Colorectal Anastomosis Versus Colostomy Creation in High MELD Patients: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Liver failure patients are at increased risk of surgical complications. The decision to perform a colonic anastomosis vs a colostomy in urgent colorectal surgery remains unclear. METHODS: The ACS-NSQIP database was queried for patients undergoing nonelective colorectal surgery between 2016 and 2018. MELD score was calculated and stratified into 3 groups. Subgroup analysis of the high-MELD group was performed. RESULTS: Higher MELD scores were associated with significantly higher mortality. Colostomy formation was consistent between intermediate and high-MELD groups. In high-MELD patients, colonic anastomosis was associated with higher mortality than those receiving colostomy (41.1% vs 28.4%, P < .001). Patients receiving colostomy had higher rates of wound complications, but lower rates of return to OR and non-wound complications. Regression analysis revealed that colostomy formation remained an independent predictor of survival (mortality OR = .594, P < .001). DISCUSSION: High-MELD patients undergoing nonelective colorectal surgery have increased risk of complications such as mortality. Patients in this group receiving an anastomosis have increased complications and mortality, and may benefit from colostomy formation.

Wandering Spleen After Sleeve Gastrectomy as a Cause of Sigmoid Volvulus.

The report highlights a rare instance of colonic volvulus due to a wandering spleen. Wandering spleen is characterized by the displacement of the spleen due to absent or weakened ligaments due to congenital factors or acquired factors such as pregnancy or prior surgery leading to ligament disruption. The 26-year-old patient presented with severe abdominal pain and distention, leading to a diagnosis of sigmoid volvulus secondary to the wandering spleen. This case underscores the importance of considering the wandering spleen in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, especially in patients with a surgical history of gastric sleeve resection. The article emphasizes the critical role of imaging in diagnosis and the necessity of timely surgical intervention to prevent severe complications. The case contributes to a broader understanding of the wandering spleen, particularly in post-surgical contexts, highlighting diagnostic challenges and management strategies.

Thoracic Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A SARS-CoV-2 Data Repository for Future Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

Current experience suggests that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) may be useful in the management of hospitalized patients, including those with COVID-19. In light of the challenges faced with diagnostic and prognostic indicators in SARS-CoV-2 infection, our center has developed an international clinical protocol to collect standardized thoracic point of care ultrasound data in these patients for later AI/ML modeling. We surmise that in the future AI/ML may assist in the management of SARS-CoV-2 patients potentially leading to improved outcomes, and to that end, a corpus of curated ultrasound images and linked patient clinical metadata is an invaluable research resource.

Surgical Management of Metabolic Syndrome Related to Morbid Obesity.

Current treatment approaches in morbid obesity are multimodal in nature. Combination therapies include increases in moderate-intensity aerobic and resistance exercise; behavioral lifestyle changes to increase compliance with diet and activity recommendations; medical nutrition therapy; intensive medical therapy; and metabolic surgical procedures, such as gastric bypass and vertical sleeve gastrectomy. This article focuses on the preoperative evaluation and proper patient selection for metabolic surgery. The procedures are discussed relative to their anatomy, metabolic mechanism of action, and common adverse effects.

Seasoned surgeons assessed in a laparoscopic surgical crisis.

OBJECTIVE: Maintenance of certification is a relatively new concept in the United States, and there is no mandatory retirement for surgeons. Our aim was to compare technical and team performance of surgeons of different ages in a simulated laparoscopic surgical crisis and validate a potential recredentialing tool for surgeons. METHODS: Using a single-blinded protocol, the performance of six "Seasoned" surgeons >55 years (mean 64, range 55-83) was compared to six "control" surgeons <55 years (mean 46, range 34-53) in a simulation. Surgical teams established pneumoperitoneum, trocar access, and managed intraabdominal hemorrhage in a simulated laparoscopic cholecystectomy while videotaped as part of an IRB protocol. Surgeons' performance was scored using validated technical and team performance scales. RESULTS: All of the "seasoned" surgeons relegated the use of unfamiliar technology to their assistants. All control surgeons achieved intraabdominal pneumoperitoneum themselves. Mean blood loss for seasoned surgeons and control surgeons was 2,555 versus 2,725 ml (NS), respectively. After recognition of bleeding in the unstable patient, senior surgeons converted to an urgent laparotomy case after 2.4 vs. 3.3 min for control group (NS). No difference was observed in overall technical and team abilities (p = NS). On debriefing, 85% of surgeons recommended simulation for training and recertification. CONCLUSIONS: Seasoned surgeons can use their assistant surgeon well to assure a safe and effective operation. Mandatory operating room retirement based on age may be arbitrary and should be replaced by performance measures. Simulation may prove a valuable tool for self -assessment and recredentialing.

