Errors in Surgery: A Case Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: While errors can harm patients they remain poorly studied. This study characterized errors in the care of surgical patients and examined the association of errors with morbidity and mortality. BACKGROUND: Errors have been reported to cause <10% or >60% of adverse events. Such discordant results underscore the need for further exploration of the relationship between error and adverse events. METHODS: Patients with operations performed at a single institution and abstracted into the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2018 were examined. This matched case control study comprised cases who experienced a postoperative morbidity or mortality. Controls included patients without morbidity or mortality, matched 2:1 using age (±10 years), sex, and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) group. Two faculty surgeons independently reviewed records for each case and control patient to identify diagnostic, technical, judgment, medication, system, or omission errors. A conditional multivariable logistic regression model examined the association between error and morbidity. RESULTS: Of 1899 patients, 170 were defined as cases who experienced a morbidity or mortality. The majority of cases (n=93; 55%) had at least 1 error; of the 329 matched control patients, 112 had at least 1 error (34%). Technical errors occurred most often among both cases (40%) and controls (23%). Logistic regression demonstrated a strong independent relationship between error and morbidity (odds ratio=2.67, 95% confidence interval: 1.64-4.35, P <0.001). CONCLUSION: Errors in surgical care were associated with postoperative morbidity. Reducing errors requires measurement of errors.

Bariatric surgery reduces long-term rates of cardiac events and need for coronary revascularization: a propensity-matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and obesity-related comorbidities are associated with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Bariatric surgery results in durable weight loss and improvement in numerous CAD risk factors, yet limited data exist on CAD-related outcomes. We hypothesized that bariatric surgery would lead to decreased risk of CAD and reduced rates of coronary revascularization procedures. METHODS: All patients who underwent bariatric surgery at a single medical center from 1985 to 2015 were identified. A control population of morbidly obese patients who did not undergo bariatric surgery was identified using an institutional clinical data repository over the same study period, propensity score matched 1:1 on patient demographics and comorbidities including cardiac history. Univariate analyses were performed to compare outcomes in the surgery and non-surgery groups. RESULTS: A total of 3410 bariatric surgery patients and 45,750 non-surgical patients were identified. After 1:1 propensity-score matching, a total of 3242 patients in each group were found to be well balanced in baseline characteristics and risk factors. With a median follow-up of greater than 6 years, the surgery group had significantly lower rates of myocardial infarction (1.8% vs. 10.0%; RR 0.18), coronary catheterization (1.9% vs. 8.8%; RR 0.22), percutaneous coronary intervention (0.4% vs. 7.8%; RR 0.05), and coronary artery bypass grafting (0.6% vs. 2.3%; RR 0.26). Similar benefits were observed for subgroups of patients with and without diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of myocardial infarction as well as lower rates of coronary revascularization in a propensity-matched cohort of morbidly obese patients. Though the retrospective nature of this study may have introduced a degree of selection bias, these outcomes support increased utilization of bariatric surgery for the prevention of heart disease.

Socioeconomically Distressed Communities Associated With Long-term Mortality After Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical outcomes are affected by socioeconomic status, yet these factors are poorly accounted for in clinical databases. We sought to determine if the Distressed Communities Index (DCI), a composite ranking by zip code that quantifies socioeconomic risk, was associated with long-term survival after bariatric surgery. METHODS: All patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (1985-2004) at a single institution were paired with DCI. Scores range from 0 (no distress) to 100 (severe distress) and account for unemployment, education, poverty, median income, housing vacancies, job growth, and business establishment growth. Distressed communities, defined as DCI ≥75, were compared with all other patients. Regression modeling was used to evaluate the effect of DCI on 10-year bariatric outcomes, whereas Cox Proportional Hazards and Kaplan-Meier analysis examined long-term survival. RESULTS: Gastric bypass patients (n = 681) come from more distressed communities compared with the general public (DCI 60.5 ± 23.8 versus 50 ± 10; P < 0.0001). A total of 221 (32.3%) patients came from distressed communities (DCI ≥75). These patients had similar preoperative characteristics, including BMI (51.5 versus 51.7 kg/m2; P = 0.63). Socioeconomic status did not affect 10-year bariatric outcomes, including percent reduction in excess body mass index (57% versus 58%; P = 0.93). However, patients from distressed communities had decreased risk-adjusted long-term survival (hazard ratio, 1.38; P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low socioeconomic status, as determined by the DCI, have equivalent outcomes after bariatric surgery despite worse long-term survival. Future quality improvement efforts should focus on these persistent disparities in health care.

