Implementation of a Surgical Problem-Based Learning Curriculum: A One-Year Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has become an integral part of medical student education for preclinical curricula, but few studies have evaluated the benefits of a PBL curriculum for clinical education. This study aims to assess the 1-year experience after implementing a resident-led PBL program for the third-year (MS3) surgery clerkship and compare students' self-reported preparedness following PBL sessions to traditional faculty-led lectures. METHODS: Surgical faculty and residents developed a PBL curriculum to address common topics in surgical education. Pandemic requirements necessitated a switch from in-person to virtual sessions during the experience. Students enrolled in the MS3 surgical clerkship were asked to participate in a survey. Demographics and clerkship data were obtained. Quality of PBL and faculty-led lectures were assessed using a ten-point Likert scale, and standard statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: During the study period, 165 students rotated through surgery, of which 129 (78%) responded to the survey (53% female, 59% white). PBLs were held in-person (53%), exclusively virtual (32%) or hybrid (15%) platforms. In-person PBLs were preferred to faculty-led lectures for preparing students for NBME examinations (6.9 vs 6.0), oral examinations (7.8 vs 6.3), and surgical cases (6.3 vs 5.8), all P < .001. Virtual PBLs were also preferred to lectures for preparing students for NBME examinations (6.8 vs 5.8, P < .001) and surgical cases (5.6 vs 4.8, P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: PBL is a valuable adjunct for medical student education. Resident-led PBLs were preferred to faculty-led lectures for preparing students for examinations and clerkship experiences and may be useful adjuncts to clinical education.

Higher Complication Rates for Total versus Partial Thyroidectomy in the Pediatric Population.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to analyze the relative risks for total thyroidectomies by comparing complication rates for total versus partial thyroidectomy in the pediatric population. METHODS: We queried the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) 1997-2012 for all cases of total (n = 3253) or partial (n = 2380) thyroidectomy. We then designed a propensity score matching model and compared total versus partial thyroidectomy based on surgical complications and outcomes. RESULTS: In our cohort, the median age was 16 years and 79% were females. Those treated at a specialty pediatric hospital or pediatric unit in a general hospital comprised 73% of all patients. The most common indications for surgery were malignancy (46%) and goiter (42%). The most common complications were hypocalcemia and nerve injury with an unweighted incidence of 9% (n = 174) and 3% (n = 57) respectively. When compared to partial thyroidectomy, total thyroidectomy was associated with increased rates of postoperative complications. Additionally, the median length of stay was significantly higher for total thyroidectomy patients. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest analysis to date comparing outcomes for total versus partial thyroidectomy in the pediatric population. Surgeons should consider the increased rates of hypocalcemia and nerve injury complications when selecting total compared to partial thyroidectomy in children.

Percutaneous endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with monitored anesthesia care decreases operative time but not pulmonary complications.

OBJECTIVES: To report our experience and compare the results of percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (PEVAR) performed under monitored anesthesia care (MAC) to PEVAR under general anesthesia (GA). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent non-emergency endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) was completed. Patients were excluded if they had a complex repair, including fenestrated, branched, or parallel endografting. Demographics, operative data, 30-day mortality/morbidity and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 159 patients were identified with a median age of 69. 115 patients had PEVAR, 45 (39.1%) PEVAR MAC and 70 (60.9%) PEVAR GA. PEVAR MAC compared to PEVAR GA had decreased operative time (106 vs. 134 min, P < 0.001), time in the operating room (163 vs. 245 min, P = 0.016), and estimated blood loss (EBL) (115 vs. 176 mL P = 0.012). There was no statistically significant difference in the hospital length of stay (LOS) (1.9 vs. 2.7 days, P = 0.133), and post-operative complications including pulmonary (2.2 vs. 2.9%, P = 0.835). Forty-four patients had EVAR with a femoral cutdown (FC), including 14 PEVAR conversions. PEVAR conversion was associated with higher EBL (543 vs. 323 mL, P = 0.03), operative time (230 vs. 178 min, P = 0.01), and operating room time (307 vs. 275 min, P = 0.01) compared to planned EVAR with FC. CONCLUSIONS: PEVAR under MAC is associated with shorter time in the operating room compared to PEVAR under GA. PEVAR under MAC does however not decrease overall morbidities, including postoperative pulmonary complications.

