A comparative analysis of video-based surgical assessment: is evaluation of the entire critical portion of the operation necessary?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies of video-based operative assessments using crowd sourcing have established the efficacy of non-expert evaluations. Our group sought to establish the equivalence of abbreviating video content for operative assessment. METHODS: A single institution video repository of six core general surgery operations was submitted for evaluation. Each core surgery included three unique surgical performances, totaling 18 unique operative videos. Each video was edited using four different protocols based on the critical portion of the operation: (1) custom edited critical portion (2) condensed critical portion (3) first 20 s of every minute of the critical portion, and (4) first 10 s of every minute of the critical portion. In total, 72 individually edited operative videos were submitted to the C-SATS (Crowd-Sourced Assessment of Technical Skills) platform (C-SATS) for evaluation. Aggregate score for study protocol was compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. A multivariable, multilevel mixed-effects model was constructed to predict total skill assessment scores. RESULTS: Median video lengths for each protocol were: custom, 6:20 (IQR 5:27-7:28); condensed, 10:35 (8:50-12:06); 10 s, 4:35 (2:11-6:09); and 20 s, 9:09 (4:20-12:14). There was no difference in aggregate median score among the four study protocols: custom, 15.7 (14.4-16.2); condensed, 15.8 (15.2-16.4); 10 s, 15.8 (15.3-16.1); 20 s, 16.0 (15.1-16.3); χ2 = 1.661, p = 0.65. Regression modeling demonstrated a significant, but minimal effect of the 10 s and 20 s editing protocols compared to the custom method on individual video score: condensed, + 0.33 (- 0.05-0.70), p = 0.09; 10 s, + 0.29 (0.04-0.55), p = 0.03; 20 s, + 0.40 (0.15-0.66), p = 0.002. CONCLUSION: A standardized protocol for video editing abbreviated surgical performances yields reproducible assessment of surgical aptitude when assessed by non-experts.

Frailty assessment: from clinical to radiological tools.

Frailty is a syndrome of cumulative decline across multiple physiological systems, which predisposes vulnerable adults to adverse events. Assessing vulnerable patients can potentially lead to interventions that improve surgical outcomes. Anaesthesiologists who care for older patients can identify frailty to improve preoperative risk stratification and subsequent perioperative planning. Numerous clinical tools to diagnose frailty exist, but none has emerged as the standard tool to be used in clinical practice. Radiological modalities, such as computed tomography and ultrasonography, are widely performed before surgery, and are therefore available to be used opportunistically to objectively evaluate surrogate markers of frailty. This review presents the importance of frailty assessment by anaesthesiologists; lists common clinical tools that have been applied; and proposes that utilising radiological imaging as an objective surrogate measure of frailty is a novel, expanding approach for which anaesthesiologists can significantly contribute to broad implementation.

Large Cell Neuroendocrine Tumor Size >3 cm Negatively Impacts Long-Term Outcomes After R0 Resection.

BACKGROUND: Minimal knowledge exists regarding the outcome, prognosis and optimal treatment strategy for patients with pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNEC) due to their rarity. We aimed to identify factors affecting survival and recurrence after resection to inform current treatment strategies. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 72 patients who had undergone a curative resection for LCNEC in 8 centers between 2000 and 2015. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify the factors influencing recurrence, disease-specific survival and overall survival. These included age, gender, previous malignancy, ECOG performance status, symptoms at diagnosis, extent of resection, extent of lymphadenectomy, additional chemo- and/or radiotherapy, tumor location, tumor size, pT, pleural invasion, pN and pStage. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 47 (95%CI 41-79) months; 5-year disease-specific and overall survival rates were 57.6% (95%CI 41.3-70.9) and 47.4% (95%CI 32.3-61.1). There were 22 systemic recurrences and 12 loco-regional recurrences. Tumor size was an independent prognostic factor for systemic recurrence [HR: 1.20 (95%CI 1.01-1.41); p = 0.03] with a threshold value of 3 cm (AUC = 0.71). For tumors ≤3 cm and >3 cm, 5-year freedom from systemic recurrence was 79.2% (95%CI 43.6-93.6) and 38.2% (95%CI 20.6-55.6) (p < 0.001) and 5-year disease-specific survival was 60.7% (95%CI 35.1-78.8) and 54.2% (95%CI 32.6-71.6) (p = 0.31), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of patients with surgically resected LCNEC will develop systemic recurrence after resection. Patients with tumors >3 cm have a significantly higher rate of systemic recurrence suggesting that adjuvant chemotherapy should be considered after complete resection of LCNEC >3 cm, even in the absence of nodal involvement.

