Non-operative management of adhesive small bowel obstruction: Should there be a time limit after which surgery is performed?

The management of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) has evolved from "the sun should not rise and set on a small bowel obstruction", implying mandatory immediate surgical exploration to selective non-operative management. Not every patient with adhesive small bowel obstruction meets criteria for non-operative management and treating all comers the same way can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Water Soluble Contrast Medium (WSCM) has important diagnostic and therapeutic utility in the management of ASBO and should be employed ab initio. Laparoscopy has emerged as a reasonable and safe alternative to laparotomy for surgical management of ASBO in carefully selected patients and has distinct advantages.

Laparoscopic Repair of Diaphragmatic Rupture: A Case Report with Radiological and Surgical Correlation.

The leading cause of diaphragmatic rupture is penetrating abdominal trauma, including gunshot- and stab-related wounds; however, diaphragmatic rupture can also result from blunt trauma to the abdomen. The diagnosis can be difficult to make as the physical examination may be unremarkable, and imaging, that is, a conventional chest X-ray and/or CT imaging, may initially fail to reveal the injury. Failure to recognize diaphragmatic rupture can result in a delayed presentation, sometimes years later, with a potential catastrophic outcome. Therefore, prompt and swift diagnosis is critical to avoid this potential harmful scenario. Traditionally, repair is performed through a laparotomy or a thoracotomy incision. Owing to the many advances made in minimally invasive surgery, not only has laparoscopy become the modality of choice to diagnose diaphragmatic rupture due to its high degree of sensitivity and specificity, but it can provide simultaneous therapeutic intervention as well. We report a case of laparoscopic repair of a diaphragmatic rupture in a 22-year-old female who sustained blunt abdominal trauma during a motor vehicle accident.

Percutaneous Gastrostomy Device for the Treatment of Class II and Class III Obesity: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: The AspireAssist System (AspireAssist) is an endoscopic weight loss device that is comprised of an endoscopically placed percutaneous gastrostomy tube and an external device to facilitate drainage of about 30% of the calories consumed in a meal, in conjunction with lifestyle (diet and exercise) counseling. METHODS: In this 52-week clinical trial, 207 participants with a body-mass index (BMI) of 35.0-55.0 kg/m2 were randomly assigned in a 2:1 ratio to treatment with AspireAssist plus Lifestyle Counseling (n=137; mean BMI was 42.2±5.1 kg/m2) or Lifestyle Counseling alone (n=70; mean BMI was 40.9±3.9 kg/m2). The co-primary end points were mean percent excess weight loss and the proportion of participants who achieved at least a 25% excess weight loss. RESULTS: At 52 weeks, participants in the AspireAssist group, on a modified intent-to-treat basis, had lost a mean (±s.d.) of 31.5±26.7% of their excess body weight (12.1±9.6% total body weight), whereas those in the Lifestyle Counseling group had lost a mean of 9.8±15.5% of their excess body weight (3.5±6.0% total body weight) (P<0.001). A total of 58.6% of participants in the AspireAssist group and 15.3% of participants in the Lifestyle Counseling group lost at least 25% of their excess body weight (P<0.001). The most frequently reported adverse events were abdominal pain and discomfort in the perioperative period and peristomal granulation tissue and peristomal irritation in the postoperative period. Serious adverse events were reported in 3.6% of participants in the AspireAssist group. CONCLUSIONS: The AspireAssist System was associated with greater weight loss than Lifestyle Counseling alone.

Bariatric surgery outcomes in black patients with super morbid obesity: a 1-year postoperative review.

BACKGROUND: Super morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 50 kg/m2) is associated with significant comorbidities and is disparagingly prevalent among the black population. There is paucity of data regarding bariatric surgery outcomes among super morbid obese (SMO) blacks. Our aim is to evaluate the reduction in weight and resolution of comorbidities after bariatric surgery among SMO black patients at an urban academic institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of SMO black patients who underwent bariatric surgery from August 2008 to June 2013 at Howard University Hospital. Outcomes of interest include weight loss, improvement or resolution of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia at 12 months. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients met our inclusion criteria. Mean preoperative weight and BMI were 347.2 lbs and 56.8 kg/m2, respectively. At 12 months, mean weight and BMI were 245.3 lbs and 40.1 kg/m2, respectively. There was also significant improvement or resolution of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery may result in significant weight loss and improvement or resolution of comorbidities in SMO black patients.

