Analysis of pancreatic pseudocyst drainage procedural outcomes: a population based study.

BACKGROUND: A pancreatic pseudocyst is a collection of fluid surrounded by a well-defined wall that contains no solid material. Studies on outcomes of pancreatic pseudocyst drainage have largely been limited to small cohorts. This study aims to take a population based approach to evaluate differences in inpatient outcomes among laparoscopic, percutaneous, and endoscopic drainage for pancreatic pseudocysts. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample database was used to identify inpatient stays for pancreatic pseudocysts in which a single drainage approach was conducted. Baseline characteristic differences were compared with Rao-Scott chi squared and Mann-Whitney U tests. Propensity score matching controlling for clinical and demographic covariates followed by multivariable regression was used to pairwise compare drainage outcomes. Primary outcomes were length of stay, total charge, mortality, and disposition. Secondary outcomes were procedure related complication rates. RESULTS: Among a total of 35,640 weighted pancreatic pseudocyst cases, 3235 underwent drainage via a single procedure. Percutaneous was the most frequent drainage method performed (44.5%) and was more likely to be performed at nonteaching hospitals than laparoscopic (17% vs 9%, p = 0.04). Percutaneous drainage was associated with longer LOS (aIRR 1.42, 95% CI 1.07-1.86, p = 0.01) versus endoscopic and lower rates of routine disposition (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.23-0.89, p = 0.02) relative to endoscopic and laparoscopic (aOR 0.41, 95% CI 0.27-0.61, p < 0.01) drainage. There were no differences in primary outcomes in laparoscopic versus endoscopic drainage. Percutaneous drainage was associated with higher rates of septic shock than laparoscopic drainage (aOR 2.59, 95% CI 1.15-5.82, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic and laparoscopic pancreatic pseudocyst drainage are associated with the least short term procedure related complications and more favorable in-hospital outcomes compared to percutaneous approaches. However, percutaneous drainage was the most commonly performed method in the 2017 NIS database.

Economic evaluation of robotic and laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: Robotic approach in paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair may improve outcomes over laparoscopic approach, though at additional cost. This study aimed to compare cost-effectiveness of robotic and laparoscopic PEH repair. METHODS: A decision tree was created analyzing cost-effectiveness of robotic and laparoscopic PEH repair. Costs were obtained from 2021 Medicare data and were accumulated within 60 months after surgery. Effectiveness was measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Branch-point probabilities and costs of robotic surgery consumables were obtained from published literature. The primary outcome of interest was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). One-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. A secondary analysis including attributable capital and maintenance costs of robotic surgery was conducted as well. RESULTS: Laparoscopic repair yielded 3.660 QALYs at $35,843.82. Robotic repair yielded 3.661 QALYs at $36,342.57, with an ICER of $779,488.62/QALY. Robotic repair was favored when rates of open conversion and symptom recurrence were low, or with reduced cost of robotic instruments. A probabilistic sensitivity analysis favored laparoscopic repair in 100% of simulations. When accounting for costs of robotic technology, robotic approach was preferred only in unrealistic clinical scenarios. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic repair is likely more cost-effective for most institutions, though results were relatively similar. With experienced surgeons who surpass the initial learning curve, robotic surgery may improve outcomes enough to be cost-effective, but only when excluding capital and maintenance fees.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of infected necrotizing pancreatitis management in an academic setting.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Traditional management for infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) often utilizes open necrosectomy, which carries high morbidity and complication rates. Thus, minimally invasive strategies have gained favor, specifically step-up approaches utilizing endoscopic or minimally-invasive surgery (MIS); however, the ideal management modality for INP has not been identified. METHODS: A decision tree model was designed to analyze costs and survival associated with open necrosectomy, endoscopic step-up, and MIS step-up protocols for management of INP after 4 weeks of necrosis development with adequate retroperitoneal access. Costs were based on a third-party payer perspective using Medicare reimbursement rates. The model's effectiveness was represented by quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Sensitivity analyses were performed to validate results. RESULTS: Endoscopic step-up was the dominant economic strategy with 7.92 QALYs for $90,864.09. Surgical step-up resulted in a decrease of 0.09 QALYs and a cost increase of $10,067.89 while open necrosectomy resulted in a decrease of 0.4 QALYs and an increased cost of $18,407.52 over endoscopic step-up. In 100,000 random-sampling simulations, 65.5% of simulations favored endoscopic step-up. MIS step-up was favored when MIS acute mortality rates fell and when MIS drainage success rates rose. CONCLUSIONS: In our simulated patients with INP, the most cost-effective management strategy is endoscopic step-up. Cost-effectiveness varies with changes in acute mortality and drainage success, which will depend on local expertise.