Comparison of bedside screening methods for frailty assessment in older adult trauma patients in the emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Frailty is linked to poor outcomes in older patients. We prospectively compared the utility of the picture-based Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS9), clinical assessments, and ultrasound muscle measurements against the reference FRAIL scale in older adult trauma patients in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: We recruited a convenience sample of adults 65 yrs. or older with blunt trauma and injury severity scores <9. We queried subjects (or surrogates) on the FRAIL scale, and compared this to: physician-based and subject/surrogate-based CFS9; mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and grip strength; and ultrasound (US) measures of muscle thickness (limbs and abdominal wall). We derived optimal diagnostic thresholds and calculated performance metrics for each comparison using sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC). RESULTS: Fifteen of 65 patients were frail by FRAIL scale (23%). CFS9 performed well when assessed by subject/surrogate (AUROC 0.91 [95% CI 0.84-0.98] or physician (AUROC 0.77 [95% CI 0.63-0.91]. Optimal thresholds for both physician and subject/surrogate were CFS9 of 4 or greater. If both physician and subject/surrogate provided scores <4, sensitivity and negative predictive value were 90.0% (54.1-99.5%) and 95.0% (73.1-99.7%). Grip strength and MUAC were not predictors. US measures that combined biceps and quadriceps thickness showed an AUROC of 0.75 compared to the reference standard. CONCLUSION: The ED needs rapid, validated tools to screen for frailty. The CFS9 has excellent negative predictive value in ruling out frailty. Ultrasound of combined biceps and quadriceps has modest concordance as an alternative in trauma patients who cannot provide a history.

Trauma Providers' Perceptions of Frailty Assessment: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs.

OBJECTIVES: Quality improvement in geriatric trauma depends on timely identification of frailty, yet little is known about providers' knowledge and beliefs about frailty assessment. This study sought to understand trauma providers' understanding, beliefs, and practices for frailty assessment. METHODS: We developed a 20-question survey using the Health Belief Model of health behavior and surveyed physicians, advanced practice providers, and trainees on the trauma services at a single institution that does not use formal frailty screening of all injured seniors. Results were analyzed via mixed methods. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-one providers completed the survey (response rate 92%). Respondents commonly included calendar age as an integral factor in their determinations of frailty but also included a variety of other factors, highlighting limited definitional consensus. Respondents perceived frailty as important to older adult patient outcomes, but assessment techniques were varied because only 24/151 respondents (16%) were familiar with current formal frailty assessment tools. Perceived barriers to performing a formal frailty screening on all injured older adults included the burdensome nature of assessment tools, insufficient training, and lack of time. When prompted for solutions, 20% of respondents recommended automation of the screening process by trained, dedicated team members. CONCLUSIONS: Providers seem to recognize the impact that a diagnosis of frailty has on outcomes, but most lack a working knowledge of how to assess for frailty syndrome. Some providers recommended screening by designated, formally trained personnel who could notify decision makers of a positive screen result.

Does mesenteric venous imaging assessment accurately predict pathologic invasion in localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Accurate prediction of mesenteric venous involvement in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is necessary for adequate staging and treatment. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in PDAC patients at a single institution. All patients with resected PDAC and staging CT and EUS between 2003 and 2014 were included and sub-divided into "upfront resected" and "neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC)" groups. Independent imaging re-review was correlated to venous resection and venous invasion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were then calculated. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients underwent analysis, 60 received upfront resection, and 49 NAC. Venous resection (30%) and vein invasion (13%) was less common in patients resected upfront than those who received NAC (53% and 16%, respectively). Both CT and EUS had poor sensitivity (14-44%) but high specificity (75-95%) for detecting venous resection and vein invasion in patients resected upfront, whereas sensitivity was high (84-100%) and specificity was low (27-44%) after NAC. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative CT and EUS in PDAC have similar efficacy but different predictive capacity in assessing mesenteric venous involvement depending on whether patients are resected upfront or received NAC. Both modalities appear to significantly overestimate true vascular involvement and should be interpreted in the appropriate clinical context.

Cardiac Perforation by Migrated Fractured Strut of Inferior Vena Cava Filter Mimicking Acute Coronary Syndrome.

