Disparities in Outcomes following Resection of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

Surgical margins following rectal cancer resection impact oncologic outcomes. We examined the relationship between margin status and race, ethnicity, region of care, and facility type. Patients undergoing resection of a stage II-III locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) between 2004 and 2018 were identified through the National Cancer Database. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was performed, with margin positivity rate as the outcome of interest, and race/ethnicity and region of care as the predictors of interest. In total, 58,389 patients were included. After IPTW adjustment, non-Hispanic Black (NHB) patients were 12% (p = 0.029) more likely to have margin positivity than non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients. Patients in the northeast were 9% less likely to have margin positivity compared to those in the south. In the west, NHB patients were more likely to have positive margins than NHW patients. Care in academic/research centers was associated with lower likelihood of positive margins compared to community centers. Within academic/research centers, NHB patients were more likely to have positive margins than non-Hispanic Other patients. Our results suggest that disparity in surgical management of LARC in NHB patients exists across regions of the country and facility types. Further research aimed at identifying drivers of this disparity is warranted.

A Single-Center Experience of Transanal Proctectomy With IPAA for IBD.

BACKGROUND: Restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA is the standard procedure in ulcerative colitis patients with medical refractory disease or dysplasia and select patients with IBD unclassified or Crohn's disease. A variety of minimally invasive techniques have become increasingly utilized, including the transanal IPAA. Unfortunately, despite its growing popularity, there is a lack of high-quality data for the transanal approach. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate clinical outcomes, including complication rates, during our initial experience with the transanal approach. DESIGN: The study design was a single-center prospective case series. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: The study included patients with ulcerative colitis, IBD unclassified, and Crohn's disease undergoing 2- or 3-stage restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA. INTERVENTIONS: Consecutive patients after November 2016 undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with transanal approach were compared with a historic cohort of patients who underwent an open approach before October 2016. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was early and late anastomotic leak rates during our learning curve. Secondary outcomes included postoperative clinical measures. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 100 open and 65 transanal approach patients. Median (interquartile range) estimated blood loss was lower with the transanal approach (100 [50-150] vs 150 [100-250] mL; p = 0.007), and hospital stay was lower in the transanal group by 2 days ( p < 0.001). There was a significantly higher rate of anastomotic leaks with the transanal approach compared with the open approach (n = 7 [11%] vs n = 2 [2%] respectively; p = 0.03). There were fewer, but statistically insignificant, anastomotic complications in the third tertile, which was later in our learning curve. LIMITATIONS: The study was nonrandomized with consecutive assignment, introducing possible selection and chronology biases. CONCLUSION: Restorative proctocolectomy with the transanal approach was associated with lower blood loss and shorter hospital stay but a significantly higher anastomotic leak rate. The transanal minimally invasive approach for pouch surgery offers some advantages but carries a steep learning curve. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B842 . EXPERIENCIA DE UN SOLO CENTRO DE PROCTECTOMA TRANSANAL CON ANASTOMOSIS ILEOANAL CON RESERVORIO ILEAL PARA ENFERMEDAD INFLAMATORIA INTESTINAL: ANTECEDENTES:La proctocolectomía restaurativa con anastomosis ileoanal con reservorio ileal es el procedimiento estándar en pacientes con colitis ulcerativa con enfermedad médica refractaria o displasia y pacientes seleccionados con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal no clasificada o enfermedad de Crohn. Se ha utilizado cada vez más una variedad de técnicas mínimamente invasivas, incluido el enfoque de anastomosis ileoanal con reservorio ileal transanal. Desafortunadamente, a pesar de su creciente popularidad, hay falta de datos de alta calidad para el enfoque transanal.OBJETIVO:Investigar los resultados clínicos, incluidas las tasas de complicaciones, durante nuestra experiencia inicial con el enfoque transanal.DISEÑO:Serie de casos prospectivos de un solo centro.AJUSTES:Centro de referencia terciario.PACIENTES:Pacientes con ulcerativa, enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal no clasificada y enfermedad de Crohn sometidos a proctocolectomía restaurativa de 2 o 3 etapas con anastomosis ileoanal con reservorio ileal.INTERVENCIONES:Pacientes consecutivos después de noviembre del 2016 sometidos a proctocolectomía restaurativa con abordaje transanal fueron comparados con una cohorte histórica que se sometieron a un abordaje abierto antes de octubre del 2016.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:La principal medida de resultado fueron las tasas de fuga anastomótica temprana y tardía durante nuestra curva de aprendizaje. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron medidas clínicas postoperatorias.RESULTADOS:El grupo de estudio estuvo formado por 100 pacientes con abordaje abierto y 65 por vía transanal. La media de pérdida sanguínea estimada fue menor con el abordaje transanal (100 [50-150] vs 150 [100-250] mL; p = 0.007) y la estancia hospitalaria fue menor en el grupo transanal por 2 días ( p < 0.001). Hubo una tasa significativamente mayor de fugas anastomóticas con el abordaje transanal en comparación con el abordaje abierto (n = 7 [11%] vs n = 2 [2%] respectivamente, p = 0.03). Hubo menos complicaciones anastomóticas, pero estadísticamente insignificantes, en el tercer tercil, posterior en nuestra curva de aprendizaje.LIMITACIONES:Estudio no randomizado con asignación consecutiva que presenta posibles sesgos de selección y cronología.CONCLUSIÓNES:La proctocolectomía restaurativa con abordaje transanal se asoció a una menor pérdida sanguínea y estancia hospitalaria más corta, pero con una tasa de fuga anastomótica significativamente mayor. El abordaje transanal mínimamente invasivo para cirugía de reservorio ofrece algunas ventajas, pero conlleva a una curva de aprendizaje pronunciada. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B842 . (Traducción- Dr. Francisco M. Abarca-Rendon ).