The impact of bariatric surgery on qualitative and quantitative breast density.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and breast density are associated with breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Bariatric surgery effectively treats morbid obesity, with sustainable weight loss and reductions in cancer incidence. We evaluated changes in qualitative and quantitative density; hypothesizing breast density would increase following bariatric surgery. METHODS: Women undergoing bariatric surgery from 1990 to 2015 were identified, excluding patients without a mammogram performed both before and after surgery. Changes in body mass index (BMI), time between mammograms and surgery, and American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) scores were assessed. VolparaDensity™ automated software calculated volumetric breast density (VBD), fibroglandular volume (FGV), and total breast volume for the 82 women with digital data available. Differences between pre- and postsurgery values were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred eighty women were included. Median age at surgery was 50.0 years, with 8.8 months between presurgery mammogram and surgery and 62.3 months between surgery and postsurgery mammogram. Median BMI significantly decreased over the study period (46.0 vs 35.4 kg/m2 ; P < 0.001). No change in BI-RADS scores was seen between the pre- and postsurgery mammograms. Eighty-two women had VolparaDensity™ data available. While VBD increased in these patients, FGV and total breast volume both decreased following bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Increased VBD, decreased FGV, and decreased total breast volume were seen following bariatric surgery-induced weight loss. There was no difference in qualitative breast density, highlighting the discrepancy between BI-RADS and VolparaDensity™ measurements. Further investigation will be required to determine how differential changes in components of breast density may affect breast cancer risk.

Adoption of robotics in a general surgery residency program: at what cost?

BACKGROUND: Robotic technology is increasingly being utilized by general surgeons. However, the impact of introducing robotics to surgical residency has not been examined. This study aims to assess the financial costs and training impact of introducing robotics at an academic general surgery residency program. METHODS: All patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic cholecystectomy, ventral hernia repair (VHR), and inguinal hernia repair (IHR) at our institution from 2011-2015 were identified. The effect of robotic surgery on laparoscopic case volume was assessed with linear regression analysis. Resident participation, operative time, hospital costs, and patient charges were also evaluated. RESULTS: We identified 2260 laparoscopic and 139 robotic operations. As the volume of robotic cases increased, the number of laparoscopic cases steadily decreased. Residents participated in all laparoscopic cases and 70% of robotic cases but operated from the robot console in only 21% of cases. Mean operative time was increased for robotic cholecystectomy (+22%), IHR (+55%), and VHR (+61%). Financial analysis revealed higher median hospital costs per case for robotic cholecystectomy (+$411), IHR (+$887), and VHR (+$1124) as well as substantial associated fixed costs. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction of robotic surgery had considerable negative impact on laparoscopic case volume and significantly decreased resident participation. Increased operative time and hospital costs are substantial. An institution must be cognizant of these effects when considering implementing robotics in departments with a general surgery residency program.

Simultaneous conversion of gastric band to sleeve gastrectomy is associated with increased postoperative complications: an analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has gained popularity for the treatment of morbid obesity as gastric banding (BAND) has fallen out of favor. As a result, simultaneous conversion (CONV) of BAND to LSG is commonly performed. We hypothesized that CONV is associated with higher 30-day risk-adjusted serious morbidity. METHODS: Preoperative characteristics and 30-day outcomes from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Files 2010-2014 were selected for patients who underwent LSG. Patients undergoing CONV were identified. Descriptive comparisons were performed using Chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests as appropriate. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the association between CONV and a composite measure of 30-day serious morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Overall, 35,307 patients met criteria for inclusion, of which 943 (2.7%) underwent CONV. The median age of patients undergoing CONV was higher (46 vs 44 years, p < 0.001) and a greater percentage of CONV patients was female (84.8 vs 77.9%, p < 0.001) than LSG patients. CONV patients had lower rates of common comorbidities, including diabetes (14.9 vs 23.1%, p < 0.001), hypertension (41.9 vs 48.6%, p < 0.001), and tobacco use (7.2 vs 9.8%, p < 0.001), as well as lower median BMI (41 vs 44, p < 0.001). Individual unadjusted outcomes of serious 30-day complications were similar between both groups, as was a composite measure of serious morbidity (CONV 4.3% vs LSG 3.6%, p = 0.1). However, after controlling for demographics, comorbidities, and concurrent band removal, CONV was associated with increased odds of serious 30-day morbidity (1.44, 95% CI 1.03-1.97) (c-statistic: 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: Serious morbidity following LSG is uncommon; however, CONV is associated with a modest increase in risk-adjusted adverse 30-day outcomes. Patients being evaluated for CONV should be counseled about the added risks versus LSG alone. Further research is warranted to identify whether the incremental risks of CONV may be modifiable.

