Transversus abdominis plane blocks for complex abdominal wall reconstruction decrease hospital length of stay compared to epidurals.

Background: Complex abdominal wall reconstruction for ventral and incisional hernias can be quite painful with prolonged length of stay (LOS). There are a variety of options to manage post-operative pain after a ventral hernia repair, including epidural catheters, transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks, and intravenous narcotic pain medications (IVPM). We hypothesized that TAP blocks with liposomal bupivacaine decrease the LOS compared to epidurals and IVPM.

Long-term outcome of absorbable synthetic mesh in clean ventral hernia repairs.

Background: There are many materials available for the reinforcement of complex abdominal wall reconstruction, including permanent synthetic, biologic, and absorbable synthetic meshes. The recurrence rate of complex hernia repairs beyond 5 years has not been reported. We hypothesized that the use of absorbable synthetic mesh in clean wounds would yield favorable long-term outcomes.

The Impact of Hemoglobin A1c on Post-operative Outcomes in Bariatric Surgery Patients.

Introduction: Pre-operative hemoglobin (Hb) A1c levels ≥ 8% can lead to increased post-operative complications. In bariatric surgery patients, attaining a pre-operative HbA1c < 8% can be a challenge. The purpose of this study was to identify the association of pre-operative HbA1c on post-operative outcomes in bariatric surgery patients.

The influence of preoperative carbohydrate loading on postoperative outcomes in bariatric surgery patients: a randomized, controlled trial.

Background: Preoperative carbohydrate loading is a component of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols, but there is limited literature in bariatric surgery patients.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of preoperative carbohydrate loading on postoperative bariatric surgery outcomes.

Setting: University Hospital.

Examining current patterns of opioid prescribing and use after bariatric surgery.

Background: Evidence-based guidelines on the appropriate amount of opioid medications to prescribe following bariatric surgery are lacking. We sought to determine our current opioid-prescribing practices, patient utilization, and satisfaction with pain control following elective bariatric surgery.

Methods: A retrospective chart review and phone survey were conducted on patients who underwent laparoscopic or robotic sleeve gastrectomy (SG) or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) from April 2018 to March 2019 at a single academic medical center.