Evolution of laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis: impact of enhanced recovery program, medication changes, and staged approaches on outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Although laparoscopic Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) has become the gold standard in restorative proctocolectomy, surgical techniques have experienced minimal changes. In contrast, substantial shifts in perioperative care, marked by the enhanced recovery program (ERP), modifications in steroid use, and a shift to a 3-staged approach, have taken center stage. METHODS: Data extracted from our prospective IPAA database focused on the first 100 laparoscopic IPAA cases (historic group) and the latest 100 cases (modern group), aiming to measure the effect of these evolutions on postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The historic IPAA group had more 2-staged procedures (92% proctocolectomy), whereas the modern group had a higher number of 3-staged procedures (86% proctectomy) (P < .001). Compared with patients in the modern group, patients in the historic group were more likely to be on steroids (5% vs 67%, respectively; P < .001) or immunomodulators (0% vs 31%, respectively; P < .001) at surgery. Compared with the historic group, the modern group had a shorter operative time (335.5 ± 78.4 vs 233.8 ± 81.6, respectively; P < .001) and length of stay (LOS; 5.4 ± 3.1 vs 4.2 ± 1.6 days, respectively; P < .001). Compared with the modern group, the historic group exhibited a higher 30-day morbidity rate (20% vs 33%, respectively; P = .04) and an elevated 30-day readmission rate (9% vs 21%, respectively; P = .02). Preoperative steroids use increased complications (odds ratio [OR], 3.4; P = .01), whereas 3-staged IPAA reduced complications (OR, 0.3; P = .03). ERP was identified as a factor that predicted shorter stays. CONCLUSION: Although ERP effectively reduced the LOS in IPAA surgery, it failed to reduce complications. Conversely, adopting a 3-staged IPAA approach proved beneficial in reducing morbidity, whereas preoperative steroid use increased complications.

Unveiling the Hidden Consequences: The Initial Impact of COVID-19 on Colorectal Cancer Operation.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely affected healthcare systems globally, resulting in significant delays and challenges in various medical treatments, particularly in cancer care. This study aims to investigate the repercussions of the pandemic on surgical interventions for colorectal cancer in the United States, using data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the NCDB, encompassing adult patients who underwent surgical procedures for colon and rectal cancer in 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2020 (COVID). We examined various demographic and clinical variables, including patient characteristics, tumor staging, surgical approaches, and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: The analysis included 105,517 patients, revealing a 17.3% reduction in surgical cases during the initial year of the pandemic. Patients who underwent surgery in 2020 displayed more advanced clinical and pathological tumor stages compared to those treated in 2019. After diagnosis, no delay was reported in the treatment. Patients operated during the pandemic, African American patients, uninsured and Medicaid beneficiaries had worse stage colon and rectal cancer, and individuals with lower incomes bore the burden of advanced colon cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer surgery transcends a mere decline in case numbers, resulting in a higher prevalence of patients with advanced disease. This study underscores the exacerbated disparities in cancer care, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant and enduring imprint on colorectal cancer surgery, intensifying the challenges faced by patients and healthcare systems. Comprehensive studies are imperative to comprehend the long-term consequences of delayed screenings, diagnoses, and treatments, as healthcare planning for the future must consider the unintended repercussions of pandemic-related disruptions.

Improving R0 Resection Rates With a Posterior-First, 2-Stage Approach for En Bloc Resection of Locally Advanced Primary and Recurrent Anorectal Cancers Involving the Deep Pelvic Sidewall.

