Habermann, Elizabeth B.

Abstract Background Aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) and albumin–bilirubin grade (ALBI) are validated prognostic indices implicated as predictors of postoperative liver dysfunction after hepatic resection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relevance of the combined APRI/ALBI score for postoperative clinically meaningful outcomes. Methods Patients undergoing hepatectomy were included from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database. The association between APRI/ALBI score and postoperative grade C liver dysfunction, liver dysfunction-associated and overall 30-day mortality was assessed. Results A total of 12 055 patients undergoing hepatic resection from 2014 to 2017 with preoperative blood values and detailed 30-day postoperative outcomes were included (exploration cohort: January 2014 to December 2016; validation cohort: 2017). In the exploration cohort (8538 patients), the combination of both scores (APRI/ALBI) was significantly associated with postoperative grade C liver dysfunction, 30-day mortality, and liver dysfunction-associated 30-day mortality, and was superior to either score alone. The association with postoperative 30-day mortality was confirmed in multivariable analysis. A predictive model was generated using the exploration cohort. The predicted incidence of events closely followed the observed incidence in the validation cohort (3517 patients). Subgroup analyses of tumour types were used to generate disease-specific risk models to assess risk in different clinical scenarios. These findings informed development of a smartphone application (https://tellaprialbi.37binary.com). Conclusion The predictive potential of the combined APRI/ALBI score for clinically relevant outcomes such as mortality was demonstrated. An evidence-based smartphone application will allow clinical translation and facilitation of risk assessment before hepatic resection using routine laboratory parameters.

Objective To compare the perioperative outcomes of transvaginal/perineal and abdominal approaches to rectovaginal fistula (RVF) repair using a national multicenter cohort. Methods The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was utilized to identify women undergoing RVF repair from 2005 to 2016. Emergent cases and those with concomitant bowel diversion were excluded. Baseline patient demographics, procedure characteristics, 30-day postoperative complications, return to the operating room, and readmission were evaluated. Baseline characteristics were compared across surgical approach. Multivariable logistic regression models identified preoperative characteristics independently associated with postoperative complications. Results A total of 2288 women underwent RVF repair: 1560 (68.2%) via transvaginal/perineal approach and 728 (31.8%) via abdominal approach. Patients undergoing transvaginal/perineal repair were significantly younger (median age, 46 years vs 63 years), with lower American Society for Anesthesiologist (ASA) scores, and less frequency of diabetes mellitus, dyspnea, severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, disseminated cancer, and bleeding disorders (all P < 0.01). Those undergoing abdominal repair had higher rates of major complications (25.8% vs 8.7%), minor complications (13.5% vs 6.3%), and readmission (13.2% vs 7.8%). On multivariable analyses, ASA Class 3/4, disseminated cancer, and hematocrit <30% ( P < 0.01) were associated with major complications in both groups. Conclusions Patients undergoing RVF repair via abdominal approach were older with more comorbidities and had higher postoperative complications rates, likely secondary to underlying differences in the treated populations. Irrespective of surgical approach, ASA class, disseminated cancer, and preoperative anemia were associated with higher postoperative morbidity. This may enhance preoperative counseling and allow for careful patient selection.

Background and Aims Platelet‐stored serotonin critically affects liver regeneration in mice and humans. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenalin reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) reduce intraplatelet serotonin. As SSRIs/SNRIs are now one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the United States and Europe and given serotonin’s impact on liver regeneration, we evaluated whether perioperative use of SSRIs/SNRIs affects outcome after hepatic resection. Approach and Results Consecutive patients undergoing hepatic resection (n = 754) were retrospectively included from prospectively maintained databases from two European institutions. Further, an independent cohort of 495 patients from the United States was assessed to validate our exploratory findings. Perioperative intake of SSRIs/SNRIs was recorded, and patients were followed up for postoperative liver dysfunction (LD), morbidity, and mortality. Perioperative intraplatelet serotonin levels were significantly decreased in patients receiving SSRI/SNRI treatment. Patients treated with SSRIs/SNRIs showed a higher incidence of morbidity, severe morbidity, LD, and LD requiring intervention. Associations were confirmed in the independent validation cohort. Combined cohorts documented a significant increase in deleterious postoperative outcome (morbidity odds ratio [OR], 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07‐2.31; severe morbidity OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.22‐2.79; LD OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.23‐3.06; LD requiring intervention OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.03‐4.36). Further, multivariable analysis confirmed the independent association of SSRIs/SNRIs with postoperative LD, which was closely associated with postoperative 90‐day mortality and 1‐year overall survival. Conclusions We observed a significant association of perioperative SSRI/SNRI intake with adverse postoperative outcome after hepatic resection. This indicates that SSRIs/SNRIs should be avoided perioperatively in patients undergoing hepatic resections.