Revision of Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass for Weight Regain: a Systematic Review of Techniques and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Weight regain has led to an increase in revision of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgeries. There is no standardized approach to revisional surgery after failed RYGB. We performed an exhaustive literature search to elucidate surgical revision options. Our objective was to evaluate outcomes and complications of various methods of revision after RYGB to identify the option with the best outcomes for failed primary RYGB. METHOD: A systematic literature search was conducted using the following search tools and databases: PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Clinical Trials Database, Cochrane Review Database, EMBASE, and Allied and Complementary Medicine to identify all relevant studies describing revision after failed RYGB. Inclusion criteria comprised of revisional surgery for weight gain after RYGB. RESULTS: Of the 1200 articles found, only 799 were selected for our study. Of the 799, 24 studies, with a total of 866 patients, were included for a systematic review. Of the 24 studies, 5 were conversion to Distal Roux-en-y gastric bypass (DRYGB), 5 were revision of gastric pouch and anastomosis, 6 were revision with gastric band, 2 were revision to biliopancreatic diversion/duodenal switch (BPD/DS), and 6 were revision to endoluminal procedures (i.e., stomaphyx). Mean percent excess body mass index loss (%EBMIL) after revision up to 1 and 3-year follow-up for BPD/DS was 63.7 and 76 %, DRYGB was 54 and 52.2 %, gastric banding revision 47.6 and 47.3 %, gastric pouch/anastomosis revision 43.3 and 14 %, and endoluminal procedures at 32.1 %, respectively. Gastric pouch/anastomosis revision resulted in the lowest major complication rate at 3.5 % and DRYGB with the highest at 11.9 % when compared to the other revisional procedures. The mortality rate was 0.6 % which only occurred in the DRYGB group. CONCLUSION: All 866 patients in the 24 studies reported significant early initial weight loss after revision for failed RYGB. However, of the five surgical revision options considered, BPD/DS, DRYGB, and gastric banding resulted in sustained weight loss, with acceptable complication rate.

Race and socioeconomic disparities in national stoma reversal rates.

BACKGROUND: Many temporary stomas are never reversed leading to significantly worse quality of life. Recent evidence suggests a lower rate of reversal among minority patients. Our study aimed to elucidate disparities in national stoma closure rates by race, medical insurance status, and household income. METHODS: Five years of data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2008 to 2012) was used to identify the annual rates of stoma formation and annual rates of stoma closure. Stomas labeled as "permanent" or those created secondary to colorectal cancers were excluded. Temporary stoma closure rates were calculated, and differences were tested with the chi-square test. Separate analyses were performed by race/ethnicity, insurance status, and household income. Nationally representative estimates were calculated using discharge-level weights. RESULTS: The 5-year average annual rate of temporary stoma creation was 76,551 per year (46% colostomies and 54% ileostomies). The annual rate of stoma reversal was 50,155 per year that equated to an annual reversal rate of 65.5%. Reversal rates were higher among white patients compared with black patients (67% vs 56%, P < .001) and among privately insured patients compared with uninsured patients (88% vs 63%, P < .001). Reversal rates increased as the household income increased from 61% in the lowest income quartile to 72% in the highest quartile (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Stark disparities exist in national rates of stoma closure. Stoma closure is associated with race, insurance, and income status. This study highlights the lack of access to surgical health care among patients of minority race and low-income status.

Body mass index in blunt trauma patients with hemorrhagic shock: opposite ends of the body mass index spectrum portend poor outcome.

BACKGROUND: There are controversial data on the relationship between trauma and body mass index. We investigated this relationship in traumatic hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: The "Glue Grant" database was analyzed, stratifying patients into underweight, normal weight (NW), overweight, Class I obesity, Class II obesity, and Class III obesity. Predictors of mortality and surgical interventions were statistically determined. RESULTS: One thousand nine hundred seventy-six patients were included with no difference in injury severity between groups. Marshall's score was elevated in overweight (5.3 ± 2.7, P = .016), Class I obesity (5.8 ± 2.7, P < .001), Class II obesity (5.9 ± 2.8, P < .001), and Class III obesity (6.3 ± 3.0, P < .001) compared with NW (4.8 ± 2.6). Underweight had higher lactate (4.8 ± 4.2 vs 3.3 ± 2.5, P = .04), were 4 times more likely to die (odds ratio 3.87, confidence interval 2.22 to 6.72), and were more likely to undergo a laparotomy (odds ratio 2.06, confidence interval 1.31 to 3.26) than NW. CONCLUSION: Early assessment of body mass index, with active management of complications in each class, may reduce mortality in traumatic hemorrhagic shock.

Laparoscopic surgery for trauma: the realm of therapeutic management.

