Endoscopic vein harvest is associated with worse but improving outcomes in infrainguinal bypass.

Objective: The impact of great saphenous vein harvest technique on infrainguinal bypass outcomes remains a matter of debate, with no robust evidence favoring a specific technique over the other. This study aims to compare the outcomes of open vein harvest (OVH) with endoscopic vein harvest (EVH) in patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass surgery.

Methods: Patients who underwent an infrainguinal bypass from a femoral origin using a single-segment great saphenous vein between 2011 and 2023 were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative infrainguinal bypass module.

National trends and outcomes of pedal bypass surgery.

Objective: The technical demands associated with pedal bypass (PB) surgery place it at risk of underutilization and may be limiting its widespread adoption as a valuable revascularization modality. This study aims to evaluate trends in PB performance, assess its outcomes, and compare its results between high- and low-volume centers.

Methods: All patients receiving a PB between 2003 and 2023 were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative (VQI) infrainguinal bypass (IIB) module.

Effect of Chronic Steroid Use on Postoperative Wound Complications in Patients Undergoing Arterial Bypass Surgery for Lower Extremity Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Background: While existing literature reports adverse effects of chronic steroid use on surgical wound outcomes, there remains lack of data exploring the effect of steroids on postoperative outcomes following lower extremity arterial bypass surgery. This study aims to explore the effect of chronic steroid use on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing open revascularization for lower extremity arterial occlusive disease.

Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) files between 2005 and 2020, all patients receiving aortoiliac or infrainguinal arterial bypass for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) were identified by Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.

Overview of knowledge, attitudes and barriers associated with HPV vaccination in Beirut, Lebanon.

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a prevalent sexually transmitted infection carrying significant risks ranging from benign lesions to various types of malignancies, represents a matter of great public health concern. Notably, most Arab countries lack public awareness campaigns or national immunization programs. This study aims at assessing the overall knowledge on HPV and HPV vaccination among the Lebanese population, exploring the prevalent attitude on the matter, and identifying barriers and misconceptions that prevent individuals from receiving the HPV vaccine.

Predicting outcomes following lower extremity open revascularization using machine learning.

Lower extremity open revascularization is a treatment option for peripheral artery disease that carries significant peri-operative risks; however, outcome prediction tools remain limited. Using machine learning (ML), we developed automated algorithms that predict 30-day outcomes following lower extremity open revascularization. The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted vascular database was used to identify patients who underwent lower extremity open revascularization for chronic atherosclerotic disease between 2011 and 2021.

Biospecimen Repositories in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Insights From an American University of Beirut and Memorial Sloan Kettering Collaboration.

Purpose: Biobanking helps source tissue and blood for studying cancer genomics. Access to biorepository resources in low- and middle-income countries is lacking. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) and the American University of Beirut (AUB) established a joint tissue biorepository at AUB in Beirut, Lebanon.

Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Following Carotid Endarterectomy Using Machine Learning.

Background Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is a major vascular operation for stroke prevention that carries significant perioperative risks; however, outcome prediction tools remain limited. The authors developed machine learning algorithms to predict outcomes following CEA. Methods and Results The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted vascular database was used to identify patients who underwent CEA between 2011 and 2021.

Predicting outcomes following open revascularization for aortoiliac occlusive disease using machine learning.

Objective: Open surgical treatment options for aortoiliac occlusive disease carry significant perioperative risks; however, outcome prediction tools remain limited. Using machine learning (ML), we developed automated algorithms that predict 30-day outcomes following open aortoiliac revascularization.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) targeted vascular database was used to identify patients who underwent open aortoiliac revascularization for atherosclerotic disease between 2011 and 2021.

Predicting Outcomes Following Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair Using Machine Learning.

Objective: To develop machine learning (ML) models that predict outcomes following endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Background: EVAR carries non-negligible perioperative risks; however, there are no widely used outcome prediction tools.

Methods: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program targeted database was used to identify patients who underwent EVAR for infrarenal AAA between 2011 and 2021.

General Versus Locoregional Anesthesia in TEVAR: An NSQIP Analysis.

Background: Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair (TEVAR) is a minimally invasive surgery for repairing thoracic aneurysms and dissections. This study aims to compare postoperative outcomes of TEVAR performed under general versus locoregional anesthesia.

Methods: Utilizing the 2008-2019 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, patients older than the age of 18 years who received TEVAR, were identified using the following current procedural terminology codes: 33,880, 33,881, 33,883, 33,884, or 33,886.

Outcomes and Cost-Analysis of Open Versus Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a Developing Country: A 15-year Experience at a Tertiary Medical Center.

Background: Endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the most common procedure for treating abdominal aortic aneurysms based on multiple studies conducted in the western world. The implication of such findings in developing countries is not well demonstrated. The objective of this study was to compare medical outcomes and costs of EVAR and open surgical repair (OSR) in a developing country.

