Median Length Of Postoperative Hospital Research Articles

Effect of transfer status on outcomes for necrotizing soft tissue infections

BackgroundWhether patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) who presented to under-resourced hospitals are best served by immediate debridement or expedited transfer is unknown. We examined whether interhospital transfer status impacts outcomes of patients requiring emergency debridement for NSTI. Methods and materialsWe conducted a retrospective review studying patients with an operative diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis, Fournier's gangrene, or gas gangrene in the 2010-2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data Files. Multivariable regression analyses determined if transfer status independently predicted 30-d mortality, major morbidity, minor morbidity, and length of stay. ResultsAmong 1801 patients, 1243 (69.0%) were in the non-transfer group and 558 (31.0%) were in the transfer group. The transfer group experienced higher rates of 30-d mortality (14.5% versus 13.0%) and major morbidity (64.5% versus 60.1%) than the non-transfer group, which were not significant after risk adjustment (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 0.87 [0.62-1.22] and 1.00 [0.79-1.27], respectively). The transferred group experienced a longer median length of postoperative hospitalization (14 d [interquartile range 8-24] versus 11 d [6-20]), which maintained statistical significance after adjustment for other factors (adjusted beta coefficient [95% confidence interval]: 1.92 [0.48-3.37]; P = 0.009). ConclusionsOur results suggest that interhospital transfer status is not an independent risk factor for mortality or morbidity after surgical management of NSTI. Although expedient debridement remains a basic tenet of NSTI management, our findings provide some reassurance that transfer before initial debridement will not significantly jeopardize patient outcomes should such transfer be deemed necessary.

Long-term Patient-reported Outcomes After Laparoscopic Fenestration of Symptomatic Liver Cysts.

Laparoscopic fenestration is the treatment of choice for symptomatic liver cysts. Despite the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, there is limited data on long-term outcomes after laparoscopic fenestration, in terms of symptom recurrence and quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction following this procedure. All patients who underwent laparoscopic liver cyst fenestration in a single center between 2001 and 2012 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Long-term patient-reported outcomes including symptom relief and quality of life were prospectively evaluated by a structured telephone interview. A total of 98 patients underwent laparoscopic liver cyst fenestration. The median follow-up was 62 months (range, 22 to 173 mo). Follow-up data was available in 48 patients. Four patients developed radiologically confirmed evidence of recurrence with 3 undergoing further surgery. No mortality was reported in the series. Four complications occurred and the median postoperative length of hospital stay was 2 days (range, 1 to 7 d). Thirty-nine patients received immediate symptomatic relief with 98% reporting long-term satisfaction. Laparoscopic liver cyst fenestration is associated with low morbidity and long-term alleviation of symptoms. This should be considered the treatment modality of choice in managing patients with nonparasitic cysts.

Compliance with the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol and prognosis after colorectal cancer surgery: A prospective cohort study.

We explored the effects of different levels of compliance with an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol on the short-term prognosis of patients who underwent colorectal cancer surgery. We conducted a single-center prospective cohort study in which 254 patients who received surgical treatment in a teaching tertiary care hospital were enrolled from March 2016 to November 2016. The patients were divided into four groups (I, II, III, and IV) based on individual compliance rates; the corresponding range of compliance rates was 0-60%, 60-70%, 70-80%, and 80-100%, and the number of patients in each group was 66, 63, 53, and 72, respectively. In the four groups from low to high compliance with ERAS (group I, II, III, and IV), the incidence of surgical site infections was 24.2%, 20.6%, 9.4%, and 6.9% (P < 0.05); the overall incidence of postoperative complications was 41.3%, 33.3%, 26.4%, and 16.7% (P < 0.05); the median length of postoperative hospital stay (in days) was 12.5, 10, 9, 8 (P < 0.05); and the median total hospital cost (Chinese Yuan) was 71,733, 73,632, 65,861, and 63,289 (P < 0.05), respectively. These results suggest that higher compliance with the ERAS protocol was associated with a lower incidence of surgical site infections, lower overall postoperative complication rate, shorter postoperative hospital stays, and lower total hospital costs.

