim to further explore the perception of different techniques among surgeons internationally. Methods: A questionnaire was posted in three closed groups for surgeons and residents on Facebook® and surgical groups on WhatsApp®. It was also e-mailed to members of the following surgical societies: Mexican Society of Surgery, Brazilian Hernia Society, Asia Pacific Hernia Society, and European Hernia Society. Descriptive and basic comparative statistical analyses were performed. Results: In total, 874 surgeons answered the survey: 759 (86.9%) were male and 418 (47.8%) were from North America, 735 (84.1%) had completed training and 605 (69.2%) considered themselves hernia specialists. If safety profiles of inguinal herniorrhaphy were equal, 533 (61%) would choose MIS. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal ranked first among preferred techniques if the cost of all techniques was the same. Safety of the procedure followed by experience of the surgeon is the most influential factors. Lastly, hernia specialists were more likely to choose an MIS technique (P < .0001). Conclusion: When an international sample of 874 attending and trainee surgeons were surveyed about what technique they would prefer to repair their own uncomplicated unilateral inguinal hernia, most chose MIS. Safety of the procedure and the surgeon's experience were the most important factors in choosing a surgical technique.

The variable direct cost and cost drivers of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

BACKGROUND: As transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach grows in popularity, there is a need for data on cost in order to better characterize its value to patients. To this end, we compared the variable direct cost of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach and transcervical approach thyroidectomy and determined which factors drive the increased cost for the transoral approach. METHODS: Patients undergoing thyroid lobectomy and total thyroidectomy that met inclusion criteria for transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach, including those patients that opted for management via the transcervical approach, between 8/2016 and 4/2019 were reviewed. The variable direct cost for the surgical encounter was collected and means were compared between the transoral and transcervical cohorts for lobectomy and total thyroidectomy respectively. The operative time independent variable direct cost was similarly compared between cohorts. RESULTS: Out of 238 patients, 118 (50%) were managed via transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach and 120 (50%) were managed via transcervical approach thyroidectomy. Mean variable direct cost, our primary outcome, was $4,455 (SD 1,129, 95% CI: 4,204-4,706) for transoral lobectomy and $3,179 (SD 687, 95% CI: 2,990-3,369) for transcervical lobectomy [t(132.05)=8.09, P<0.001] representing a difference in cost of $1,276 (SD 158, 95% CI: 964-1,587). Mean variable direct cost was $4,681 (SD 829, 95% CI: 4,405-4,957) for transoral total thyroidectomy and $3,645 (SD 876, 95% CI: 3,431-3,858) for transcervical total thyroidectomy [t(79.92)=5.98, P<0.001], representing a difference in cost of $1,036 (SD 173, 95% CI: 691-1,381). Differences in energy devices alone account for $487.53 and $447.96 of the cost differences, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The differences in mean variable direct cost between transoral endoscopic vestibular approach and transcervical approach for lobectomy and total thyroidectomy were $1276 and $1036 respectively, amounts far less than some believe them to be. This data will be invaluable as we ultimately aim to define the value of transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach.

Transoral Thyroidectomy: Safety and Outcomes of 200 Consecutive North American Cases.

