Cima, Robert R.

535 Background: The most effective management of locally recurrent colorectal cancer (CRC) is resection. This is also true for hepatic metastases (HM). Data remains limited, however, regarding concomitant resection of recurrent CRC and HM. The aims of this study were to determine the feasibility, safety and outcomes in terms of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients undergoing concomitant resection of recurrent CRC with HM. Methods: All patients who underwent resection of recurrent CRC from 1/1995 to 1/2007 at Mayo Clinic, Rochester were reviewed (n=406). The study group consisted of patients who underwentconcomitant resection of locally recurrent CRC and hepatic resection for metastatic CRC (n= 45). Kaplan-Meier Survival was used to estimate DFS and OS. Results: The study group consisted of 27 men and 18 women. The median age was 59 years. Surgical management involved pelvic dissection in 43 patients and ileotransverse colectomy in two. 17 patients required resection of contiguous organs. 24 patients received intra-operative radiation. 34 patients underwent multiple hepatic wedge resections, 6 patients segmentectomy, 3 left hepatectomy, and 2 right hepatectomy. There was no perioperative mortality. Morbidity was 37%, 2 patients required re-operation. The 1, 3, and 5 year DFS was 72.2, 42.3, and 18.5%, respectively. The 1, 3, and 5 year OS was 87.7, 47.6, and 36.2%, respectively. Conclusions: Synchronous resection of locally recurrent CRC and HM is safe and feasible; morbidity is reasonable and mortality zero. DFS and OS in this patient population appear comparable to that of patients undergoing separate, staged resections.

Abstract Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) contribute to surgical patients' morbidity and costs. Operating room traffic may be a modifiable risk factor for SSI. We investigated the impact of additional operating room personnel on the risk of superficial SSI (sSSI). Patients and Methods: In this matched case-control study, cases included patients in whom sSSI developed in clean surgical incisions after elective, daytime operations. Control subjects were matched by age, gender, and procedure. Operating room personnel were classified as (1) surgical scrubbed, (2) surgical non-scrubbed, or (3) anesthesia. We used conditional logistic regression to test the extent to which additional personnel overall and from each work group were associated with infection. Results: In total, 474 patients and 803 control subjects were identified. Each additional person among total personnel and personnel from each work group was significantly associated with greater odds of infection (all personnel, odds ratio [OR] = 1.082, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.031–1.134, p = 0.0013; surgical scrubbed OR = 1.132, 95% CI 1.029–1.245, p = 0.0105; surgical non-scrubbed OR = 1.123, 95% CI 1.008–1.251, p = 0.0357; anesthesia OR = 1.153, 95% CI 1.031–1.290, p = 0.0127). After adjusting for operative duration, body mass index, diabetes mellitus, and vascular disease, additional personnel and sSSI were no longer associated overall or for any work groups (total personnel OR = 1.033, 95% CI 0.974–1.095, p = 0.2746; surgical scrubbed OR = 1.060, 95% CI 0.952-1.179, p = 0.2893; surgical non-scrubbed OR = 1.023 95% CI 0.907–1.154, p = 0.7129; anesthesia OR = 1.051, 95% CI 0.926–1.193, p = 0.4442). Conclusion: The presence of additional operating room personnel was not independently associated with increased odds of sSSI. Efforts dedicated to sSSI reduction should focus on other modifiable risk factors.