Comparison of mastectomy and breast reconstruction outcomes using low thermal dissection versus traditional electrocautery: a blinded randomized trial.

INTRODUCTION: PlasmaBlade® is a thermal dissection device that may allow for improved perfusion of the mastectomy flap by limiting thermal injury. In this study we aim to compare the mastectomy flap perfusion using PlasmaBlade® versus traditional electrocautery. METHODS: Patients undergoing bilateral mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction were recruited. The right and left breasts of each patient were randomized to dissection with PlasmaBlade® or standard electrocautery. Randomization was performed using random sequences on the day of surgery and was blinded to the plastic surgeon. Mastectomy flap perfusion was assessed following completion of the mastectomy using intra-operative fluoroscopy and plastic surgeon review. Surgical site drainage and pain score were measured. Sign tests were employed to assess differences in perfusion and Wilcoxon paired test for the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty patients were enrolled in the study with median age of 40.5 years and median BMI of 26 kg/m2. In 18 patients (90%), perfusion was assessed to be better on the side of the PlasmaBlade® dissection. Median daily drainage over a 7-day period was 51 cc (IQR 35-61) on the PlasmaBlade® side and 44 cc (IQR 31-61) on the control side. Median pain score on the PlasmaBlade® side was 4.0 (IQR 2.3-5.9) and 4.4 (IQR 2.9-6) on the control side. No skin necrosis was noted in either groups. CONCLUSION: Use of PlasmaBlade® appears to be a safe and reliable technique to perform mastectomy and breast reconstruction with equivalent outcomes to traditional electrocautery. Although, mastectomy skin flap perfusion was rated better intra-operatively for the PlasmaBlade® group, both cohorts had comparable outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03711916 Level of Evidence: I (Randomized trial).

Role of membrane-tension gated Ca2+ flux in cell mechanosensation.

Eukaryotic cells are sensitive to mechanical forces they experience from the environment. The process of mechanosensation is complex, and involves elements such as the cytoskeleton and active contraction from myosin motors. Ultimately, mechanosensation is connected to changes in gene expression in the cell, known as mechanotransduction. While the involvement of the cytoskeleton in mechanosensation is known, the processes upstream of cytoskeletal changes are unclear. In this paper, by using a microfluidic device that mechanically compresses live cells, we demonstrate that Ca2+ currents and membrane tension-sensitive ion channels directly signal to the Rho GTPase and myosin contraction. In response to membrane tension changes, cells actively regulate cortical myosin contraction to balance external forces. The process is captured by a mechanochemical model where membrane tension, myosin contraction and the osmotic pressure difference between the cytoplasm and extracellular environment are connected by mechanical force balance. Finally, to complete the picture of mechanotransduction, we find that the tension-sensitive transcription factor YAP family of proteins translocate from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in response to mechanical compression.

The effect of 1-day multidisciplinary clinic on breast cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: A delay in breast cancer treatment is associated with inferior survival outcomes; however, no clear guidelines exist defining the appropriate time frame from diagnosis to definitive treatment of breast cancer. A multidisciplinary approach for breast cancer treatment can minimize the time from diagnosis to first treatment. We hypothesized single-day multidisciplinary clinic (MDC) may accelerate the time to first treatment on complex breast cancer cases at our institution. METHODS: We identified patients who were treated at Johns Hopkins for stage II or III breast cancer, who were at least 18 years of age, and were seen in a new single-day MDC with coordination between two or three specialties or by specialists from varying disciplines on different days (IDC). Patients who initiated treatment between May 2015 (initiation of MDC clinic) and December 2017 were included in our study. RESULTS: A total of 296 patient records were reviewed independently. The mean (SD) patient age was 55 (13) years. The median time to first neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) was significantly reduced for patients seen in the MDC (12.7 days), compared to those seen at the IDC (24.4 days, logrank p < 0.001). The median time to definitive surgery was similar between groups (31 and 32 days for the MDC and IDC cohorts, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A single-day MDC visit is associated with a reduced time from diagnosis to NACT. Further studies are needed to determine if a shorter interval can improve the management and the outcome of complex breast cancer cases.