Complications Associated With Femoral Cannulation During Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery

Different types of cannulation techniques are available for minimally invasive cardiac surgery. At our institution, we favor a femoral platform for most minimally invasive cardiac procedures. Here, we review our results utilizing this cannulation approach. We retrospectively reviewed all minimally invasive valve surgeries that were performed at our institution between January 2009 and January 2015. Operative times, lengths of stay, postoperative complications, and mortality were analyzed. We identified 2,645 consecutive patients. The mean age was 69.7 ± 12.77 years, and 1,412 patients (53.4%) were male. Three hundred fifty-eight patients (13.5%) had a history of cerebrovascular accident, 422 (16%) had previous heart surgery, and 276 (10.4%) had a history of peripheral vascular disease. The procedures performed were isolated aortic valve replacements (42.1%), isolated mitral valve operations (40.6%), tricuspid valve repairs (0.57%), double valve surgery (15%), triple valve surgery (0.3%), and ascending aortic aneurysm resection with and without circulatory arrest (5%). Femoral cannulation and central cannulation were utilized in 2,400 patients (90.7%) and 244 patients (9.3%), respectively. The median aortic cross-clamp time and cardiopulmonary bypass time were 81 minutes (interquartile range, 65 to 105) and 113 minutes (interquartile range, 92 to 142), respectively. The median postoperative hospital length of stay was 6 days (interquartile range, 5 to 9). There were 31 cerebrovascular accidents (1.17%), no aortic dissections, two compartment syndromes, two femoral arterial pseudoaneurysms, and 174 (6.65%) groin wound seromas. The overall 30-day mortality was 57 patients (2.15%). Minimally invasive cardiac surgical procedures utilizing femoral cannulation techniques have a low risk of complications.

Constructing tunnels to troubleshoot complete pleural symphysis during video-assisted thoracic surgery

Background: Pleural symphysis (PS) is once considered a relative contraindication of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). This paper aims to present our experiences in troubleshooting complete PS during VATS by constructing tunnels in the pleural space and to discuss the indication of thoracoscopic adhesiolysis in cases with complete PS. Methods: A total of 1163 consecutive VATS major lung resections were performed between May 2006 and July 2013. Among these, 17 cases were identified with complete PS. Blunt adhesiolysis using a finger was attempted around the three incisions to initiate accesses to the pleural space. Then communication between the observation incision and the two utility incisions was accomplished by constructing tunnels. Further adhesiolysis was performed with alternating blunt dissection and electrocoagulation through the two constructed tunnels. Detailed information on the patients was carefully reviewed. Results: Three cases underwent conversion to thoracotomy because the pleural space cannot be accessed due to dense PS. Fourteen cases with complete PS underwent successful thoracoscopic adhesiolysis. The median operation time was 150 min, ranging from 120 to 210 min. The median blood loss was 125 mL, ranging from 50 to 700 mL. The median chest drainage was 725 mL, ranging from 400 to 2,000 mL. The median chest drainage duration was 4 days, ranging from 2 to 12 days. Four patients incurred postoperative complications (two cases of pneumonia and two cases of prolonged air leakage), and all of them were treated appropriately. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 6.5 days, ranging from 4 days to 18 days. Perioperative mortality was not observed. Conclusions: This method is a novel approach to troubleshoot complete PS via VATS. The successful tunnel construction in the pleural space indicates further thoracoscopic adhesiolysis in cases with complete PS.

Safety and efficacy of an "enhanced recovery after surgery" protocol for patients undergoing colon cancer surgery: a multi-institutional controlled study.

The aim of this multi-institutional study was to prospectively evaluate the safety and efficacy of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for colonic surgery. The subjects of this study were 320 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II physical status. Patients underwent elective open or laparoscopic colonic resection or high anterior resection between April 2011 and January 2014 at one of six institutions. Three hospitals implemented an ERAS protocol (n=159), and three administered conventional care (n=161). The primary outcome measure was the surgical complication rate. Most operations, irrespective of group, were performed laparoscopically. The incidence of a surgical complication was 17.0% in the ERAS group vs. 16.1% in the conventional group (P=0.842), in which several non-surgical complications also arose. Oral food intake was implemented earlier for the ERAS group vs. the conventional group, after a median (range) of 1 (1-31) vs. 3 (1-9) days for the ERAS vs. conventional care groups, respectively (P<0.001). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was reduced by 5.5days for the ERAS group, being 8.5 (5-41) vs. 14 (7-56) days for the ERAS vs. conventional care groups, respectively (P<0.001). This multi-institutional controlled study clearly demonstrated that an ERAS protocol was efficient, without increasing the complication risk.

