Surgical Technique of the "Up-The-Neck" View During Hip Arthroscopy for Femoroacetabular Impingement.

In the setting of femoroacetabular impingement, arthroscopy versus open surgery confers many advantages. However, inadequate bony resection remains a concern and is the leading cause of revision surgery. Several strategies have been described to ensure a more-complete resection during hip arthroscopy. In this current technique article, the authors describe a modified anterior portal site view called the "up-the-neck" view. This view allows for greater visualization of the femoral head-neck junction and alleviates challenges faced when assessing resection intraoperatively. The "up-the-neck" view is achieved by placing a 70° arthroscope in the anterior lateral portal and subsequently rotating the camera 90°. The head-neck junction will appear horizontally, rather than vertically, on this view, which allows for the easy identification of missed imperfections. This may reduce the need for revision surgery and future investigation is necessary to determine the reoperation rates following this technique.

Clinical Outcomes of the Traditional Latarjet Versus the Congruent Arc Modification for the Treatment of Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have compared clinical outcomes between the traditional Latarjet procedure for anterior shoulder instability and the congruent arc modification to the Latarjet procedure. PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate the literature for the incidence of recurrent instability, clinical outcomes, radiographic findings, and complications for the traditional Latarjet procedure and the congruent arc modification and to compare results of each search. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. We included studies published between January 1990 and October 2020 that described clinical outcomes of the traditional Latarjet and the congruent arc modification with a follow-up range of 2 to 10 years. The difference in surgical technique was analyzed using a chi-square test for categorical variables, while continuous variables were evaluated using a Student t test. RESULTS: In total, 26 studies met the inclusion criteria: 20 studies describing the traditional Latarjet procedure in 1412 shoulders, and 6 studies describing the congruent arc modification in 289 shoulders. No difference between procedures was found regarding patient age at surgery, follow-up time, Rowe or postoperative visual analog scores, early or late complications, return-to-sport timing, or incidence of improper graft placement or graft fracture. A significantly greater proportion of male patients underwent glenoid augmentation using the congruent arc modification versus traditional Latarjet (P < .001). When comparing outcomes, the traditional Latarjet procedure demonstrated a lower incidence of fibrous union or nonunion (P = .047) and broken, loose, or improperly placed screws (P < .001), and the congruent arc modification demonstrated improved outcomes with regard to overall return to sport (P < .001), return to sport at the same level (P < .001), incidence of subluxation (P = .003) or positive apprehension (P = .002), and revision surgery for recurrent instability (P = .027). CONCLUSION: Outcomes after the congruent arc modification proved at least equivalent to the traditional Latarjet procedure in terms of recurrent instability and return to sport, although early and late complications were equivalent. The congruent arc procedure may be an acceptable alternative to traditional Latarjet for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability with glenoid bone loss; however, long-term outcomes of this procedure are needed.

Effects of implant rotational malposition on contact surface area after implantation of the augmented glenoid baseplate in the setting of glenoid bone loss.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Augmented glenoid baseplates are utilized in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty in the setting of glenoid bone loss. These implants permit lateralization of the joint line and correction of bony version abnormalities. To allow bone preservation in the setting of abnormal bony version or deficiency, the backside of the augmented glenoid baseplate is not perpendicular to the axis of the central post/screw. Thus, if the baseplate is implanted with any rotational malposition, this could affect the backside contact area available for ingrowth. The purpose of this study was to assess if rotational malpositioning of a full-wedge augmented baseplate alongside the axis of the central screw significantly affects the glenoid implant backside contact area. METHODS: Seven synthetic scapulas (Sawbones, Vashon, WA) were used to implant a 15° full-wedge glenoid baseplate (Wright Medical, Memphis, TN) according to the manufacturer's technique. The contact pressure between the baseplate and the glenoid surface at rotational positions 5°, 10°, and 15° clockwise (CW) and counterclockwise (CCW) from the central axis was measured with Extreme Low Fujifilm Prescale (Tekscan, Boston, MA). The data was analyzed digitally to obtain a percentage of contact surface area. To evaluate gross contact, a computed tomography (CT) scan was performed and manual measurements of contact between the glenoid and the baseplate were conducted using a standardized axial CT slice. RESULTS: The average contact area at zero degrees of malrotation was 37.26 ± 3.27%. Average contact areas for the simulated malposition cases were 13.99 ± 9.39% at 15° CCW, 24.89 ± 5.11% at 10° CW, and 19.32 ± 3.13% at 15° CW. Each of these results was significant (p < 0.003). On computed tomography, at 15° CCW, the contact area decreased by 39%; at 15° CW, the contact area decreased by 38%. DISCUSSION: The use of augmented glenoid baseplates presents a technical challenge. It is difficult to avoid implant malrotation along the axis of the central peg/screw, because the final rotation of the baseplate must be chosen while the implant is several centimeters away from the bone. This study found that 10° and 15° malrotation about the glenoid baseplate's central axis leads to significant decreases in the implant-bone contact area. CONCLUSIONS: When implanting an augmented baseplate for total shoulder arthroplasty, it is important to minimize baseplate malrotation to decrease the risk of baseplate loosening.