A systematic review of the treatment of residual below the knee venous reflux after endovenous thermal ablation of the great saphenous vein.

BACKGROUND: Great saphenous vein (GSV) antireflux procedures have evolved during the past few decades to reduce elevated venous pressure. Untreated reflux in the below knee (BK) GSV (BK-GSV) can lead to persistent venous hypertension and deterioration of the venous circulation. The purpose of the present systematic review was to study the influence of BK-GSV intervention on venous disease progression. METHODS: A search was conducted, adhering to the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) guidelines. The PubMed and Embase databases were searched and cross-referenced. Studies were included if they had met the inclusion criterion of BK-GSV disease as a primary or secondary outcome. Two of the authors independently determined the eligibility and extracted the relevant data. RevMan, version 5.3 (Cochrane Training, London, UK), and SPSS (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY) were used for statistical computation. RESULTS: Fifteen studies that had assessed BK-GSV reflux recurrence after ablative intervention were included in our analysis. Of the 15 studies, 6 had assessed patients after above knee (AK) high ligation and stripping (HLS), 7 after AK endovenous laser ablation (AK-EVLA), and 2 after AK- and BK-EVLA (AK+BK EVLA). In total, 525 limbs had undergone HLS, 696 AK-EVLA, and 147 AK+BK EVLA. AK+BK EVLA was associated with significantly lower odds of BK-GSV reflux recurrence compared with AK-EVLA only (odds ratio [OR], 0.1857; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.076-0.4734; P < .0001). Although the odds of recurrent BK-GSV reflux appeared to be greater for patients who had undergone AK-HLS compared with AK+BK HLS, the difference was not statistically significant (OR, 0.62; CI, 0.27-1.43; P = .69). Finally, no statistically significant difference was observed in BK-GSV reflux recurrence between patients receiving AK-EVLA and those receiving AK-HLS (OR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.52-1.39; P = .31). CONCLUSIONS: Axial hydrostatic reflux from the groin to ankle is best controlled with AK+BK-GSV ablation. However, GSV ablation can result in saphenous nerve injury. For C4 to C6 disease, more aggressive treatment of the AK+BK-GSV is justified if the duplex ultrasound findings demonstrate groin to ankle reflux. Thermal ablation of the BK-GSV has a lower incidence of saphenous nerve injury than does BK saphenous stripping. More randomized controlled trials are needed to answer questions involving disease recurrence and the best techniques to mitigate these recurrences.

Clinical Outcomes for Primary and Radiation-Associated Angiosarcoma of the Breast with Multimodal Treatment: Long-Term Survival Is Achievable.

BACKGROUND: The optimal management of primary angiosarcoma (PAS) and radiation-associated angiosarcoma (RAAS) of the breast remains undefined. Available data show persistently poor survival outcomes following treatment with surgery or chemotherapy alone. The objective of this study was to evaluate long-term outcomes in patients treated with multimodality therapy. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with stage I-III PAS or RAAS of the breast were identified from our local tumor registry (2010-2020). Patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatment were collected. Primary outcomes were local recurrence (LR), distant recurrence (DR), and median overall survival (OS). A secondary outcome was pathologic complete response (pCR) following neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Mann-Whitney U, chi-squared, or Fisher exact tests were used to analyze data. Kaplan-Meier curves compared OS for PAS and RAAS. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients met inclusion criteria, including 11 (50%) with RAAS and 11 (50%) with PAS. Compared to PAS patients, RAAS patients were older and had more comorbidities. For RAAS patients, median time from radiation to diagnosis was 6 years (IQR: 5-11). RAAS patients were more likely to have a pCR to NAC (40% vs. 20%, p = 0.72). RAAS patients had a higher LR rate (43% vs. 38%, p = 0.83), and PAS patients were more likely to develop a DR (38% vs. 0%, p = 0.07). Median OS was 81 months in PAS patients and 90 months in RAAS patients (p = 1.00). DISCUSSION: Long-term survival can be achieved in patients with PAS and RAAS who undergo multimodality treatment. NAC can result in pCR. The long-term clinical implications of pCR warrant further investigation.

