Differences In Postoperative Outcomes Research Articles

Proximalized Total Arch Replacement Can Be Safely Performed by Trainee.

Background The aim of the present study was to validate safety of total arch replacement (TAR) using a novel frozen elephant trunk device, operated by trainees as surgical education. Methods Sixty-four patients including 19 patients (29.6%) with acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) underwent TAR in our institute between April 2014 and March 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-nine patients were operated by trainees (group T) and 35 patients were operated by attending surgeons (group A). Results Patient characteristics did not differ between groups. Operative time (409.4 ± 87.8 vs. 468.6 ± 129.6 minutes, p = 0.034), cardiopulmonary bypass time (177.7 ± 50.4 vs. 222.9 ± 596.7 minutes, p = 0.019), and hypothermic circulatory arrest time (39.5 ± 13.4 vs. 54.5 ± 18.5 minutes, p = 0.001) were significantly shorter in group A than in group T, but aortic clamping time did not differ between groups (115.3 ± 55.7 vs. 114.2 ± 35.0 minutes, p = 0.924) because the rate of concomitant surgery was higher in group A (37.1 vs. 10.3%, p = 0.014). Thirty-day mortality was 3.1% in the entire cohort. Although operation time was longer in group T, there were no significant difference in postoperative results between the groups, and the experience levels of the main operator were not independent predictors for in-hospital mortality + major postoperative complications. There was no difference in late death and aortic events between groups. Conclusions The present study demonstrated that TAR can be safely performed by trainees, and suggests TAR as a possible and safe educational operation.

Follow-Up After Cataract Surgery - Comparison of the Practice in Two Institutions with the Aim of Optimize the Routine.

PurposeTo evaluate the number of postoperative visits after cataract surgery in two institutions with different routines.Patients and MethodsA population-based prospective, observational, cohort study was conducted at two institutions in northern Sweden. All cataract surgery cases during a 1-year period were included. The study group was 1249 cases, who followed the standard routine at the Sunderby clinic, ie, no planned postoperative visit for patients without comorbidity who had uncomplicated surgery. All cases (n=1162) having surgery during the same 1-year period at the Umeå clinic were selected as the control group. The routine in Umeå was a planned postoperative visit for all patients after first eye surgery, and on second eye surgery patients with other ocular comorbidity.ResultsA postoperative visit was planned in 44% (555/1249) of the study group and in 83% of all control group cases (966/1162). Significantly less patients in the study group (9% vs 16%; p=0.000036) initiated an unplanned contact. Patients with a distance to the hospital of 70 km or longer were less inclined to seek unplanned care (p=0.016). There was no difference in postoperative outcomes between the patients who initiated contact and those who did not in the study and control hospitals.ConclusionWithout compromising patient safety, it is possible to reduce the burden of postoperative visits in cases with uncomplicated cataract surgery. A reduction in the number of visits is obtained only if the standard routine is no planned postoperative visits in uncomplicated cases without ocular comorbidity for both first and second eye surgery.

Superior Labrum Anterior-Posterior (SLAP) Repair Versus Subpectoral Biceps Tenodesis for Isolated SLAP II Lesions in Overhead Athletes Aged Younger 35 Years: A Comparison of Minimum Two-Year Outcomes

