Preoperative Identification and Management of Anemia in the Colorectal Surgery Patient.

Preoperative anemia is a common finding in patients undergoing colorectal surgery, particularly those with cancer. While often multifactorial, iron deficiency anemia remains the most common cause of anemia in this patient population. Although seemingly innocuous, preoperative anemia is associated with an increased risk of perioperative complications and need for allogenic blood transfusions, both of which may worsen cancer-specific survival. Preoperative correction of anemia and iron deficiency is thus necessary to diminish these risks. Current literature supports preoperative screening for anemia and iron deficiency in patients slated to undergo colorectal surgery for malignancy or for benign conditions with associated patient- or procedure-related risk factors. Accepted treatment regimens include iron supplementation-either oral or intravenous-as well as erythropoietin therapy. Autologous blood transfusion should not be utilized as a treatment for preoperative anemia when there is time to implement other corrective strategies. Additional study is still needed to better standardize preoperative screening and optimize treatment regimens.

Racial-ethnic variations in phyllodes tumors among a multicenter United States cohort.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have identified racial-ethnic differences in the diagnostic patterns and recurrence outcomes of women with phyllodes tumors (PT). However, these studies are generally limited in size and generalizability. We therefore sought to explore racial-ethnic differences in age, tumor size, subtype, and recurrence in a large US cohort of women with PT. METHODS: We performed an 11-institution retrospective review of women with PT from 2007 to 2017. Differences in age at diagnosis, tumor size and subtype, and recurrence-free survival according to race-ethnicity. RESULTS: Women of non-White race or Hispanic ethnicity were younger at the time of diagnosis with phyllodes tumor. Non-Hispanic Other women had a larger proportion of malignant PT. There were no differences in recurrence-free survival in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in age, tumor size, and subtype were small. Therefore, the workup of young women with breast masses and the treatment of women with PT should not differ according to race-ethnicity. These conclusions are supported by our finding that there were no differences in recurrence-free survival.

Exercise and Reduced Nicotine Content Cigarettes in Adult Female Smokers: A Pilot Trial.

Background: Although Reduced Nicotine Cigarettes (RNC) are suggested to improve smoking cessation and cardiometabolic health in relation to cancer risk, the effectiveness of exercise training with RNC on smoking cessation and cardiometabolic health is unknown. Methods: Female smokers (N = 27) were randomized to: (1) usual nicotine cigarettes (i.e., control), (2) RNC or (3) RNC plus exercise treatment for 12 weeks. Smoking withdrawal symptoms (e.g., Wisconsin Smoking Withdrawal Scale) and cardiometabolic health (e.g., weight, VO2max, resting respiratory exchange ratio (RER), glucose, HOMA-IR) were examined before and after treatment. Results: Treatments had no differential effect on weight (p = 0.80; partial η2 = 0.29), VO2max (p = 0.20, partial η2 = 0.18), or total cholesterol/HDL ratios (p = 0.59, partial η2 = 0.06). However, RNC + Exercise tended to maintain RER (i.e., fat oxidation; p = 0.10, partial η2 = 0.10) as well as insulin resistance (p = 0.13, partial η2 = 0.25) and cortisol compared (p = 0.06, partial η2 = 0.30) with control and RNC. Increased VO2max was also associated with lower nicotine dependence scores (r = −0.50, p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this pilot study, improved fitness was associated with lower nicotine dependence. Additional work is warranted to examine the effects of exercise in smokers as a tool to improving smoking cessation and lower disease risk.

Preoperative REM sleep is associated with complication development after colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: While total sleep duration and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration have been associated with long-term mortality in non-surgical cohorts, the impact of preoperative sleep on postoperative outcomes has not been well studied. METHODS: In this secondary analysis of a prospective observational cohort study, patients who recorded at least 1 sleep episode using a consumer wearable device in the 7 days before elective colorectal surgery were included. 30-day postoperative outcomes among those who did and did not receive at least 6 h of total sleep, as well as those who did and did not receive at least 1 h of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, were compared. RESULTS: 34 out of 95 (35.8%) patients averaged at least 6 h of sleep per night, while 44 out of 82 (53.7%) averaged 1 h or more of REM sleep. Patients who slept less than 6 h had similar postoperative outcomes compared to those who slept 6 h or more. Patients who averaged less than 1 h of REM sleep, compared to those who achieved 1 h or more of REM sleep, had significantly higher rates of complication development (29.0% vs. 9.1%, P = 0.02), and return to the OR (10.5% vs. 0%, P = 0.04). After adjustment for confounding factors, increased REM sleep duration remained significantly associated with decreased complication development (increase in REM sleep from 50 to 60 min: OR 0.72, P = 0.009; REM sleep ≥ 1 h: OR 0.22, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: In this cohort of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery, those who developed a complication within 30 days were less likely to average at least 1 h of REM sleep in the week before surgery than those who did not develop a complication. Preoperative REM sleep duration may represent a risk factor for surgical complications; however additional research is necessary to confirm this relationship.

