Characteristics and Outcomes of Right- Versus Left-Sided Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Early-onset colorectal cancers are increasing in incidence. Studies reported more left-sided cancers in patients aged <50 years. Some advocate for screening via flexible sigmoidoscopy at age 40 years. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics and outcomes in sporadic right- and left-sided early-onset colorectal cancers. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a single, tertiary care institution. PATIENTS: This study included patients aged <50 years diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 2000 and 2018. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We analyzed patient demographics, tumor characteristics, and survival. RESULTS: A total of 489 patients aged 20 to 49 years were identified from 2000 to 2018. The majority of patients were white (90%) and male (57%). The median age at diagnosis was 44 years, and 75% were diagnosed at age 40-49 years. There was a predominance of left-sided tumors (80%). The majority of patients presented with stage 3 (35%) and stage 4 (35%) disease. Right-sided tumors were more likely to have mucinous (24% vs 7.4%; p < 0.001) and signet-ring cell (4.4% vs 1.7%; p < 0.001) histology. There was no difference in age, sex, race, ethnicity, and stage at presentation. Right-sided tumors were associated with lower 5-year overall survival (44% vs 61%; p < 0.005) with the decrease in survival most prominent in right-sided stage 3 tumors (41% vs 72%; p < 0.0001) and in ages 40 to 49 years (43% vs 61%; p = 0.03). Sex, tumor location, increasing stage, and signet-ring cell histology were independent prognostic factors of overall survival. There was no difference in disease-free survival. LIMITATIONS: This study was a retrospective review at a single institution. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of early-onset colorectal cancers arise from age 40 to 49 years with a left-sided predominance but higher mortality in right-sided tumors. These findings provide further evidence in favor of recommending earlier initial screening colonoscopy for colorectal cancer. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B892 . CARACTERSTICAS Y RESULTADOS DEL CNCER COLORRECTAL DE INICIO TEMPRANO DEL LADO DERECHO FRENTE AL IZQUIERDO: ANTECEDENTES:Los cánceres colorrectales de aparición temprana están aumentando en incidencia. Los estudios han informado una preponderancia de cánceres en el lado izquierdo en pacientes <50 años, lo que ha llevado a algunos a abogar por la detección con sigmoidoscopia flexible a los 40 años.OBJETIVO:El propósito de nuestro estudio fue investigar las características del tumor y los resultados de los pacientes en cánceres colorrectales esporádicos del lado derecho e izquierdo de aparición temprana.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo.ENTORNO CLÍNICO:Este estudio se realizó en una única institución de atención terciaria.PACIENTES:Pacientes <50 años diagnosticados de cáncer colorrectal entre 2000 y 2018.RESULTADO PRINCIPAL:Analizamos los datos demográficos de los pacientes, las características del tumor, la supervivencia general y la supervivencia libre de enfermedad.RESULTADOS:Se identificaron un total de 489 pacientes de entre 20 y 49 años entre 2000 y 2018. La mayoría de los pacientes eran blancos (90%) y varones (57%). La mediana de edad en el momento del diagnóstico fue de 44 años y el 75% se diagnosticó entre los 40 y los 49 años. Predominó los tumores del lado izquierdo (80%). La mayoría de los pacientes presentaban enfermedad en estadio 3 (35%) y estadio 4 (35%). Los tumores del lado derecho tenían más probabilidades de tener histología mucinosa (24% frente a 7,4%, p < 0,001) y de células en anillo de sello (4,4% frente a 1,7%, p < 0,001). No hubo diferencia en edad, sexo, raza, etnia, estadio AJCC en la presentación. Los tumores del lado derecho se asociaron con una menor supervivencia general a 5 años (44% frente al 61%, p < 0,005) con la disminución de la supervivencia más prominente en los tumores del lado derecho en estadio 3 (41% frente al 72%, p < 0,0001) y en edades 40-49 (43% vs 61%, p = 0.03). El sexo, la ubicación del tumor, el estadio AJCC en aumento y la histología de las células en anillo de sello fueron factores pronósticos independientes de la supervivencia general. No hubo diferencias significativas en la supervivencia libre de enfermedad.LIMITACIONES:Este estudio fue una revisión retrospectiva en una sola institución.CONCLUSIONES:La mayoría de los cánceres colorrectales de aparición temprana surgen entre los 40 y los 49 años con un predominio en el lado izquierdo pero una mayor mortalidad en los tumores del lado derecho. Estos hallazgos proporcionan evidencia adicional a favor de recomendar una colonoscopia de detección inicial más temprana para el cáncer colorrectal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B892 . (Traducción-Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Current status of robotic surgery in colorectal residency training programs.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery (RS) has been increasingly incorporated into colorectal surgery (CRS) training. The degree to which RS has been integrated into CRS residency training is not well described. METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to all 2019 accredited CRS residency programs within the United States and Canada. Program directors (PDs) were queried on how robotic surgery had been integrated into their program, specifics on RS curriculum and opinions on RS training during general surgery residency. We compared survey responses by program type (university-based, university-affiliated programs, or independent programs) and by geographic region. In addition, a chi-square test was used to evaluate differences in survey responses with respect to robotic curriculum components. RESULTS: Of 66 programs, 42 (64%) responded to the survey. Of the responding programs, 35 (83%) were university-based or university-affiliated, while 7 (17%) were independent. Most programs were in the Midwest (33%). Forty-one (98%) reported having a surgical robot in use at their institution, with 95% reporting active participation of CRS residents in RS. While 74% of programs have a formal RS training curriculum for CRS residents, there was considerable variability in the curriculum elements employed by each institution, and the differences in proportions of these elements were significant (χ2 99.8, p < 0.001). The median operative approach to abdominopelvic cases was estimated to be 33% robotic, 40% laparoscopic and 20% open. There were no significant differences in the survey responses between university/university-affiliated and independent programs (p > 0.05) or among the different regions (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that almost all CRS residencies have integrated RS and have trainees operating at the robotic console. Most programs have a robotics curriculum and there are expanding indications for RS within CRS. This expansion calls for discussion on implementation of training standards such as curricular requisites, baseline competency assessments, and definitions of minimum case requirements to ensure adequate training.