An investigation into experimental in situ scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging at high temperature.

This paper presents an investigation into high temperature imaging of metals through the use of a novel heat stage for in situ Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The results obtained demonstrate the benefits and challenges of SEM imaging at elevated temperatures of up to 850 °C using Secondary Electron (SE) and Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) detectors. The data collected using the heat stage demonstrate good beam, vacuum, and detector stability at high temperatures without the need for shielding or detector modification owing to the heat stage geometry. SE imaging highlighted one possible application: carrying out thermal etching, a process in which surface grooves form along a material's grain boundaries during heating in situ. The data suggest that using the heat stage to perform imaging during the process gives a more accurate representation of a material's microstructure at temperature than examining the thermally etched specimen after cooling. This study also highlights some of the challenges of high temperature in situ EBSD imaging in both steel and nickel at a variety of temperatures and time scales. In particular, the data demonstrate the effect of surface roughness on EBSD imaging and how microstructural changes during heating may affect this. Additionally, the ease with which a material can be imaged using EBSD at temperature may be affected by the material's magnetic properties. For the first time, it is shown that at temperatures close to the Curie temperature of ferromagnetic materials, in this case Nickel, there is a loss of EBSD image quality. Quality was regained when temperatures were further increased. Despite these challenges, good quality EBSD scans were produced, further highlighting the benefits of in situ testing for providing information on grain boundaries, orientations, and phase change at elevated temperatures.

Novel microscopy-based approaches to study the film formation mechanism and associated mechanical response in polymer lattices.

In this paper, we present the results from novel microscopy-based approaches aimed at providing further insight into the mechanism of film formation and associated mechanical response in polymer lattices. Firstly, a 'simple' methodology, combining the use of variable pressure scanning electron microscopy and a recently introduced enhanced coolstage (-50 to +50°C), was successfully developed and not only used to study dynamic processes, e.g. different stages of latex film formation, but also for high-resolution imaging of 'freeze-dried' structures. By using the enhanced freeze-drying capability of the system, it was also possible to preserve the structure and features of the studied system with minimum shrinkage and distortion and in the case of polymer lattices at a desired stage of film formation. Moreover, specimens can then be readily imaged, without the need of conductive coatings and at much lower chamber gas pressures, thus minimizing the beam skirting effects and allowing higher resolutions to be achieved. The second and final part of our study consider the mechanical response of the studied latex dried under different conditions, with the particular emphasis on the effects of drying rate [% relative humidity (RH)]. Atomic force microscopy force distance curve measurements revealed that while the %RH did not have an effect on the structures formed, it did have an effect on the adhesive properties of the studied system. It is strongly believed that the methodologies developed and used here can be applied to other material systems, including biologicals and pharmaceuticals.

