Publications by authors named "Melanie Tsang"

Background: At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, access to "planned" surgical care was restricted as the health care system responded to the coronavirus. We hypothesized that the pandemic resulted in diagnostic and therapeutic delays, leading to stage migration among patients with malignancies treated with a Whipple procedure.

Methods: This study is a retrospective review of adults who underwent surgical exploration for a planned pancreaticoduodenectomy for malignancy at St.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * A study reviewed 46 patients who had completion cholecystectomy after subtotal cholecystectomy, finding that remnant cholecystitis was the main reason for reoperation in 80.4% of cases, with some encountering complications like bile leaks and pancreatitis.
  • * The procedure is generally safe and effective, with a high rate of symptom resolution (95.6%), although it can be technically challenging, with a small percentage needing conversion to open surgery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • Tranexamic acid is known to reduce bleeding and blood transfusions in various surgeries, but its effectiveness for patients undergoing liver resection due to cancer is uncertain.
  • A multicenter randomized clinical trial involving 1384 patients was conducted to see if tranexamic acid decreases the need for red blood cell transfusions within 7 days after liver surgery.
  • The results showed no significant difference in transfusion rates or blood loss between the tranexamic acid group and the placebo group, and those who received tranexamic acid experienced more complications.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: We have developed an algorithmic approach to laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including subtotal cholecystectomy, as a bailout strategy when the Critical View of Safety cannot be safely achieved due to significant inflammation and fibrosis of the hepatocystic triangle.

Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing postoperative outcomes in patients with severe cholecystitis who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy or laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy at St. Joseph's Health Centre from May 2016 to July 2021, as well as against a historical cohort.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common sources of morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomy. Surgical site infections are associated with readmissions, prolonged length of stay, delayed initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy and negative effects on quality of life. Incisional vacuum-assisted closure (iVAC) devices applied on closed incisions may reduce SSI rates.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Prospective audit and feedback (PAF) is an established practice in critical care settings but not in surgical populations. We pilot-tested a structured face-to-face PAF program for our acute-care surgery (ACS) service.

Methods: This was a mixed-methods study.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) can be accomplished with either resection of the splenic vessels via the Warshaw Technique (WT) or via preservation of the splenic vessels (SVP). Our study aims to compare outcomes for the two methods of LSPDP.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review with intent-to-treat analysis of adults undergoing LSPDP at a single institution from 2009 to 2021.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy (LSC) is a bailout strategy to prevent bile duct injury in difficult gallbladder cases. It is associated with acceptable morbidity that is readily managed with postoperative interventions. Here we share our techniques for LSC.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • A study is looking at how to reduce blood transfusions needed during liver surgery because many patients still need them after surgery, which can be risky.
  • Researchers will test a drug called tranexamic acid (TXA) on 1230 people to see if it can help lower blood loss during surgery and reduce the need for transfusions.
  • The study is approved by health authorities, and results will be shared to help others learn from the findings.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Bile duct injury sustained during laparoscopic cholecystectomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and can be a devastating complication for a general surgeon. We introduce a novel, individualized surgical coaching program for surgeons who recently injured a bile duct in laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We aim to explore the perception of coaching among these surgeons and to assess surgeons' experiences in the coaching program.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy over 30 years ago, rates of bile duct injury have remained elevated compared to the era of open cholecystectomy. We propose an anatomical landmark, the Inferior Boundary of Dissection, to help prevent dangerous dissection in the porta hepatis and provide clues as to when a critical view of safety may not be immediately achieved.

Methods: This landmarking approach is based on fundamentals of biliary anatomy and surface landmarks of the liver.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The PETCAM trial studied the impact of using PET-CT scans on the surgical management of patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases compared to no PET-CT scans.
  • The trial involved 404 patients and found no significant differences in long-term outcomes like disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between those who had PET-CT and those who didn't.
  • Ultimately, while PET-CT altered surgical decisions in 8% of cases, it did not influence recurrence rates or long-term survival after surgery.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Management of recurrence following liver resection for colorectal cancer metastases is a topic of debate. We determined risk factors for survival following recurrence after liver resection.

Methods: Long-term follow-up of patients in the PETCAM trial who had recurrence following liver resection.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Selection criteria and benefits for resection of noncolorectal, nonneuroendocrine liver metastases (NCNNELM) remain debated. A prognostic score was developed by the Association Française de Chirurgie (AFC) for patient selection, but not validated. We performed a geographic external validation of this score.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Bleeding and need for red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) remain a significant concern with hepatectomy. RBCT carry risk of transfusion-related immunomodulation that may impact post-operative recovery. This study soughs to assess the association between RBCT and post-hepatectomy morbidity.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Patients with incurable malignancies can require surgical intervention. We prospectively evaluated patients treated with palliative surgery to qualitatively assess peri-operative outcomes.

Methods: Eligible patients were assessed at a tertiary care cancer center.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: More than half of the patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer liver metastases develop recurrent hepatic disease. We report management and outcomes of patients undergoing repeat hepatectomy in routine practice.

Methods: All cases of repeat hepatectomy for colorectal cancer liver metastases from 2002 to 2009 in the Canadian Province of Ontario were identified using the population-based Ontario Cancer Registry and linked treatment records.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Peri-operative red blood cell transfusions (RBCT) may induce transfusion-related immunomodulation and impact post-operative recovery. This study examined the association between RBCT and post-pancreatectomy morbidity.

Methods: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) registry, patients undergoing an elective pancreatectomy (2007-2012) were identified.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Portal pedicle clamping (PPC) may impact micro-metastases' growth. This study examined the association between PPC and survival after a hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM).

Methods: A matched cohort study was conducted on hepatectomies for CRLM at a single institution (2003-2012).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) are associated with cancer recurrence following resection of colorectal cancer. Their impact after colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) resection remains debated. We sought to explore the association between perioperative RBCT and oncologic outcomes following resection of CRLM.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is on the forefront of surgical technique, but existing research has produced mixed results regarding factors associated with interest in the procedure. Our objective was to ascertain patient opinions at a Canadian centre regarding scarless surgery. A survey comprising demographic data (gender, age, body mass index [BMI]), interest in NOTES, impact of increased risk, as well as importance of further research and shorter recovery time was administered to volunteer patients at outpatient general surgery clinics.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF