Efficacy and outcomes of per oral plication of the (neo)esophagus (POPE) for impaired emptying in achalasia and post-esophagectomy patients.

BACKGROUND: Per-oral plication of the (neo)esophagus (POPE) is an endoscopic procedure used to improve emptying of the defunctionalized esophagus or gastric conduit, with the hope of improving symptoms and quality of life. As this procedure has only been performed in the United States for the past 4 years, safety and efficacy have not been well established. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series for patients who underwent POPE from a single institution between 2019 and 2023. Data collected included demographics, preoperative diagnoses and treatments, imaging, endoscopic data, operative intervention, 90-day complications, and response to treatment. Quality of life and patient satisfaction data were collected by phone survey. RESULTS: Seventeen cases were identified, encompassing 13 primary procedures and 4 repeat POPEs (re-POPE). Eight patients had end-stage achalasia and 5 had impaired gastric emptying after esophagectomy with gastric conduits. Median age was 65 years and median ASA was 3, with 38.5% female patients. POPE was performed with 2-6 plication sutures in an average of 75 min. The majority of patients discharged home the same day. For the 17 procedures, there were 4 complications. Two patients required antibiotics for pneumonia, while 4 required procedural intervention. There were no deaths. Preoperative symptoms improved or resolved at initial follow up in 82.3% of patients. Four patients experienced symptom recurrence and required re-POPE, 1 with achalasia and 3 with gastric conduits. Although all achalasia patients had an "end-stage esophagus," none have required esophagectomy since the introduction of POPE. CONCLUSIONS: POPE is an endoscopic procedure that is efficacious in relieving emptying difficulties for the end-stage esophagus and gastric conduit. It may obviate the need for esophagectomy or conduit replacement. Also, it can be repeated in select patients. While the risk profile of complications is favorable compared to alternative operations, patients with gastric conduits are at higher risk.

Obesity and breast cancer: Preventive and therapeutic possibilities for bariatric surgery.

Breast cancer is the most common and second deadliest malignancy in women. With rising obesity rates and building evidence for a strong association with obesity, the incidence of breast cancer can be expected to increase. Weight loss reduces breast cancer risk, the mechanisms of which are still poorly understood. As an effective therapy for obesity, bariatric surgery may be a powerful tool in breast cancer prevention and treatment. This review details the potential physiologic mechanisms that may underlie this association, as well as recently published studies that reinforce the link between bariatric surgery and a reduction in incident breast cancer. The use of bariatric surgery as an adjunct therapy in endometrial cancer also raises the potential for similar use in select breast cancer patients. Despite the expanding potential applications of bariatric surgery in this field, publications to date have been strictly observational, highlighting a need for future clinical trials.

Surgical Outcomes After Esophagectomy in Patients with Achalasia: a NSQIP Matched Analysis With Non-Achalasia Esophagectomy Patients.

PURPOSE: The data on surgical outcomes of esophagectomy in patients with achalasia is limited. We sought to evaluate surgical outcomes in achalasia patients after an esophagectomy versus non-achalasia patients to elucidate if the outcomes are affected by the diagnosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2010-2018). Patients who underwent an esophagectomy (open or laparoscopic approach) were included. Patients were divided into two groups, achalasia vs non-achalasia patients, and matched using propensity match analysis. RESULTS: Of the 10,997 esophagectomy patients who met inclusion criteria, 213 (1.9%) patients had a diagnosis of achalasia. A total of 418 patients were included for the final analysis, with 209 patients in each group (achalasia vs non-achalasia). The overall median age was 57 years (IQR 47-65 years), and 48.6% were female. Most underwent an open (93.1%) vs laparoscopic (6.9%) esophagectomy. Overall complication rate was 40%. No difference was identified on overall complications, readmission, reoperation, or mortality between both groups. Postoperative sepsis was significantly higher in the achalasia group, and organ space SSI was higher in the non-achalasia group. Multivariable analysis showed that a diagnosis (achalasia or non-achalasia) was not predictive of reoperation or overall complications. CONCLUSION: Esophagectomy outcomes are similar in patients with achalasia vs non-achalasia, and the diagnosis of achalasia does not independently increase the risk of reoperation and overall complications. Finally, regardless of diagnosis, the potential for morbidity following esophagectomy, should to be discussed with patients in the preoperative setting.

