A cross sectional survey on burnout and career satisfaction in surgeons: a joint work from the SAGES quality, outcomes, and safety and reimaging the practice of surgery burnout task forces.

INTRODUCTION: The growth of surgeon burnout is of significant concern. As we work to reimagine the practice of surgery, an accurate understanding of the extent of surgeon burnout is essential. Our goal was to define the current prevalence of burnout and quality of life (QOL) among SAGES surgeons. METHODOLOGY: An electronic survey was administered to SAGES members to establish a current baseline for QOL, burnout, depression, and career satisfaction. To assess outcomes, we utilized the validated Maslach Burnout Inventory for Medical Personnel, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, and the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders. All scoring followed validated norm-based methods. RESULTS: Of 4194 active members, 604 responded (14.40%). 69% met burnout threshold, with high levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, and low personal accomplishment. 81% reported "being at the end of their rope", 74% felt emotionally drained, and 65% felt used up daily. Nearly all maintained caring about what happened to their patients (96%), easily understanding how their patients feel (84.3%) and being capable of dealing effectively with their patient's problems (87.6%). However, respondents never, rarely, or occasionally felt energetic (77.5%) or experienced a sense of professional accomplishment (57.8%). The overall QOL score was 69/100, with lower Mental than Physical scores (62.69 (SD 10.20) vs.77.27 (SD 22.24)). More than half of respondents met depression criteria. While 77% supported they would become a physician again, less than half would choose surgery again or recommend surgery to their children. Furthermore, less than a third felt work allowed sufficient time for their personal lives. CONCLUSIONS: Participating SAGES surgeons reported alarmingly high rates of burnout and depression. Despite experiencing emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, they maintained a strong commitment to patient care. These findings likely reflect the broader state of surgeons, underscoring the urgent need for action to address this critical issue.

SAGES guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis

Appendicitis is an extremely common disease with a variety of medical and surgical treatment approaches. A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians and patients in decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis. A systematic review was conducted from 2010 to 2022 to answer 8 key questions relating to the diagnosis of appendicitis, operative or nonoperative management, and specific technical and post-operative issues for appendectomy. The results of this systematic review were then presented to a panel of adult and pediatric surgeons. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. Conditional recommendations were made in favor of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis being managed operatively, either delayed (>12h) or immediate operation (<12h), either suction and lavage or suction alone, no routine drain placement, treatment with short-term antibiotics postoperatively for complicated appendicitis, and complicated appendicitis previously treated nonoperatively undergoing interval appendectomy. A conditional recommendation signals that the benefits of adhering to a recommendation probably outweigh the harms although it does also indicate uncertainty. These recommendations should provide guidance with regard to current controversies in appendicitis. The panel also highlighted future research opportunities where the evidence base can be strengthened.

SAGES guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is an extremely common disease with a variety of medical and surgical treatment approaches. A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians and patients in decisions regarding the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted from 2010 to 2022 to answer 8 key questions relating to the diagnosis of appendicitis, operative or nonoperative management, and specific technical and post-operative issues for appendectomy. The results of this systematic review were then presented to a panel of adult and pediatric surgeons. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. RESULTS: Conditional recommendations were made in favor of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis being managed operatively, either delayed (>12h) or immediate operation (<12h), either suction and lavage or suction alone, no routine drain placement, treatment with short-term antibiotics postoperatively for complicated appendicitis, and complicated appendicitis previously treated nonoperatively undergoing interval appendectomy. A conditional recommendation signals that the benefits of adhering to a recommendation probably outweigh the harms although it does also indicate uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS: These recommendations should provide guidance with regard to current controversies in appendicitis. The panel also highlighted future research opportunities where the evidence base can be strengthened.

Diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The optimal diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis remains controversial. This systematic review details the evidence and current best practices for the evaluation and management of uncomplicated and complicated appendicitis in adults and children. METHODS: Eight questions regarding the diagnosis and management of appendicitis were formulated. PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane and clinicaltrials.gov/NLM were queried for articles published from 2010 to 2022 with key words related to at least one question. Randomized and non-randomized studies were included. Two reviewers screened each publication for eligibility and then extracted data from eligible studies. Random effects meta-analyses were performed on all quantitative data. The quality of randomized and non-randomized studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 or Newcastle Ottawa Scale, respectively. RESULTS: 2792 studies were screened and 261 were included. Most had a high risk of bias. Computerized tomography scan yielded the highest sensitivity (> 80%) and specificity (> 93%) in the adult population, although high variability existed. In adults with uncomplicated appendicitis, non-operative management resulted in higher odds of readmission (OR 6.10) and need for operation (OR 20.09), but less time to return to work/school (SMD - 1.78). In pediatric patients with uncomplicated appendicitis, non-operative management also resulted in higher odds of need for operation (OR 38.31). In adult patients with complicated appendicitis, there were higher odds of need for operation following antibiotic treatment only (OR 29.00), while pediatric patients had higher odds of abscess formation (OR 2.23). In pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy for complicated appendicitis, higher risk of reoperation at any time point was observed in patients who had drains placed at the time of operation (RR 2.04). CONCLUSIONS: This review demonstrates the diagnosis and treatment of appendicitis remains nuanced. A personalized approach and appropriate patient selection remain key to treatment success. Further research on controversies in treatment would be useful for optimal management.

