Germline mutations of homologous recombination genes and clinical outcomes in pancreatic cancer: a multicenter study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Cancer susceptibility germline mutations are associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the hereditary status of PDAC and its impact on survival is largely unknown in the Asian population. METHODS: Exome sequencing was performed on 527 blood samples from PDAC individuals and analyzed for mutations in 80 oncogenic genes. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic (P/LP) germline variants were diagnosed according to the ACMG variant classification categories. The association between germline homologous recombination gene mutations (gHRmut, including BAP1, BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, ATM, BLM, BRIP1, CHEK2, NBN, MUTYH, FANCA and FANCC) and the treatment outcomes was explored in patients with stage III/IV diseases treated with first-line (1L) platinum-based versus platinum-free chemotherapy. RESULTS: Overall, 104 of 527 (19.7%) patients carried germline P/LP variants. The most common mutated genes were BRCA2 (3.60%), followed by ATR (2.66%) and ATM (1.9%). After a median follow-up duration of 38.3-months (95% confidence interval, 95% CI 35.0-43.7), the median overall survival (OS) was not significantly different among patients with gHRmut, non-HR germline mutations, or no mutation (P = 0.43). Among the 320 patients with stage III/IV disease who received 1L combination chemotherapy, 32 (10%) had gHRmut. Of them, patients receiving 1L platinum-based chemotherapy exhibited a significantly longer median OS compared to those with platinum-free chemotherapy, 26.1 months (95% CI 12.7-33.7) versus 9.6 months (95% CI 5.9-17.6), P = 0.001. However, the median OS of patients without gHRmut was 14.5 months (95% CI 13.2-16.9) and 12.6 months (95% CI 10.8-14.7) for patients receiving 1L platinum-based and platinum-free chemotherapy, respectively (P = 0.22). These results were consistent after adjusting for potential confounding factors including age, tumor stage, performance status, and baseline CA 19.9 in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that nearly 20% of Taiwanese PDAC patients carried germline P/LP variants. The longer survival observed in gHRmut patients treated with 1L platinum-based chemotherapy highlights the importance of germline testing for all patients with advanced PDAC at diagnosis.

Prediction of surgical outcomes in severe encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis using a computed tomography scoring system.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is a rare and potential lethal complication of peritoneal dialysis characterized by bowel obstruction. Surgical enterolysis is the only curative therapy. Currently, there are no tools for predicting postsurgical prognosis. This study aimed to identify a computed tomography (CT) scoring system that could predict mortality after surgery in patients with severe EPS. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients with severe EPS who underwent surgical enterolysis in a tertiary referral medical center. The association of CT score with surgical outcomes including mortality, blood loss, and bowel perforation was analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients who underwent 37 procedures were recruited and divided into a survivor and non-survivor group. The survivor group had higher body mass indices (BMIs, 18.1 vs. 16.7 kg/m2, p = 0.035) and lower CT scores (11 vs. 17, p < 0.001) than the non-survivor group. The receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that a CT score of ≥15 could be considered a cutoff point to predict surgical mortality, with an area under the curve of 0.93, sensitivity of 88.9%, and specificity of 82.1%. Compared with the group with CT scores of <15, the group with CT scores of ≥15 had a lower BMI (19.7 vs. 16.2 kg/m2, p = 0.004), higher mortality (4.2% vs. 61.5%, p < 0.001), greater blood loss (50 vs. 400 mL, p = 0.007), and higher incidence of bowel perforation (12.5% vs. 61.5%, p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: The CT scoring system could be useful in predicting surgical risk in patients with severe EPS receiving enterolysis.

Application of mobile-based web app to enhance simple suturing skills of nurse practitioners.

