Liver Allograft Cirrhosis, Retransplant, and Mortality Secondary to Recurrent Disease After Transplant for MASH: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Recurrent disease after liver transplant is well recognized for many diseases. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (MASH) are leading indications for liver transplant, and there is scarce knowledge about recurrence-related end outcomes such as retransplant and mortality. This project aims to assess the proportion of patients transplanted for MASH who develop recurrent disease and adverse clinical outcomes.

Role of prolonged packing in postoperative anorectal abscess management: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Prolonged packing of anorectal abscess cavities with internal dressings after incision and drainage is frequently used, but the efficacy of this practice remains controversial. Some studies highlight its use in hemostasis and preventing fistula and abscess recurrence, whereas others describe its economic burden and increase in pain. In this systematic review, we examine current evidence on the impact of packing after incision and drainage for anorectal abscesses.

Impact of hypoalbuminemia on outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy: a NSQIP retrospective cohort analysis of 25,848 patients.

Background: Efforts to preoperatively risk stratify and optimize patients before pancreaticoduodenectomy continue to improve outcomes. This study aims to determine the impact of hypoalbuminemia on outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy and outline optimal hypoalbuminemia cut-off values in this population.

Methods: The ACS-NSQIP (2016-2021) database was used to extract patients who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, comparing those with hypoalbuminemia (< 3.

Smoking status predicts anastomotic leak after esophagectomy: a systematic review & meta-analysis.

Background: Anastomotic leak after esophagectomy is a major contributor to surgery-related morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate if positive-smoking status is associated with the incidence of this complication.

Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library was performed on April 4th, 2023.

Persistent hyperbilirubinemia following preoperative biliary stenting in patients undergoing anatomic hepatectomy predicts serious complications.

Background: Biliary obstruction before liver resection is a known risk factor for post-operative complications. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of persistent hyperbilirubinemia following preoperative biliary drainage before liver resection.

Methods: The ACS-NSQIP (2016-2021) database was used to extract patients with cholangiocarcinoma who underwent anatomic liver resection with preoperative biliary drainage comparing those with persistent hyperbilirubinemia (> 1.

Endoscopic incisional therapy for benign anastomotic strictures after esophagectomy or gastrectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Studies have evaluated the efficacy of endoscopic incisional therapy (EIT) for benign anastomotic strictures. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate stricture recurrence after EIT following esophagectomy or gastrectomy.

Methods: A systematic search of databases was performed up to April 2nd, 2023, after selection of key search terms with the research team.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on esophageal cancer resource allocation: a systematic review.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic challenged global infrastructure. Healthcare systems were forced to reallocate resources toward the frontlines. In this systematic review, we analyze the impact of resource reallocation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of esophageal cancer (EC) patients.

Resource allocation during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and the impact on patients with lung cancer: a systematic review.

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic resulted in unprecedented tolls on both economies and human life. Healthcare resources needed to be reallocated away from the care of patients and towards supporting the pandemic response. In this systematic review, we explore the impact of resource allocation during the COVID-19 pandemic on the screening, diagnosis, management and outcomes of patients with lung cancer during the pandemic.

Revisional bariatric surgery for gastroesophageal reflux disease: characterizing patient and procedural factors and 30-day outcomes for a retrospective cohort of 4412 patients.

Introduction: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a well-established potential consequence of bariatric surgery and can require revisional surgery. Our understanding of the population requiring revision is limited. In this study, we aim to characterize patients requiring revisional surgery for GERD to understand their perioperative risks and identify strategies to improve their outcomes.

Changes in Sarcopenia Status Predict Survival Among Patients with Resectable Esophageal Cancer.

Background: Sarcopenia is a predictor of survival in patients with esophageal cancer. The objective of this research was to obtain insight into how changes in sarcopenia influence survival in resectable esophageal cancer.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective cohort of patients with esophageal cancer undergoing tri-modality therapy was selected.

Optimizing management for early-stage esophageal adenocarcinoma: longitudinal results from a multidisciplinary program.

Background: The management of early-stage esophageal cancer is nuanced. A multidisciplinary approach may optimize management through selection of candidates for surgical or endoscopic therapies. The objective of this research was to examine long-term outcomes of patients with early-stage esophageal cancer who undergo treatment with endoscopic resection or surgery.

Endoscopic plication compared to laparoscopic fundoplication in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Introduction: Endoscopic plication offers an alternative to surgical fundoplication for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate outcomes following endoscopic plication compared to laparoscopic fundoplication.

Methods And Procedures: Systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted in September 2022.

Oral care reduces incidence of pneumonia after esophagectomy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Purpose: Post-operative pneumonia after esophagectomy is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. Prior studies have demonstrated a link between the presence of pathologic oral flora and the development of aspiration pneumonia. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of pre-operative oral care on the incidence of post-operative pneumonia after esophagectomy.

