Immigration Status and Breast Cancer Surgery Quality of Care Metrics: A Population-Level Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: As immigrant women face challenges accessing health care, we hypothesized that immigration status would be associated with fewer women with breast cancer receiving surgery for curable disease, fewer undergoing breast conserving surgery (BCS), and longer wait time to surgery. METHODS: A population-level retrospective cohort study, including women aged 18-70 years with Stage I-III breast cancer diagnosed between 2010 and 2016 in Ontario was conducted. Multivariable analysis was performed to assess odds of undergoing surgery, receiving BCS and wait time to surgery. RESULTS: A total of 31,755 patients were included [26,253 (82.7%) Canadian-born and 5502 (17.3%) immigrant women]. Immigrant women were younger (mean age 51.6 vs. 56.1 years) and less often presented with Stage I/II disease (87.4% vs. 89.8%) (both p < .001). On multivariable analysis, there was no difference between immigrant women and Canadian-born women in odds of undergoing surgery [Stage I OR 0.93 (95% CI 0.79-1.11), Stage II 1.04 (0.89-1.22), Stage III 1.22 (0.94-1.57)], receiving BCS [Stage I 0.93 (0.82-1.05), Stage II 0.96 (0.86-1.07), Stage III 1.00 (0.83-1.22)], or wait time [Stage I 0.45 (-0.61-1.50), Stage II 0.33 (-0.86-1.52), Stage III 3.03 (-0.05-6.12)]. In exploratory analysis, new immigrants did not have surgery more than established immigrants (12.9% vs. 10.1%), and refugee women had longer wait time compared with economic-class immigrants (39.5 vs. 35.3 days). CONCLUSIONS: We observed differences in measures of socioeconomic disadvantage and disease characteristics between immigrant and Canadian-born women with breast cancer. Upon adjusting for these factors, no differences emerged in rate of surgery, rate of BCS, and time to surgery. The lack of disparity suggests barriers to accessing basic components of breast cancer care may be mitigated by the universal healthcare system in Canada.

Surgical attitudes toward preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging in women with early-stage breast cancer.

Background: Preoperative breast magnetic resonance imaging (mri) is commonly requested by surgeons in the initial workup of women with breast cancer; however, its use is controversial. We performed a survey of breast cancer surgeons across Canada to investigate current knowledge about, attitudes to, and self-reported use of preoperative breast mri in a publicly funded health care system in light of the limited evidence to support it. Methods: All identified general surgeons in Canada were mailed a survey instrument designed to probe current practice and knowledge of published trials. Results: Of 403 responding surgeons, 233 (58%) indicated that they performed breast cancer surgery. Of those 233, 218 (94%) had access to breast mri and completed the entire survey. Overall, 54.6% of responding surgeons felt that breast mri was useful in surgical planning, and more than half (58.3%) indicated that their frequency of use was likely to increase over the next 5 years. Surgeons found preoperative mri most useful in detecting mammographically occult disease (71.5% of respondents) and in planning for breast-conserving surgery (57.3%). The main limitations reported were timely access to mri (51%) and false positives (36.7%). Responses suggest a knowledge gap in awareness of published trials in breast mri. Conclusions: Our study found that, in early-stage breast cancer, self-reported use of mri by breast cancer surgeons in Canada varied widely. Reported indications did not align with published data, and significant gaps in self-reported knowledge of the data were evident. Our results would support the development and dissemination of guidelines to optimize use of mri.

Double heterozygosity for germline mutations in BRCA1 and p53 in a woman with early onset breast cancer.

To report on a highly unusual case of a 20-year-old woman who presented with multifocal metaplastic breast cancer and was subsequently found to carry deleterious germline mutations in both BRCA1 and p53. Genetic testing was requested on an expedited basis to assist in surgical decision-making and BRCA1/2 and p53 genetic analysis was ordered concurrently. BRCA1/2 and p53 analyses were completed using a combination of direct DNA sequencing and multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA). The patient was found to carry a deletion of exon 3 of the BRCA1 gene and a splice site mutation at the exon4/intron4 boundary of the p53 gene. To our knowledge, this is the first report of double heterozygosity in BRCA1 and p53. The patient's clinical presentation is highly reminiscent of that predicted by preclinical mouse models. In patients with early onset breast cancer, the possibility of germline mutations in more than one cancer susceptibility gene should be considered. This could have important clinical implications for patients and their at-risk family members.

Gastric carcinoids: a temporal increase with proton pump introduction.

