Association of Preoperative Blood Transfusion on Postoperative Outcomes in Emergency General Surgery.

Introduction: Emergency general surgery (EGS) patients often present with anemia, in which preoperative transfusions are performed to mitigate anemia-associated risks. However, transfusions have also been noted to cause worse postoperative outcomes. This study examined how transfusion-associated outcomes vary at different levels of anemia.

Differences in ICSI utilization rates among states with insurance mandates for ART coverage.

Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) insurance mandates promote more selective utilization of ART clinic resources including intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our objective was to examine whether ICSI utilization differs by state insurance mandates for ART coverage and assess if such a difference is associated with male factor, preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and/or live birth rates.

Methods: In this retrospective analysis of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) data from 2018, ART clinics in ART-mandated states (n = 8, AR, CT, HI, IL, MD, MA, NJ, RI) were compared individually to one another and with non-mandated states in aggregate (n = 42) for use of ICSI, male factor, PGT, and live birth rates.

Socioeconomic risk factors for mortality and readmission after surgery for bowel obstruction: An analysis of the Nationwide Readmissions Database.

Background: Small bowel obstructions (SBO) are one of the most common surgical emergencies, but they remain a major cause of high morbidity and mortality in patients with previous history of abdominal and pelvic surgery. Socioeconomic factors have not been extensively studied in surgical management of SBO.

Methods: We queried the 2016 NRD database for all surgically managed admissions ≥18 years of age with a primary diagnosis of SBO.

The Use of Artificial Neural Network to Predict Surgical Outcomes After Inguinal Hernia Repair.

Background: Inguinal hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures. We developed and validated an artificial neural network (ANN) model for the prediction of surgical outcomes and the analysis of risk factors for inguinal hernia repair.

Materials And Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to find patients who underwent inguinal hernia repair.

Do state insurance mandates alter ICSI utilization?

Background: Assisted reproductive technology (ART) insurance mandates resulted in improved access to infertility treatments like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Our objective was to examine whether ART insurance mandates demonstrate an increased association with ICSI use.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, clinic-specific data for 2000-2016 from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) were grouped by state and subgrouped by the presence and extent of ART state insurance mandates.

Incidence and Cost of Deep Vein Thrombosis in Emergency General Surgery Over 15 Years.

Background: Deep vein thromboses (DVTs) are a significant sequela of surgery and are associated with significant of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Operative emergency general surgery (EGS) cases have been demonstrated to have a greater burden of DVT than other types of surgery.

Materials And Methods: DVT in EGS cases were identified from the National Inpatient Sample-Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database from 2001 to 2015 Q3 based on ICD-9 code specification.

Laparoscopic colectomy for diverticulitis in patients with pre-operative respiratory comorbidity: analysis of post-operative outcomes in the United States from 2005 to 2017.

Background: Current studies suggest that laparoscopic colorectal surgery is an advantageous alternative to open surgery due to improved post-operative outcomes in high-risk patient groups. Limited data is currently available on the benefits of minimally invasive colectomy for diverticulitis in patients with significant pre-operative respiratory comorbidities.

Study Design: The NSQIP 2005-2017 datasets were used to identify patients that underwent partial colectomies due to diverticulitis.

The Cost of Surgical Site Infections after Colorectal Surgery in the United States from 2001 to 2012: A Longitudinal Analysis.

Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common types of postoperative complications in the United States and are associated with significant prevalence of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing surgical interventions, especially in colorectal surgery (CRS) where SSI rates are significantly higher than those of similar operative sites. SSIs were identified from the National Inpatient Sample-Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project database from 2001 to 2012 based on the specification of an ICD-9 code. Propensity score matching was used to compare costs associated with SSI cases with those of non-SSI controls among elective and nonelective admissions.

The role of socioeconomic disparity in colorectal cancer stage at presentation.

Colorectal cancer, despite multiple screening measures being available, is the second leading cause of death due to cancer. Cancer stage at diagnosis is an important determinant of survival, where earlier stages have significantly increased rates of survival. By looking at various social health disparities (at a patient and geographic level) and their effect on stage at presentation, we will gain a better understanding of the effect they have on cancer outcomes.

Egg freezing for fertility preservation and family planning: a nationwide survey of US Obstetrics and Gynecology residents.

Background: Little is known about resident attitudes toward elective egg freezing (EF) or how educational exposure to EF affects residents' views and ability to counsel patients. This study aimed to evaluate US OB/GYN residents' views on elective EF, decisions regarding family planning, and whether education on EF affects these views and self-reported comfort discussing EF with patients.

Methods: A 32 question survey was emailed to program directors at all US residency programs for distribution to residents.

Temporal Differences in Utilization of Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection Among U.S. Regions.

Objective: To analyze changes in intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) utilization, indications, and outcomes across U.S. regions.

Differences in utilization of Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) within human services (HHS) regions and metropolitan megaregions in the U.S.

Background: Anecdotal evidence suggests that US practice patterns for ART differ by geographical region. The purpose of this study was to determine whether use of ICSI differs by region and to evaluate whether these rates are correlated with differences in live birth rates.

Methods: Public data for 2012 were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

YKL-40 expression in traumatic brain injury: an initial analysis.

YKL-40 (chitinase 3-like protein 1) is expressed in a broad spectrum of inflammatory conditions and cancers. We have previously reported that YKL-40 levels are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of macaques and humans with lentiviral encephalitis, as well as multiple sclerosis (MS). The current study assessed temporal CSF YKL-40 levels in subjects with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI; Glasgow Coma Scale [GCS] score View Article and Find Full Text PDF