Treatment of achalasia in the bariatric surgery population: a systematic review and single-institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Although the link between achalasia and morbid obesity is unclear, the reported prevalence is 0.5-1% in this population. For bariatric surgery patients, optimal type and timing of achalasia intervention is uncertain. METHODS: Patient charts from a single academic institution were retrospectively reviewed. Between 2012 and 2019, 245 patients were diagnosed with achalasia, 13 of whom underwent bariatric surgery and were included. Patients were divided into two groups depending on the timing of their achalasia diagnosis and bariatric surgery. Groups were compared in terms of type and timing of intervention as well as treatment response. RESULTS: Group 1 included 4 patients diagnosed with achalasia before bariatric surgery. Three had laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) and 1 had a per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM). These patients had laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) within 5 years of achalasia diagnosis. Postoperatively, 1 had severe reflux with regurgitation necessitating radiofrequency energy application to the lower esophageal sphincter. All had relief from dysphagia. Group 2 included 9 patients diagnosed with achalasia after bariatric surgery. Achalasia subtypes were evenly distributed. Initial operations were: 5 LGB, 2 laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), 1 duodenal switch (DS), 1 lap band. One LSG patient was converted to LGB concurrently with LHM. On average, achalasia was diagnosed 8.3 years after bariatric surgery. Achalasia interventions included: 1 pneumatic dilation, 1 Botox injection, 1 POEM, 6 LHM. While LHM was the most common procedure, 4 of 6 patients experienced recurrent dysphagia, one of whom required esophagectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Achalasia is a challenging problem in the bariatric surgery population. Recurrent symptoms are common. Patients treated for achalasia after bariatric surgery tended to have worse symptom resolution than those diagnosed prior to bariatric surgery. Additional prospective studies are needed to elucidate whether interventions for achalasia should be performed concurrently or in a particular sequence for optimal results.

Accounting for early job turnover in recent pediatric surgery fellowship graduates: An American Pediatric Surgical Association Membership and Credentials Committee study.

PURPOSE: Employment opportunities for graduating pediatric surgeons vary from year to year. Significant turnover among new employees indicates fellowship graduates may be unsophisticated in choosing job opportunities which will ultimately be satisfactory for themselves and their families. The purpose of this study was to assess what career, life, and social factors contributed to the turnover rates among pediatric surgeons in their first employment position. METHODS: American Pediatric Surgical Association members who completed fellowship training between 2011 and 2016 were surveyed voluntarily. Only those who completed training in a pediatric surgery fellowship sanctioned by the American Board of Surgery and whose first employment involved the direct surgical care of patients were included. The survey was completed electronically and the results were evaluated using chi-squared analysis to determine which independent variables contributed to a dependent outcome of changing place of employment. RESULTS: 110 surveys were returned with respondents meeting inclusion criteria. 13 (11.8%) of the respondents changed jobs within the study period and 97 (88.2%) did not change jobs. Factors identified that likely contributed to changing jobs included a perceived lack of opportunity for career [p = <0.001] advancement and the desire to no longer work at an academic or teaching facility [p = 0.013]. Others factors included excessive case load [p = 0.006]; personal conflict with partners or staff [p = 0.007]; career goals unfulfilled by practice [p = 0.011]; lack of mentorship in partners [p = 0.026]; and desire to be closer to the surgeon's or their spouse's family [p = 0.002]. CONCLUSIONS: Several factors appear to play a role in motivating young pediatric surgeons to change jobs early in their careers. These factors should be taken into account by senior pediatric fellows and their advisors when considering job opportunities. TYPE OF STUDY: Survey. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Three-Dimensional Printing and Its Applications in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

Objective Three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology is being employed in a variety of medical and surgical specialties to improve patient care and advance resident physician training. As the costs of implementing 3D printing have declined, the use of this technology has expanded, especially within surgical specialties. This article explores the types of 3D printing available, highlights the benefits and drawbacks of each methodology, provides examples of how 3D printing has been applied within the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, discusses future innovations, and explores the financial impact of these advances. Data Sources Articles were identified from PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE. Review Methods PubMed and Ovid Medline were queried for English articles published between 2011 and 2016, including a few articles prior to this time as relevant examples. Search terms included 3-dimensional printing, 3 D printing, otolaryngology, additive manufacturing, craniofacial, reconstruction, temporal bone, airway, sinus, cost, and anatomic models. Conclusions Three-dimensional printing has been used in recent years in otolaryngology for preoperative planning, education, prostheses, grafting, and reconstruction. Emerging technologies include the printing of tissue scaffolds for the auricle and nose, more realistic training models, and personalized implantable medical devices. Implications for Practice After the up-front costs of 3D printing are accounted for, its utilization in surgical models, patient-specific implants, and custom instruments can reduce operating room time and thus decrease costs. Educational and training models provide an opportunity to better visualize anomalies, practice surgical technique, predict problems that might arise, and improve quality by reducing mistakes.

Direct peritoneal resuscitation improves survival and decreases inflammation after intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Direct peritoneal resuscitation (DPR) has previously been shown to alter blood flow in the small bowel mesenteric vessels in models of intestinal ischemia. However, a survival advantage or its effects on local tissue inflammation have not been previously demonstrated. We hypothesized that DPR would increase survival and decrease intestinal tissue inflammation after intestinal ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Eight-week-old male C57Bl6J mice were anesthetized and underwent midline laparotomy. I/R and DPR groups were exposed to superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 60 min with a nontraumatic clamp. Immediately after removal of the clamp, 1 mL of phosphate-buffered saline, 1 mL of minimal essential media, or 1 mL of minimal essential media supplemented with fetal bovine serum, penicillin and/or streptomycin, and glutamine were placed into the abdominal cavity of DPR groups. Animals were then closed in two layers and allowed to reperfuse for 6 h (cytokine analysis, n = 6 per group) or 7 d (survival analysis, n = 10 per group). After 6 h of reperfusion, animals were euthanized. Intestines were harvested and homogenized. Extracts were quantified for total protein content (Bradford assay), myeloperoxidase activity, tissue inflammatory cytokine, and growth factor production. P < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: I/R caused marked intestinal ischemia, significant mortality, and a significant increase in tissue cytokine and growth factor levels (P < 0.05). Seven-day survival was 30% for I/R without treatment and rose to 60% with DPR therapy using phosphate-buffered saline as the dialysate. DPR using plain MEM or MEM with supplements after ischemia increased 7-d survival to 90% (P < 0.05). DPR also significantly decreased intestinal tissue levels of myeloperoxidase, as well as intestinal tissue levels of multiple growth factors and inflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSIONS: DPR increases survival and decreases intestinal inflammation after intestinal I/R injury. Translational applications are readily achievable and should be considered for patients with intestinal ischemic pathology.