Contemporary Reappraisal of Intraoperative Neck Margin Assessment During Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: A Review.

Importance: Although margin-negative (R0) resection is the gold standard for surgical management of localized pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the question of how to manage the patient with a microscopically positive intraoperative neck margin (IONM) during pancreaticoduodenectomy remains controversial. Observations: In the absence of randomized clinical trials, we critically evaluated high-quality retrospective studies examining the oncologic utility of re-resecting positive IONMs during pancreaticoduodenectomy for PDAC (2000-2019). Several studies have concluded that additional pancreatic resection to achieve an R0 margin in IONM-positive cases does not influence survival. The largest is a multi-institutional study of 1399 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy, which demonstrated that in comparison with patients undergoing R0 resection (n = 1196; median survival, 21 months), those with either final R1 resections (n = 131) or undergoing margin conversion from IONM-positive to R0 resection on permanent section (n = 72) demonstrated similar median survival times (13.7 and 11.9 months, respectively). Conversely, recent reports suggest that the conversion of IONM to R0 resection with additional resection or even total pancreatectomy may be associated with improved survival. The discordance between these conflicting studies could be explained in part by the influence of biologic and physiologic selection on the association of IONM re-resection and survival. Since most studies did not include patients receiving modern combination chemotherapy regimens, the intersection between margin status, tumor biology, and chemoresponsiveness remains unclear. Furthermore, there are no dedicated data to guide surgical management in IONM-positive pancreaticoduodenectomy for patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Conclusions and Relevance: Although data regarding the oncologic utility of additional resection to achieve a tumor-free margin following initial IONM positivity during pancreaticoduodenectomy for PDAC are conflicting, they suggest that IONM positivity may be a surrogate for biologic aggressiveness that is unlikely to be mitigated by the extent of surgical resection. The complex relationship between margin status and chemoresponsiveness warrants exploration in studies including patients receiving increasingly effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Do all cardiac surgery patients benefit from antifibrinolytic therapy?

BACKGROUND: In trauma patients, the recognition of fibrinolysis phenotypes has led to a re-evaluation of the risks and benefits of antifibrinolytic therapy (AF). Many cardiac patients also receive AF, but the distribution of fibrinolytic phenotypes in that population is unknown. The purpose of this hypothesis-generating study was to fill that gap. METHODS: Seventy-eight cardiac surgery patients were retrospectively reviewed. Phenotypes were defined as hypofibrinolytic (LY30 <0.8%), physiologic (0.8%-3.0%), and hyperfibrinolytic (>3%) based on thromboelastogram. RESULTS: The population was 65 ± 10-years old, 74% male, average body mass index of 29 ± 5 kg/m2 . Fibrinolytic phenotypes were distributed as physiologic = 45% (35 of 78), hypo = 32% (25 of 78), and hyper = 23% (18 of 78). There was no obvious effect of age, gender, race, or ethnicity on this distribution; 47% received AF. For AF versus no AF, the time with chest tube was longer (4 [1] vs. 3 [1] days, p = .037), and all-cause morbidity was more prevalent (51% vs. 25%, p = .017). However, when these two groups were further stratified by phenotypes, there were within-group differences in the percentage of patients with congestive heart failure (p = .022), valve disease (p = .024), on-pump surgery (p < .0001), estimated blood loss during surgery (p = .015), transfusion requirement (p = .015), and chest tube output (p = .008), which highlight other factors along with AF that might have affected all-cause morbidity. CONCLUSION: This is the first description of the prevalence of three different fibrinolytic phenotypes and their potential influence on cardiac surgery patients. The use of AF was associated with increased morbidity, but because of the small sample size and treatment allocation bias, additional confirmatory studies are necessary. We hope these present findings open the dialog on whether it is safe to administer AFs to cardiac surgery patients who are normo- or hypofibrinolytic.

