Contemporary Assessment of Adhesiolysis and Resection for Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction in the State of New York.

BACKGROUND: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (aSBO) is a common surgical problem, with some advocating for a more aggressive operative approach to avoid recurrence. Contemporary outcomes in a real-world setting were examined. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study was performed using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative database to identify adults admitted with aSBO, 2016-2020. Patients were stratified by the presence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and cancer history. Diagnoses usually requiring resection were excluded. Patients were categorized into four groups: non-operative, adhesiolysis, resection, and 'other' procedures. In-hospital mortality, major complications, and odds of undergoing resection were compared. RESULTS: 58,976 patients were included. 50,000 (84.8%) underwent non-operative management. Adhesiolysis was the most common procedure performed (n = 4,990, 8.46%), followed by resection (n = 3,078, 5.22%). In-hospital mortality in the lysis and resection groups was 2.2% and 5.9% respectively. Non-IBD patients undergoing operation on the day of admission required intestinal resection 29.9% of the time. Adjusted odds of resection were highest for those with a prior aSBO episode (OR 1.29 95%CI 1.11-1.49), delay to operation ≥3 days (OR1.78 95%CI 1.58-1.99), and non-New York City (NYC) residents being treated at NYC hospitals (OR1.57 95%CI 1.19-2.07). CONCLUSION: Adhesiolysis is currently the most common surgery for aSBO, however nearly one-third of patients will undergo a more extensive procedure, with an increased risk of mortality. Innovative therapies are needed to reduce the risk of resection.

Human factors in pelvic surgery.

In the pelvis, anatomic complexity and difficulty in visualization and access make surgery a formidable task. Surgeons are prone to work-related musculoskeletal injuries from the frequently poor design and flow of their work environment. This is exacerbated by the strain of surgery in the pelvis. These injuries can result in alterations to a surgeons practice, inadvertent patient injury, and even early retirement. Human factors examines the relationships between the surgeon, their instruments and their environment. By bridging physiology, psychology, and ergonomics, human factors allows a better understanding of some of the challenges posed by pelvic surgery. The operative approach involved (open, laparoscopic, robotic, or perineal) plays an important role in the relevant human factors. Improved understanding of ergonomics can mitigate these risks to surgeons. Other human factors approaches such as standardization, use of checklists, and employing resiliency efforts can all improve patient safety in the operating theatre.

Systematic review of prospective studies focused on regionalization of care in surgical oncology.

To perform a systematic review of studies prospectively analyzing the impact of regionalization of complex surgical oncology care on patient outcomes. High volume care of complex surgical oncology patients has been repeatedly associated with improved outcomes. Most studies, however, are retrospective and have not prospectively accounted for confounders such as financial ability and social support. Four electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE®, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane Library (Wiley), and EBSCHOHost) were searched from inception until August 25, 2018. Two authors independently reviewed 5887 references, with a third independent reviewer acting as arbitrator when needed. Data extracted from 11 articles that met inclusion criteria. Risk of bias assessments conducted using MINORS criteria for the non-randomized, observational studies, and the Cochrane tool for the randomized-controlled trial. Of the 11 studies selected, we found 7 historically-controlled trials, two retrospective cohort studies with prospective data collection, one prospective study, and one randomized-controlled trial. 73% of studies were from Northern Europe, 18% from Ontario, Canada, and 9% from England. Pancreatic surgery accounted for 36% of studies, followed by gynecologic oncology (27%), thoracic surgery (18%), and dermatologic surgery (9%). The studies reported varying outcome parameters, but all showed improvement post-regionalization. Included studies featured poor-to-fair risk of bias. 11 studies indicated improved outcomes following regionalization of surgical oncology, but most exhibit poor methodological rigor. Prospective evidence for the regionalization of surgical oncology is lacking. More research addressing patient access to care and specialist availability is needed to understand the shortcomings of centralization.

National prospective cohort study describing how financial stresses are associated with attrition from surgical residency.

BACKGROUND: Attrition from general surgery residency is high with a national rate of 20%. We evaluated potential associations between financial considerations and attrition. METHODS: National prospective cohort study of categorical general surgery trainees. RESULTS: Of the 1048 interns who started training in 2007, 681 (65%) had complete survey and follow-up data. In logistic regression, those with higher starting attending salary expectations (>$300K) were more likely to leave training (OR 2.9, 95% CI 1.2-6.9). Women with a partner who earned more (>$50K/year) were more likely to leave training (OR 4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.5). In a subgroup of interns undecided about their future practice setting (academic, community, private practice, industry), those with less debt (≤$100K) were more likely to leave training (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1-5.2). CONCLUSIONS: Several financial matters were associated with attrition. Addressing these financial concerns may help decrease attrition in surgical training and improve surgical training.

Does variability among surgical skills diminish throughout surgical internship? Analysis of a 5-task surgical simulation assessment program starting Day 1.

BACKGROUND: Simulation assessments are not yet standardized among surgical programs. We instituted a 5-task simulation program to assess surgical technical skills longitudinally during internship. METHODS: First-year residents completed 5 simulation tasks: suturing, knot-tying, vascular anastomosis, and the peg-transfer and the intracorporeal suturing of the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Skills. Assessments occurred just before residency, mid-year, and at the completion of the intern year. RESULTS: This study involved 19 residents: 8 categorical, 4 urology, 3 interventional radiology, 2 plastics, and 2 non-designated preliminary interns. Mean completion times improved in both the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Skills peg-transfer (145 ± 50, 111 ± 47, and 95 ± 28 seconds) and suturing (526 ± 92, 392 ± 131, and 351 ± 158 seconds; each P < .001) tasks, and decreased variability was noted in the former. Total scores trended to improve (P = .013). Interns underwent similar training; 95% completed at least 1 core rotation by mid-year. Surgical specialty was associated with total scores during the first knot-tying session, with plastics residents scoring highest; however, all scores progressed toward the group median over time. CONCLUSION: Technical skills of beginning surgery residents were assessed longitudinally with the institution of a 5-task curriculum. Periodic assessments showed improvement in each task. Furthermore, as residents were exposed to equal surgical training, the variability in resident scores showed the greatest decrease in simpler motor tasks.