BACKGROUND: Suturing is a crucial clinical skill for nurse practitioners (NPs), but the effectiveness of traditional training methods (e.g., physical suture kits combined with video content) is low. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the effectiveness and usability of a mobile-based web app (MoWa) developed for NPs to learn simple suturing skills with those of traditional instructional video-based training. METHODS: The MoWa system utilizes mobile devices to simulate hands-on suturing and provides learning guidance and feedback to support self-learning with a physical suturing kit. Fifty-four suturing novices (NPs) were recruited as participants, divided into an experimental group (EG: 28 participants) and a control group (CG: 26 participants), and instructed to self-learn for 3 weeks. Learning effectiveness and system usability were evaluated through a pretest and posttest. RESULTS: The EG exhibited significant improvements in learning outcomes, self-confidence, self-efficacy, and learning anxiety and expressed satisfaction with the MoWa system. Furthermore, the EG also considerably enhanced learning outcomes, self-efficacy, and learning anxiety compared to the CG, with no significant difference in self-confidence. CONCLUSION: The MoWa system combined with deliberate practice is an effective strategy for supporting suturing skills training.

The experience of neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus upfront surgery in resectable pancreatic cancer: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Upfront resection (UR) followed by adjuvant chemotherapy remains the standard treatment for resectable pancreatic cancer. There is increasing evidence suggesting favourable outcomes toward neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by surgery. METHODS: All clinical staging with resectable pancreatic cancer patients treated at a tertiary medical centre from 2013 to 2020 were identified. The baseline characteristics, treatment course, surgery outcome and survival results of UR or NAC were compared. RESULTS: Finally, in 159 resectable patients, 46 patients (29%) underwent NAC and 113 patients (71%) received UR. In NAC, 11 patients (24%) did not receive resection, 4 (36.4%) for comorbidity, 2 (18.2%) for patient refusal and 2 (18.2%) for disease progression. In UR, 13 patients (12%) were unresectable intraoperatively; 6 (46.2%) for locally advanced and 5 (38.5%) for distant metastasis. Overall, 97% of patients in NAC and 58% of patients in UR completed adjuvant chemotherapy. As of data cut-off, 24 patients (69%) in NAC and 42 patients (29%) in UR were still tumour free. The median recurrence-free survival in NAC, UR with adjuvant chemotherapy and without adjuvant chemotherapy were 31.3 months (95% CI, 14.4-not estimable), 10.6 months (95% CI, 9.0-14.3) and 8.5 months (95% CI, 5.8-11.8), P =0.036; and the median overall survival in each group were not reached (95% CI, 29.7-not estimable), 25.9 months (95% CI, 21.1-40.5) and 21.7 months (12.0-32.8), P =0.0053. Based on initial clinical staging, the median overall survival of NAC was not significantly different from UR with a tumour less than or equal to 2 cm, P =0.29. NAC patients had a higher R0 resection rate (83% versus 53%), lower recurrence rate (31% versus 71%) and harvested median number lymph node (23 versus 15). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that NAC is superior to UR in resectable pancreatic cancer with better survival.

Is delayed fixation worthwhile in patients with long bone fracture concomitant with mild traumatic brain injury? A propensity score-matched study.

INTRODUCTION: Early definite treatment for orthopedic patients is strongly advocated. However, a consensus has not been reached on the optimal timing of long bone fracture fixation for patients with associated mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Surgeons lack evidence on the basis on which they should decide on the operation timing. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients with mild TBI and lower extremity long bone fractures from 2010 to 2020. The patients receiving internal fixation within and after 24 h were defined as the early- and delayed-fixation groups. We compared the discharge Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores, lengths of stay, and in-hospital complications. Propensity score matching (PSM) with multiple adjusted variables and a 1:1 matching ratio was applied to reduce selection bias. RESULTS: In total, 181 patients were enrolled; 78 (43.1%) and 103 (56.9%) patients received early and delayed fracture fixation, respectively. After matching, each group had 61 participants and were statistically identical. The delayed group did not have better discharge GCS scores (early vs. delayed: 15.0 ± 0 vs. 15.0 ± 0.1; p = 0.158). The groups did not differ in their lengths of hospital stay (15.3 ± 10.6 vs. 14.8 ± 7.9; p = 0.789), intensive care unit stay (2.7 ± 4.3 vs. 2.7 ± 3.8; p = 0.947), or incidence of complications (23.0% vs. 16.4%; p = 0.494). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed fixation for patients with lower extremity long bone fractures concurrent with mild TBI does not result in fewer complications or improved neurologic outcomes compared with early fixation. Delaying fixation may not be necessary to prevent the second hit phenomenon and has not demonstrated any clear benefits.