Antegrade cerebral perfusion at 25 °C for arch reconstruction in newborns and children preserves perioperative cerebral oxygenation and serum creatinine.

Antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) typically is used with deep hypothermia for cerebral protection during aortic arch reconstructions. The impact of ACP on cerebral oxygenation and serum creatinine at a more tepid 25 °C was studied in newborns and children. Between 2010 and 2014, 61 newborns and children (<5 years old) underwent aortic arch reconstruction using moderate hypothermia (25.0±0.9 °C) with ACP and a pH-stat blood gas management strategy. These included 44% Norwood-type operations, 30% isolated arch reconstructions, and 26% arch reconstructions with other major procedures. Median patient age at surgery was 9 days (range, 3 days-4.7 years). Cerebral oxygenation (NIRS) was monitored continuously perioperatively for 120 hours. Serum creatinine was monitored daily. Median cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cross clamp times were 181 minutes (range, 82-652 minutes) and 72 minutes (range, 10-364 minutes), respectively. ACP was performed at a mean flow rate of 46±6 mL/min/kg for a median of 48 minutes (range, 10-123 minutes). Cerebral and somatic NIRS were preserved intraoperatively and remained at baseline postoperatively during the first 120 hours. Peak postoperative serum creatinine levels averaged 0.7±0.3 mg/dL for all patients. There were 4 (6.6%) discharge mortalities. Six patients (9.8%) required ECMO support. Median postoperative length of hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay were 16 days(range, 4-104 days) and 9 days (range, 1-104 days), respectively. Two patients (3.3%) received short-term peritoneal dialysis for fluid removal, and none required hemodialysis. Three patients (4.9%) had an isolated seizure which resolved with medical therapy, and none had a neurologic deficit or stroke. ACP at 25 °C preserved perioperative cerebral oxygenation and serum creatinine for newborns and children undergoing arch reconstruction. Early outcomes are encouraging, and additional study is warranted to assess the impact on late outcomes.

MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY FOR PSEUDOPAPILLARY NEOPLASM OF THE PANCREAS.

ABSTRACTBackground: Solid pseudopapillary pancreatic neoplasia is usually a large well-circumscribed pancreatic mass, with cystic and solid areas more frequently found in young women. It is a benign pancreatic neoplasia in most cases, therefore minimally invasive surgery could be an interesting approach. Aim: Evaluate the results of minimally invasive surgery for this neoplasia. Methods: Patients with this tumor who underwent minimally invasive pancreatectomies between 2009 and 2015 in a single institution, were analyzed regarding demographic, clinical-pathological futures, post-operative morbidity and disease-free survival. Results: All were women, and their median age was 39 (18-54) years. Two patients with tumor in the head of the pancreas underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy, and another one underwent laparoscopic enucleation. Two patients with tumor in the neck underwent central pancreatectomy. Distal pancreatectomies were performed in the other five, one with splenic preservation. None required blood transfusion or conversion to open surgery. Two (20%) developed clinical relevant pancreatic fistulas, requiring readmission. Median length of postoperative hospital stay was five days (2-8). All resection margins were negative. Patients were followed for a median of 38 months (14-71), and there was no recurrence. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery for solid pseudopapillary pancreatic neoplasia is feasible for tumors in different locations in the pancreas. It was associated with acceptable morbidity and respected the oncologic principles for treatment.

A 50-case consecutive experience of Peng's binding pancreaticogastrostomy after pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy

Purpose: To overcome the high morbidity rate associated with postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after pancreaticoduodenectomy, new pancreatic anastomosis techniques have been developed, including Peng's binding pancreaticogastrostomy (BPG). We present our 50-case experience with Peng's BPG. Methods: From October 2011 to April 2014, 50 consecutive cases of PPPD with BPG were performed. All clinical data were collected prospectively. Short-term outcomes pancreatic fistula-related complications were analyzed. Results: Of the 50 cases, 42 (84%) were malignant and 8 (16%) were benign. Bile duct cancer (24 cases) was the most common. Nineteen postoperative complications developed in 13 patients, and 4 patients developed more than 2 complications. According to the Clavien–Dindo Classification, postoperative complications were grade I in 8 cases, grade II in 6, grade IIIA in 2, grade IIIB in 2, and grade V in 1. The morbidity rate was 38%. The median time to drain removal was 8 days, and the median length of postoperative hospital stay was 14 days. POPF occurred in 4 cases, resulting in a POPF rate of 8%. POPF-related mortality occurred in 1 case. Conclusion: Based on our 50-case experience, we believe that Peng's BPG is a good surgical option to minimize the occurrence of POPF but more investigations including comparative study with pancreaticojejunostomy are needed.

