Pre-rehabilitation interventions for patients with head and neck cancers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pre-rehabilitation interventions such as nutrition and exercise for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). METHODS: Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were searched up to December 2022. Quality of life, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, change in body mass index or muscle mass, and functional assessments were the primary outcomes. PRISMA guidelines were adhered to, and the study was registered on PROSPERO. The Cochrane Collaboration tool and Newcastle Ottawa scale assessed the quality of included studies. Pooled data are presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Analysis was conducted using RevMan5.4. RESULTS: A total of 31 articles were included for quantitative analysis and 15 for qualitative synthesis. Nutrition alone resulted in significant weight retention (2.60; 2.32, 2.88, p < 0.00001), length of stay (-4.00; -6.87, -1.13), p = 0.0006) and complications (0.64; 0.49, 0.83, p = 0.0009). Nutrition and psychoeducation resulted in a significant reduction in mortality rate (0.70; 0.49, 1.00, p = 0.05 and 0.60; 0.48, 0.74, p < 0.00001), and exercise resulted in a significant reduction in dysphagia (0.55; 0.35, 0.87, p = 0.01). Exercise with nutrition resulted in significant improvements in weight loss, length of stay, complications, and dysphagia. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) had a moderate risk of bias and cohort studies were of fair to good quality. CONCLUSION: Prehabilitation programs based on exercise, nutrition, or psychoeducation demonstrated improved post-interventional outcomes in HNC, such as quality of life, and mortality and morbidity. Studies with longer follow-ups and larger sample sizes, and investigations comparing nutritional supplements with exercise programs are needed.

Delving into New Frontiers: assessing ChatGPT's proficiency in revealing uncharted dimensions of general surgery and pinpointing innovations for future advancements.

PURPOSE: The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced various medical domains, including general surgery. This research aims to assess ChatGPT, an AI language model, in its ability to shed light on the historical facets of general surgery and pinpoint opportunities for innovation. METHODS: A series of 7 pertinent questions on field of general surgery was posed to ChatGPT. The AI-generated responses were meticulously examined for their relevance, accuracy, and novelty. Additionally, the study explored the AI's ability to recognize knowledge gaps and propose inventive solutions. Expert general surgeons and general surgical residents possessing comprehensive research experience assessed ChatGPT's answers by comparing them to established guidelines and existing literature. RESULTS: ChatGPT presented information that was relevant and accurate, albeit superficial. However, it exhibited convergent thinking and was unable to produce truly groundbreaking ideas to transform general surgery. Instead, it pointed to current popular trends with significant potential for further development. It failed to provide references when prompted and even created references that could not be verified in exhibiting databases. CONCLUSION: While ChatGPT demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of existing general surgical knowledge and the capacity to generate relevant, evidence-based material, it displayed limitations in producing truly groundbreaking concepts or discoveries beyond current knowledge. These results highlight the necessity of enhancing AI-driven models to facilitate the emergence of new insights and promote synergistic, human-AI partnerships for expediting advancements within the general surgery domain.