General Surgery Trainee Cases Over Time: Postgraduate Year Matters.

BACKGROUND: Trainees and attending surgeons alike have concerns about resident and fellow operative volume/breadth, competency, and overall readiness for practice. This is an important topic within surgical graduate medical education. Our goal was to analyze the change in general surgery trainee operative experience over time by postgraduate year. METHODS: Institutional operative records from two corresponding three-month time periods in 2009 and 2018 at the residency program's main hospital site were reviewed. Cases assisted on by general, vascular, or thoracic surgery trainees were included. The number of cases per level, combination of trainees in each case, and categories of cases were compared over time. RESULTS: There were 1940 cases in 2009 and 1967 cases in 2018 over the respective time periods. The distribution of trainees was different (P < .001), with a similar number of PGY-1 and fellow cases, a decrease in PGY-2 and PGY-5 cases, and an increase in PGY-3 and PGY-4 cases. The number of cases with two trainees, double scrubbed cases, increased from 19.6% to 26.8% (P < .001). In addition, there were differences in the resident years that double scrubbed cases together, an increase in robotic and endovascular surgery, and a decrease in open cases. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of cases shows that resident operative volume over approximately a decade has been largely preserved, with some change in the distribution of cases based on trainee level, an increase in cases with more than one trainee, and a rise of minimally invasive surgery with a corresponding decrease in open cases.

Intraoperative cholangiography: a stepping stone to streamlining the treatment of choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND: An estimated 8-15% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy have concomitant common bile duct stones. In this 14-year study, we utilize data of patients at a high-volume tertiary care academic center and compare the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: The charts of 1715 patients in the institutional NSQIP database who underwent cholecystectomy between October 1st, 2005 and September 30th, 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent cholecystectomy in relation to a malignancy diagnosis or who underwent an ERCP in a different index hospitalization were excluded. Main outcomes included hospital length of stay (LOS), post-operative morbidity, and rate of readmissions. RESULTS: Of the 1409 patients included in the final analysis, 185 patients underwent ERCP, while 95 patients underwent IOC. Use of IOC compared to preoperative ERCP resulted in a shorter LOS (2.6 vs. 5.3 days, p < 0.001), lower rate of readmission (1.1% vs. 6.5%, p = 0.040), and similar rates of post-operative complications. Mean operative time increased by only 15 min in the IOC compared to the ERCP group (129 vs.114 min, p = 0.047). Additional variables that increased LOS on multivariable logistic regression included age, ASA classification, post-operative complications, and increased number of preoperative tests. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that use of IOC during cholecystectomy results in shorter LOS and fewer readmissions compared to ERCP. Future studies comparing these two approaches should focus on patient randomization, a cost-effectiveness analysis, and identifying barriers to implementation of a one-stage approach in the management of suspected choledocholithiasis.

The Effect of Anticoagulation and Antiplatelet Use in Trauma Patients on Mortality and Length of Stay.

BACKGROUND: Though many trauma patients are on anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy (AAT), there are few generalizable data on the risks for these patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of anticoagulation (AC) and antiplatelet (AP) therapy on mortality and length of stay (LOS) in general trauma patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients in the institutional trauma registry during 2019 to determine AAT use on admission and discharge. Outcomes were compared using standard statistics. RESULTS: Of 2261 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 2 were excluded due to an incomplete medication reconciliation, resulting in 2259 patients. Patients on AAT had a higher mortality (4.5% vs 2.1%). On multivariable analysis, preadmission AC (odds ratio OR, 3.325, P = .001), age (OR 1.040, P < .001), and injury severity score ((ISS) 1.094, P < .001) were associated with mortality. Anticoagulation use was also associated with longer LOS on multivariable analysis (OR: 1.626, P = .005). Antiplatelet use was not associated with higher mortality or longer LOS. More patients on AAT were unable to be discharged home. However, patients on AAT did not have a greater blood transfusion requirement or need more hemorrhage control procedures. Lastly, 23.7% of patients on preadmission AAT were not discharged on any AAT. DISCUSSION: These data demonstrate that patients on AC, but not AP, have greater mortality and longer hospital LOS. This may provide guidance for those being newly started on AAT. Further work to determine which patients benefit most from restarting AAT would lead to improvement in the care of trauma patients.