Objectives:In young overhead athletes with isolated superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) type II lesions it remains unclear if patients benefit more from either SLAP repair or biceps tenodesis. The purpose of our study is to evaluate clinical outcomes and return to sports rates in overhead athletes suffering from symptomatic SLAP type II lesions who have undergone either biceps tenodesis or SLAP repair.Methods:A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was performed in patients who underwent subpectoral biceps tenodesis (group I) or SLAP repair (group II) for the treatment of isolated SLAP type II lesions, were younger than 35 years at time of surgery, participated in overhead sports, and were at least two years out from surgery. Clinical outcomes were assessed by the use of the American Shoulder and Elbow Society Score (ASES), Single Assessment Numerical Evaluation Score (SANE), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, and Shoulder and Hand Score (QuickDASH) and the General Health SF-12 physical component. Return to sports and patient satisfaction were documented. Clinical failures requiring revision surgery and complications were reported.Results:Minimum 2-year follow-up was obtained in 12/14 (85.7%) patients in group I and in 23/27 (85%) patients in group II. Preoperative baseline scores between both groups showed no significantdifferences (p > 0.05). When group I was compared to group II, no significant differences inpostoperative outcome scores were detected (p > 0.05). For biceps tenodesis (Group I) vs SLAP repair (Group II): ASES score was mean 91.6 ± 11.3 vs 88.6 ± 16.9, SANE score was mean 77.5 ± 28.0 vs. 82.3 ± 24.4, QuickDASH score was mean 9.2± 12.2 vs 9.4 ± 14.5, and SF-12 was mean 52.0 ± 6.1 vs 52.6 ± 7.8. No difference in return to sports rate (91% vs 91%, p > .05) was noted. 1 patient in group I and 2 patients in group II failed.Conclusion:This study showed that both techniques of SLAP repair and subpectoral biceps tenodesis provide excellent clinical results with high return to overhead sports rate and low failure rate in a young and high-demanding patient cohort for the treatment of isolated SLAP type II lesions.

Handedness-related outcome following arthroscopic shoulder stabilization.

Bankart's repair technique represents a standard procedure for arthroscopic shoulder stabilization with excellent functional outcomes. Information concerning handedness-related outcome is missing. Here, we compare the postoperative outcome following arthroscopic shoulder stabilization in relation to handedness, taking sex and age as covariates into account. Our retrospective dual-cohort study included 36 patients with dominant side shoulder instability (mean follow-up 33months) and 31 patients with non-dominant side shoulder instability (mean follow-up 41months), who underwent arthroscopic shoulder stabilization due to traumatic anterior-inferior shoulder instability. All had experienced recurrent dislocations preoperatively. The impact of handedness, and of age and sex as covariates on postoperative outcome was evaluated by the Rowe score, the apprehension test and self-reported VAS. Postoperatively, the Rowe score of the dominant side (mean 81.8, median 97.5) and the non-dominant side (mean 84.8, median 100) was not different (P = 0.718). Likewise, the univariate analysis for handedness (P = 0.806), sex (P = 0.627) and age (P = 0.929) as well as multivariate analysis for handedness (P = 0.721), sex (P = 0.583) and age (P = 0.898) showed no difference. The apprehension test for dominant versus non-dominant side operated patients was not different (P = 0.194). The univariate and multivariate analysis for handedness (P = 0.202 and P = 0.387, respectively) and age (P = 0.322 and P = 0.310, respectively) revealed no difference. However, the univariate and multivariate analysis for sex (P = 0.007 and P = 0.013, respectively) showed a difference. In relation to handedness, the results for the validated self-reported pain (rest pain P = 0.696, load-dependent pain P = 0.332) and surgery outcome satisfaction (P = 0.912) VAS were not different. Patients with shoulder instability, who underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair for stabilization of their dominant or non-dominant shoulder showed no handedness-related difference in postoperative outcome based on Rowe score, apprehension test and self-reported VAS. For the orthopedic practice, this suggests that handedness is not a risk factor for patients outcome. Level IV, cohort study.

Provider–patient Language Discordance and Cancer Operations: Outcomes from a Single Center Linked to a State Vital Statistics Registry