Overcoming disparities: Multidisciplinary breast cancer care at a public safety net hospital.

PURPOSE: Public safety net hospitals (SNH) serve a disparate patient population; however, little is known about long-term oncologic outcomes of patients receiving care at these facilities. This study is the first to examine overall survival (OS) and the initiation of treatment in breast cancer patients treated at a SNH. METHODS: Patients presenting to a SNH with stage I-IV breast cancer from 2005 to 2017 were identified from the local tumor registry. The hospital has a weekly breast tumor board and a multidisciplinary approach to breast cancer care. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to identify patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics associated with OS. Factors with a p < 0.1 were included in the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS: 2709 breast cancer patients were evaluated from 2005 to 2017. The patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and treatments received were analyzed. Five-year OS was 78.4% (93.9%, 87.4%, 70.9%, and 23.5% for stages I, II, III, and IV, respectively). On multivariable analysis, higher stage, age > 70 years, higher grade, and non-Hispanic ethnicity were associated with worse OS. Patients receiving surgery (HR = 0.33, p < 0.0001), chemotherapy (HR = 0.71, p = 0.006), and endocrine therapy (HR = 0.61, p < 0.0001) had better OS compared to those who did not receive these treatments. CONCLUSION: Despite serving a vulnerable minority population that is largely poor, uninsured, and presenting with more advanced disease, OS at our SNH approaches national averages. This novel finding indicates that in the setting of multidisciplinary cancer care and with appropriate initiation of treatment, SNHs can overcome socioeconomic barriers to achieve equitable outcomes in breast cancer care.

The Key to Combat Readiness Is a Strong Military-Civilian Partnership.

INTRODUCTION: In peacetime, it is challenging for Army Forward Resuscitative Surgical Teams (FRST) to maintain combat readiness as trauma represents <0.5% of military hospital admissions and not all team members have daily clinical responsibilities. Military surgeon clinical experience has been described, but no data exist for other members of the FRST. We test the hypothesis that the clinical experience of non-physician FRST members varies between active duty (AD) and Army reservists (AR). METHODS: Over a 3-year period, all FRSTs were surveyed at one civilian center. RESULTS: Six hundred and thirteen FRST soldiers were provided surveys and 609 responded (99.3%), including 499 (81.9%) non-physicians and 110 (18.1%) physicians/physician assistants. The non-physician group included 69% male with an average age of 34 ± 11 years and consisted of 224 AR (45%) and 275 AD (55%). Rank ranged from Private to Colonel with officers accounting for 41%. For AD vs. AR, combat experience was similar: 50% vs. 52% had ≥1 combat deployment, 52% vs. 60% peri-deployment patient load was trauma-related, and 31% vs. 32% had ≥40 patient contacts during most recent deployment (all P > .15). However, medical experience differed for AD and AR: 18% vs. 29% had >15 years of experience in practice and 4% vs. 17% spent >50% of their time treating critically injured patients (all P < .001). These differences persisted across all specialties, including perioperative nurses, certified registered nurse anesthetists, operating room (OR) techs, critical-care nurses, emergency room (ER) nurses, licensed practical nurse (LPN), and combat medics. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study of clinical practice patterns in AD vs. AR, non-physician members of Army FRSTs. In concordance with previous studies of military surgeons, FRST non-physicians seem to be lacking clinical experience as well. To maintain readiness and to provide optimal care for our injured warriors, the entire FRST, not just individuals, should embed within civilian centers.

Survival inequity in vulnerable populations with early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma: a United States safety-net collaborative analysis.