Case Sequence Analysis of the Robotic Colorectal Resection Learning Curve.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery for colorectal cancer offers many potential benefits, but as with any new technology, there is a learning curve. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify trends in the uptake of robotic resection and associated complication rates. DESIGN: This was a case sequence analysis of robotic surgery for colorectal cancer. SETTINGS: The study was conducted using the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperation System database. PATIENTS: Adults undergoing colorectal resection for cancer from 2008 through 2016 were identified in the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative database. Case sequence analysis was used to describe surgeon experience, with cases grouped into quartiles based on the chronological order in which each surgeon performed them. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes included in-hospital major events (myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, shock, and death) and iatrogenic complications. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the relationship between case sequence and operative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2763 robotic procedures were included, with volume increasing from 76 cases in 2010 to 702 cases in 2015. The proportion of cases performed by surgeons earliest in their learning curve has increased to 18.2% in 2015. This quartile was composed of more black patients (11.4% earliest quartile vs 7.0% latest quartile; p < 0.001) and rectal resections (50.1% earliest quartile vs 38.9% latest quartile; p < 0.001). In adjusted analysis, major complications did not improve with increasing case sequence. However, with increasing cumulative surgeon case sequence iatrogenic complications were reduced, particularly in the highest volume quartile (OR = 0.29 (95% CI, 0.09-0.88); p = 0.03). Odds of prolonged length of stay (>75 percentile) were also decreased (OR = 0.50 (95% CI, 0.37-0.69); p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: Data were derived from an administrative database. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic colorectal resection has been rapidly adopted. Surgeons earliest in their experience have increased iatrogenic complications and continue to make up a large proportion of cases performed. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A974. ANÁLISIS DE SECUENCIA DE CASOS DE LA CURVA DE APRENDIZAJE DE RESECCIÓN ROBÓTICA COLORRECTAL: La cirugía robótica para el cáncer colorrectal ofrece muchos beneficios potenciales, pero como con cualquier nueva tecnología, presenta una importante curva de aprendizaje. OBJETIVO: Se buscó identificar tendencias en la aceptación de la resección robótica y las tasas de complicaciones asociadas. DISEÑO:: Análisis de secuencia de casos de cirugía robótica para cáncer colorrectal AJUSTES:: Base de datos del Sistema de Cooperación para la Investigación y la Planificación del Estado de Nueva York. PACIENTES: Los adultos que se sometieron a una resección colorrectal en caso de cáncer desde 2008 hasta 2016 se identificaron en la base de datos de la Cooperativa de Investigación y Planificación del Estado de Nueva York. Se utilizó un análisis de secuencia de casos para describir la experiencia del cirujano, y los casos se agruparon en cuartiles según el orden cronológico en el que cada cirujano los operó. RESULTADOS PRINCIPALES: Los resultados incluyeron los eventos intrahospitalarios mayores (infarto de miocardio, embolia pulmonar, shock y muerte) y las complicaciones iatrogénicas. Se utilizaron modelos lineales generalizados mixtos para estimar la relación entre la secuencia de casos y los resultados operativos. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron un total de 2.763 procedimientos robóticos, con un aumento del volumen de 76 casos en 2010 a 702 casos en 2015. La proporción de casos realizados por cirujanos en su primera curva de aprendizaje aumentó a 18.2% en 2015. Este cuartil estaba compuesto por una mayoría de pacientes de color (11.4% en el cuartil más temprano versus 7.0% en el último cuartil, p < 0.001) y de resecciones rectales (50.1% en el primer cuartil vs 38.9% en el último cuartil, p < 0.001). En el ajuste del análisis, las complicaciones mayores no mejoraron al aumentar la secuencia de casos. Sin embargo, al aumentar la secuencia acumulada de casos de cirujanos, se redujeron las complicaciones iatrogénicas, particularmente en el cuartil de mayor volumen (OR = 0,29; IC del 95%: 0,09 a 0,88; p = 0,03). Las probabilidades de una estadía hospitalaria prolongada (> percentil 75) también disminuyeron (OR 0,50; IC del 95%: 0,37 a 0,69; p < 0,001). LIMITACIONES: Los valores fueron derivados desde una base de datos administrativa. CONCLUSIONES: La resección colorrectal robótica ha sido adoptada rápidamente. Los cirujanos durante su experiencia inicial han presentado un elevado número de complicaciones iatrogénicas y éstas representan todavía, una gran proporción de casos realizados. Vea el Resumen del Video en http://links.lww.com/DCR/A974.

Barriers to Regionalized Surgical Care: Public Perspective Survey and Geospatial Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe public willingness to participate in regionalized surgical care for cancer. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Improved outcomes at high-volume centers following complex surgery have driven a push to regionalize surgical care. Patient attitudes toward regionalization are not well described. METHODS: As part of the Cornell National Social Survey, a cross-sectional telephone survey was performed. Participants were asked about their willingness to seek regionalized care in a hypothetical scenario requiring surgery. Their responses were compared with demographic characteristics. A geospatial analysis of hospital proximity was performed, as well as a qualitative analysis of barriers to regionalization. RESULTS: Cooperation rate was 48.1% with 1000 total respondents. They were an average of 50 years old (range 18 to 100 years) and 48.9% female. About 49.6% were unwilling to travel 5 hours or more to seek regionalized care for improved survival. Age >70 years [odds ratio (OR) 0.34, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.19-0.60] and perceived distance to a center >30 minutes (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41-0.86) were associated with decreased willingness to seek regionalized care, while high income (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.39-3.16) was associated with increased willingness. Proximity to a major center was not associated with willingness to travel (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.67-1.22). Major perceived barriers to regionalization were transportation, life disruption, social support, socioeconomic resources, poor health, and remoteness. CONCLUSION: Americans are divided on whether the potential for improved survival with regionalization is worth the additional travel effort. Older age and lower income are associated with reduced willingness to seek regionalized care. Multiple barriers to regionalization exist, including a lack of knowledge of the location major centers.