Robotic hepatectomy: initial experience of a single institution in Singapore.

In this study, we report our initial experience with robotic hepatectomy. Consecutive patients who underwent robotic hepatectomy at Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, from February 2013 to February 2015 were enrolled in this study. The difficulty level of operations was graded using a novel scoring system for laparoscopic hepatectomies. During the two-year period, five consecutive robotic hepatectomies were performed (one left lateral sectionectomy, one non-anatomical segment II/III resection, one anatomical segment V resection with cholecystectomy, one extended right posterior sectionectomy and one non-anatomical segment V/VI resection). Two hepatectomies were performed for suspected hepatocellular carcinoma, two for solitary liver metastases and one for a large symptomatic haemangioma. The median age of the patients was 53 (range 38-66) years and the median tumour size was 2.5 (range 2.1-7.3) cm. The median total operation time was 340 (range 155-825) minutes and the median volume of blood loss was 300 (range 50-1,200) mL. There were no open conversions and no mortalities or major morbidities (> Clavien-Dindo Grade II). The difficulty level of the operations was graded as low in one case (Score 2), intermediate in three cases (Score 5, 6 and 6) and high in one case (Score 10). There was one minor morbidity, where the patient experienced Grade A bile leakage, which resolved spontaneously. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 5 (range 4-7) days. Our initial experience confirmed the feasibility and safety of robotic hepatectomy.

Techniques of the Single-Port Totally Laparoscopic Distal Gastrectomy

Single-port laparoscopic surgery for patients with early gastric cancer has been rarely reported. Our aim was to introduce techniques of the single-port totally laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (TLDG) in patients with early gastric cancer. This procedure was performed using only one 3-3.5 cm skin incision on the umbilicus. One 12 mm and two 10 mm ports were used, and the flexible scope was used during the operation. Partial omentectomy with D1 + β or more lymph node dissection was performed. Bowel continuity was restored by intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy using two linear staplers. A total of 30 patients underwent single-port TLDG from June to August 2014. Median age of patients was 55 years (range 33-77) and median body mass index of patients was 21.2 kg/m(2) (range 15.7-26.1). Sixteen of 30 patients (53.3 %) were female. Operating times were 122.6 min, and blood losses during operations were 103.2 ml on average. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 7 days, and the median number of dissected lymph nodes was 40 (range 16-67). No patients had dissected lymph nodes <15. The rate of complications was 20 % (6/30 patients), and no patients had an incisional hernia. Two patients experienced ileus (6.7 %), another two patients experienced delayed gastric emptying (6.7 %), and one patient suffered from small bowel obstruction. There were no postoperative mortalities. The single-port TLDG for patients with early gastric cancer is feasible in very selected patients and in specialized gastric cancer centers with experience in multi-trocar laparoscopy and single-port laparoscopic surgery.

Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic resection for gastric GISTs larger than 5 cm: Results from a prospective study.

The role of laparoscopic resection for large gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), particularly those >5 cm, remains under debate due the possibility of intraoperative tumor rupture. To determine the feasibility and safety of the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of large gastric GISTs, a prospective study was performed between March 2011 and March 2014. Intraoperative tumor rupture was studied as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the conversion rate, surgical duration, estimated blood loss, time to tolerate fluid and solid diets, length of post-operative hospital stay and recurrence rate at the end of the follow-up. A total of 16 patients were included in this study, with a tumor size of 7.04±1.53 cm (range, 5.2–10.8 cm). No intraoperative tumor rupture occurred. The median duration of surgery was 88.1±31.9 min, with an estimated blood loss volume of 37.1±18.7 ml. No patient required a blood transfusion. The mean time until the start of oral intake for fluid and solid diets was 1.1±0.6 and 2.5±0.9 days, respectively. The median length of post-operative hospital stay was 5.4±5.8 days. The follow-up period for all patients was 16.9±11.2 months (range, 2–38 months). No local or distant recurrence was observed. The study indicates that laparoscopic resection for large gastric GISTs is feasible and safe. Laparoscopic surgery should be considered as the standard approach in all cases, irrespective of tumor size or location.