BACKGROUNDThe incidence of metachronous colorectal cancer (MCRC) among colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors varies significantly, and the optimal colonoscopy surveillance practice for mitigating MCRC incidence is unknown.METHODSA cost‐effectiveness analysis was used to compare the performances of the US Multi‐Society Task Force guideline and all clinically reasonable colonoscopy surveillance strategies for 50‐ to 79‐year‐old posttreatment CRC patients with a computer simulation model.RESULTSThe US guideline [(1,3,5)] recommends the first colonoscopy 1 year after treatment, whereas the second and third colonoscopies are to be repeated at 3‐ and 5‐year intervals. Some promising alternative cost‐effective strategies were identified. In comparison with the US guideline, under various scenarios for a 20‐year period, 1) reducing the surveillance interval of the guideline after the first colonoscopy by 1 year [(1,2,5)] would save up to 78 discounted life‐years (LYs) and prevent 23 MCRCs per 1000 patients (incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio [ICER] ≤ $23,270/LY), 2) reducing the intervals after the first and second negative colonoscopies by 1 year [(1,2,4)] would save/prevent up to 109 discounted LYs and 36 MCRCs (ICER ≤ $52,155/LY), and 3) reducing the surveillance intervals after the first and second negative colonoscopy by 1 and 2 years [(1,2,3)] would save/prevent up to 141 discounted LYs and 50 MCRCs (ICER ≤ $63,822/LY). These strategies would require up to 1100 additional colonoscopies per 1000 patients. Although the US guideline might not be cost‐effective in comparison with a less intensive oncology guideline [(3,3,5); the ICER could be as high as $140,000/LY], the promising strategies would be cost‐effective in comparison with such less intensive guidelines unless the cumulative MCRC incidence were very low.CONCLUSIONSThe US guideline might be improved by a slight increase in the surveillance intensity at the expense of moderately increased cost. More research is warranted to explore the benefits/harms of such practices. Cancer 2016;122:2560–70. © 2016 American Cancer Society.

Human jejunum smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) express the SCN5A-encoded voltage-gated, mechanosensitive sodium channel NaV1.5. NaV1.5 contributes to small bowel excitability, and NaV1.5 inhibitor ranolazine produces constipation by an unknown mechanism. We aimed to determine the presence and molecular identity of Na+ current in the human colon smooth muscle and to examine the effects of ranolazine on Na+ current, mechanosensitivity, and smooth muscle contractility. Inward currents were recorded by whole cell voltage clamp from freshly dissociated human colon SMCs at rest and with shear stress. SCN5A mRNA and NaV1.5 protein were examined by RT-PCR and Western blots, respectively. Ascending human colon strip contractility was examined in a muscle bath preparation. SCN5A mRNA and NaV1.5 protein were identified in human colon circular muscle. Freshly dissociated human colon SMCs had Na+ currents (−1.36 ± 0.36 pA/pF), shear stress increased Na+ peaks by 17.8 ± 1.8% and accelerated the time to peak activation by 0.7 ± 0.3 ms. Ranolazine (50 μM) blocked peak Na+ current by 43.2 ± 9.3% and inhibited shear sensitivity by 25.2 ± 3.2%. In human ascending colon strips, ranolazine decreased resting tension (31%), reduced the frequency of spontaneous events (68%), and decreased the response to smooth muscle electrical field stimulation (61%). In conclusion, SCN5A-encoded NaV1.5 is found in human colonic circular smooth muscle. Ranolazine blocks both peak amplitude and mechanosensitivity of Na+ current in human colon SMCs and decreases contractility of human colon muscle strips. Our data provide a likely mechanistic explanation for constipation induced by ranolazine.

BACKGROUNDOur institutional policy allows patients who are scheduled for elective surgery with no history of a pregnancy or blood transfusion in the preceding 3 months to have a presurgical sample (PSS) collected and tested up to 56 days before their scheduled surgery; however, our PSS TS completion rate in eligible patients before the morning of surgery was 83%. In 2011, a team was charged to develop a standardized process along with other process improvements while ensuring no increase in transfusion‐related events.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe team followed the DMAIC framework in appraising the effectiveness and efficiency of the current state process including baseline data collection such as PSS TS completion rate, number of eligible patients needing a PSS TS on the day of surgery, benchmarking, SSBO utilization, and future state mapping.RESULTSFirst quarter (Q1) 2011 versus Q1 2012 postimplementation results showed significant improvements of the process including a 53% decrease in PSS TS on the day of surgery; a 13% increase in PSS TS completion before the morning of surgery; a 26% reduction in total XM RBCs; and a 58.8% reduction in XM RBCs not issued, plus a 47% decrease in RBC wastage. Q1 2011 versus Q1 2013 showed a 41% reduction in total XM RBCs and an 88.4% reduction in XM RBCs not issued but overall RBCs issued versus returned increased slightly and represents a future opportunity for improvement.CONCLUSIONSThe redesigned, transformational process eliminated SSBO and improved ordering process and PSS TS completion rate as well as blood product ordering and utilization.