Total Gastrectomy for CDH-1 Mutation Carriers: An Institutional Experience.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related death across the world. A subset of gastric cancers demonstrates an inherited genetic predisposition. Individuals with germline mutations in the CDH1 gene incur a lifetime risk for diffuse gastric cancer and benefit from prophylactic gastrectomy. The results for this operative intervention remain relatively undescribed in the literature, despite guidelines supporting its use. METHODS: We present a single-institution series of patients with confirmed CDH1 mutations who underwent gastrectomy. We describe their presenting symptoms, preoperative screening, clinicopathologic features, and outcomes. Focal outcomes of interest are weight loss and postoperative morbidity. RESULTS: Between 2010 and 2018, ten patients with a confirmed CDH1 mutation underwent total gastrectomy with intestinal pouch reconstruction at our institution. Two patients had clinical gastric cancer at the time of their operation at 21 and 60 y of age. Eight patients had prophylactic gastrectomy. All prophylactic patients had undergone prior endoscopic screening without detection of cancer; however, three had occult gastric cancer on pathological examination. Median weight loss after gastrectomy was 10 kg at 6 mo and 11 kg at 1 y. Postoperative morbidity was limited to one anastomotic leak, one hematoma, and one case of pneumonia. All patients remain disease-free with median follow-up of 19 mo. CONCLUSIONS: Total gastrectomy for patients with a CDH1 mutation is a cancer-preventing operation for a high-risk population. For this series, jejunal pouch reconstruction was performed with encouragingly low postoperative morbidity, weight loss, and good subjective function.

Pure fat grafting for breast reconstruction: An alternative autologous breast reconstruction.

Plastic surgeons offer various options for breast reconstruction based on patient preference, underlying disease, and comorbidities. An alternative form of breast reconstruction exists, which includes tissue expansion with tissue expander and subsequent fat grafting without the use of implant or flap. We retrospectively reviewed the breast cancer patients who underwent breast reconstruction at our institution to identify those with pure fat grafting. Demographic information, complications, operative details, and BREAST-Q scores were abstracted. From 2010-2015, 10 patients were identified. Patients with unilateral or bilateral mastectomy followed by pure fat grafting had a median of 3.5 or 4 sessions and a total median fat grafting volume of 380 or 974.5 cc, respectively. Patients were followed for 12 months, and no complications or breast cancer recurrences were noted. Finally, BREAST-Q scores at the 12-month follow-up were comparable to the preoperative values.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: Management and predictors of recurrence in 474 patients.

Idiopathic Granulomatous Mastitis (IGM) is an uncommon inflammatory disease of the breast, with similar presentations as breast cancer and a relatively high recurrence rate. We reviewed the demographics, clinical presentations, and treatment modalities of a large cohort of patients in Iran. Most of the patients had history of pregnancy and breastfeeding. The most common clinical finding was pain and a palpable mass, respectively. Most of the patients received medical treatment, and about half of the patients had surgery. The recurrence rate was 24.8%, and breast skin lesions were associated with a significantly higher odds of recurrence.

Paget Disease of the Breast in Pregnancy and Lactation.

Paget's disease of the breast (PDB) is a rare breast carcinoma believed to arise from an underlying in situ or invasive ductal cancer that migrates through the epidermis causing characteristic skin changes including scaling, redness, and itching of the nipple, areola, and sometimes the surrounding skin. Although Paget's may mimic benign conditions such as contact or allergic eczema and mastitis, it should remain a strong consideration in the differential diagnosis , especially in peripartum women for whom benign conditions such as bacterial mastitis from breastfeeding are common. The workup of Paget's should focus on both making the diagnosis with nipple/skin scrape cytology or punch biopsy as well as evaluating any underlying mass with mammogram, breast ultrasound , and also a core needle biopsy , if required. Treatment focuses on management of the underlying breast cancer as usual. The purpose of this chapter is to describe the presentation of PDB as well as outline an approach to its diagnosis and management, especially in the setting of pregnancy and lactation.

Concerns of Hereditary Breast Cancer in Pregnancy and Lactation.

Genetic testing should be offered to all women less than 40 years of age who are diagnosed with breast cancer, and patients with PABC are generally among them. However, there is no specific study about these cases, and whether genetic testing should be carried out during or after pregnancy is not known. Generally, testing before delivery should only be performed if positive results change management plans, such as undergoing fetal testing and choosing mastectomy instead of breast conserving surgery.

