Comparing Thoracoscopic and Robotic Lobectomy Using a Nationally Representative Database.

Background: Studies of robotic lobectomy (Robot-L) have been performed using data from high-volume, specialty centers which may not be generalizable. The purpose of this study was to compare mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost between Robot-L and thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS-L) using a nationally representative database hypothesizing they would be similar.

Methods: The Premier Healthcare Database was used to identify patients receiving elective lobectomy for lung cancer from 2009 to 2019.

Surgical Repair vs Stent for Esophageal Perforation: A Multi-institutional Database Analysis.

Background: Endoscopic esophageal stenting is used as an alternative to surgical repair for esophageal perforation. Multi-institutional studies supporting stenting are lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of surgical repair and esophageal stenting in patients with esophageal perforation using a nationally representative database.

Monitoring for Recurrence After Esophagectomy.

Background: Current guidelines for follow-up after esophagectomy suggest only history and physical examination (HPE). With recent advances in chemotherapy and immunotherapy for patients with recurrent esophageal cancer, we hypothesized that surveillance imaging (SI) would identify patients with cancer recurrence earlier and improve long-term survival.

Methods: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer at a single institution between 2007 and 2018 was conducted.

Age as a Barrier to Surgical Stabilization of Rib Fractures in Patients with Flail Chest.

Introduction: Although randomized trials demonstrate a benefit to surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF), SSRF is rarely performed. We hypothesized older patients were less likely to receive SSRF nationally.

Methods: The 2016 National Inpatient Sample was used to identify adults with flail chest.

Drain Amylase: A Simple and Versatile Method of Detecting Esophageal Anastomotic Leaks.

Background: Anastomotic leak after esophagectomy is a significant cause of morbidity. Perianastomotic drain amylase is accurate in detecting leaks, but it is unclear whether its accuracy is affected by comorbid conditions, anastomotic method, or anastomotic location. We hypothesized that drain amylase would accurately discriminate leak in a variety of settings.