BACKGROUND: Access to health insurance and curative interventions [surgery/liver-directed-therapy (LDT)] affects survival for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this multi-institutional study of high-volume safety-net hospitals (SNHs) and their tertiary-academic-centers (AC) was to identify the impact of type/lack of insurance on survival disparities across hospitals, particularly SNHs whose mission is to minimize insurance related access-to-care barriers for vulnerable populations. METHODS: Early-stage HCC patients (2012-2014) from the US Safety-Net Collaborative were propensity-score matched by treatment at SNH/AC. Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazard analysis was performed accounting for sociodemographic/clinical parameters. RESULTS: Among 925 patients, those with no insurance (NI) had decreased curative surgery, compared to those with government insurance (GI) and private insurance [PI, (PI-SNH:60.5% vs. GI-SNH:33.1% vs. NI-SNH:13.6%, p < 0.001)], and decreased median OS (PI-SNH:32.1 vs. GI-SNH:22.8 vs. NI-SNH:9.4 months, p = 0.002). On multivariable regression controlling for sociodemographic/clinical parameters, NI-SNH (HR:2.5, 95% CI:1.3-4.9, p = 0.007) was the only insurance type/hospital system combination with significantly worse OS. CONCLUSION: NI-SNH patients received less curative treatment than other insurance/hospitals types suggesting that treatment barriers, beyond access-to-care, need to be identified and addressed to achieve survival equity in early-stage HCC for vulnerable populations (NI-SNH).

Surgical resection of early stage hepatocellular carcinoma improves patient survival at safety net hospitals.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Surgical resection is indicated for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with Child A cirrhosis. We hypothesize that surgical intervention and survival are limited by advanced HCC presentation at safety net hospitals (SNHs) versus academic medical centers (AMCs). METHODS: Patients with HCC and Child A cirrhosis in the US Safety Net Collaborative (2012-2014) were evaluated. Demographics, clinicopathologic features, operative characteristics, and outcomes were compared between SNHs and AMCs. Liver transplantation was excluded. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards models were used to identify the effect of surgery on overall (OS). RESULTS: A total of 689 Child A patients with HCC were identified. SNH patients frequently presented with T3/T4 stage (35% vs. 24%) and metastases (17% vs. 8%; p < .05). SNH patients were as likely to undergo surgery as AMC patients (17% vs. 18%); however, SNH patients were younger (56 vs. 64 years), underwent minor hepatectomy (65% vs. 38%), and frequently harbored well-differentiated tumors (23% vs. 2%; p < .05). On multivariate analysis, surgical resection and stage, but not hospital type, were associated with improved OS. CONCLUSIONS: Although SNH patients present with advanced HCC, survival outcomes for early stage HCC are similar at SNHs and AMCs. Identifying barriers to early diagnosis at SNH may increase surgical candidacy and improve outcomes.

Primary mesenteric sarcomas: Collaborative experience from the Trans-Atlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG).

BACKGROUND: Primary mesenteric soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare and limited evidence is available to inform management. Surgical resection is challenging due to the proximity of vital structures and a need to preserve enteric function. OBJECTIVES: To determine the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) for patients undergoing primary resection for mesenteric STS. METHODS: The Trans-Atlantic Australasian Retroperitoneal Sarcoma Working Group (TARPSWG) is an intercontinental collaborative comprising specialist sarcoma centers. Data were collected retrospectively for all patients with mesenteric STS undergoing primary resection between 2000 and 2019. RESULTS: Fifty-six cases from 15 institutions were included. The spectrum of pathology was similar to the retroperitoneum, although of a higher grade. R0/R1 resection was achieved in 87%. Median OS was 56 months. OS was significantly shorter in higher-grade tumors (p = .018) and extensive resection (p < .001). No significant association between OS and resection margin or tumor size was detected. Rates of local recurrence (LR) and distant metastases (DM) at 5 years were 60% and 41%, respectively. Liver metastases were common (60%), reflecting portal drainage of the mesentery. CONCLUSION: Primary mesenteric sarcoma is rare, with a modest survival rate. LR and DM are frequent events. Liver metastases are common, highlighting the need for surveillance imaging.

Medical Student Education During COVID-19: Electronic Education Does Not Decrease Examination Scores.