We present a rare late complication after inferior vena cava filter (IVC) placement. A 52-year-old woman with an IVC presented with sudden onset of chest pain. Cardiac catheterisation and echocardiography revealed an embolised IVC filter strut penetrating the right ventricle. Endovascular retrieval was considered but deemed unsafe due to proximity to the right coronary artery and concern for migration to pulmonary circulation. Urgent removal of the strut was performed via sternotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. Two weeks later, she was asymptomatic. Minimally invasive approaches have been described for retrieval of intact IVC filters that have migrated to the right heart but not for embolised filter fragments. We recommend traditional sternotomy as the preferred method of retrieval as it limits the likelihood of further migration or trauma.

Multidisciplinary treatment of T1a adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus: contemporary comparison of endoscopic and surgical treatment in physiologically fit patients.

BACKGROUND: Previous reports comparing endoscopic therapy (ET) and surgical therapy (ST) have predominantly assessed patients with high-grade dysplasia. The study aim was to compare ET to ST in physiologically fit patients with cT1a adenocarcinoma (EAC). METHODS: Review of two prospective databases yielded 100 patients presenting with clinical cT1a EAC between 2000 and 2013. Only physiologically fit patients who were candidates for either treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Presenting patient characteristics were similar between ET (n = 36) and ST groups (n = 49). Surgical patients were less likely to be staged with EMR (43 vs 100 %) and were associated with mass lesions >1 cm at EGD (p = 0.01), multifocal EAC (p = 0.03), and positive margins for EAC on EMR (p < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, only multifocal HGD was an independent factor for surgery. Following esophagectomy, R0 resection rates for Barrett's esophagus and cancer were 100 %. Incidence of surgery decreased over the study period from 85 to 25 %. All ET patients had EMR, and 28 patients underwent additional ablative therapies for Barrett's esophagus. Following ET, eradication rates of EAC, dysplasia, and BE were 92, 81, and 53 %, respectively. Morbidity rates were comparable between groups (ST 51 % vs ET 39 %, p = 0.31). In-hospital mortality rate was zero in each group. Recurrence rates in ST and ET group were 2 and 11 % (p = 0.08). In the ET group, two patients with endoluminal cancer recurrence after complete eradication underwent esophagectomy. Age-adjusted overall survival was comparable. CONCLUSION: In high-volume esophageal centers, ST and ET provide equally safe and effective treatment for cT1a EAC in medically fit patients. While the results of this study provide a historical perspective and clearly demonstrate an evolution toward ET over time, the appropriate treatment modality is best selected in a multidisciplinary fashion with EMR providing the most accurate staging. In endoscopically treated patients, indefinite endoscopic follow-up required, however, standardized long-term follow-up protocols are needed.

Utilization of a non-preserved cadaver to address deficiencies in technical skills during the third year of medical school: a cadaver model for teaching technical skills.

BACKGROUND: Emergency technical procedures performed by medical students have decreased in the last decade. An Emergency Surgical Skills Laboratory (ESSL) using a non-preserved cadaver was developed in response to address this deficiency. METHODS: A total of 232 students rotating through a 6-week surgery clerkship participated in the ESSL from 1 July 2008 to 1 July 2011. Two four-hour sessions using case-based trauma scenarios in the ESSL served as a model for procedural instruction. Skills taught included basic suturing, intubation, cricothyrotomy, chest tube placement, thoracentesis, venous access, central line, and radial arterial line placement. RESULTS: Students noted that technical proficiency in suturing was obtained during the ESSL sessions in comparison to the emergency department or operating room (p < 0.001) during the 6-week clerkship. During the 6-week rotation only 12 % of students participated in chest tube insertion, 5 % central venous line placement, and 14 % femoral vein blood draw. Finally, 90 % of respondents reported increased understanding and comfort in regard to trauma resuscitation following the ESSL. CONCLUSIONS: Technical procedural proficiency has become increasingly difficult to obtain in medical school due to multifactorial limitations. The ESSL provides an opportunity for developing technical skills needed for emergency situations not otherwise provided during the surgical clerkship.

A field experiment in capitated payment systems and recovery management: the women's recovery association pilot study.