Feasibility of simultaneous development of laparoscopic and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Laparoscopic (LPD) and robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) are both challenging procedures. The feasibility and safety of simultaneously developing LPD and RPD remain unreported. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients undergoing LPD or RPD between 2014 and 2021. A total of 114 patients underwent minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD): 39 LPDs and 75 RPDs. The learning process of LPD and RPD were similar. The cutoff points of the learning curve were LPD, 13th patient (the 27th patient of MIPD), and RPD, 18th patient (the 31st patient of MIPD) according the cumulative sum analysis of operative time. A decrease in the operative time was associated with the case sequence (p < 0.001) but not with the surgical approach (p = 0.36). The overall surgical outcomes were comparable between both the LPD and RPD groups. When evaluating the learning curve impact on MIPD, LPD had higher major complication (≧ Clavien-Dindo grade III), bile leak and wound infection rates in the pre-learning curve phase than those in the after-learning curve phase, while RPD had similar surgical outcomes between two phases. Simultaneous development of LPD and RPD is feasible and safe for experienced surgeons, with similar learning process and comparable surgical outcomes.

Impact of trauma teams on high grade liver injury care: a two-decade propensity score approach study in Taiwan.

High-grade liver laceration is a common injury with bleeding as the main cause of death. Timely resuscitation and hemostasis are keys to the successful management. The impact of in-hospital trauma system on the quality of resuscitation and management in patients with traumatic high-grade liver laceration, however, was rarely reported. We retrospectively reviewed the impact of team-based approach on the quality and outcomes of high-grade traumatic liver laceration in our hospital. Patients with traumatic liver laceration between 2002 and 2020 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW)-adjusted analysis using the propensity score were performed. Outcomes before the trauma team establishment (PTTE) and after the trauma team establishment (TTE) were compared. A total of 270 patients with liver trauma were included. After IPTW adjustment, interval between emergency department arrival and managements was shortened in the TTE group with a median of 11 min (p < 0.001) and 28 min (p < 0.001) in blood test reports and duration to CT scan, respectively. Duration to hemostatic treatments in the TTE group was also shorter by a median of 94 min in patients receiving embolization (p = 0.012) and 50 min in those undergoing surgery (p = 0.021). The TTE group had longer ICU-free days to day 28 (0.0 vs. 19.0 days, p = 0.010). In our study, trauma team approach had a survival benefit for traumatic high-grade liver injury patients with 65% reduction of risk of death within 72 h (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.14-0.86) and 55% reduction of risk of in-hospital mortality (OR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23-0.87). A team-based approach might contribute to the survival benefit in patients with traumatic high-grade liver laceration by facilitating patient transfer from outside the hospital, through the diagnostic examination, and to the definitive hemostatic procedures.

Minimally invasive approaches increase postoperative complications in obese patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy during the initial development period: a propensity score matching study.

BACKGROUND: Obesity increases surgical risks in various abdominal surgeries and its impact on open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) and minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD) remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of OPD and MIPD in obese and non-obese patients by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis during the implementation of MIPD. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all pancreaticoduodenectomies from December 2014 to May 2021. Obesity was defined as body mass index > 25 kg/m2 according to World Health Organization International Obesity Task Force. PSM was used to minimize the selection bias of MIPD. RESULTS: Among 462 pancreaticoduodenectomies (339 OPDs, 123 MIPDs), there were 313 patients in the non-obese group (MIPD: 78, OPD: 235) and 149 patients in the obese group (MIPD: 45, OPD: 104). After PSM, there were 70 MIPD/106 OPD patients in the non-obese group and 38 MIPD/54 OPD patients in the obese group. The obese MIPD patients had more fluid collection (36.8% vs 9.8%, p = 0.002), a higher Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade (p = 0.007), more major complications (42.1% vs 14.8%, p = 0.004), and longer operative times (306 min vs 264 min, p < 0.001) than the obese OPD patients. The non-obese MIPD patients had lower CD grades (p = 0.02), longer operative times (294 vs 264 min, p < 0.001), and less blood loss (100 mL vs 200 mL) than the non-obese OPD patients. MIPD was a strong predictor of major complication (CD ≥ 3) in obese patients (odds ratio 3.11, 95% CI: 1.40-6.95, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive approaches deteriorate the CD grade, fluid collection, and major complications in obese patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy during the initial development period. Non-obese patients may benefit from MIPD over OPD in terms of less blood loss and lower CD grades. The impact of BMI on MIPD should be considered when assessing the surgical risks.