Early Oral Feeding as Compared With Traditional Timing of Oral Feeding After Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of early oral feeding to traditional (or late) timing of oral feeding after upper gastrointestinal surgery on clinical outcomes. BACKGROUND: Early postoperative oral feeding is becoming more common, particularly as part of multimodal or fast-track protocols. However, concerns remain about the safety of early oral feeding after upper gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: Comprehensive literature searches were conducted across 5 databases from January 1980 until June 2015 without language restriction. Risk of bias of included studies was appraised and random-effects model meta-analyses were performed to synthesize outcomes of anastomotic leaks, pneumonia, nasogastric tube reinsertion, reoperation, readmissions, and mortality. RESULTS: Fifteen studies comprising 2112 adult patients met all the inclusion criteria. Mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in the early-fed group than in the late-fed group [weighted mean difference = -1.72 d, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.25 to -2.20, P < 0.01). Postoperative length of stay was also significantly shorter (weighted mean difference = -1.44 d, 95% CI -0.68 to -2.20, P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in risk of anastomotic leak, pneumonia, nasogastric tube reinsertion, reoperation, readmission, or mortality in the randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The pooled RCT and non-RCT results, however, showed a significantly lower risk of pneumonia in early-fed as compared with late-fed group (odds ratio = 0.6, 95% CI 0.41-0.89, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Early postoperative oral feeding as compared with traditional (or late) timing is associated with shorter hospital length of stay and is not associated with an increase in clinically relevant complications.

10-Year Outcomes After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

OBJECTIVE(S): The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and long-term durability of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) at an accredited center. BACKGROUND: Short-term data have established the effectiveness of RYGB for weight loss and comorbidity amelioration. The long-term durability of this operation remains infrequently described in the American population. METHODS: All patients (N = 1087) undergoing RYGB at a single institution over a 20-year study period (1985-2004) were evaluated. Univariate differences in preoperative comorbidities, operative characteristics (laparoscopic vs. open), postoperative complications, annual weight loss, and current comorbidities were analyzed to establish trends and outcomes 10 years after surgery. RESULTS: Among 1087 RYGB patients, 651 (60%) had complete 10-year follow-up, including 335 open RYGB and 316 laparoscopic RYGB. Patients undergoing open RYGB had a higher preoperative body mass index. Otherwise, preoperative characteristics were similar. Postoperative incisional hernia rates were expectedly higher in open (vs laparoscopic) RYGB (16.9% vs 4.7%; P = 0.02). Annual % reduction in excess body mass index significantly improved over time, peaking at 74% by 24 months, with a slow trend down to 52% at 10 years (all P < 0.001). Importantly, a highly significant decrease in obesity-related comorbid disease persisted at 10 years of follow-up after RYGB. CONCLUSIONS: Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass remains an excellent and durable operation for long-term weight loss and treatment of obesity-related comorbid disease. Laparoscopic RYGB results in highly favorable outcomes with reduced incisional hernia rates. These 10-year data help to more clearly define long-term outcomes and demonstrate outstanding reduction in comorbid disease following RYGB.

Twenty-first century weight loss: banding versus bypass.