Anterior Communicating Artery Complex Aneurysms: Anatomic Characteristics as Predictors of Surgical Outcome in 300 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: Anterior communicating artery (ACoA) complex aneurysms are challenging to treat microsurgically. The authors report their experience with microsurgical treatment of ACoA aneurysms and examine the anatomic characteristics of these aneurysms as predictors of outcome. METHODS: The authors queried their institution's aneurysm database for records of consecutive patients treated for ACoA aneurysms via microsurgical clip ligation. Data included patient demographics and clinical/radiographic presentation characteristics as well as operative techniques. Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at hospital discharge and 6-month as well as 1-year follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 319 ACoA aneurysms that underwent treatment, 259 were ruptured and 60 were unruptured. Average GOS at 1-year follow-up for all patients was 4.6. Average GOS for patients with ruptured aneurysms correlated with Hunt and Hess grade at presentation, presence of frontal hemorrhages, and need for multiple clips during surgery. Notably, 142 (44.5%) of aneurysms originated mainly from the ACoA artery; 12 (3.8%) primarily from the A1 branch; 3 (0.9%) from the A2 branch; and 162 (50.8%) from the A1/A2 junction. Aneurysm projection was superior in 118 (37%), inferior in 106 (33.2%), anterior in 88 (27.6%), and posterior in 7 (2.2%). Patients with aneurysms originating from the A1 segment had worse outcomes. Posteriorly projecting aneurysms were more likely to be unruptured and larger than other aneurysm configurations. CONCLUSIONS: The aneurysm's exact location in relation to the adjacent neurovascular structures is potentially predictive of outcomes in the microsurgical treatment of ACoA aneurysms.

In Revision Hip Arthroscopy, Labral Reconstruction Can Address a Deficient Labrum, but Labral Repair Retains Its Role for the Reparable Labrum: A Matched Control Study.

BACKGROUND: Revision hip arthroscopy is increasingly common and often addresses acetabular labrum pathology. There is a lack of consensus on indications or outcomes of revision labral repair versus reconstruction. PURPOSE: To report clinical outcomes of labral reconstruction during revision hip arthroscopy at minimum 2-year follow-up as compared with pair-matched labral repair during revision hip arthroscopy (control group) and to suggest a decision-making algorithm for labral treatment in revision hip arthroscopy. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: Patients who underwent revision hip arthroscopy with labral reconstruction were matched 1:2 with patients who underwent revision arthroscopic labral repair. Patients were matched according to age, sex, and body mass index. Outcome scores, including the modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS), Non-Arthritic Hip Score, Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale, and a visual analog scale for pain, were collected preoperatively and at minimum 2-year follow-up. At latest follow-up, patient satisfaction on a 0-10 scale and the abbreviated International Hip Outcome Tool (iHOT-12) were collected. Complications, subsequent arthroscopies, and conversion to total hip arthroplasty were collected as well. RESULTS: A total of 15 revision labral reconstructions were pair matched to 30 revision labral repairs. The reconstructions had fewer isolated Seldes type I detachments ( P = .008) and lower postoperative lateral center-edge angle, but there were otherwise no significant differences in demographics, radiographics, intraoperative findings, or procedures. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in all outcomes and visual analog scale at minimum 2-year follow-up. The revision repairs trended toward better preoperative scores: mHHS (mean ± SD: 59.3 ± 16.5 vs 54.2 ± 16.0), Non-Arthritic Hip Score (61.0 ± 16.7 vs 51.2 ± 17.6), Hip Outcome Score-Sport-Specific Subscale (39.6 ± 25.1 vs 30.5 ± 22.1), and visual analog scale (5.8 ± 1.8 vs 6.2 ± 2.2). At follow-up, the revision repair group had significantly higher mHHS (84.1 ± 14.8 vs 72.0 ± 18.3, P = .043) and iHOT-12 (72.2 ± 23.3 vs 49.0 ± 27.6, P = .023) scores than the reconstruction group. The magnitudes of pre- to postoperative improvement between the groups were comparable. The groups also had comparable rates of complications: 1 case of numbness in each group ( P > .999), subsequent arthroscopies (repair: n = 2, 6.5%; revision: n = 3, 20%; P = .150), and conversion to total hip arthroplasty (1 patient in each group, P > .999). CONCLUSION: Labral reconstruction safely and effectively treats irreparable labra in revision hip arthroscopy. However, labral repair is another treatment option for reparable labra, yielding similar magnitude of improvement. A proposed algorithm may assist in surgical decision making to achieve optimal outcomes based on the condition and history of each patient's acetabular labrum.

