Reducing New Ileostomy Readmissions in a Rural Health Care Setting: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

BACKGROUND: Readmission after ileostomy creation continues to be a major cause of morbidity with rates ranging from 15% to 30% due to dehydration and obstruction. Rural environments pose an added risk of readmission due to larger travel distances and lack of consistent home health services. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reduce ileostomy-related readmission rates in a rural academic medical center. DESIGN: This is a rapid cycle quality improvement study. SETTING: This single-center study was conducted in a rural academic medical center. PATIENTS: Colorectal surgery patients receiving a new ileostomy were included in this study. INTERVENTIONS: Improvement initiatives were identified through Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles (enhanced team continuity, standardized rehydration, nursing/staff education). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Thirty-day readmission, average length of stay, and average time to readmission served as main outcome measures. RESULTS: Roughly equal rates of ileostomy were created in each time point, consistent with a tertiary care colorectal practice. The preimplementation readmission rate was 29%. Over the course of the entire quality improvement initiative, re-admission rates decreased by more than 50% (29% to 14%). PDSA cycle 1, which involved integrating a service-specific physician assistant to the team, allowed for greater continuity of care and had the most dramatic effect, decreasing rates by 27.5% (29% to 21%). Standardization of oral rehydration therapy and the implementation of a patient-directed intake/output sheet during PDSA cycle 2 resulted in further improvement in readmission rates (21% to 15%). Finally, implementation of nurse and physician assistant (PA)-driven patient education on fiber supplementation resulted in an additional yet nominal decrease in readmissions (15% to 14%). Latency to readmission also significantly increased throughout the study period. LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by its small sample size in a single-center study. CONCLUSION: Implementation of initiatives targeting enhanced team continuity, the standardization of rehydration therapies, and improved patient education decreased readmission rates in patients with new ileostomies. Rural centers, where outpatient resources are not as readily available or accessible, stand to benefit the most from these types of targeted interventions to decrease readmission rates. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B771. REDUCCIN EN LAS READMISIONES POR ILEOSTOMAS NE MEDIOS DE ATENCIN MDICA RURAL INICIATIVA DE MEJORA EN LA CALIDAD: ANTECEDENTES:La readmisión después de la creación de una ileostomía sigue siendo una de las principales causas de morbilidad con tasas que oscilan entre el 15% y el 30% debido a la deshidratación y la oclusión. Un entorno rurale presenta un riesgo adicional de readmisión debido a las mayores distancias de viaje y la falta de servicios de salud domiciliarios adecuados.OBJETIVO:Reducir las tasas de reingreso por ileostomía en un centro médico académico rural.DISEÑO:Estudio de mejoría de la calidad de ciclo rápido.AJUSTE:Estudio unicéntrico en una unidad de servicio médico académico rural.PACIENTES:Pacientes de cirugía colorrectal a quienes se les confeccionó una ileostomía.INTERVENCIONES:Iniciativas de mejoría identificadas a través de los ciclos Planificar-Hacer-Estudiar-Actuar (Continuidad del equipo mejorada, rehidratación estandarizada, educación de enfermería / personal).PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:30 días de readmisión, duración media de la estadía hospitalaria, tiempo medio de reingreso.RESULTADOS:Se crearon tasas aproximadamente iguales de ileostomías un momento dado de tiempo, subsecuentes en la práctica colorrectal de atención terciaria. La tasa de readmisión previa a la implementación del estudio fue del 29%. En el transcurso de toda la iniciativa de mejoría en la calidad, las tasas de readmisión disminuyeron en más del 50% (29% a 14%). El ciclo 1 de PDSA, que implicó la integración en el equipo de un asistente médico específico, lo que permitió una mayor continuidad en la atención y tuvo el mayor efecto disminuyendo las tasas en un 27,5% (29% a 21%). La estandarización de una terapia de rehidratación oral y la implementación de una hoja de ingresos / perdidas dirigida al paciente durante el ciclo 2 de PDSA resultó en una mejoría adicional en las tasas de readmisión (21% a 15%). Finalmente, la implementación de la educación del paciente impulsada por enfermeras y AF sobre el consumo suplementario de dietas con fibra dio como resultado una disminución adicional, aunque nominal, de las readmisiones (15% a 14%). La latencia hasta la readmisión también aumentó significativamente durante el período de estudio.LIMITACIONES:Estudio de un solo centro con un muestreo de pequeño tamaño.CONCLUSIONES:La implementación de iniciativas dirigidas a mejorar la continuidad en el equipo, la estandarización de las terapias de rehidratación y la mejoría en la información de los pacientes disminuyeron las tasas de readmisión en todos aquellas personas con nuevas ileostomías. Los centros rurales, donde los recursos para pacientes ambulatorios no están tan fácilmente disponibles o accesibles, son los que más beneficiaron de este tipo de intervenciones específicas para reducir las tasas de readmisión. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B771. (Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo).