BACKGROUND: The use of laparoscopy in trauma is, in general, limited for diagnostic purposes. We aim to evaluate the therapeutic role of laparoscopic surgery in trauma patients. METHODS: We analyzed the National Trauma Data Bank (2007 to 2010) for all patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy. Patients undergoing a therapeutic laparoscopic surgical procedure were identified and tabulated. Mortality and hospital length of stay for patients with isolated abdominal injuries were compared between the open and laparoscopic groups. RESULTS: Of a total of 2,539,818 trauma visits in the National Trauma Data Bank, 4,755 patients underwent a diagnostic laparoscopy at 467 trauma centers. Of these, 916 (19.3%) patients underwent a therapeutic laparoscopic intervention. Common laparoscopic operations included diaphragm repair, bowel repair or resection, and splenectomy. Patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery had a significantly shorter length of stay than the open group (5 vs 6 days; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Therapeutic laparoscopic surgery for trauma is feasible and may provide better outcomes.

The sleepy surgeon: does night-time surgery for trauma affect mortality outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Sleepiness and fatigue affect surgical outcomes. We wished to determine the association between time of day and outcomes following surgery for trauma. METHODS: From the National Trauma Data Bank (2007 to 2010), we analyzed all adults who underwent an exploratory laparotomy between midnight and 6 am or between 7 am and 5 pm. We compared hospital mortality between these groups using multivariate logistic regression. Additionally, for each hour, a standardized mortality ratio was calculated. RESULTS: About 16,096 patients and 15,109 patients were operated on in the night time and day time, respectively. No difference was found in the risk-adjusted mortality rate between the 2 time periods (odds ratio .97, 95% confidence interval .893 to 1.058). However, hourly variations in mortality during the 24-hour period were noted. CONCLUSION: Trauma surgery during the odd hours of the night did not have an increased risk-adjusted mortality when compared with surgery during the day.

Optimal time for early laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis.

IMPORTANCE: There is growing evidence in support of performing early laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis. However, the definition of early LC varies from 0 through 10 days depending on the research protocol. The optimum time to perform early LC is still unclear. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether outcomes after early LC for acute cholecystitis vary depending on time from presentation to surgery and to determine the optimum time to perform LC for acute cholecystitis. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: We performed a retrospective review of prospectively collected data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for 2005 through 2009. The population-based sample included 95,523 adults (18 years and older) who underwent LC within 10 days of presentation for acute cholecystitis. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were categorized and analyzed in 2 ways based on length of time from presentation to surgery. First, patients were categorized into 3 groups: 0 through 1 day, 2 through 5 days, and 6 through 10 days. Second, we compared outcomes for each incremental preoperative day (days 0-5). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Outcomes of interest were mortality, length of stay, complications, and cost. Propensity score matching and generalized linear modeling were used. The hypothesis being tested was formulated after data collection was complete. RESULTS: A total of 95,523 patients were selected. After matching the 3 groups based on propensity scores, patients who underwent surgery during days 2 through 5 and days 6 through 10 had increasingly worse outcomes when compared with those undergoing surgery on days 0 through 1. The odds of mortality were 1.26 (95% CI, 1.00-1.58) and 1.93 (95% CI, 1.38-2.68), and the odds of postoperative infections were 0.88 (95% CI, 0.69-1.12) and 1.53 (95% CI, 1.05-2.23) for days 2 through 5 and days 6 through 10, respectively. Adjusted mean hospital cost increased from $8974 (days 0-1) to $17,745 (days 6-10). Analysis by each incremental day revealed the optimal time of surgery to be within the first 48 hours of presentation. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy performed within 2 days of presentation of acute cholecystitis yielded the best outcomes and lowest costs. Although causality could not be established, delaying LC was associated with more complications, higher mortality, and higher costs.

Late presentation of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum following elective tonsillectomy.

Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum are rare complications following elective tonsillectomy. Although the mechanism of injury is unclear, air is thought to enter through either the buccopharyngeal mucosa during surgery or via alveolar rupture during positive pressure ventilation. Patients typically present immediately after surgery or upon anesthesia emergence. We describe a case of delayed pneumomediastinum in a 30year-old female who presented 4days after surgery. With only one other case described, we review the literature and remind the reader to be cognizant of this late complication.