Triceps Repair and Restoration of Triceps Footprint With Anchorless Suture Fixation.

Triceps tendon rupture is an uncommon yet potentially devastating injury affecting patients over a broad demographic. Surgical treatment is essential to restore upper extremity functional status, and a vast array of techniques has been implemented with different fixation devices including suture buttons, intraosseous anchors, and suture repairs. Outcomes of distal triceps tendon repair have demonstrated nearly full return of functional capacity. Complications include infection, ulnar nerve neuropathy, arthrofibrosis, flexion contracture, hardware irritation, and most commonly, repair failure. We illustrate a triceps repair technique with suture fixation that restores the tendinous footprint without need of an adjunctive device.

Treatment and outcomes among 102 posterior inferior cerebellar artery aneurysms: a comparison of endovascular and microsurgical clip ligation.

BACKGROUND: The vicinity of brainstem and cranial nerves as well as the limited operative working space make clip ligation of posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) aneurysms challenging. The small caliber of the PICA and the broad neck often associated with these aneurysms also create challenges in preserving this artery during treatment. Few data exist to compare the 2 treatment approaches for aneurysms in this location. OBJECT: To assess treatment outcomes for PICA aneurysms based on mode of management and anatomical location. METHODS: A prospectively maintained database was queried for PICA aneurysms treated from 2000 through 2012. Patients were categorized on the basis of their aneurysm's anatomical location, presentation status, treatment modality, and subsequent complications. Descriptive, univariate, and multivariate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 113 PICA aneurysms were identified; 11 did not undergo treatment. Of the remaining 102 aneurysms, 77% were ruptured and 64% were treated microsurgically. In the ruptured group, patients with more proximally located aneurysms such as vertebral and proximal PICA aneurysms were more likely to experience hydrocephalus and cranial nerve deficits after treatment. Endovascular therapy was less likely to cause postoperative deficit or lead to a need for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. Most importantly, discharge, 6-month, and 1-year outcomes were predicted based on presenting Hunt and Hess score and patient's age, not aneurysm location or management mode. CONCLUSIONS: PICA aneurysms are challenging and require a multimodality treatment paradigm. Although microsurgery is associated with more short-term postoperative complications, presenting grade and patient's age remain the primary predictors of long-term outcome.

Does problem-solving training for family caregivers benefit their care recipients with severe disabilities? A latent growth model of the Project CLUES randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether an individualized problem-solving intervention provided to family caregivers of persons with severe disabilities provides benefits to both caregivers and their care recipients. DESIGN: Family caregivers were randomly assigned to an education-only control group or a problem-solving training (PST) intervention group. Participants received monthly contacts for 1 year. PARTICIPANTS: Family caregivers (129 women, 18 men) and their care recipients (81 women, 66 men) consented to participate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caregivers completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and a measure of health complaints at baseline and in 3 additional assessments throughout the year. Care recipient depression was assessed with a short form of the Hamilton Depression Scale. RESULTS: Latent growth modeling was used to analyze data from the dyads. Caregivers who received PST reported a significant decrease in depression over time, and they also displayed gains in constructive problem-solving abilities and decreases in dysfunctional problem-solving abilities. Care recipients displayed significant decreases in depression over time, and these decreases were significantly associated with decreases in caregiver depression in response to training. CONCLUSIONS: PST significantly improved the problem-solving skills of community-residing caregivers and also lessened their depressive symptoms. Care recipients in the PST group also had reductions in depression over time, and it appears that decreases in caregiver depression may account for this effect.