BACKGROUND: North American adoption of the transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) has been limited due to concerns regarding the generalizability of published outcomes, as data are predominantly from Asian cohorts with a different body habitus. We describe our experience with TOETVA in a North American population in the context of the conventional transcervical approach thyroidectomy (TCA). STUDY DESIGN: Cases of TOETVA and TCA were reviewed from August 2017 to March 2020 at a tertiary care center. Outcomes included operative time, major (permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury, permanent hypoparathyroidism, hematoma, conversion to open surgery), and minor complications. The TOETVA cohort was stratified into body mass index (BMI) classes of underweight/normal < 25 kg/m2, overweight 25-29.9 kg/m2, and obese ≥ 30 kg/m2 for comparative analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for odds of cumulative complication. RESULTS: Two hundred TOETVA and 333 TCA cases were included. There was no difference in incidence of major complications between the TOETVA and TCA cohorts (1.5% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.75). No difference was found in the rate of temporary RLN injury (4.5% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.124) or temporary hypoparathyroidism (18.2% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.163) for TOETVA and TCA, respectively. Surgical technique (TOETVA vs TCA) did not alter the odds of cumulative complication (OR 0.69 95% CI [0.26-1.85]) on logistic regression analysis. In the TOETVA cohort, higher BMI did not lead to a significantly greater odds of cumulative complication, 0.52 (95% CI [0.17-1.58]) and 1.69 (95% CI [0.74-3.88]) for the overweight and obese groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: TOETVA can be performed in a North American patient population without a difference in odds of complication compared to TCA. Higher BMI is not associated with greater likelihood of complication with TOETVA.

Novel Approaches for Treating Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules.

Benign thyroid nodules are exceedingly common in the adult population. Only a small percentage of nodules are toxic or autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs). The options clinicians have for treating the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anti-thyroidal medications, radioactive iodine, or surgery. Depending on the patient population treated, these options may not be suitable or have inherent risks that are undesirable to the patient. On the other hand, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to osteoporosis, atrial fibrillation, emotional lability, and neurological consequences. Thus, we present a review of two novel safe and effective approaches for treating AFTN; one surgical (transoral endoscopic thyroid surgery) and one non-surgical (radiofrequency ablation), as a means for expanding our treatment armamentarium.

The role of surgeon-performed ultrasound in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA).

Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA) is a recently described surgical technique where the thyroid and central neck can be accessed without a cutaneous incision. To date nearly 700 cases have been described within the English literature demonstrating the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the technique. As more institutions begin to adopt the surgical approach, it is important that surgeons pay close attention to appropriate patient selection and surgical optimization to prevent experience-related complications. A valuable tool to facilitate these considerations is the utilization of surgeon-performed ultrasonography (US). While the merits of surgeon-performed US are well-documented within head & neck endocrine surgery as a whole, its value may be of even greater importance when implementing a novel surgical technique such as TOETVA. Here we highlight and summarize the role of surgeon-performed US within head & neck endocrine surgery, focusing on how it may influence patient selection and surgical planning with TOETVA.

Imaging and choosing the right patients for transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach.

Advances in imaging for preoperative localization have propelled the widespread adoption of minimally invasive/focused parathyroidectomy in primary hyperparathyroidism. Though it is performed through a relatively small incision, studies have shown that the presence of a neck scar increases attentional bias towards the neck resulting in compromised quality of life. Transoral endoscopic parathyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOEPVA) eliminates a neck scar. While indications for TOEPVA are the same as that of minimally invasive open parathyroidectomy, confident preoperative localization of the parathyroid with a surgeon performed ultrasound along with concordant localization with SPECT CT is an essential prerequisite before offering patients this approach for parathyroidectomy. Early data has demonstrated the feasibility and safety of this approach.

Unusual locations for differentiated thyroid cancer nodal metastasis.

Lymph node metastasis is common in differentiated thyroid cancer especially papillary thyroid cancer. Presence of lymph node metastasis does not have an impact on survival in younger patients. Therapeutic central and lateral neck dissection in the presence of clinically or radiologically evident lymph nodes has resulted in good overall survival. However, disease persistence in the lymph node/early recurrences may be seen in patients owing to lymph nodes that may be missed during the initial neck dissection. These observed locations are retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal nodal location, retro carotid location, sublingual, axillary, and intraparotid locations, supraclavicular and superficial to the sternothyroid muscle. We aim to highlight these locations with the goal to minimize persistence or early recurrence of disease at these locations.