Patterns of worldwide immigration have resulted in high rates of discordance between medical providers and the patients they treat. For example, in the USA, 25 million individuals in the USA self-identified that they speak English less than "very well." Previous studies have generated mixed results regarding differences in postoperative outcomes between English proficient (EP) and limited English proficient (LEP) patients. Our objective was to determine whether a difference in outcomes exists for non-English-speaking patients compared to English-speaking patients after operations commonly performed to treat cancer. A retrospective cohort study was performed in an urban, safety net and tertiary referral medical center over a five-year period. Adult patients undergoing cancer operations were stratified as EP and LEP. We evaluated 30-day revisit to the ED, length of stay (LOS), long-term all-cause mortality, and any major complication on index admission. Regression was used to adjust for baseline comorbidities, case risk, and socioeconomic factors. A total of 2467 patients were included. There was no difference in case risk between language groups, but EP had a larger proportion of high comorbidity scores. Patients in the non-English group were more likely to be uninsured/self-pay andlive in neighborhoods with lower median income. After adjustment, we found no difference in long-term mortality [hazard ratio: 0.87 (95% CI 0.52-1.45)]. LEP patients had the same LOS compared to primary EP patients with an IRR of 0.99 (95% CI 0.88-1.10). There was no difference in the odds of revisit to hospital for LEP versus EP, with an OR of 1.08, 95% CI [0.75-1.53] and no difference in major complication (OR 0.76 (95% CI 0.39-1.45). We found no association between language and outcomes after cancer operations. This lack of difference may reflect local efficacy at treating non-English-speaking patients, and health systems with fewer services for LEP patients might show different results.

Comparison of Outcomes between Obese and Non-Obese Patients in a Colorectal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program: A Single-Center Cohort Study

Introduction: Obese patients are considered at increased risk of postoperative adverse events after colorectal surgery. Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare postoperative outcomes between obese and non-obese patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery in an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program. Methods: A retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort including patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery and were included in an ERAS protocol between February 2014 and December 2017 at Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland, was performed. Postoperative outcomes of obese and non-obese patients were compared. Results: Data of 460 patients were analyzed, including 374 (81%) non-obese and 86 (19%) obese patients. Overall, there was no difference in postoperative outcomes between the 2 groups. Among patients undergoing oncologic surgery, obese subjects had a significantly higher rate of conversion to laparotomy (11.9 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.01) and longer time until return of bowel function (2.38 vs. 1.98 days, p = 0.03), without increased morbidity or longer length of stay. Conclusion: Obese and non-obese patients had similar postoperative outcomes after elective colorectal surgery with ERAS management. ERAS can potentially reduce the increased morbidity usually observed in obese patients following elective colorectal surgery.

Association of intraoperative hyperglycemia and postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: a multicenter retrospective study

BackgroundWhile pre and postoperative hyperglycemia is associated with increased risk of surgical site infection, myocardial infarction, stroke and risk of death, there are no multicenter data regarding the association of intraoperative blood glucose levels and outcomes for the non-cardiac surgical population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study from the Michigan Surgical Quality Collaborative, a network of 64 hospitals that prospectively collects validated data on surgical patients for the purpose of quality improvement. We included data for adult general, vascular, endocrine, hepatobiliary, and gastrointestinal operations between 2013 and 2015. We assessed the risk-adjusted, independent relationship between intraoperative hyperglycemia (glucose > 180) and the primary outcome of 30-day morbidity/mortality and secondary outcome of infectious complications using multivariable logistic regression modelling. Post hoc sensitivity analysis to assess the association between blood glucose values ≥250 mg/dL and outcomes was also performed.ResultsNinety-two thousand seven hundred fifty-one patients underwent surgery between 2013 and 2015 and 5014 (5.4%) had glucose testing intra-operatively. Of these patients, 1647 patients (32.9%) experienced the primary outcome, and 909 (18.1%) the secondary outcome. After controlling for patient comorbidities and surgical factors, peak intraoperative glucose > 180 mg/dL was not an independent predictor of 30-day mortality/morbidity (adjusted OR 1.05, 95%CI:0.86 to 1.28; p-value 0.623; model c-statistic of 0.720) or 30-day infectious complications (adjusted OR 0.93, 95%CI:0.74,1.16; p 0.502; model c-statistic of 0.709). Subgroup analysis for patients with or without diabetes yielded similar results. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated blood glucose of 250 mg/dL was a predictor of 30-day mortality/morbidity (adjusted OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.24, 2.05; p < 0.001).ConclusionsAmong more than 5000 patients across 64 hospitals who had glucose measurements during surgery, there was no difference in postoperative outcomes between patients who had intraoperative glucose > 180 mg/ dL compared to patients with glucose values ≤180 mg/ dL.

