Focal Cancer in Colitis.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a known complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Widely accepted guidelines recommend that patients with ulcerative colitis diagnosed with CRC undergo total proctocolectomy with or without ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, and that patients with Crohn's disease and CRC undergo either total colectomy or proctocolectomy. These approaches are ideal for preventing synchronous and metachronous cancer, minimizing risk of refractory colitis requiring reoperation, and is the appropriate treatment for the vast majority of patients with IBD who are diagnosed with CRC and require surgical intervention. Segmental colectomy, however, may be considered in select patients with IBD and CRC, specifically in elderly patients with short disease duration, in patients with mild colitis identified preoperatively, in patients with high operative risk and prohibitive comorbidities, and in patients whose CRC appears to be sporadic as opposed to colitis-associated. Patients undergoing segmental resection must be closely surveilled postoperatively for dysplasia, recurrent cancer, and refractory colitis.

Effects of surgical approach on short- and long-term outcomes in early-stage rectal cancer: a multicenter, propensity score-weighted cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Randomized controlled trials have been unable to demonstrate noninferiority of minimally invasive surgery for rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to assess oncologic resection success, short- and long-term morbidity, and overall survival by operative approach in a homogenous early-stage rectal cancer cohort. METHODS: This is a multicenter, propensity score-weighted cohort study utilizing deidentified data from the National Cancer Database. Individuals who underwent a formal proctectomy for early-stage rectal cancer (T1-2, N0, M0) from 2010 to 2015 were included. The primary outcome was a composite variable indicating successful oncologic resection stratified by operative approach, defined as negative margins with at least 12 lymph nodes evaluated. RESULTS: Among 3649 proctectomies for rectal adenocarcinoma, 1660 (45%) were approached open, 1461 (40%) laparoscopically, and 528 (15%) robotically. After propensity score weighting, compared to open approach, there were no differences in odds of successful oncologic resection (ORadj = 1.07, 95% CI 0.9, 1.28 and ORadj = 1.28, 95% CI 0.97, 1.7). Open approach was associated with longer mean (± SD) length of stay compared to laparoscopic (7.7 ± 0.18 vs. 6.5 ± 0.25 days, p < 0.001) and robotic (7.7 ± 0.18 vs. 6.3 ± 0.35 days, p < 0.001) approaches. In regard to 90-day mortality, compared to open approach, laparoscopic (ORadj = 0.56, 95% CI 0.36, 0.88) and robotic (ORadj = 0.45, 95% CI 0.22, 0.94) approaches were associated with a reduced odd of 90-day mortality. This mortality benefit persists in the long-term for laparoscopic approach (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: For individuals with early-stage rectal cancer treated with proctectomy, successful oncologic resection can be achieved irrespective of technical approach. Minimally invasive approaches provide short-term reduction in morbidity. Surgical approach must be tailored to each patient based on surgeon experience and judgement in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team.

Evaluating disparities in delivery of neoadjuvant guideline-based chemoradiation for rectal cancer: A multicenter, propensity score-weighted cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Despite guideline recommendations, some patients still receive care inappropriate for their clinical stage of disease. Identification of factors that contribute to variation in guideline base care may help eradicate disparities in the treatment of early and locally advanced rectal cancer. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Cancer Database from 2010 to 2015 was analyzed with propensity score weighting to identify factors associated with delivery and omission of neoadjuvant guideline-based chemoradiation (GBC) for those with early and locally advanced rectal cancer. RESULTS: Only 74% of patients with rectal cancer received stage-appropriate neoadjuvant chemoradiation; 4544 (88%) of those with early stage disease and 8675 (68%) in locally advanced disease. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not planned in 27% and 34% respectively, of those who did not receive GBC. Factors associated with receipt of non-guideline-based neoadjuvant chemoradiation were age >65 years, Medicare insurance, treatment at a community facility, West-South-Central geography, having locally advanced disease, and Charlson-Deyo score >3. Receipt of ideal guideline-based neoadjuvant chemoradiation conferred a survival benefit at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Patient and non-patient factors contribute to disparities in guideline-based delivery of neoadjuvant chemoradiation in the treatment of rectal cancer. Identification of these risk factors are important to help standardize care and improve survival outcomes.