AbstractBackgroundThe role of lymphadenectomy in adrenocortical carcinoma resection is controversial. Therefore, we conducted a population‐based study to assess the association between positive lymph nodes (LN) and survival.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results set of cancer registries were utilized. The associations between positive lymph nodes and tumor size, grade and laterality were assessed. Cancer specific survival (CSS) trends and factors affecting survival were analyzed.ResultsA total of 2170 adult patients were identified; 60% underwent resection. Among those resected, LN were examined in 23% and were positive in 25% of patients with LN examined. Patients with positive LN tended to have smaller tumors compared to those with negative LN (12 ± 5 vs 15 ± 11 cm, p = 0.02). The rate of positive LN was higher in right ACC, p = 0.03. Median overall CSS was 21 months, with significant differences between resection (42 months) and no resection (4 months), p < 0.01. Median CSS did not change over time when comparing ACC patients who underwent surgery before 2000, 2000–2009, and 2010–2016. On multivariable analysis including resection group, advanced age, grades III and IV, regional and distant stage, in addition to positive LN were associated with worse survival, p < 0.05.ConclusionLymphadenectomy is infrequently performed during ACC resection, and when performed, regional LN involvement tends to be associated with worse survival. Neoplasm size and grade were not associated with LN involvement and therefore, do not inform lymphadenectomy need. Further studies are needed to assess the indications for, and value of lymphadenectomy in ACC.

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveWhether bowel preparation utilization rates or effectiveness varies based on tumor location is unknown.MethodsThe 2012–2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Colectomy Targeted participant user file was queried for patients undergoing elective colorectal resection for cancer. Bowel preparation was classified as combined, mechanical bowel preparation alone, oral antibiotic alone, or none. Cochran–Armitage tests were used for trend analysis. Multivariable analyses stratified by tumor location were performed for the outcome of anastomotic leak. An additional multivariable model including all tumor locations assessed for interaction between bowel preparation and tumor location on an anastomotic leak.ResultsA total of 29,739 operations were included and the anastomotic leak rate was 1.9% with combined preparation versus 4.0% without preparation. Combined bowel preparation utilization increased over time as tumor location became more distal (both p < .0001). However, the adjusted effect of combined bowel preparation on anastomotic leak risk reduction did not differ by individual tumor location or across all tumor locations (p = .43 for interaction).ConclusionThough the utilization rate of combined bowel preparation increased as tumor location became more distal, its risk‐reducing effect remained similar. Quality improvement initiatives should focus on increased utilization of combined bowel preparation with an emphasis on tumors in the ascending colon.