Ureteral injury after laparoscopic versus open colectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ureteral injury is an infrequent but potentially lethal complication of colectomy. We aimed to determine the incidence of intraoperative ureteral injury after laparoscopic and open colectomy and to determine the independent morbidity and mortality rates associated with ureteral injury. METHODS: We analyzed data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for the years 2005-2010. All patients undergoing colectomy for benign, neoplastic, or inflammatory conditions were selected. Patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy versus open colectomy were matched on disease severity and clinical and demographic characteristics. Multivariate logistic regression analyses and coarsened exact matching were used to determine the independent difference in the incidence of ureteral injury between the 2 groups. Multivariate models were also used to determine the independent association between postoperative complications associated with ureteral injury. RESULTS: Of a total of 94,526 colectomies, 33,092 (35%) were completed laparoscopically. Ureteral injury occurred in a total of 585 patients (0.6%). The crude incidence in the open group was higher than that in the laparoscopic group (0.66% versus 0.53%, P=.016). CEM produced 14 630 matching pairs. Matched analysis showed the likelihood of ureteral injury after laparoscopic colectomy to be 30% less than after open colectomy (odds ratio, 0.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.51-0.96). Patients with ureteral injury were independently more likely to have septic complications and have longer lengths of hospital stay than those without ureteral injury. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic colectomy is associated with a lower incidence of intraoperative ureteral injury when compared with open procedures. Ureteral injury leads to significant postoperative morbidity even if identified and repaired during the colectomy.

Is laparoscopy a risk factor for bile duct injury during cholecystectomy?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Previously, risk factors for bile duct injury have been identified as acute cholecystitis, male gender, older age, aberrant biliary anatomy, and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 1998 to 2006 was performed with an inclusion criterion of cholecystectomy performed on hospital day 0 or 1. Patient- and hospital-level factors potentially associated with bile duct injury were examined by logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 377,424 cholecystectomy patients were identified. There were 1124 bile duct injuries (0.30%), with 177 (0.06%) in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group and 947 (1.46%) in the open cholecystectomy group (P < .001). On multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for bile duct injury were male gender (odds ratio [OR], 1.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.38; P = .006), age >60 years (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.61-3.09; P < .001), and academic hospital status (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.05-1.79; P = .02). Acute cholecystitis was associated with a lower risk of bile duct injury (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.46-0.99; P = .044). CONCLUSION: Independent risk factors for bile duct injury included male gender, age >60 years, and academic hospital status. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy, obesity, insurance status, or hospital volume was not associated with an increased risk of bile duct injury.

Open versus laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair.

BACKGROUND: The literature reports the efficacy of the laparoscopic approach to paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair. However, its adoption as the preferred surgical approach and the risks associated with paraesophageal hiatal hernia repair have not been reviewed in a large database. METHOD: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample dataset was queried from 1998 to 2005 for patients who underwent repair of a complicated (the entire stomach moves into the chest cavity) versus uncomplicated (only the upper part of the stomach protrudes into the chest) paraesophageal hiatal hernia via the laparoscopic, open abdominal, or open thoracic approach. A multivariate analysis was performed controlling for demographics and comorbidities while looking for independent risk factors for mortality. RESULTS: In total, 23,514 patients met the inclusion criteria. By surgical approach, 55% of patients underwent open abdominal, 35% laparoscopic, and 10% open thoracic repairs. Length of stay was significantly reduced for all patients after laparoscopic repair (P < .001). Age ≥60 years and nonwhite ethnicity were associated with significantly higher odds of death. Laparoscopic repair and obesity were associated with lower odds of death in the uncomplicated group. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic repair of paraesophageal hiatal hernia is associated with a lower mortality in the uncomplicated group. However, older age and Hispanic ethnicity increased the odds of death.

Effective weight loss management with endoscopic gastric plication using StomaphyX device: is it achievable?

BACKGROUND: Despite the effectiveness of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in promoting excess weight loss, 40% of the patients regain weight. Endoscopic gastric plication (EGP) using the StomaphyX device can serve as a less-invasive procedure for promoting the loss of regained weight. Our objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the StomaphyX device in sustaining ongoing weight loss in patients who have regained weight after RYGB at the Division of Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, Howard University Hospital. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing EGP using the StomaphyX device from April 2008 to May 2010. The patient demographics and clinical information were assessed. Effective weight loss and the proportion of weight lost after EGP relative to the weight regained after achieving the lowest weight following RYGB was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 27 patients underwent EGP using the StomaphyX device; of these, most were women (n = 25, 93%) and black (n = 14, 52%), followed by white (n = 11, 42%), and Hispanic (n = 1, 4%). The median interval between RYGB and EGP was 6 years, with an interquartile range of 5-8 years. After the EGP procedure, the median effective weight loss was 37% (interquartile range 24-61%). Of the 27 patients, 18 had ≥6 months of follow-up after EGP. Eleven patients had achieved their lowest weight at 1-3 months, 7 at 6 months, and 3 at 12 months. Of the 18 patients, 13 (72%) experienced an increase in weight after achieving their lowest weight after EGP. CONCLUSION: The use of the StomaphyX device achieved the maximum effective weight loss during the 1-6-month period after EGP.