Wearable technology and the association of perioperative activity level with 30-day readmission among patients undergoing major colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: The proliferation of wearable technology presents a novel opportunity for perioperative activity monitoring; however, the association between perioperative activity level and readmission remains underexplored. This study sought to determine whether physical activity data captured by wearable technology before and after colorectal surgery can be used to predict 30-day readmission. METHODS: In this prospective observational cohort study of adults undergoing elective major colorectal surgery (January 2018 to February 2019) at a single institution, participants wore an activity monitor 30 days before and after surgery. The primary outcome was return to baseline percentage, defined as step count on the day before discharge as a percentage of mean preoperative daily step count, among readmitted and non-readmitted patients. RESULTS: 94 patients had sufficient data available for analysis, of which 16 patients (17.0%) were readmitted within 30 days following discharge. Readmitted patients achieved a lower return to baseline percentage compared to patients who were not readmitted (median 15.1% vs. 31.8%; P = 0.004). On multivariable analysis adjusting for readmission risk and hospital length of stay, an absolute increase of 10% in return to baseline percentage was associated with a 40% decreased risk of 30-day readmission (odds ratio 0.60; P = 0.02). Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve identified 28.9% as an optimal return to baseline percent threshold for predicting readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Achieving a higher percentage of an individual's preoperative baseline activity level on the day prior to discharge after major colorectal surgery is associated with decreased risk of 30-day hospital readmission.

Factors Associated with Receipt of Oral Antibiotic Agents and Mechanical Bowel Preparation before Elective Colectomy.

Background: Pre-operative administration of combined oral antibiotic agents and mechanical bowel preparation has been demonstrated to improve post-operative outcomes after elective colectomy, however, many patients do not receive combined preparation. Patient and procedural determinants of combined preparation receipt remain understudied. Patients and Methods: All patients undergoing elective colectomy within the 2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Participant Use File and Targeted Colectomy datasets were included. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with receipt of combined preparation. Results: A total of 21,889 patients were included, of whom 13,848 (63.2%) received combined preparation pre-operatively. Patients who received combined preparation tended to be younger, male, of white race, and of non-Hispanic ethnicity (all p < 0.05). After multivariable adjustment, male gender, body mass index (BMI) 30-39 kg/m2, independent functional status, and laparoscopic and robotic surgical approaches were associated with receipt of combined preparation (all p < 0.05), whereas Asian race, hypertension, disseminated cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease were associated with omission of combined preparation (all p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients with risk factors for infectious complications-including a poor functional status, comorbid conditions, and undergoing an open procedure-are less likely to receive combined preparation before elective colectomy. Similarly, female and Asian patients are less likely to receive combined preparation, emphasizing the need for equitable administration of combined preparation.

Incidence and Characterization of Rectal Complications From Fecal Management Systems.