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 emergency, medical students were mandated to remain home, creating challenges to providing education remotely for third-year clinical rotations. This study aims to assess student reception and investigate objective outcomes to determine if online learning is a suitable alternative. METHODS: Medical students enrolled in the third-year surgical clerkship during COVID-19 were asked to participate in a survey. 19 of 27 (70%) students participated. Content, faculty-led lectures, and resident-led problem-based learning (PBL) sessions were assessed using a ten-point Likert scale. National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) examination, weekly quiz, and oral examination scores were compared to previous years. Student t-tests compared the groups. RESULTS: The median age was 25 years. Comparing in-person to electronic sessions, there was no difference in effectiveness of faculty sessions preparing students for NBME (6.2 vs. 6.7, P = .46) or oral examinations (6.4 vs. 6.8, P = .58); there was also no difference in resident-led PBL sessions preparing students for NBME (7.2 vs. 7.2, P = .92) or oral examinations (7.4 vs. 7.6, P = .74). Comparing this group to students from the previous academic year, there was no difference in weekly quiz (85.3 vs. 87.8, P = .13), oral examination (89.8 vs. 93.9, P = .07), or NBME examination (75.3 vs. 77.4, P = .33) scores. DISCUSSION: Surgical medical didactic education can effectively be conducted remotely through faculty-led lectures and resident-led PBL sessions. Students did not have a preference between in-person and electronic content in preparation for examinations. As scores did not change, electronic education may be adequate for preparing students for examinations in times of crisis such as COVID-19.

Impact of hepatitis C treatment on long-term outcomes for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a United States Safety Net Collaborative Study.

BACKGROUND: Widespread HCV treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients remains limited. Our aim was to evaluate the association of HCV treatment with survival and assess barriers to treatment. METHODS: Patients in the U.S. Safety Net Collaborative with HCV and HCC were included. Primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) and barriers to receiving HCV treatment. RESULTS: Of 941 patients, 57% received care at tertiary referral centers (n=533), 74% did not receive HCV treatment (n=696), 6% underwent resection (n=54), 17% liver transplant (n=163), 50% liver-directed therapy (n=473), and 7% chemotherapy (n=60). HCV treatment was associated with improved OS compared to no HCV treatment (70 vs 21 months, p<0.01), persisting across clinical stages, HCC treatment modalities, and treatment facilities (all p<0.01). Surgical patients who received HCV treatment had improved RFS compared to those who did not (91 vs 80 months, p=0.03). On MVA, HCV treated patients had improved OS and RFS. On MVA, factors associated with failure to receive HCV treatment included Black race, higher MELD, and advanced clinical stage (all p<0.05). CONCLUSION: HCV treatment for HCC patients portends improved survival, regardless of clinical stage, HCC treatment, or facility type. Efforts must address barriers to HCV treatment.

Acute Kidney Injury Risk in Patients Treated with Vancomycin Combined with Meropenem or Cefepime.

Background: No previous studies have determined the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in trauma patients treated with vancomycin + meropenem (VM) versus vancomycin + cefepime (VC). The purpose of this study was to fill this gap. Methods: A series of 99 patients admitted to an American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 trauma center over a two-year period who received VC or VM for >48 hours were reviewed retrospectively. Exclusion criteria were existing renal dysfunction or on renal replacement therapy. The primary outcome was AKI as defined by a rise in serum creatinine (SCr) to 1.5 times baseline. Multi-variable analysis was performed to control for factors associated with AKI (age, obesity, gender, length of stay [LOS], nephrotoxic agent(s), and baseline SCr), with significance defined as p < 0.05. Results: The study population was 50 ± 19 years old, 76% male, with a median LOS of 21 [range 15-39] days, and baseline SCr of 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/dL. Antibiotics, diabetes mellitus, and Injury Severity Score were independent predictors of AKI (odds ratio [OR] 4.4; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.4-12; OR 9.3; 95% CI 1-27; OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.023-1.985, respectively). The incidence of AKI was higher with VM than VC (10/26 [38%] versus 14/73 [19.1%]; p = 0.049). Conclusions: The renal toxicity of vancomycin is potentiated by meropenem relative to cefepime in trauma patients. We recommend caution when initiating vancomycin combination therapy, particularly with meropenem.

