Laparoscopic peritoneopericardial herniorrhaphy in 2 dogs.

Two peritoneopericardial hernias (PPDH) repaired laparoscopically are reported. Both PPDHs were approached with the dog in dorsal recumbency. Herniated organs (gallbladder and 2 liver lobes in Case 1 and omental fat in Case 2) were dissected and reduced. Hernias were closed in a 2-layer horizontal mattress pattern using 2-0 polyester (Case 1), and in a single-layer simple continuous pattern using 0 barbed polyglyconate (Case 2). Reduction and herniorrhaphy were achieved without conversion. Moderate to severe systemic hypotension was observed in both dogs which responded rapidly to reducing abdominal insufflation. Ten- and 7-month follow-up confirmed good clinical outcome in both dogs.

Herniorraphie péritonéo-péricardique laparoscopique chez deux chiens. Deux hernies péritonéopéricardiques (PPDH) réparées par laparoscopie sont rapportées. Les deux PPDHs ont été réalisées avec le chien en décubitus dorsal. Les organes herniés (vésicule biliaire et deux lobes hépatiques dans le cas 1 et graisse épiploïque dans le cas 2) ont été disséqués et réduits. Les hernies ont été fermées avec un patron de suture matelas horizontal à deux couches en utilisant du polyester 2-0 (cas 1) et avec un modèle de suture continu simple à une seule couche en utilisant du polyglyconate barbelé 0 (cas 2). La réduction et l'herniorraphie ont été réalisées sans conversion. Une hypotension systémique modérée à sévère a été observée chez les deux chiens qui ont répondu rapidement à la réduction de l'insufflation abdominale. Un suivi de dix et sept mois a confirmé de bons résultats cliniques chez les deux chiens.(Traduit par Dr Serge Messier).

Multimodal Pain Management Protocol to Decrease Opioid Use and to Improve Pain Control After Thoracic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Opioid addiction continues to be a devastating problem in our communities, and up to 40% of patients begin their addiction with legally prescribed opioids after injury or surgical procedure. An opioid-free multimodal pain regimen was developed with the goal of decreasing opioid exposure while maintaining adequate pain control. METHODS: A retrospective single-institution study was conducted of 313 consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive lobectomy before (n = 211) and after (n = 102) implementation of an opioid-free protocol from 2016 to 2020. Data analysis was conducted on preoperative characteristics, postoperative opioid use at set time points (postoperative day 0, postoperative days 1 to 7, and total stay), pain scores, discharge with opioid prescription, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: Patients on the opioid-free protocol had significantly lower average total morphine milligram equivalents at all time points. In addition, 56% of patients in the opioid-free group received no oral opioids at all, and 91% did not receive a patient-controlled analgesia pump. Average pain scores were significantly lower in the opioid-free protocol patients along with percentage of time spent with pain scores <3 and <6. With implementation of the protocol, 62% of patients are discharged without an opioid prescription compared with only 7% previously. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an opioid-free protocol led to a significant decrease in the use of postoperative opioids at all time points while improving overall management of pain. In addition, most patients are discharged with no home opioid prescription, decreasing a potential source of community opioid spread.

Tracheal Transection From Gunshot Wound to the Neck.

A male patient presented with a gunshot wound superior to his left scapula and difficulty breathing. En route to the emergency department, he rapidly became unresponsive, culminating in a cricothyroidotomy by paramedics. Oxygen saturation was 70% on arrival, and a tracheobronchial injury was suspected. In the operating room, a complete transection of the mid trachea was found and repaired. Postoperatively, the patient had acute respiratory distress syndrome. He was placed on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and was eventually decannulated on postoperative day 12. The need for immediate identification of airway inadequacy, despite appropriate interventions, is underscored by this case report.

Giant Bochdalek Hernia: A Minimally Invasive Transabdominal Approach.

A Bochdalek hernia is the most common congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). It can rarely evade prenatal detection and persist into adulthood with minimal symptoms. Large CDH repair has often required an open approach in the past. In this article, we present a case of a patient with large CDH who was asymptomatic until later in her adult life who subsequently developed symptoms and sought a surgical evaluation. A minimally invasive transabdominal approach was used to effectively reduce and repair this rare giant hernia. The patient has remained free of recurrence and has had resolution of her symptoms after 18 months of follow-up. This case illustrates that even the largest of these can be handled in a minimally invasive fashion and achieve durable results.

