What Happens After Discharge? A 2+ Year Follow-Up After Laparoscopic Subtotal Fenestrating and Reconstituting Cholecystectomy.

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) is utilized to prevent complications in the difficult cholecystectomy. Medium-term outcomes are poorly studied for fenestrating and reconstituting operative techniques. A single-institution retrospective review was undertaken of all LSCs. A telephone survey was used to identify complications addressed at other institutions. We performed subgroup analyses by operative approach and of patients requiring postoperative endoscopic intervention (ERC). 28 patients met inclusion criteria. The median follow-up was 32.7 months. There were no bile duct injuries or reoperations. 21% of patients required a postoperative ERC and 50% were discharged home with a drain. Bile leaks were found to be more prevalent in the fenestrating LSC group (38% vs 0%, P = .003). The case series suggested more severe recurrent biliary disease in patients undergoing reconstituting LSC. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy appears to have satisfactory medium-term outcomes. The reconstituting LSC group trends toward more severe recurrent disease which warrants further investigation.

Achalasia and obesity: patient outcomes and impressions following laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication.

PURPOSE: The optimal management of achalasia in obese patients is unclear. For those who have undergone Heller myotomy and fundoplication, the long-term outcomes and their impressions following surgery are largely unknown. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication (LHMDF) for achalasia was performed. From this cohort, Class 2 and 3 obese (BMI > 35 kg/m2) patients were identified for short- and long-term outcome analysis. RESULTS: Between 2003 and 2015, 252 patients underwent LHMDF for achalasia, and 17 (7%) patients had BMI > 35 kg/m2. Pre-operative Eckardt scores varied from 2 to 9, and at short-term (2-4 week) follow-up, scores were 0 or 1. Ten (58%) patients had available long-term (2-144 months) follow-up data. Eckardt scores at this time ranged from 0 to 6. Symptom recurrence was worse for patients with BMI > 40 kg/m2 compared to patients with BMI < 40 kg/m2. BMI was largely unchanged at long-term follow-up regardless of pre-intervention BMI. Most patients were satisfied with surgery but would have considered a combined LHMDF and weight-loss procedure had it been offered. CONCLUSION: LHMDF for achalasia in obese patients is safe and effective in the short term. At long-term follow-up, many patients had symptom recurrence and experienced minimal weight loss. Discussing weight-loss surgery at the time LHMDF may be appropriate to ensure long-term achalasia symptom relief.

Preoperative anemia: a common finding that predicts worse outcomes in patients undergoing primary hiatal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The increased incidence of anemia in patients with hiatal hernias (HH) and resolution of anemia after HH repair (HHR) have been clearly demonstrated. However, the implications of preoperative anemia on postoperative outcomes have not been well described. In this study, we aimed to identify the incidence of preoperative anemia in patients undergoing primary HHR at our institution and sought to determine whether preoperative anemia had an impact on postoperative outcomes. METHODS: Using our IRB-approved institutional HH database, we retrospectively identified patients undergoing primary HHR between January 2011 and April 2017 at our institution. We identified patients with anemia, defined as serum hemoglobin levels less than 13 mg/dL in men and 12 mg/dL in women, measured within two weeks prior to surgery, and compared this group to a cohort of patients with normal preoperative hemoglobin. Perioperative outcomes analyzed included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, perioperative blood transfusions, failed postoperative extubation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, postoperative complications, length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmission. Outcomes were compared by univariable and multivariable analyses, with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: We identified 263 patients undergoing HHR. The median age was 66 years and most patients were female (78%, n = 206). Seventy patients (27%) were anemic. In unadjusted analyses, anemia was significantly associated with failed postoperative extubation (7 vs. 2%, p = 0.03), ICU admission (13 vs. 5%, p = 0.03), postoperative blood transfusions (9 vs. 0%, p < 0.01), and postoperative complications (41 vs. 18%, p < 0.01). On adjusted multivariable analysis, anemia was associated with 2.6-fold greater odds of postoperative complications (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.36-4.86; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, anemia had a prevalence of 27% in patients undergoing primary HHR. Anemic patients had 2.6-fold greater odds of developing postoperative complications. Anemia is common in patients undergoing primary HHR and warrants consideration for treatment prior to elective repair.