The Cumulative Incidence and Progression of Ileal Pouch Adenomas in Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy can develop adenomas in the pouch. OBJECTIVE: To review experience with pouch surveillance and create a classification system for polyposis severity. DESIGN: A retrospective review of patients undergoing IPAA and follow-up at 1 institution. SETTING: A center for hereditary colorectal cancer within a quaternary referral center. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing IPAA and followed endoscopically after surgery by the center. INTERVENTIONS: Yearly pouchoscopy and treatment of polyps as required. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was incidence and severity of pouch neoplasia and its changes with time. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients who had a restorative proctocolectomy for familial adenomatous polyposis at Cleveland Clinic. Severity of polyposis was classified on the basis of size, number, and histology. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-five patients were analyzed. The median age at IPAA was 31 years and 52% were male. The median follow-up was 10.1 years; the median number of pouchoscopies per patient was 4. The median interval between pouchoscopies was 21.9 months. Overall, the incidence of pouch adenomas was found in 47 patients (28.5%). The median time from pouch to first pouch adenoma diagnosis was 10.3 years. The estimated cumulative incidence rates of pouch adenoma at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 years after IPAA were 5.9%, 21.7%, 40%, 54.8%, and 69.9%, respectively. At the first diagnosis of pouch adenoma, 25 patients had stage 1, 10 had stage 2, 8 had stage 3, and 4 had stage 4. Twenty of 47 patients progressed to a higher stage. No patient developed cancer. LIMITATIONS: Genotype was not available for all patients. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing incidence of pouch neoplasia after restorative proctocolectomy, reaching a plateau at 25 years. The polyposis is usually mild but sometimes increases in severity. LA INCIDENCIA ACUMULADA Y LA PROGRESIN DE LOS ADENOMAS DE LA BOLSA ILEAL EN PACIENTES CON POLIPOSIS ADENOMATOSA FAMILIAR: ANTECEDENTES:Los pacientes con poliposis adenomatosa familiar que se han sometido a una proctocolectomía restauradora pueden desarrollar adenomas en la bolsa.OBJETIVO:Revisamos nuestra experiencia con la vigilancia de la bolsa y creamos un sistema de clasificación para la gravedad de la poliposis.DISEÑO:Una revisión retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a anastomosis de bolsa ileoanal y seguimiento en una institución.ESCENARIO:Un centro para el cáncer colorrectal hereditario dentro de un centro de referencia cuaternarioPACIENTES:Todos los pacientes sometidos a anastomosis reservorio ileoanal y seguidos por vía endoscópica tras la cirugía por el centro.INTERVENCIONES:Bolsascopia anual y tratamiento de pólipos según sea necesarioPRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Primaria: Incidencia y gravedad de la neoplasia del reservorio y sus cambios con el tiempo.MÉTODOS:Un estudio retrospectivo de pacientes que se sometieron a una proctocolectomía restauradora por poliposis adenomatosa familiar en la Clínica Cleveland. La gravedad de la poliposis se clasificó según el tamaño, el número y la histología.RESULTADOS:Se analizaron 165 pacientes. La mediana de edad del IPAA fue de 31 años y el 52% eran hombres. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 10,1 años; número medio de reservorioscopias por paciente = 4. El intervalo medio entre reservorioscopias fue de 21,9 meses. Incidencia global de adenomas de reservorio = 47/165 (28,5%). Tiempo mediano desde el reservorio hasta el primer diagnóstico de adenoma en reservorio = 10,3 años. La tasa de incidencia acumulada estimada de adenoma de bolsa a los 5, 10, 15, 20, y 30 años después de la IPAA es del 5,9%, 21,7%, 40%, 54,8%, y 69,9%, respectivamente. En el primer diagnóstico de adenoma de la bolsa, 25 pacientes tenían estadio 1, 10 estadio 2, 8 estadio 3 y 4 estadio 4. 20/47 pacientes progresaron a un estadio superior Ningún paciente desarrolló cáncer.LIMITACIONES:Genotipo no disponible para todos los pacientesCONCLUSIONES:Hay una incidencia creciente de neoplasia de la bolsa después de la proctocolectomía restauradora, alcanzando una meseta a los 25 años. La poliposis suele ser leve, pero a veces aumenta en severidad. (Traducción-Dr. Yesenia Rojas-Khalil ).

Ileostomy volvulus as an underreported problem causing small bowel obstruction in patients living with ostomy: a case report and literature review.

Purpose: Ileostomy volvulus is a rare cause of small bowel obstruction. We present an unusual case of ileostomy volvulus without the presence of adhesions. Additionally, a systematic literature review was performed to collate the current literature on the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and preventative measures of ileostomy-related small bowel obstruction. Methods: PubMed (Medline), Embase, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched from their inception up to August 2022. This study adhered to the PRISMA guidelines and was registered on PROSPERO. The primary outcomes included patients' demographics, imaging modality, indication for initial surgery, type and configuration of stoma, surgical treatment, and recurrence of volvulus. The quality of included studies was assessed using the Murad tool. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient. Results: Seven studies were included, comprising 967 patients. Stoma outlet obstruction (SOO) was reported in all 159 patients, and 12 had ileostomy volvulus as the cause. A majority of patients had loop ostomies for ileostomy volvulus. No complications or mortality were reported in the included studies, and half of the included studies were deemed to be of good quality. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the need for high clinical suspicion of SOO in patients with loop ileostomy, and rapid management should be undertaken. Whilst loop ileostomies, increased rectus abdominal muscle thickness, and lower preoperative total glucocorticoid dosage are associated with SOO, large-scale retrospective studies are needed to validate our findings.