Rare Presentation of Incarcerated Incisional Richter's Hernia of the Cecum.

Richter's hernia, also called a partial enterocele, involves a protrusion of peritoneum with subsequent strangulation or incarceration of only part of the lumen of the anti-mesenteric portion of the small bowel through a fascial defect. We report a rare presentation of incarcerated incisional Richter's hernia of the cecum in a 39-year-old female. The patient presented with acute abdominal pain that gradually improved. Physical examination revealed right lower quadrant tenderness and nodularity just above an abdominoplasty scar. Subsequent computed tomography scan demonstrated a 1 cm by 1 cm hypovascular pocket arising from the cecum with protrusion into the anterior abdominal wall. The hernia was successfully repaired surgically with resolution of symptoms. It is essential for clinicians to be mindful of the diagnosis of Richter's hernia on the differential for abdominal pain as the risk of detrimental outcomes increases with delayed surgical intervention.

Postoperative Urinary Tract Infection Quality Assessment and Improvement: The S.T.O.P. UTI Program and Its Impact on Hospitalwide CAUTI Rates.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) is a frequent complication that diminishes patient experience and incurs substantial costs. The purpose of this project was to develop a urinary tract care assessment tool that would lead to actionable quality improvement initiatives. METHODS: Multidisciplinary teams at a single institution developed the S.T.O.P. UTI algorithm to assess elements related to urinary catheter care: Sterile catheter placement, Timely catheter removal, Optimal collection bag position, and Proper urine sampling for urinalysis and culture. Based on this evaluation, a targeted intervention was applied to address deficient areas in surgical patients. UTI rates were monitored. RESULTS: The assessment revealed that best practice for sterile placement was being performed but that time to removal, optimal positioning, and proper sampling could be improved. Providers were educated on best practice for catheter removal, nurses placed a reminder note on the chart, personnel were taught about optimal catheter positioning, and nursing assistants were educated on best practices for collection of urine. From 2012 to 2015, non-risk-adjusted UTI rates in surgical patients decreased from 2.90% to 0.46% (p = 0.0003), and the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program risk-adjusted comparison improved from the 8th to the 4th decile. Simultaneously, hospitalwide catheter-associated UTI rates also decreased, from 2.24/1,000 catheter-days in 2014 to 0.70/1,000 catheter-days in 2016 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The S.T.O.P. UTI algorithm is a tool that hospitals can use to systematically assess UTI processes. The program can identify areas for improvement specific to an institution, directing the allocation of quality improvement resources to decrease both surgical and medical UTIs.

Severe Preoperative Symptoms Delay Readiness to Return to Intended Oncologic Therapy (RIOT) After Liver Resection.

BACKGROUND: Symptom burden, as measured by patient-reported outcome (PRO) metrics, may have prognostic value in various cancer populations, but remains underreported. The aim of this project was to determine the predictive impact of preoperative patient-reported symptom burden on readiness to return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT) after oncologic liver resection. METHODS: Preoperative factors, including anthropometric analysis of sarcopenia, were collected for patients undergoing oncologic liver resection from 2015 to 2018. All patients reported their preoperative symptom burden using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory, Gastrointestinal version (MDASI-GI). Time to RIOT readiness was compared using standard statistics. RESULTS: Preoperative symptom burden was measured in 107 consecutive patients; 52% had at least one moderate symptom score and 21% reported at least one severe score. Highest rated symptoms were fatigue, disturbed sleep, and distress. For patients reporting a severe preoperative symptom burden, the median time to RIOT readiness was 35 days (interquartile range [IQR] 28-42), compared with 21 days (IQR 21-28) for those without severe symptoms (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis, severe preoperative symptom burden was independently associated with longer time to RIOT readiness (estimate +7.5 days, 95% confidence interval 2.6-12.3; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative symptom burden has a substantial impact on time to RIOT readiness, leading to, on average, a 7-day delay in RIOT readiness compared with patients without severe preoperative symptoms. Identifying and targeting severe preoperative symptoms may hasten recovery and improve time to necessary adjuvant therapies.