Comprehensive Multicenter Graduate Surgical Education Initiative Incorporating Entrustable Professional Activities, Continuous Quality Improvement Cycles, and a Web-Based Platform to Enhance Teaching and Learning.

BACKGROUND: It is increasingly important for faculty to teach deliberately and provide timely, detailed, and formative feedback on surgical trainee performance. We initiated a multicenter study to improve resident evaluative processes and enhance teaching and learning behaviors while engaging residents in their education. STUDY DESIGN: Faculty from 7 US postgraduate training programs rated resident operative performances using the perioperative briefing, intraoperative teaching, debriefing model, and rated patient visits/academic performances using the entrustable professional activities model via a web-based platform. Data were centrally analyzed and iterative changes made based on participant feedback, individual preferences, and database refinements, with trends addressed using the Plan, Do, Check, Act improvement methodology. RESULTS: Participants (92 surgeons, 150 residents) submitted 3,880 assessments during July 2014 through September 2017. Evidence of preoperative briefings improved from 33.9% ± 2.5% to 95.5% ± 1.5% between April and September 2014 compared with April and September 2017 (p < 0.001). Postoperative debriefings improved from 10.6% ± 2.7% to 90.2% ± 2.5% (p < 0.001) for the same period. Meaningful self-reflection by residents improved from 28.6% to 67.4% (p < 0.001). The number of assessments received per resident during a 6-month period increased from 6.4 ± 6.2 to 13.4 ± 10.1 (p < 0.003). Surgeon-entered assessments increased from 364 initially to 685 in the final period, and the number of resident assessments increased from 308 to 445. We showed a 4-fold increase in resident observed activities being rated. CONCLUSIONS: By adopting recognized educational models with repeated Plan, Do, Check, Act cycles, we increased the quality of preoperative learning objectives, showed more frequent, detailed, and timely assessments of resident performance, and demonstrated more effective self-reflection by residents. We monitored trends, identified opportunities for improvement and successfully sustained those improvements over time, applying a team-based approach.

Increasing resident utilization and recognition of the critical view of safety during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: a pilot study from an academic medical center.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is a commonly performed surgical procedure; however, it is associated with an increased rate of bile duct injury (BDI) when compared to the open approach. The critical view of safety (CVS) provides a secure method of ductal identification to help avoid BDI. CVS is not universally utilized by practicing surgeons and/or taught to surgical residents. We aimed to pilot a safe cholecystectomy curriculum to demonstrate that educational interventions could improve resident adherence to and recognition of the CVS during LC. METHODS: Forty-three general surgery residents at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital were prospectively studied. Fifty-one consecutive LC cases were recorded during the pre-intervention period, while the residents were blinded to the outcome measured (CVS score). As an intervention, a comprehensive lecture on safe cholecystectomy was given to all residents. Fifty consecutive LC cases were recorded post-intervention, while the residents were empowered to "time-out" and document the CVS with a doublet photograph. Two independent surgeons scored the videos and photographs using a 6-point scale. Residents were surveyed pre- and post-intervention to determine objective knowledge and self-reported comfort using a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: In the 18-week study period, 101 consecutive LCs were adequately captured and included (51 pre-intervention, 50 post-intervention). Patient demographics and clinical data were similar. The mean CVS score improved from 2.3 to 4.3 (p < 0.001). The number of videos with CVS score >4 increased from 15.7 to 52 % (p < 0.001). There was strong inter-observer agreement between reviewers. The pre- and post-intervention questionnaire response rates were 90.7 and 83.7 %, respectively. A greater number of residents correctly identified all criteria of the CVS post-intervention (41-93 %, p < 0.001) and offered appropriate bailout techniques (77-94 %, p < 0.001). Residents strongly agreed that the CVS education should be included in general surgery residency curriculum (mean Likert score = 4.71, SD = 0.54). Residents also agreed that they are more comfortable with their LC skills after the intervention (4.27, σ = 0.83). CONCLUSION: The combination of focused education along with intraoperative time-out significantly improved CVS scores and knowledge during LC in our institution.