Tailored Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures Matters More Than the Number of Fractured Ribs.

BACKGROUND: Patients sustaining multiple rib fractures have a significant risk of developing morbidity and mortality. More evidence is emerging that the indication of surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) should expand beyond flail chest. Nevertheless, little is known about factors associated with poor outcomes after surgical fixation. We reviewed patients with rib fractures to further explore the role of SSRF; we matched two groups by propensity score (PS). METHOD: A comparison of patients with blunt thoracic trauma treated with SSRF between 2010 and 2020 was compared with those who received conservative treatment for rib fractures. Risk factors for poor outcomes were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: After tailored SSRF, the number of fractured ribs was not associated with longer ventilator days (p = 0.617), ICU stay (p = 0.478), hospital stay (p = 0.706), and increased nonprocedure-related pulmonary complications (NPRCs) (p = 0.226) despite having experienced much more severe trauma. In the multivariate regression models, lower GCS, delayed surgery, thoracotomy, and flail chest requiring mechanical ventilation were factors associated with prolonged ventilator days. Lower GCS, higher ISS, delayed surgery, and flail chest requiring mechanical ventilation were factors associated with longer ICU stays. Lower GCS and older age were factors associated with increased NPRCs. In the PS model, NPRCs risk was reduced by SSRF. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of NPRCs was reduced once ribs were surgically fixed through an algorithmic approach, and poor consciousness and aging were independent risk factors for NPRCs.

Abdominal pain is a main manifestation of delayed bleeding after splenic injury in patients receiving non-operative management.

Delayed bleeding is a major issue in patients with high-grade splenic injuries who receive non-operative management (NOM). While only few studies addressed the clinical manifestations of delayed bleeding in these patients. We reviewed the patients with high-grade splenic injuries presented with delayed bleeding, defined as the need for salvage procedures following NOM. There were 138 patients received NOM in study period. Fourteen of 107 patients in the SAE group and 3 of 31 patients in the non-embolization group had delayed bleeding. Among the 17 delayed bleeding episodes, 6 and 11 patients were salvaged by splenectomy and SAE, respectively. Ten (58.9%, 10/17) patients experienced bleeding episodes in the intensive care unit (ICU), whereas seven (41.1%, 7/17) experienced those in the ward or at home. The clinical manifestations of delayed bleeding were a decline in haemoglobin levels (47.1%, 8/17), hypotension (35.3%, 6/17), tachycardia (47.1%, 8/17), new abdominal pain (29.4%, 5/17), and worsening abdominal pain (17.6%, 3/17). For the bleeding episodes detected in the ICU, a decline in haemoglobin (60%, 6/10) was the main manifestation. New abdominal pain (71.43%, 5/7) was the main presentation when the patients left the ICU. In conclusion, abdominal pain was the main early clinical presentation of delayed bleeding following discharge from the ICU or hospital.