Mobile application-based guidelines to enhance patient care and provider education in trauma and acute care surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Providing up-to-date, universally accessible care guidelines and education within a quaternary care center is challenging. At our institution, trauma and acute care surgery guidelines have historically been published using a paper-based format. Mobile application-based guidelines were developed to address the shortcomings of paper-based guidelines. METHODS: We assessed the utility, usability, and satisfaction of healthcare providers towards paper-based versus mobile application-based guidelines. A survey was administered to providers within the emergency department and intensive care unit. RESULTS: Fifty of 137 providers responded (36.5% response rate). Nearly half (47.4%, 9 of 19) of those who received a copy of the paper-based guidelines lost the guidelines at least once. Regarding usage of the mobile application-based guidelines, 92.6% (25 of 27) were aware of the application; 92.6% (25 of 27) considered the application comprehensive, 85.2% (23 of 27) thought the application was organized, and 66.7% (18 of 27) thought the application was easy to use. Additionally, 88.9% (24 of 27) found the application moderately, very, or extremely helpful and 85.2% (23 of 27) judged the application moderately, very, or extremely necessary. Overall, 88.9% (24 of 27) were satisfied with the application and indicated likeliness to recommend to a colleague. Seventeen of 27 (63.0%) agreed or strongly agreed that the application improved their provision of trauma and acute care. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrates positive usability, utility, and satisfaction among trauma healthcare providers with the mobile application-based guidelines. Additionally, this quality improvement initiative highlights the importance of having comprehensive, organized, and easy-to-use trauma and acute care surgery guidelines and targeted educational materials available on demand. The successful transition from paper to mobile application-based guidelines serves as a model for other institutions to modernize and improve patient care and provider education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Primary tumor location impacts survival in colorectal cancer patients after resection of liver metastases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Right-sided colon cancers (R-CC) are associated with worse outcomes compared to left-sided colon cancers (L-CC). We hypothesize that R-CC with synchronous liver metastases who undergo resection of primary and metastatic sites have worse survival and that survival will vary significantly among R-CC, L-CC, and rectal cancer (ReC). METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2010 to 2016 was used to identify colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases who underwent surgical resection of both primary and metastatic disease. Survival was analyzed by multivariate Cox regression. RESULTS: A total of 2275 patients were included; 38% R-CC, 46% L-CC, and 16% ReC. R-CC primary tumors tended to be larger than 5 cm, higher grade, and mucinous (all P < .001). Compared to patients with R-CC, both L-CC and ReC had improved overall (HR 0.72; P < .001; HR 0.75, P = .006) and disease-specific (HR 0.71, P < .001; HR 0.73, P = .008) survival. There was no difference in survival between L-CC and ReC. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with R-CC have significantly worse survival than L-CC or ReC. This provides additional evidence that R-CC tumors are fundamentally different from L-CC and ReC tumors. Future studies should determine factors responsible for this disparity, and identify targeted treatment based on primary tumor location.

Treating children with achalasia using per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM): Twenty-one cases in review.

BACKGROUND: Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), a modern treatment for achalasia, has only recently emerged as an option for pediatric patients. Here we describe and characterize the success of POEM in children with achalasia. METHODS: A single-institution prospective cohort study was performed of patients <18 years old who underwent POEM from 2014 to 2019. Main outcomes were success at one year (Eckardt ≤3), procedure duration, complications, reintervention. RESULTS: The median age of patients (n = 21) was 13 years (range 2-17). Median procedure duration was 92 min (range 52-259) with case duration plateau of 87.4 min and learning rate of 15.5 cases. Intraoperative complications included capnoperitoneum requiring needle decompression and mucosotomy requiring additional clips. One patient experienced chest pain with small capnoperitoneum seen on chest radiography, and three patients had extraluminal carbon dioxide found incidentally on routine radiography. All were managed with observation. Pre- versus 1-month postprocedure Eckardt scores were significantly improved (7 ±â€¯2 versus 1 ±â€¯2, p < 0.0001, and median ±â€¯SD) with 100% symptomatic relief at one year. To achieve this, 13 patients required further dilation(s), one required laparoscopic Heller myotomy, and two required repeat POEM. CONCLUSIONS: POEM is a viable and safe treatment for pediatric patients with achalasia. We demonstrate improvement in symptoms and procedure proficiency with minimal intra- and postoperative complications. TYPE OF STUDY: Prospective cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II.