Against the backdrop of shifting perspectives regarding substance abuse policy, upcoming changes to the health care system, and progress toward parity for mental health and substance abuse treatment, an exploratory pilot study is being conducted in San Mateo County, California, to assess the potential of a capitated case rate combined with a recovery management approach in a community-based substance abuse treatment program for women. The rationale for developing the approach, planning, and implementation of the pilot project, the struggle of the agency to transform from episodic treatment to a chronic care model, and a case study that highlights organizational changes are discussed. Lessons learned and implications for the second year of the pilot project are also discussed.

Association of Brain Atrophy and Masseter Sarcopenia With 1-Year Mortality in Older Trauma Patients.

Importance: Older adults are disproportionately affected by trauma and accounted for 47% of trauma fatalities in 2016. In many populations and disease processes, described risk factors for poor clinical outcomes include sarcopenia and brain atrophy, but these remain to be fully characterized in older trauma patients. Sarcopenia and brain atrophy may be opportunistically evaluated via head computed tomography, which is often performed during the initial trauma evaluation. Objective: To investigate the association of masseter sarcopenia and brain atrophy with 1-year mortality among trauma patients older than 65 years by using opportunistic computed tomography imaging. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a level 1 trauma center from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2014, with a 1-year follow-up to assess mortality. Washington state residents 65 years or older who were admitted to the trauma intensive care unit with a head Abbreviated Injury Scale score of less than 3 were eligible. Patients with incomplete data and death within 1 day of admission were excluded. Data analysis was completed from June 2017 to October 2018. Exposures: Masseter muscle cross-sectional area and brain atrophy index were measured using a standard clinical Picture Archiving and Communication System application to assess for sarcopenia and brain atrophy, respectively. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary outcome was 1-year mortality. Secondary outcomes were discharge disposition and 30-day mortality. Results: The study cohort included 327 patients; 72 (22.0%) had sarcopenia only, 71 (21.7%) had brain atrophy only, 92 (28.1%) had both, and 92 (28.1%) had neither. The mean (SD) age was 77.8 (8.6) years, and 159 patients (48.6%) were women. After adjustment for age, comorbidity, complications, and injury characteristics, masseter sarcopenia and brain atrophy were both independently and cumulatively associated with mortality (masseter muscle cross-sectional area per SD less than the mean: hazard ratio, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.2-3.1]; P = .005; brain atrophy index per SD greater than the mean: hazard ratio, 2.0 [95% CI, 1.1-3.5]; P = .02). Conclusions and Relevance: Masseter muscle sarcopenia and brain atrophy were independently and cumulatively associated with 1-year mortality in older trauma patients after adjustment for other clinical factors. These radiologic indicators are easily measured opportunistically through standard imaging software. The results can potentially guide conversations regarding prognosis and interventions with patients and their families.

Functional Recovery After Lung Resection: A Before and After Prospective Cohort Study of Activity.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative recovery is an important measure in thoracic operations. Personal activity monitors can be used to track progress in the preoperative and postoperative settings. This study investigates associations of preoperative activity, lung resection extent, and operative approach with inpatient and outpatient functional recovery as measured by activity monitors. METHODS: In this prospective observational cohort study, patients undergoing lung resection at a single institution wore activity monitors 30 days before through 30 days after operation (between July 2015 and May 2017). Activity was recorded as steps per day, and each patient served as his or her own baseline. Patients were clustered into three activity level groups. Associations among preoperative and postoperative activity, length of stay (LOS), and operative approach were assessed by using generalized regression models with adjustment for patient demographic and clinical characteristics and operative details. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients comprised the study cohort and were grouped by average preoperative activity: low, 21 patients (31.8%); moderate, 27 patients (40.9%); and high, 18 patients (27.3%). The mean age was 66.1 ± 11.6 years; 32 patients (48.5%) were women. Sex, comorbidity, resection extent, and operative approach did not differ among groups. After adjustment for age, comorbidities, resection extent, operative approach, and complications, higher levels of preoperative activity were independently associated with higher postoperative activity in both inpatient and outpatient settings (ß = 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00 to 1.22, p = 0.04; ß = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.30, p = 0.001) but not LOS. CONCLUSIONS: LOS is not associated with measures of preoperative or postoperative physical activity after adjustment for several factors. However, the association between preoperative activity and postoperative activity, irrespective of age, operative approach, resection extent, and other factors, offers a potential framework for designing recovery trajectory pathways and intervention development in both postoperative inpatient and outpatient settings.