Fundic gastropexy for high risk of recurrence laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair and esophageal sphincter augmentation (LINX) improves outcomes without altering perioperative course.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to show that the addition of a fundic gastropexy to a laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair (HHR) and magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) with LINX (Johnson and Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ) in patients with high risk for hiatal hernia recurrence improves outcomes without altering perioperative course. METHODS: An IRB approved, single institution retrospective review of patient outcomes after hiatal hernia repair with magnetic sphincter augmentation was performed. Data were obtained from the electronic health record and stored in a REDCap database. Using statistical software, the patient data were analyzed and stratified to assess the specific variables of the perioperative and postoperative course focusing on the high risk of hiatal hernia recurrence group (HRHR) and low risk hiatal hernia of recurrence group (LRHR). The HRHR group received a gastropexy and were defined using the following variables: comorbid state increasing abdominal pressure, gastric herniation > 30%, maximum transverse crural diameter > 4 cm, age 70 years or older, previous hiatal or abdominal wall hernia repair, BMI > 34, heavy weight bearing job/hobby, and/or emergent repair. RESULTS: Hiatal hernia repair with magnetic sphincter augmentation was performed on 137 patients. The HRHR group (N = 86) and the LRHR group (N = 51) were compared and there was a difference observed with acute hernia recurrence, dysphagia (p value = 0.008), and number of post-op EGDs (p value = 0.005) in favor of the HRHR group. Other postoperative variables observed (i.e., length of stay and PPI use) showed no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Fundic gastropexy for individuals who are considered high risk for recurrence does not appear to alter the perioperative course in our sample of patients. The HRHR group has the same length of stay experience and improved postoperative outcomes with reference to postoperative EGD, dysphagia and a decreasing trend in hiatal hernia recurrence.

Establishment of a per oral endoscopic myotomy program at a rural tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: This study's purpose is to determine the application and effectiveness of a POEM program in the rural healthcare setting. Achalasia has a substantial impact on the lives of afflicted patients. Traditionally, a Heller myotomy with fundoplication has been the standard of care for treatment. In 2008, the first per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was performed in Japan. Since 2017, our rural healthcare institution has performed approximately 60 POEMs. METHODS: An IRB approved, single-institution retrospective review of patient outcomes after POEM was performed along with prospective analysis of post-operative surveys. An institutional cost analysis was also performed. Demographic and qualitative variables were measured and included PPI use, a Likert scale of 0-5 for progressively worsening symptoms of heartburn, dysphagia, and regurgitation. In addition, we included a Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale. RESULTS: The number of myotomy operations increased from 4.5 per year to 28.8 per year after initiation of the POEM program. Mean Likert scale scores were 0.91, 0.73, and 1 for heartburn, dysphagia, and regurgitation, respectively. 72.5% percent of patients were satisfied with their present condition. 87.5% of patients reported minimal or no dysphagia on the Dysphagia Severity Scale. Intraoperative costs were $2477 for laparoscopic myotomy and $1650 for POEM. The capital expense of the equipment required to perform POEM was $110,232. Average contribution margin per case was $6024. The procedure pays off capital outlay upon completion of the 19th case. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that patients have excellent symptom control after POEM. When compared to the institution's laparoscopic myotomy volume, POEM far surpasses in terms of operative volume and monetary benefit. Examination of these data shows that a rural hospital can successfully employ a state-of-the-art intervention when there is a population in need and an infrastructure in place.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Rib Fractures.