Oncologic and Perioperative Outcomes of Laparoscopic, Open, and Robotic Approaches for Rectal Cancer Resection: A Multicenter, Propensity Score-Weighted Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive approaches have been shown to reduce surgical site complications without compromising oncologic outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the rates of successful oncologic resection and postoperative outcomes among laparoscopic, open, and robotic approaches to rectal cancer resection. DESIGN: This is a multicenter, quasiexperimental cohort study using propensity score weighting. SETTINGS: Interventions were performed in hospitals participating in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. PATIENTS: Adult patients who underwent rectal cancer resection in 2016 were included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was a composite variable indicating successful oncologic resection, defined as negative distal and radial margins with at least 12 lymph nodes evaluated. RESULTS: Among 1028 rectal cancer resections, 206 (20%) were approached laparoscopically, 192 (18.7%) were approached robotically, and 630 (61.3%) were open. After propensity score weighting, there were no significant sociodemographic or preoperative clinical differences among subcohorts. Compared to the laparoscopic approach, open and robotic approaches were associated with a decreased likelihood of successful oncologic resection (ORadj = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43-0.94 and ORadj = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37-0.97), and the open approach was associated with an increased likelihood of surgical site complications (ORadj = 2.53; 95% CI, 1.61-3.959). Compared to the laparoscopic approach, the open approach was associated with longer length of stay (6.8 vs 8.6 days, p = 0.002). LIMITATIONS: This was an observational cohort study using a preexisting clinical data set. Despite adjusted propensity score methodology, unmeasured confounding may contribute to our findings. CONCLUSIONS: Resections that were approached laparoscopically were more likely to achieve oncologic success. Minimally invasive approaches did not lengthen operative times and provided benefits of reduced surgical site complications and decreased postoperative length of stay. Further studies are needed to clarify clinical outcomes and factors that influence the choice of approach. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B70. RESULTADOS ONCOLÓGICOS Y PERIOPERATORIOS DE LOS ABORDAJES LAPAROSCÓPICOS, ABIERTOS Y ROBÓTICOS PARA LA RESECCIÓN DEL CÁNCER RECTAL: UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE MULTICÉNTRICO Y PONDERADO DEL PUNTAJE DE PROPENSIÓN: Se ha demostrado que los enfoques mínimamente invasivos reducen las complicaciones del sitio quirúrgico sin comprometer los resultados oncológicos.El objetivo principal de este estudio es evaluar las tasas de resección oncológica exitosa y los resultados postoperatorios entre los abordajes laparoscópico, abierto y robótico para la resección del cáncer rectal.Este es un estudio de cohorte cuasi-experimental multicéntrico que utiliza la ponderación de puntaje de propensión.Las intervenciones se realizaron en hospitales que participan en el Programa Nacional de Mejora de la Calidad Quirúrgica del Colegio Americano de Cirujanos.Se incluyeron pacientes adultos que se sometieron a resección de cáncer rectal en 2016.El resultado primario fue una variable compuesta que indicaba una resección oncológica exitosa, definida como márgenes negativos distales y radiales con al menos 12 ganglios linfáticos evaluados.Entre 1,028 resecciones de cáncer rectal, 206 (20%) fueron abordadas por vía laparoscópica, 192 (18.7%) robóticamente y 630 (61.3%) abiertas. Después de ponderar el puntaje de propensión, no hubo diferencias sociodemográficas o clínicas preoperatorias significativas entre las subcohortes. En comparación con el abordaje laparoscópico, los abordajes abiertos y robóticos se asociaron con una menor probabilidad de resección oncológica exitosa (ORadj = 0.64; IC 95%, 0.43-0.94 y ORadj = 0.60; IC 95%, 0.37-0.97), y el abordaje abierto se asoció con una mayor probabilidad de complicaciones del sitio quirúrgico (ORadj = 2.53; IC 95%, 1.61-3.959). En comparación con el abordaje laparoscópico, el abordaje abierto se asoció con una estadía más prolongada (6.8 frente a 8.6 días, p = 0.002).Este fue un estudio de cohorte observacional que utilizó un conjunto de datos clínicos preexistentes. A pesar de la metodología de puntuación de propensión ajustada, la confusión no medida puede contribuir a nuestros hallazgos.Las resecciones que se abordaron por vía laparoscópica tuvieron más probabilidades de lograr el éxito oncológico. Los enfoques mínimamente invasivos no alargaron los tiempos quirúrgicos y proporcionaron beneficios de la reducción de las complicaciones del sitio quirúrgico y la disminución de la duración de la estadía postoperatoria. Se necesitan más estudios para aclarar los resultados clínicos y los factores que influyen en la elección del enfoque. Vea video resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B70.

Effects of Colorectal Surgery Classification on Reported Postoperative Surgical Site Infections.

BACKGROUND: Current procedural terminology (CPT) for colon and rectal surgery lacks procedural granularity and misclassification rates are unknown. However, they are used in performance measurement, for example, in surgical site infection (SSI). The objective of this study was to determine whether American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) abstraction methods accurately classify types of colorectal operations and, by extension, reported SSI rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study conducted at a single tertiary care center. The colectomy- and proctectomy-targeted NSQIP database from January 2011 to July 2016 was used to perform a semiautomated reclassification (SAR) of all colectomy and proctectomy cases performed by colorectal surgeons. The primary outcome was the difference in perioperative SSI rates by case classification method. RESULTS: Thousand sixty-three patients underwent a colectomy or proctectomy during the study period with a mean age of 55.7 (SD = 16.7) years. Use of the NSQIP classification scheme resulted in 849 colectomy and 214 proctectomy cases. Use of the SAR method resulted in 650 colectomy cases and 413 proctectomy cases (P < 0.001), a 23.4% reclassification of colectomy cases. The group of cases classified as colectomy by SAR had a lower rate of deep/organ space infections than those classified as colectomy by NSQIP (4.5% versus 7.1%, P = 0.034). CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the challenges of CPT code-based patient classification and subsequent outcomes analysis. Expanding the CPT system to more accurately represent colorectal operations would allow for more representative reported outcomes, thus enabling benchmarking and quality improvement.

Passive Nocturnal Physiologic Monitoring Enables Early Detection of Exacerbations in Children with Asthma. A Proof-of-Concept Study.

RATIONALE: Asthma management depends on prompt identification of symptoms, which challenges both patients and providers. In asthma, a misapprehension of health between exacerbations can compromise compliance. Thus, there is a need for a tool that permits objective longitudinal monitoring without increasing the burden of patient compliance. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether changes in nocturnal physiology are associated with asthma symptoms in pediatric patients. METHODS: Using a contactless bed sensor, nocturnal heart rate (HR), respiratory rate, relative stroke volume, and movement in children with asthma 5-18 years of age (n = 16) were recorded. Asthma symptoms and asthma control test (ACT) score were reported every 2 weeks. Random forest model was used to identify physiologic parameters associated with asthma symptoms. Elastic net regression was used to identify variables associated with ACT score. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The model on the full cohort performed with sensitivity of 47.2%, specificity of 96.3%, and accuracy of 87.4%; HR and respiratory parameters were the most important variables in this model. The model predicted asthma symptoms 35% of the time on the day before perception of symptoms, and 100% of the time for a select subject for which the model performed with greater sensitivity. Multivariable and bivariable analyses demonstrated significant association between HR and respiratory rate parameters and ACT score. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal physiologic changes correlate with asthma symptoms, supporting the notion that nocturnal physiologic monitoring represents an objective diagnostic tool capable of longitudinally assessing disease control and predicting asthma exacerbations in children with asthma at home.

Trends and surgical outcomes of laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomy.