Simultaneous bilateral hallux valgus surgery: Percutaneous or conventional? Early results of a matched study from a tertiary institution

BackgroundHallux valgus is bilateral in up to 84 % of cases. In the setting of simultaneous bilateral correction, we aim to evaluate if minimally invasive percutaneous surgery (MIS) provides any advantage compared to conventional open surgery. Methods52 feet (26 patients) undergoing simultaneous bilateral MIS surgery were matched by severity of deformity to 52 feet (26 patients) undergoing simultaneous conventional open surgery. Patients were followed for a minimum of six months. Pre- and post-operative radiographs and clinical records were reviewed. ResultsThere were no significant differences in pre-operative function or pain between both groups. Post-operatively, the mean hallux valgus angle (HVA) was significantly lower in the MIS group. (HVA MIS – 8.6; Open – 11.8, P = 0.013). There were no significant differences in post-operative outcome and patient satisfaction between both groups. ConclusionThis study demonstrates that simultaneous bilateral MIS hallux valgus surgery can be considered for patients with bilateral symptomatic hallux valgus.

Effect of Pulsatile Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Adult Heart Surgery.

This study aimed to examine the effect of pulsatile flow pattern on tissue perfusion, particularly cerebral tissue perfusion, at pre-determined intervals during CPB, as well as its effects on postoperative morbidity and mortality. This retrospective study included 134 adult patients, who underwent cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Patients were grouped based on the flow pattern used during CPB: non-pulsatile CPB group (N = 82) and pulsatile CPB group (N = 52). Cerebral oxygen saturation, arterial pH and arterial lactate levels were measured at four time points, during the operation and the 2 groups were compared with regard to changes over time as well as differences in postoperative outcomes. The 2 groups were similar, in terms of mean values and intraoperative changes in cerebral oxygen saturation and arterial pH. Non-pulsatile CABG group had significantly higher arterial lactate levels over the measurement period, which was not affected by the timing of the measurements. Postoperative drainage, duration of ventilation and duration of hospital stay significantly were higher and postoperative blood urea nitrogen significantly was lower in the non-pulsatile CPB group. Other postoperative outcomes were similar across the groups. Findings of this study do not support the superiority of pulsatile flow pattern during CPB, in terms of cerebral oxygen saturation or postoperative mortality/morbidity. Further and larger comparative studies are warranted before pulsatile blood flow pattern can be established as a routine clinical method.

Web-Based Self-Directed Exercise Program Is Cost-Effective Compared to Formal Physical Therapy After Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundWeb-based physical therapy (WBPT) is a potential means to reduce costs following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Although outcomes data support the use of self-directed therapy after TKA, there is a paucity of literature evaluating its cost-effectiveness. This study aimed to determine utilization trends of either outpatient physical therapy (OPPT) or WBPT after TKA, assess the outcomes of patients based on their use of WBPT, OPPT, or both, and evaluate OPPT costs based on the amount of WBPT used. MethodsA retrospective review of 701 patients (731 TKAs) was performed. Patients were given a prescription for OPPT and access to a self-directed WBPT program. Functional scores were obtained preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively, and the rate of manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), range of motion, and PT costs were recorded. ResultsAbout 49.8% of patients utilized WBPT, 34.7% of patients utilized WBPT and OPPT, and 23% of patients utilized neither source of therapy. Patients that utilized both WBPT and OPPT demonstrated the lowest rates of MUA. There were no differences in postoperative outcomes based on the number of WBPT logins. Overall, PT cost was 3.4× higher for those that underwent MUA. Subgroup analysis of patients that utilized WBPT revealed that the cost and number of PT visits decreased as the number of logins increased. Patients younger than 65 utilized more WBPT and OPPT while demonstrating worse outcomes (lower Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score for Joint Replacement postoperative scores and more MUAs). ConclusionWBPT can be an effective option to offset costs associated with OPPT, without compromising outcomes.

