Evaluating the impact of surgical supply cost variation during partial nephrectomy on patient outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Reducing surgical supply costs can help to lower hospital expenditures. We aimed to evaluate whether variation in supply costs between urologic surgeons performing both robotic or open partial nephrectomies is associated with differential patient outcomes. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed 399 consecutive robotic (n=220) and open (n=179) partial nephrectomies performed at an academic center. Surgical supply costs were determined at the institution-negotiated rate. Through retrospective review, we identified factors related to case complexity, patient comorbidity, and perioperative outcomes. Two radiologists assigned nephrometry scores to grade tumor complexity. We created univariate and multivariable models for predictors of supply costs, length of stay, and change in serum creatinine. RESULTS: Median supply cost was $3,201 [interquartile range (IQR): $2,201-3,808] for robotic partial nephrectomy and $968 (IQR: $819-1,772) for open partial nephrectomy. Mean nephrometry score was 7.0 (SD =1.7) for robotic procedures and 8.2 (SD =1.6) for open procedures. In multivariable models, the surgeon was the primary significant predictor of variation in surgical supply costs for both procedure types. In multivariable mixed-effects analysis with surgeon as a random effect, supply cost was not a significant predictor of change in serum creatinine for robotic or open procedures. Supply cost was not a statistically significant predictor of length of stay for the open procedure. Supply cost was a significant predictor of longer length of stay for the robotic procedure, however it was not a clinically meaningful change in length of stay (0.02 days per $100 in supply costs). CONCLUSIONS: Higher supply spending did not predict significantly improved patient outcomes. Variability in surgeon supply preference is the likely source of variability in supply cost. These data suggest that efforts to promote cost-effective utilization and standardization of supplies in partial nephrectomy could help reduce costs without harming patients.

Updated guidelines for intravenous contrast use for CT and MRI.

Intravenous (IV) contrast material is used extensively for CT and MRI scans done in emergency departments (ED). Its use is essential to make many critical diagnoses in ED patients. While adverse reactions can occur, newer research has added to our knowledge of IV contrast media tolerance and safety leading to improved and more liberal guidelines for intravenous contrast use. The updated information described in this review article indicates how intravenous contrast can be used safely in more patients, more expeditiously and with fewer precautions than with prior guidelines. This review article explains the basis for the new recommendations for intravenous contrast material use and describes indicated precautions and preparations to avoid adverse reactions for iodinated agents used for CT and gadolinium agents for MRI.

Differences in negative predictive value of prostate MRI based in men with suspected or known cancer.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the negative predictive value (NPV) of multiparametric MRI for Gleason score (GS) ≥ 3+4 cancer and evaluate predictors of these tumors in men with suspected disease and under active surveillance (AS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 38 men with suspected prostate cancer and 38 under AS with scans assigned PI-RADS v2 scores 1 or 2 between May 2016 and September 2017. Biopsy results were no cancer, GS = 3+3, or GS ≥ 3+4. Pre-MRI PSA, gland volume, and PSA density were recorded. Chi-square, equality of proportions, and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Intermediate to high-grade cancer was found in 12.8% (95% CI = 2.3-23.3) and 35.9% (95% CI = 20.8-50.9) of men with suspected cancer, and under AS (p = 0.02), respectively. The NPV for GS ≥ 3+4 were 87.2% (suspected cancer; 76.7-97.7) and 64.1% (AS; 49.0-79.2). In neither group PSA significantly predicted cancer grade (p = 0.75 and 0.63). Although it did not reach conventional statistical significance, PSA density was a good predictor of cancer grade in men with suspected disease (p = 0.06), but not under AS (p = 0.62). CONCLUSION: The NPV of multiparametric MRI for GS ≥ 3+4 is higher in men with suspected prostate cancer than in men under AS. PSA density ≤ 0.15 improved the prediction of intermediate to high-grade disease in patients without known cancer.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o valor preditivo negativo (VPN) da RM multiparamétrica da próstata para o diagnóstico de tumores escore de Gleason (EG) ≥ 3+4 e avaliar os preditores desses tumores em homens com suspeita de doença e nos sob vigilância ativa (VA). MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu 38 homens com suspeita de câncer de próstata e 38 em VA com RM, aos quais foram atribuídos escores PI-RADS v2 1 ou 2 entre maio de 2016 e setembro de 2017. Os resultados da biópsia foram ausência de câncer, câncer EG = 3+3 ou câncer EG ≥ 3+4. PSA pré-RM, volume da glândula e densidade de PSA foram anotados. Qui-quadrado, igualdade de proporções e regressões logísticas foram utilizados para analisar os dados. RESULTADOS: Câncer de grau intermediário a alto grau foi encontrado em 12,8% (IC 95% = 2,3­23,3) e 35,9% (IC 95% = 20,8­50,9) dos homens com suspeita de câncer e nos sob VA (p = 0,02), respectivamente. O VPN para GS ≥ 3+4 foi 87,2% (suspeita de câncer; IC 95% = 76,7­97,7) e 64,1% (VA; IC 95% = 49,0­79,2). Em nenhum dos grupos o PSA previu significativamente o grau de câncer (p = 0,75 e 0,63. Embora não tenha alcançado o limiar de significância estatística usual, a densidade de PSA foi um bom preditor de grau de câncer em homens com suspeita de doença (p = 0,06), mas não sob VA (p = 0,62). CONCLUSÃO: O VPN da RM multiparamétrica para GS ≥ 3+4 é maior em homens com suspeita de câncer de próstata do que em homens sob VA. Uma densidade de PSA ≤ 0,15 melhorou a previsão de doença de grau intermediário a alto grau em pacientes sem diagnóstico prévio de câncer.