Should Robotic Surgery Training Be Prioritized in General Surgery Residency? A Survey of Fellowship Program Director Perspectives.

OBJECTIVE: Robotic surgery has been increasingly incorporated into the subspecialties of colorectal (CRS), minimally invasive/bariatric (MIS/Bar), and surgical oncology/hepatobiliary (SO/HPB) surgery, yet its impact on fellowship applicant evaluation and contribution to postresidency training remains undefined. The aim of our study was to evaluate how robotic training during General Surgery (GS) residency affects an applicant's competitiveness from the perspective of fellowship programs. DESIGN: A web-based survey was sent to all 235 accredited fellowship programs in CRS (n = 66), MIS/Bar (n = 122), and SO/HPB (n = 47) within the United States and Canada. Fellowship programs were queried on the import of robotic surgery training during GS residency and its impact on an applicant's match potential. RESULTS: Of 235 programs, 155 (66%) responded to the survey - 42 (63.6%) CRS, 87 (71.3%) MIS/Bar, and 26 (55.3%) SO/HPB. Of responding programs, 147 (94.8%) have a surgical robot at their institution, and 131 (84.5%) have fellows actively operating at the console. Overall, 107 (69%) fellowship program directors rated robotic training during surgery residency as "somewhat" or "very" important for residents seeking fellowship. While 95 (61.3%) programs said GS residents should not prioritize robotic training, 60 (38.7%) felt they should, and 38 (24.5%) were more likely to rank an applicant higher if they had some console exposure. Still, 69.7% (n = 108) of programs expect no robotic experience for incoming fellows. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that most fellowship programs have low expectations of robotic experience for incoming fellows. Still, it is notable that nearly a quarter of programs would rank an applicant more highly if they had robotic console exposure. While these findings appear reassuring to residents with limited access to robotic training, residency programs should be alerted to the growing importance of robotic exposure.