Minimally Invasive Surgery Approach is Not Associated With Differences in Long-Term Bowel Function Patient-Reported Outcomes After Elective Sigmoid Colectomy.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative bowel function is a common concern for patients undergoing a sigmoidectomy. We have previously demonstrated that patients with symptomatic bowel function preoperatively have substantial improvement at long-term follow-up. However, the effect of the operative approach on patient-reported bowel function is largely unknown. We aimed to evaluate the differences in long-term patient-reported bowel function after robotic or laparoscopic sigmoid colectomies for benign and malignant disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected institutional database from July 2015 to July 2020. Patients included underwent a sigmoid colectomy for benign or malignant disease and completed the Colorectal Functional Outcome (COREFO) questionnaire at preoperative presentation, postoperatively, and long-term follow-up. Differences between preoperative and postoperative scores, as well as differences between the robotic and laparoscopic cohorts, were compared using paired t-tests. RESULTS: A total of 169 patients met inclusion criteria with a median age of 61 y, and 55% of the patients underwent robotic sigmoid colectomy, with the most common diagnosis being diverticular disease (62%). There was no significant difference between the presentation, short-term, or long-term follow-up total COREFO scores or subdomains based on the surgical technique. Patients that present asymptomatic remain asymptomatic, while those that are symptomatic demonstrate improvements for both the robotic and laparoscopic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported long-term global bowel function does not appear to differ between patients who underwent elective robotic or laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy for benign or malignant disease. Patients that present asymptomatic remain asymptomatic, while those that are symptomatic demonstrate improvements, regardless of surgical technique.

Physicians perceive that ostomates have decreased quality of life but not overall health: An international survey of physicians.

AIM: The aim of this work was to evaluate physicians' perceptions of ostomates' quality of life (QoL) and comfort of care among an international sample of physicians caring for ostomates. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional survey study. We conducted a survey of primary care physicians (PCP), gastroenterologists (GI), and general surgeons (GS) from three continents using the SERMO online physician platform. We piloted the survey for content, clarity and domain development using a pilot sample of physicians from each speciality before use. We summarized responses to questions related to physician comfort of ostomate care with descriptive statistics. We conducted multiple logistic regression with the primary outcome of physician perception of ostomate QoL. RESULTS: A total of 617 physicians (PCP 264, GI 176, GS 177) completed the survey representing North America, Europe and Australia similarly. The average age was 46 years and 21% were women. Ninety per cent of physicians care for an ostomate at least once per month. Eighty eight per cent had access to enterostomal nurses. Eighty two per cent of physicians believed that ostomates have decreased QoL. Forty seven per cent believed that ostomates have decreased overall health. Almost half of respondents answered incorrectly to a 'bogus question' citing fake clinical evidence supporting a negative impact of ostomies on social relationships. Increased physician comfort in ostomy care (OR 1.30, p = 0.04) and US-based physicians (OR 1.75, p = 0.01) were associated with increased odds of answering that ostomates have no decreased QoL. CONCLUSION: Among a diverse international sample, most physicians believe that ostomates have decreased QoL but not overall health. Physician implicit bias, physician comfort and geographical variability account for these findings. Targeted efforts to increase physician comfort in ostomate care and establish universal best practices is needed.

Late and Long-term Symptom Management in Colorectal Cancer Survivorship.