Fournier gangrene with concurrent multifocal necrotizing fasciitis: a systematic review and case report.

PURPOSE: A patient presented to a regional surgical center with Fournier gangrene (FG) and concurrent multifocal necrotizing fasciitis (NF). Given the rarity, it was decided to undertake a systematic review to investigate the incidence and prevalence of FG with multifocal NF and consequently determine the treatment and approach to management of such presentation. METHODS: Firstly, the report of the 56-year-old male patient is discussed regarding his surgical management. Secondly, a systematic review was undertaken according to PRISMA guidelines using MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase databases. Searches used the following MeSH terms: ("fournier's gangrene") AND ((necrotising fasciitis) OR (necrotising soft tissue infection)). Once the search results were obtained, duplicate articles were removed. Titles, abstracts, and articles were reviewed by 2 authors. RESULTS: The search strategy using the 3 databases revealed a total of 402 studies. Fifty-seven studies were removed due to duplication. A total of 345 records were screened via title and abstract, of which 115 were excluded. Two hundred and thirty studies were reviewed for eligibility. A total of all 230 studies were excluded; 169 were excluded as they included the incorrect patient population (patients suffered from FG or NF, but not both collectively), 60 studies were excluded due to incorrect study designs, and 1 report occurred in the wrong setting. CONCLUSION: This highlights that while being a relatively known, uncommon infection both FG and NF are well documented separately within the literature. However, FG with concurrent multifocal NF has not been documented within the literature.

Colorectal surgical management of colitis induced by vasculitis in the absence of inflammatory bowel disease: a case report and literature review.

Colitis caused by vasculitis is a rare and poorly understood pathology. Little evidence exists on its clinical presentation, path to diagnosis, and surgical management. In this report, we present a case report and literature review. A healthy 20-year-old male patient presented with hemorrhagic colitis requiring total colectomy with end ileostomy. Pathological examination showed pancolitis with multiple ulcers, transmural inflammation, hemorrhage, and microvascular thrombosis. Extensive serological testing revealed elevated cytoplasmic antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (c-ANCA) and eosinophilia, leading to a diagnosis of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) and vasculitis-induced colitis. A literature review was subsequently conducted. Nineteen studies were found documenting vasculitis-induced colitis in the absence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Systemic signs of vasculitis, hemorrhagic colitis, and progression to fulminant colitis were present. Of all patients, 40.0% required colorectal surgery and 62.5% of those patients received a stoma; 25% underwent emergency surgery following failed immunosuppression. All cases relied on clinical correlation with serology and/or histopathology to reach a final diagnosis. We report a case of vasculitis-induced colitis caused by c-ANCA-positive EGPA. The review shows that vasculitis-induced colitis without IBD is an important differential that clinicians should be aware of in patients presenting with colitis.