Open reduction internal fixation versus hemiarthroplasty versus total hip arthroplasty in the elderly: a review of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA), hemiarthroplasty (HA), and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) are treatment options for femoral neck fractures. However, the optimal surgical treatment remains unclear. The present study aimed to describe the 30-d postoperative outcomes of THA, HA, and ORIF among patients aged ≥65 y with femoral neck fractures within a national surgical database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for January 2005 through December 2009 was conducted. We included patients aged ≥65 y who had undergone THA, HA, or ORIF for femoral neck fractures. We collected information on patient demographics, comorbidities, risk factors, and complication rates. A logistic regression model was used to assess the variation in overall morbidity and mortality after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 3423 patients met the inclusion criteria: 674 underwent ORIF, 428 HA, and 2321 THA. Most patients were white (83.6%, n = 2862), female (64.4%, n = 2204), and >70 y old (78.4%, n = 2682). On adjusted multivariate analysis, no differences were found in the 30-d mortality rates among the ORIF, HA, and THA groups. Patients who underwent ORIF (odds ratio 0.51, 95% confidence interval 0.27-0.94) and HA (odds ratio 0.43, 95% confidence interval 0.22-0.84) had a lower likelihood of developing respiratory complications compared with those who underwent THA. CONCLUSIONS: No differences were found in the 30-d mortality rates among the ORIF, HA, and THA groups. ORIF and HA resulted in a lower likelihood of developing respiratory complications than THA.

Resolution of Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes after Laparoscopic Truncal Vagotomy, Subtotal Gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y Gastrojejunostomy for a Patient with Intractable Gastric Ulcers.

Background. Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) has been shown to be an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in patients with morbid obesity. However, it is unclear just how effective the LRYGB procedure is on T2DM for patients with BMI less than 35 kg/m(2). We report one obese patient with T2DM who did not meet the current NIH criteria for morbid obesity surgery. This patient underwent a laparoscopic truncal vagotomy, subtotal gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy for intractable gastric ulcers and subsequently had full resolution of her T2DM. Methods. A 48-year-old patient with a BMI of 34.6 kg/m(2) underwent a laparoscopic truncal vagotomy, subtotal gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy for intractable gastric ulcers. The patient was seen 3 months preoperatively, followed for 24 months postoperatively, and evaluated for postoperative complications, weight loss, and improvement in comorbidities. Results. The patient had no postoperative surgical complications. Her BMI decreased from 34.6 kg/m(2) to 22.3 kg/m(2) by 24 months postoperatively. Significant improvements in her fasting blood glucose levels were seen 10 days postoperatively from a preoperative level of 147 mg/dl to 97 mg/dl. Conclusion. Patients with a BMI less than 35 kg/m(2) and uncontrolled T2DM may benefit from a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

Does BMI affect perioperative complications following total knee and hip arthroplasty?

BACKGROUND: Orthopedic surgeons are reluctant to perform total knee (TKA) or hip (THA) arthroplasty on patients with high body mass index (BMI). Recent studies are conflicting regarding the risk of obesity on perioperative complications. Our study investigates the effect of BMI on perioperative complications in patients undergoing TKA and THA using a national risk-adjusted database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed using the 2005-2007 American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program ACS-NSQIP dataset. Inclusion criteria were patients between 18 and 90 y of age who underwent TKA or THA. Patients were stratified into five BMI categories: normal, overweight, obese class I, obese class II, and morbidly obese. Demographic characteristics, length of stay, co-morbidities, and complication rates were compared across the BMI categories. RESULTS: A total of 1731 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 66% and 34% undergoing TKA and THA, respectively. A majority were female (60%) and >60 y (70%) in age. Of the patients who underwent TKA, 90% were either overweight or obese, compared with 77% in those undergoing THA. The overall preoperative comorbidity rate was 73%. The complication and mortality rates were 7% and 0.4%, respectively. When stratifying perioperative complications by BMI categories, no differences existed in the rates of infection (P = 0.368), respiratory (P = 0.073), cardiac (P = 0.381), renal (P = 0.558), and systemic (P = 0.216) complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates no statistical difference in perioperative complication rates in patients undergoing TKA or THA across BMI categories. Performing TKA or THA on patients with high BMI may increase mobility leading to improved quality of life.