The effect of neoadjuvant short-course radiotherapy and delayed surgery versus chemoradiation on postoperative outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer patients – A propensity score matched nationwide audit-based study

ObjectiveTo investigate differences in postoperative outcomes between short-course radiotherapy and delayed surgery (SCRT-delay) and chemoradiation (CRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). BackgroundPrevious trials suggest that SCRT-delay could serve as an adequate neoadjuvant treatment for LARC. Therefore, in frail LARC patients SCRT-delay is recommended as an alternative to CRT. However, data on postoperative outcomes after SCRT-delay in comparison to CRT is scarce. MethodsThis was an observational study with data from the Dutch ColoRectal Audit (DCRA). LARC patients who underwent surgery (2014–2017) after an interval of ≥6 weeks were included. Missing values were replaced by multiple imputation. Propensity score matching (PSM), using age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, cT-stage and surgical procedure, was applied to create comparable groups. Differences in postoperative outcomes were analyzed using Chi-square test for categorical variables, independent sample t-test for continuous variables and Mann-Whitney U test for non-parametric data. Results2926 patients were included. In total, 288 patients received SCRT-delay and 2638 patients underwent CRT. Patients in the SCRT-delay group were older and had more comorbidities. Also, ICU-admissions and permanent colostomies were more common, as well as pulmonic, cardiologic, infectious and neurologic complications. After PSM, both groups comprised 246 patients with equivalent age, comorbidities and tumor stage. There were no differences in postoperative complications. ConclusionPostoperative complications were not increased in LARC patients undergoing SCRT-delay as neoadjuvant treatment. Regarding treatment-related complications, SCRT-delay is a safe alternative neoadjuvant treatment option for frail LARC patients.

Analysis of Preoperative Factors Influencing Hypoglossal-facial ‘Side’-to-side Neurorrhaphy for Facial Paralysis after Excision of Acoustic Neuroma

ObjectiveHypoglossal nerve-facial nerve ‘side’-to-side neurorrhaphy is a new method for the treatment of potential incomplete facial paralysis after acoustic neuroma. However, there are differences in postoperative outcomes among patients. This study analysed preoperative factors that may influence the treatment outcomes of neurorrhaphy. MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of 53 patients who were treated by neurorrhaphy for facial paralysis after acoustic neuroma resection. After a one-year follow-up period, the patients were divided into two groups according to facial functional outcome: better recovery or ordinary recovery. We analysed the following factors: gender, age, tumour size, and characteristics, tumour adhesion to the facial nerve, the duration of facial paralysis (DFP) and F wave appearance prior to neurorrhaphy (F wave). ResultsUnivariate analysis showed significant differences between the two groups in DFP (P = 0.0002), tumour adhesion to the facial nerve (P = 0.0079) and F waves (P = 0.0048). Logistic regression analysis of these factors also showed statistical significance with P values of 0.042 for the DFP, 0.043 for F waves, and 0.031 for tumour adhesion to the facial nerve. ConclusionsTumour adhesion to the facial nerve, F waves appearance and DFP prior to neurorrhaphy are the predominant factors that influence treatment outcomes.

Total Temporomandibular Joint Replacement: Stick to Stock or Optimization by Customization?