Differences in Outcomes Based on Sex for Pediatric Patients Undergoing Pyloromyotomy.

BACKGROUND: Males and females are known to have varied responses to medical interventions. Our study aimed to determine the effect of sex on surgical outcomes after pyloromyotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Kids' Inpatient Database for the years 2003-2012, we performed a serial, cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of all patients aged <1 y who underwent pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. The primary predictor of interest was sex. Outcomes included mortality, in-hospital complications, cost, and length of stay. Regression models were adjusted by race, age group, comorbidity, complications, and whether operation was performed on the day of admission with region and year fixed effects. RESULTS: Of 48,834 weighted operations, 81.8% were in males and 18.2% were in females. The most common reported race was white (47.3%) and most of the patients were ≥29 days old (72.5%). There was no difference in the odds of postoperative complications, but females had a significantly longer length of stay (incidence rate ratio, 1.28; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.18-1.39; P ≤ 0.01), higher cost (5%, 95% CI, 1.02-1.08; P ≤ 0.01), and higher odds of mortality (odds ratio, 3.26; 95% CI, 1.52-6.98; P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that females had worse outcomes after pyloromyotomy compared with males. These findings are striking and are important to consider when treating either sex to help set physician and family expectations perioperatively. Further studies are needed to determine why such differences exist and to develop targeted treatment strategies for both females and males with pyloric stenosis.

Assessing outcomes and costs of appendectomies performed at rural hospitals.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study was to assess the outcomes and costs of appendectomies performed at rural and urban hospitals. METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (2001-2012) was queried for appendectomies at urban and rural hospitals. Outcomes (disease severity, laparoscopy, complications, length of stay (LOS), and cost) were analyzed. RESULTS: Rural patients were more likely to be older, male, white, and have Medicaid or no insurance. Rural hospitals were associated with higher negative appendectomy rates (OR = 1.26,95%CI = 1.18-1.34,p < 0.01), less laparoscopy use (OR = 0.65,95%CI = 0.58-0.72,p < 0.01), and slightly shorter LOS (OR = 0.98,95%CI = 0.97-0.99,p < 0.01). There was no consistent association with perforated appendicitis and no difference in complications or costs after adjusting for hospital volume. Yearly trends showed a significant increase in the cases utilizing laparoscopy each year at rural hospitals. CONCLUSIONS: Rural appendectomies are associated with increased negative appendectomy rates and less laparoscopy use with no difference in complications or costs compared to urban hospitals.

Outcomes and costs of pediatric appendectomies at rural hospitals.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Despite policy efforts to support rural hospitals, little is known about the quality and safety of pediatric surgical care in geographically remote areas. Our aim was to determine the outcomes and costs of appendectomies at rural hospitals. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database (2003-2012) was queried for appendectomies in children <18 years at urban and rural hospitals. Outcomes (disease severity, laparoscopy, complications, length of stay (LOS), cost) were analyzed with bivariate and multivariable regression analysis. RESULTS: Rural hospitals performed 13.6% of appendectomies. On multivariable analysis, rural hospitals were associated with higher negative appendectomy rates (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.39-1.60, p < 0.001), decreased appendiceal perforation rates (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.83-0.89, p < 0.001), less laparoscopy use (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.47-0.50, p < 0.001), higher complication rates (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19-1.39, p < 0.001), shorter LOS (IRR 0.90, 95% CI 0.89-0.91, p < 0.001), and slightly increased costs (exponentiated log$ 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.02, p < 0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Rural hospitals care for fewer patients with advanced appendicitis but are associated with higher negative appendectomy rates, lower laparoscopy use, and higher complication rates. Additional studies are needed to identify factors that drive this disparity to improve the quality of pediatric surgical care in rural settings. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment/Cost Study (Outcomes). LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

A survey of robotic surgery training curricula in general surgery residency programs: How close are we to a standardized curriculum?