BACKGROUND: Recent reports have indicated a rising incidence of gastric carcinoids. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence pattern of gastric carcinoids in two large population-based cancer registries. METHODS: The Florida Cancer Data System (FCDS), Florida's statewide cancer registry, and the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program were used. The study population was defined as all cases of gastric carcinoid identified in either database from January 1981 to December 2000. Descriptive statistics and age-adjusted incidence rates were calculated. RESULTS: There were 326 (FCDS) and 594 (SEER) cases of invasive gastric carcinoid during the 20-year study period. The mean age of the patients was 65 years (range, 21-96 years), and the male:female ratio was 1:1. The age-adjusted incidence rate in FCDS increased from 0.04 (per 100,000 age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population) to 0.18 in the year 2000. The estimated annual percentage change in incidence was 8.17 in FCDS and 9.17 in SEER (p < 0.05). A decrease in gastric cancer was noted during this same period (from 8.64 to 11.14 cases per 100,000 in FCDS and from 11.14 to 8.06 cases per 100,000 in SEER). CONCLUSIONS: This study documented a statistically significant eight- or ninefold increase in the incidence of gastric carcinoids in two large databases. The temporal increase in incidence correlates with the introduction and widespread use of proton pump inhibitors since the late 1980s. Other explanations include improved detection with wider application of upper endoscopy. Further epidemiologic studies are warranted.

Current practice of abdominal fascial closure: a survey of Ontario general surgeons.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the current practice of abdominal fascial closure among provincial general surgeons. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of surgeons choosing absorbable versus nonabsorbable sutures. Secondary objectives included determining knowledge and attitudes of surgeons to evidence-based medicine and concordance of current practice with level I evidence. DESIGN: A survey. SETTING: The province of Ontario. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred general surgeons. METHODS: A stratified random sample of community and academic surgeons was assembled and a questionnaire was mailed to them. Common clinical scenarios and questions pertaining to attitudes and knowledge of evidence-based medicine were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Use of absorbable versus nonabsorbable suture material. Willingness to change current practice on evidence-based level I reports. RESULTS: Most surgeons (86%) chose an absorbable suture for abdominal fascial closure. Nonabsorbable suture was chosen by 58% of surgeons in the highly contaminated surgical scenario. Eighty-one percent of surgeons indicated they would be willing to change their current practice of fascial closure if there was evidence that the incidence of wound complications was reduced. Polyglactin (Vicryl) was the most commonly chosen suture. CONCLUSIONS: The current practice of abdominal fascial closure among Ontario general surgeons is in disagreement with the findings from a recent meta-analysis, recommending a nonabsorbable suture for a 32% relative risk reduction in the incisional hernia rate. The majority of surgeons employ a continuous absorbable closure in common surgical scenarios. A definitive randomized controlled trial comparing continuous nonabsorbable closure versus continuous absorbable closure is warranted.

A new radiocolloid for sentinel node detection in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The optimal radioactive tracer and technique for sentinel lymph node localization in breast cancer is yet to be determined. The dilemma of small particle size with dispersion to second echelon nodes versus failure of migration of larger radiocolloids needs to be resolved. A new radiocolloid preparation with particle size under 0.1 micron was developed with excellent primary/post lymphatic entrapment ratio. OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of a new 99mTc radiocolloid cysteine-rhenium colloid in sentinel lymph node (SLN) localization for breast cancer. METHODS: Forty-seven patients with newly diagnosed T1 or T2 breast cancer underwent injection of 99mTc-labeled cysteine-rhenium colloid followed by lymphoscintigraphy. Same day SLN biopsy with patent blue dye and intraoperative gamma probe to identify SLNs were performed. RESULTS: SLN mapping and intraoperative localization were successful in 46/47 (98%) of patients. The blue dye radioactive tracer concordance was 94%. There was one false-negative in a patient with a nonpalpable tumor that underwent ultrasound-guided peritumoral radiocolloid injection. CONCLUSIONS: 99mTc-cysteine-rhenium colloid is highly effective in identifying SLNs. It has the advantage of smaller particle size than sulfur colloid with easier lymphatic migration. It has a more neutral pH with less pain on injection and does not require filtration, thereby minimizing radiation exposure to technologists.