Enhanced recovery in liver surgery decreases postoperative outpatient use of opioids.

BACKGROUND: Pathways of enhanced recovery in liver surgery decrease inpatient opioid use; however, little data exist regarding their effect on discharge prescriptions and post-discharge opioid intake. METHODS: For consecutive patients undergoing liver resection from 2011-2018, clinicopathologic factors were compared between patients exposed to enhanced recovery vs. traditional care pathways. Multivariable analysis was used to determine factors predictive for traditional opioid use at the first postoperative follow-up. The enhanced recovery in liver surgery protocol included opioid-sparing analgesia, goal-directed fluid therapy, early postoperative feeding, and early ambulation. RESULTS: Of 244 cases, 147 enhanced recovery patients were compared with 97 traditional pathway patients. Enhanced recovery patients were older (median 57 years vs 52 years, P = .031) and more frequently had minimally invasive operations (37% vs 16%, P < .001), with fewer major complications (2% vs 9%, P = .011). Enhanced recovery patients were less likely to be discharged with a prescription for traditional opioids (26% vs 79%, P < .001) and less likely to require opioids at their first postoperative visit (19% vs 61%, P < .001) despite similarly low patient-reported pain scores (median 2/10 both groups, P = .500). On multivariable analysis, the traditional recovery pathway was independently associated with traditional opioid use at the first follow-up (odds ratio 6.4, 95% confidence interval 3.5-12.1; P < .001). CONCLUSION: The implementation of an enhanced recovery in liver surgery pathway with opioid-sparing techniques was associated with decreased postoperative discharge prescriptions for opioids and outpatient opioid use after oncologic liver surgery, while achieving the same level of pain control. For this and other populations at risk of persistent opioid use, enhanced recovery strategies can eliminate excess availability of opioids.

Detours on the Road to Recovery: What Factors Delay Readiness to Return to Intended Oncologic Therapy (RIOT) After Liver Resection for Malignancy?

BACKGROUND: Poor recovery after oncologic hepatic resection delays Return to Intended Oncologic Therapy (RIOT) and shortens survival. In order to identify at-risk patients, this study was designed to determine which psychosocial and perioperative factors are associated with delayed RIOT readiness. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried to identify consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy for malignancy from 2015 to 2017. Perioperative factors were compared between patients with early (≤ 28 postoperative days) vs. delayed (> 28 postoperative days) clearance to RIOT. Univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: Of 114 patients, 76 patients (67%) had an open surgical approach, 32 (28%) had a major hepatectomy, and 6 (5%) had a major complication, with no mortalities. Eighty-two patients (72%) had early and 32 patients (28%) had delayed RIOT readiness. Patients with high preoperative symptom burden were more likely to have delayed RIOT readiness (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.1-8.4, p = 0.024). On multivariable analysis, open surgical approach (OR 6.9, 95% CI 1.4-34.7, p = 0.018), length of stay > 5 days (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.4-9.4, p = 0.010), and any complication (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.1-10.7, p = 0.033) were associated with delayed RIOT readiness. Postoperative factors associated with delayed RIOT readiness included nutritional and wound-healing parameters. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the previously under-described importance of preoperative patient symptom burden on delayed postoperative recovery. As a cancer patient's return to oncologic therapy after hepatectomy has a substantial impact on survival, it is critical to adhere to enhanced recovery principles and address all other modifiable factors that delay recovery.

Contemporary analysis of complications associated with biliary stents during neoadjuvant therapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing use of biliary stents for neoadjuvant therapy (NT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the risk of post-pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) infection remains relevant. This study documents the contemporary incidence of stent-related complications (SRC) during NT and to analyze their impact on surgical infections. METHODS: Consecutive patients from a single institution (2011-15) with resected PDAC treated with biliary decompression, NT, and PD were analyzed. Stent-related complications (SRC) were compared among patients with/without prospectively documented composite pre- and post-operative infections (surgical site infection [SSI], organ space infection [OSI], and cholangitis). RESULTS: Of 114 total patients, (median 164 days, initial stent to surgery), 95% had initial endoscopic (vs. percutaneous) stenting. Initial stents were often plastic (80/114, 70%), with 43/114 (38%) undergoing routine exchange to metal stent before NT. Fifteen (13%) patients had stent cholangitis during NT requiring antibiotics and/or stent exchange. There were 33/114 (29%) patients with SRC, requiring 66 exchanges. Post-PD rates of SSI, OSI, and cholangitis were 23%, 5%, and 4%, respectively [composite rate 30%]. On multivariate analysis, SRC were not associated with composite surgical infections (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although SRC occurred in almost one-third of PDAC patients during NT, with appropriate intervention, there was no association with increased surgical infections.