Cosmetic outcomes following transoral versus transcervical thyroidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Central neck scars following thyroidectomy can negatively impact patient quality of life. Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy can reduce postoperative cosmetic burden. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of patients seen between June 2018 and January 2019. Scar cosmesis was determined using the validated Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) scale and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) measuring color, contour, and irregularity. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (80% female, mean age 43.7 years) were analyzed, with 60% and 40% receiving transcervical and transoral thyroidectomy. Median time from surgery was 3.4 (range: 1-37.1) weeks. Mean SCAR score was greater for transcervical recipients (4.69 vs transoral 0.99, P < .001), indicating worse cosmesis. Mean surgeon-rated total VAS score was similarly increased for transcervical recipients (72.84 vs transoral 16.73, P < .001). Interrater reliability for both SCAR and total VAS scores was excellent (intraclass correlation 0.93; 95% CI: 0.90-0.95 for both). CONCLUSION: Transoral thyroidectomy provides significantly enhanced early cosmesis over the transcervical approach.

Transoral thyroid and parathyroid surgery via the vestibular approach-a 2020 update.

Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy via the vestibular approach (TOET/PVA or TOETVA-TOEPVA) is the latest remote-access technique employed in the central neck. As the only approach that does not leave any cutaneous incision, (TOET/PVA) has become popular in both the Far East and Western series since its original description in 2015. More than just a "scarless" surgery, (TOET/PVA) has been associated with a short learning curve, access to the bilateral central neck compartments, few surgical contraindications, minimal complications, and minimal additional instrumentation. To date, more than 2,000 cases have been completed, including more than 400 in North America, demonstrating brisk utilization of a novel technique relative to earlier remote access central neck approaches. Herein, we describe updates that continue to improve the safety and efficacy of the procedure.

Simulations and simulators in head and neck endocrine surgery.

Simulations and simulators have become an increasingly important tool in trainee education across many surgical disciplines, particularly for robotic and minimally invasive procedures. Thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy are common procedures performed across multiple surgical disciplines, however, there is limited literature regarding training models/simulators for these operations. This is despite the advent and growing popularity of remote-access thyroidectomy techniques, where simulators may provide significant value in trainee education and safe implementation. Here we review the literature regarding available simulations/simulators in head and neck endocrine surgery for both conventional transcervical approaches and newer remote-access thyroidectomy techniques.

Additional Surgery for Occult Risk Factors After Lobectomy in Solitary Thyroid Nodules is Predicted by Cytopathology Classification and Tumor Size.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical practice for differentiated thyroid cancer is moving towards lobectomy rather than total thyroidectomy in patients at low risk of recurrence. However, recurrence risk assessment depends on post-operative findings, while the surgical decision is based on preoperative factors. We determined the preoperative predictors of occult higher-risk pathology and rates of completion thyroidectomy among surgical candidates with nonbenign thyroid nodules 10 to 40 mm and no evidence of extrathyroidal extension or metastasis on preoperative evaluation. METHODS: Thyroid surgery cases at a single institution from 2005-2015 were reviewed to identify those meeting American Thyroid Association (ATA) criteria for lobectomy. ATA-based risk stratification from postoperative surgical pathology was compared to preoperative cytopathology, ultrasound, and clinical findings. RESULTS: Of 1,995 thyroid surgeries performed for nonbenign thyroid nodules 10 to 40 mm, 349 met ATA criteria for lobectomy. Occult high-risk features such as tall cell variant, gross extrathyroidal invasion, or vascular invasion were found in 36 cases (10.7%), while intraoperative lymphadenopathy led to surgical upstaging in 13 (3.7%). Intermediate risk features such as moderate lymphadenopathy or minimal extrathyroidal extension were present in an additional 44 cases. Occult risk features were present twice as often in Bethesda class 6 cases (35%) as in lower categories (12 to 17%). In multivariable analysis, Bethesda class and nodule size, but not age, race, sex, or ultrasound features, were significant predictors of occult higher-risk pathology. CONCLUSION: Most solitary thyroid nodules less than 4 cm and with cytology findings including atypia of undetermined significance through suspicious for papillary thyroid cancer would be sufficiently treated by lobectomy. ABBREVIATIONS: ATA = American Thyroid Association; CND = central neck dissection; DTC = differentiated thyroid cancer; ETE = extrathyroidal extension; FNA = fine needle aspiration; FTC/HCC = follicular thyroid carcinoma/Hurthle cell carcinoma; NIFTP = noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features; OR = odds ratio; PTC = papillary thyroid cancer; US = ultrasound.