Comparing the 30-Day Complications Between Smokers and Nonsmokers Undergoing Surgical Fixation of Ankle Fractures.

Background: There have been conflicting reports regarding the effect of smoking on complications after surgical treatment of ankle fractures. This study aimed at identifying the complications for which smokers and subgroups of smokers are at a higher risk compared to nonsmokers when undergoing surgery for fixation of rotational ankle fractures.

Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data set from 2008 to 2019 was used to compare the 30-day wound, cardiac, renal, and infectious complications, related readmissions, and return to the operating room between the 2 cohorts.

Face-to-face versus distance learning of basic suturing skills in novice learners: a quantitative prospective randomized trial.

Background And Aim: Traditionally, practical skills are taught on face-to-face (F-F) basis. COVID-19 pandemic brought distance learning (DL) to the spotlight because of the social distancing mandates. We sought to determine the acceptability and effectiveness of DL of basic suturing in novice learners.

Isolated Superior Mesenteric Artery Dissection: A Novel Etiology and a Review.

Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD) is a rare pathology with multifactorial etiology. The aim of this article is to provide a narrative review of the latest literature about ISMAD. Case reports, series, and recent meta-analyses were included.

Application of a novel microscopic technique for quantifying CA125 binding to circulating mononuclear cells in longitudinal specimens during treatment for ovarian cancer.

Background: Measurement of serum CA125, an antigenic fragment of human mucin 16 (MUC16), is used to monitor the clinical progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). However, rather than simply a passive marker reflecting tumor burden, MUC16 may have a more active role by binding to immune cells and altering their tumor response. We developed a research tool to measure MUC16-binding to the surfaces of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) subtypes and tested its research value using specimens collected serially from a woman being treated for high grade serous EOC.

Is breast conservation superior to mastectomy in early stage triple negative breast cancer?

Purpose: Compare overall survival (OS) and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) outcomes of breast conservative therapy (BCT) and mastectomy in a large cohort of patients with early-stage triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), using a propensity score-based matching approach.

Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was used to study the role of RT in early stage TNBC. Primary end points were OS and BCSS.

The Beirut Port Explosion Injuries and Lessons Learned: Results of the Beirut Blast Assessment for Surgical Services (BASS) Multicenter Study.

Objective: This multicenter study aims to describe the injury patterns, emergency management and outcomes of the blast victims, recognize the gaps in hospital disaster preparedness, and identify lessons to be learned.

Summary Background Data: On August 4th, 2020, the city of Beirut, Lebanon suffered the largest urban explosion since Hiroshima and Nagasaki, resulting in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries.

Methods: All injured patients admitted to four of the largest Beirut hospitals within 72 hours of the blast, including those who died on arrival or in the emergency department (ED), were included.

Incidence and Predictors of Surgical Site Infection Complications in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Lower Limb Amputation.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) following lower extremity amputations (LEAs) are a major cause of patient morbidity and mortality. The objectives of this study are to investigate the annual incidence of SSI and risk factors associated with SSI after LEA in diabetic patients.

Methods: LEAs performed on diabetic patients between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Lower limb amputation following venous cannulation for VA-ECMO: a case report.

Lower limb amputation following arterial cannulation for VA-ECMO has been described in the literature. Limb ischemia however following venous cannulation is very rare and not quite understood. We present a case of limb ischemia following venous cannulation.

Position Paper on Young Vascular Surgeons Training of the Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS): State of the Art and Perspectives.

The Mediterranean Federation for the Advancing of Vascular Surgery (MeFAVS) was founded in 2018, with the aim to promote cooperation among vascular professionals within Mediterranean countries. Due to its prominent social and economic impact on national health systems, diabetic peripheral artery was selected as the very first topic to be investigated by the federation. In this second paper, different experiences from delegates of participating countries were shared to define common strategies to harmonize, standardize, and optimize education and training in the Vascular Surgery specialty.

Hypoalbuminemia is Associated with Mortality in Patients Undergoing Lower Extremity Amputation.

Background: Poor nutritional status is common among patients undergoing lower extremity amputation (LEA). In this study, the association between preoperative hypoalbuminemia, a marker for malnutrition, and postoperative mortality in patients undergoing LEA was explored.

Methods: Data on patients undergoing LEA between 2005 and 2017 were retrospectively analyzed from the prospectively collected American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

Surgical Site Infection after Femoropopliteal Vein Bypass for Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Treated with a Graft Preserving Strategy.

A 69-year-old man underwent ligation and evacuation of a popliteal artery aneurysm with a femoral-to-popliteal vein bypass. He had a history of prostatitis two months prior to the surgery. One month postoperatively, he presented with extremity swelling, redness, and fluid collections around the graft.