BACKGROUND: Using standard anterior approaches, consistent R0 resection of locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal and anal cancer involving the deep pelvic sidewall may be unattainable. Therefore, to improve R0 resection rates, we have used a posterior-first, then anterior 2-stage approach to resection of tumors in this location. OBJECTIVE: To assess the R0 resection rate and surgical outcomes of the first 10 patients operated on using this approach. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective case series review of our prospectively maintained surgical pathology and tumor registries. SETTING: This study was conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. PATIENTS: Ten patients (6 female individuals, median age 53.5 years) with primary or recurrent anal or rectal cancer treated with a posterior-first, then anterior 2-stage approach were identified. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were the R0 resection rate and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: An R0 resection was achieved in all 10 patients. Nine patients developed 1 or more 30-day Clavien-Dindo grade III complications. Nine patients developed gluteal wound complications ranging from superficial wound dehiscence to flap necrosis. During the follow-up period, 4 patients were found to have metastatic disease and 1 patient had local re-recurrence. LIMITATIONS: Small cohort with heterogeneous tumors and a short follow-up duration. CONCLUSION: A posterior-first, then anterior 2-stage approach has allowed us to achieve consistent R0 resection margins in locally advanced primary and recurrent rectal and anal cancers involving the deep pelvic sidewall. Poor wound healing of the posterior gluteal incision is a common complication. See Video Abstract. MEJORANDO LAS TASAS DE RESECCIN R CON UN ABORDAJE DE DOS ETAPAS PRIMERO POSTERIOR PARA LA RESECCIN EN BLOQUE DE CNCERES ANORRECTALES PRIMARIOS Y RECURRENTES LOCALMENTE AVANZADOS QUE AFECTAN LA PARED LATERAL PLVICA PROFUNDA: ANTECEDENTES:Utilizando abordajes anteriores estándares, la resección R0 consistente del cáncer de recto y ano primario y recurrente localmente avanzado involucrando la pared lateral pélvica profunda puede ser inalcanzable. Por lo tanto, para mejorar las tasas de resección R0, hemos empleado un abordaje de 2 etapas primero posterior y luego anterior para la resección de tumores en esta ubicación.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la tasa de resección R0 y los resultados quirúrgicos de los primeros 10 pacientes operados con este abordaje.DISEÑO:Realizamos una revisión retrospectiva de series de casos de nuestros registros de patología quirúrgica y tumores mantenidos prospectivamente.AJUSTE:Este estudio se realizó en la Clínica Mayo en Rochester, Minnesota, EE. UU.PACIENTES:Se identificaron diez pacientes (6 mujeres, mediana de edad 53.5 años) con cáncer anal o rectal primario o recurrente tratados con un abordaje de dos etapas, primero posterior y luego anterior.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las medidas de resultado primarias fueron la tasa de resección R0 y los resultados quirúrgicos.RESULTADOS:Se logró una resección R0 en los 10 pacientes. Nueve pacientes desarrollaron una o más complicaciones de grado III de Clavien-Dindo a los 30 días. Nueve pacientes desarrollaron complicaciones de la herida del glúteo que variaron desde dehiscencia superficial de la herida hasta necrosis del colgajo. Durante el período de seguimiento, se encontró que 4 pacientes tenían enfermedad metastásica y un paciente tuvo recurrencia local.LIMITACIONES:Cohorte pequeño con tumores heterogéneos y corta duración de seguimiento.CONCLUSIÓN:Un abordaje en 2 etapas, primero posterior y luego anterior, nos ha permitido lograr márgenes de resección R0 consistentes en cánceres de recto y anal primarios y recurrentes localmente avanzados que afectan la pared lateral pélvica profunda. La mala cicatrización de la incisión glútea posterior es una complicación común. (Traducción-Dr. Aurian Garcia Gonzalez).

Comparing Oncologic Outcomes and Toxicity for Combined Modality Therapy vs. Carbon-Ion Radiotherapy for Previously Irradiated Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer.

No standard treatment paradigm exists for previously irradiated locally recurrent rectal cancer (PILRRC). Carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) may improve oncologic outcomes and reduce toxicity compared with combined modality therapy (CMT). Eighty-five patients treated at Institution A with CIRT alone (70.4 Gy/16 fx) and eighty-six at Institution B with CMT (30 Gy/15 fx chemoradiation, resection, intraoperative electron radiotherapy (IOERT)) between 2006 and 2019 were retrospectively compared. Overall survival (OS), pelvic re-recurrence (PR), distant metastasis (DM), or any disease progression (DP) were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier model, with outcomes compared using the Cox proportional hazards model. Acute and late toxicities were compared, as was the 2-year cost. The median time to follow-up or death was 6.5 years. Median OS in the CIRT and CMT cohorts were 4.5 and 2.6 years, respectively (p ≤ 0.01). No difference was seen in the cumulative incidence of PR (p = 0.17), DM (p = 0.39), or DP (p = 0.19). Lower acute grade ≥ 2 skin and GI/GU toxicity and lower late grade ≥ 2 GU toxicities were associated with CIRT. Higher 2-year cumulative costs were associated with CMT. Oncologic outcomes were similar for patients treated with CIRT or CMT, although patient morbidity and cost were lower with CIRT, and CIRT was associated with longer OS. Prospective comparative studies are needed.