BACKGROUND: Fecal management systems have become ubiquitous in hospitalized patients with fecal incontinence or severe diarrhea, especially in the setting of perianal wounds. Although fecal management system use has been shown to be safe and effective in initial series, case reports of rectal ulceration and severe bleeding have been reported, with a relative paucity of clinical safety data in the literature. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of rectal complications attributable to fecal management systems, as well as to characterize possible risk factors and appropriate management strategies for such complications. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a large academic medical center. PATIENTS: All medical and surgical patients who underwent fecal management system placement from December 2014 to March 2017 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured any rectal complication associated with fecal management system use, defined as any rectal injury identified after fecal management system use confirmed by lower endoscopy. RESULTS: A total of 629 patients were captured, with a median duration of fecal management system use of 4 days. Overall, 8 patients (1.3%) experienced a rectal injury associated with fecal management system use. All of the patients who experienced a rectal complication had severe underlying comorbidities, including 2 patients on dialysis, 1 patient with cirrhosis, and 3 patients with a recent history of emergent cardiac surgery. In 3 patients the bleeding resolved spontaneously, whereas the remaining 5 patients required intervention: transanal suture ligation (n = 2), endoscopic clip placement (n = 1), rectal packing (n = 1), and proctectomy in 1 patient with a history of pelvic radiotherapy. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its retrospective design and single institution. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study to date evaluating rectal complications from fecal management system use. Although rectal injury rates are low, they can lead to serious morbidity. Advanced age, severe comorbidities, pelvic radiotherapy, and anticoagulation status or coagulopathy are important factors to consider before fecal management system placement. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B698. INCIDENCIA Y CARACTERIZACIN DE LAS COMPLICACIONES RECTALES DE LOS SISTEMAS DE MANEJO FECAL: ANTECEDENTES:Los sistemas de manejo fecal se han vuelto omnipresentes en pacientes hospitalizados con incontinencia fecal o diarrea severa, especialmente en el contexto de heridas perianales. Aunque se ha demostrado que el uso del sistema de tratamiento fecal es seguro y eficaz en la serie inicial, se han notificado casos de ulceración rectal y hemorragia grave, con una relativa escasez de datos de seguridad clínica en la literatura.OBJETIVO:Determinar la tasa de complicaciones rectales atribuibles a los sistemas de manejo fecal. Caracterizar los posibles factores de riesgo y las estrategias de manejo adecuadas para tales complicaciones.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLINICO:Centro médico académico de mayor volumen.PACIENTES:Todos los pacientes médicos y quirúrgicos que se sometieron a la colocación del sistema de manejo fecal desde diciembre de 2014 hasta marzo de 2017.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Cualquier complicación rectal asociada con el uso del sistema de manejo fecal, definida como cualquier lesión rectal identificada después del uso del sistema de manejo fecal confirmada por endoscopia baja.RESULTADOS:Se identificaron un total de 629 pacientes, con una duración media del uso del sistema de manejo fecal de 4,0 días. En general, 8 (1,3%) pacientes desarrollaron una lesión rectal asociada con el uso del sistema de manejo fecal. Todos los pacientes que mostraron una complicación rectal tenían comorbilidades subyacentes graves, incluidos dos pacientes en diálisis, un paciente con cirrosis y tres pacientes con antecedentes recientes de cirugía cardíaca emergente. En tres pacientes el sangrado se resolvió espontáneamente, mientras que los cinco pacientes restantes requirieron intervención: ligadura de sutura transanal (2), colocación de clip endoscópico (1), taponamiento rectal (1) y proctectomía en un paciente con antecedentes de radioterapia pélvica.LIMITACIONES:Diseño retrospectivo, institución única.CONCLUSIONES:Este es el estudio más grande hasta la fecha que evalúa las complicaciones rectales del uso del sistema de manejo fecal. Si bien las tasas de lesión rectal son bajas, pueden provocar una morbilidad grave. La edad avanzada, las comorbilidades graves, la radioterapia pélvica y el estado de anticoagulación o coagulopatía son factores importantes a considerar antes de la colocación del sistema de manejo fecal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B698.

Limited Reporting of Histopathologic Details in a Multi-Institutional Academic Cohort of Phyllodes Tumors: Time for Standardization.

BACKGROUND: Phyllodes tumors are rare fibroepithelial neoplasms that are classified by tiered histopathologic features. While there are protocols for the reporting of cancer specimens, no standardized reporting protocol exists for phyllodes. METHODS: We performed an 11-institution contemporary review of phyllodes tumors. Granular histopathologic details were recorded, including the features specifically considered for phyllodes grade classification. RESULTS: Of 550 patients, median tumor size was 3.0 cm, 68.9% (n = 379) of tumors were benign, 19.6% (n = 108) were borderline, and 10.5% (n = 58) were malignant. All cases reported the final tumor size and grade classification. Complete pathologic reporting of all histopathologic features was present in 15.3% (n = 84) of cases, while an additional 35.6% (n = 196) were missing only one or two features in the report. Individual details regarding the degree of stromal cellularity was not reported in 53.5% (n = 294) of cases, degree of stromal atypia in 58.0% (n = 319) of cases, presence of stromal overgrowth in 56.2% (n = 309) of cases, stromal cell mitoses in 37.5% (n = 206) of cases, and tumor border in 54.2% (n = 298) of cases. The final margin status (negative vs. positive) was omitted in only 0.9% of cases, and the final negative margin width was specifically reported in 73.8% of cases. Reporting of details was similar across all sites. CONCLUSION: In this academic cohort of phyllodes tumors, one or more histopathologic features were frequently omitted from the pathology report. While all features were considered by the pathologist for grading, this limited reporting reflects a lack of reporting consensus. We recommend that standardized reporting in the form of a synoptic-style cancer protocol be implemented for phyllodes tumors, similar to other rare tumors.