The role of fecal calprotectin in the diagnosis of acute pouchitis following IPAA for ulcerative colitis: a systematic clinical review.

PURPOSE: Total proctocolectomy (TPC) with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is commonly performed for patients with refractory ulcerative colitis (UC). Pouchitis occurs in 20-50% of these patients. Fecal calprotectin is a biomarker that correlates well with the pouchitis disease activity index. However, its role in the diagnosis and management of acute pouchitis has not been thoroughly defined. The aim of this study is to review previously established cut-off values and contextualize the clinical utility of fecal calprotectin. METHODS: Search of Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PubMed was performed. Articles were eligible if they measured fecal calprotectin in the setting of pouchitis in patients who underwent TPC with IPAA for UC. Risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated with the QUADAS-2. RESULTS: From 117 relevant citations, seven studies with 256 patients (44.8% female, 39.88 years) met inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of pouchitis was 42%. The derived fecal calprotectin cut-off values ranged from 56 to 494 µg/g. The corresponding sensitivities and specificities ranged from 57 to 100% and 38 to 92%, respectively. The area under the curve was reported in three studies and ranged from 0.832 to 0.840. CONCLUSION: Fecal calprotectin may be a reliable diagnostic tool for acute pouchitis in patients following TPC with IPAA for UC. The high sensitivity of fecal calprotectin for detection of pouchitis makes it a valuable test for ruling out pouchitis. When used in conjunction with other biomarkers, the high specificity offers value in ruling in pouchitis. However, given the complexity of this disease process, relying solely on biomarkers for diagnosis is currently unreasonable.

Complex abdominal wall hernias as a barrier to quality of life in cancer survivors

Background: Many cancer survivors live with postoperative complex abdominal wall hernias (CAWHs). However, the impact of CAWHs on their quality of life is unknown, and few descriptions of patient experiences exist. We performed a qualitative study to explore cancer survivors' experience with CAWHs before and after repair. Methods: Patients waiting to undergo CAWH repair or who had completed the surgery in the previous 18 months were identified from a single surgeon's practice in CAWH at a tertiary care centre. Clinical and demographic data were extracted from the electronic patient record. An in-depth semistructured interview guide was developed by experts in CAWH and qualitative methodology. Interviews were conducted in March 2013. We used comparative analysis techniques and coding strategies to identify themes. Results: Ten preoperative and 12 postoperative participants were interviewed. The average age of the participants was 64 years in both groups, with an even sex distribution. The most frequently diagnosed cancer in both groups was colorectal cancer. Participants' views were organized into 5 themes: 1) unable to return to normal life, 2) sense of abandonment, 3) experiencing fear and distress, 4) preoperative: desperate for help and 5) postoperative: "getting my life back." Conclusion: Our findings show the all-encompassing impact of a CAWH on the life of cancer survivors. They strongly suggest that hernia management should be viewed as an integral part in the continuum of cancer treatment to improve the quality of life of cancer survivors with hernias.