Rib fractures are the most common thoracic injury after minor blunt trauma. Although rib fractures can produce significant morbidity, the diagnosis of injuries to underlying organs is arguably more important as these complications are likely to have the most significant clinical impact. Isolated rib fractures have a relatively low morbidity and mortality and treatment is generally conservative. As such, evaluation with standard chest radiographs is usually sufficient for the diagnosis of rib fractures, and further imaging is generally not appropriate as there is little data that undiagnosed isolated rib fractures after minor blunt trauma affect management or outcomes. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation frequently results in anterior rib fractures and chest radiographs are usually appropriate (and sufficient) as the initial imaging modality in these patients. In patients with suspected pathologic fractures, chest CT or Tc-99m bone scans are usually appropriate and complementary modalities to chest radiography based on the clinical scenario. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Timing of Esophagectomy after Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy Affects the Incidence of Anastomotic Leaks.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) has become the standard of care for esophageal cancer patients prior to esophagectomy. However, the optimal timing for surgery after completion of nCRT remains unclear. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis for esophageal cancer at a single institution between January 2000 and June 2015. Patients were categorized into 3 cohorts: those who did not receive nCRT prior to esophagectomy (no nCRT), those who underwent esophagectomy within 35 days after nCRT (≤35d), and those who underwent esophagectomy more than 35 days after nCRT (>35d). RESULTS: A total of 366 esophagectomies were performed during the study period, and 348 patients met the inclusion criteria. Anastomotic leaks occurred in 11.8% of all patients included in the study (41 of 348). Within each cohort, anastomotic leaks were detected in 14.7% of patients (17 of 116) in the no nCRT cohort, 7.3% (13 of 177) in the ≤35d cohort, and 20.0% (11 of 55) in the >35d cohort (p=0.020). Significant differences in the occurrence of anastomotic leaks were observed between the no nCRT and ≤35d cohorts (p=0.044), and between the ≤35d and >35d cohorts (p=0.007). CONCLUSION: Esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis within 35 days of nCRT resulted in a lower percentage of anastomotic leaks.

Robotic-Assisted Thoracoscopic Repair of Right-Sided Bochdalek Hernia in Adults: A Two-Case Series.

Bochdalek hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia that presents rarely in adulthood. Because of the paucity of cases, no standard repair technique has been identified. Here we present two cases of robotic, thoracoscopic repair of this rare hernia defect. Two separate adult patients with right-sided abdominal pain presented to the emergency department for evaluation. Both patients were diagnosed with right-sided Bochdalek hernia and repair was undertaken with a robotic, transthoracic approach. Repair technique is described in detail, including port placement, dissection technique, and repair strategy. Advantages of the robotic, transthoracic approach are discussed in detail. A transthoracic minimally invasive approach using a robotic platform is noted to be both feasible and practical in the treatment of adult Bochdalek hernia.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Acute Respiratory Illness in Immunocompetent Patients.

Acute respiratory illness, defined as cough, sputum production, chest pain, and/or dyspnea (with or without fever), is a major public health issue, accounting for millions of doctor office and emergency department visits every year. While most cases are due to self-limited viral infections, a significant number of cases are due to more serious respiratory infections where delay in diagnosis can lead to morbidity and mortality. Imaging plays a key role in the initial diagnosis and management of acute respiratory illness. This study reviews the current literature concerning the appropriate role of imaging in the diagnosis and management of the immunocompetent adult patient initially presenting with acute respiratory illness. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Chronic Dyspnea-Noncardiovascular Origin.

Chronic dyspnea may result from a variety of disorders of cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, neuromuscular, systemic, and psychogenic etiology. This article discusses guidelines for the initial imaging of six variants for chronic dyspnea of noncardiovascular origin: (1) Chronic dyspnea of unclear etiology; (2) Chronic dyspnea with suspected chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; (3) Chronic dyspnea with suspected central airways disease; (4) Chronic dyspnea with suspected interstitial lung disease; (5) Chronic dyspnea with suspected disease of the pleura or chest wall; and (6) Chronic dyspnea with suspected diaphragm dysfunction. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Lung Cancer Screening.

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women. Smoking is the single greatest risk factor for the development of lung cancer. For patients between the age of 55 and 80 with 30 or more pack years smoking history who currently smoke or who have quit within the last 15 years should undergo lung cancer screening with low-dose CT. In patients who do not meet these criteria but who have additional risk factors for lung cancer, lung cancer screening with low-dose CT is controversial but may be appropriate. Imaging is not recommended for lung cancer screening of patient younger than 50 years of age or patients older than 80 years of age or patients of any age with less than 20 packs per year history of smoking and no additional risk factor (ie, radon exposure, occupational exposure, cancer history, family history of lung cancer, history of COPD, or history of pulmonary fibrosis). The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Delay in Oral Feeding is Associated With a Decrease in Anastomotic Leak Following Transhiatal Esophagectomy.