CASE SUMMARY: A 59-year-old previously healthy, asymptomatic man initially presented for his first screening colonoscopy. At this time, a friable, partially obstructing tumor was encountered in his proximal rectum. Final workup demonstrated a mrT2N1M0 upper rectal cancer. The patient went on to successfully complete total neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and was taken to the operating room for an uncomplicated robotic-assisted low anterior resection with primary anastomosis. His final pathology revealed an ypT2N1M0 rectal cancer, and he was subsequently followed in surveillance per National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. At long-term follow-up visits he continued to report significant depressive symptoms and functional impairment. Despite aggressive medical management with fiber supplementation and antidiarrheal medications, the patient continued to struggle with bowel movement frequency and urgency. He reported having 4 to 6 clustered bowel movements during the day and 1 to 2 stools at night that significantly limited his ability to perform normal day-to-day activities.

Long-term bowel function patient-reported outcomes after successful chemoradiation for carcinoma of the anal canal.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate long-term changes in patient-reported bowel function from presentation of anal canal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) successfully treated with the modified Nigro protocol using a patient-reported outcome measure for bowel function. METHOD: This is a retrospective study of prospectively collected patient-reported outcomes for bowel function. We included patients that were successfully treated with the modified Nigro protocol for anal SCC and had completed the Colorectal Functional Outcomes (COREFO) questionnaire at presentation, following the modified Nigro treatment (post-Nigro), and at subsequent surveillance visits (medium and long term). We compared the differences in mean domain and total COREFO scores using a paired t test for each paired time point. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. Time from completion of the modified Nigro was post-Nigro at 3-6 months, medium-length follow-up at 8-12 months and long-term follow-up at 12-18 months. There was significant improvement in the stool-related aspects domain (pain, bleeding and anal skin irritation) from presentation to our short- and medium-length follow-up (42.5 to 23.7, P = 0.01). There was worsening in the frequency domain in the medium term (7.23 to 14.5, P = 0.02). There were no differences in any other domain or time point. CONCLUSION: Global bowel function does not appear to change following successful treatment of anal canal SCC with the modified Nigro protocol in the long term. There are some improvements in stool-related aspects and worsening in bowel movement frequency at medium-length follow-up. These findings should help surgeons counsel patients with regard to bowel function expectations for those with anal canal SCC in the long term.

Longitudinal study of the impact of psychological distress symptoms on new-onset upper gastrointestinal symptoms in World Trade Center responders.

OBJECTIVES: Research on the health of workers involved in the cleanup after the attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) on September 11, 2001, has documented high rates of psychological distress and upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The current article examines the concurrent and longitudinal associations of psychological distress with development of new-onset upper GI symptoms in a large sample of WTC responders. METHODS: A cohort of 10,953 WTC responders monitored by the WTC Health Program participated in the study. Two occupational groups were examined, police and nontraditional responders. The cohort was free of upper GI symptoms or diagnoses at their first visit (3 years after September 11, 2001). Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationships between concurrent and preceding psychological distress symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety, panic, and probable posttraumatic stress disorder with the development of new-onset upper GI symptoms at 3-year follow-up (6 years after September 11, 2001). RESULTS: Across both occupation groups, psychological distress symptoms at Visit 1 were significantly related to the development of GI symptoms by Visit 2 (odd ratios ranging from 1.9 to 5.4). The results for the concurrent relationships were similar. In addition, there were significant dose-response relationships between the number of co-occurring psychological distress symptoms at Visits 1 and 2, and increased new-onset upper GI symptoms at Visit 2. CONCLUSIONS: In this large sample of WTC responders, psychological distress symptoms assessed at 3 years after 9/11 are related to reporting upper GI symptoms 6 years after 9/11.

Update on colon cancer screening: recent advances and observations in colorectal cancer screening.

There have been many recent advances and observations regarding colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. New CRC surveillance guidelines have been published to help endoscopists with the management of important clinical issues such as serrated polyps. There have been several important large studies examining the impact of endoscopic process measures such as bowel prep, withdrawal time, and adenoma detection rate on CRC screening. In addition, there have been technical advances in CT colonography including the development of exams that do not require a bowel preparation. Other new technology such as colon capsule endoscopy may aid endoscopists in the challenge of completing the evaluation of the colon in those patients with an incomplete colonoscopy. Finally, there have been large studies which examine the performance characteristics of the so-called non-invasive CRC screening tests such as fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and fecal DNA.

Surgical Trainee Perspectives on the Opioid Crisis: The Influence of Explicit and Hidden Curricula.