Durable Response in Patients With Refractory Fistulizing Perianal Crohn's Disease Using Autologous Mesenchymal Stem Cells on a Dissolvable Matrix: Results from the Phase I Stem Cell on Matrix Plug Trial.

BACKGROUND: Refractory perianal Crohn's disease remains notoriously difficult to treat. We developed a novel technology using a commercially available bioabsorbable fistula plug to deliver autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess therapeutic safety and feasibility in the completed STOMP (stem cells on matrix plugs) phase 1 clinical trial. DESIGN: Prospective single-arm phase I clinical trial. SETTING: Tertiary academic medical center. PATIENTS: Adults (aged 18-65 y) with complex single-tract Crohn's disease perianal fistula who have failed conventional therapy were included in this study. INTERVENTION: Autologous adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells were isolated, ex vivo culture expanded, and seeded onto a commercially available bioabsorbable fistula plug. Six weeks later, patients returned to the operating room for removal of the seton and placement of the stem cell-loaded plug. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were followed up for a total of 8 visits through 12 months. Safety was the primary end point; clinical healing and MRI response were secondary end points. RESULTS: Twenty patients (12 females; mean age 36 y) were treated with the stem cell-loaded plug. Of the 20 patients enrolled, 3 were not included in the 12-month analysis because of study withdrawal. Through 12 months, no patient experienced a serious adverse event related to the stem cell-loaded plug. Four patients experienced 7 serious adverse events and 12 patients experienced 22 adverse events. Complete clinical healing occurred in 14 of 18 patients at 6 months and 13 of 17 patients at 12 months. MRI response was observed in 12 of 18 patients at 6 months. LIMITATIONS: The main limitations were the small sample size and restrictive inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: A stem cell-loaded plug can safely and effectively deliver cell-based therapy for patients with single-tract fistulizing perianal Crohn's disease. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C70 . RESPUESTA DURADERA OBSERVADA EN PACIENTES CON ENFERMEDAD DE CROHN PERIANAL FISTULIZANTE REFRACTARIA MEDIANTE EL USO DE CLULAS MADRE MESENQUIMALES AUTLOGAS EN UNA MATRIZ DISOLUBLE RESULTADOS DEL ENSAYO DE FASE I STEM CELL ON MATRIX PLUG: ANTECEDENTES:La enfermedad de Crohn perianal refractaria sigue siendo notoriamente difícil de tratar. Desarrollamos una tecnología novedosa utilizando un tapón de fístula bioabsorbible disponible comercialmente para administrar células madre mesenquimales derivadas de tejido adiposo autólogo.OBJETIVO:Evaluar la seguridad y viabilidad terapéutica en el ensayo finalizado STOMP.DISEÑO:Ensayo clínico prospectivo de fase I de un solo brazo.AJUSTE:Centro médico académico terciario.PACIENTES:Adultos (18-65) con fístula perianal compleja de la enfermedad de Crohn de un solo tracto que han fracasado con la terapia convencional.INTERVENCIÓN:Se aislaron células madre mesenquimales derivadas de tejido adiposo autólogo, se expandieron en cultivo ex vivo y se sembraron en un tapón de fístula bioabsorbible disponible comercialmente. Seis semanas después, los pacientes regresaron al quirófano para retirar el setón y colocar el tapón cargado de células madre.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Los pacientes fueron seguidos durante un total de 8 visitas durante 12 meses. La seguridad fue el criterio principal de valoración; la curación clínica y la respuesta a la resonancia magnética fueron criterios de valoración secundarios.RESULTADOS:Veinte pacientes (12 mujeres, edad media 36 años) fueron tratados con el tapón cargado de células madre. De los 20 pacientes inscritos, tres no se incluyeron en el análisis de 12 meses porque se retiraron del estudio. A lo largo de 12 meses, ningún paciente experimentó un evento adverso grave relacionado con el tapón cargado de células madre. Cuatro pacientes experimentaron 7 eventos adversos graves y 12 pacientes experimentaron 22 eventos adversos. La curación clínica completa ocurrió en 14 de 18 pacientes a los 6 meses y en 13 de 17 pacientes a los 12 meses. La respuesta a la resonancia magnética se observó en 12 de 18 pacientes a los 6 meses.LIMITACIONES:Las principales limitaciones son el tamaño pequeño de la muestra y los criterios de inclusión restrictivos.CONCLUSIONES:Un tapón cargado de células madre se puede administrar de manera segura y efectiva, una terapia basada en células para pacientes con enfermedad de Crohn perianal fistulizante de un solo tracto. Consule Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/C70 . (Traducción- Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Angiosarcoma arising in a schwannoma of the peripheral nervous system: illustrative case.