Long-term functional outcomes of laparoscopic resection for gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic resection is rapidly becoming the treatment of choice for small- to medium-sized gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). While long-term oncologic data are available, quality of life outcomes are less known. METHODS: Our IRB-approved prospectively maintained database was retrospectively queried (2003-2013) for patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric GIST resection. Demographics along with perioperative and oncologic outcomes were collected and analyzed. Patients were contacted and asked to complete a quality of life survey consisting of Likert scales scored from 1 to 5. Patients also completed the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI). RESULTS: A total of 69 patients were identified and 36 patients (59.0% of eligible patients) responded to the survey. Median follow-up was 39 months. Patients most commonly reported no change in weight, appetite, early satiety, heartburn, persistent cough, dysphagia, and reflux medication dosing postoperatively. The median scores for chest pain and regurgitation were 4, falling in the "worsened" range. 8.33% of patients reported worsened chest pain and 11.11% of patients reported worsened regurgitation postoperatively. The GIQLI scores had a mean of 126.9 (range 77-141). CONCLUSION: While some patients reported a worsening in early satiety, most patients reported no change in symptoms postoperatively, and the GIQLI scores remained within the normal range. Laparoscopic resection of gastric GIST provides durable results with minimal effect on longer-term quality of life.

Minimally invasive esophagectomy provides significant survival advantage compared with open or hybrid esophagectomy for patients with cancers of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is increasingly being used to treat patients with cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction. We previously reported that oncologic efficacy may be improved with MIE compared with open or hybrid esophagectomy (OHE). We compared survival of patients undergoing MIE and OHE. STUDY DESIGN: Our contemporary series of patients who underwent MIE (2008 to 2013) was compared with a cohort undergoing OHE (3-hole [n = 39], Ivor Lewis [n = 16], hybrid [n = 13], 2000 to 2013). Summary statistics were calculated by operation type; Kaplan-Meier methods were used to compare survival. Cox regression was used to assess the impact of operation type (MIE vs OHE) on mortality, adjusting for age, sex, total lymph nodes, lymph node ratio (LNR), neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT), and stage. RESULTS: The MIE (n = 104) and OHE (n = 68) groups were similar with respect to age and sex. The MIE group tended to have higher BMI, earlier stage disease, and was less likely to receive CRT. The MIE group experienced lower operative mortality (3.9% vs 8.8%, p = 0.35) and significantly fewer major complications. Five-year survival between groups was significantly different (MIE, 64%, OHE, 35%, p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that patients undergoing OHE had a significantly worse survival compared with MIE independent of age, LNR, CRT, and pathologic stage (hazard ratio 2.00, p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: This study supports MIE for EC as a superior procedure with respect to overall survival, perioperative mortality, and severity of postoperative complications. Several biases may have affected these results: earlier stage in the MIE group and disparity in timing of the procedures. These results will need to be confirmed in future prospective studies with longer follow-up.

Grit: a marker of residents at risk for attrition?

BACKGROUND: Attrition from general surgery residency remains constant at approximately 20% despite nearly a decade of work-hour reform and studies aiming to identify common risk factors. High rates of attrition from training have a wide impact, from the overall quality of trainees produced to implications on public health and the broader surgical work force. We set out to evaluate a novel character trait, grit, defined as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, as a marker and potential risk factor for resident attrition. METHODS: Twelve Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-approved general surgery residency programs participated in a prospective, multi-institutional, survey-based analysis of grit and attrition during the 2012-2013 academic year. Participating individuals were blinded with regards to the primary outcome of the study. Participating institutions were blinded to the responses of their trainees. Participating residency programs were located in a variety of settings, from university-based health systems to community hospitals. RESULTS: Sixty-eight percent (68%) of residents (180 of 265) at participating institutions completed the study. The primary end point for this study was attrition from residency as a function of grit. Secondary end points included an evaluation of the utility of the grit score in surgical residents, variability of grit according to postgraduate year, sex, measurements of resident satisfaction with current program, lifestyle, and career goals. Finally, the study included an analysis of key resident support strategies. The attrition rate across 12 institutions surveyed was approximately 2% (5 residents). Of those five, three participated in our study. All three had below-median levels of grit. Those residents with below-median grit were more likely to contemplate leaving surgical residency. Given the low attrition rate, no variable surveyed reached statistical significance in our analysis. Key support strategies for residents responding included family, friends outside of residency, co-residents, and formal mentorship through their particular residency. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary underpowered study, grit appears to be a promising marker and risk factor for attrition from surgical residency. In an effort to retain residents, programs should consider screening for grit in current residents and directing support to those residents with below-median values, with a focus on building family, friend, and formal mentor relationships.