The microbiome and breast cancer: a review.

The human microbiome plays an integral role in physiology, with most microbes considered benign or beneficial. However, some microbes are known to be detrimental to human health, including organisms linked to cancers and other diseases characterized by aberrant inflammation. Dysbiosis, a state of microbial imbalance with harmful bacteria species outcompeting benign bacteria, can lead to maladies including cancer. The microbial composition varies across body sites, with the gut, urogenital, and skin microbiomes particularly well characterized. However, the microbiome associated with normal breast tissue and breast diseases is poorly understood. Collectively, studies have shown that breast tissue has a distinct microbiome with particular species enriched in the breast tissue itself, as well as the nipple aspirate and gut bacteria of women with breast cancer. More importantly, the breast and associated microbiomes may modulate therapeutic response and serve as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and staging breast cancer.

Irrigation Versus Suction in Laparoscopic Appendectomy for Complicated Appendicitis: A Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is currently one of the most common surgical emergencies. Intra-abdominal abscesses (IAA) are a fearsome complication, which may occur. Irrigation during the appendectomy is one of the factors suggested to affect the rates of IAA. We sought to investigate the evidence regarding the use of irrigation versus suction alone and the development of IAA after laparoscopic appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, and the Web of Science through November 10, 2017, according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We extracted information of interest, including rates of postoperative (IAA), and performed meta-analysis using random-effects model using the RevMan software. RESULTS: We identified five eligible studies with 2511 patients in total. Use of irrigation overall did not demonstrate significant increase in IAA (odds ratio [OR] = 2.39, 95% confidence interval [CI; 0.49, 11.74], P = 0.28). For the adult subpopulation, the use of irrigation was associated with nonsignificant lower odds of IAAs (OR = 0.42, 95% CI [0.15, 1.16]), whereas in pediatric with nonsignificant higher risk (OR = 2.98, 95% CI [0.25, 35.34]). Performance of irrigation led to the addition of, on average, 7 min to the duration of the operation (mean difference = 7.16, 95% CI [3.23, 11.09], P < 0.001). Irrigation did not affect postoperative length of stay (mean difference = -0.80, 95% CI [-2.30, 0.69], P = 0.29). CONCLUSIONS: Performance of irrigation during laparoscopic appendectomy does not seem to prevent the development of IAA in neither adults nor pediatric patients.

Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Management: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

Across the nation, patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) are managed with modalities including upfront surgery (US) and perioperative chemotherapy (PCT). Preoperative therapies have demonstrated survival benefits over US and thus long-term outcomes are expected to vary between the options. However, as these 2 modalities continue to be regularly employed, we sought to perform a decision analysis comparing the costs and quality-of-life associated with the treatment of patients with LAGC to identify the most cost-effective option. We designed a decision tree model to investigate the survival and costs associated with the most commonly utilized management modalities for LAGC in the United States: US and PCT. The tree described costs and treatment strategies over a 6-month time horizon. Costs were derived from 2022 Medicare reimbursement rates using the third-party payer perspective for physicians and hospitals. Effectiveness was represented using quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). One-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were utilized to test the robustness of our findings. PCT was the most cost-effective treatment modality for patients with LAGC over US with a cost of $40,792.16 yielding 3.11 QALYs. US has a cost of $55,575.57 while yielding 3.15 QALYs; the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $369,585.25. One-way and two-way sensitivity analyses favored PCT in all variations of variables across their standard deviations. Across 100,000 Monte Carlo simulations, 100% of trials favored PCT. In our model simulating patients with LAGC, the most cost-effective treatment strategy was PCT. While US demonstrated improved QALYs over PCT, the associated cost was too great to justify its use.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of robotic cholecystectomy in the treatment of benign gallbladder disease.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the current standard of care treatment for benign gallbladder disease. Robotic cholecystectomy is another approach for performing cholecystectomy that offers a surgeon better dexterity and visualization. However, robotic cholecystectomy may increase cost without sufficient evidence to suggest an improvement in clinical outcomes. The purpose of this study was to construct a decision tree model to compare cost-effectiveness of laparoscopic cholecystectomy and robotic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Complication rates and effectiveness associated with robotic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic cholecystectomy over a 1-year time frame were compared using a decision tree model populated with data from the published literature. Cost was calculated using Medicare data. Effectiveness was represented by quality-adjusted life-years. The primary outcome of the study was incremental cost-effectiveness ratio, which compares the cost per quality-adjusted life-year of the 2 interventions. The willingness-to-pay threshold was set at $100,000/quality-adjusted life-year. Results were confirmed with 1-way, 2-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analyses varying branch-point probabilities. RESULTS: The studies used in our analysis included 3,498 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy, 1,833 patients who underwent robotic cholecystectomy, and 392 patients who required conversion to open cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy produced 0.9722 quality-adjusted life-years, costing $9,370.06. Robotic cholecystectomy produced an additional 0.0017 quality-adjusted life-years at an additional $3,013.64. These results equate to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $1,795,735.21/quality-adjusted life-year. This exceeds the willingness-to-pay threshold, making laparoscopic cholecystectomy the more cost-effective strategy. Sensitivity analyses did not alter results. CONCLUSION: Traditional laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the more cost-effective treatment modality for benign gallbladder disease. At present, robotic cholecystectomy is not able to improve clinical outcomes enough to justify its added cost.