BACKGROUND: Schwannomas of the peripheral nerves are benign tumors that can very rarely undergo malignant transformation. These lesions are particularly challenging to diagnose via noninvasive techniques but can have significant implications for treatment. OBSERVATIONS: This is a case of a 70-year-old female with a prior history of a right sciatic notch tumor that was diagnosed as a conventional schwannoma via histology from an initial biopsy and subsequent surgical debulking. Unfortunately, she experienced significant worsening of her motor deficit, whereby her postoperative foot weakness progressed to complete foot drop in less than 2 years. In addition, she demonstrated significant radiological progression, with more than 1 to 2 cm of growth in each dimension at her subsequent evaluation, along with intractable right leg pain. An additional operation was performed to completely remove the 7 × 8 cm tumor, and histology demonstrated angiosarcoma within a schwannoma. There was no evidence of recurrence at 15 months, and the patient had significant improvement in her pain. LESSONS: Rapidly worsening function and radiological progression are not typically seen with conventional benign nerve sheath tumors and should prompt consideration of other lesions. Angiosarcoma within schwannoma is a rare pathology and optimal therapies for these tumors in terms of surgical timing and adjuvant therapy are still unknown.

New School Technology Meets Old School Technique: Intensity Modulated Proton Therapy and Laparoscopic Pelvic Sling Facilitate Safe and Efficacious Treatment of Pelvic Sarcoma.

Purpose: Small bowel tolerance may be dose-limiting in the management of some pelvic and abdominal malignancies with curative-intent radiation therapy. Multiple techniques previously have been attempted to exclude the small bowel from the radiation field, including the surgical insertion of an absorbable mesh to serve as a temporary pelvic sling. This case highlights a clinically meaningful application of this technique with modern radiation therapy. Methods and Materials: A patient with locally invasive, unresectable high-grade sarcoma of the right pelvic vasculature was evaluated for definitive radiation therapy. The tumor immediately abutted the small bowel. The patient underwent laparoscopic placement of a mesh sling to retract the abutting small bowel and subsequently completed intensity modulated proton therapy. Results: The patient tolerated the mesh insertion procedure and radiation therapy well with no significant toxic effects. The combination approach achieved excellent dose metrics, and the patient has no evidence of progression 14 months out from treatment. Conclusions: The combination of mesh as a pelvic sling and proton radiation therapy enabled the application of a curative dose of radiation therapy and should be considered for patients in need of curative-intent radiation when the bowel is in close proximity to the target.

STOPS: A Coping Framework for Surgeons Who Experience Intraoperative Error.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the steps faculty surgeons take upon experiencing intraoperative error and synthesize these actions to offer a framework for coping with errors. BACKGROUND: While intraoperative errors are inevitable, formal training in error recovery is insufficient and there are no established curricula that teach surgeons how to deal with the intraoperative error. This is problematic because insufficient error recovery is detrimental to both patient outcomes and surgeon psychological well-being. METHODS: We conducted a thematic analysis. One-hour in-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with faculty surgeons from 3 hospitals. Surgeons described recent experiences with intraoperative error. Interviews were transcribed and coded. Analysis allowed for development of themes regarding responses to errors and coping strategies. RESULTS: Twenty-seven surgeons (30% female) participated. Upon completion of the analysis, themes emerged in 3 distinct areas: (1) Exigency, or a need for training surgical learners how to cope with intraoperative errors, (2) Learning, or how faculty surgeons themselves learned to cope with intraoperative errors, and (3) Responses, or how surgeons now handle intraoperative errors. The latter category was organized into the STOPS framework: Intraoperative errors could produce STOPS: Stop, Talk to your Team, Obtain Help, Plan, Succeed. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: This study provides both novel insight into how surgeons cope with intraoperative errors and a framework that may be of great use to trainees and faculty alike.