Impact of Medical School Experience on Attrition From General Surgery Residency.

BACKGROUND: Medical school experience informs the decision to pursue graduate surgical education. However, it is possible that inadequate preparation in medical school is responsible for the high rate of attrition seen in general surgery residency. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a national prospective cohort study of all categorical general surgery interns who entered training in the 2007-2008 academic year. Interns answered questions about their medical school experience and reasons for pursuing general surgery residency. Responses were linked with American Board of Surgery residency completion data. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between medical school experiences and residency attrition. RESULTS: Seven hundred and ninety-two surgery interns participated, and the overall attrition rate was 19.3%. Most interns had performed ≤8 wk of third year surgery clerkships (53.2% of those who completed versus 49.7% of those who dropped out, P = 0.08). After multivariable adjustment, shorter duration of third year rotations was protective from attrition (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.29-0.99; P = 0.05). There was no difference in attrition based on whether a surgical subinternship was performed (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.38-1.19; P = 0.18). Residents who perceived that their medical school surgical faculty were happy with their careers were less likely to experience attrition (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.34-0.96; P = 0.03), but those who had gotten along well with attending surgeons had higher odds of attrition (OR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.34-6.39, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Increased quality, rather than quantity, of clerkships is associated with improved rates of residency completion. Learner relationships with positive yet demanding role models were associated with a reduced risk of attrition.

Recent advances in the management of anal cancer.

Anal cancer is a rare condition, although its incidence has been increasing over the past several decades, particularly in women. The majority of anal cancers are squamous cell cancers and are linked with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. Recent work in HPV basic science has delineated the mechanism by which the virus leads to the development of anal cancer. With widespread availability of an HPV vaccine since 2006, vaccination has become an important strategy for anal cancer prevention. However, in the US, there remain no guidelines for anal cancer screening. Treatment of anal cancer is dictated largely by accurate staging, which is generally accomplished with a combination of physical exam, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and positron emission tomography. Chemoradiation remains the mainstay of treatment for most patients, with surgery reserved for salvage therapy. Recent trials have identified the optimal use of available chemotherapeutics. Exciting developments in immune therapies targeting HPV oncoproteins as well as therapeutic vaccines may soon dramatically change the way patients with anal cancer are managed.

Association between American Board of Surgery in-training examination score and attrition from general surgery residency.

BACKGROUND: The American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam is administered annually to general surgery residents and could provide a way to predict attrition, potentially offering a point of intervention. METHODS: In 2007, a national survey of categorical general surgery interns was performed. Resident characteristics were linked to an American Board of Surgery database of American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam scores. Attrition was determined based on completion of training during eight years of follow-up. To identify residents at risk of attrition, American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam scores were analyzed based on average rank and change in American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam score. RESULTS: Of 1,048 residents, 739 (70.5%) participated and 108 (14.6%) did not complete training. Average American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam rank was higher for participants who completed training than those who did not (51.8 vs. 42.7 percentile respectively, P < .001). Ranking below the 25th percentile was less common among those who dropped out (41.7% ranked below 25th percentile and dropped out versus 51.5% ranked below 25th percentile and completed, P = .06), but those whose rank dropped >16.5 percentile points were more likely to leave training (attrition rate 13.0% with a drop versus 6.0% without a drop, P = .003). In adjusted analysis, a one percentile increase in American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam rank was associated with decreased odds of attrition (OR 0.98, P < .01). CONCLUSION: Lower American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam scores are associated with attrition, but this difference is small, and some residents complete training with very low scores. A large drop in American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam scores from one year to the next appears to be associated with attrition. Program directors should focus their efforts on these at-risk residents.