Human mesenchymal stromal cells decrease mortality after intestinal ischemia and reperfusion injury.

BACKGROUND: Cellular therapy is a novel treatment option for intestinal ischemia. Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs) have previously been shown to abate the damage caused by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. We therefore hypothesized that (1) human BMSCs (hBMSCs) would produce more beneficial growth factors and lower levels of proinflammatory mediators compared to differentiated cells, (2) direct application of hBMSCs to ischemic intestine would decrease mortality after injury, and (3) decreased mortality would be associated with an altered intestinal and hepatic inflammatory response. METHODS: Adult hBMSCs and keratinocytes were cultured on polystyrene flasks. For in vitro experiments, cells were exposed to tumor necrosis factor, lipopolysaccharides, or 2% oxygen for 24 h. Supernatants were then analyzed for growth factors and chemokines by multiplex assay. For in vivo experiments, 8- to 12-wk-old male C57Bl6J mice were anesthetized and underwent a midline laparotomy. Experimental groups were exposed to temporary superior mesenteric artery occlusion for 60 min. Immediately after ischemia, 2 × 10(6) hBMSCs or keratinocytes in phosphate-buffered saline were placed into the peritoneal cavity. Animals were then closed and allowed to recover for 6 h (molecular/histologic analysis) or 7 d (survival analysis). After 6-h reperfusion, animals were euthanized. Intestines and livers were harvested and analyzed for inflammatory chemokines, growth factors, and histologic changes. RESULTS: hBMSCs expressed higher levels of human interleukin (IL) 6, IL-8, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor and lower levels of IL-1, IL-3, IL-7, and granulocyte-monocyte colony-stimulating factor after stimulation. In vivo, I/R resulted in significant mortality (70% mortality), whereas application of hBMSCs after ischemia decreased mortality to 10% in a dose-dependent fashion (P = 0.004). Keratinocyte therapy offered no improvements in mortality above I/R. Histologic profiles were equivalent between ischemic groups, regardless of the application of hBMSCs or keratinocytes. Cellular therapy yielded significantly decreased murine intestinal levels of soluble activin receptor-like kinase 1, betacellulin, and endothelin, whereas increasing levels of eotaxin, monokine induced by gamma interferon (MIG), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10) from ischemia were appreciated. hBMSC therapy yielded significantly higher expression of murine intestinal VEGF and lower levels of intestinal MIG compared to keratinocyte therapy. Application of hBMSCs after ischemia yielded significantly lower murine levels of hepatic MIG, IP-10, and G-CSF compared to keratinocyte therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Human BMSCs produce multiple beneficial growth factors. Direct application of hBMSCs to the peritoneal cavity after intestinal I/R decreased mortality by 60%. Improved outcomes with hBMSC therapy were not associated with improved histologic profiles in this model. hBMSC therapy was associated with higher VEGF in intestines and lower levels of proinflammtory MIG, IP-10, and G-CSF in liver tissue after ischemia, suggesting that reperfusion with hBMSC therapy may alter survival by modulating the systemic inflammatory response to ischemia.

Vascular endothelial growth factor: therapeutic possibilities and challenges for the treatment of ischemia.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a notable chemokine that plays critical roles in angiogenesis and vasculogenesis. The contemporary body of literature contains a substantial amount of information regarding its chemical properties as well as its fundamental role in vascular development. Studies strongly indicate its potential use as a therapeutic agent, especially in the vascular restoration of injured and ischemic tissues. VEGF therapy could be most beneficial for diseases whose pathologies revolve around tissue inflammation and necrosis, such as myocardial infarction and stroke, as well as ischemic bowel diseases such as acute mesenteric ischemia and necrotizing enterocolitis. However, a delicate balance exists between the therapeutic benefits of VEGF and the hazards of tumor growth and neo-angiogenesis. Effective future research surrounding VEGF may allow for the development of effective therapies for ischemia which simultaneously limit its more deleterious side effects. This review will: (1) summarize the current understanding of the molecular aspects and function of VEGF, (2) review potential benefits of its use in medical therapy, (3) denote its role in tumorigenesis and inflammation when overexpressed, and (4) elucidate the qualities which make it a viable compound of study for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.