Re-resection of Microscopically Positive Margins Found on Intraoperative Frozen Section Analysis Does Not Result in a Survival Benefit in Patients Undergoing Surgery and Intraoperative Radiation Therapy for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Intraoperative frozen-section analysis provides real-time margin resection status that can guide intraoperative decisions made by the surgeon and radiation oncologist. For patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer undergoing surgery and intraoperative radiation therapy, intraoperative re-resection of positive margins to achieve negative margins is common practice. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether re-resection of positive margins found on intraoperative frozen-section analysis improves oncologic outcomes. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This study was an analysis of a prospectively maintained multicenter database. PATIENTS: All patients who underwent surgical resection of locally recurrent rectal cancer with intraoperative radiation therapy between 2000 and 2015 were included and followed for 5 years. Three groups were compared: initial R0 resection, initial R1 converted to R0 after re-resection, and initial R1 that remained R1 after re-resection. Grossly positive margin resections (R2) were excluded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures were 5-year overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and local re-recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 267 patients were analyzed (initial R0 resection, n = 94; initial R1 converted to R0 after re-resection, n = 95; initial R1 that remained R1 after re-resection, n = 78). Overall survival was 4.4 years for initial R0 resection, 2.7 years for initial R1 converted to R0 after re-resection, and 2.9 years for initial R1 that remained R1 after re-resection ( p = 0.01). Recurrence-free survival was 3.0 years for initial R0 resection and 1.8 years for both initial R1 converted to R0 after re-resection and initial R1 that remained R1 after re-resection ( p ≤ 0.01). Overall survival did not differ for patients with R1 and re-resection R1 or R0 ( p = 0.62). Recurrence-free survival and freedom from local re-recurrence did not differ between groups. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the heterogeneous patient population restricted to those receiving intraoperative radiation therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Re-resection of microscopically positive margins to obtain R0 status does not appear to provide a significant survival advantage or prevent local re-recurrence in patients undergoing surgery and intraoperative radiation therapy for locally recurrent rectal cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B886 . LA RERESECCIN DE LOS MRGENES MICROSCPICAMENTE POSITIVOS ENCONTRADOS DE MANERA INTRAOPERATORIA MEDIANTE LA TCNICA DE CRIOSECCIN, NO DA COMO RESULTADO UN BENEFICIO DE SUPERVIVENCIA EN PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CIRUGA Y RADIOTERAPIA INTRAOPERATORIA PARA EL CNCER RECTAL LOCALMENTE RECIDIVANTE: ANTECEDENTES:El análisis de la ténica de criosección para los margenes positivos encontrados de manera intraoperatoria proporciona el estado de la resección del margen en tiempo real que puede guiar las decisiones intraoperatorias tomadas por el cirujano y el oncólogo radioterapeuta. Para los pacientes con cáncer de recto localmente recurrente que se someten a cirugía y radioterapia intraoperatoria, la re-resección intraoperatoria de los márgenes positivos para lograr márgenes negativos es una práctica común.OBJETIVO:Evaluar si la re-resección de los márgenes positivos encontrados en el análisis de la ténica por criosecciónde manera intraoperatorios mejora los resultados oncológicos.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Análisis de una base de datos multicéntrica mantenida de forma prospectiva.POBLACIÓN:Todos los pacientes que se sometieron a resección quirúrgica de cáncer de recto localmente recurrente con radioterapia intraoperatoria entre 2000 y 2015 fueron incluidos y seguidos durante 5 años. Se compararon tres grupos: resección inicial R0, R1 inicial convertido en R0 después de la re-resección y R1 inicial que permaneció como R1 después de la re-resección. Se excluyeron las resecciones de márgenes macroscópicamente positivos (R2).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Supervivencia global a cinco años, supervivencia sin recidiva y recidiva local.RESULTADOS:Se analizaron un total de 267 pacientes (resección inicial R0 n = 94, R1 inicial convertido en R0 después de la re-resección n = 95, R1 inicial que permaneció como R1 después de la re-resección n = 78). La supervivencia global fue de 4,4 años para la resección inicial R0, 2,7 años para la R1 inicial convertida en R0 después de la re-resección y 2,9 años para la R1 inicial que permaneció como R1 después de la re-resección ( p = 0,01). La supervivencia libre de recurrencia fue de 3,0 años para la resección inicial R0 y de 1,8 años para el R1 inicial convertido en R0 después de la re-resección y el R1 inicial que permaneció como R1 después de la re-resección ( p ≤ 0,01). La supervivencia global no difirió para los pacientes con R1 y re-resección R1 o R0 ( p = 0,62). La supervivencia libre de recurrencia y la ausencia de recurrencia local no difirieron entre los grupos.LIMITACIONES:Población de pacientes heterogénea, restringida a aquellos que reciben radioterapia intraoperatoria.CONCLUSIONES:La re-resección de los márgenes microscópicamente positivos para obtener el estado R0 no parece proporcionar una ventaja de supervivencia significativa o prevenir la recurrencia local en pacientes sometidos a cirugía y radioterapia intraoperatoria para el cáncer de recto localmente recurrente. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B886 . (Traducción-Dr. Daniel Guerra ).