A proactive outreach intervention that decreases readmission after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: After hepatectomy, 7%-19% of patients are readmitted within 30 days, accounting for substantial cost and poor patient experience. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of a proactive outreach intervention on readmissions. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy by a single surgeon 2012-2016 were identified in a prospectively maintained database. In August 2013 a postoperative intervention was implemented; an advanced practice provider called each patient within 72 hours of discharge. Readmission rates were compared pre- and postintervention using standard statistics. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-one patients met the inclusion criteria and major hepatectomy was performed in 45.5% of patients. Although the complication rate was similar (25.0% preintervention and 19.4% postintervention, P = .324), readmissions within 30 days of operation decreased from 14.5% pre- to 6.5% postintervention (P = .046). Approximately 30% of outreach interactions required outpatient intervention. Factors associated with readmission on univariate analysis included increased operative time (P = .007), major hepatectomy (P = .012), hemi or extended hepatectomy (P = .032), second stage operation (P = .031), bile leak (P = 0.022), and any complication/modified Accordion complication ≥ 3 within 30 days (P <.0001). On multivariate analysis, lack of post-discharge intervention (P = .012) and bile leak (P = .031) were independently associated with readmission. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate the efficacy of a proactive communication intervention after discharge to decrease readmissions after hepatectomy. The additional work created by the intervention is likely offset by decreased inpatient care needs and costs. Identification of high-risk populations and application of technology are likely to lead to further improvements.

Portal vein embolization in extended liver resection.

BACKGROUND: Liver resection of benign, primary, and metastatic tumors is challenging and places patients at risk of postoperative liver insufficiency. This risk is largely dependent on the volume and function of the future liver remnant (FLR). It is, therefore, critical that hepatobiliary surgeons are well versed in the measurement of liver volume and function, as well as various techniques for preoperative liver volume augmentation. PURPOSE: This comprehensive review of portal vein embolization (PVE) begins with an overview of FLR measurement and progresses to patient factors to consider when choosing PVE and assessment of hypertrophy. PVE techniques and complications are subsequently discussed. CONCLUSIONS: The absolute volume of FLR required to avoid postoperative liver insufficiency is dependent on the patient, disease, and anatomic factors. Rapid expansion of the FLR can be achieved with PVE of contralateral liver segments. Although multiple metrics have been used to correlate hypertrophy with postoperative outcomes after PVE, the kinetic growth rate (KGR) is the most reliable predictor of freedom from postoperative liver insufficiency. PVE is now considered a safe and effective procedure when performed at high-volume hepatobiliary centers. It is an effective tool that, by lowering the risk of liver failure, increases the number of patients who can undergo potential curative hepatectomy.

The morbidity and mortality of hepaticojejunostomies for complex bile duct injuries: a multi-institutional analysis of risk factors and outcomes using NSQIP.

INTRODUCTION: Bile duct injury (BDI) is an infrequent but morbid complication of cholecystectomy. High-grade BDI repairs requiring hepaticojejunostomies are complex and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. This study sought to establish the increased risk associated with complex bile duct repair at a multi-institutional level in the United States. METHODS: Using the ACS-NSQIP Participant Use File, all patients who underwent a hepaticojejunostomy for bile duct repair between 2005 and 2012 were identified. Clinical data, perioperative risk factors and morbidity and mortality rates were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 293 BDI patients, 102 (65.2%) were female and the mean age was 49.8 years. The 30-day morbidity and mortality rates were 26.3% and 2%, respectively. Univariable analysis identified male gender, ASA class, functional status, diabetes, hypertension and chronic steroid use to be associated with increased morbidity. A higher ASA class was associated with increased postoperative sepsis and chronic steroid use was associated with increased overall morbidity on multivariable analysis. The morbidity rates for BDI repair within 30 days of injury vs. later repair were similar (24% vs. 23%), but the mortality rate was higher for the earlier repair group (5% vs. 0%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: Within the largest multi-institutional analysis of 30-day outcomes after hepaticojejunostomies for BDI in the US, morbidity and mortality rates were established at 26.3% and 2% respectively. ASA class and preoperative functional status remain the main risk factors for surgery. Earlier repair in the face of ongoing sepsis and disability is associated with worse outcomes. A multidisciplinary approach at a specialized center aimed at controlling infection and improving functional status prior to surgical reconstruction is recommended.