Review Of surgery of VSD in Ibn Al-Nafees Teaching Hospital

Background: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most commonly recognized congenital heart defect. Isolated VSDs represent about 20-30% of all congenital cardiac malformations and have a prevalence of 1- 2 % per 1,000 live births.Objective: This study is planned to review the outcome of surgical closure of VSD at Ibn Al-Nafees Teaching Hospital (Department Cardiac Surgery) Baghdad/Iraq.Patients and methods: This study includes 50 cases of VSD both isolated and VSD associated with other congenital malformations admitted and underwent surgical repair of age range between 3 to 28 years and weight range between 9 to 80 kg. Different type of VSD, were found and repaired whether isolated or with other associated congenital anomalies which dealt with at the same time.Results: The following VSD types were found: 40 peri- membranous 80%, 3 outlet 6%, 5 inlet 10% and 2 muscular 4%. Additional surgery were 3 pulmonary valvotomy 6%, 3 right ventricular outflow patch 6%, 7 closure of atrial septal defect 14%, 2 excision of subaortic ridge 4% and 2 aortic valve replacement 4%. One patient required reoperation for bleeding. Four patients had complete heart block that required temporary pacemaker. Over all operative mortality were two cases (4%), median postoperative hospital length stay was 7 days (range 5-18 days).Conclusions: Surgical closure of VSD is a safe and effective therapy in isolated VSD or VSD with other malformations and reoperation is minimal. Other cardiac malformations can be repaired at the same time with the closure of VSD with good results and very minimal complications.

Outcomes of laparoscopy combined with enhanced recovery pathway for Crohn's disease: a case-matched analysis

To compare short-term outcomes of laparoscopic vs. open intestinal resection in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) under enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS) program. Clinical data of 51 CD patients receiving laparoscopic surgery under ERAS program at our IBD center between January 2013 and March 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Laparoscopic cases were matched to those undergoing open surgery from June 2011 to December 2012 with age, gender, location and behavior of disease. Intraoperative and postoperative data were collected. Fifty-one laparoscopic cases were matched with 51 open cases. Laparoscopic group had a shorter median length of postoperative hospital stay (7 d vs. 9 d, P=0.034), shorter median time to first passage of gas(45 h vs. 59 h, P=0.024), shorter time to bowel movement(58 h vs. 76 h, P=0.018), less intraoperative estimated blood loss (35 ml vs. 75 ml, P=0.034) and longer median operative time (145 min vs. 105 min, P=0.003). Postoperative complications, reoperation and 30-day re-admission rates were similar and there was no mortality in the two groups. Laparoscopic surgery is a safe and acceptable option for CD patients, and it promotes recovery of gastrointestinal movement and shortens postoperative hospital stay.

Mediastinoscopic extended thymectomy for pediatric patients with myasthenia gravis

BackgroundExtended thymectomy is indicated for children with myasthenia gravis (MG) when drug-resistance or dependence is seen. We have employed a technique for mediastinoscopic extended thymectomy (MET) on children with MG. MethodA total of 14 children underwent MET at Kanagawa Children's Medical Center between 2005 and 2013. A mediastinal operation field was made by a V-shaped hook infrasternally to extirpate the thymus with adipose tissue around the thymus. ResultsThe operation time and the amount of blood loss were 182±44minutes and 34±43ml, respectively. Postoperative complications, in the form of transient paralysis of the right recurrent nerve, occurred in 2 patients. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 4.5days. After MET, 6 patients achieved complete remission and 7 patients achieved steroid dose reduction, but no improvement was seen in 1 patient. ConclusionsThis procedure offers the advantage of good surgical access for dissection around the bilateral phrenic nerves in extended total thymectomy, while achieving good cosmetic results.

Endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach for the surgical treatment of extraaxialand intraaxial tumors.