Gastroduodenal intussusception of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): case report and review of the literature.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumors in adults. They frequently occur in the stomach. Gastric GISTs typically present as a gastrointestinal bleed but can sometimes cause obstructive symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. We present a patient with a gastric GIST and liver metastases who during treatment with iminitab therapy presented with an acute gastric outlet obstruction. A computed tomography scan revealed a gastroduodenal intussusception of the gastric GIST. The patient underwent a laparoscopic exploration and resection of the GIST. We reviewed the English language literature of GISTs that presented as a gastroduodenal intussusception and put our case in the context of the previously reported cases. We discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges that arise when treating these patients.

Major perioperative morbidity does not affect long-term survival in patients undergoing esophagectomy for cancer of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of cancer of the esophagus/GE junction is dramatically increasing but continues to have a dismal prognosis. Esophagectomy provides the best opportunity for long-term cure but is hampered by increased rates of perioperative morbidity. We reviewed our large institutional experience to evaluate the impact of postoperative complications on the long-term survival of patients undergoing resection for curative intent. METHODS: We identified 237 patients who underwent esophagogastrectomy, with curative intent, for cancer between 1994 and 2008. Complications were graded using the previously published Clavien scale. Survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier methodology and survival curves were compared using log-rank tests. Multivariate analysis was performed with continuous and categorical variables as predictors of survival, and examined with logistic regression and odds ratio confidence intervals. RESULTS: There were 12 (5 %) perioperative deaths. The average age of all patients was 62 years, and the majority (82 %) was male. Complication grade did not significantly affect long-term survival, although patients with grade IV (serious) complications did have a decreased survival (p = 0.15). Predictors of survival showed that the minimally invasive type esophagectomy (p = 0.0004) and pathologic stage (p = 0.0007) were determining factors. There was a significant difference in overall survival among patients who experienced pneumonia (p = 0.00016) and respiratory complications (p = 0.0004), but this was not significant on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this single-institution series, we found that major perioperative morbidity did not have a negative impact on long-term survival which is different than previous series. The impact of tumor characteristics at time of resection on long-term survival is of most importance.

Combined hepatic arterial embolization and hepatic ablation for unresectable colorectal metastases to the liver.

Liver-directed therapy for hepatic metastases includes: intra-arterial techniques such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) and yttrium-90 resin ((90)Y) microsphere radioembolization and ablative technologies: cryoablation, radiofrequency ablation, and microwave ablation. Combining embolization techniques with liver ablation may enhance the therapeutic benefit of each and result in improved patient survival. We retrospectively reviewed our experience with combined intra-arterial therapies and ablation for unresectable hepatic colorectal metastases from 1996 to 2011. Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, specific liver-directed treatments, procedure-related morbidity and mortality, and overall survival were recorded. There were 17 (53%) males and 15 (47%) females. Average age for the group was 74.1 years (median, 75.5 years). Fifteen patients (46.9%) had a single hepatic metastasis. Eleven (34%) patients had bilobar tumor distribution and seven (22%) patients had vascular invasion of the portal vein or hepatic/caval venous structures. Seven (21%) tumors were greater than 5 cm in diameter. Twenty-seven (84.4%) patients received TACE and five (15.6%) received (90)Y. Fourteen (43%) were embolized before any ablation. Fifty-three per cent of patients required multiple hepatic ablation sessions. Median length of hospital stay was 1 day. There were no procedure-related mortalities and complications occurred in six (18.8%) patients. Mean follow-up for the group was 33 months. Kaplan-Meier 1-, 3-, and 5-year estimated survival was 93.8, 50.0, and 10.1 per cent, respectively. Median survival for the group was 46 months. Hepatic ablation and embolization techniques can be combined safely with minimal morbidity. In our series, we observed 5-year survival in 10 per cent of patients.