"... To keep her in the station in which she was raised": spatial and social connections between class and companionate matrimony in the slave South.

Courtship choices and matrimonial partners remained highly limited and well defined in the late antebellum South but two categories encompassed the bulk of objectionable variables: community ("spatial") and class ("social"). As a general rule, white antebellum southerners seldom married anyone residing outside their own space and rarely married anyone identified outside their own social place. This article examines these socio-spatial boundaries in the rural plantation regions of western Tennessee. Based on a detailed database of 122 new marriages in Madison County (1851-1855), the conclusions of this article reinforce the strength of these geocultural borders. Nine of ten white southerners married within their own class. However, a few notable exceptions complicate efforts to craft a monolithic interpretation, and exceptions are always illuminating. This article encourages reexamination of the subtle interplay between space and place in the slave South -- as evidenced in the universal pursuit of matrimony.

Cost-effectiveness of adding human papilloma virus testing to a managed care cervical cancer screening program.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate a methodology for auditing the impact of HCII testing on the direct cost of cervical cancer cytological screening, where the test is collected in all women screened and processed routinely in women age 30 years and older. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a policy change to screen all patients 30 years or older with both Pap smears and high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV), as well as cocollection of HR-HPV in women younger than 30 years, all cytological, HPV, and histological data pertaining to cervical screening was collected retrospectively during a 2-month period. We documented the direct costs of performing these tests and estimated the necessary compliance rate for balanced cost-effectiveness. RESULTS: During the 2-month period, 8,300 women were screened with both Pap smear and HPV cocollection. Of the 'nonnormal' cytological findings, 5% of patients showed either atypical squamous cells (3.5%) or squamous intraepithelial abnormalities (1.5%). An additional 427 (5%) patients had the finding of positive HR-HPV with normal cytology. Six of these patients opted for immediate colposcopy, 2 of which were found to have cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2. In women age 30 years and older, 900 patients per 1,000 screened would be eligible for a 2-year screening interval based on negative cytology and negative HR-HPV. Based on the direct costs associated with this cohort, no more than 164 women could request screening at an interval shorter than 3 years for the total costs of such a program to equal that of one without HR-HPV cocollection. CONCLUSIONS: By adding HCII collection to the Pap smear for our entire screening cohort, we intended to reduce the number of tests performed, which was impacted by its age distribution. Our findings indicate that at least 736 of the 900 double-negative patients (82%) would have to be screened at no less than 3 years for such a screening paradigm to be cost-effective in managing women 30 years and older.

Perioperative outcomes of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for non-appendiceal peritoneal carcinomatosis from a prospective database.

BACKGROUND: Cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy has expanded its application in the management of peritoneal carcinomatosis from gastrointestinal and ovarian malignancies. An accurate assessment of perioperative outcomes is crucial for integration of this combined procedure into clinical practice. METHODS: A prospective study of 80 patients undergoing the combined treatment for non-appendiceal peritoneal carcinomatosis was conducted. Forty-seven adverse events by eight organ-systems were rated from Grade I to IV with increasing severity. RESULTS: One patient (1.3%) died postoperatively. Postoperative adverse events affected genitourinary system (38%), hematological system (31%), gastrointestinal system (25%), infection (20%), intravenous catheters status (15%), pulmonary system (14%), cardiovascular system (11%) and neurological system (4%). Thirty-six patients (45%) experienced 49 Grade III adverse events. Six patients (8%) experienced eight Grade IV adverse events. More than four peritonectomy procedures (P = 0.010), and length of hospital stay of more than 21 days (P = 0.007) were strongly associated with Grade III and/or Grade IV morbidity. CONCLUSION: The morbidity and mortality rates after the combined treatment for non-appendiceal peritoneal carcinomatosis were within the acceptable range of surgical treatments for other gastrointestinal cancers. A standardized prospective database is required for an accurate assessment of perioperative outcomes.