BACKGROUND: Discharge on postoperative day 3 after laparoscopic colorectal resections is now common, and same-day discharge has been proposed recently as an option. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the safety of same-day and next-day discharge after laparoscopic colorectal surgery and to delineate which characteristics may make a patient eligible for this pathway. DESIGN: This was a retrospective cohort study. SETTINGS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Targeted Colectomy Participant User File was used. PATIENTS: Patients underwent elective laparoscopic colorectal resection and were discharged without complications on or before postoperative day 5 (early discharge: postoperative day 0 or 1, intermediate: postoperative day 2, standard: postoperative day 3 to 5). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Early readmission (on or before postoperative day 7), anastomotic leak, ileus, and overall readmission were measured. RESULTS: Of 36,526 patients total, 906 (2.5%) were discharged on postoperative day 0 or 1. Patients discharged on postoperative day 0/1 tended to have shorter-duration operations, a diagnostic indication more commonly of benign neoplasm, and underwent less low pelvic anastomoses. The readmission rate within 7 days was only 2%. Overall rates of anastomotic leak (0.6% early, 1.0% intermediate, 1.2% standard), ileus (1.9% early, 1.5% intermediate, 2.1% standard), and readmission (early 4.8%, intermediate 5.1%, standard 5.8%) were equivalent to decreased in patients discharged early versus those discharged in the intermediate or standard discharge groups. On multivariable analysis, dismissal day remained a noncontributory-to-protective factor against anastomotic leak, ileus, and readmission. LIMITATIONS: Specific follow-up pathways used were unknown, and selection bias exists in deciding what day patients can be discharged. CONCLUSIONS: Discharge on the same day or next day after surgery was not associated with increased risk compared with discharge on postoperative day 3 to 5, and it did not result in a high rate of early readmissions. Increased use of expedited discharge pathways would reduce hospital costs and resource use. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B331. ¿Es razonable el alta el mismo día o al día siguiente, después de la colectomía laparoscópica en pacientes seleccionados ANTECEDENTES: Es común el alta hospitalaria en el 3er día postoperatorio, después de resecciones colorrectales laparoscópicas. Recientemente se ha propuesto como una opción, el alta el mismo día. OBJETIVO: Determinar la seguridad de alta el mismo día o al día siguiente después de la cirugía colorrectal laparoscópica, y delinear qué características pueden hacer que un paciente sea elegible para esta vía. DISEÑO: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo. AJUSTES: American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Targeted Colectomy Participant User File. PACIENTES: Se sometieron a resección colorrectal laparoscópica electiva, y se dieron de alta sin complicaciones durante el 5° día postoperatorio o antes (alta temprana: día 0 o 1 postoperatorio; intermedia: día 2 postoperatorio; estándar: día 3-5 postoperatorio). PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO: Reingreso temprano (en o antes del día 7 postoperatorio), fuga anastomótica, íleo y reingreso general. RESULTADOS: De 36,526 pacientes en total, 906 (2.5%) fueron dados de alta en el día 0 o 1 postoperatorio. Los pacientes dados de alta en el día 0/1 postoperatorio, tendieron a presentar operaciones de menor duración, indicación diagnóstica más frecuente de neoplasia benigna, y sometidos a menos anastomosis de pelvis baja. La tasa de readmisión dentro de los siete días, fue del 2%. Las tasas generales de fuga anastomótica (0.6% temprana, 1.0% intermedia, 1.2% estándar), íleo (1.9% temprana, 1.5% intermedia, 2.1% estándar) y reingreso (temprana 4.8%, intermedia 5.1%, estándar 5.8%) fueron equivalentes a la disminución en pacientes dados de alta temprana, versus aquellos dados de alta en los grupos intermedia o estándar. En el análisis multivariable, el día de alta no contribuyó al factor protector contra la fuga anastomótica, el íleo y el reingreso. LIMITACIONES: Se desconocen las vías de seguimiento específicas utilizadas y existe un sesgo de selección al decidir en qué día se puede dar de alta a los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: El alta el mismo día o al día siguiente después de la cirugía, no se asoció con un mayor riesgo, en comparación con el alta en el postoperatorio en los días 3-5, y no dio lugar a una alta tasa de reingresos tempranos. Mayor utilización de las vías de alta acelerada, reducirían costos hospitalarios y utilización de recursos. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B331. (Traducción—Dr Fidel Ruiz Healy)

For patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), sentinel lymph node (SLN) surgery is generally reserved for patients at high risk of being upstaged to invasive disease. The use of frozen section (FS) pathologic analysis of the primary tumor may allow for selective surgical nodal staging within one procedure. We sought to define the reliability of FS for detection of upstaging. Eight hundred and twenty-seven patients were identified with DCIS on core needle biopsy that underwent 834 operations at our institution between January 2004 and October 2014. We calculated the rate of upstage from DCIS to invasive cancer on both intraoperative FS and final pathology to determine the performance of FS. Upstage rate on final pathology was 118/834 (14.1%) 95 per cent confidence interval 11.8 to 16.7 per cent. FS identified 88/118 (74.6%) of the upstages. Specificity was 99.3 per cent (711/716). Overall accuracy was 95.8 per cent (799/834) and the positive predictive value was 96.0 per cent (711/741 patients). Mean size of invasive cancers identifiedon FS was 5.6 mm, versus 3.5 mm for those identified only on permanent section, P = 0.11. Intraoperative FS analysis of DCIS is useful for identification of upstage to invasive disease. This may facilitate a selective approach to SLN surgery that both decreases unnecessary SLN surgery and the need for a second operation.