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the study was to assess which aspects of an enhanced recovery programme are associated with better outcomes following laparoscopic colorectal surgery.MethodsA database of laparoscopic colorectal procedures performed in 2011 was reviewed. Elements of the enhanced recovery programme and compliance were evaluated for short-term (30-day) outcomes. Individual elements included gabapentin, celecoxib, intrathecal analgesia, diet, postoperative fluids, and paracetamol/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug pain management.ResultsFive hundred and forty-one consecutive procedures were included. Compliance with the enhanced recovery programme elements ranged from 82·4 to 99·3 per cent. Median length of hospital stay was 3 (i.q.r. 2–5) days, with 25·9 per cent of patients discharged within 48 h. Patients without complications had a median length of stay of 3 (i.q.r. 2–4) days if compliant and 3 (3–5) days if not (P < 0·001). Low oral opiate intake (oral morphine equivalent of less than 30 mg) (odds ratio (OR) 1·97, 95 per cent confidence interval 1·29 to 3·03; P = 0·002), full compliance (OR 2·36, 1·42 to 3·90; P < 0·001) and high surgeon volume (more than 100 cases per year) (OR 1·50, 1·19 to 1·89; P < 0·001) were associated with discharge within 48 h. Compliance with the elements of oral intake and fluid management in the first 48 h was associated with a reduced rate of complications (8·1 versus 19·6 per cent; P = 0·001). Median oral opiate intake was 37·5 (i.q.r. 0–105) mg in 48 h, with 26·2 per cent of patients receiving no opiates.ConclusionCompliance with an enhanced recovery pathway was associated with less opiate use, fewer complications and a shorter hospital stay.

BACKGROUNDSurgeon and hospital factors are associated with the survival of patients treated for rectal cancer. The relative contribution of each of these factors toward determining outcomes is poorly understood.METHODSWe used data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results–Medicare database to analyze the outcomes of patients aged 65 years and older undergoing operative treatment for nonmetastatic rectal cancer, diagnosed in the United States between 1998 and 2007. These data were linked to a registry to identify whether the treating surgeon was a board‐certified colorectal surgeon versus a noncolorectal surgeon. Hospital volume and hospital certification as a National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers were also analyzed. The primary outcome of interest was long‐term survival.RESULTSOur data source yielded 6432 patients. Initial analysis demonstrated improved long‐term survival in patients treated by higher‐volume colorectal surgeons, higher‐volume hospitals, teaching hospitals, and National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Based on an iterative approach to modeling the interactions between these various factors, we found a robust effect of surgeon subspecialty status, hospital volume, and NCI designation. Surgeon volume was not distinctly associated with long‐term survival.CONCLUSIONSPatients treated for rectal cancer by board‐certified colorectal surgeons in centers that are higher volume and/or NCI‐designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers experience better overall survival. These differences persist after adjustment for a broad range of patient and contextual risk factors, including surgeon volume. Patients and payers can use these results to identify surgeons and hospitals where outcomes are most favorable. Cancer 2014;120:2472–2481. © 2014 American Cancer Society.

Background Surgical site infections (SSIs) are the leading cause of hospital-acquired infections and are associated with substantial health care costs, with increased morbidity and death. The Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) contains standards that are nationally reported with the aim of improving patient outcomes after surgery. Our institution's standards for antimicrobial prophylaxis in the perioperative period are more stringent than these measures and may be considered “beyond SCIP.” The 4 elements of appropriate antimicrobial prophylaxis are timing, antibiotic selection, dosing, and intraoperative redosing. Objective To quantify antimicrobial SSI prophylaxis compliance in accordance with institutional standards and to identify potential opportunities for improvement. Methods Patients aged 18 years or older were included if they had an SSI between January 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, according to the database maintained prospectively by the Infection Prevention and Control Unit. Adherence to our institution's practice standards was assessed through analysis of antibiotics administered—timing in relation to the incision, closure, and tourniquet inflation times for the procedure and antibiotic selection, dose, and redosing. Results Overall noncompliance with all 4 elements of antimicrobial prophylaxis was 75.4% among the 760 cases. Repeat dosing had the greatest noncompliance (45.1%); antibiotic selection had the lowest incidence of noncompliance (10.8%). Conclusions Noncompliance existed in each element of antimicrobial SSI prophylaxis, with antibiotic redosing leading in noncompliance. With the implementation of tools to assist the surgical team in following institutional standards, noncompliance will likely decline and additional research opportunities will exist.