Differences in negative predictive value of prostate MRI based in men with suspected or known cancer / Diferenças no valor preditivo negativo da ressonância magnética da próstata baseada em homens com câncer suspeito ou conhecido

Abstract Objective: To compare the negative predictive value (NPV) of multiparametric MRI for Gleason score (GS) ≥ 3+4 cancer and evaluate predictors of these tumors in men with suspected disease and under active surveillance (AS). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 38 men with suspected prostate cancer and 38 under AS with scans assigned PI-RADS v2 scores 1 or 2 between May 2016 and September 2017. Biopsy results were no cancer, GS = 3+3, or GS ≥ 3+4. Pre-MRI PSA, gland volume, and PSA density were recorded. Chi-square, equality of proportions, and logistic regressions were used to analyze the data. Results: Intermediate to high-grade cancer was found in 12.8% (95% CI = 2.3-23.3) and 35.9% (95% CI = 20.8-50.9) of men with suspected cancer, and under AS (p = 0.02), respectively. The NPV for GS ≥ 3+4 were 87.2% (suspected cancer; 76.7-97.7) and 64.1% (AS; 49.0-79.2). In neither group PSA significantly predicted cancer grade (p = 0.75 and 0.63). Although it did not reach conventional statistical significance, PSA density was a good predictor of cancer grade in men with suspected disease (p = 0.06), but not under AS (p = 0.62). Conclusion: The NPV of multiparametric MRI for GS ≥ 3+4 is higher in men with suspected prostate cancer than in men under AS. PSA density ≤ 0.15 improved the prediction of intermediate to high-grade disease in patients without known cancer.

Resumo Objetivo: Comparar o valor preditivo negativo (VPN) da RM multiparamétrica da próstata para o diagnóstico de tumores escore de Gleason (EG) ≥ 3+4 e avaliar os preditores desses tumores em homens com suspeita de doença e nos sob vigilância ativa (VA). Materiais e Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo incluiu 38 homens com suspeita de câncer de próstata e 38 em VA com RM, aos quais foram atribuídos escores PI-RADS v2 1 ou 2 entre maio de 2016 e setembro de 2017. Os resultados da biópsia foram ausência de câncer, câncer EG = 3+3 ou câncer EG ≥ 3+4. PSA pré-RM, volume da glândula e densidade de PSA foram anotados. Qui-quadrado, igualdade de proporções e regressões logísticas foram utilizados para analisar os dados. Resultados: Câncer de grau intermediário a alto grau foi encontrado em 12,8% (IC 95% = 2,3-23,3) e 35,9% (IC 95% = 20,8-50,9) dos homens com suspeita de câncer e nos sob VA (p = 0,02), respectivamente. O VPN para GS ≥ 3+4 foi 87,2% (suspeita de câncer; IC 95% = 76,7-97,7) e 64,1% (VA; IC 95% = 49,0-79,2). Em nenhum dos grupos o PSA previu significativamente o grau de câncer (p = 0,75 e 0,63. Embora não tenha alcançado o limiar de significância estatística usual, a densidade de PSA foi um bom preditor de grau de câncer em homens com suspeita de doença (p = 0,06), mas não sob VA (p = 0,62). Conclusão: O VPN da RM multiparamétrica para GS ≥ 3+4 é maior em homens com suspeita de câncer de próstata do que em homens sob VA. Uma densidade de PSA ≤ 0,15 melhorou a previsão de doença de grau intermediário a alto grau em pacientes sem diagnóstico prévio de câncer.