BACKGROUND: The two most commonly performed procedures for bariatric surgery include Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and adjustable gastric banding (AGB). While many studies have commented on short-term, postoperative outcomes of these procedures, few have reported long-term data. The purpose of this study was to compare long-term, postoperative outcomes between RYGB and AGB. METHODS: This was a retrospective, cohort comparing all patients undergoing RYGB or AGB at our institution, from 01/1998 to 08/2012. Patients were followed at 1-, 3-, and 5-year intervals. Adjusted, Cox proportional hazard regression and mixed effects repeated measures modeling were performed to generate cure ratios (CR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Two thousand four hundred twenty bariatric surgery patients (380 AGB, 2,040 RYGB) were identified by CPT code. Median (range) follow-up for patients was 3 (1-5) years. Preoperatively, RYGB patients were significantly younger, more obese, had higher hemoglobin A1c, and less often suffered from hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, and asthma as compared to AGB patients. Postoperatively, RYGB patients experienced significantly longer operating room times, higher incidences of intensive care unit admissions, longer hospital lengths of stay, and increased incidence of small bowel obstruction compared to AGB patients. After adjusting for statistically significant and clinically relevant factors [e.g., age, gender, body mass index, degenerative joint disease (DJD), diabetes, HTN, dyslipidemia, heart disease, apnea, and asthma], RYGB was independently associated with a significantly greater percentage of total body weight loss (p = 0.0065) and greater CR (95 % CI) regarding gastroesophageal reflux disease [2.1(1.4-3.0)], DJD [3.4(2.0-5.6)], diabetes [3.4(2.2-5.4)], apnea [3.1(1.9-5.3)], HTN [5.5(3.4-8.8)], and dyslipidemia [6.3(3.5-11)] compared to AGB. CONCLUSION: Our results support previous studies that have observed a greater weight loss associated with RYGB as compared to AGB and provide further evidence toward the long-term sustainability of this weight loss. Additionally, RYGB appears to result in a greater reduction of medical comorbidity.

Long-term diabetic response to gastric bypass.

BACKGROUND: As obesity and type II diabetes continue to rise, bariatric surgery offers a solution, but few long-term studies are available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of diabetic patients after gastric bypass. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of all diabetic patients undergoing gastric bypass at our institution, from 1998 to 2012. Patients were compared by postoperative diabetic response to treatment (i.e., response = off oral medication/insulin versus refractory = on oral medication/insulin) and followed at 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-y intervals. Continuous data were analyzed using Student t-test or Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Multivariable, Cox proportional hazard regression model was performed to compute diabetic cure ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 2454 bariatric surgeries were performed at our institution during the time period. A total of 707 diabetic patients were selected by Current Procedural Terminology codes for gastric bypass. Mean follow-up was 2.1 y. Incidence of diabetic response was 56% (1 y), 58% (3 y), 60% (5 y), and 44% (10 y). Postoperatively, responsive patients experienced greater percentage of total body weight loss (1 y [P < 0.0001], 3 y [P = 0.0087], and 5 y [P = 0.013]), and less hemoglobin A1c levels (1 y [P = 0.035] and 3 y [P = 0.040]) at follow-up than refractory patients. Multivariable analysis revealed a significant, independent inverse trend in incidence of diabetic cure as both age and body mass index decreased (Ptrend = 0.0019 and <0.0001, respectively). In addition, degenerative joint disease was independently associated with responsive diabetes (cure ratio = 1.6 [95% confidence interval = 1.1-2.2]). CONCLUSIONS: At follow-up, both groups in our study experienced substantial weight loss; however, a greater loss was observed among the response group. Further research is needed to evaluate methods for optimizing patient care preoperatively and improving patient follow-up.

Judgment Errors in Surgical Care.

BACKGROUND: Human error is impossible to eliminate, particularly in systems as complex as healthcare. The extent to which judgment errors in particular impact surgical patient care or lead to harm is unclear. STUDY DESIGN: The American College of Surgeons NSQIP (2018) procedures from a single institution with 30-day morbidity or mortality were examined. Medical records were reviewed and evaluated for judgment errors. Preoperative variables associated with judgment errors were examined using logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the surgical patients who experienced a morbidity or mortality, 18% (31 of 170) experienced an error in judgment during their hospitalization. Patients with hepatobiliary procedure (odds ratio [OR] 5.4 [95% CI 1.23 to 32.75], p = 0.002), insulin-dependent diabetes (OR 4.8 [95% CI 1.2 to 18.8], p = 0.025), severe COPD (OR 6.0 [95% CI 1.6 to 22.1], p = 0.007), or with infected wounds (OR 8.2 [95% CI 2.6 to 25.8], p < 0.001) were at increased risk for judgment errors. CONCLUSIONS: Specific procedure types and patients with certain preoperative variables had higher risk for judgment errors during their hospitalization. Errors in judgment adversely impacted the outcomes of surgical patients who experienced morbidity or mortality in this cohort. Preventing or mitigating errors and closely monitoring patients after an error in judgment is prudent and may improve surgical safety.