Sarcopenia in Lung Cancer: A Narrative Review.

It has been over 10 years since the relationship between sarcopenia and lung cancer was first explored. Since then, sarcopenia research has progressed substantially, and the prognostic value of this condition is becoming increasingly apparent. Prior systematic reviews and meta-analyses have established sarcopenia to be negatively associated with disease-free and overall-survival, as well as a major risk factor for post-operative complications.

Learning objectives for thoracic surgery: developing a national standard for undergraduate medical education.

Background: The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) (Education) Committee of the Canadian Association of Thoracic Surgeons (CATS) has established a goal of describing the essential knowledge of thoracic surgery. We aimed to develop a national standardized set of undergraduate learning objectives for thoracic surgery.

Methods: We obtained these learning objectives from 4 medical schools in Canada.

Substance abuse screening prior to bariatric surgery: an MBSAQIP cohort study evaluating frequency and factors associated with screening.

Introduction: Patients undergoing bariatric surgery experience substantial risk of pre- and postoperative substance use. Identifying patients at risk for substance use using validated screening tools remains crucial to risk mitigation and operative planning. We aimed to evaluate proportion of bariatric surgery patients undergoing specific substance abuse screening, factors associated with screening and the relationship between screening and postoperative complications.

Does ASA classification effectively risk stratify patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a MBSAQIP retrospective cohort of 138,612 of patients.

Introduction: It is important to appropriately risk stratify bariatric surgery patients, as these patients often have obesity-related comorbidities which can increase postoperative complication risk but also benefit the most from bariatric surgery. We aimed to evaluate the utility of risk stratification using ASA class for bariatric surgery patients and assessed predictive factors of postoperative complications.

Methods: The 2020 MBSAQIP database was analyzed, and an ASA-deemed high-risk cohort (class IV) and normal-risk (ASA class II and III) cohort were compared.

ERAS guidelines for esophagectomy: adherence patterns among Canadian thoracic surgeons.

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines have been incorporated across surgical specialties supported by the publication of evidence-based guidelines. The purpose of this research was to explore adherence to such guidelines among Canadian thoracic surgeons with respect to esophagectomy. A standardized questionnaire was developed comprising 43 validated ERAS recommendations.

Characteristics and outcomes for patients undergoing revisional bariatric surgery due to persistent obesity: a retrospective cohort study of 10,589 patients.

Background: Revisional bariatric surgery in an option for patients who experience weight regain or inadequate weight loss after primary elective bariatric procedures. However, there is conflicting data on safety outcomes of revisional procedures. We aim to characterize patient demographics, procedure type, and safety outcomes for those undergoing revisional compared to initial bariatric interventions to guide management of these patients.

Age-related disparities and trends in national healthcare spending for management of appendicitis in the United States: A retrospective cost-analysis.

Background: Changes in clinical care for appendicitis have impacted healthcare use associated with treatment. We evaluated national trends and assessed factors associated with healthcare costs for appendicitis in the United States.

Design: The Disease Expenditure Project, the Global Burden of Disease study, and the National Inpatient Sample were used to estimate total national expenditures, per-capita costs for incident cases, and factors associated with inpatient costs for appendicitis management, respectively.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Is Associated with Serious Complications But Not Increased Mortality Following Elective Bariatric Surgery: a Retrospective Cohort Study of 751,952 Patients.

Background: The aim of the study was to characterize the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in elective bariatric surgery patients and to determine if OSA is an independent predictor of 30-day serious complications and 30-day mortality among bariatric surgery patients.

Methods: An analysis of the MBSAQIP database from 2015 to 2019 was conducted, and patients were stratified by OSA diagnosis. Data was extracted on patient age, sex, race, and comorbidities.

Method of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is not a predictor of pulmonary embolus following elective bariatric surgery: a retrospective cohort study of 135,409 patients.

Background: Patients with obesity are at increased risk of pulmonary embolus (PE), a risk that increases perioperatively and is challenging to manage.

Objective: An analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database was performed to determine predictors of PE in patients undergoing elective bariatric surgery.

Setting: North American accredited bariatric surgery institutions included in the MBSAQIP database from 2020-2021.

Sarcopenia reduces overall survival in unresectable oesophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sarcopenia measured through body composition analysis is emerging as an important prognosticator among various malignancies, including oesophageal cancer. Skeletal muscle index (SMI) as determined by the third lumbar vertebrae on cross-sectional CT images has been demonstrated as a predictor of overall survival in oesophageal cancer, using pre-defined cut off values for sarcopenia. However, this is largely within the setting of resectable disease.