Social Support, Social Isolation, and Burnout: Cross-Sectional Study of U.S. Residents Exploring Associations With Individual, Interpersonal, Program, and Work-Related Factors.

PURPOSE: To examine associations of social support and social isolation with burnout, program satisfaction, and organization satisfaction among a large population of U.S. residents and fellows and to identify correlates of social support and social isolation. METHOD: All residents and fellows enrolled in graduate medical education programs at Mayo Clinic sites were surveyed in February 2019. Survey items measured social support (emotional and tangible), social isolation, burnout, program satisfaction, and organization satisfaction. Factors of potential relevance to social support were collected (via the survey, institutional administrative records, and interviews with program coordinators and/or program directors) and categorized as individual, interpersonal, program, or work-related factors (duty hours, call burden, elective time, vacation days used before survey administration, required away rotations, etc.). Multivariable regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between variables. RESULTS: Of 1,146 residents surveyed, 762 (66%) from 58 programs responded. In adjusted models, higher emotional and tangible support were associated with lower odds of burnout and higher odds of program and organization satisfaction, while higher social isolation scores were associated with higher odds of burnout and lower odds of program satisfaction and organization satisfaction. Independent predictors of social support and/or social isolation included age, gender, relationship status, parental status, postgraduate year, site, ratings of the program leadership team, ratings of faculty relationships and faculty professional behaviors, satisfaction with autonomy, and vacation days used before survey administration. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that social support and social isolation are strongly related to burnout and satisfaction among residents and fellows. Personal and professional relationships, satisfaction with autonomy, and vacation days are independently associated with social support and/or social isolation, whereas most program and work-related factors are not. Additional studies are needed to determine if social support interventions targeting these factors can improve well-being and enhance satisfaction with training.

Risk of malignancy and outcomes of surgically resected presacral tailgut cysts: A current review of the Mayo Clinic experience.

AIM: The aim of this study was to describe the surgical management, outcomes and risk of malignancy of presacral tailgut cysts. METHOD: A retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent resection of tailgut cyst at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota between 2008 and 2020 was performed. Demographics, presentation, evaluation, surgical approach, postoperative complications, pathology and recurrence rates were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were identified (81% female) with a mean age of 45 years. Thirty-nine patients (53%) were symptomatic, most commonly with pelvic pain (26 patients). Digital rectal examination identified a palpable mass in 68%. Mean tumour size was 6 cm. Resection was primarily performed through a posterior approach (77%, n = 56), followed by a transabdominal approach (18%, n = 13) and a combined approach (5%, n = 4). Six patients underwent a minimally invasive resection (laparoscopic/robotic). Coccygectomy or distal sacrectomy was performed in 41 patients (56%). Complete resection was achieved in 94% of patients. Thirty-day morbidity occurred in 18% and was most commonly wound related; there was no mortality. Malignancy was identified in six patients (8%). For the 30 patients with follow-up greater than 1 year, the median follow-up was 39 months (range 1.0-11.1 years). Local recurrence was identified in three patients and distant metastatic disease in one patient. CONCLUSION: The rate of malignancy in presacral tailgut cysts based on this current review was 8%. Overall recurrence was 5% at a median of 24 months.

The Effect of Advanced Practice Providers on ACGME Colon and Rectal Surgery Resident Diagnostic Index Case Volumes.