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery is increasingly adopted into surgical practice, but it remains unclear what level of robotic training general surgery residents receive. The purpose of our study was to assess the variation in robotic surgery training amongst general surgery residency programs in the United States. METHODS: A web-based survey was sent to 277 general surgery residency programs to determine characteristics of resident experience and training in robotic surgery. RESULTS: A total of 114 (41%) programs responded. 92% (n = 105) have residents participating in robotic surgeries; 68%(n = 71) of which have a robotics curriculum, 44%(n = 46) track residents' robotic experience, and 55%(n = 58) offer formal recognition of training completion. Responses from university-affiliated (n = 83) and independent (n = 31) programs were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: Many general surgery residencies offer robotic surgery experience, but vary widely in requisite components, formal credentialing, and case tracking. There is a need to adopt a standardized training curriculum and document resident competency.

Effects of Hospital Volume on Patient Outcomes and Costs in Infants With Pyloric Stenosis.

BACKGROUND: There is a well-established relationship between surgical volume and outcomes after complex pediatric operations. However, this relationship remains unclear for common pediatric procedures. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of hospital volume on outcomes after hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS). METHODS: The Kid's Inpatient Database (2003-2012) was queried for patients with congenital HPS, who underwent pyloromyotomy. Hospitals were stratified based on case volume. Low-volume hospitals performed the lowest quartile of pyloromyotomies per year and high-volume hospitals managed the highest quartile. Outcomes included complications, mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost. RESULTS: Overall, 2137 hospitals performed 51,792 pyloromyotomies. The majority were low-volume hospitals (n = 1806). High-volume hospitals comprised mostly children's hospitals (68%) and teaching hospitals (96.1%). The overall mortality rate was 0.1% and median LOS was 2 d. High-volume hospitals had lower overall complications (1.8% versus 2.5%, P < 0.01) and fewer patients with prolonged LOS (17.0% versus 23.5%, P < 0.01) but had similar rates of individual complications, similar mortality, and equivalent median LOS as low-volume hospitals. High-volume hospitals also had higher costs by $1132 per patient ($5494 versus $4362, P < 0.01). Regional variations in outcomes and costs exist with higher complication rates in the West and lower costs in the South. There was no association between mortality or LOS with hospital volume or region. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with pyloric stenosis treated at high-volume hospitals had no clinically significant difference in outcomes despite having higher costs. Although high-volume hospitals offer improved outcomes after complex pediatric surgeries, they may not provide a significant advantage over low-volume hospitals in managing common pediatric procedures, such as pyloromyotomy for congenital HPS.

Outcomes and Costs of Common Surgical Procedures at Children's and Nonchildren's Hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Variations in the management of pediatric patients at children's hospitals (CHs) and non-CHs (NCHs) have been well described, especially within the trauma literature. However, little is known about the outcomes and costs of common general surgical procedures at NCHs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of CH designation on the outcomes and costs of appendectomy and cholecystectomy. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database (2003-2012) was queried for patients aged under 18 y who underwent appendectomy or cholecystectomy at CHs and NCHs. Outcomes analyzed included disease severity, complications, laparoscopy, length of stay (LOS), and cost. RESULTS: Most of appendectomies and cholecystectomies were performed at NCHs. Overall, CHs cared for younger children were more likely to be teaching hospitals, had higher costs, and longer LOS. On multivariate analysis for appendectomies, CHs were associated with higher rates of perforated appendicitis (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.42-1.66, P < 0.001), less complications (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.61-0.75, P < 0.001), increased laparoscopy (OR = 2.93, 95% CI = 2.36-3.64, P < 0.001), longer LOS (RR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09-1.17, P < 0.001), and higher costs (exponentiated log $ = 1.19, 95% CI = 1.13-1.24, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis for cholecystectomies revealed that CHs were associated with less laparoscopy (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.50-0.67, P < 0.001), longer LOS (RR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.19-1.34, P < 0.001), and higher costs (exponentiated log $ = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.22-1.37, P < 0.001) with similar complications. Independent predictors of LOS and cost included CH designation, negative appendectomy, perforated appendicitis, complications, younger age, black patients, and public insurance. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in surgical management, outcomes, and costs after appendectomy and cholecystectomy exist between CHs and NCHs. CHs excelled in treating complicated appendicitis. NCHs effectively performed cholecystectomies. These differences in outcomes require further investigation to identify modifiable factors to optimize care across all hospitals for these common surgical diseases.