Association of Expectations of Training With Attrition in General Surgery Residents.

Importance: Attrition from general surgery training is highest during internship. Whether the expectations and attitudes of new trainees affect their subsequent risk of attrition is unknown. Objective: To identify the expectations of general surgery residency associated with attrition from training. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective observational cohort study included categorical general surgery interns entering training in the 2007-2008 academic year. Residents were surveyed regarding their expectations of training and of life as an attending at the start of their intern year (June 1 to August 31, 2007). Expectations were grouped into factors by principal component analysis, and a multivariable model was created using these factors in addition to known demographic and program characteristics associated with attrition. Follow-up was completed on December 31, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures: Attrition from training was determined by linkage to American Board of Surgery resident files through 2016, allowing 8 additional years of follow-up. Results: Of 1048 categorical surgery interns in the study period, 870 took the survey (83.0% response rate), and 828 had complete information available for analysis (524 men [63.3%], 303 women [36.6%], and 1 missing information [0.1%]). Most were white (569 [69.1%]) and at academic programs (500 [60.4%]). Six hundred sixty-six residents (80.4%) completed training. Principal component analysis generated 6 factors. On adjusted analysis, 2 factors were associated with attrition. Interns who choose their residency based on program reputation (factor 2) were more likely to drop out (odds ratio, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.01-1.15). Interns who expected as an attending to work more than 80 hours per week, to have a stressful life, and to be the subject of malpractice litigation (career life expectation [factor 6]) were less likely to drop out (odds ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.82-0.98). Conclusions and Relevance: Interns with realistic expectations of the demands of residency and life as an attending may be more likely to complete training. Medical students and residents entering training should be given clear guidance in what to expect as a surgery resident.

Early operative management of complicated appendicitis is associated with improved surgical outcomes in adults.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus on the ideal management of complicated appendicitis. METHODS: The New York State Planning and Research Cooperative database was used to identify all patients admitted with complicated appendicitis and undergoing appendectomy within 1-year. Primary outcome was any complication. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, and laparoscopy use. Outcomes were compared in appendectomy before or after 48h from admission. RESULTS: 31,167 patients ≥18yo were identified for analysis, 28,015(89.9%) underwent early appendectomy. Early appendectomy patients were more likely to be White (69.8% vs. 64.2% p < 0.01), and commercially insured (53.1% vs. 45.4%, p < 0.01). Of the 3152 undergoing delayed surgery, 1610(51.1%) had surgery later during the index admission, 715(22.7%) were readmitted urgently and underwent appendectomy, and 827(26.2%) had elective appendectomy. Patients undergoing delayed surgery had more complications (OR 1.34 95%CI 1.23-1.45), readmissions (OR 1.55 95%CI 1.42-1.70), high hospital charges (OR 4.79 95%CI 4.35-5.27), and prolonged LOS (OR 6.12 95%CI 5.61-6.68). CONCLUSIONS: In this population-level study of complicated appendicitis we found more complications, longer LOS, and higher charges in patients undergoing delayed surgery.

The Surgical Personality: Does Surgery Resident Motivation Predict Attrition?