General surgery residency inadequately prepares trainees for fellowship: results of a survey of fellowship program directors.

OBJECTIVE: To assess readiness of general surgery graduate trainees entering accredited surgical subspecialty fellowships in North America. METHODS: A multidomain, global assessment survey designed by the Fellowship Council research committee was electronically sent to all subspecialty program directors. Respondents spanned minimally invasive surgery, bariatric, colorectal, hepatobiliary, and thoracic specialties. There were 46 quantitative questions distributed across 5 domains and 1 or more reflective qualitative questions/domains. RESULTS: There was a 63% response rate (n = 91/145). Of respondent program directors, 21% felt that new fellows arrived unprepared for the operating room, 38% demonstrated lack of patient ownership, 30% could not independently perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and 66% were deemed unable to operate for 30 unsupervised minutes of a major procedure. With regard to laparoscopic skills, 30% could not atraumatically manipulate tissue, 26% could not recognize anatomical planes, and 56% could not suture. Furthermore, 28% of fellows were not familiar with therapeutic options and 24% were unable to recognize early signs of complications. Finally, it was felt that the majority of new fellows were unable to conceive, design, and conduct research/academic projects. Thematic clustering of qualitative data revealed deficits in domains of operative autonomy, progressive responsibility, longitudinal follow-up, and scholarly focus after general surgery education.

Acute Respiratory Failure Complicating Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty: A Case Report.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is a safe and minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of obesity. We report the case of a patient with obesity who underwent ESG complicated by postprocedural respiratory failure. During the procedure, she developed a Pao2/fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) ratio that necessitated postoperative mechanical ventilation. Chest radiography demonstrated massively dilated loops of bowel, cephalad displacement of both hemidiaphragms, lung volume reduction, and atelectasis. With absorption of luminal carbon dioxide, she was weaned from mechanical ventilation to supplemental oxygen, and she recovered completely. This case highlights postoperative respiratory failure associated with mechanical loading of the respiratory system following ESG.

Monitoring performance in laparoscopic gastric bypass surgery using risk-adjusted cumulative sum at 2 high-volume centers.

BACKGROUND: Traditional surgical outcomes are measured retrospectively and intermittently, limiting opportunities for early intervention. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to use risk-adjusted cumulative sum (RA-CUSUM) to track perioperative surgical outcomes for laparoscopic gastric bypass. We hypothesized that RA-CUSUM could identify performance variations between surgeons. SETTING: Two mid-Atlantic quaternary care academic centers. METHODS: Patient-level data from the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) were abstracted for laparoscopic gastric bypasses performed by 3 surgeons at 2 high-volume centers from 2014 to 2021. Estimated probabilities of serious complications, reoperation, and readmission were derived from the MBSAQIP risk calculator. RA-CUSUM curves were generated to signal observed-to-expected odds ratios (ORs) of 1.5 (poor performance) and .5 (superior performance). Control limits were set based on a false positive rate of 5% (α = .05). RESULTS: We included 1192 patients: Surgeon A = 767, Surgeon B = 188, and Surgeon C = 237. Overall rates of serious complications, 30-day reoperations, and 30-day readmissions were 3.9%, 2.5%, and 5.2% respectively, with expected rates of 4.7%, 2.2%, and 5.8%. RA-CUSUM signaled lower-than-expected (OR < .5) rates of readmission and serious complication in Surgeon A, and higher-than-expected (OR > 1.5) readmission rate in Surgeon C. Surgeon A further demonstrated an early period of higher-than-expected (OR > 1.5) reoperation rate before April 2015, followed by superior performance thereafter (OR < .5). Surgeon B's performance generally reflected expected standards throughout the study period. CONCLUSIONS: RA-CUSUM adjusts for clinical risk factors and identifies performance outliers in real-time. This approach to analyzing surgical outcomes is applicable to quality improvement, root-cause analysis, and surgeon incentivization.