Morbidity and mortality assessment of cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma--a prospective study of 70 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Although many reports regarding morbidity and mortality of cytoreductive surgery plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy are available, there are no prospective data on morbidity and mortality limited to patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM). METHODS: This prospective morbidity and mortality assessment was performed on 70 consecutive cytoreductive procedures with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for DMPM. Forty-seven adverse events by eight categories were rated from grades I to IV with increasing severity. Grade I morbidity was self-limiting; grade II required medical treatments; grade III required an invasive intervention; grade IV required returning to the operating room or intensive care management. Risk factors for grades III and IV morbidity were determined. RESULTS: The perioperative mortality rate was 3%. The grades III and IV morbidity rates were 27 and 14%, respectively. Primary colonic anastomosis (P = 0.028), more than four peritonectomy procedures (P = 0.015), duration of the operation of more than 7 h (P = 0.027) were the risk factors for grade IV morbidity. Survival analysis of these 70 patients was provided. CONCLUSIONS: The morbidity and mortality results for cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with DMPM were within the acceptable range for major gastrointestinal surgery. Grade IV morbidity was associated with more extensive cytoreduction.

Immunoglobulin A antibodies against ricin A and B subunits protect epithelial cells from ricin intoxication.

Epithelial cells of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts are extremely vulnerable to the cytotoxic effects of ricin, a Shiga-like toxin with ribosome-inactivating properties. While mucosal immunity to ricin correlates with secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibody levels in vivo, the potential of IgA to protect epithelial cells from ricin in vitro has not been examined due to the unavailability of well-defined antitoxin IgA antibodies. Here we report the characterization of four monoclonal IgA antibodies (IgA MAbs) produced from the Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes of BALB/c mice immunized intragastrically with ricin toxoid. Two IgA MAbs (33G2 and 35H6) were active against ricin's lectin subunit (RTB), and two (23D7 and 25A4) reacted with the toxin's enzymatic subunit (RTA). All four IgA MAbs neutralized ricin in a Vero cell cytotoxicity assay, blocked toxin-induced interleukin-8 release by the human monocyte/macrophage cell line 28SC, and protected polarized epithelial cell monolayers from ricin-mediated protein synthesis inhibition. 33G2 and 35H6 reduced ricin binding to the luminal surfaces of human intestinal epithelial cells to undetectable levels in tissue section overlay assays, whereas 23D7 had no effect on toxin attachment. 23D7 and 25A4 did, however, reduce ricin transcytosis across MDCK II cell monolayers, possibly by interfering with intracellular toxin transport. We conclude that IgA antibodies against RTA and RTB can protect mucosal epithelial cells from ricin intoxication.

Prospective morbidity and mortality assessment of cytoreductive surgery plus perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy to treat peritoneal dissemination of appendiceal mucinous malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal mucinous neoplasms present, in most patients, with peritoneal dissemination at the time of initial diagnosis. Patients may have a borderline tumor showing disseminated peritoneal adenomucinosis or an aggressive malignancy identified as peritoneal mucinous adenocarcinoma. Patients with these diagnoses were treated by cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. METHODS: A database was established in 1998 that prospectively evaluated the morbidity and mortality of this group of patients. By using common toxicity grading criteria, 8 categories were scored on a grade of I to V. Grade IV indicated that the adverse event required urgent and definitive intervention: often a return to the operating room or to the surgical intensive care unit. Grade V indicated that the adverse events resulted in the patient's death. Adverse events were tabulated for each cytoreduction performed in these appendiceal malignancy patients. RESULTS: There were 356 procedures in patients taken to the operating room who received cytoreductive surgery with peritonectomy procedures plus heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. Only patients who had this combined treatment at our institution were included in the analysis. The total 30-day or in-hospital mortality was 2.0%. Nineteen percent of procedures were accompanied by at least one grade IV adverse event, and 11.1% of patients returned to the operating room. The most common category of grade IV complications was hematological (28%), followed by gastrointestinal (26%). CONCLUSIONS: The mortality of 2.0% and the overall grade IV morbidity of 19% in these patients may be acceptable in light of modern standards for the management of gastrointestinal cancer.