Fever Is Associated with Reduced Mortality in Trauma and Surgical Intensive Care Unit-Acquired Infections.

Background: Fever is a common response to both infectious and non-infectious physiologic insults in the critically ill, and in certain populations it appears to be protective. Fever is particularly common in trauma patients, and even more so in those with infections. The relationship between fever, trauma status, and mortality in patients with an infection is unclear. Patients and Methods: A review of a prospectively maintained institutional database over a 17-year period was performed. Surgical and trauma intensive care unit (ICU) patients with a nosocomial infection were extracted to compare in-hospital mortality among trauma and non-trauma patients with and without fever. Univariable analyses compared patient and infection characteristics between trauma and non-trauma patients. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality, with a focus on fever and trauma status. Results: Nine hundred forty-one trauma patients and 1,449 non-trauma patients with ICU-acquired infections were identified. Trauma patients were younger (48 vs. 59, p < 0.001), more likely to be male (73% vs. 56%, p < 0.001), more likely to require blood transfusion (74% vs. 47%, p < 0.001), had lower Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores (18 vs. 19, p = 0.02), and had lower rates of comorbidities. Trauma patients were more likely to develop a fever (72% vs. 43%, p < 0.001) and had lower in-hospital mortality (9.6% vs. 22.6%, p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, non-trauma patients with fever had a lower odds of mortality compared with non-trauma patients without fever (odds ratio [OR] 0.63, p = 0.004). Trauma patients with fever had the lowest odds ratio for mortality when compared to non-trauma patients without fever (OR 0.25, p < 0.001). Conclusions: In this large cohort of trauma and surgical ICU patients with ICU-acquired infections, fever was associated with a lower odds of mortality in both trauma and non-trauma patients. Further investigation is needed to determine the mechanisms behind the interplay between trauma status, fever, and mortality.

Preoperative opioid use is associated with increased risk of postoperative complications within a colorectal-enhanced recovery protocol.

BACKGROUND: As the opioid epidemic escalates, preoperative opioid use has become increasingly common. Recent studies associated preoperative opioid use with postoperative morbidity. However, limited study of its impact on patients within enhanced recovery protocols (ERP) exists. We assessed the impact of preoperative opioid use on postoperative complications among colorectal surgery patients within an ERP, hypothesizing that opioid-exposed patients would be at increased risk of complications. METHODS: Elective colorectal cases from August 2013 to June 2017 were reviewed in a retrospective cohort study comparing preoperative opioid-exposed patients to opioid-naïve patients. Postoperative complications were defined as a composite of complications captured by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Logistic regression identified risk factors for postoperative complications. RESULTS: 707 patients were identified, including 232 (32.8%) opioid-exposed patients. Opioid-exposed patients were younger (57.9 vs 61.9 years; p < 0.01) and more likely to smoke (27.6 vs 17.1%; p < 0.01). Laparoscopic procedures were less common among opioid-exposed patients (44.8 vs 58.1%; p < 0.01). Median morphine equivalents received were higher in opioid-exposed patients (65.0 vs 20.1 mg; p < 0.01), but compliance to ERP elements was otherwise equivalent. Postoperative complications were higher among opioid-exposed patients (28.5 vs 15.0%; p < 0.01), as was median length of stay (4.0 vs 3.0 days; p < 0.01). Logistic regression identified multiple patient- and procedure-related factors independently associated with postoperative complications, including preoperative opioid use (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative opioid use is associated with increased risk of postoperative complications in elective colorectal surgery patients within an ERP. These results highlight the negative impact of opioid use, suggesting an opportunity to further reduce the risk of surgical complications through ERP expansion to include preoperative mitigation strategies for opioid-exposed patients.

Contemporary Multi-Institutional Cohort of 550 Cases of Phyllodes Tumors (2007-2017) Demonstrates a Need for More Individualized Margin Guidelines.