OBJECTIVE: In order to effectively create and implement an educational program to improve opioid prescribing practices, it is important to first consider the unique perspectives of residents on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic. We sought to better understand resident perspectives on opioid prescribing, current practices in pain management, and opioid education as a needs assessment for designing future educational interventions. DESIGN: This is a qualitative study using focus groups of surgical residents at 4 different institutions. SETTING: We conducted focus groups using a semistructured interview guide in person or over video conferencing. The residency programs selected for participation represent a broad geographic range and varying residency sizes. PARTICIPANTS: We used purposeful sampling to recruit general surgery residents from the University of Utah, University of Wisconsin, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. All general surgery residents at these locations were eligible for inclusion. Participants were assigned to focus groups by residency site and their status as junior (PGY-2, PGY-3) or senior resident (PGY-4, PGY-5). RESULTS: We completed 8 focus groups with a total of 35 residents included. We identified 4 main themes. First, residents relied on clinical and nonclinical factors when making decisions about opioid prescribing. However, hidden curricula based on unique institutional cultures and attending preferences heavily influenced residents' prescribing practices. Second, residents acknowledged that stigma and biases towards certain patient groups influenced opioid prescribing practices. Third, residents encountered barriers within their health systems to evidence-based opioid prescribing. Fourth, residents did not routinely receive formal education on pain management or opioid prescribing. Residents recommended several interventions to improve the current state of opioid prescribing, including standardized prescribing guidelines, improved patient education, and formal training during the first year of residency. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlighted several areas of opioid prescribing that can be improved upon through educational interventions. These findings can be used to develop programs aimed at improving residents' opioid prescribing practices, both during and after training, and ultimately the safe care of surgical patients. ETHICS STATEMENT: This project was approved by the University of Utah Institutional Review Board, ID # 00118491. All participants provided written informed consent.

Mental health diagnosis, not patient-reported outcomes, is predictive of failing to meet the expected outcomes after successful implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Protocol after elective colon resection.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery protocols have demonstrated decreased complication rates and length of stay. However, the influence of mental health on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery success is unknown. METHOD: A retrospective study of patient-reported outcomes for physical and mental health. We included patients who underwent elective minimally invasive colon resections, who completed the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 10 questionnaire preoperatively, and who had successful implementation of perioperative Enhanced Recovery After Surgery components. We evaluated the predictors of having successful expected Enhanced Recovery After Surgery outcomes using a multiple logistic regression, controlling for baseline patient characteristics, history of a mental health diagnosis, inpatient opiate use, and preoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 10 scores. RESULTS: In total, 163 patients met inclusion criteria, with 23% failing Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, and 32% having a preoperative mental health diagnosis. The most common reason for failure of expected Enhanced Recovery After Surgery outcomes was length of stay (55.3%) followed by postoperative ileus (31.6%). Age, sex, the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification, and preoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System 10 scores were not significantly different between those who failed or succeeded, whereas length of stay was typically longer for those who failed Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (5.7 days failure vs 2.2 days success, P < .001). Patients with a previous mental health diagnosis, where depression and anxiety were most common, had significantly lower odds of successfully meeting expected Enhanced Recovery After Surgery outcomes (odds ratio of 0.23, 95% confidence interval: 0.09-0.55, P = .001). CONCLUSION: Patients with a mental health diagnosis have a lower likelihood of successfully meeting expected Enhanced Recovery After Surgery outcomes. The majority of these patients self-report normal mental and physical health preoperatively, indicating that even well-controlled mental health diagnoses have a negative impact on Enhanced Recovery After Surgery success.

Implementation of a Standardized Sub-Intern Curriculum Improves Confidence for those Entering a Surgical Residency.