Laparoscopic approaches to gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors: an institutional review of 57 cases.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are uncommon gastric neoplasms, which are typically treated by surgical excision. During the past 10 years, our institution has gained experience in resecting these tumors by minimally invasive methods. The purpose of this study is to review our experience with laparoscopic resection, report our short-term outcomes, and offer our perspective on the technical nuances involved in handling these neoplasms. METHODS: We retrospectively queried our prospectively maintained, institutional review board-approved database for all gastric GISTs resected from 2002 to 2012. We analyzed all cases that were resected via laparoscopy. Operative notes were reviewed for the technique employed. Data on tumor location, size, margin status, operative time, and blood loss were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: During the 10-year study period, 104 gastric GISTs were resected. Laparoscopy was attempted in 58 cases with only one conversion to an open procedure. Tumors were separated based on anatomic zones. Forty-seven tumors (82%) were located on the body or fundus of the stomach (18 on the posterior wall and 29 on the anterior wall). Five GISTs (9%) were located at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). Five tumors (9%) were located at the antrum. The mean tumor size was 3.8 cm with a mean estimated blood loss of 40 ml. We achieved R0 resection in 100% of the cases. Most tumors (96%) were amenable to wedge resection. Tumors at the extremes of the stomach required variations of technique to achieve resection. Intraoperative endoscopy was selectively utilized. CONCLUSIONS: As our experience with gastric GISTs has increased, laparoscopic resection has become our first-line treatment for most small- and moderate-sized tumors. By employing a structured approach to tumors along the entire stomach, laparoscopic resection of these tumors can be performed safely with adequate short-term results.

Massive portal venous air and pneumatosis intestinalis associated with cocaine-induced mesenteric ischemia.

BACKGROUND: We report a 53-year-old female who presented to the emergency department in distress with an acute abdomen after recreational use of cocaine. DISCUSSION: The patient's computed tomography scan revealed extensive portal venous air with small-bowel pneumatosis intestinalis resulting from intestinal ischemia. Air could be seen throughout the superior mesenteric vein, portal vein, and hepatic portal venous distribution. The patient underwent extensive resuscitation and resection of small bowel requiring three operative interventions. A pertinent review of the literature of cocaine-induced small-bowel ischemia is provided covering the pathophysiology, clinical findings, and epidemiology. CONCLUSION: Cocaine-induced mesenteric ischemia is a serious disease causing significant morbidity and mortality. Operative therapy is often required.

Is gastrectomy safe in the elderly? A single institution review.

The population of the United States is aging. Studies within the last several years have demonstrated that major abdominal operations in elderly patients can be done safely, but with increased rates of complications. We set out to determine the rates of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients undergoing gastric resection at a tertiary care university hospital. A retrospective analysis was performed of 157 consecutive gastric resections between January 1998 and July 2007. Group A (n = 99) consisted of patients < 75-years-old at surgery, whereas group B (n = 58) included patients who were ≥ 75 years of age at time of surgery. These two groups had their clinical and demographic data analyzed. Postoperative length of hospital stay, perioperative major morbidity, and in-hospital mortality were analyzed using analysis of variance, χ(2), and multivariate analyses. The average age of patients in group A was 57 years, compared with 81 years in group B. We found no significant difference in the percentage of gastric resections for malignancy (group A, 49% vs group B, 62%) or emergency surgery (group A, 10% vs group B, 10%) between age groups. There was a significant increase in length of stay in the older patients (11.7 days vs 17.6 days; P = 0.032), as well as major complications (11.1% in group A vs 27.6% in group B; P = 0.008). The in-hospital mortality rates approached significance (group A, 4% vs group B, 12%; P = 0.057). Gastric resection in elderly patients carries with it longer hospital stays, higher risk of complications, and in-hospital mortality rates despite similarity in patient disease. This information is imperative to convey to the elderly patients in the preoperative period before gastric resection.