Incidence and Management of Rectal Cuff and Anal Transitional Zone Neoplasia in Patients With Familial Adenomatous Polyposis.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cuff and anal transitional zone neoplasia is an increasing challenge in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who have undergone restorative proctocolectomy. Its real incidence, range of severity, and treatment efficacy are poorly documented. OBJECTIVE: We sought to document the evolution of rectal cuff and anal transitional zone neoplasia and describe its management. DESIGN: This is a retrospective cohort study collecting prospectively recorded data. SETTINGS: This study involved a hereditary colorectal cancer group in a large academic medical center. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing primary restorative proctocolectomy at this institution were included. INTERVENTIONS: Surveillance pouchoscopy and treatment of rectal cuff/anal transitional zone neoplasia were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes measured were the presence and the severity of rectal cuff/anal transitional zone neoplasia. Excision by cautery, snare, mucosectomy, or redo pouch was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were included: 52% were male (86/165) with a median age at restorative proctocolectomy of 31.0 years (SD 12.8). In 117 of 165, the proctocolectomy was their first operation and, in 48 of 165, it followed a colectomy. Of the patients, 83% (137/165) had stapled anastomosis; 17% had mucosectomy with handsewn anastomosis; and 14% (23/165) were treated with sulindac at some point during their surveillance. Median follow-up was 10.1 years (interquartile range, 4.5-17.2) and the median number of pouchoscopies per patient was 4 (interquartile range, 2-8). Seventy-eight of 165 (47.3%) developed rectal cuff/anal transitional zone adenomas, more in the stapled group (52.3%; 72/137) than in the handsewn group (21.4%; 6/28; p < 0.005). Median time to adenoma was 4.5 years (interquartile range, 2.4-8.9). Three patients developed cancer under surveillance, and, in 3 other patients, cancers developed when screenings lapsed. Five patients developed symptomatic anal stenosis secondary to repeated surgeries (median, 9 procedures; range, 2-10). LIMITATIONS: There was no quality-of-life measurement in patients who developed rectal cuff/anal transitional zone neoplasia. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal cuff/anal transitional zone adenomas are more common than previously reported. Mild polyposis can be controlled endoscopically, but repeated procedures in a higher stage are associated with risk of anal stenosis. Compliance with surveillance is essential to avoid cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B594. INCIDENCIA Y TRATAMIENTO DE LA NEOPLASIA DEL REMANENTE RECTAL Y DE LA ZONA DE TRANSICIN ANAL EN PACIENTES CON POLIPOSIS ADENOMATOSA FAMILIAR: ANTECEDENTES:La neoplasia del remanente rectal y de la zona de transición anal presenta un desafío mayor en pacientes con poliposis adenomatosa familiar tratados con una proctocolectomía restaurativa. Su incidencia real, el espectro de la gravedad y la eficacia del tratamiento están mal documentados.OBJETIVO:Buscamos documentar la evolución de la neoplasia del remanente rectal y de la zona de transición anal y describir su tratamiento.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo que recabó datos registrados prospectivamente.AMBITO:Un grupo con cáncer colorrectal hereditario de un importante centro médico académico.PACIENTES:Todos los pacientes operados por primera vez de proctocolectomía restaurativa en nuestra institución.INTERVENCIONES:Endoscopía del pouch para vigilancia y tratamiento de la neoplasia del remanente rectal / zona de transición anal.PRINCIPALES VARIABLES ANALIZADAS:La presencia y la gravedad de la neoplasia del remanente rectal / zona de transición anal. Resección con cauterio, asa, mucosectomía o rehacer el pouch.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 165 pacientes: 52% eran hombres (86/165) con una mediana de edad al momento de la proctocolectomía restaurativa de 31,0 años (DE 12,8). En 117/165 la proctocolectomía fue su primera cirugía y en 48/165 fue posterior a una colectomía. En 83% (137/165) tenía una anastomosis con engrapadora, 17% tenía mucosectomía y anastomosis con sutura manual (HS). El 14% de los pacientes (23/165) fueron tratados con sulindac en algún momento durante su vigilancia. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 10,1 años (IQR: 4,5, 17,2) y la mediana del número de endoscopías del pouch por paciente fue de 4. (IQR: 2, 8) 78/165 (47,3%) desarrollaron adenomas en la zona de transición anal /remanente rectal, mayor en el grupo con engrapadaora (52,3%; 72/137) comparado con el grupo con sutura manual (21,4%; 6/28) (p <0,005). La mediana del tiempo hasta el adenoma fue de 4,5 años (IQR: 2,4, 8,9). Tres pacientes que se encontraban en vigilancia desarrollaron cáncer y en 3, otros cánceres se desarrollaron transcurrida la vigilancia. 5 pacientes desarrollaron estenosis anal sintomática secundaria a múltiples cirugías (mediana de 9 procedimientos; rango 2-10).LIMITACIONES:Falta de medición de la calidad de vida en pacientes que desarrollaron neoplasia del remanente rectal / zona de transición anal.CONCLUSIONES:Los adenomas de la zona de transición anal / remanente rectal son más comunes de lo reportado anteriormente. La poliposis leve se puede tratar por endoscopía, pero procedimientos repetidos en estadíos mayores se asocian con el riesgo de estenosis anal. El apego a la vigilancia es fundamental para evitar el cáncer. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B594. (Traducción-Dr. Lisbeth Alarcon-Bernes).

Defining the Economic Burden of Perioperative Venous Thromboembolism in Inflammatory Bowel Disease in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Patients with IBD are at increased risk of venous thromboembolism. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to define the economic burden associated with inpatient venous thromboembolism after surgery for IBD that presently remains undefined. DESIGN: This study is a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis using the National Inpatient Sample from 2004 to 2014. SETTING: Participating hospitals across the United States were sampled. PATIENTS: The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision codes were used to identify patients with a primary diagnosis of IBD. INTERVENTIONS: Major abdominopelvic bowel surgery was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measured was the occurrence of inpatient venous thromboembolism. Univariate and multivariable patient- and hospital-level logistic regression models were used to compare patient characteristics, hospital characteristics, and outcomes between venous thromboembolism and non-venous thromboembolism cohorts. Total average direct costs were then compared between cohorts, and the resulting difference was extrapolated to the national population. RESULTS: Of 26,080 patients included, inpatient venous thromboembolism was identified in 581 (2.2%). On multivariable analysis, diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, transfer status, length of preoperative hospitalization, and insurance status were independently associated with inpatient venous thromboembolism. Patients with venous thromboembolism were observed to be associated with an increased median length of stay (17.6 vs 6.7 days; p < 0.001) and higher inpatient mortality (5.0% vs 1.1%; OR 4.7, SE 3.2-7.0; p < 0.001). After adjusting for clinically relevant covariates, the additional cost associated with each inpatient venous thromboembolism was $31,551 (95% CI, $29,136-$33,965). LIMITATIONS: Our study is limited by the administrative nature of the National Inpatient Sample database, which limits our ability to evaluate the impact of clinical covariates (eg, use of venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis, steroid use, and nutrition status). CONCLUSION: Inpatient venous thromboembolism in abdominopelvic surgery for IBD is an infrequent, yet costly, morbid complication. Given the magnitude of patient morbidity and economic burden, venous thromboembolism prevention should be a national quality improvement and research priority. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B544. DEFINICIN IMPACTO ECONMICO DE LA TROMBOEMBOLIA VENOSA PERIOPERATORIA EN LA ENFERMEDAD INFLAMATORIA INTESTINAL EN LOS ESTADOS UNIDOS: ANTECEDENTES:Pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII) tienen un mayor riesgo de tromboembolismo venoso (TEV).OBJETIVO:Definir el impacto económico de TEV hospitalaria después de la cirugía por EII, que en la actualidad permanece indefinida.DISEÑO:Un análisis transversal retrospectivo utilizando la Muestra Nacional de Pacientes Internos (NIS) de 2004 a 2014.ENTORNO CLINICO:Hospitales participantes muestreados en los Estados Unidos.PACIENTES:Se utilizaron los códigos de la 9ª edición de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades (ICD-9) para identificar a los pacientes con diagnóstico primario de EII.INTERVENCIONES:Cirugía mayor abdominopélvica intestinal.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACION:Incidencia de TEV en pacientes hospitalizados, utilizando modelos de regresión logística univariado y multivariable a nivel de pacientes y hospitales para comparar las características de los pacientes, las características del hospital y los resultados entre las cohortes de TEV y no TEV. Se compararon los costos directos promedio totales entre cohortes y la diferencia resultante extrapolando a la población nacional.RESULTADOS:De 26080 pacientes incluidos, se identificó TEV hospitalario en 581 (2,2%). En análisis multivariable, el diagnóstico de colitis ulcerosa, el estado de transferencia (entre centros hospitalarios), la duración de la hospitalización preoperatoria y el nivel de seguro medico se asociaron de forma independiente con la TEV hospitalaria. Se observó que los pacientes con TEV se asociaron con un aumento de la duración media de la estancia (17,6 versus a 6,7 días; p <0,001) y una mayor mortalidad hospitalaria (5,0% versus a 1,1%; OR 4,7, SE 3,2 -7,0; p <0,001). Después de ajustar las covariables clínicamente relevantes, el costo adicional asociado con cada TEV para pacientes hospitalizados fue de $ 31,551 USD (95% C.I. $ 29,136 - $ 33,965).LIMITACIONES:Estudio limitado por la naturaleza administrativa de la base de datos del NIS, que limita nuestra capacidad para evaluar el impacto de las covariables clínicas (por ejemplo, el uso de quimioprofilaxis de TEV, el uso de esteroides y el estado nutricional).CONCLUSIÓN:TEV hospitalaria en la cirugía abdominopélvica para la EII es una complicación mórbida infrecuente, pero costosa. Debido a la magnitud de la morbilidad el impacto económico, la prevención del TEV debería ser una prioridad de investigación y para mejoría de calidad a nivel nacional. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B544.

Dataset of the first report of pharmacogenomics profiling in an outpatient spine setting.

Here we describe the dataset of the first report of pharmacogenomics profiling in an outpatient spine setting with the primary aims to catalog: 1) the genes, alleles, and associated rs Numbers (accession numbers for specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms) analysed and 2) the genotypes and corresponding phenotypes of the genes involved in metabolizing 37 commonly used analgesic medications. The present description applies to analgesic medication-metabolizing enzymes and may be especially valuable to investigators who are exploring strategies to optimize pharmacologic pain management (e.g., by tailoring analgesic regimens to the genetically identified sensitivities of the patient). Buccal swabs were used to acquire tissue samples of 30 adult patients who presented to an outpatient spine clinic with the chief concern of axial neck and/or back pain. Array-based assays were then used to detect the alleles of genes involved in the metabolism of pain medications, including all common (wild type) and most rare variant alleles with known clinical significance. Both CYP450 isozymes - including CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 - and the phase II enzyme UDP-glucuronosyltransferase-2B7 (UGT2B7) were examined. Genotypes/phenotypes were then used to evaluate each patient's relative ability to metabolize 37 commonly used analgesic medications. These medications included both non-opioid analgesics (i.e., aspirin, diclofenac, nabumetone, indomethacin, meloxicam, piroxicam, tenoxicam, lornoxicam, celecoxib, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, ketoprofen, fenoprofen, naproxen, and mefenamic acid) and opioid analgesics (i.e., morphine, codeine, dihydrocodeine, ethylmorphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone, oxymorphone, alfentanil, fentanyl, sufentanil, meperidine, ketobemidone, dextropropoxyphene, levacetylmethadol, loperamide, methadone, buprenorphine, dextromethorphan, tramadol, tapentadol, and tilidine). The genes, alleles, and associated rs Numbers that were analysed are provided. Also provided are: 1) the genotypes and corresponding phenotypes of the genes involved in metabolizing 37 commonly used analgesic medications and 2) the mechanisms of metabolism of the analgesic medications by primary and ancillary pathways. In supplemental spreadsheets, the raw and analysed pharmacogenomics data for all 30 patients evaluated in the primary research article are additionally provided. Collectively, the presented data offer significant reuse potential in future investigations of pharmacogenomics for pain management.

First Report of Pharmacogenomic Profiling in an Outpatient Spine Setting: Preliminary Results from a Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Pharmacogenomics may help personalize medicine and improve therapeutic selection. This is the first study investigating how pharmacogenomic testing may inform analgesic selection in patients with spine disease. We profile pharmacogenetic differences in pain medication-metabolizing enzymes across patients presenting at an outpatient spine clinic and provide preliminary evidence that genetic polymorphisms may help explain interpatient differences in preoperative pain refractory to conservative management. METHODS: Adults presenting to our outpatient spine clinic with chief symptoms of neck and/or back pain were prospectively enrolled over 9 months. Patients completed the Wong-Baker FACES and numeric pain rating scales for their chief pain symptom and provided detailed medication histories and cheek swab samples for genomic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty adults were included (mean age, 60.6 ± 15.3 years). The chief concern was neck pain in 23%, back pain in 67%, and combined neck/back pain in 10%. At enrollment, patient analgesic regimens comprised 3 ± 1 unique medications, including 1 ± 1 opioids. After genomic analysis, 14/30 patients (47%) were identified as suboptimal metabolizers of ≥1 medications in their analgesic regimen. Of these patients, 93% were suboptimal metabolizers of their prescribed opioid analgesic. Nonetheless, pain scores were similar between optimal and suboptimal metabolizer groups. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study shows that a large proportion of the spine outpatient population may use pain medications for which they are suboptimal metabolizers. Further studies should assess whether these pharmacogenomic differences indicate differences in odds of receiving therapeutic benefit from surgery or if they can be used to generate more effective postoperative analgesic regimens.

The role of preoperative CEA in the management of colorectal cancer: A cohort study from two cancer centres.

BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether a preoperative elevation in serum CEA is an independent prognostic factor for both 5-year overall and disease-free survival within an Australian patient cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of a prospectively maintained colorectal neoplasia database for patients between January 2010 and June 2016 was performed. Patients were categorized into two groups according to the preoperative serum CEA level: low (<2.5), high CEA (≥2.5), and elevated (≥5 ng/ml); and further stratified by disease stage. Inclusion criteria were patients having had a resection for either a colonic or upper third rectal adenocarcinoma and with a preoperative CEA value. Data on patient demographics, mortality, and morbidity and survival were compiled. Five-year estimates of overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed. RESULTS: 623 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median patient age was 73 (range 22-97) and 55% female (n = 340). There were 572 colonic cancers and 51 rectal cancers. The median follow-up time was 25 months (range 1-71). Eight patients (1%) had a local recurrence and 62 patients (10%) had evidence of metastatic disease after the initial curative resection. The 5-year OS and DFS rates for patients with CEA level <2.5 ng/ml were 85% and 86% respectively, which were higher than those with CEA level ≥2.5 ng/ml (73% and 79% respectively). Independent predictors of recurrence were a CEA ≥5 ng/ml (HR 1.8; 95% CI 1.09-3.00; p = 0.002) and stage II (HR 5.33; 95% CI 1.59-17.90; p = 0.007) and stage III (HR 10.91; 95% CI 3.34-35.60; p=<0.001). A CEA ≥5 ng/ml was associated with a higher risk of death (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.00-3.19; p = 0.046). CONCLUSION: Preoperative CEA levels were associated with age, BMI, ASA and tumour stage. Overall, CEA remains a reliable predictor of recurrence and survival after curative surgery in patients with colorectal cancer.

Short-term outcome of emergency colorectal cancer surgery: results from Bi-National Colorectal Cancer Audit.

BACKGROUNDS: A significant number of patients with colorectal cancer will have an emergency presentation requiring surgery. This study aims to evaluate short-term outcomes for patients undergoing emergency colorectal cancer surgery in Australasia. METHODS: All consecutive CRC from the Bi-National Colorectal Cancer Audit Database was interrogated from 2007 to 2016. Short-term outcomes including length of stay, complication rate and mortality rate were compared between the emergency and elective groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors for inpatient mortality. A predictive model for inpatient mortality was constructed using these variables, and its accuracy was then validated by the Bootstrap re-sampling method. RESULTS: Of 15,676 colorectal cancer cases identified, 13.6% were emergency cases. The emergency group had a higher rate of surgical and medical complications (26.7% vs 22.6%, p < 0.001; 22.8 vs 13.8%, p < 0.001, respectively). Higher inpatient mortality rate was also observed in the emergency group (3.4% vs 2.6%, p = 0.023). Independent predictors for inpatient survival included age, American Society Anaesthesiologists score, emergency surgery and tumour stage. In addition, postoperative complications such as anastomotic leak (odds ratio [OR] 3.78, p < 0.001), sepsis (OR 2.85, p < 0.001) and medical complications (OR 13.88, p < 0.001) had a significant impact in survival in the emergency group. Receiver operating characteristics curve for inpatient mortality was 0.913. CONCLUSION: Emergency colorectal cancer surgery carries significant morbidity and mortality. Recognition of the increasing rate of postoperative complications may help minimise the detrimental impact of this event on overall outcomes.