OBJECTIVE: Medical students often feel underprepared entering surgical residency. We have previously reported the results of a sub-intern needs assessment (SINA) which informed the creation of a standardized sub-internship curriculum. We aimed to determine if implementation of this curriculum into students' scheduled rotations would improve student confidence in their abilities related to the AAMC Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency (CEPAERs). DESIGN: We surveyed 4th year medical students during their surgery sub-internship. Sub-interns participated in a weekly series of 2-hour didactic sessions. We utilized interactive lectures and case scenarios addressing the pertinent topics identified in our previous needs assessment. The surveys were administered before and after the rotation and linked using unique identifiers. The surveys assessed confidence in each of the CEPAERs as well as the top 25 topics prioritized by our needs assessment. Self-reported confidence in each of the topics was measured using Likert scales (CEPAER scale 1-5, SINA scale 1-6). Pre- and post-curriculum confidence on a variety of topics were compared using paired t-tests. SETTING: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, a tertiary-care academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Fourth year medical students participating in their general surgery sub-internship. RESULTS: Twelve medical students participated in general and thoracic surgery sub-internships over the course of the study period. Ten (83%) participated in the didactic curriculum and they all completed both the pre- and postsurvey. 100% of the respondents agreed that the curriculum provided a useful supplement to their clinical experience. With respect to the CEPAERs, students reported improved confidence in 77% of the areas, with statistically significant increases occurring in the following areas: ability to prioritize a differential diagnosis (average Likert rating improved from 3.7 to 4.1, p = 0.04), comfort entering and discussing orders (2.9-3.8, p = 0.007), and overall preparedness to be a surgical intern (3.2-3.8, p = 0.02). Students also reported improvement in confidence in 92% of the basic intern responsibility topics, with statistically significant increases in maintenance fluid calculations (Likert rating 3.5-4.5, p = 0.001), repleting electrolytes (3.8-4.6, p = 0.01), interpretation of chest and abdominal x-rays (4-5, p = 0.02; 3.6-4.5, p=0.004, respectively), management of oliguria (3.2-3.8, p = 0.02), and time management/organization skills (4.5-5.4, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a standardized sub-intern curriculum improved student confidence in 33 of the 38 basic intern responsibilities, core Entrustable Professional Activities, and overall preparedness to be a surgical intern. While limited by a single institution design, we believe these results offer a new avenue for educating and preparing medical students for residency within their existing sub-internships.

Deep sleep and beeps II: Sleep quality improvement project in general surgery patients.

BACKGROUND: Poor sleep leads to poor health outcomes. Phase I of our sleep quality improvement project showed severe sleep disturbance in the ward setting. We implemented a novel PostOp Pack to improve sleep quality. METHODS: Patients underwent elective, general surgery procedures. Fitbit trackers measured total sleep time. Patients completed the inpatient Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, which combines 5 domains into a cumulative score (0-100). Patients completed the outpatient Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients received the PostOp Pack, which included physical items and a sleep-protective order set to reduce nighttime awakenings. Patients from phase I served as the historical control. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients with Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire total sleep score ≥50. The secondary outcomes included the mean Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire domain scores and Fitbit total sleep time. RESULTS: A total of 49 patients were compared with 64 historical controls. The percentage of patients with a total sleep score ≥50 was significantly higher in patients receiving a PostOp Pack versus historical control (69% vs. 44%, difference 26%, 95% confidence interval 6.1-45%, P = .01). The mean Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire Total Sleep Score was significantly higher in patients with a PostOp Pack (62 vs 49, mean difference 13, 95% confidence interval 6-21, P ≤ .01). The PostOp Pack Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire domain scores were significantly higher in various areas: Sleep Latency (68 vs 49, P ≤ .01), Awakenings (56 vs 40, P = .01), Sleep Quality (61 vs 49, P = .02), and Noise Disturbance (70 vs 59, P = .04). Of all patients, 92% would use PostOp Pack again in a future hospitalization. No patients had a failure to rescue event with PostOp Pack. The mean total sleep time was significantly improved with PostOp Pack on night 1 (6.4 vs 4.7 hours, P = .03). CONCLUSION: The PostOp Pack improves inpatient sleep quality and is safe.