First report from the American College of Surgeons Bariatric Surgery Center Network: laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy has morbidity and effectiveness positioned between the band and the bypass.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and effectiveness of the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) as compared to the laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB), the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) and the open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (ORYGB) for the treatment of obesity and obesity-related diseases. BACKGROUND: LSG is a newer procedure being done with increasing frequency. However, limited data are currently available comparing LSG to the other established procedures. We present the first prospective, multiinstitutional, nationwide, clinically rich, bariatric-specific data comparing sleeve gastrectomy to the adjustable gastric band, and the gastric bypass. METHODS: This is the initial report analyzing data from the American College of Surgeons-Bariatric Surgery Center Network accreditation program, and its prospective, longitudinal, data collection system based on standardized definitions and collected by trained data reviewers. Univariate and multivariate analyses compare 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year outcomes including morbidity and mortality, readmissions, and reoperations as well as reduction in body mass index (BMI) and weight-related comorbidities. RESULTS: One hundred nine hospitals submitted data for 28,616 patients, from July, 2007 to September, 2010. The LSG has higher risk-adjusted morbidity, readmission and reoperation/intervention rates compared to the LAGB, but lower reoperation/intervention rates compared to the LRYGB and ORYGB. There were no differences in mortality. Reduction in BMI and most of the weight-related comorbidities after the LSG also lies between those of the LAGB and the LRYGB/ORYGB. CONCLUSION: LSG has morbidity and effectiveness positioned between the LAGB and the LRYGB/ORYGB for data up to 1 year. As obesity is a lifelong disease, longer term comparative effectiveness data are most critical, and are yet to be determined.

Percutaneous gastrostomy tube placement to perform transgastrostomy endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography in patients with Roux-en-Y anatomy.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is one of the most commonly performed bariatric surgeries in the United States. Patients with prior RYGB are not amenable to conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP). Surgical gastrostomy (SG) tube placement enables transgastrostomy ERCP (TG-ERCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients with RYGB anatomy received open Stamm gastrostomy after which the tract was then allowed to mature for an average of 45 days before therapeutic TG-ERCP. The success rate and procedure-related complications of both gastrostomy and ERCP were assessed. RESULTS: TG-ERCP was performed on eleven patients (median age 52 years, range 37-61 years) with prior RYGB and pancreatobiliary diseases. Indications for ERCP in these patients included suspected gallstone pancreatitis (n = 4), ampullary/biliary strictures (n = 5), pancreas divisum (n = 1), and common bile duct clipping as a result of RYGB surgery (n = 1). Two individuals developed post surgical complications with stomal-related infections. TG-ERCP with therapeutic intervention was successfully performed in all patients. Intervention included stone extractions (n = 11), biliary stricture dilation (n = 11), biliary sphincterotomy (n = 11), biliary (n = 3) and pancreatic (n = 1) stent placement, ampullary biopsies (n = 3), choledochoscopy (n = 1), and pseudocyst drainage (n = 1). Complications included post-ERCP pancreatitis (n = 2), post-sphincterotomy bleeding (n = 1), gastrostomy site bleed (n = 1), and gastric perforation (n = 1). The total number of ERCP sessions for the eleven patients was 15 (1 or 2 per patient). Median follow-up was 42 days (range 7-123 days). CONCLUSION: Surgical open gastrostomy followed by TG-ERCP enables therapeutic intervention but is associated with significant complications.

Primary payer status affects mortality for major surgical operations.

OBJECTIVES: Medicaid and Uninsured populations are a significant focus of current healthcare reform. We hypothesized that outcomes following major surgical operations in the United States is dependent on primary payer status. METHODS: From 2003 to 2007, 893,658 major surgical operations were evaluated using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) database: lung resection, esophagectomy, colectomy, pancreatectomy, gastrectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, hip replacement, and coronary artery bypass. Patients were stratified by primary payer status: Medicare (n = 491,829), Medicaid (n = 40,259), Private Insurance (n = 337,535), and Uninsured (n = 24,035). Multivariate regression models were applied to assess outcomes. RESULTS: Unadjusted mortality for Medicare (4.4%; odds ratio [OR], 3.51), Medicaid (3.7%; OR, 2.86), and Uninsured (3.2%; OR, 2.51) patient groups were higher compared to Private Insurance groups (1.3%, P < 0.001). Mortality was lowest for Private Insurance patients independent of operation. After controlling for age, gender, income, geographic region, operation, and 30 comorbid conditions, Medicaid payer status was associated with the longest length of stay and highest total costs (P < 0.001). Medicaid (P < 0.001) and Uninsured (P < 0.001) payer status independently conferred the highest adjusted risks of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Medicaid and Uninsured payer status confers increased risk-adjusted mortality. Medicaid was further associated with the greatest adjusted length of stay and total costs despite risk factors or operation. These differences serve as an important proxy for larger socioeconomic and health system-related issues that could be targeted to improve surgical outcomes for US Patients.