Correction to: Short-term outcome of emergency colorectal cancer surgery: results from Bi-National Colorectal Cancer Audit.

The publisher regret that a typographical error was present in the Table 1 of the original version of this article. The value "20,032" should have been "2" in the Variable column under T stage. The correct table is now presented correctly in this article.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Objective Assessment of Physical Fitness in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Gas exchange-derived variables obtained from cardiopulmonary exercise testing allow objective assessment of functional capacity and hence physiological reserve to withstand the stressors of major surgery. Field walk tests provide an alternate means for objective assessment of functional capacity that may be cheaper and have greater acceptability, in particular, in elderly patients. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review evaluated the predictive value of cardiopulmonary exercise testing and field walk tests in surgical outcomes after colorectal surgery. DATA SOURCE: A systematic search was undertaken using Medline, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PEDro. STUDY SELECTION: Adult patients who had cardiopulmonary exercise testing and/or field walk test before colorectal surgery were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The primary outcomes measured were hospital length of stay and postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 7 studies with a cohort of 1418 patients who underwent colorectal surgery were identified for inclusion in a qualitative analysis. Both pooled oxygen consumption at anaerobic threshold (range, 10.1-11.1 mL·kg·min) and peak oxygen consumption (range, 16.7-18.6 mL·kg·min) were predictive of complications (OR for anaerobic threshold, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.85, p<0.0001; OR for peak oxygen consumption, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.67-0.85, p<0.0001). Patients had significant increased risk of developing postoperative complications if their anaerobic threshold was below this cut point (p<0.001). However, it was not predictive of anastomotic leak (p = 0.644). Shorter distance (<250 m) walked in incremental shuttle walk test, lower anaerobic threshold, and lower peak oxygen consumption were associated with prolonged hospital length of stay, which was closely related to the development of complications. CONCLUSIONS: Variables derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing are predictive of postoperative complications and hospital length of stay. Currently, there are insufficient data to support the predictive role of the field walk test in colorectal surgery.

Surgical outcomes for duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma: a multicentre study in Australia and the United Kingdom.

BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is often required in patients with duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma and these patients generally have soft pancreatic texture and small pancreatic ducts, the two most significant factors associated with post-operative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The aims of the study were to evaluate the rate of POPF and long-term outcomes for patients with duodenal adenoma and adenocarcinoma who underwent curative resection. METHODS: This retrospective study (2004-2014) examined patients treated surgically with non-ampullary duodenal tumours (NADTs) in two hepatopancreaticobiliary units in Victoria, Australia, and Swansea, UK. RESULTS: There were 49 resections performed including 33 pancreaticoduodenectomies, five pancreas-preserving total duodenectomies and 11 segmental duodenal resections. Median length of follow-up was 23.5 months. Final histopathology revealed 18 duodenal adenomas and 31 adenocarcinomas. POPF rate for NADTs was 28.9% (of which 54.5% were grade C) compared to 14.5% for all other pathologies. Grade C POPF was associated with poorer survival outcomes (hazard ratio = 6.73; P = 0.005). The 5-year overall survival for patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma was 66.5%. CONCLUSION: Due to the soft pancreatic texture and small pancreatic duct, pancreatic resection for NADTs is associated with a high rate of POPF which contributes to reduced survival. Nevertheless, surgery is associated with favourable 5-year survival compared to pancreatic resection for pancreatic adenocarcinoma.