Contexte: De nombreux survivants du cancer vivent avec des hernies postopératoires complexes de la paroi abdominale (HCPA). Or, on ignore quel en est l'impact sur la qualité de vie, et peu de descriptions existent quant à l'expérience des patients. Nous avons procédé à une étude qualitative pour analyser l'expérience des survivants du cancer présentant des HCPA, avant et après une cure de hernie. Méthodes: Les patients attendant une cure d'HCPA ou ayant subi une telle chirurgie dans les 18 mois précédents ont été identifiés à partir de la clientèle d'un seul chirurgien pratiquant la cure d'HCPA dans un centre de soins tertiaires. Des données cliniques et démographiques ont été extraites des dossiers électroniques des patients et un guide d'entrevue semi-structurée a été conçu par des experts de la cure d'HCPA et de méthodologie qualitative. Les entrevues ont été réalisées en mars 2013. Nous avons utilisé des techniques d'analyse comparative et des stratégies de codage pour cerner les thèmes. Résultats: Dix participants ont été interrogés en période préopératoire et 12 en postopératoire. L'âge moyen était de 64 ans dans les 2 groupes et il y avait autant d'hommes que de femmes. Le cancer le plus souvent diagnostiqué dans les 2 groupes était le cancer colorectal. Les perceptions des participants ont été organisées autour de 5 thèmes : 1) incapacité de retourner à la vie normale, 2) sentiment d'abandon, 3) sentiment de peur et de détresse, 4) préopératoire : immense besoin d'aide et 5) postopératoire : « retrouver sa vie ¼ Conclusion: Nos observations font la lumière sur l'impact global de l'HCPA sur la vie des survivants de cancer. Elles suggèrent fortement que la cure de hernie devrait faire partie intégrante du continuum thérapeutique en oncologie pour améliorer la qualité de vie des survivants du cancer porteurs de hernies.

Synthesis of FeP nanotube arrays as negative electrode for solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor.

Recently, metal phosphides have attracted considerable attention as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors. In this work, FeP nanotube arrays have been successfully synthesized on carbon cloth using ZnO nanorod arrays as the sacrificial templets, via a phosphidation process. The dimensions of the FeP nanotubes are characterized using SEM and TEM showing the diameter to be approximately 200 nm and with a wall thickness of 50-100 nm. The tubular structure of FeP nanotubes provides a facile ion pathway and reduced inner inactive material, thus they are favorable for supercapacitor applications. As a result, the as-synthesized FeP nanotube arrays deliver an improved specific capacitance of 149.11 F g-1 and a high areal capacitance of 300.1 mF cm-2 at a current density of 1 mA cm-2. Furthermore, an MnO2//FeP solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor was fabricated with a high areal capacitance of 142 mF cm-2, which indicates the great potential of FeP nanotube arrays to be a high-performing negative electrode material for supercapacitors.

Operative Strategies for Perforated Diverticulitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The traditional approach for perforated diverticulitis, the Hartmann procedure, has considerable morbidity and the challenge of stoma reversal. Alternative procedures, including primary resection and anastomosis and laparoscopic lavage, have been proposed but remain controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare operative strategies for perforated diverticulitis. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and the grey literature were searched from inception to October 2017. STUDY SELECTION: We included randomized clinical trials evaluating operative strategies for perforated diverticulitis. INTERVENTIONS: Hartmann procedure, primary resection and anastomosis, and laparoscopic lavage were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were independently extracted by 2 investigators. Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Pooled risk ratios for major complications, reoperation, and mortality were determined using random-effects models. RESULTS: Six trials including 626 patients with perforated diverticulitis were identified. Laparoscopic lavage and sigmoidectomy had comparable rates of early reoperation and postoperative mortality; major complications (Clavien-Dindo >IIIa) were more frequent after laparoscopic lavage (RR = 1.68 (95% CI, 1.10-2.56); 3 trials, 305 patients). Comparing approaches for sigmoidectomy, primary resection and anastomosis had similar rates of major complications (RR = 0.88 (95% CI, 0.49-1.55); 3 trials, 255 patients) and postoperative mortality (RR = 0.58 (95% CI, 0.20-1.70); 3 trials, 254 patients) compared with the Hartmann procedure. However, patients who underwent primary resection and anastomosis were more likely to be stoma free at 12 months compared with the Hartmann procedure (RR = 1.40 (95% CI, 1.18-1.67); 4 trials, 283 patients) and to experience fewer major complications related to the stoma reversal procedure (RR = 0.26 (95% CI, 0.07-0.89); 4 trials, 186 patients). LIMITATIONS: There were no limitations to this study. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic lavage is associated with increased risk of major complications versus primary resection for Hinchey III diverticulitis. The lower rate of stoma reversal and higher rate of complications after the Hartmann procedure suggest primary resection and anastomosis as the optimal management of perforated diverticulitis.