Oncologic efficacy is not compromised, and may be improved with minimally invasive esophagectomy.

BACKGROUND: Major morbidity and mortality rates continue to be high in large series of transthoracic esophagectomies. Minimally invasive approaches are being increasingly used. We compare our growing series of minimally invasive (combined thoracoscopic and laparoscopic) esophagectomies (MIEs) with a series of open transthoracic esophagectomies. STUDY DESIGN: We identified 65 patients who underwent an MIE with thoracoscopy/laparotomy (n = 11), Ivor Lewis (n = 2), or 3-hole approach (n = 52). These patients were compared with 53 patients who underwent open Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy (n = 15) or 3-hole esophagectomy (n = 38) over the past 10 years. RESULTS: The MIE and open groups were similar regarding gender and average age. The majority of patients in the open group underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (81%); a significantly smaller (43%) number of patients in the MIE group underwent neoadjuvant therapy (p < 0.0001). Regarding oncologic efficacy, 97% and 94% of patients in both groups underwent R0 resections. Patients undergoing MIE had a significant increase in the number of harvested lymph nodes (median 20 vs 9; p < 0.0001). Length of stay was significantly decreased in patients who underwent MIE (8.5 days vs 16 days; p = 0.002). Finally, there were significantly fewer serious complications (grades 3-5) in the MIE group (19% vs 48%; p = 0.0008). CONCLUSIONS: In this initial report of a single-institution series of MIE, we demonstrate that oncologic efficacy is not compromised and may actually be improved with a significantly increased number of harvested LNs. We also demonstrate that this approach is associated with fewer serious complications and a significant decrease in the length of postoperative hospital stay.

Optimal technical management of stump closure following distal pancreatectomy: a retrospective review of 215 cases.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a major source of morbidity following distal pancreatectomy (DP). Our aim was to identify risk factors related to PF following DP and to determine the impact of technique of transection and stump closure. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of 215 consecutive patients who underwent DP. Perioperative and postoperative data were collected and analyzed with attention to PF as defined by the International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula. RESULTS: PF developed in 36 patients (16.7%); fistulas were classified as Grade A (44.4%), B (44.4%), or C (11.1%). The pancreas was transected with stapler (n = 139), cautery (n = 70), and scalpel (n = 3). PF developed in 19.8% of remnants which were stapled/oversewn and 27.7% that were stapled alone (p = 0.4). Of the 69 pancreatic remnants transected with cautery and oversewn, a fistula developed in 4.3% (p = 0.004 compared to stapled/oversewn; p = 0.006 compared to stapled/not sewn). The median length of postoperative hospital stay was significantly increased in patients who developed PF (10 vs. 6 days, p = 0.002) CONCLUSION: The method of transection and management of the pancreatic remnant plays a critical role in the formation of PF following DP. This series suggests that transection using electrocautery followed by oversewing of the pancreatic remnant has the lowest risk of PF.