PURPOSE: Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are rare breast neoplasms, which have little granular data on margins. Current guidelines recommend ≥ 1 cm margins; however, recent data suggest narrower margins are sufficient, and for benign PT, a negative margin may not be necessary. METHODS: We performed an 11-institution contemporary (2007-2017) review of PT practices. Demographics, surgical, and histopathologic data were captured. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association of select covariates with local recurrence (LR). RESULTS: Of 550 PT patients, the majority underwent excisional biopsy (55.3%, n = 302/546) or lumpectomy (wide excision) (38.5%, n = 210/546). Median tumor size was 30 mm, 68.9% (n = 379) were benign, 19.6% (n = 108) borderline, and 10.5% (n = 58) malignant. Surgical margins were positive in 42% (n = 231) and negative in 57.3% (n = 311). A second operation was performed in 38.0% (n = 209) of the total cohort, including 51 patients with an initial negative margin (82.4% with < 2 mm), and 157 with an initial positive margin, with residual disease only found in six (2.9%). Notably, 32.0% (n = 74) of those with an initial positive margin did not undergo a second operation, among whom only 2.7% (n = 2) recurred. Recurrence occurred in 3.3% (n = 18) of the total cohort (n = 15 LR, n = 3 distant), at median follow-up of 36.7 months. LR (all PT grades) was not reduced with wider negative margin width (≥ 2 mm v < 2 mm: odds ratio [OR] = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.07 to 2.10; P = .27) or final margin status (positive v negative: OR = 0.96; 95% CI, 0.26 to 3.52; P = .96). CONCLUSION: In current practice, many patients are managed outside of current guidelines. For the entire cohort, a wider margin width was not associated with a reduced risk of LR. We do not recommend re-excision of a negative margin for benign PT, regardless of margin width, as a progressively wider surgical margin is unlikely to reduce LR.

Pre-operative aerobic exercise on metabolic health and surgical outcomes in patients receiving bariatric surgery: A pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: Examine if adding aerobic exercise to standard medical care (EX+SC) prior to bariatric surgery improves metabolic health in relation to surgical outcomes. METHODS: Fourteen bariatric patients (age: 42.3±2.5y, BMI: 45.1±2.5 kg/m2) met inclusion criteria and were match-paired to pre-operative SC (n = 7) or EX+SC (n = 7; walking 30min/d, 5d/wk, 65-85% HRpeak) for 30d. A 120min mixed meal tolerance test was performed pre- and post-intervention (~2d prior to surgery) to assess insulin sensitivity (Matsuda Index) and metabolic flexibility (indirect calorimetry). Aerobic fitness (VO2peak), body composition (BodPod), and adipokines (adiponectin, leptin) were also measured. Omental adipose tissue was collected during surgery to quantify gene expression of adiponectin and leptin, and operating time and length of hospital stay were recorded. ANOVA and Cohen's d effect size (ES) was used to test group differences. RESULTS: SC tended to increase percent body fat (P = 0.06) after the intervention compared to EX+SC. Although SC and EX+SC tended to raise insulin sensitivity (P = 0.11), EX+SC enhanced metabolic flexibility (P = 0.01, ES = 1.55), reduced total adiponectin (P = 0.01, ES = 1.54) with no change in HMW adiponectin and decreased the length of hospital stay (P = 0.05) compared to SC. Albeit not statistically significant, EX+SC increased VO2peak 2.9% compared to a 5.9% decrease with SC (P = 0.24, ES = 0.91). This increased fitness correlated to shorter operating time (r = -0.57, P = 0.03) and length of stay (r = -0.58, P = 0.03). Less omental total adiponectin (r = 0.52, P = 0.09) and leptin (r = 0.58, P = 0.05) expression correlated with shorter operating time, and low leptin expression was linked to shorter length of stay (r = 0.70, P = 0.01), and low leptin expression was linked to shorter length of stay (r = 0.70, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Adding pre-operative aerobic exercise to standard care may improve surgical outcomes through a fitness and adipose tissue derived mechanism.

Germline Genetic Mutations in a Multi-center Contemporary Cohort of 550 Phyllodes Tumors: An Opportunity for Expanded Multi-gene Panel Testing.