Bowel Obstruction and Hydronephrosis Due to an Over-the-Scope Clip.

An over-the-scope clip is a type of endoscopically placed clip used to treat gastrointestinal perforation, bleeding, or fistula. After the defect heals, the clip usually passes uneventfully through the gastrointestinal tract. An uncommon complication of over-the-scope clip placement is intestinal obstruction caused by luminal stenosis at the site of clip placement. Intestinal obstruction can rarely cause other downstream complications such as hydronephrosis from extrinsic compression of the urinary tract. We report a rare case of bilateral hydronephrosis caused by bowel obstruction from a migrated endoscopically placed clip.

Overall and Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Incidences Are Decreased Following Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery treats morbid obesity resulting in long-lasting weight loss. Elevated body mass index (BMI) increases breast cancer risk. We hypothesized that patients undergoing bariatric surgery would have decreased overall and estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer incidences compared to a propensity-matched non-surgical cohort. METHODS: The bariatric population included all female patients who underwent weight loss surgery at a single institution from 1985 to 2015. Patients from all outpatient visits were propensity score matched 1:1 with bariatric patients using BMI, comorbidities, demographics, and insurance status. The primary outcome was breast cancer incidence. Univariate analyses compared the groups. RESULTS: A total of 4860 patients were included, with 2430 in both groups. Median follow-up time from date of surgery or morbid obesity diagnosis was 5.7 years. There were no differences in age or comorbidities aside from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Seventeen (0.7%) patients in the surgery group were subsequently diagnosed with breast cancer versus 32 (1.3%) in the non-surgery group (p = 0.03). The non-surgery group had more ER-positive tumors [4 (36.4%) vs. 22 (71.0%); p = 0.04]. CONCLUSION: Female patients who underwent bariatric surgery were less frequently diagnosed with any breast cancer and ER-positive breast cancer versus a propensity-matched cohort suggesting a possible oncologic benefit to weight loss surgery.

One size does not fit all: current disposable laparoscopic devices do not fit the needs of female laparoscopic surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: An increasing number of women are entering the field of general surgery. Because surgical devices have traditionally been targeted at men, we hypothesized that, due to smaller hand size, female general surgery residents would have significantly more difficulty utilizing the "one size fits all" handles of disposable laparoscopic (lap) devices when compared with male residents. METHODS: General surgery residents were anonymously surveyed at four university general surgery training programs. Participants were asked to describe their use of four disposable lap instruments: the lap stapler, lap Harmonic scalpel (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, New Jersey), lap LigaSure (Valleylab, Boulder, Colorado), and lap retrieval bag. Data were tabulated and analyzed, comparing male with female residents for each instrument as well as according to glove size. RESULTS: A total of 120 residents were asked to participate with 65 anonymous responses (28 women and 37 men). Women's median glove size was significantly smaller than men's (6.5 vs. 7.5, p<0.0001), whereas the clinical year and number of lap cases were not significantly different. Women reported the following devices more awkward than their male counterparts: lap stapler, lap Harmonic scalpel, and the lap LigaSure. Women were more likely to use two hands and describe these devices as "always awkward." When results were analyzed by glove size independently of gender we found that, with increasing glove size, residents were more likely to describe these devices as easy to use and used these devices with only one hand. CONCLUSIONS: Current disposable lap devices are not designed for individuals with small hands. Women have significantly smaller hands than their male counterparts and have difficulty with the "one size fits all" lap device handles. With the increasing number of women entering general surgery programs, this problem will likely persist until devices are designed for surgeons with small hand sizes.