Utility of routine intraoperative cholangiogram during cholecystectomy in children: A nationwide analysis of outcomes and readmissions.

PURPOSE: This study aims to determine postoperative outcomes and readmissions in pediatric cholecystectomy with routine intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC) utilization. METHODS: The Nationwide Readmissions Database 2010-2014 was queried for all pediatric cholecystectomies. A propensity score-matched analysis (PSMA) with over 30 covariates was performed between cholecystectomy alone (CCY) versus those with routine IOC (CCY + IOC, no biliary obstruction, dilatation, or pancreatitis). χ2 analysis or Mann-Whitney U were used for statistical analysis with p < 0.05 set as significant. RESULTS: 34,390 cholecystectomies were performed: 92% were laparoscopic, most were teenage females (75%, 15 years [13-17]) and did not undergo IOC (75%). Postoperative mortality rate was 0.1%. The PSMA cohort comprised of 1412 CCY and 1453 CCY + IOC. Patients with CCY alone had higher rates of 30-day (7% vs 5%), 1-year readmissions (13% vs 11%) and had higher rates of overall complications (22% vs 12%) compared with CCY + IOC, all p < 0.05. Although uncommon, bile duct injuries were more prevalent in CCY (2% vs 0%, p < 0.001), while there was no difference in readmissions for retained stones. Resource utilization was increased in CCY patients, likely due to increased complication rates. CONCLUSION: This nationwide PSMA suggests pediatric CCY with routine IOC is associated with decreased readmissions, overall resource utilization, complications, and bile duct injuries. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Comparative Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Disparities in Presentation at Time of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Diagnosis: A United States Safety-Net Collaborative Study.

BACKGROUND: While hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is ideally diagnosed outpatient by screening at-risk patients, many are diagnosed in Emergency Departments (ED) due to undiagnosed liver disease and/or limited access-to-healthcare. This study aims to identify sociodemographic/clinical factors associated with being diagnosed with HCC in the ED to identify patients who may benefit from improved access-to-care. METHODS: HCC patients diagnosed between 2012 and 2014 in the ED or an outpatient setting [Primary Care Physician (PCP) or hepatologist] were identified from the US Safety-Net Collaborative database and underwent retrospective chart-review. Multivariable regression identified predictors for an ED diagnosis. RESULTS: Among 1620 patients, median age was 60, 68% were diagnosed outpatient, and 32% were diagnosed in the ED. ED patients were more likely male, Black/Hispanic, uninsured, and presented with more decompensated liver disease, aggressive features, and advanced clinical stage. On multivariable regression, controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, poverty, insurance, and PCP/navigator access, predictors for ED diagnosis were male (odds ratio [OR] 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.2, p = 0.010), black (OR 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2-2.3, p = 0.002), Hispanic (OR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.6, p = 0.029), > 25% below poverty line (OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1.1-1.9, p = 0.019), uninsured (OR 3.9, 95% CI: 2.4-6.1, p < 0.001), and lack of PCP (OR 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5-3.6, p < 0.001) or navigator (OR 1.8, 95% CI: 1.3-2.5, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The sociodemographic/clinical profile of patients diagnosed with HCC in EDs differs significantly from those diagnosed outpatient. ED patients were more likely racial/ethnic minorities, uninsured, and had limited access to healthcare. This study highlights the importance of improved access-to-care in already vulnerable populations.