Effectiveness of protocolized management for patients sustaining maxillofacial fracture with massive oronasal bleeding: a single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial fractures can lead to massive oronasal bleeding; however, surgical hemostasis and packing procedures can be challenging owing to complex facial anatomy. Only a few studies investigated maxillofacial fractures with massive oronasal hemorrhage. However, thus far, no studies have reported a protocolized management approach for maxillofacial trauma from a single center. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of protocolized management for maxillofacial fractures with oronasal bleeding. METHODS: Patients were identified from the National Cheng University Hospital trauma registry from 2010 to 2020. We included patients with a face Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of > 3 and active oronasal bleeding. Patients' characteristics were compared between the angiography and non-angiography groups and between survivors and nonsurvivors. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included. Among them, 34 (69%) underwent angiography, of whom 21 received arterial embolization. Forty-seven patients (96%) successfully achieved hemostasis by adhering to the treatment protocol at our institution. Compared with the non-angiography group, the angiography group had significantly more patients requiring oral intubation (97% vs. 53%, P < 0.001), Glasgow Coma Scale < 9 (GCS; 79% vs. 27%, P < 0.001), head AIS > 3 (65% vs. 13%, P = 0.001), higher Injury Severity Score (ISS; 43 [33-50] vs. 22 [18-27], P < 0.001), higher incidence of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR; 41% vs. 0%, P = 0.002), higher mortality rate (35% vs. 7%, P = 0.043), and more units of packed red blood cells (PRBC) transfused within 24 h (12 [6-20] vs. 2 [0-4], P < 0.001). The nonsurvivor group had significantly more patients with hypotension (62% vs. 8%; P < 0.001), higher need for CPR (85% vs. 8%; P < 0.001), head AIS > 3 (92% vs. 33%; P < 0.001), skull base fracture (100% vs. 64%; P = 0.011), GCS score < 9 (100% vs. 50%; P = 0.003), higher ISS (50 [43-57] vs. 29 [19-48]; P < 0.001), and more units of PRBC transfused within 24 h (18 [13-22] vs. 6 [2-12]; P = 0.001) than the survivor group. More patients underwent angiography in the nonsurvivor group than in the survivor group (92% vs. 61%; P = 0.043). Among embolized vessels, the internal maxillary artery (65%) was the most common bleeding site. Hypoxic encephalopathy accounted for 92% of deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Protocol-guided management effectively optimizes outcomes in patients with maxillofacial bleeding.

Tumor-associated macrophages promote resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells against sorafenib by activating CXCR2 signaling.

BACKGROUND: Sorafenib (SOR) is the first line treatment for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but resistance develops frequently. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been reported to affect the progression of HCC. We therefore aimed to study the role of TAMs in promoting SOR resistance. METHODS: Immunofluorescence staining for the M2 marker CD204 and the cancer stem cell (CSC) markers CD44 and CD133 was performed in paired HCC and adjacent noncancerous tissues and HCC tissues stratified by response of SOR treatment. HCC/U937 coculture system and cytokines were used to induce M2 polarization for studying the effects of M2 TAMs on CSC properties and apoptotic death of HCC cells after SOR treatment. RESULTS: Higher expression of CD204, CD44, and CD133 was observed in patients with SOR nonresponse (SNR) than in those with SOR response (SR), suggesting that SNR is positively correlated to levels of CSCs and M2 TAMs. After coculture, M2 TAMs could increase the level of CSCs but decrease SOR-induced apoptosis. Incubation of HCC cells with coculture conditioned medium increased the formation of spheres that were resistant to SOR. Furthermore, CXCL1 and CXCL2 were found to be the potential paracrine factors released by M2 TAMs to upregulate SOR resistance in HCC cells. Treatment with CXCL1 and CXCL2 could increase HCC CSC activity but decrease SOR-induced apoptosis by affecting BCL-2 family gene expression. Using pharmacological inhibitors, CXCR2/ERK signaling was found to be critical to CXCL1- and CXCL2-mediated SOR resistance. CONCLUSION: This study identified CXCL1, CXCL2, and their downstream CXCR2/ERK signaling as potential therapeutic targets to overcome SOR resistance in HCC.

The Differential Clinical Impacts of Cachexia and Sarcopenia on the Prognosis of Advanced Pancreatic Cancer.

Pancreatic cancer (PC) has the highest frequency of developing cancer cachexia (CC)-sarcopenia (SC) syndrome, which negatively influences patients' outcome, quality of life, and tolerance/response to treatments. However, the clinical impacts of CC, SC, and their associated factors on outcomes for advanced PC has yet to be fully investigated. A total of 232 patients were enrolled in this study for the retrospective review of their clinical information and the measurement of skeletal muscle areas at the third lumber vertebra by computed tomography scan to identify CC or SC. The association and concurrent occurrence of clinicopathological features in each patient, prevalence rates, and prognosis with the CC or SC were calculated. CC and SC were observed in 83.6% (n = 194) and 49.1% (n = 114) of PC patients, respectively. Low hemoglobin levels more often occurred in CC patients than in non-CC patients (p = 0.014). Older age (p = 0.000), female gender (p = 0.024), low body mass index (BMI) values (p = 0.004), low hemoglobin levels (p = 0.036), and low albumin levels (p = 0.001) were more often found in SC patients than in non-SC patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that CC was an independent poor prognostic factor of overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival for all patients, the chemotherapy (C/T) subgroup, and the high BMI subgroup. Meanwhile, SC was an independent predictor of poor OS for the subgroups of C/T or high BMI but not for all patients. These findings reveal the clinical differences for CC and SC and provide useful information for predicting the prognosis of advanced PC patients and conducting personalized medicine.

Improved survival with induction chemotherapy and conversion surgery in locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer: a single institution experience.

Both efficacy and tolerability are critical issues in choosing neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with unresectable locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). The optimal regimen and the impact of conversion surgery on patient survival remains insufficiently reported in Asain population. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study aiming to evaluate the resection rate after different induction chemotherapy regimen and its impact toward survival. All patients with pancreatic cancer treated in our institute from 2013 to 2020, a total of 730 patients, were reviewed and 131 patients with LAPC were identified. For cohort homogeneity, 14 patients receiving induction concurrent chemoradiotherapy initially were excluded and 117 patients receiving induction chemotherapy were included in the study. Most patients (90 of 117, 77%) received triplet induction chemotherapy, including the combination of S1, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and gemcitabine (SLOG) in 48, modified FOLFIRINOX in 21 and the combination of gemcitabine, oxaliplatin, fluorouracil and leucovorin (GOFL) in 21. The tumor response rate (19%-33%), the surgical exploration rate (38%-52%) and the mOS (15.4-23.0 months) were not significantly different among the three triplets. Both GOFL and SLOG regimen had comparable efficacy and less neutropenia as compared to mFOLFIRINOX. Conversion surgery was performed in 34 of 117 (29%) patients after induction chemotherapy. The median overall survival (mOS) in patients with and without conversion surgery were 29.1 and 14.1 months, respectively (P<0.0001). Radiological response alone was not a reliable indicator of successful conversion surgery. Patients who underwent conversion surgery had significantly better survival and thus highlighted the importance of surgical exploration in all patients who did not have progressive disease after induction chemotherapy.

Regular feedback on inter-hospital transfer improved the clinical outcome and survival in patients with multiple trauma: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Undertriage of major trauma patients is unavoidable, especially in the trauma system of rural areas. Timely stabilization and transfer of critical trauma patients remains a great challenge for hospitals with limited resources. No definitive measure has been proven to improve the outcomes of patients transferred with major trauma. The current study hypothesized that regular feedback on inter-hospital transfer of patients with major trauma can improve quality of care and clinical outcomes. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study retrieved data of transferred major trauma patients with an injury severity score (ISS) > 15 between January 2010 and December 2018 from the trauma registry databank of a tertiary medical center. Regular monthly feedback on inter-hospital transfers was initiated in 2014. The patients were divided into a without-feedback group and a with-feedback group. Demographic data, management before transfer, and outcomes after transfer were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 178 patients were included: 69 patients in the without-feedback group and 109 in the with-feedback group. The with-feedback group had a higher ISS (25 vs. 27; p = 0.049), more patients requiring massive transfusion (14.49% vs. 29.36%, p = 0.036), and less patients with Glasgow Coma Scale ≤8 (30.43% vs. 23.85%, p <  0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, the with-feedback group was associated with a higher rate of blood transfusion before transfer (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.75; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-7.52; p = 0.049), shorter time span before blood transfusion (- 31.80 ± 15.14; p = 0.038), and marginally decreased mortality risk (aOR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.17-1.09; p = 0.076). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that regular feedback on inter-hospital transfer improved the quality of blood transfusion.

Impact of body mass index on the early experience of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Obesity increases surgical morbidity and mortality in open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD). Its influence on robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the impact of body mass index (BMI) on the early experience of RPD. Between June 2015 and April 2020, 68 consecutive RPDs were performed at the National Cheng Kung University Hospital. The patients were categorized as normal-weight (BMI < 23 kg/m2), overweight (BMI = 23-27.5 kg/m2), and obese (BMI > 27.5 kg/m2) according to the definition of obesity in Asian people from the World Health Organization expert consultation. Preoperative characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were prospectively collected. The cumulative sum was used to assess the learning curves. The average age of the patients was 64.8 ± 11.7 years with an average BMI of 24.6 ± 3.7 kg/m2 (23 normal-weight, 29 overweight, and 16 obese patients). Eighteen patients were required to overcome the learning curve. The overall complication rate was 51.5%, and the major complication rate (Clavien grade ≥ III) was 19.1%. The normal-weight group showed the most favorable outcomes. The blood loss, major complication rate, peripancreatic fluid collection rate, and conversion rate were higher in the obese group than in the non-obese group. There were no differences in the operative time, clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula, postoperative hemorrhage, delayed gastric emptying, bile leak, wound infection, reoperation, hospital stay, and readmission rate between the obese and non-obese groups. Multivariate analysis showed obesity as the only independent factor for major complications (OR: 5.983, CI: 1.394-25.682, p = 0.001), indicating that obesity should be considered as a surgical risk factor during the implementation of RPD.

Laparoscopic Splenic Vessels and Spleen Preservation Distal Pancreatectomy Via Inferior-Posterior Splenic Vein Approach.

BACKGROUND: Preservation of splenic vessels can minimize the risks of splenic infarction and gastric varices in laparoscopic spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy. A well-established procedure would provide high splenic vessels and spleen preservation rate. This study evaluated the outcomes and depending factors of laparoscopic splenic vessels and spleen preservation distal pancreatectomy (LsvspDP) via inferior-posterior splenic vein approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients who underwent LsvspDP via inferior-posterior splenic vein approach in National Cheng-Kung University Hospital from February 2009 to June 2019. The clinic-pathologic data were collected and analyzed. The primary outcome of this study was the learning curve based on the cumulative sum analysis. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate the critical factors for the failure of splenic vessels and spleen preservation. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 64 patients received LsvspDP attempt. Splenic vessels were successfully preserved in 49 patients and the overall spleen preservation rate was 76.6%. According to cumulative sum analysis, the learning curve of LsvspDP was the 33rd case and several plateaus were observed during the learning curve phase. Old age (P=0.001), tail location (P=0.038), and large tumor (P=0.01) were independent risk factors of failed splenic vessels preservation, whereas the cut-off point of tumor size for prediction of spleen preservation was 5.4 cm. The complication rates were 7.8%, 7.8%, and 12.5% for Clavien grade I, II, and III, respectively, and 0% for Clavien grade IV or V. The rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula-grade B was 14.8%, among which the tail location was lower than the nontail location (0% vs. 24.3%; P=0.008). The mean value of operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were 198±67 minutes, 139±242 mL, and 8.5±5.6 days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In LsvspDP, the inferior-posterior splenic vein approach resulted in high splenic vessels and spleen preservation rate. Thirty-three patients were required to overcome the learning curve. Old age, tail location, and large tumor size were independent factors for the failure of splenic vessels preservation, whereas the cut-off value for tumor size was 5.4 cm to predict splenic vessels preservation.

Implications of long-term low-fidelity in situ simulation in acute care and association with a reduction in unexpected cardiac arrests: A retrospective research study.

