Robotic repair of moderate-sized midline ventral hernias reduced complications, readmissions, and length of hospitalization compared to open techniques.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of robotic and open repair for uncomplicated, moderate-sized, midline ventral hernias. METHODS: From 2017 to 2021, patient characteristics and 30 day outcomes for all ventral hernias at our center were prospectively collected. We studied hernias potentially suitable for robotic repair: elective, midline, 3-10 cm rectus separation, no prior mesh, and no need for concomitant procedure. Robotic or open repair was performed by surgeon or patient preference. The primary outcome was any complication using Clavien-Dindo scoring. Secondary outcomes were operative time, length-of-stay, and readmissions. Regression identified predictors of complications. RESULTS: Of 648 hernias repaired, 70 robotic and 52 open repairs met inclusion criteria. The groups had similar patient demographics, co-morbidities, and hernia size, except that there were more immunosuppressed patients in the open group (11 versus 5 patients, p = 0.031). Complications occurred after 7 (13%) open repairs versus 2 (3%) robotic repairs, p = 0.036. Surgical site infection occurred after four open repairs but no robotic repair, p = 0.004. Length-of-stay averaged almost 3 days longer after open repair (4.3 ± 2.7 days versus 1.5 ± 1.4 days, p = 0.031). Readmission occurred after 6 (12%) oppen repairs but only 1 (1%) robotic repair. A long-term survey (61% response rate after mean follow-up of 2.8 years) showed that the HerQLes QOL score was better after robotic repair (46 ± 15 versus 40 ± 17, = 0.049). In regression models, only open technique predicted complications. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic techniques were associated with fewer complications, shorter hospitalization, fewer infections, and fewer readmissions compared to open techniques. Open surgical technique was the only predictor of complications.

Public perception on opioids & pain management after major surgery.

BACKGROUND: In the US, opioids are overprescribed after surgery contributing to the opioid epidemic. Patients' expectations regarding postoperative opioids remains unclear. METHODS: A representative survey using random-digit dial telephone sampling of English-speaking adults in US was conducted from August 28 to December 11, 2019. RESULTS: Of the 1533 eligible persons contacted, 1000 completed the interviews yielding a cooperation rate of 65%. The mean age was 47 (±18) years, half were men, and most were non-Hispanic white (73%). Forty-eight percent expected an opioid prescription after major surgery, 50% worry about addiction, and 61% believe they contribute to the opioid epidemic. Interestingly, 31% assume that opioid-dependent users were first exposed to opioids following surgery. CONCLUSION: Many Americans surveyed expect to receive an opioid containing pain medication after major surgery, but fear the risk of addiction and believe that they are contributing to the opioid epidemic. They do not think that opioid-dependent users were first exposed to opioids after surgery. This discordance may represent an area of policy action and education.

How to Support a Surgeon Scientist: Lessons from National Institutes of Health K-Award Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Success in academic surgery is challenging and research cannot survive without funding. NIH K-awards are designed to mentor junior investigators to achieve independence. As a result we aimed to study K awardees in departments of surgery and learn from their experience. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Utilizing the NIH RePORTer database and filtering by department of surgery, clinically active surgeons receiving a K-award between 2008 and 2018 were asked to complete an online survey. Qualitative data from two open-ended questions were coded independently using standard qualitative methods by three researchers. Using grounded theory, major themes emerged from the codes. RESULTS: Of the 144 academic surgeons identified, 89 (62%) completed the survey. The average age was 39 ± 3 when the K-award was granted. Most identified as white (69%). Men (70%) were more likely to be married (P = 0.02) and have children (P = 0.05). To identify intention to pursue R01 funding, surgeons having a K-award for 5 y or more were analyzed (n = 45). Most either intended to (11%) or had already applied (80%) of which 36% were successful. Men were more likely to apply (P = 0.05). Major themes to succeed include protected time, mentorship, and support from leadership. Common barriers to overcome include balancing time, pressures to be clinically productive, and funding. CONCLUSIONS: The demographics and career trajectory of NIH K-awarded surgeons is described. The lack of underrepresented minorities receiving grants is concerning. Most recipients required more than one application attempt and plan to or have applied for R01 funding. The major themes were very similar; a supportive environment and time available for research are the most crucial factors to succeed as an academic surgeon.

Restructuring of a General Surgery Residency Program in an Epicenter of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: Lessons From New York City.

On March 1, 2020, the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in New York, New York. Since then, the city has emerged as an epicenter for the ongoing pandemic in the US. To meet the anticipated demand caused by the predicted surge of patients with COVID-19, the Department of Surgery at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine developed and executed an emergent restructuring of general surgery resident teams and educational infrastructure. The restructuring of surgical services described in this Special Communication details the methodology used to safely deploy the necessary amount of the resident workforce to support pandemic efforts while maintaining staffing for emergency surgical care, limiting unnecessary exposure of residents to infection risk, effectively placing residents in critical care units, and maintaining surgical education and board eligibility for the training program as a whole.

Recurrent Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections with Atypical Pathogens after Injection Drug Abuse: Another Manifestation of the Opioid Crisis.

Background: The United States is in the midst of an opioid crisis. Injection drug use is a major risk factor for necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) by introducing bacteria into the soft tissues. Repetitive infection and atypical pathogens may be tangible manifestations of the opioid crisis. Methods: We describe recidivism in two cases of NSTI involving opioid abuse and atypical pathogens at a single institution and review pertinent international literature. Results: Repetitive NSTI is rare. Patients with chronic injection drug use, however, may be at particular risk of repetitive NSTI and infections with atypical organisms. Conclusions: Care providers must have a heightened awareness of infections with atypical pathogens and risk of repetitive infection in patients with injection drug use. Aggressive surgical management and antibiotic coverage tailored to culture and susceptibility data are necessary for a successful short-term outcome. A successful long-term outcome mandates identification and management of co-existent behavioral health issues.