BACKGROUND: A paucity of data exists regarding inherited mutations associated with phyllodes tumors (PT); however, some are reported (TP53, BRCA1, and RB1). A PT diagnosis does not meet NCCN criteria for testing, including within Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (TP53). We sought to determine the prevalence of mutations associated with PT. METHODS: We performed an 11-institution review of contemporary (2007-2017) PT practice. We recorded multigenerational family history and personal history of genetic testing. We identified patients meeting NCCN criteria for genetic evaluation. Logistic regression estimated the association of select covariates with likelihood of undergoing genetic testing. RESULTS: Of 550 PT patients, 59.8% (n = 329) had a close family history of cancer, and 34.0% (n = 112) had ≥ 3 family members affected. Only 6.2% (n = 34) underwent genetic testing, 38.2% (n = 13) of whom had only BRCA1/BRCA2 tested. Of 34 patients tested, 8.8% had a deleterious mutation (1 BRCA1, 2 TP53), and 5.9% had a BRCA2 VUS. Of women who had TP53 testing (N = 21), 9.5% had a mutation. Selection for testing was not associated with age (odds ratio [OR] 1.01, p = 0.55) or PT size (p = 0.12) but was associated with grade (malignant vs. benign: OR 9.17, 95% CI 3.97-21.18) and meeting NCCN criteria (OR 3.43, 95% confidence interval 1.70-6.94). Notably, an additional 86 (15.6%) patients met NCCN criteria but had no genetic testing. CONCLUSIONS: Very few women with PT undergo germline testing; however, in those selected for testing, a deleterious mutation was identified in ~ 10%. Multigene testing of a PT cohort would present an opportunity to discover the true incidence of germline mutations in PT patients.

Wearable Technology in the Perioperative Period: Predicting Risk of Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Elective Colorectal Surgery.

BACKGROUND: The implementation of protocolized care pathways has resulted in major improvements in surgical outcomes. Additional gains will require focused efforts to alter preexisting risk. Prehabilitation programs provide a promising avenue for risk reduction. OBJECTIVE: This study used wearable technology to monitor activity levels before colorectal surgery to evaluate the impact of preoperative activity on postoperative outcomes. DESIGN: This was a prospective nonrandomized observational study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a large academic medical center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery from January 2018 to February 1, 2019, were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients were trained in the usage of wearable activity-tracking devices and instructed to wear the device for 30 days before surgery. Patients were stratified as active (≥5000 steps per day) and inactive (<5000 steps per day) based on preoperative step counts. Univariate analyses compared postoperative outcomes. Multivariable regression models analyzed the impact of preoperative activity on postoperative complications, adjusting for each patient's baseline risk as calculated using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Surgical Risk Calculator. Models were rerun without the addition of activity and the predictive ability of the models compared. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were included, with 40 (40.4%) classified as active. Active patients experienced fewer overall complications (11/40 (27.5%) vs 33/59 (55.9%); p = 0.005) and serious complications (2/40 (5%) vs 12/59 (20.3%); p = 0.032). Increased preoperative activity was associated with a decreased risk of any postoperative complication (OR = 0.386; p = 0.0440) on multivariable analysis. The predictive ability of the models for complications and serious complications was improved with the addition of physical activity. LIMITATIONS: The study was limited by its small sample size and single institution. CONCLUSIONS: There is significant room for improvement in baseline preoperative activity levels of patients undergoing colorectal surgery, and poor activity is associated with increased postoperative complications. These data will serve as the basis for an interventional trial investigating whether wearable devices help improve surgical outcomes through a monitored preoperative exercise program. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B145. TECNOLOGÍA PORTÁTIL EN EL PERÍODO PERIOPERATORIO: PREDICCIÓN DEL RIESGO DE COMPLICACIONES POSTOPERATORIAS EN PACIENTES SOMETIDOS A CIRUGÍA COLORRECTAL ELECTIVA: La implementación de vías de atención protocolizadas ha dado lugar a importantes mejoras en los resultados quirúrgicos. Para obtener más beneficios será necesario realizar esfuerzos concentrados para modificar el riesgo preexistente. Los programas de rehabilitación proporcionan una vía prometedora para la reducción del riesgo.Este estudio utilizó tecnología portátil para monitorear los niveles de actividad antes de la cirugía colorrectal para evaluar el impacto de la actividad preoperatoria en los resultados postoperatorios.Estudio observacional prospectivo no aleatorizado.Gran centro médico académico.Pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal electiva desde enero de 2018 hasta el 1 de febrero de 2019.Los pacientes fueron entrenados en el uso de dispositivos portátiles para el seguimiento de la actividad y se les indicó usar el dispositivo durante 30 días antes de la cirugía. Los pacientes fueron estratificados como activos (> 5000 pasos / día) e inactivos (<5000 pasos / día) en base a los recuentos de pasos preoperatorios. Los análisis univariados compararon los resultados postoperatorios. Los modelos de regresión multivariable analizaron el impacto de la actividad preoperatoria en las complicaciones postoperatorias, ajustando el riesgo de referencia de cada paciente según lo calculado utilizando la Calculadora de riesgo quirúrgico del Programa Nacional de Mejora de la Calidad Quirúrgica del Colegio Americano de Cirujanos. Los modelos se volvieron a ejecutar sin agregar actividad, y se comparó la capacidad de predicción de los modelos.Noventa y nueve pacientes fueron incluidos con 40 (40.4%) clasificados como activos. Los pacientes activos experimentaron menos complicaciones generales [11/40 (27,5%) frente a 33/59 (55,9%); p = 0,005] y complicaciones graves [2/40 (5%) frente a 12/59 (20,3%); p = 0,032]. El aumento de la actividad preoperatoria se asoció con una disminución del riesgo de cualquier complicación postoperatoria (OR 0.386, p = 0.0440) en el análisis multivariable. La capacidad predictiva de los modelos para complicaciones y complicaciones graves mejoró con la adición de actividad física.Tamaño de muestra pequeño, una sola institución.Existe un margen significativo para mejorar los niveles basales de actividad preoperatoria de los pacientes de cirugía colorrectal, y la escasa actividad se asocia con mayores complicaciones postoperatorias. Estos datos servirán de base para un ensayo intervencionista que investigue si los dispositivos portátiles ayudan a mejorar los resultados quirúrgicos a través de un programa de ejercicio preoperatorio monitoreado. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B145.