Effect of time to operation on outcomes in adults who underwent emergency general surgery procedure.

BACKGROUND: Patients who undergo an emergency procedure have an increase in postoperative morbidity and mortality. Emergency procedures constitute 14.2% of all general surgery procedures and account for 53.5% of deaths. Among this population, time to surgery from arrival to the emergency department (ED) has not been evaluated as an independent risk factor for morbidity and mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients who underwent an emergency general surgery procedure from 2013 to 2015 were identified using a local American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (ACS-NSQIP) database. Outcomes of interest included 30-d mortality, all morbidity, and severe morbidity. Multivariate analyses were conducted using a logistic regression model using clinically relevant covariates to determine predictors of the outcome measures. RESULTS: A total of 974 patients were included in the final analysis. The prolonged median time from ED presentation to OR was predictive of all morbidity (14.3 h versus 13.3 h, P = 0.009) and severe morbidity (13.3 h versus 14.4 h, P = 0.063) on univariate analysis. Time from ED presentation to OR was not predictive of mortality (13.5 h versus 13.6 h, P = 0.474). Multivariate analysis demonstrated an adjusted increased odd of morbidity of 2.3 (95% CI: 1.01-5.24) for priority level A cases within the fourth quartile compared to that of the first quartile of time (P = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: This study corroborates with known data that morbidity and mortality increases in patients who are older, have multiple comorbidities, and higher ASA class. Furthermore, the time from ED arrival to the OR is associated with an overall increase in morbidity.

The effect of a simultaneous versus a staged resection of metastatic colorectal cancer on time to adjuvant chemotherapy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with colorectal cancer with synchronous liver metastases may undergo a staged or a simultaneous resection. This study aimed to determine whether the time to adjuvant chemotherapy was delayed in patients undergoing a simultaneous resection. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted between 2005 and 2016. The primary outcome was time to adjuvant chemotherapy. A multivariate linear regression was conducted to ascertain the adjusted effect of a simultaneous versus a staged approach on time to adjuvant chemotherapy. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients were included. A total of 127 patients underwent a staged resection, whereas 28 patients underwent a simultaneous resection. Age, sex, and American Society of Anesthesiologists class as well tumor, node, metastasis stage, tumor location, and number and size of metastases were not significantly different between the groups. The median time to adjuvant chemotherapy was 70 and 63 days for the staged and simultaneous groups, respectively (P = .27). Multivariate analysis did not demonstrate an increased propensity for prolonged time to chemotherapy after simultaneous resection (rate ratio: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.71-1.32, P = .84). There were no significant differences in the length of stay, complications, overall survival, and disease-free survival between the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that simultaneous resection does not result in significant delay of adjuvant chemotherapy compared with a staged approach.

Comparison of two novel staging systems with the TNM system in predicting stage III colon cancer survival.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adaptations of the TNM staging system that incorporate the Lymph Node Ratio (LNR) have been proposed for stage III colon cancer. This study compared the concordance of two novel staging systems and the TNM system with observed survival outcomes in stage III patients. METHODS: A review of patients who underwent surgery for stage III colon cancer between January 2002 and April 2015 at a tertiary care centre was performed. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the 5-year overall (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) rates, and the concordance probability was calculated to evaluate the discriminatory power of the staging systems. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-one patients were identified. For TNM stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, 5-year OS was 83.4%, 67.6%, and 38.3%, respectively (P < 0.001). All three staging systems were independently predictive of OS and DFS (P < 0.001). However, the novel staging system by Sugimoto et al18 was the most favourable prognostic tool, with a concordance of 0.646 for DFS and 0.659 for OS. CONCLUSIONS: The novel staging system by Sugimoto et al18 was superior to the TNM system. Incorporating LNR into staging models for node positive colon cancers may improve survival information available to patients and potentially aid treatment decisions.