The cervical anastomotic leak is a major complication of transhiatal esophagectomy and results in chronic strictures in up to half of patients. A change in postoperative protocol to delaying initiation of oral intake was made with the goal of reducing anastomotic leak rate and associated sequelae. A postoperative protocol change was applied to all patients undergoing elective transhiatal esophagectomy. Rate of anastomotic leak and anastomotic stricture, defined as defect in the esophagogastric anastomosis and narrowing of the anastomosis, respectively, were compared between pre- and post-change groups. Between 2004 and 2013, 203 patients underwent transhiatal esophagectomy with cervical anastomosis. Historically, oral intake was resumed on postoperative day 3, and during the course of the study, a change was made to the protocol to delay oral intake until 15 days postoperatively. Eighty-three patients were in the early oral feeding group (postoperative day 3), and 120 were in the delayed oral intake group (postoperative day 15). There was a statistically significant decrease in the rate of anastomotic leak from 14.5% to 4.2% between the early and delayed intake groups, respectively (P = 0.0089). There was also a trend (P = 0.05) towards a lower rate of anastomotic stricture in all patients in the delayed intake group (15.8%) compared with those in the early feeding group (27.7%). By increasing the time to postoperative oral feeding, we have noted an associated improvement in both immediate and long-term outcomes of elective transhiatal esophagectomy patients.

Screening Patients with Esophageal Cancer to Determine Eligibility for Adjuvant Treatment Trials.

BACKGROUND: The tolerability of adjuvant chemotherapy in esophageal cancer is unclear. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a phase II trial of adjuvant paclitaxel in patients with esophageal cancer after trimodality treatment. Patients with residual viable tumor after resection were eligible for study inclusion. Treatment was 80 mg/m2 paclitaxel intravenously on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days for total of two cycles. The primary objective was to determine whether 75% or more of the patients would tolerate 240 mg/m2 or more of paclitaxel, which corresponded to 50% or more of the total planned dose. RESULTS: Eleven out of the 12 enrolled patients (92%, 95% confidence interval (CI)=62-100%) were able to complete at least 50% of the planned paclitaxel dose. Median progression-free survival was 7 months (95% CI=2-28 months). Median overall survival was 28 months (95% CI=12-36 months). Only one patient experienced a grade 4 adverse event. CONCLUSION: Screening patients with esophageal cancer after trimodality treatment might improve completion of adjuvant trials.

Does cramming work? Impact of National Web-Based Thoracic Surgery Curriculum login frequency on thoracic surgery in-training exam performance.

OBJECTIVE: Web-based curricula provide login data that can be advantageously used to characterize and analyze study habits. We sought to compare thoracic surgical trainee In-Training Examination percentiles with regard to their study habits (ie, cramming), as characterized by curriculum login frequency to the national Web-based Thoracic Surgery Curriculum. Furthermore, we then aimed to characterize the curriculum login frequency of trainees as stratified by their performance on the In-Training Examination and their improvement on the In-Training Examination over subsequent years. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of trainees who accessed the curriculum before the 2014 In-Training Examination, with curriculum login data collected from site analytics. Scores were compared between trainees who crammed (≥30% increase in logins in the month before the In-Training Examination) and those who did not. Trainees were stratified on the basis of 2014 In-Training Examination percentile and improvement in percentile from 2013 to 2014 into high, medium, and low scorers and improvers. RESULTS: Of 256 trainees who took the 2014 In-Training Examination, 63 (25%) met criteria as crammers. Crammers increased total study sessions immediately before the In-Training Examination (P < .001), but without impact on 2014 In-Training Examination percentile (P = .995) or year-to-year improvement (P = .234). Stratification by In-Training Examination percentile demonstrated that highest scoring trainees used the curriculum more frequently in the final month than medium-range scorers (P = .039). When stratified by extent of year-to-year improvement, those who improved the most accessed the curriculum significantly more often in the last month compared with baseline (P = .040). Moreover, those with greatest improvement logged in more in the final month than those with least improvement (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing the frequency of study periods on the national Web-based thoracic surgery curriculum before the In-Training Examination may have a unique benefit to trainees who initially score low to allow them to significantly improve their subsequent year In-Training Examination performance.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Suspected Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary hypertension may be idiopathic or related to a large variety of diseases. Various imaging examinations that may be helpful in diagnosing and determining the etiology of pulmonary hypertension are discussed. Imaging examinations that may aid in the diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension include chest radiography, ultrasound echocardiography, ventilation/perfusion scans, CT, MRI, right heart catheterization, pulmonary angiography, and fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose PET/CT. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.