Multidetector Computed Tomography Imaging of Damage Control Surgery Patients.

Damage control surgery is a staged surgical procedure in a patient who has suffered penetrating or blunt abdominal traumatic injury with severe metabolic derangements. Multidetector computed tomography scanning is a vital tool for patient management in the damage control patient, providing many uses, including assessing the extent of traumatic injury, evaluating areas that were not surgically explored, evaluating for injuries that were missed during the initial surgery, and assessing the stability of surgical repair. Understanding the postsurgical multidetector computed tomography appearance of these patients can aid the radiologist in protocol optimization and provide immediate accurate diagnoses.

Imaging Manifestations of Peptic Ulcer Disease on Computed Tomography.

Although the overall prevalence of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) has decreased in modern times, its actual incidence may be underestimated owing to the nonspecific clinical presentations patients' manifest. The potential lethal complications that can result from PUD include life-threatening abdominal hemorrhage and bowel perforation that result in significant morbidity and mortality. Computed tomography (CT) imaging historically lacks specificity in detecting PUD-related pathology in the stomach and proximal small bowel segments. Therefore, these are potential pitfalls in the radiologist's search pattern on abdominopelvic CT imaging. This article highlights imaging features of uncomplicated PUD on CT imaging in order to allow for early detection of this disease process on imaging and the prevention of potential high-grade complications by recommending esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Effect of an Institutional Triaging Algorithm on the Use of Multidetector CT for Patients with Blunt Abdominopelvic Trauma over an 8-year Period.

Purpose To evaluate the effect of an institutional clinical triaging algorithm on the rate of multidetector computed tomography (CT) utilization in blunt abdominopelvic trauma (BAPT) over an 8-year period at an urban level 1 trauma center. Materials and Methods Adult patients (n = 13 096; mean age, 42 years; age range, 15-95 years) admitted with BAPT from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2013, were included. Patients with BAPT were divided into two groups: those admitted before (referred to as the prealgorithm group, from January 1, 2006, to June 30, 2010) and after (referred to as the postalgorithm group, from July 1, 2010, to December 31, 2013) the implementation of an institutional clinical triaging algorithm. The following parameters were recorded from abdominopelvic CT study reports for the pre- and postalgorithm groups: number of abdominopelvic CT examinations at admission, number of abdominopelvic CT examinations with positive BAPT-related findings, injury severity score, length of hospital stay, and number of mortalities. The unpaired t test and χ2 analysis were used to determine significant differences. Results The percentage of patients admitted for BAPT who underwent an abdominopelvic CT study was 76.7% (5900 of 7688) in the prealgorithm group and 44.6% (2413 of 5408) in the postalgorithm group, a 32.1% decrease in use of CT (P < .001). The mean injury severity score increased from 10.1 ± 9.1 (standard deviation) to 13.3 ± 11.9 after implementation of the algorithm in patients admitted for BAPT who underwent abdominopelvic CT examination (P < .001). The percentage of abdominopelvic CT examinations with BAPT-related findings increased from 17.1% (1007 of 5900) to 19.8% (479 of 2413) (P = .003). There was a significant difference in average length of stay, from 4.8 days ± 7.0 to 4.2 days ± 6.2 (P < .001). Mortality decreased from 3.1% (242 of 7688) to 2.7% (148 of 5408) after implementation of the algorithm (P = .19). Conclusion The implementation of a clinical triaging algorithm resulted in decreased use of multidetector CT in patients who presented with BAPT to the emergency department. © RSNA, 2016.