BACKGROUND: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is one of the most common pediatric illnesses necessitating surgical intervention. Controversy remains over the optimal surgical approach between laparoscopic pyloromyotomy (LP) and open pyloromyotomy (OP). LP has gained acceptance for management of HPS in an era of expanding minimal access surgical approaches to pediatric conditions. Several studies suggest advantages of LP over OP; however, selection bias and small sample sizes remain a concern. This study compares the outcomes of LP versus OP using propensity score methods. METHODS: The 2013-2015 ACS NSQIP Pediatric PUF was queried for all infants undergoing pyloromyotomy. The trend in the proportion of infants undergoing LP was described and perioperative outcomes between the OP and LP cohorts were compared using propensity score weighted regression models. RESULTS: 4847 infants were identified to have undergone surgical pyloromyotomy. The proportion of LP performed increased significantly from 59% in 2013 to 65.5% in 2015 (p < 0.001). LP was associated with lower overall complications (1.4% vs 2.9%) (ORadj 0.52, 95% CI 0.34-0.80), surgical site-related complications (1.1% vs 2.1%) (ORadj 0.52, 95% CI 0.32-0.84), and post-operative length of stay (1.5 days vs 1.9 days) (ORadj 0.89, 95% CI 0.81-0.98) without significant differences in related re-operation (0.9% vs 0.9%) (ORadj 1.01, 95% CI 0.52-1.93) or readmissions (1.4% vs 2.1%) (ORadj 0.73, 95% CI 0.46-1.17). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that LP is increasingly utilized for management of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and is associated with shorter length of stay, and lower odds of surgical site-specific and overall complications without differences in related re-operations. This study supports LP as a safe and effective method for management of HPS.

Initial experience with peroral endoscopic myotomy for treatment of achalasia in children.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder characterized by aperistalsis of the esophagus and failed relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter that presents rarely in childhood. The peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure is an emerging treatment for achalasia in adults that has recently been introduced into pediatric surgical practice. METHODS: This is a prospective case series of all children referred to Stanford University Lucile Packard Children's Hospital with manometry-confirmed achalasia who underwent a POEM procedure from 2014 to 2016. RESULTS: We enrolled 10 subjects ranging in age from 7 to 17years (M=13.4). The mean pre- and 1-month post-procedure Eckardt scores were 7 (SD=2.5) and 2.4 (SD=2) (p<0.001), respectively. The median procedure time for the entire cohort was 142min (range 60-259min) with ongoing improvement with increased experience (R2=0.6, p=0.008). There were no major adverse events. CONCLUSION: The POEM procedure can be successfully completed in children for the treatment of achalasia with demonstrated short-term post-operative improvement in symptoms. The adoption of advanced endoscopic techniques by pediatric surgeons may enable development of unique intraluminal approaches to congenital anomalies and other childhood diseases. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Treatment Study - Level IV.

Surgical Site Infections after Inguinal Hernia Repairs Performed in Low and Middle Human Development Index Countries: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal hernias are a common disorder in low- and middle-human development index countries (LMHDICs). Poor access to surgical care and lack of patient awareness often lead to delayed presentations of incarcerated or strangulated hernias and their associated morbidities. There is a scarcity of data on the baseline incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) after hernia repair procedures in LMHDICs. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of the literature describing the incidence and management of SSIs after inguinal hernia repair in LMHDICs. We conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses of manuscripts describing patients undergoing hernia repair to establish a baseline SSI rate for this procedure in these settings. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty-three abstracts were identified after applying search criteria, and 31 were suitable for the quantitative analysis. The overall pooled SSI rate was 4.1 infections/100 open hernia repairs (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.0-5.3 infections/100 open repairs), which is consistent with infection rates from high-human development index countries. A separate subgroup analysis of laparoscopic hernia repairs found a weighted pooled SSI rate of 0.4 infections/100 laparoscopic repairs (95% CI 0-2.4 infections/100 laparoscopic repairs). CONCLUSIONS: As surgical access continues to expand in LMHDIC settings, it is imperative to monitor surgical outcomes and ensure that care is provided safely. Establishing a baseline SSI rate for inguinal hernia repairs offers a useful benchmark for future studies and surgical programs in these countries.