Current Barriers in Robotic Surgery Training for General Surgery Residents.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the current barriers in robotic surgery training for general surgery residents. DESIGN: Multi-institutional web-based survey. SETTING: 9 academic medical centers with a general surgery residency. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery residents of at least PGY-3 training level. RESULTS: 163 general surgery residents were contacted with 80 responses (49.1%). The most common responders were PGY-3s (38.8%) followed by PGY-5s (27.5%). The Northeast represented 42.5% of responses. Colorectal cases were the most common robotic case residents were involved in (51.3%). Residents' typical roles were assisting at the bedside (31.3%) and splitting time between assisting at the bedside and operating at the surgeon console (31.3%). 43% report to be either extremely or somewhat dissatisfied with their robotic surgery experience. 62.5% report they do not intend to integrate robotic surgery into their future practice. 93.8% of residents have a standardized robotic curriculum. 47.5% report using the simulator only during required didactic time with 52.5% having the robotic simulator conveniently located. The majority of residents report that the presence of dual consoles and first-assists in robotic cases enhance their robotic training (93% - 62%, respectively). 72.5% felt like they had more autonomy during laparoscopic cases and 96.8% of residents felt that an attendings' lack of experience impacted their time operating at the surgeon console. CONCLUSIONS: General surgery residents report lack of effective OR teaching, real clinical experience, and simulated experience as main barriers in their robotic surgery training. Dual consoles and first-assistants are favorably looked upon. Lack of attending experience and comfort were universally negatively associated with resident participation. For residents interested in robotic surgery, advocating for more robust investment in dual consoles, first-assistants, and faculty development would likely improve their robotic surgery training experience. However, residency programs should consider whether robotic surgery should be a core competency of an already time restricted training paradigm.

Rotavirus infection of murine small intestine causes colonic secretion via age restricted galanin-1 receptor expression.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Mechanisms for age restriction of rotavirus diarrhea are unclear. Because rotavirus primarily infects small intestine, colonic contribution has not been widely studied. Recent data suggest that colonic secretion postbacterial infection is mediated by galanin-1 receptors (Gal1-R). We evaluated age-dependent expression of Gal1-R in Rhesus rotavirus (RRV)-infected mice and its contribution to fluid secretion. METHODS: Twenty-four hours after infection of C57BL/6J mice (wild type or Gal1-R knockout) with RRV or vehicle, closed small intestinal and colon loops were constructed. Net fluid content of the loops was calculated (milligrams/centimeters) at 2 hours post-treatment with galanin, galanin antibody, or lidocaine. Gal1-R expression was quantified by automated chromogen analysis. RESULTS: Viral antigen was detected in small intestinal epithelial cells but not in colon. Developmental Gal1-R was widely expressed in the small intestine but minimally in the colon. Postinfection, markedly increased Gal1-R was seen in the colon but not after day 25. Galanin caused a significantly higher increase in the net fluid content of infected colon than small intestine. Treatment with lidocaine reduced net fluid secretion in the small intestine and the colon. Mean diarrheal scores were significantly reduced in Gal1-R knockout mice compared with wild type (1.19 +/- 0.31, n = 22 vs 3.36 +/- 0.50, n = 35, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: These data show that RRV infection of the small intestine increases colonic secretion through Gal1-R and provide a promising start toward understanding the age restriction of rotavirus diarrhea.

Smoking and the association of advanced colorectal neoplasia in an asymptomatic average risk population: analysis of exposure and anatomical location in men and women.

BACKGROUND: Identifying risk factors for advanced colorectal adenomas may aid in colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, especially in light of the American College of Gastroenterology's recent guidelines, emphasizing cancer prevention through identification and removal of advanced adenomas. Smoking is an important risk factor for advanced adenomas but there is little data regarding levels of exposure for genders. METHODS: The aim of this study was to use an existing database to examine the genders separately with respect to exposure level and anatomic location of advanced adenomas. Our database was designed to study smoking in an asymptomatic, screening population. Data included demographics, family history of CRC, smoking exposure (pack-years and years smoked), alcohol, diabetes, medications, exercise and dietary history. We excluded patients with a first degree relative with CRC. RESULTS: Compared to non-smokers, female smokers had an increased risk for advanced adenomas with an exposure of 10-30 pack-years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.88-9.01) as well as for ≥30 pack-years (AOR = 2.54; 95% CI, 1.08-5.96) while men had an increased risk with smoking ≥30 pack-years (AOR = 3.10; 95% CI, 1.71-5.65). An increased association with smoking was observed for proximal advanced adenomas (AOR = 4.06; 95% CI, 1.62-10.19) and large hyperplastic polyps in women. CONCLUSIONS: Women smokers had an increased risk for advanced adenomas at a lower exposure level and had a greater risk for proximal lesions. These findings may have an impact on CRC screening for women.

A Targeted Needs Assessment for the Development of a Surgical Sub-internship Curriculum.