Open or closed diagnostic peritoneal lavage for abdominal trauma? A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To perform a meta-analysis of prospective, randomized controlled trials comparing the closed and open technique of diagnostic peritoneal lavage (DPL) in trauma patients to determine whether there are any difference in outcomes. METHODS: A search of MEDLINE database of English language articles published from 1977 to 1999 was conducted by using the terms diagnostic peritoneal lavage, trauma, and randomized controlled trials. A manual search and Cochrane Library database search was also conducted. Seven randomized controlled trials, including a total of 1,126 patients were identified that compared closed versus open technique. Two reviewers assessed the trials independently. Trial quality was critically appraised by using the Jadad Instrument, a validated published quality scale. Data extraction of major complications, technical difficulties, procedure times, and false-negative and false-positive rates was carried out. The fixed effects model was used for statistical analysis. The Peto odds ratio (OR), weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated. RESULTS: The overall quality of studies was poor (mean, 2.4/7). Major complications did not differ significantly between closed versus open technique (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.15 to 2.92. Technical failures and difficulties were significantly higher in the closed group, i.e., OR 4.33 (95% CI, 1.96 to 9.56) and OR 4.19 (95% CI, 2.842 to 6.19), respectively. Accuracy of closed and open DPL was comparable with no difference in false-negative or false-positive rates between the two techniques. Procedure time was consistently lower in the closed technique. CONCLUSIONS: The closed DPL technique is comparable to the standard open DPL technique in terms of accuracy and major complications. The advantage of reduced time to perform the closed DPL is offset by the increased technical difficulties and failures of this group. Therefore, any significant benefit of routine closed DPL in improving outcomes can be excluded with more confidence based on pooled data than by the individual trials alone.

Information needs of elderly postsurgical cancer patients during the transition from hospital to home.

PURPOSE: To describe information needs of elderly postsurgical cancer patients. Few reports have described learning needs of postsurgical cancer patients during the initial weeks after hospitalization. Responding to information needs during the transition to home is important for helping patients and families to appropriately manage illness. DESIGN: Descriptive, using records kept for patients assigned to the experimental group in a larger study completed in 1996. The sample was 148 American patients surgically treated for a new diagnosis of prostate, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, or head and neck cancer. Information needs were identified from topics addressed by advanced practice nurses during 4-week episodes of home care. METHODS: Content analysis of 3,280 statements of teaching interventions. FINDINGS: Teaching themes were instructing on postoperative self-care, advising on symptom management, clarifying the illness experience, discussing psychological responses, and preparing patients and families to coordinate follow-up care. Topics included describing the expected course of illness, informing about community resources, identifying events that require physician notification, and advising on pain management. Topic emphasis varied by site of cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Information needs of elderly postsurgical cancer patients during transition from hospital to home are extensive. Teaching interventions ranged from giving concrete instructions about care of a surgical wound to interpreting complex information about options for cancer treatment. Elderly postsurgical cancer patients need informational support during the transition from hospital to home.

Autopsies and death certification in deaths due to blunt trauma: what are we missing?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency, body region and severity of injuries missed by the clinical team in patients who die of blunt trauma, and to examine the accuracy of the cause of death as recorded on death certificates. DESIGN: A retrospective review. SETTING: London Health Sciences Centre, London, Ont. PATIENTS: One hundred and eight deaths due to blunt trauma occurring during the period Apr. 1, 1991, to Mar. 31, 1997. Two groups were considered: clinically significant missed injuries were identified by comparing patient charts only (group 1) and more detailed injury lists from the autopsies and charts of the patients (group 2). OUTCOME MEASURES: Chart and autopsy findings. RESULTS: Of the 108 patients, 78 (72%) were male, and they had a median age of 39 years (range from 2 to 90 years). The most common cause of death was neurologic injury (27%), followed by sepsis (17%) and hemorrhage (15%). There was disagreement between the treating physicians and the causes of death listed on the death certificate in 40% of cases and with the coroner in 7% of cases. Seventy-seven clinically significant injuries were missed in 51 (47%) of the 108 patient deaths. Injuries were missed in 29% of inhospital deaths and 100% of emergency department deaths. Abdominal and head injuries accounted for 43% and 34% of the missed injuries, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The information contained on the death certificate can be misleading. Health care planners utilizing this data may draw inaccurate conclusions regarding causes of death, which may have an impact on trauma system development. Missed injuries continue to be a concern in the management of patients with major blunt trauma.

Acute airway obstruction secondary to bilateral broncholithiasis.

We report a case of acute airway obstruction secondary to bilateral broncholiths. Successful management was achieved with rigid bronchoscopy.