Impact of Children's Hospital Designation on Outcomes and Costs after Cholecystectomy in Adolescent Patients.

Variations in the management of adolescents at children's hospitals (CHs) and nonchildren's hospitals (NCHs) have been well described in the trauma literature. However, the effects of CH designation on outcomes after common general surgical procedures have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes and costs of adolescent cholecystectomies performed at CHs and NCHs. Within the California State Inpatient Database (2005-2011), we identified 8117 cholecystectomy patients aged 13 to 18 years at CHs and NCHs. Outcomes (laparoscopy, intraoperative cholangiogram, length of stay (LOS), and complications) and costs were analyzed. CHs cared for younger patients, more uninsured patients, and more black patients. NCHs were associated with higher laparoscopy use (95.7% vs 88.3%, P < 0.01), higher intraoperative cholangiogram rates (28.8% vs 11.9%, P < 0.001), shorter LOS (3.2 vs 5.0 days, P < 0.01), and lower costs by $5797 per patient ($11,219 vs $17,016, P < 0.01). Although there was no significant difference in overall complication rates, CHs had higher rates of infectious complications (2.0% vs 1.0%, P = 0.004). Adolescent cholecystectomies are safely performed at NCHs while achieving increased laparoscopy use, shorter LOS, and lower costs compared with CHs.

Outcomes of Combined Hernia Repair and Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter Placement: A NSQIP Analysis.

Historically, hernias were repaired before peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter placement to obviate hernia complications, or after PD catheter placement once hernias became symptomatic or complicated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and safety of combined hernia repair and PD catheter placement (HPD) compared with PD catheter placement alone. Within the NSQIP databases (2005-2014), 4406 patients who underwent PD catheter placement alone and 330 patients who underwent HPD were identified. Thirty-day outcomes were compared. Overall, HPD patients were older (61 vs 57 years, P < 0.001), male (72.4% vs 56.1%, P < 0.001), and more likely to have ascites (3.6% vs 1.0%, P < 0.001). Umbilical hernias (87.9%) were most commonly repaired. There was no significant difference in mortality, morbidity, superficial surgical site infection, deep SSI, organ/space SSI, readmission, or reoperation rates. HPD was associated with shorter length of stay (1.1 vs 1.7 days, P = 0.010) and longer mean operative time (66.1 vs 43.7 minutes, P < 0.001). On multivariate analyses, HPD was not an independent predictor of morbidity or mortality. In conclusion, HPD can be safely performed to prevent future complications and additional operations.

Staging Rectal Cancer: The Utility of Chest Radiograph and Chest Computed Tomography.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that patients who are newly diagnosed with rectal cancer undergo staging CT scan of the chest. It is unclear whether posteroanterior and lateral chest radiography (X-ray) alone would provide adequate staging for most of these patients. A retrospective review was performed on all patients who had a two-view chest X-ray along with a chest CT for rectal cancer staging from 2007 to 2015. A total of 74 patients had both modalities. Sixty-three (85%) had a normal chest X-ray and 11 (15%) had an abnormal chest X-ray. Of the 63 patients with a normal chest X-ray, 40 (63%) had a corresponding normal chest CT and 23 (37%) had a lesion only noted on chest CT. Four patients (17%) in the latter group had metastatic cancer to the lung at the time of workup and four out of five of the tumors found to metastasize were within 5 cm from the anal verge. Our data suggest that a staging chest X-ray is unlikely to diagnose metastatic lungs lesions from a primary rectal cancer. Conversely, staging chest CT will accurately stage metastatic disease but will also reveal benign lung lesions in this patient population.