BACKGROUND: There is limited understanding of the wide variation in attrition rates among general surgery residencies. We used the validated Behavior Inhibitory System/Behavior Approach System (BIS/BAS) instrument to compare motivational traits among residents who did and not complete surgical training. STUDY DESIGN: All US general surgery categorical interns in the class of 2007-2008 were surveyed with a validated motivational trait assessment tool. American Board of Surgery records from 2008-2016 were used to determine who completed training. Motivation, an aspect of personality, was assessed with the BIS/BAS, which correlates with an individual's tendency to approach pleasant stimuli (BAS) or avoid negative stimuli (BIS). Subscale mean scores were compared with regard to the primary end point, attrition. RESULTS: Eight hundred and one (76.5%) interns completed the survey and had matching records. Six hundred and forty-five (80.5%) completed training. Men had lower scores than women in the BAS Drive subscale (12.0 vs 12.5; p < 0.002), BAS Reward Response subscale (17.2 vs 17.7; p < 0.01), and BIS scale (19.3 vs 20.9; p < 0.01). The BAS Reward Response scores differed based on program type (academic 17.3 vs community 17.6 vs military 16.6; p < 0.0027). There were no differences based on program size (BIS average, small program 19.9 vs large program 19.7; p = 0.43). There were also no differences in BIS/BAS subscale scores based on residency completion status (BIS mean: completed 19.9 vs dropped out 20.1; p = 0.51). CONCLUSIONS: Surgery residents are characterized by a strong drive and persistence toward their goals. However, residents who drop out do not differ from those who complete training in their motivational personality traits.

Association of Time to Attrition in Surgical Residency With Individual Resident and Programmatic Factors.

Importance: Attrition in general surgery residency remains high, and attrition that occurs in the later years is the most worrisome. Although several studies have retrospectively investigated the timing of attrition, no study to date has prospectively evaluated a national cohort of residents to understand which residents are at risk for attrition and at what point during residency. Objective: To prospectively evaluate individual resident and programmatic factors associated with the timing of attrition during general surgery residency. Design, Setting, and Participants: This longitudinal, national cohort study administered a survey to all categorical general surgery interns from the class of 2007-2008 during their first 30 days of residency and linked the data with 9-year follow-up data assessing program completion. Data were collected from June 1, 2007, through June 30, 2016. Main Outcomes and Measures: Kaplan-Meier curves evaluating time to attrition during the 9 years after the start of residency. Results: Among our sample of 836 residents (306 women [36.6%] and 528 men [63.2%]; gender unknown in 2), cumulative survival analysis demonstrated overall attrition for the cohort of 20.8% (n = 164). Attrition was highest in the first postgraduate year (67.6% [n = 111]; absolute rate, 13.3%) but continued during the next 6 years, albeit at a lower rate. Beginning in the first year, survival analysis demonstrated higher attrition among Hispanic compared with non-Hispanic residents (21.1% vs 12.4%; P = .04) and at military programs compared with academic or community programs after year 1 (32.3% vs 11.0% or 13.5%; P = .01). Beginning in year 4 of residency, higher attrition was encountered among women compared with men (23.3% vs 17.4%; P = .05); at year 5, at large compared with small programs (26.0% vs 18.4%; P = .04). Race and program location were not associated with attrition. Conclusions and Relevance: Although attrition was highest during the internship year, late attrition persists, particularly among women and among residents in large programs. These results provide a framework for timing of interventions in graduate surgical training that target residents most at risk for late attrition.

Hormone Replacement Therapy and Colorectal Cancer Incidence and Mortality in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Hormone replacement therapy has been shown to reduce colorectal cancer incidence, but its effect on colorectal cancer mortality is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of hormone replacement therapy on survival from colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, a large multicenter randomized trial run from 1993 to 2001, with follow-up data recently becoming mature. Participants were women aged 55 to 74 years, without recent colonoscopy. Data from the trial were analyzed to evaluate colorectal cancer incidence, disease-specific mortality, and all-cause mortality based on subjects' use of hormone replacement therapy at the time of randomization: never, current, or former users. RESULTS: A total of 75,587 women with 912 (1.21%) incident colorectal cancers and 239 associated deaths were analyzed, with median follow-up of 11.9 years. Overall, 88.6% were non-Hispanic white, and < 10% had not completed high school. The never-user group was slightly older than the current or former user groups (average, 63.8 vs. 61.4 vs. 63.3 years; P < .001). Almost one-half (47.1%) of the current users had undergone hysterectomy, compared with 21.6% of never-users and 34.0% of former users (P < .001). Adjusted colorectal cancer incidence in current users compared to never-users was lower (hazard ratio [HR], 0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.69-0.94; P = .005), as was death from colorectal cancer (HR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.47-0.85; P = .002) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.72-0.80; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Hormone replacement therapy is associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer incidence and improved colorectal cancer-specific survival, as well as all-cause mortality.