Implementation of a critical pathway for distal pancreatectomy at an academic institution.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to identify quantifiable parameters to track performance improvements brought about by the implementation of a critical pathway for complex alimentary tract surgery. BACKGROUND: Distal pancreatectomy is among the more complex general surgical procedures. This is primarily due to the possibility of blood loss from visceral vessels, splenic injury, and significant postoperative complications. The introduction of the laparoscopic approach to the distal pancreas has introduced a further level of surgical expertise required to fully address the clinical needs of this diverse patient population. Critical pathways have been one of the key tools used to achieve consistently excellent outcomes at high-quality, high-volume institutions. It remains to be determined if implementation of a critical pathway at an academic institution with prior moderate experience with distal pancreatectomy will result in performance gains and improved outcomes. METHODS: Between January 1, 2003 and August 15, 2007, 111 patients underwent distal pancreatectomy. Forty patients underwent resection during the 34-month period before the implementation of a critical pathway on October 15, 2005 and 71 during the 20 months after pathway implementation. Patients undergoing both open and laparoscopic procedures were included. Peri- and postoperative parameters were analyzed retrospectively to identify those that could be used to track performance improvement and outcomes. RESULTS: The two groups were not significantly different with respect to age, sex, race, diagnosis, operative blood loss, or mean operative duration. Postoperative length of hospital stay was significantly shorter when comparing pre- to postpathway implementation (10.2 days versus 6.7 days, P < or = 0.037). The rate of readmission to the hospital after discharge was significantly lower post pathway (25% versus 7%, P < or = 0.027). Hospital costs were also reduced. CONCLUSION: Implementation of a critical pathway for a complex procedure can be demonstrated to improve short-term outcomes at an academic institution. This improvement can be quantified and tracked and has implications for better utilization of resources and overall cost containment while maintaining or improving upon an already high level of care.

Impact of obesity on perioperative morbidity and mortality after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has been implicated as a risk factor for perioperative and postoperative complications. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of obesity on morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). STUDY DESIGN: Between January 2000 and July 2007, 262 patients underwent PD at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, of whom 240 had complete data, including body mass index (BMI; calculated as kg/m(2)) for analysis. Data on BMI, preoperative parameters, operative details, and postoperative course were collected. Patients were categorized as obese (BMI >or= 30), overweight (BMI >or= 25 and < 30), or normal weight (BMI < 25). Complications were graded according to previously published scales. Other end points included length of postoperative hospital stay, blood loss, and operative duration. Analyses were performed using univariate and multivariable models. RESULTS: There were 103 (42.9%) normal-weight, 71 (29.6%) overweight, and 66 (27.5%) obese patients. There were 5 perioperative deaths (2.1%), with no differences across BMI categories. A significant difference in median operative duration and blood loss between obese and normal-weight patients was identified (439 versus 362.5 minutes, p = 0.0004; 650 versus 500 mL, p = 0.0139). In addition, median length of stay was significantly longer for BMI (9.5 versus 8 days, p = 0.095). Although there were no significant differences in superficial wound infections, obese patients did have an increased rate of serious complications compared with normal-weight patients (24.2% versus 13.6%, respectively; p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Obese patients undergoing PD have a substantially increased blood loss and longer operative time but do not have a substantially increased length of postoperative hospital stay or rate of serious complications. These findings should be considered when assessing patients for operation and when counseling patients about operative risk, but they do not preclude obese individuals from undergoing definitive pancreatic operations.

Pancreatic VIPomas: subject review and one institutional experience.

VIPomas are rare pancreatic endocrine tumors associated with a well-defined clinical syndrome characterized by watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis. The objective of this study was to review a single institution's experience with VIPomas, as well as to review the English literature. A retrospective review of the Johns Hopkins pancreatic database revealed four cases of VIPoma, with three patients being male. All patients presented with watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, and acidosis. All patients had no family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia. Computed tomography revealed the primary pancreatic tumor in all patients, with three tumors located in the tail of the pancreas. One tumor involved the entire pancreas. Computed tomography and/or octreotide radionuclide scans identified hepatic metastasis in three patients. Mean serum vasoactive intestinal polypeptide levels were 683 pg/ml (range 293 to 1,500 pg/ml). All patients underwent resection of the pancreatic primary tumor. Two patients also had simultaneous liver resections. All patients had evidence of malignancy as defined by the presence of metastatic lymph nodes and/or hepatic metastases. Two patients had complete resolution of symptoms after surgical resection. One patient required radioablation of liver metastases and adjuvant octreotide therapy for control of symptoms. One patient died of progressive metastatic disease 96 months after surgery, whereas the other three remain alive. Extended, meaningful survival can be achieved for VIPoma patients, combining an aggressive surgical approach with additional strategies for treatment of unresected disease.