This article aims to compare the difference in postoperative results in patients treated with either a patient-specific (PSI) or a stock temporomandibular total joint replacement system. The investigators performed a systematic review concerning postoperative results after placement of either a stock total joint replacement system or a PSI. PubMed Central, Web of Science, Cochrane Library Plus, Wiley Online Library, and EMBASE were used to conduct this search. All articles up to August 15, 2018, were scrutinized. All included articles were nonrandomized cohort studies. Maximal mouth opening (MMO) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores for pain and diet before and after surgery were evaluated. The Methodological Index for NonRandomized Studies scale was used for quality assessment. Weighted mean difference was calculated and pooled by meta-analysis using random-effect models. The search identified 1581 articles, of which 15 were included. The average risk of bias was low. Both systems achieved significant increases in MMO and decreased VAS pain scores at 1, 2, and 3 years after surgery. No significant difference was found between the system types. Both achieved significant improvements in dietary VAS scores, with a more significant improvement for stock implants. Due to the lack of detailed diagnostic evaluation tools allowing proper start-point categorization, there is a significant risk for selection bias in the pooled data. The PSI is more frequently chosen for cases with more significant joint degeneration, skewing postoperative results. A patient-fitted implant can provide significant operative and patient-centered advantages over a stock implant, which will likely be confirmed when observational cohort studies have included indications like the ones for stock prostheses. Furthermore, while current US Food and Drug Administration-approved stock implants contain cobalt -chromium -molybdenum, the newly manufactured PSI are made of titanium alloy, diminishing the risks of morbidity and implant failure.

Postoperative outcomes of adult patients with sagittal fractures of mandibular condyle: Quantitative evaluation and retrospective factor analysis

PurposeWe attempted to adopt quantitative methods to precisely evaluate the surgical effect of sagittal fractures of mandibular condyle (SFMCs) and aimed to determine differences in postoperative results between different groups of patients. Materials and methodsPostoperative data of patients with SFMC were collected and quantitative evaluations of subjective, clinical and imaging results were performed. SPSS software was used to analyze the data, and certain factors (gender, age, unilateral or bilateral SFMCs, injury time) were analyzed by univariate analysis. ResultsForty-four postoperative patients were included with an average follow-up of 15.7 months. Averages of resting pain, moving pain, and chewing pain were all <10. Averages of maximum mouth opening, protrusion, and ipsilateral excursive movement were 42.20, 4.80, and 5.98 mm, respectively. Moreover, 85.71% of condylar healing and remodeling was good, and average condylar absorption was 1.52 mm. Early-operated patients (injury time ≤2 weeks) exhibited greater ipsilateral excursive movement, higher condylar index, and lesser condylar absorption than late-operated patients (injury time >2 weeks). Patients with unilateral SFMC showed greater protrusive movement and higher condylar index than those with bilateral SFMCs. ConclusionMost patients with SFMCs could obtain good subjective, clinical and imaging results by appropriate surgical treatment. Early surgery could improve postoperative outcomes.

Surgical Prevention of Anastomotic Recurrence by Excluding Mesentery in Crohn's Disease: The SuPREMe-CD Study - A Randomized Clinical Trial.

This trial aimed to provide randomized controlled data comparing Kono-S anastomosis and stapled ileocolic side-to-side anastomosis. Recently, a new antimesenteric, functional, end-to-end, hand-sewn ileocolic anastomosis (Kono-S) has shown a significant reduction in endoscopic recurrence score and surgical recurrence rate in Crohn disease (CD). Randomized controlled trial (RCT) at a tertiary referral institution. Primary endpoint: endoscopic recurrence (ER) (Rutgeerts score ≥i2) after 6 months. Secondary endpoints: clinical recurrence (CR) after 12 and 24 months, ER after 18 months, and surgical recurrence (SR) after 24 months. In all, 79 ileocolic CD patients were randomized in Kono group (36) and Conventional group (43). After 6 months, 22.2% in the Kono group and 62.8% in the Conventional group presented an ER [P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 5.91]. A severe postoperative ER (Rutgeerts score ≥i3) was found in 13.8% of Kono versus 34.8% of Conventional group patients (P = 0.03, OR 3.32). CR rate was 8% in the Kono group versus 18% in the Conventional group after 12 months (P = 0.2), and 18% versus 30.2% after 24 months (P = 0.04, OR 3.47). SR rate after 24 months was 0% in the Kono group versus 4.6% in the Conventional group (P = 0.3). Patients with Kono-S anastomosis presented a longer time until CR than patients with side-to-side anastomosis (hazard ratio 0.36, P = 0.037). On binary logistic regression analysis, the Kono-S anastomosis was the only variable significantly associated with a reduced risk of ER (OR 0.19, P < 0.001). There were no differences in postoperative outcomes. This is the first RCT comparing Kono-S anastomosis and standard anastomosis in CD. The results demonstrate a significant reduction in postoperative endoscopic and clinical recurrence rate for patients who underwent Kono-S anastomosis, and no safety issues.ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT02631967.