OBJECTIVE: Prior to 2015 residents in our Accreditation Council for Graduation Medical Education (ACGME) colon and rectal surgery training program were in charge of managing, with faculty oversight, the outpatient anorectal clinic at our institution. Starting in 2015 advanced practice providers (APPs) working in the division assumed management of the clinic. The effect of APPs on ACGME resident index diagnostic case volumes has not been explored. Herein we examine ACGME case log graduate statistics to determine if the inclusion of APPs into our anorectal clinic practice has negatively affected resident index diagnostic anorectal case volumes. DESIGN: ACGME year-end program reports were obtained for the years 2011 to 2019. Program anorectal diagnostic index volumes were recorded and compared to division volumes. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) tests were conducted to assess whether the number of cases per year (for each respective case type) prior to the introduction of APPs into the anorectal clinic (2011-2014) differed from the number of cases per year with the APP clinic in place (2015-2018). A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. SETTING: Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (quaternary referral center). PARTICIPANTS: Colon and rectal surgery resident year-end ACGME reports (2011-2019). RESULTS: ANOVAs revealed a marginally significant (p = 0.007) downtrend for hemorrhoid diagnostic codes, and a significant uptrend (p = 0.000) for fistula cases. Controlling for overall division volume, ANCOVA only reveled significance for fistula cases (p = 0.004) with the involvement of APPs. CONCLUSIONS: At our institution we found the inclusion of APPs into our anorectal clinic practice did not negatively affect colon and rectal surgery resident ACGME index diagnostic anorectal case volumes. Inclusion of APPs into a multidisciplinary practice can promote resident education by allowing trainees to pursue other educational opportunities without hindering ACGME index case volumes.

Trends and consequences of surgical conversion in the United States.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify national utilization trends of robotic surgery for elective colectomy, conversion rates over time, and the specific impact of conversion on postoperative morbidity. Conversion to open represents a hard endpoint for minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and is associated with worse outcomes when compared to MIS or even traditional open procedures. METHODS: All adult patients who underwent either laparoscopic or robotic elective colectomy from 2013 to 2018 as reported in the American College of Surgeons Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database were included. National trends of both robotic utilization and conversion rates were analyzed, overall and according to underlying disease (benign disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), cancer), or the presence of obesity (body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2). Demographic and surgical risk factors for surgical conversion to open were identified through multivariable regression analysis. Further assessed were overall and specific postoperative 30-day complications, which were risk adjusted and compared between converted patients and the remaining cohort. RESULTS: Of 66,652 included procedures, 5353 (8.0%) were converted to open. Conversion rates were 8.5% for laparoscopic and 4.9% for robotic surgery (p < 0.0001). A decline in conversion rates over the 6-year inclusion period was observed overall and for patients with obesity. This trend paralleled an increased utilization of the robotic platform. Several surrogates for advanced disease stages for cancer, diverticulitis, and IBD and prolonged surgical duration were identified as independent risk factors for unplanned conversion, while robotic approach was an independent protective factor (OR 0.44, p < 0.0001). Patients who had unplanned conversion were more likely to experience postoperative complications (OR 2.36; 95% CI [2.21-2.51]), length of hospital stay ≥ 6 days (OR 2.86; 95% CI [2.67-3.05], and 30-day mortality (OR 2.28; 95% CI [1.72-3.02]). CONCLUSION: This nationwide study identified a decreasing trend in conversion rates over the 6-year inclusion period, both overall and in patients with obesity, paralleling increased utilization of the robotic platform. Unplanned conversion to open was associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications.

Virtual interviews - Utilizing technological affordances as a predictor of applicant confidence.

PURPOSE: In the midst of a pandemic, residency interviews transitioned to a virtual format for the first time. Little is known about the effect this will have on the match process. The study aim is to evaluate resident application processes and perceived outcomes. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to 142 colon and rectal surgery residency applicants (95% of total). RESULTS: A total of 77 applicants responded to the survey (54% response rate). Applicants reported high levels of satisfaction with virtual interviews but less comfort. Utilizing the mute button and using notes in a different way from face-to-face interviews were significantly associated with applicant confidence that they ranked the right program highest. A majority of applicants (73%) would recommend virtual interviews next year even if COVID-19 is not a factor. CONCLUSION: While applicants appear generally satisfied with virtual interviews, they also reported less comfort. Applicant confidence was predicted by utilizing the unique technological affordances offered by the virtual platform.