Preoperative bleeding requiring transfusion: An under-reported indication for hemorrhoidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Though hemorrhoids commonly cause minor gastrointestinal bleeding, major hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion is believed to be rare. We sought to identify the prevalence and risk factors for preoperative transfusion in surgical hemorrhoidectomy patients. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical hemorrhoidectomy at a single institution (2012-2017) were evaluated for preoperative bleeding requiring transfusion. Bivariate analysis compared patients requiring transfusion to those who did not, and multivariable analysis evaluated for independent risk factors for transfusion. RESULTS: Out of 520 patients, 7.3% experienced hemorrhoidal bleeding requiring transfusion, and 80.6% reported bleeding. On multivariable analysis, the use of either an anticoagulant or non-aspirin antiplatelet agent was associated with transfusion (OR 3.08, p = 0.03). Patients requiring transfusion had extensive preoperative workups, including colonoscopy (94.7%), flexible sigmoidoscopy (7.89%), upper endoscopy (50%) and capsule endoscopy (26.3%). CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding requiring transfusion is an under-reported complication of hemorrhoids. Increased recognition could lead to expeditious surgical treatment and less costly diagnostic workup.

An Unintended Consequence of a New Opioid Legislation.

BACKGROUND: The Controlled Substance Act was enacted in efforts to reduce the abuse and misuse of opioid pain relievers. However, the effects of this regulation on the prescribing patterns of providers has yet to be realized. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify the changes in opioid-prescribing patterns of an elective colorectal surgical practice as a result of this legislative change. DESIGN: This is a retrospective study of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Patients were intentionally grouped into group A (January 1, 2012 to October 5, 2014) and group B (October 6, 2014 to December 31, 2016) to capture the period surrounding the new legislation. SETTINGS: We evaluated patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at a single academic center over a 5-year period. PATIENTS: There were 443 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery between 2012 and 2016. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was total milligram morphine equivalent of pain medication prescribed at discharge. Secondary outcomes included total number of pills prescribed, total milligram morphine equivalent of pain medication at subsequent prescriptions, and numeric postoperative pain scores. RESULTS: Patients in group B were found to have a greater mean total milligram morphine equivalent prescribed at discharge (719 (SD 593) vs 660 (SD 548), p = 0.03), mean total quantity of pills prescribed at discharge (98 (SD 106) vs 87 (SD 63), p = 0.05), and mean total quantity of pills prescribed as subsequent prescriptions (77 (SD 117) vs 68 (SD 83), p = 0.05) compared with group A. On multivariable analysis, group B was a significant predictor of greater total milligram morphine equivalents prescribed at discharge compared with group A (p = 0.01). LIMITATIONS: This study is limited by analysis from a single institution. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to minimize opioid prescriptions after surgery through legislation could result in unintended consequences. Recognition of this result is important to effectively reduce opioid prescriptions after surgery. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B96. UNA CONSECUENCIA NO DESEADA DE UNA NUEVA LEGISLACIÓN DE OPIOIDES: La Ley de Sustancias Controladas se promulgó con el fin de reducir el abuso y el uso indebido de analgésicos opioides. Sin embargo, los efectos de esta regulación en los patrones de prescripción de los proveedores aún no se han realizado.Se intento identificar los cambios en los patrones de prescripción de opioides de una práctica quirúrgica colorrectal electiva como resultado de este cambio legislativo.Este es un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal electiva. Los pacientes fueron agrupados intencionalmente en el Grupo A (1 de enero de 2012 al 5 de octubre de 2014) y el Grupo B (6 de octubre de 2014 al 31 de diciembre de 2016) para capturar el período que rodea la nueva legislación.Se evaluaron a los pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal electiva en un solo centro académico durante un período de 5 años.Hubo 443 pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía colorrectal electiva entre 2012-2016.La medida de resultado primaria fue el equivalente de miligramos de morfina total de los analgésicos prescritos al momento del alta. Las medidas de resultado secundarias incluyeron el número total de píldoras prescritas, el equivalente total de miligramos de morfina de la medicación para el dolor en las prescripciones posteriores y las puntuaciones numéricas de dolor postoperatorio.Se encontró que los pacientes en el Grupo B tenían un equivalente de miligramos de morfina total total mayor prescrito al alta (719 [DE 593] v. 660 [DE 548], p = 0.03), cantidad total promedio de píldoras prescritas al alta (98 [SD 106] v. 87 [SD 63], p = 0.05), y la cantidad total promedio de píldoras recetadas como recetas posteriores (77 [SD 117] v. 68 [SD 83], p = 0.05) en comparación con el Grupo A. En análisis multivariable, el Grupo B fue un predictor significativo de mayores equivalentes de morfina en miligramos totales prescritos al alta en comparación con el grupo A (p = 0.01).Este estudio está limitado por el análisis de una sola instituciónLos esfuerzos para minimizar las recetas de opioides después de la cirugía a través de la legislación podrían tener consecuencias no deseadas. El reconocimiento de este resultado es importante para reducir eficazmente las recetas de opioides después de la cirugía. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B96.