Neoadjuvant Treatment Versus Upfront Surgery in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis.

PURPOSE: Pancreatic cancer (PC) has an overall 5-year survival rate of 10%. The use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation is debated in resectable disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by pancreaticoduodenectomy (NACRT) versus upfront pancreaticoduodenectomy and adjuvant chemotherapy (USR) in resectable PC. METHODS: A decision tree model was used to estimate the cost-effectiveness of NACRT versus USR. Values from the published literature populate the tree: costs from Medicare (FY2021) reimbursements, and morbidity and survival data for quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). Patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma who qualified for resection were included. The ICER was the primary outcome. The model was validated using one-way and two-way deterministic, as well as probabilistic sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: The base case was modeled using a 65-year-old male. NACRT yielded 1.61 QALYs at $45,483.52 USD. USR yielded 1.47 QALYs at a discount of $6,840.96 USD. The ICER was $48,130 USD, which favors NACRT. One-way sensitivity analyses upheld these results except when ≤ 21.0% of NACRT patients proceeded to surgery and when ≤ 85.4% of NACRT patients were resectable at surgery. Two-way sensitivity analyses also favored NACRT except in cases when the proportion of resected disease after NACRT decreased. NACRT was favored in 94.3% of 100,000 random-sampling simulations. CONCLUSION: It is more cost-effective to administer NACRT before surgery for patients with resectable PC. On the basis of sensitivity analyses, USR with adjuvant therapy is only favored if rates of resection and eligibility for resection after NACRT decrease. NACRT should be considered in all patients unless there is an absolute contraindication.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy for head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma using the Brigham and Women's staging system: a cost analysis.

The objective is to determine the cost-effectiveness of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) according to the Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) Tumor Staging system. A decision analysis was utilized to examine costs and outcomes associated with the use of SLNB in patients with high-risk head and neck CSCC. Decision tree outcome probabilities were obtained from published literature. Costs were derived from Medicare reimbursement rates (US$) and effectiveness was represented by quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). The primary outcome was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), with a willingness-to-pay set at $100,000 per QALY gained. SLNB was found to be a cost-effective tool for patients with T3 tumors, with an ICER of $18,110.57. Withholding SLNB was the dominant strategy for both T2a and T2b lesions, with ICERs of - $2468.99 and - $16,694.00, respectively. Withholding SLNB remained the dominant strategy when examining immunosuppressed patients with T2a or T2b lesions. In patients with head and neck CSCC, those with T3 or T2b lesions with additional risk factors not accounted for in the staging system alone, may be considered for SLNB, while in other tumor stages it may be impractical. SLNB should only be offered on an individual patient basis.