Diagnostic utility of staging abdominal computerized tomography and repeat endoscopy in detecting localization errors at initial endoscopy in colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy has a reported localization error rate as high as 21% in detecting colorectal neoplasms. Preoperative repeat endoscopy has been shown to be protective against localization errors. There is a paucity of literature assessing the utility of staging computerized tomography (CT) and repeat endoscopy as diagnostic tools for detecting localization errors following initial endoscopy. The objective of this study is to determine the diagnostic characteristics of staging CT and repeat endoscopy in correcting localization errors at initial endoscopy. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a large tertiary academic center between January 2006 and August 2014. All patients undergoing surgical resection for CRC were identified. Group comparisons were conducted between (1) patients that underwent only staging CT (staging CT group), and (2) patients that underwent staging CT and repeat endoscopy (repeat endoscopy group). The primary outcome was localization error correction rate for errors at initial endoscopy. RESULTS: 594 patients were identified, 196 (33.0%) in the repeat endoscopy group, and 398 (77.0%) patients in the staging CT group. Error rates for each modality were as follows: initial endoscopy 8.8% (95% CI 6.5-11.0), staging CT 9.3% (95% CI 6.5-11.0), and repeat endoscopy 2.6% (95% CI 0.3-4.7); p < 0.01. Repeat endoscopy was superior to staging CT in correcting localization errors for left-sided / rectal lesions (81.2% vs. 33.3%; p < 0.01), right-sided lesions (80.0% vs. 54.5%; p = 0.21), and overall lesions (80.8% vs. 42.3%; p < 0.01). Repeat endoscopy compared to staging CT demonstrated relative risk reduction of 66.7% (95% CI 22-86%), absolute risk reduction of 38.5% (95% CI 14.2-62.8%), and odds ratio of 0.18 (95% CI 0.05-0.61) for correcting errors at initial endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat endoscopy in colorectal cancer is superior to staging CT as a diagnostic tool for correcting localization-based errors at initial endoscopy.

Emergency Room Visits and Readmissions Following Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (iERAS) Program.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) guidelines have been widely promoted and supported largely due to several studies showing decreased post-operative complications and length of stay. The objective of this study was to review the emergency room (ER) visits and readmission rates and reasons for both in patients who were part of the Implementation of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (iERAS) program for colorectal surgery. METHODS: All patients having elective colorectal surgery at 15 academic hospitals were enrolled in the iERAS program. All patients were prospectively followed until 30 days post-discharge. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2876 patients (48% female; mean 60 years old) were enrolled. Cancer was the most frequent indication (68.2%) for surgery. Overall, the median length of stay (LOS) was 5 days. Post-discharge, 359 (11.6%) of patients had a visit to the ER not requiring admission. The most common reasons for visiting the ER were surgical site infections (SSI) (34.5%), other wound complications (10.0%), and urinary tract infections (UTI) (8.6%). In addition, a smaller proportion of patients, 260 (8.2%) required readmission. The most common reasons for readmission were ileus and nausea/vomiting (26.1%), intra-abdominal abscess (23.9%), and SSI (11.5%). Patient and disease factors associated with ER visits, on multivariable analysis, included extremes of BMI (RR 1.02, 95%CI 1.01-1.04, p = 0.002), rectal surgery versus colon surgery (RR 1.34, 95%CI 1.14-1.58, p < 0.001), and open operative approach (RR 1.63, 95%CI 1.28-2.09, p < 0.001). Independent factors associated with hospital readmissions included rectal surgery (RR 1.89, 95%CI 1.34-2.77, p < 0.001), formation of a stoma (RR 1.34, 95%CI 1.04-1.74, p = 0.026), and reoperation during first admission (RR 4.60, 95%CI 3.50-6.05, p < 0.001). Length of stay of 5 days or less was not associated with ER visits or readmission (RR 0.99, 95%CI 0.72-1.35 and RR 0.91, 95%CI 0.71-1.18, respectively). CONCLUSION: Following colorectal surgery using an ERAS pathway, shortened length of stay is not associated with an increased return to the ER or hospital readmission. The majority of return visits to the hospital are ER visits not requiring readmission and the predominant reason for return are surgical site infections and wound complications.