Diabetes Mellitus and Metformin Are Not Associated With Breast Cancer Pathologic Complete Response.

BACKGROUND: Metformin use has been linked to pathologic complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for several malignancies. We aimed to investigate the association of diabetes mellitus (DM) and metformin use with pCR in breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All breast cancer patients who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy during June 2013-October 2016 at two academic medical centers were identified. A retrospective cohort study evaluated patients who did and did not achieve pCR. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of pCR, specifically looking at metformin use and DM. RESULTS: The study group included 351 breast cancer patients, with 90 (25.6%) achieving pCR after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The rate of DM did not differ between those with and without pCR, nor did the rate of metformin use. Multivariable logistic regression identified HER2-positive tumors and smaller preoperative tumor size as predictors of pCR. The estrogen receptor (ER) positivity was associated with an absence of pCR. Importantly, neither DM nor metformin use was predictive of pCR. CONCLUSIONS: This study by the two institutions supports previous data of tumor-related factors known to be associated with pCR; however, the current analysis found neither DM nor metformin to be independently associated with pCR. Thus, additional prospective study is warranted prior to validating metformin as an antitumor agent.

Spontaneous Rectus Sheath Hematoma: Factors Predictive of Conservative Management Failure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate radiographic, laboratory, and clinical factors associated with conservative management (CM) failure in spontaneous rectus sheath hematoma (RSH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 72 patients with spontaneous RSH between 2006 and 2017 was performed. Patients were initially managed conservatively and then divided into 2 groups based on decision to embolize. No differences were found between embolization (n = 32) and CM (n = 40) groups in age (67.5 vs 69.5 y; P = .79), sex (31% vs 38% male; P = .58), body mass index (27.7 vs 25.7 kg/m2; P = .20), or medical comorbidities. Univariate analyses compared initial hemoglobin level, change in hemoglobin level, coagulation parameters, transfusion requirements, hematoma volume, and active extravasation on computed tomographic (CT) angiography between groups. Multivariable logistic regression identified factors predictive of CM failure. A scoring system was then created to predict CM failure. RESULTS: CM failed in 32 of 72 patients. Multivariable regression identified active extravasation on CT angiography (P = .02), hematoma volume (P = .01), and packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion of ≥ 4 U (P = .03) as predictors of embolization. A scoring system using these factors along with maximum rate of hemoglobin decrease yielded a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 98% in determining need for embolization. CONCLUSIONS: CM for RSH was more likely to fail in patients with active extravasation on CT angiography, larger hematoma volume, pRBC transfusion of ≥ 4 U, and higher rate of hemoglobin decrease. Using these parameters, a scoring system was created that achieved high sensitivity and specificity in identifying patients who would require embolization.