Impact of Robotic Approach on Post-Anastomotic Leaks After Esophagectomy for Esophageal Cancer.

Introduction: Although mortality rates after esophagectomy have decreased over the last 30 years, anastomotic leaks still commonly persist and portend significant morbidity. Previous studies have analyzed patient and perio-perative risk factors for leaks, yet data describing the association of leaks and an open or minimally invasive approach are lacking. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of operative approach on leak rates and subsequent management of the leaks.

Lower Rates of Unplanned Conversion to Open in Robotic Approach to Esophagectomy for Cancer.

Background: Minimally invasive approaches to esophagectomy have gained popularity worldwide; however, unplanned conversion to an open approach is not uncommon. This study sought to investigate risk factors associated with converting to an open approach and to evaluate outcomes following conversion.

Methods: Patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) for cancer were identified using the 2016-2019 Procedure Targeted NSQIP Database.

Opportunistic Salpingectomy at the Time of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Ovarian Cancer Prevention: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis.

Objective: To perform a cost-effectiveness analysis to examine the utility and effectiveness of OS performed at the time of elective cholecystectomy [laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LAP-CHOL)].

Summary Background Data: OS has been adopted as a strategy to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women undergoing hysterectomy and tubal sterilization, although the procedure is rarely performed as a risk reducing strategy during other abdominopelvic procedures.

Methods: A decision model was created to examine women 40, 50, and 60 years of age undergoing LAP-CHOL with or without OS.

Effect of Donor Race-Matching on Overall Survival for African-American Patients Undergoing Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Background: Liver transplantation (LT) is the preferred treatment for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in select patients. Differences in outcomes after LT have been previously described between recipient races, but the role of donor race is not well defined. This study sought to examine the effect of donor-recipient race-matching on overall survival after liver transplantation for HCC in African-American patients (AA).

Elective Regional Therapy Treatment for Hepatic Adenoma.

Background: Locoregional therapy treatments for hepatic adenoma (HA) are typically limited to selective hepatic arterial embolization (HAE) to control acute hemorrhage. This systematic review sought to report the utilization of HAE and ablation for non-emergent treatment of HA.

Methods: A PubMed query identified studies reporting ablation or embolization for HA patients.

One-Year Mortality after Contemporary Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery: An Analysis of the Bariatric Outcomes Longitudinal Database.

Background: Contemporary mortality after bariatric surgery is low and has been decreasing over the past 2 decades. Most studies have reported inpatient or 30-day mortality, which may not represent the true risk of bariatric surgery. The objective of this study was to examine 1-year mortality and factors predictive of 1-year mortality after contemporary laparoscopic bariatric surgery.

Ablation approach for primary liver tumors: Peri-operative outcomes.

Background And Objectives: Ablation is a common treatment modality for malignant primary liver tumors(PLTs), outcomes following laparoscopic (LA) versus open ablation (OA) are ill-defined. This project compares peri-procedural outcomes of LA versus OA for PLTs.

Materials And Methods: Patients with PLTs undergoing radiofrequency ablation were queried from ACS NSQIP Database (2005-2013) using CPT codes.

The effect of prior upper abdominal surgery on outcomes after liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: An analysis of the database of the organ procurement transplant network.

Objectives: Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the preferred treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in select patients. Many patients listed for OLT have a history of prior upper abdominal surgery (UAS). Repeat abdominal surgery increases operative complexity and may cause a greater incidence of complication.

Minimally invasive hepatectomy conversions: an analysis of risk factors and outcomes.

Background: Surgical approach may influence morbidity following hepatectomy. This study sought to compare outcomes in minimally invasive surgery (MIS), conversion from MIS to open, and planned open hepatectomy patients and analyze factors leading to conversion.

Methods: The 2014 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset was queried for patients undergoing hepatectomy.

Pain catastrophizing as a predictor for postoperative pain and opiate consumption in total joint arthroplasty patients.

Background: Pain catastrophizing has been suggested as a prospective risk factor for poor postoperative pain outcomes in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). However, results from the previous studies have been mixed and have not controlled for postoperative opiate analgesic intake. This study investigates pain catastrophizing and postoperative pain intensity in TJA patients, adjusting for analgesic intake.

Overall survival after resection of retroperitoneal sarcoma at academic cancer centers versus community cancer centers: An analysis of the National Cancer Data Base.

Background: Operative resection remains the definitive curative therapy for retroperitoneal sarcoma. Data published recently show a correlation between improved outcomes for complex oncologic operations and treatment at academic centers. For large retroperitoneal sarcomas, operative resection can be complex and require multidisciplinary care.

The prognostic utility of baseline alpha-fetoprotein for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

Introduction: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) has a valuable role in postoperative surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. The utility of pretreatment or baseline AFP remains controversial. The present study hypothesized that elevated baseline AFP levels are associated with worse overall survival in HCC patients.

Transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein thrombosis (PVT) remains controversial. This systematic review sought to examine the role of TACE in the treatment of HCC with PVT in either the main portal vein (MPV) or portal vein branches (PVB).

Methods: PubMed was searched for "hepatocellular carcinoma" and "transarterial chemoembolization" from January 1, 2006 to August 31, 2016.

Randomized study of effectiveness of computerized ultrasound simulators for an introductory course for residents in Brazil.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess the impact of ultrasound simulation (SonoSim) on educational outcomes of an introductory point-of-care ultrasound course compared to hands-on training with live models alone.

Methods: Fifty-three internal medicine residents without ultrasound experience were randomly assigned to control or experimental groups. They participated in an introductory point-of-care ultrasound course covering eight topics in eight sessions from June 23, 2014 until July 18, 2014.