OBJECTIVE: Medical students often feel inadequately prepared for the responsibilities of surgical internship because of insufficient exposure to resident responsibilities prior to starting residency. This lack of preparation may contribute to burnout and attrition early in residency. Sub-internships should provide these experiences. Significant variation, however, exists in the structure of these rotations. We conducted a targeted needs assessment to inform the development of a didactic curriculum to address gaps in the surgical sub-internship experience and better prepare students for general surgery residency. DESIGN: A 25-item needs assessment survey was developed and distributed to senior medical students in their surgical sub-internship, current junior residents, and prior students (alumni) from the past 4 years who matched into general surgery residencies at other institutions. SETTING: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, a tertiary-care academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: Nine senior medical students; 12 current residents and 14 alumni, including 9 PGY-1, 13 PGY-2, and 4 PGY-3 residents. RESULTS: The topics rated most important by medical students were floor management topics, specifically lines, tubes, and drains, hypotension, post-operative fever, chest pain, oliguria, and post-operative pain. In contrast, there was a wider variety of topics rated highly by residents. Residents emphasized non-technical communication and documentation skills. Residents at every training level rated presenting patients on rounds as the most important skill for incoming interns to acquire, whereas only one-third of medical students considered this to be an essential topic. CONCLUSIONS: Medical students rank management of common clinical problems as the most critical aspect in their preparation for residency. Residents recognized these topics as important, but also placed high emphasis on non-technical communication and documentation skills. The findings from this need's assessment can be used to guide content structure for a sub-intern curriculum.

Poor Baseline Health of IBD Patients at Presentation to a Surgeon: Results From a Patient-Reported Outcomes Database.

Background: Many patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are referred to surgeons when medical treatments are ineffective, signifying poor disease control. We aimed to assess the association of IBD diagnosis with physical and mental health upon presentation to a colorectal surgeon. Methods: We included all new patients presenting to colorectal surgery clinic over 1.5 years. During registration, patients completed the PROMIS Global-10, a validated outcome measure assessing physical and mental health. We grouped patients by diagnosis: IBD, anorectal, benign colorectal, and malignancy. Details on IBD patients were obtained via chart review. We evaluated the interaction between PROMIS scores and diagnosis through ANOVA analysis and post hoc Tukey-Kramer pairwise comparison. We estimated the strength of association of age, sex, and visit diagnosis with poor physical and mental health (PROMIS: -1 SD) through logistic regression. Results: Eight hundred ninety-seven patients were included. The cohort was as follows: IBD (99) (Crohn = 73; ulcerative colitis = 26), anorectal (378), benign colorectal (224), and malignancy (196). The mean age of patients was 56 (±17) years. Fifty-seven percent were female. The IBD group was youngest (P < 0.001). IBD had significantly lower PROMIS scores on pairwise comparison; anorectal had the highest scores. Controlling for age and sex, the IBD group had 4.1× odds of poor physical health (95% confidence interval 2.46-6.76) and 2.9× odds of poor mental health (95% confidence interval 1.66-5.00). Conclusions: Patients with IBD, specifically Crohn disease, have worse physical and mental health on presentation to a colorectal surgeon compared to patients presenting with other colorectal diagnoses. These patients considering surgery might benefit from added support during the perioperative period.

Smokers as a high-risk group: data from a screening population.

GOAL: To determine the number of pack-years exposure associated with a 2-fold increase risk for significant colorectal neoplasia and to examine the risk of smoking in younger patients. BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking has been shown to be a significant risk factor for colorectal neoplasia and may be used to stratify patients for screening or triaging of screening resources. However, more information is needed regarding the amount of exposure required to significantly increase by 2-fold an individual's risk for colorectal neoplasia. METHODS: Data collected for 2707 patients presenting for screening colonoscopy included tobacco use measured in pack-years and known risk factors for colorectal neoplasia. Our outcome was endoscopically detected significant colorectal neoplasia that included large (>1 cm) tubular adenomas, villous adenomas, multiple (3 or more) adenomas, high-grade dysplasia, and adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: Patients who smoked more than 30 pack-years were more than 2 times more likely to have significant colorectal neoplasia than patients who never smoked (odds ratio: 2.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.65-3.50). For patients aged 40 to 49 years, smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to have significant colorectal neoplasia (odds ratio: 2.71; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-6.97). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who have smoked more than 30 pack-years had a more than 2-fold increase for significant colorectal neoplasia as compared with nonsmokers. The increased risk was also observed in younger patients. Our data have implications for screening guidelines.