The supraorbital eyebrow approach is a minimally invasive technique that offers wide access to the anterior skull base region and parasellar area through asubfrontal corridor. The use of neuroendoscopy allows one to extend the approach further to the pituitary fossa, the anterior third ventricle, the interpeduncular cistern, the anterior and medial temporal lobe, and the middle fossa. The supraorbital approach involves a limited skin incision, with minimal soft-tissue dissection and a small craniotomy, thus carrying relatively low approach-related morbidity. All consecutive patients who underwent the endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach were retrospectively analyzed for lesion location, pathology, length of stay, complications, and cosmetic results. During a 56-month period, 97 patients (mean age 58.5 years) underwent an endoscopic eyebrow approach to resect extra- and intraaxial brain lesions. The most common pathologies treated were meningiomas (n = 41); craniopharyngiomas (n = 22); dermoid tumors (n = 7); metastases (n = 4); gliomas (n = 3); and other miscellaneous frontal, parasellar, and midbrain (n = 23) lesions. The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 2.7 days (range 1-8 days). In 82 patients a total removal of the lesion was performed, while in 15 patients a near-total or subtotal removal was achieved. There were no postoperative hematomas, cerebrospinal fluid leaks, or severe neurological deficits, with the exception of 2 cases of visual deterioration and 1 case each of meningitis, stroke, and third cranial nerve paresis. Other complications directly related to the approach included 2 cases of skin burn as a direct result of heat transmission from the microscope light, 1 case of right frontal palsy, 2 cases of frontal numbness, and 1 case of bone remodeling 1 year after surgery. The endoscopic supraorbital eyebrow approach is a safe and effective minimally invasive approach to remove extra- and intraaxial anterior skull base, parasellar, and frontal lesions, promoting a rapid recovery and short hospital stay. The location of the eyebrow incision demands a meticulous cosmetic closure, but, with proper technique, cosmetic results are excellent.

Safety of intraoperative electron radiation therapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma: a cohort study

Objective To investigate the safety of intraoperative electron radiation therapy (IOERT) for stage Ⅰ hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by a cohort study.Methods From November 2010 to May 2012,16 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with stage Ⅰ HCC underwent IOERT after radical resection.With a cohort study,87 patients with stage Ⅰ HCC who underwent radical resection alone during the same period were qualified,and according to tumor size (＞ 5 cm and ≤ 5 cm) and resection margin (close margin and negative margin),32 of 87 patients made up the control group.The intraoperative and postoperative adverse events,liver function parameters,coagulogram,and routine blood parameters,as well as IOERT-related adverse reactions,were evaluated.Independent-samples t test was used for analyzing the differences between groups.Results Compared with the control group,the IOERT group had a significantly longer operative time ((275.4 ± 71.55) min vs.(184.7 ± 64.74) min,P =0.000),a slightly higher incidence of intraoperative adverse events (18.75％ vs.6.25％,P=1.000),a slightly lower incidence of operative complications (12.50％ vs.28.12％,P =0.460),and a lower perioperative mortality (0 vs.6％,P =0.440).Liver function parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups (P ＞ 0.05).There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative time to grade 1 or normal liver function parameters,median length of postoperative hospital stay,length of hospital stay in the surgical department,time to incision healing,and level of incision healing (P ＞ 0.05).During follow-up,no radiation hepatitis was found in the IOERT group.Conclusions As an adjuvant therapy after radical resection for early HCC,IOERT has no significant side effects on postoperative recovery and liver function,and an intraoperative dose of 15-16 Gy is safe. Key words: Liver neoplasms/radiotherapy; Radiotherapy, intraoperative electron; Safety

Simple technique for gasless transumbilical single-incisional laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy

Single-incision laparoscopic surgery has recently received more attention. We developed a novel simple technique of gasless transumbilical single-incisional laparoscopic-assisted appendectomy (TUSILAA) and retrospectively analyzed our initial experience. TUSILAA has been attempted in 50 consecutive patients with acute appendicitis. The vertical incision through the umbilicus was used for laparoscopic access and the abdominal wall was lifted by a Kent retractor set system. Our technique was successful in 45 out of 50 (90%) patients. The median operating time was 59min (range 35-140). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was 4days (range 2-12). None of the cases were converted to open appendectomy. There were no perioperative surgical complications. Our novel technique, gasless TUSILAA, is safe and feasible with acceptable operative time and excellent cosmetic result. Furthermore, this procedure has the advantage of cost-effectiveness since any disposable instruments including trocars, staplers, or expensive devices are not required. Therefore, this could be used as the first-choice surgical procedure for selected patients with uncomplicated acute appendicitis.