Comparison of costs and short-term clinical outcomes of per-oral endoscopic myotomy and laparoscopic Heller myotomy.

OBJECTIVE: Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy (POEM) has seen increasing application and comparisons to laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM). The aim of the present study was to compare perioperative and short-term outcomes, and costs between the two procedures at a single institution. METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients documented in a prospective IRB approved database from January 2014 to December 2017 were included. Perioperative data, pre-operative and 3-month postoperative Eckardt Scores, and cost data were compared. RESULTS: Median hospital stay was comparable between POEM and LHM (1 day each). Complications were minor (Clavien-Dindo 1, 2) and rare in both groups. Median Eckardt scores improved significantly after POEM (5 to 0) and LHM (5 to 0). Normalized median costs were comparable: 14 201 USD (POEM) vs. 13 328 USD (LHM) p = 0.45. CONCLUSIONS: POEM demonstrates comparable clinical outcomes and costs to LHM. Long-term issues related to GERD require ongoing assessment in POEM patients. SUMMARY: In patients with achalasia, extended myotomy of the lower esophageal sphincter offers excellent palliation of symptoms. In the last decades, laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has been the gold standard. Over the past decade, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has seen wide application in specialized centers worldwide. In our patient cohort, we demonstrate, that POEM can be introduced with similar outcomes and costs compared to LHM.

Sublobar Resection in the Treatment of Peripheral Typical Carcinoid Tumors of the Lung.

BACKGROUND: The role of sublobar resection in the treatment of pulmonary typical carcinoids is controversial. This study aims to compare long-term outcomes between sublobar and lobar resections in patients with peripheral typical carcinoid. METHODS: We retrospectively compared consecutive patients who underwent curative sublobar resection with patients who underwent lobectomy for cT1-3 N0 M0 peripheral pulmonary typical carcinoid in eight centers between 2000 and 2015. Primary outcomes were rates and patterns of recurrence and overall survival. Cox regression modeling was performed to identify factors influencing overall survival and recurrence. Propensity score analysis was done, and overall survival was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In all, 177 patients were analyzed, consisting of 74 sublobar resections and 103 lobectomies, with a total of 857 person-years of follow-up. The R1 resection rates were 7% and 1% after sublobar resection and lobectomy, respectively (P = .08). One of 5 patients with sublobar R1 resection had recurrence. Recurrence rate was 0.02 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.009 to 0.044) per person-year of follow-up after sublobar resection and 0.008 (95% CI: 0.003 to 0.02) after lobectomy (P = .15). Five-year survival rates were 91.7% (95% CI: 78.5% to 96.9%) and 97.4% (95% CI: 90.1% to 99.4%) after sublobar and lobar resection, respectively (P = .08). Extent of resection was not a predictor of recurrence or survival. Propensity score analysis confirmed a similar survival and freedom from recurrence between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Sublobar resection of peripheral cT1-3 N0 M0 pulmonary typical carcinoid was not associated with worse short- or long-term outcomes compared with lobectomy. In select patients, sublobar resection may be considered for treatment of peripheral typical carcinoids if an R0 resection is obtained.

The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature.

We compare the restorative effects on cognitive functioning of interactions with natural versus urban environments. Attention restoration theory (ART) provides an analysis of the kinds of environments that lead to improvements in directed-attention abilities. Nature, which is filled with intriguing stimuli, modestly grabs attention in a bottom-up fashion, allowing top-down directed-attention abilities a chance to replenish. Unlike natural environments, urban environments are filled with stimulation that captures attention dramatically and additionally requires directed attention (e.g., to avoid being hit by a car), making them less restorative. We present two experiments that show that walking in nature or viewing pictures of nature can improve directed-attention abilities as measured with a backwards digit-span task and the Attention Network Task, thus validating attention restoration theory.

Enucleation, Vaporization, and Resection: How To Choose the Best Surgical Treatment Option for a Patient with Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Transurethral resection of the prostate remains the reference technique for patients with a prostate <100ml. Endoscopic enucleation is a safe and effective alternative, while photoselective vaporization of the prostate appears to be the treatment of choice for patients on anticoagulation medication.