Is obesity a factor of surgical difficulty in transanal endoscopic surgery?

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) in obese patients. MethodsObservational descriptive study evaluating the feasibility of TES in obese rectal tumors between June 2004 and January 2019. Patients were assigned to two groups: body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m2 and BMI ≥30 kg/m2, the latter defined as obese. ResultsFrom 775 patients, 681 were enrolled in the study, 145 (21.3%) of them obese. No statistically significant differences between groups were found with respect to overall morbidity (27, 18.6%).The obese patients presented trends towards shorter mean surgical time (65 min, IQR 48 min), less perforation in the peritoneal cavity (eight, 5.5%), and 133 (91.7%) presented a lower rate of lesion fragmentation. ConclusionThere were no significant differences in postoperative outcomes in obese patients (BMI ≥30 kg/m2). TES in those obese patients does not represent a factor of surgical difficulty.

Gender difference in long- and short-term outcomes of off-pump coronary endarterectomy.

Background:The role of gender in the selection of the most effective method for treatment of patients with diffused coronary artery diseases remains a matter of debate. This study thus evaluated the effect of gender on long- and short-term outcomes of off-pump coronary endarterectomy (CE).Methods:This was a single-center retrospective study of patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The patients were divided into two groups, the CABG and the CABG + CE group, and further stratified into male and female. Long-term survival for each group was estimated by Kaplan–Meier analysis with log-rank testing. In addition, Cox regression analyses of each gender were also carried out to identify the predictors of the primary and secondary endpoints.Results:Overall, 25.8% of the patients were female. Diseased vessels were not statistically different in the two groups – men and women. There was no significant difference in postoperative outcomes between males and females in the CABG and CABG + CE groups. There was no significant difference in hospital mortality in the two groups between males and females. Kaplan–Meier curves show that there was no significant difference in the 5-year cardiac mortality between males and females belonging to the CABG and CABG + CE groups.Conclusion:The results of this study show that there was no significant difference in the short- and long-term outcomes of off-pump CABG and CE in both genders although women tend to carry a greater risk.

Decreased national pancreatic fistula rates with minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy: An evolving benefit over the open approach?