Integrating simulation in surgery as a teaching tool and credentialing standard.

The time-honored training methods of surgery are rapidly being replaced with new teaching tools that are being integrated into residency and recredentialing standards. Numerous factors including societal, professional, and legal have all forced surgical training programs to seek alternative methods of training residents. Learning theories that have provided the basis for open surgical skills training have been modified and culminated in the theory of automaticity and the "pretrained" laparoscopic novice. A vast array of simulators exist for training, ranging from inanimate video trainers, human patient simulators, to more recently virtual reality (VR) computer-based trainers. Currently, inanimate trainers are deployed widely throughout surgical training programs and serve as the primary platform for laparoscopic skills training. As technology evolves, VR systems have become available, allowing for more complex skills training with realistic computer-generated anatomic structures. Using the theories of crisis management and crew resource management, simulation is moving from simple skills training to whole-team training in mock operating room environments. Looking to the near future, medical training will continue to evolve to meet the changing demands of society and professional responsibility to ensure patient safety. With the advent of accredited skills-training centers endorsed by the American College of Surgeons, simulation will be the catalyst for these continuing changes.

Simulated laparoscopic operating room crisis: An approach to enhance the surgical team performance.

OBJECTIVE: Diminishing human error and improving patient outcomes is the goal of task training and simulation experience. The fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) is a validated tool to assess technical laparoscopic skills. We hypothesize that performance in a crisis depends on technical skills and team performance. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a high-fidelity simulation model of a laparoscopic crisis scenario in a mock endosuite environment. METHODS: To establish the feasibility of the model as well as its face and construct validity, the scenario evaluated the performances of FLS-certified surgeon experts (n = 5) and non-FLS certified novices (n = 5) during a laparoscopic crisis scenario, in a mock endosuite, on a simulated abdomen. Likert scale questionnaires were used for validity assessments. Groups were compared using previously validated rating scales on technical and nontechnical performance. Objective outcome measures assessed were: time to diagnose bleeding (TD), time to inform the team to convert (TT), and time to conversion to open (TC). SAS software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Median scores for face validity were 4.29, 4.43, 4.71 (maximum 5) for the FLS, non-FLS, and nursing groups, respectively, with an inter-rater reliability of 93%. Although no difference was observed in Veress needle safety and laparoscopic equipment set up, there was a significant difference between the two groups in their overall technical and nontechnical abilities (p < 0.05), specifically in identifying bleeding, controlling bleeding, team communication, and team skills. There was a trend towards a difference between the two groups for TD, TT, and TC. While experts controlled bleeding in a shorter time, they persisted longer laparoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: Our evidence suggests that face and construct validity are established for a laparoscopic crisis simulation in a mock endosuite. Technical and nontechnical performance discrimination is observed between novices and experts. This innovative multidisciplinary simulation aims at improving error/problem recognition and timely initiation of appropriate and safe responses by surgical teams.

Financial impact of obesity and bariatric surgery.

Obesity constitutes a major health problem with serious social and economic consequences worldwide. In North America, nearly one third of the population is obese, and this figure includes children and adolescents who are likely to become obese adults. Obesity carries a great financial impact on society; consequently, treating morbidly obese patients with surgery may offer substantial economic savings. This article summarizes the financial burdens of obesity and the economics of treating obesity in North America. It addresses the medical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of bariatric surgery and the new regulations and accreditations for bariatric surgery programs.