Body mass index: a marker for significant colorectal neoplasia in a screening population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although some studies suggest a positive association between increasing body mass index (BMI) and risk for colorectal neoplasia, the impact on screening has not been examined. We performed a cross-sectional study to examine the association of BMI and colorectal neoplasia in a screening population. METHODS: Data collected for 2493 patients presenting for screening colonoscopy included known risk factors for colorectal neoplasia, demographic information, and lifestyle factors. Our outcome was the endoscopic detection of significant colorectal neoplasia which included adenocarcinoma, high-grade dysplasia, villous tissue, adenomas 1 cm or greater and multiple (>2) adenomas of any size. RESULTS: Overall, we observed an increased risk and prevalence for significant colorectal neoplasia in women as BMI increased (P value for trend <0.002). This relationship was the strongest for the women with a BMI > or =40 (odds ratios=4.26; 95% confidence intervals=2.00-9.11). There was no such relationship in our male population. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing BMI, in our population, was associated with an increase risk for colorectal neoplasia in female patients. This study reinforces the importance of screening colonoscopy especially in obese women.

Prevalence and risk of colorectal neoplasia in consumers of alcohol in a screening population.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although studies suggest a positive association between alcohol consumption and risk for colorectal neoplasia, the impact on screening has not been fully examined. It is also unclear whether all types of alcohol are associated with an increased risk. We performed a cross-sectional study to examine the impact of regular alcohol consumption on the detection of significant colorectal neoplasia in a screening population. METHODS: Data collected for 2,291 patients presenting for screening colonoscopy: known risk factors for colorectal neoplasia and alcohol drinking pattern. Our outcome was the endoscopic detection of significant colorectal neoplasia, which included adenocarcinoma, high-grade dysplasia, villous tissue, adenomas 1 cm or greater and multiple (>2) adenomas of any size. RESULTS: When compared to abstainers, we found an increased risk for significant neoplasia in those patients who consumed more than eight drinks of spirits alcohol (26.3%; OR = 2.53; 95% CI = 1.10-4.28; p < 0.01) and those who drank more than eight servings of beer per week (21.7%; OR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.11-5.32; p= 0.02). Consuming one to eight glasses of wine per week was associated with a decreased risk for significant neoplasia (OR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.34-0.87; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: While there was a more than twofold increased risk of significant colorectal neoplasia in people who drink spirits and beer, people who drank wine had a lower risk. In our sample, people who drank more than eight servings of beer or spirits per week had at least a one in five chance of having significant colorectal neoplasia detected by screening colonoscopy.

The cytokine osteopontin modulates the severity of rotavirus diarrhea.

Osteopontin (OPN) is a sialated phosphoprotein found in tissues and secreted into body fluids. It is an integrin ligand with pleiotropic functions as an extracellular matrix protein in mineralized tissues and a cytokine that is active in cell signaling (A. B. Tuck, C. Hota, S. M. Wilson, and A. F. Chambers, Oncogene 22:1198-1205, 2003). To determine whether OPN may be important in mucosal defense against viral pathogens, we evaluated the OPN response to rotavirus infection and the extent of diarrhea manifested by infected opn null mutant (opn-/-) mice. Reverse transcription-PCR, Northern and Western blots, and immunohistochemical studies of the HT-29 intestinal epithelial cell line and murine intestine were used to evaluate OPN mRNA and product. Intestinal closed loops and diarrheal observations determined disease severity and duration. OPN mRNA levels increased after infection of HT-29 cells, peaking in 4 to 6 h. Infected cultures contained 925 microg of OPN/ml, while for controls the levels were below detection (50 microg/ml). Infection increased OPN mRNA levels in intestinal tissue between 2 and 24 h postinoculation and increased OPN protein in intestinal fluid. The cellular localization of OPN was supranuclear and apical, and responding cells were diffusely distributed on the villus surface. Three days after infection, closed intestinal loops from opn-/- mice contained more fluid than loops from controls, although secretion levels at the onset of illness were similar. Null mutant mice experienced more intense and prolonged diarrhea than controls. Rotavirus infection of intestinal epithelial cells and murine intestine caused marked increases in OPN mRNA levels and secreted OPN protein. OPN-deficient mice suffered prolonged disease.