Advanced minimal access surgery in infants weighing less than 3kg: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Minimal access surgery (MAS) has gained popularity in infants less than 5kg, however, significant challenges still arise in very low weight infants. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify all infants weighing less than 3kg who underwent an advanced MAS or equivalent open procedure from 2009 to 2016. Advanced case types included Nissen fundoplication, duodenal atresia repair, Ladd procedure, congenital diaphragmatic hernia repair, esophageal atresia/tracheoesophageal fistula repair, diaphragmatic plication, and pyloric atresia repair. A comparative analysis was performed between the MAS and open cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 45 advanced MAS cases and 17 open cases met the inclusion criteria. Gestational age and age at operation were similar between the cohorts, while infants who underwent open procedures had significantly lower weight at operation (p=0.003). There were no deaths within 30days related to surgery in either group. Only 3 MAS cases required unintended conversion to open. There were 2 (4.4%) postoperative complications related to surgery in the MAS cohort and 2 (11.8%) in the open cohort. CONCLUSION: Advanced MAS may be performed in infants weighing less than 3kg with low mortality, acceptable rates of conversion, and similar rates of complications as open procedures. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognosis study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

New Approaches to Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common gastrointestinal disorder of the esophagus. It is a chronic, progressive disorder that presents most typically with heartburn and regurgitation and atypically with chest pain, dysphagia, chronic cough, globus, or sore throat. The mainstay for diagnosis and characterization of the disorder is esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD), high-resolution esophageal manometry, and symptom-associated ambulatory esophageal pH impedance monitoring. Additional studies that can be useful in certain clinical presentations include gastric scintigraphy and oral contrast upper gastrointestinal radiographic series. DISCUSSION: Refractory GERD can be surgically managed with various techniques. In obese individuals, laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass should be considered due to significant symptom improvement and lower incidence of recurrent symptoms with weight loss. Otherwise, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the preferred surgical technique for treatment of this disease with concomitant hiatal hernia repair when present for either procedure. The short-term risks associated with these procedures include esophageal or gastric injury, pneumothorax, wound infection, and dysphagia. Emerging techniques for treatment of this disease include the Linx Reflux Management System, EndoStim LES Stimulation System, Esophyx® and MUSE™ endoscopic fundoplication devices, and the Stretta endoscopic ablation system. Outcomes after surgical management of refractory GERD are highly dependent on adherence to strict surgical indications and appropriate patient-specific procedure selection.

Thyroid hormone replacement therapy, surveillance ultrasonography, and fine-needle aspiration after hemithyroidectomy.

OBJECTIVES: We undertook a retrospective analysis of a single surgeon's experience at a tertiary care teaching hospital to determine the rates of surveillance ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration (FNA), and the need for thyroid hormone replacement therapy (THRT) after hemithyroidectomy. METHODS: The study population comprised 120 consecutive patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy by one surgeon from January 2008 to June 2011. The medical records were reviewed for preoperative and postoperative calcium levels, fiberoptic direct laryngoscopy examination of vocal fold mobility, postoperative complications, final pathology, and postoperative follow-up. RESULTS: Fifteen patients required completion thyroidectomy for malignancy and were excluded from the surveillance analysis. Of the remaining 105 patients, 10 (9.5%) required postoperative THRT. The likelihood for THRT was significantly associated with increased age (p = 0.01) and the presence of thyroiditis (p = 0.04). Other factors, such as gender, body mass index, residual thyroid volume, and presence of contralateral lobe nodules, were not significantly associated with this likelihood (p > 0.05). Twenty-three patients (21.9%) were followed with surveillance ultrasound, of whom 12 (11.4%) underwent FNA for nodule(s) in the contralateral lobe. Seventy-eight percent of patients did not require any long-term postoperative surveillance. There were no instances of permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury or hypoparathyroidism. CONCLUSIONS: Hemithyroidectomy is an effective and efficient option for the management of benign and suspicious thyroid nodules. However, patients of increased age and/or with thyroiditis are at higher risk for postoperative hypothyroidism, and should be counseled to consider total thyroidectomy to avoid the need for long-term surveillance and the possible need for a second operation.