Pancreatic Cancer Biopsy Modalities: Comparing Insurance Status, Length of Stay, and Hospital Complications Based on Percutaneous, Endoscopic, and Surgical Biopsy Methods.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed histologically through percutaneous biopsy (PB), endoscopic biopsy (EB), or surgical biopsy (SB). Factors and outcomes associated with method type are not clearly understood. We aimed to evaluate the relationship between insurance status, length of hospital stay (LOS), complications, and different pancreatic biopsy modalities. STUDY: The 2001-2013 database from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for those with pancreatic cancer who underwent biopsies using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) codes. Data regarding insurance status, hospital stay, demographics, and complications were analyzed using chi-square and multivariate analysis with α < 0.001. RESULTS: A total of 824,162 patients with pancreatic cancer were identified. Uninsured and Medicaid patients were more likely to get PB compared to SB. Patients were more likely to have acute renal failure (ARF) with an EB compared to SB. Patients were more likely to have a urinary tract infection (UTI) with EB or PB compared to SB. All biopsy types were less likely to have pneumonia; pancreatitis was more prevalent in EB compared to PB and SB. CONCLUSIONS: Uninsured and Medicaid patients were most likely to have a PB compared to EB despite unclear indications which may represent an underlying discrepancy in healthcare utilization. EB patients had the shortest LOS while SB patients stayed three more days; those who underwent a combination of biopsies had the greatest LOS. Patients with EB were more likely to develop ARF, UTI, and pancreatitis than SB, possibly attributed to the advanced nature of endoscopic ultrasound. It is important to establish appropriate algorithm contributors to guide decision-making.

Colon cancer epidemiology, race and socioeconomic status: Comparing trends in counties served by an urban hospital in Newark, NJ with overall NJ-state and nation-wide patterns.

PURPOSE: Disparities in colorectal cancer (CRC) trends are linked with socioeconomic status (SES) and race. To better understand the colon cancer trends at our medical center, this study characterizes the racial and socioeconomic profile of the population served by our center to identify modifiable risk factors amenable to interventions. METHODS: Colon cancer data from our center as well as New Jersey (NJ) and United States (US) were obtained from National Cancer Database. Demographic data on race and SES for NJ counties were obtained from public databases that sourced data from the American Community Survey and the US census. We compared the odds of being diagnosed with early-onset and late-stage colon cancer (III or IV), respectively in NJ and US, across different racial groups. We also quantified the association between Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and age-adjusted CRC mortality in NJ counties, with and without accounting for the racial composition of each county. RESULTS: In 2015, our center recorded higher proportions of late-stage and early-onset colon cancer diagnoses compared to all hospitals in NJ and US. Trends for stage and patient age at diagnosis of colon cancer for NJ and the US (2010-2019) showed that Black, Hispanic, and Asian/Pacific Islander individuals had greater odds of being diagnosed with early-onset (age<50) and late-stage colon cancer (Stage III/IV) when compared to White population. NJ counties served by our center showed an overrepresentation of either Black or Hispanic-Latino populations and reported significant disadvantage in SES. For NJ counties, each 25 percentile increase in social vulnerability was associated with 1.04 times the rate of age-adjusted colorectal cancer death (95 % CI: 1.00-1.07). CONCLUSION: Public data on race and SES of the target population can help identify areas of social disparities at the county-level to guide targeted interventions such as improving healthcare access and screening rates.

Perineal reconstruction after radical pelvic surgery: A cost-effectiveness analysis.

BACKGROUND: Radical resection of pelvic and low rectal malignancies leads to complex reconstructive challenges. Many pelvic reconstruction options have been described including primary closure, omental flaps, and various fasciocutaneous and myocutaneous flaps. Little consensus exists in the literature on which of the various options in the reconstructive armamentarium provides a superior outcome. The authors of this study set out to determine the costs and quality-of-life outcomes of primary closure, vertical rectus abdominus muscle flap, gluteal thigh flap, and gracilis flap to aid surgeons in identifying an optimal reconstructive algorithm. METHODS: A decision tree analysis was performed to analyze the cost, complications, and quality-of-life associated with reconstruction by primary closure, gluteal thigh flap, vertical rectus abdominus muscle flap, and gracilis flap. Costs were derived from Medicare reimbursement rates (FY2021), while quality-adjusted life-years were obtained from the literature. RESULTS: Gluteal thigh flap was the most cost-effective treatment strategy with an overall cost of $62,078.28 with 6.54 quality-adjusted life-years and an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $5,649.43. Gluteal thigh flap was always favored as the most cost-effective treatment strategy in our 1-way sensitivity analysis. Gracilis flap became more cost-effective than gluteal thigh flap, in the scenario where gluteal thigh flap complication rates increased by roughly 4% higher than gracilis flap complication rates. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that, when available, gluteal thigh flap be the first-line option for reconstruction of pelvic defects as it provides the best quality-of-life at the most cost-effective price point. However, future studies directly comparing outcomes of gluteal thigh flap to vertical rectus abdominus muscle and gracilis flap are needed to further delineate superiority.