Utility of MDCT findings in predicting patient management outcomes in renal trauma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of computed tomography (CT) in predicting clinical outcomes in renal trauma. MATERIALS/METHODS: This retrospective study was IRB approved and HIPAA compliant; informed consent was waived. One-hundred-sixty-two, trauma-related renal injuries (157 adults) from January 01, 2006 to December 31, 2013 were included in this retrospective study. CT findings of vascular and collecting system (CS) injuries were recorded, and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) renal injury grades were assigned. Fisher's exact test evaluated correlations between AAST grade and active hemorrhage, AAST grade and surgical/endovascular therapy, active hemorrhage and surgical/endovascular therapy, and size of perinephric hematomas and CS injuries. The unpaired t test correlated to the size of perinephric hematomas in CS injuries diagnosed on initial versus repeat imaging. RESULTS: AAST grades were as follows: 120 grades I-III and 42 grade IV/V. Active hemorrhage was diagnosed in 25 (15%) patients and CS injury in 22 (14%) patients. Seven (8%) patients received surgical/endovascular therapy. There were statistically significant correlations between AAST grade and active hemorrhage (p = 0.003), active hemorrhage and surgical/endovascular therapy (p < 0.0001), and large perinephric hematomas (>2 cm) and CS injuries (p < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between AAST grade and surgical/endovascular therapy (p = 0.08). Of the CS injuries (50%), 11/22 had no evidence of CS injury on initial imaging, being detected on follow-up CT. These "masked cases" demonstrated significant differences in perinephric hematoma size when compared to CS injuries diagnosed on initial imaging (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Active hemorrhage in renal trauma is a significant predictor of surgical/endovascular therapy, in contradistinction to the AAST grade. In collecting system injuries, a large fraction was not detectable on initial CT, supporting the need for repeat imaging in cases with large perinephric hematomas.

CT of Major Vascular Injury in Blunt Abdominopelvic Trauma.

Blunt abdominopelvic trauma remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality nationwide. Delays in diagnosis can be catastrophic, underscoring the crucial importance of prompt injury detection. Identification of vascular injuries in the setting of blunt abdominal trauma can pose a diagnostic challenge, as detection is reliant on appropriate multidetector computed tomography (CT) scanning protocols and familiarity with the various imaging presentations of vessel injury. The advent of multidetector CT and fine-tuning of department protocols has led to fast, accurate, and efficient diagnosis of the broad spectrum of major vascular injuries that can result from blunt abdominopelvic trauma. CT allows timely diagnosis, differentiation between various types of major vascular injury, identification of associated findings, and specific localization of the source of bleeding. Accurate and early diagnosis of major abdominopelvic vascular injuries is fundamental to initiation of appropriate treatment strategies and improvement of clinical outcomes in this patient population. (©)RSNA, 2016.

Damage control surgery: use of diagnostic CT after life-saving laparotomy.

Damage control surgery (DCS) is a limited exploratory laparotomy that is performed in unstable trauma patients who, without immediate intervention, would acutely decompensate. Patients usually present with shock physiology and metabolic derangements including acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy. Delayed medical correction of these metabolic derangements leads to an irreversible state of coagulopathic hemorrhagic shock and inevitable patient demise. Therefore, once a patient meets DCS criteria, a limited exploratory laparotomy is performed to stabilize life-threatening injury and expedite initiation of medical resuscitation in the intensive care unit (ICU). The surgeon plans to return to the operating room for definitive surgical treatment once the patient is hemodynamically stabilized and the metabolic derangements have been corrected. DCS patients are frequently sent to the ICU with an open abdomen and purposefully retained surgical equipment. The lack of response to resuscitation efforts, persistent hypotension, tachycardia, and/or the development of sepsis are common indications for this patient population to undergo CT imaging. The indications and findings of multi-detector CT (MDCT) in patients post-DCS have not been thoroughly evaluated in the radiology literature. A radiologist's knowledge of the DCS protocol and pre-imaging surgical interventions helps optimize the MDCT protocol. This enhances the radiologist's ability to evaluate for failure of surgical interventions performed prior to imaging and to search for injuries in areas that were not explored or that were missed during the initial surgical exploration.