Posterior-First Two-Stage Approach to En Bloc Resection of Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer Involving the Pelvic Sidewall.

INTRODUCTION: Using standard anterior-only or anterior then posterior approaches can make an R0 resection difficult to achieve in patients with pelvic sidewall recurrences because of confined working spaces and poor visibility. TECHNIQUE: Given the limitations of standard approaches, we have used a novel posterior-first then anterior 2-stage approach allowing us to widely expose and secure deep margins and control vessels under direct visualization. RESULTS: We present a technical note describing this approach in patients with recurrent rectal cancer involving the pelvic sidewall with extrapelvic extension. CONCLUSION: The posterior-first approach may assist in achieving a higher number of R0 resections in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer involving the pelvic sidewall.

Program Director Opinions of Virtual Interviews: Whatever Makes my Partners Happy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the processes and outcomes of 2021 colon and rectal surgery match season: one of the first National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) match to conduct uniformly virtual interviews for all programs and candidates due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since this if the first-year interviews were held entirely virtual for a (NRMP) match season, we sought to determine: (1) How did program directors (PDs) in this year's fellowship conduct their virtual interviews? (2) Were any of these conduct decisions associated with the PD satisfaction with the resulting match? (3) What is the PDs opinion of how interviews should occur next year if COVID-19 is not a factor? DESIGN AND SETTING: The authors sent an anonymous survey to the PDs of all programs participating in the 2021 colon and rectal surgery residency match directly following match day 2020. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-one colon and rectal residency PDs (70% response rate) responded to the survey (78% Male) representing a range of experience (M = 7.61, SD = 5.66, years as PD at current institution), and program type (77.5% Academic, 7.5% Independent Academic Medical Center, 15% Nonacademic). RESULTS: While programs utilized several different platforms, conducted various forms of training for their faculty, and provided applicants with different types of information, interview day(s) across the specialty are reported to have proceeded smoothly. PDs as a whole were very satisfied with their match results this year (M = 4.65, SD = .66), and this satisfaction was not impacted by virtual interview decisions or processes. However, only 55% of PDs agree or strongly agree that next year's interviews should be virtual regardless of COVID-19, a judgement solely influenced by the opinion of other program faculty on virtual interviews, regardless of satisfaction with match or comfort with technology. CONCLUSION: While PDs report high satisfaction with virtual interview processes and outcomes, there is less agreement that colon and rectal surgery residency interviews should move to a solely virtual platform.

Coping with errors in the operating room: Intraoperative strategies, postoperative strategies, and sex differences.

BACKGROUND: Prior work has identified intraoperative and postoperative coping strategies among surgeons and has demonstrated surgical errors to have a significant impact on patient outcomes and physicians. Little research has considered which coping strategies are most common among surgeons and if there exist coping strategy differences among sex or training level. METHODS: An electronic survey was distributed to surgical faculty and trainees at 3 institutions. Variables included coping techniques after making an error in the operating room. Participants were asked to report the effectiveness of their overall coping strategy. RESULTS: A total of 168 participants (56% male, 45% faculty) experienced an operative error and answered questions regarding coping strategies. The only coping strategy significantly associated with positive ratings of coping effectiveness was, upon error, taking a step back and taking time to think and act (r = 0.17; P = .024). There were differences between men and women in both intra and postoperative coping strategies. Men (mean = 3.69/5, standard error = .09) viewed their overall coping strategy as more effective than women (mean = 3.38/5, standard error = .09), t(158.86) = 2.47; P = .015. CONCLUSION: Although both male and female surgeons reported making errors in the operating room, differences exist in the strategies surgeons use to cope with these mistakes, and strategies differ in their ratings of effectiveness.

How to do an Altemeier perineal rectosigmoidectomy for full-thickness rectal prolapse.

Here, we offer a step-by-step description of the technique for an Altemeier perineal rectosigmoidectomy, which is our institution's preferred perineal approach for patients with full-thickness rectal prolapse. This article is supplemented by a series of high-quality clinical images that are available in Figs S1-S11. The principles of this technique are to excise the rectal prolapse and improve structural support of the pelvic floor.