Resident Wellness and Social Support: Development and Cognitive Validation of a Resident Social Capital Assessment Tool.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to develop and generate validity evidence for an instrument to measure social capital in residents. DESIGN: Mixed-methods, phased approach utilizing a modified Delphi technique, focus groups, and cognitive interviews. SETTING: Four residency training institutions in Washington state between February 2016 and March 2017. PARTICIPANTS: General surgery, anesthesia, and internal medicine residents ranging from PGY-1 to PGY-6. RESULTS: The initial resident-focused instrument underwent revision via Delphi process with 6 experts; 100% expert consensus was achieved after 4 cycles. Three focus groups were conducted with 19 total residents. Focus groups identified 6 of 11 instrument items with mean quality ratings ≤4.0 on a 1-5 scale. The composite instrument rating of the draft version was 4.1 ± 0.5. After refining the instrument, cognitive interviews with the final version were completed with 22 residents. All items in the final version had quality ratings >4.0; the composite instrument rating was 4.8 ± 0.1. CONCLUSIONS: Social capital may be an important factor in resident wellness as residents rely upon each other and external social support to withstand fatigue, burnout, and other negative sequelae of rigorous training. This instrument for assessment of social capital in residents may provide an avenue for data collection and potentially, identification of residents at-risk for wellness degradation.

Improvement in TNM staging of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumors requires histology and regrouping of tumor size.

OBJECTIVE: Neuroendocrine tumors of the lung are currently staged with the 7th edition TNM non-small cell lung cancer staging system. This decision, based on data analysis without data on histology or disease-specific survival, makes its applicability limited. This study proposes a specific staging system for these tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 510 consecutive patients (female/male, 313/197; median age, 61 years; interquartile range, 51-70) undergoing lung resection for a primary neuroendocrine tumor between 2000 and 2015 in 8 centers. Multivariable analysis was performed using a Cox proportional hazard model to identify factors associated with disease-specific survival. A new staging system was proposed on the basis of the results of this analysis. Kaplan-Meier disease-specific survival was analyzed by stage using the proposed and the 7th TNM staging system. RESULTS: Follow-up was completed in 490 of 510 patients at a median of 51 months (interquartile range, 18-99). Histology (G1-typical carcinoid vs G2-atypical carcinoid vs G3-large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma) and pT were independently associated with survival, but pN was not. After regrouping histology and pT, we proposed the following staging system: IA (pT1-2G1), IB (pT3G1, pT1G2), IIA (pT4G1, pT2-3G2, pT1G3), IIB (pT4G2, pT2-3G3), and III (pT4G3). The 5-year survivals were 97.9%, 81.0%, 69.1%, 51.8%, and 0%, respectively. By using the 7th TNM, 5-year survivals were 95.0%, 92.3%, 67.7%, 70.9%, and 65.1% for stage IA, IB, IIA, IIB, and III, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating histology and regrouping tumor stage create a unique neuroendocrine tumor staging system that seems to predict survival better than the 7th TNM classification.

The Importance of Age on Short-Term Outcomes Associated With Repair of Giant Paraesophageal Hernias.

BACKGROUND: Older patients have an increased incidence of paraesophageal hernia (PEH) and can be denied surgical assessment due to the perception of increased complications and mortality. This study examines the influence of age and comorbidities on early complications and other short-term outcomes of PEH repair. METHODS: From 2000 to 2016, data of surgically treated patients with PEH were prospectively recorded in an Institutional Review Board-approved database. Only patients whose hernia involved over 50% of the stomach were included. Patients were stratified by age (<70, 70 to 79, ≥80 years of age) and compared in univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 524 patients underwent surgical PEH repair (<70: 261 [50%]; 70 to 79: 163 [31%]; ≥80: 100 [19%]). Patients greater than or equal to 80 years of age had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class, more comorbidities, larger hernias, and higher incidences of type IV PEH and acute presentation. Patients greater than or equal to 80 years of age had more postoperative complications, but not higher grade complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa). Median length of stay was 1 day longer for patients greater than or equal to 80 years of age (5 days versus 4 days for patients <70 and 70 to 79 years of age, respectively). Objective, radiologic hernia recurrence at 4.3 months postoperation was 17.3% and was not increased in the greater than or equal to 80 years of age group. After adjustment for comorbidities and other factors, age greater than or equal to 80 years was not a significant factor in predicting severe complications, readmission within 30 days, or early recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: PEH repair is safe in physiologically stable patients, irrespective of age. Incidence of complications is higher in older patients, but complication severity and mortality are similar to those of younger patients. Patients with giant PEH should be given the opportunity to review treatments options with an experienced surgeon.