Value-based neurosurgery: the example of microvascular decompression surgery

Value of care is emerging as a promising framework to restructure health care, emphasizing the importance of reporting multiple outcomes that encompass the entire care episode instead of isolated outcomes specific to care points during a patient's care. The authors assessed the impact of coordinated implementation of processes across the episode of surgical care on value of neurosurgical care, using microvascular decompression (MVD) as an example. This study is a retrospective review of consecutive cases involving patients with either trigeminal neuralgia or hemifacial spasm undergoing first-time MVD. Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 included patients who underwent surgery between February 2008 and November 2009 and Group 2 included those who underwent surgery between January 2011 and October 2012. The authors collected data on outcome measures spanning the entire surgical episode of care according to the Outcome Measures Hierarchy. Forty-nine patients were included: 20 patients in Group 1 and 29 patients in Group 2. Thirty-one patients underwent MVD for trigeminal neuralgia and 18 for hemifacial spasm. A zero mortality rate and high degree of symptom resolution were achieved in both groups. Group 2 benefited from a reduction in the average total operating room time, a decrease in the mean and median postoperative length of hospital stay, a decrease in the mean length of stay on the floor, and a reduction in the rates of complications and readmissions. Comprehensive implementation of improvement processes throughout the continuum of care resulted in improved global outcome and greater value of delivered care. Enhanced-recovery perioperative protocols and diagnosis-specific clinical pathways are two avenues built around global care delivery that can help achieve an "optimal episode of surgical care" in every case.

Open versus endoscopic great saphenous vein harvest for lower extremity revascularization of critical limb ischemia

This study determined wound complication rates, intervention rates, failure mechanisms, patency, limb salvage, and overall survival after lower extremity revascularization using open vein harvest (OVH) vs endoscopic vein harvest (EVH) for critical limb ischemia. A single-institution review was conducted of consecutive patients who underwent infrainguinal bypass with a single-segment reversed great saphenous vein between 2005 and 2012. A total of 251 patients with critical limb ischemia underwent revascularization, comprising 153 with OVH and 98 with EVH. The OVH group had a lower mean body mass index (26.7 vs 29.9 kg/m(2); P = .001). There were no other differences in demographics, comorbidities, medications, smoking, or in the proximal or distal anastomotic site. Median operative times were 249 minutes (OVH) vs 316 minutes (EVH; P < .001). Median postoperative hospital length of stay was 7 days (OVH) vs 5 days (EVH; P < .001). Median follow-up was 295 days (OVH) vs 313 days (EVH; P = .416). During follow-up, 21 OVH grafts (14%) and 27 EVH grafts (28%) underwent an intervention (P = .048). There were a similar number of surgical interventions: 50% (OVH) vs 61% (EVH; P = .449). Failed grafts had a mean of 1.2 stenoses per graft, regardless of harvest method. Median stenosis length was 2.1 cm (OVH) vs 2.5 cm (EVH; P = .402). At 1 and 3 years, the primary patency was 71% and 52% (OVH) vs 58% and 41% (EVH; P = .010), and secondary patency was 88% and 71% (OVH) vs 88% and 64% (EVH; P = .266). A secondary patency Cox proportional hazard model showed EVH had a hazard ratio of 2.93 (95% confidence interval, 1.03-8.33; P = .044). Overall and harvest-related wound complications were 44% and 29% (OVH) vs 37% and 12% (EVH; P = .226 and P = .002). At 5 years, amputation-free survival was 48% (OVH) vs 54% (EVH; P = .305), and limb salvage was 89% (OVH) and 91% (EVH; P = .615). OVH and EVH have similar failure mechanisms, limb salvage, amputation-free survival, and overall survival. EVH is associated with impaired patency, increased need for intervention, longer operative times, shorter hospital stays, and decreased vein harvest site wound complications. OVH of the great saphenous vein may provide optimal patency but was not necessarily associated with better patient-centered outcomes. Similar limb salvage rates and amputation-free survival may justify the use of EVH, despite inferior patency, to capture shorter hospital stays and decreased wound complications.