Surgical time out: Our counts are still short on racial diversity in academic surgery.

BACKGROUND: This study provides an updated description of diversity along the academic surgical pipeline to determine what progress has been made. METHODS: Data was extracted from a variety of publically available data sources to determine proportions of minorities in medical school, general surgery training, and academic surgery leadership. RESULTS: In 2014-2015, Blacks represented 12.4% of the U.S. population, but only 5.7% graduating medical students, 6.2% general surgery trainees, 3.8% assistant professors, 2.5% associate professors and 2.0% full professors. From 2005-2015, representation among Black associate professors has gotten worse (-0.07%/year, p < 0.01). Similarly, in 2014-2015, Hispanics represented 17.4% of the U.S. population but only 4.5% graduating medical students, 8.5% general surgery trainees, 5.0% assistant professors, 5.0% associate professors and 4.0% full professors. There has been modest improvement in Hispanic representation among general surgery trainees (0.2%/year, p < 0.01), associate (0.12%/year, p < 0.01) and full professors (0.13%/year, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Despite efforts to promote diversity in surgery, Blacks and Hispanics remain underrepresented. A multi-level national focus is imperative to elucidate effective mechanisms to make academic surgery more reflective of the US population.

A Mobile Health Application to Track Patients After Gastrointestinal Surgery: Results from a Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Many surgical readmissions are preventable. Mobile health technology can identify nascent complications and potentially prevent readmission. METHODS: We performed a pilot study of a new mobile health application in adults undergoing major abdominal surgery. Patients reported their pain, answered surveys, photographed their wound, were reminded to stay hydrated, and used a Fitbit™ device. Abnormal responses triggered alerts for further evaluation. Patients were followed postoperatively for 30 days and compliance with app use was tracked. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients participated. Most were female (58%) and white (61%). Six (19%) had an ostomy as part of their surgery. 83.9% of patients completed an app-related task at least 70% of the time and 89% said using the app was easy to use. Patients generated an average of 1.1 alerts. One patient was readmitted and generated seven alerts prior to readmission. Patients participated most in collecting Fitbit data (84.8% of days) and completing a single-item photoaffective meter, but had more difficulty uploading photographs (51.4% completed). Eighty-nine percent of patients found the application easy to use. CONCLUSIONS: A novel mobile health app can track patient recovery from major abdominal surgery, is easy to use, and has potential to improve outcomes. Further studies using the app are planned.

A multiwell platform for studying stiffness-dependent cell biology.

Adherent cells are typically cultured on rigid substrates that are orders of magnitude stiffer than their tissue of origin. Here, we describe a method to rapidly fabricate 96 and 384 well platforms for routine screening of cells in tissue-relevant stiffness contexts. Briefly, polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels are cast in glass-bottom plates, functionalized with collagen, and sterilized for cell culture. The Young's modulus of each substrate can be specified from 0.3 to 55 kPa, with collagen surface density held constant over the stiffness range. Using automated fluorescence microscopy, we captured the morphological variations of 7 cell types cultured across a physiological range of stiffness within a 384 well plate. We performed assays of cell number, proliferation, and apoptosis in 96 wells and resolved distinct profiles of cell growth as a function of stiffness among primary and immortalized cell lines. We found that the stiffness-dependent growth of normal human lung fibroblasts is largely invariant with collagen density, and that differences in their accumulation are amplified by increasing serum concentration. Further, we performed a screen of 18 bioactive small molecules and identified compounds with enhanced or reduced effects on soft versus rigid substrates, including blebbistatin, which abolished the suppression of lung fibroblast growth at 1 kPa. The ability to deploy PA gels in multiwell plates for high throughput analysis of cells in tissue-relevant environments opens new opportunities for the discovery of cellular responses that operate in specific stiffness regimes.