Transoral robotic thyroidectomy on two human cadavers using the Intuitive da Vinci single port robotic surgical system and CO2 insufflation: Preclinical feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Transoral vestibular approach endoscopic thyroidectomy has gained popularity worldwide because it avoids a cutaneous incision. Some surgeons have expressed reservations about operating with only 2 instruments in the endoscopic technique, and some therefore utilize an axillary incision as an adjunct to facilitate dissection. The Intuitive da Vinci single port robotic system offers the potential to overcome this limitation without an axillary incision. METHODS: In this study, the Intuitive da Vinci single port robotic surgical system was used to perform transoral thyroidectomy on 2 human cadavers. RESULTS: A total thyroidectomy was performed in 2 cadavers using the da Vinci single port (SP) robot via transoral vestibular technique. The dissections were performed with removal of the thyroid gland and preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and parathyroid glands. CONCLUSION: In our evaluation, transoral vestibular approach robotic thyroidectomy using the Intuitive da Vinci SP system facilitated dissection without the need for an axillary incision.

Transoral Vestibular Thyroidectomy: Current State of Affairs and Considerations for the Future.

CONTEXT: The transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA) is a recently described procedure for surgical management of select thyroid pathology that avoids a cutaneous scar. TOETVA is far from the first described remote-access approach to the thyroid. In fact, numerous such techniques have been described over the past 20 years, although none has gained widespread implementation in North America or Europe. However, with its rapid growth worldwide and excellent outcomes to date, TOETVA may succeed where these prior techniques have failed. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The English literature was reviewed using the following keywords: transoral thyroidectomy, remote-access thyroidectomy, minimally invasive thyroidectomy, and TOETVA. Because three systematic reviews of this technique were recently conducted, this manuscript does not seek to provide a fourth. Rather, we summarize salient findings from these reviews and focus on candidates for the procedure, technique-specific characteristics that have led to early success with TOETVA, and prospects for the future. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: TOETVA is the only thyroidectomy approach obviating the need for a cutaneous incision, and it offers several advantages over previously described remote-access thyroidectomy techniques. These include a favorable anatomic surgical perspective, a comparatively short learning curve, no requirement for expensive instrumentation, and a broad inclusion criterion. These characteristics have facilitated the excellent surgical outcomes to date. CONCLUSIONS: TOETVA is a suitable surgical option with proven safety and feasibility for a carefully selected patient population. The potential value of the procedure outside enhanced cosmesis continues to be defined.

Surfacing and addressing hospitalized patients' needs: Proactive nurse rounding as a tool.

AIMS: This paper reports on rounding interventions employed at high performing hospitals, and provides three case studies on how proactive nurse rounding was successfully implemented to improve patient-centredness. BACKGROUND: Proactive nurse rounding is a popular form of rounding that has shown promise for improving patient outcomes, yet, little evidence exists on how to implement it successfully. METHODS: We identified high-performing hospitals in the domains of staff responsiveness and nurse communications in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems survey nationally, and conducted case studies at three of these hospitals exploring their implementation of proactive nurse rounding. We partnered with leaders from these hospitals to describe the associated challenges and lessons learned. RESULTS: Twenty-six high performing hospitals in the domains of staff responsiveness and/or nurse communication were identified. The majority of nursing units reported proactive nurse rounding as their main rounding intervention (96%). CONCLUSIONS: Proactive rounding interventions are a feasible approach to help surface and address hospitalized patients' needs in a timely manner. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: The information and tools provided in this paper build upon the learning from high performing hospitals' experiences and are useful to nurse leaders in their efforts to improve the patient-centeredness in the hospital.