Surgical management of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein thrombosis: The United States Safety Net and Academic Center Collaborative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although consensus guidelines generally discourage any surgical management (ASM; i.e., resection and/or transplantation) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and portal vein thrombosis (PVT), recent series from Asia have challenged this paradigm. METHODS: Patients from the US Safety Net Collaborative database (2012-2014) with localized HCC and radiographically confirmed PVT were propensity-score matched based on demographic and clinicopathologic factors associated with receipt of ASM and overall survival (OS). OS was compared between patients undergoing ASM and those not selected for surgery. RESULTS: Of 1910 HCC patients, 207 (14.5%) had localized disease and PVT. The majority received either liver-directed therapies (LDTs; 34%) and/or targeted systemic therapies (36%). Twenty-one patients (10.1%) underwent ASM (resection [n = 11], transplantation [n = 10]); a third experienced any complication with no 30-day mortalities. Independent predictors of undergoing ASM were younger age, recent hepatology consultation, and lower model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. After matching for age, comorbidities, MELD, tumor size, receipt of LDT, or systemic therapy, OS was significantly longer for patients selected for ASM versus non-ASM patients (median not reached vs. 5.8 months, p < .001). CONCLUSION: In a large North American multi-institutional cohort, a minority of HCC patients with PVT were selected for ASM. Resection or transplantation was associated with improved survival and may have a role in the multimodality management in selected patients.

Relevance of sentinel lymph node biopsy for thick melanoma in the era of immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy provides prognostic information in patients with thick melanoma but is often underutilized. We examine regional lymph node evaluation (RLNE) in patients with thick melanoma and the effect on treatment and overall survival (OS). METHODS: Patients with clinical T4N0M0 melanoma were selected from the National Cancer Database (2004-2015). Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with RLNE and treatment. Overall survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: A total of 14 286 patients with clinical T4N0M0 melanoma were identified; RLNE was performed in 70.2% of patients, and positive LNs were identified in 27.1%. RLNE was more likely in males (OR:1.44, 95%CI: 1.32-1.56, p < .001), and patients treated at academic centers (OR:1.58, 95%CI:1.46-1.71, p < .001). Immunotherapy was more commonly used in patients with RLNE (13.9% vs 3.4%, p < .001) and was associated with positive LNs (OR:2.50, 95%CI:2.19-2.86, p < .001). The 5-year OS for RLNE was 56.9% and for no RLNE was 32.7%. Independent factors associated with better OS were treatment at an academic center (HR:0.88, 95%CI:0.84-0.93, p < .001), and immunotherapy use (HR:0.86, 95%CI:0.76-0.96, p < .001). CONCLUSION: The use of RLNE in patients with thick melanoma is important for prognosis and to risk stratify patients for selection of adjuvant therapies and clinical trials.

Dissecting disease, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic factors for hepatocellular carcinoma: An analysis from the United States Safety Net Collaborative.

BACKGROUND: Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities are assumed to negatively affect treatment and outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our aim was to investigate the interaction of racial/ethnic and socioeconomic factors with stage of disease and type of treatment facility in receipt of treatment and overall survival (OS) of patients with HCC. METHODS: All patients with primary HCC in the US Safety-Net Collaborative database (2012-2014) were included. Patients were categorized into "safety-net" or "tertiary referral center" based on where they received treatment. Socioeconomic factors were determined at the zip-code level and included median income and percent of adults who graduated from high-school. Primary outcomes were receipt of treatment and OS. RESULTS: On MV Cox regression, neither race/ethnicity, median income, nor care provided at a SNH were associated with decreased OS (all p > 0.05). Independent predictors of decreased OS included lack of insurance (HR 1.34), less educational attainment (HR 1.59) higher MELD score (HR 1.07), higher stage at diagnosis (II:HR 1.34, III:HR 2.87, IV:HR 3.23), and not receiving treatment (HR 3.94) (all p < 0.05). Factors associated with not receiving treatment included history of alcohol abuse (OR 0.682), increasing MELD (OR 0.874), higher stage at diagnosis (III: OR 0.234, IV: OR 0.210) and care at a safety net facility (OR 0.424) There were no racial/ethnic or socioeconomic disparities in receipt of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: There is no intrinsic or direct association of race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or being treated at select safety-net hospitals with worse outcomes. Poor liver function, no insurance, and advanced stage of presentation are the main determinants of not receiving treatment and decreased survival.