Implementing and sustaining a mentorship program at a college of pharmacy: The Keys to Successful Mentorship.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate mentor and mentee opinions of The Keys to Successful Mentorship, a longitudinal student-led mentorship program established at a college of pharmacy. EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITY AND SETTING: In 2008, a mentorship program was created whereby first year pharmacy students (mentees) were paired with third year pharmacy students (mentors). An anonymous survey was administered to second (P2) and fourth (P4) year pharmacy students identifying strengths and weaknesses of the program. FINDINGS: Results of the survey administered to the P2 and P4 pharmacy students revealed that there was a strong desire to take part in the mentorship program. Of the respondents, 77% of P2 and 70% of P4 students stated the mentorship program aided in their professional growth. Mentors disagreed significantly more than mentees that participation in the program should be optional. Qualitative findings suggested that the program assisted students in building professional relationships and networks, better prepared them for experiential training, and helped with post-graduate decisions. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a longitudinal student-led mentorship program was supported by student pharmacists and may aid in their professional development.

Euglycaemic ketoacidosis in a postoperative Whipple patient using canaglifozin.

SGLT2 inhibitors are a new class of oral antihyperglycaemic agents that have garnered much attention for their attractive efficacy profile in glycaemic control along with the added benefit of weight loss. There has been increasing concern for the risk of euglycaemic (serum glucose 4-8 mmol/L) ketoacidosis with these agents. In the setting of a postoperative patient, the use of these drugs may exacerbate the normal physiological stresses of the body and increase the risk of developing euglycaemic ketoacidosis (euKDA). This case highlights a postoperative patient who was using an SGLT2 inhibitor and developed severe euKDA after a pancreaticoduodenectomy. The goal of this case report was to bring awareness to the possibility of this rare adverse event. In doing so, it may aid in preoperative planning of the diabetic patient and trigger appropriate management for those who develop euKDA.

Development of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Guideline and Implementation Strategy Based on the Knowledge-to-action Cycle.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to increase recovery, decrease complications, and reduce length of stay. However, they are difficult to implement. OBJECTIVE: To develop and implement an ERAS clinical practice guideline (CPG) at multiple hospitals. METHODS: A tailored strategy based on the Knowledge-to-action (KTA) cycle was used to develop and implement an ERAS CPG at 15 academic hospitals in Canada. This included an initial audit to identify gaps and interviews to assess barriers and enablers to implementation. Implementation included development of an ERAS guideline by a multidisciplinary group, communities of practice led by multidiscipline champions (surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses) both provincially and locally, educational tools, and clinical pathways as well as audit and feedback. RESULTS: The initial audit revealed there was greater than 75% compliance in only 2 of 18 CPG recommendations. Main themes identified by stakeholders were that the CPG must be based on best evidence, there must be increased communication and collaboration among perioperative team members, and patient education is essential. ERAS and Pain Management CPGs were developed by a multidisciplinary team and have been adopted at all hospitals. Preliminary data from more than 1000 patients show that the uptake of recommended interventions varies but despite this, mean length of stay has decreased with low readmission rates and adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of short-term findings, our results suggest that a tailored implementation strategy based on the KTA cycle can be used to successfully implement an ERAS program at multiple sites.

Straightforward multi-object video tracking for quantification of mosquito flight activity.

Mosquito flight activity has been studied using a variety of different methodologies, and largely concentrates on female mosquito activity as vectors of disease. Video recording using standard commercially available hardware has limited accuracy for the measurement of flight activity due to the lack of depth-perception in two-dimensional images, but multi-camera observation for three dimensional trajectory reconstructions remain challenging and inaccessible to the majority of researchers. Here, in silico simulations were used to quantify the limitations of two-dimensional flight observation. We observed that, under the simulated conditions, two dimensional observation of flight was more than 90% accurate for the determination of population flight speeds and thus that two dimensional imaging can be used to provide accurate estimates of mosquito population flight speeds, and to measure flight activity over long periods of time. We optimized single camera video imaging to study male Aedes albopictus mosquitoes over a 30 h time period, and tested two different multi-object tracking algorithms for their efficiency in flight tracking. A. Albopictus males were observed to be most active at the start of the day period (06h00-08h00) with the longest period of activity in the evening (15h00-18h00) and that a single mosquito will fly more than 600 m over the course of 24 h. No activity was observed during the night period (18h00-06h00). Simplistic tracking methodologies, executable on standard computational hardware, are sufficient to produce reliable data when video imaging is optimized under laboratory conditions. As this methodology does not require overly-expensive equipment, complex calibration of equipment or extensive knowledge of computer programming, the technology should be accessible to the majority of computer-literate researchers.