The search for an ideal method of abdominal fascial closure: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The ideal suture for abdominal fascial closure has yet to be determined. Surgical practice continues to rely largely on tradition rather than high-quality level I evidence. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine which suture material and technique reduces the odds of incisional hernia. METHODS: MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were searched for articles in English published from 1966 to 1998 using the keywords "suture", "abdomen/surgery", and "randomized controlled trials". Randomized controlled trials, trials of adult patients, and trials with a Jadad Quality Score of more than 3, comparing suture materials, technique, or both, were included. Two independent reviewers critically appraised study quality and extracted data. The reviewers were masked to the study site, authors, journal, and date to minimize bias. The primary outcome was postoperative incisional hernia. Secondary outcomes included wound dehiscence, infection, wound pain, and suture sinus formation. RESULTS: The occurrence of incisional hernia was significantly lower when nonabsorbable sutures were used. Suture technique favored nonabsorbable continuous closure. Suture sinuses and wound pain were significantly lower when absorbable sutures were used. There were no differences in the incidence of wound dehiscence or wound infection with respect to suture material or method of closure. Subgroup analyses of individual sutures showed no significant difference in incisional hernia rates between polydioxanone and polypropylene. Polyglactin showed an increased wound failure rate. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal fascial closure with a continuous nonabsorbable suture had a significantly lower rate of incisional hernia. The ideal suture is nonabsorbable, and the ideal technique is continuous.

Efficient 100-W Nd:YAG laser operating at a wavelength of 1.444 microm.

Efficient laser emission of flash-lamp-pumped Nd:YAG rods at a wavelength of 1.444 microm is reported. A maximum average output power of 100 W at pulse energies of 5.5 J and a pulse duration of 0.65 ms was achieved. The highest electrical-to-optical overall efficiency of 1.3% was attained with a single elliptical silver pump cavity with europium-doped quartz as a spectral filter. The 1.444-microm performance as well as the output characteristics at 1.064 and 1.32 microm of Nd:YAG were investigated as a function of doping concentration and rod diameter.

Degenerated confocal resonato.

The properties of confocal resonators with g(1) = g(2) = 0 and with one mirror confined by an aperture were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. The fundamental mode operation with complete filling of the medium, which ds located near the unconfined mirror, can always be obtained by an appropriate choice of the aperture radius. Numerical calculations based on Fresnel integrals, including the amplification of the gain medium, provide a detailed understanding of the resonator properties, with guidelines for an optimum resonator performance. Diffraction loss, mode structure, beam quality, extraction efficiency, and misalignment sensitivity of these resonators are measured with a pulsed Nd:YAG laser in a single-shot operation.

Multirod unstable resonators for high-power solid-state lasers.

The properties of positive-branch and negative-branch unstable resonators with variable reflectivity mirrors and several variable internal lenses were investigated both theoretically and experimentally. Design rules for optimized unstable resonators for one or more active elements are derived on the basis of the ABCD matrix formalism. Experiments were performed with a pulsed Nd:YAG system consisting of three 6 in. × 3/8 in. (15.24 cm × 0.95 cm) rods. This system provided a maximum output power of 550 W per rod when a symmetric flat-flat resonator was used. Unstable resonators achieved up to 75% of this maximum value with beam-parameter products between 2 and 10 mm mrad. The beam quality becomes worse as more active elements are used inside the resonator. This deterioration of focusability is caused by spherical aberration in combination with differences of refractive power for r and Φ polarizations.

Performance of a 2.3-kW Nd:YAG slab laser system.

A slab laser system consisting of three Nd:YAG slabs with dimensions 7 mm x 26 mm x 191 mm was operated with different resonators in an oscillator-amplifier-amplifier arrangement. In single-shot operation the system provided a maximum output energy of 148 J with a pulse duration of 4 ms and an overall efficiency of 4.3%. A stable resonator provided a maximum steady output power of 2260 W, and we measured beam parameter products of 8 mm mrad in the x direction and 100 mm mrad in the y direction. An output power of 1460 W and beam parameter products of less than 4 mm mrad in both directions were obtained with an unstable resonator with a graded-reflectivity mirror.

Application of productivity estimates to psychiatric nursing practice.

Due to the current financial situation, productivity has become an overwhelming issue and decision-making device within the entire health care delivery system. Application of productivity estimates to nursing, and especially psychiatric nursing, is difficult because of the nature of nursing services and the elusiveness of productivity as a quantitative measure. With financial cutbacks expected to continue, the ability of nurses to account for the cost of their services is both timely and necessary. Psychiatric nurses should be knowledgeable of models in current use and aware of their usefulness and limitations.

Suprarenal abscess in the neonate. Technetium-99m glucoheptonate imaging.

Although suprarenal abscess in a newborn is rare, a prompt diagnosis is essential for proper patient management. The findings obtained with Tc-99m glucoheptonate renal imaging in a newborn with a right adrenal abscess are reported. A radionuclide renal imaging sequence over a 15-hour period demonstrated a "rim sign" which can be used to suggest the diagnosis. Radionuclide and ultrasound imaging of neonatal adrenal masses is discussed.