In situ simulation is a new tool for building teamwork during crisis. However, only a few studies have discussed the long-term effects of regular in situ simulations. To better understand these effects, this study retrospectively analyzed the effect of regular (twice a month over a four-year period) in situ simulations in the National Cheng Kung University Hospital acute care ward, which provides care for patients with acute illnesses and requires admission during an emergency room visit. The simulations were held in a real clinical environment using a low-fidelity mannequin and the trainees involved in the simulations were the medical staff of the acute care ward. In this study, we review the effects of such long-term simulations with respect to team performance based on the Ottawa global rating scale (GRS) and incidences of urgent intubation and unexpected cardiac arrest. Our results revealed that among the 84 simulations that were conducted during the study period, 42 could be categorized as "high performance" and the remaining 42 as "low performance" based on the team's Ottawa GRS. Further, the seniority of nurse leaders and exposure of nurses to repeated simulations did not have any effect on performance. However, although regular simulations did not have any effect on the number of urgent intubations, they caused a marked decrease in the number of unexpected cardiac arrests. The current study did not show that repeated, low-fidelity, regular in situ simulations improve team performance in simulations based on Ottawa GRS, but it was associated with a reduction in the unexpected cardiac arrest rate in the acute care ward. Our results support the use of in situ simulations in acute care wards as an educational tool for first-line caregivers.

A Simple Method of Intracorporeal "W-shaped" Liver Retraction Technique for Minimally Invasive Gastric Cancer Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive gastric cancer surgery requires an extended liver retraction in order to provide optimal operative view, working space for lymph node dissection, and esophageojejunal reconstruction. Ideally, it should avoid reposition of the retractor, additional skin incision or puncture, and liver parenchyma injury. Herein, we introduced an intracorporeal W-shaped liver retraction technique (W-LRT) for minimally invasive gastric cancer surgery without an additional incision or abodminal puncture. METHODS: Between October 2013 and October 2016, the W-LRT was applied in 80 patients undergoing minimally invasive gastric cancer surgery. The W-LRT was performed using one 75 cm 3-0 monocryl suture with its end fixed to one hemoclip. The perioperative outcome was recorded. RESULTS: The W-LRT was applied in 80 gastric cancer patients using either laparoscopic approach (N=69) or robotic approach (N=11). The mean age was 62.7±14 years and the mean body mass index (BMI) was 24.1±3.6 kg/m. The time required for W-LRT was 5.6±5.2 minutes in laparoscopic approach and 6.2±4.7 minutes in robotic approach. This technique was successfully applied in all procedures and no other technique or additional instrument was required. Major complications developed in 7 patients (8.8%), classified as greater than Clavien-Dindo classification II; however, there was neither any intraoperative nor postoperative major complication related to W-LRT. The length of hospital stay was 9.1±4.4 days. CONCLUSIONS: In laparoscopic or robotic gastric cancer surgery, the W-LRT can provide excellent operative view during lymph node dissection and reconstruction of esophagojejunostomy and eliminate an additional skin incision or abdominal puncture.

Elevated Serum Interleukin-8 Level Correlates with Cancer-Related Cachexia and Sarcopenia: An Indicator for Pancreatic Cancer Outcomes.

Cancer cachexia (CC), characterized by body weight loss and sarcopenia, contributes to over 20% of all cancer-related death. Approximately 80% of pancreatic cancer (PC) patients develop CC during disease progression. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, have been correlated with CC; however, its prognostic significance remains unclear. In this study, serum levels of the CC-related cytokines were determined in normal donors and PC patients. IL-8 expression was assessed in PC tissue microarrays. The correlation of levels of each cytokine with disease progression, weight loss, and sarcopenia was calculated. The relationships among the baseline variables, CC, and IL-8 expression with disease progression were examined using univariate and multivariate analyses. Of these mentioned cytokines, only serum IL-8 level was elevated in the locally advanced group (n = 55) compared with the normal (n = 17) and resected groups (n = 55). Serum IL-8 level was positively correlated with CC status, weight loss, sarcopenia, but was negatively correlated with total psoas area (TPA). IL-8 expression in tissue samples was also positively associated with weight loss. Furthermore, serum IL-8 level was an independent predictor of survival. In conclusion, elevated serum IL-8 level significantly correlates with CC and sarcopenia and can be used as a prognostic indicator in PC.