Presenter: Jorge Zarate Rodriguez MD | Washington University, St. Louis Background: Pancreatic fistula is the major driver of morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), and there is a steep learning curve associated with minimally invasive pancreaticoduodenectomy (MIPD). We hypothesized that national MIPD outcomes would improve over time, and would demonstrate a benefit over open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) with increasing experience. Methods: All patients undergoing elective MIPD (laparoscopic, robotic, and laparoscopic/robotic converted to open) or OPD and accrued into the pancreatectomy targeted NSQIP database between 2014 and 2017 were included in the study. Patient variables and outcomes after MIPD versus OPD were compared. Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-PF) rates were compared between MIPD and OPD for each individual year in the database. Patients were stratified into era 1 (2014-2015) and era 2 (2016-2017). MIPD patients were propensity score matched to OPD patients (1:3) and their outcomes compared within each era. Results: 13,373 patients underwent PD between 2014-2017: 12,303 (92.0%) OPD and 1,070 MIPD (8.0%). Patients undergoing MIPD were less likely to be jaundiced (35.5% vs 43.7%, p<0.001), have recent weight loss (9.8% vs 15.4%, p<0.001), have T4 tumors (53.8% vs 57.7%, p<0.001), undergo neoadjuvant radiation therapy (6.3% vs 8.1%, p=0.042) and undergo vascular resection (13.6% vs 17.7%, p<0.001), but were more likely to be white (81.8% vs 7.7%, p<0.001), have a drain placed at surgery (96.1% vs 87.5%, p<0.001), and have soft pancreas gland texture (40.7% vs 35.0%, p=0.003). When comparing CR-PF rates after MIPD to OPD in each individual year, CR-PF rates went from being significantly higher after MIPD compared to OPD in 2014 (18.7% vs 13.5%, p= 0.050) to being significantly lower than OPD in 2017 (8.6% vs 13.8%, p=0.009) (Figure). After 1:3 propensity score matching patients undergoing MIPD (n=440) to those undergoing OPD (n=1320) in era 1 (years 2014-2015), MIPD was associated with a significantly increased rate of 30-day readmission (20.5% vs 14.8%, p=0.005) with no other differences in postoperative outcomes. After 1:3 propensity score matching patients undergoing MIPD (n=630) to those undergoing OPD (n=1890) in era 2 (years 2016-2017), MIPD was associated with significantly decreased rates of CR-PF (9.8% vs 14.8%, p=0.002), organ space infection (12.4% vs 16.9%, p=0.007), systemic sepsis (5.7% vs 8.9%, p=0.011), and myocardial infarction (0.2% vs 1.0%, p=0.046) along with a significantly decreased length of postoperative stay (9.7 days vs 10.7 days, p=0.013). Conclusion: National MIPD outcomes have significantly improved over time in the NSQIP pancreatectomy database, and MIPD has significant perioperative benefits over OPD in recent years.

Comparing postoperative outcomes after free flap surgery in a specialty step-down unit vs nonspecialty intensive care unit.

To determine if there was a difference in postoperative outcomes of head and neck free flap reconstruction patients treated in a specialty step-down unit compared to a nonspecialty intensive care unit (ICU). A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects from 2014 to 2017 at Loyola University Medical Center. Patients managed postoperatively in the ICU were compared to patients managed in a specialty step-down unit. Postoperative outcomes, length of stay, and readmission were compared. Three hundred and five patients were included in the study. Patients managed postoperatively in the specialty step-down unit had comparable rates of postoperative complications and flap failure as ICU patients. Step-down patients had significantly shorter lengths of stay (Mdn = 5 days, IQR = 5-7 days) than patients in the ICU (Mdn = 6 days, IQR = 5-6 days; P < .001).

Does Heart Valve Team Risk Assessment Predict Outcomes after Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement?

Consideration for transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) necessitates an integrated risk assessment by members of the Heart Valve Team. The utility of the integrated risk assessment for predicting TAVR outcomes is not established. This article aims to compare the utility of the integrated risk assessment to that of the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality (STS-PROM) score for predicting patient outcomes after TAVR. A total of 274 patients who underwent TAVR from January 2016 to August 2017 were included in this study. Patients were deemed intermediate or high risk by two surgeons on the Heart Valve Team based on an integrated risk assessment that incorporates the STS-PROM score, fragility measures, end-organ dysfunction, and surgeon evaluation. Patients were also deemed low, intermediate, or high risk based solely on their STS-PROM scores of <3%, ≥3% to <8%, and ≥8%, respectively. Differences in postoperative outcomes between intermediate- and high-risk groups as categorized by the integrated risk assessment versus STS-PROM were compared. There were no statistically significant differences in postoperative outcomes between patients who were deemed high and intermediate risk by the Heart Valve Team risk assessment. In contrast, postoperative complication rates were significantly higher in patients deemed high risk as compared with intermediate risk by STS-PROM. Integrated risk assessment by the Heart Valve Team is not superior to STS-PROM in predicting postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing TAVR.