Alexander J. Greenstein

Effect of the number of lymph nodes sampled on postoperative survival of lymph node-negative esophageal cancer

The presence of lymph node (LN) metastases in esophageal cancer has important prognostic and treatment implications. However, the optimal number of LNs that should be examined for accurate staging is controversial. In the current study, the association between survival and the number of LNs evaluated was examined in patients who underwent resection of lymph node‐negative (American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC] TNM stage I‐IIA) esophageal cancer.

Risk factors for the development of fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis.

BACKGROUND The development of fulminant Clostridium difficile colitis (FCDC) requires prompt operative intervention and is associated with a high mortality rate. The aim of this study was to use a case-control design to define the clinical and laboratory parameters that predict which patients with Clostridium difficile infection are most likely to progress to FCDC. METHODS Cases from 1994 to 2006 with documented in-hospital progression of Clostridium difficile infection to FCDC were matched retrospectively at the start of medical therapy by age, sex, and intensive care unit (ICU) status to controls with Clostridium difficile infection who did not develop FCDC. Chi-Square and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify risk factors for progression to FCDC. RESULTS A total of 35 patients with FCDC were matched to 70 controls with Clostridium difficile infection who did not develop FCDC. The patients with FCDC underwent colectomy after an average of 4.6 days of medical therapy and had a mortality rate of 40%. On multivariate analysis, independent risk factors for the development of FCDC were a WBC > 16,000 cells/mm(3) (P < .01) at initiation of therapy, operative therapy within the last 30 days (P = .03), a history of inflammatory bowel disease (P = .04), and a history of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS Leukocytosis, recent prior operative therapy, and a history of inflammatory bowel disease and intravenous immunoglobulin treatment were negative prognostic indicators for patients with Clostridium difficile infection. The presence of these factors merits close observation for progression to FCDC and acceleration of the planning process for operative intervention.

Prognostic Significance of the Number of Lymph Node Metastases in Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND Regional lymph node (LN) involvement is one of the most important predictors of survival for patients with esophageal cancer. The current staging classification differentiates only between the presence and absence of LN metastasis. In this study, we examined whether involvement of a higher number of LNs is associated with worse survival among esophageal cancer patients. STUDY DESIGN We identified all patients who underwent operations for node-positive esophageal cancer between 1988 and 2003 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results cancer registry. Because the number of positive LNs is confounded by the total number of LNs removed, patients were classified into three groups by the ratio of positive-to-total number of LNs removed (LN ratio [LNR]): <or= 0.2, 0.21 to 0.5, and>0.5. Esophageal cancer-specific survival was compared among these groups using Kaplan-Meier curves. Stratified and Cox regression analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between the LNR and survival after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS The study cohort included 838 esophageal cancer patients. Disease-specific survival rates decreased with higher LNR. Five-year disease-specific survival was 30% among patients with an LNR<or=0.2, compared with 16% and 13% for those with LNs of 0.21 to 0.5 and>0.5, respectively (p < 0.001). In stratified and multivariable analyses controlling for age, race, gender, histology, tumor-status, and postoperative radiotherapy, a higher LNR was independently associated with worse disease-specific survival. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that a higher LNR among patients with node-positive esophageal cancer is associated with worse survival. If validated, this prognostic criterion may be included in staging classifications.

Racial Disparities in Esophageal Cancer Treatment and Outcomes

PurposeBlacks have a higher mortality rate than whites from esophageal cancer, but the reasons underlying this disparity remain unclear. In this study, we used a national sample of patients with resectable esophageal cancer to assess the extent to which racial inequalities in care can explain outcome disparities.MethodsWe identified all non-Hispanic white and black patients diagnosed with T0–T2, node-negative esophageal cancer between 1988 and 2003 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry. Racial differences in esophageal-specific survival were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method. We performed Cox regression to test for racial differences in survival after adjusting for potential confounders and to assess the extent to which disparities can be explained by later diagnosis or treatment inequalities.ResultsA total of 1522 patients were included in the study. Blacks had worse esophageal-specific survival rates than whites (37% vs 60% 5-year survival; P < .0001). Blacks were more likely to be diagnosed at a more advanced stage and to have squamous cell tumors, but were less likely to undergo surgery. In multivariate regression controlling for age, sex, marital status, histology, and tumor location, black race was associated with worse survival. When tumor status, surgery, and radiotherapy were added to the model, race was no longer significantly associated with survival.ConclusionThese data suggest that blacks are at greater risk of death from esophageal cancer. While the disparity is due in part to differences in tumor histology, diagnosis at an earlier stage and higher rates of surgery among blacks could reduce this survival disparity.

Management and Treatment of Iliopsoas Abscess

HYPOTHESIS Even with improved diagnostic modalities, the optimum management strategy for iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is not uniform, and a better understanding of treatment options is needed. DESIGN Retrospective case series. SETTING Academic center. PATIENTS Sixty-one consecutive patients diagnosed as having IPA at the Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York, from August 1, 2000, to December 30, 2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Development and cause of IPA, the need for additional interventions, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 53 years. Most patients were initially seen with pain (95% [58 of 61]), gastrointestinal tract complaints (43% [26 of 61]), and lower extremity pain (30% [18 of 61]). Primary and secondary abscesses occurred in 11% (7 of 61) and 89% (54 of 61), respectively. The most frequent underlying cause of secondary abscesses was inflammatory bowel disease. Broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed in all patients. Computed tomography was the most common diagnostic modality used. Abscesses were larger than 6 cm in 39% of patients (24 of 61), bilateral in 13% (8 of 61), and multiple in 25% (15 of 61). Nine patients were treated using antibiotics alone, with a success rate of 78% (7 of 9). Forty-eight patients initially underwent percutaneous drainage, which was successful in 40% (19 of 48). Among those with unresolved IPAs, 71% of patients ultimately required surgery, and the IPAs were typically associated with underlying gastrointestinal tract causes. Seven percent (4 of 61) of patients directly underwent exploratory surgery and drainage, and all of these interventions were successful. The overall mortality was 5% (3 of 61). CONCLUSIONS Iliopsoas abscess remains a therapeutic challenge. Gastrointestinal tract disease is the most common cause, with computed tomography as the diagnostic modality of choice. Percutaneous drainage remains the initial treatment modality but is rarely the sole therapy required. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease are likely to require ultimate operative management.

Effect of the number of lymph nodes sampled on postoperative survival of node-negative esophageal cancer

INTRODUCTION: The presence of lymph node (LN) metastases in esophageal cancer has important prognostic and treatment implications. However, the optimal number of LNs that should be examined for accurate staging is controversial. In this study, we examined the association between survival and the number of LNs evaluated in patients who underwent resection of node-negative (stage I-IIA) esophageal cancer.

Prevalence of Adverse Intraoperative Events during Obesity Surgery and Their Sequelae

BACKGROUND Adverse intraoperative events (AIEs) during surgery are a well-known entity. A better understanding of the incidence of AIEs and their relationship with outcomes is helpful for surgeon preparation and preoperative patient counseling. The goals of this study are to describe the incidence of AIEs during bariatric surgery and examine their impact on major adverse complications. STUDY DESIGN The study included 5,882 subjects who had bariatric surgery in the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery study between March 2005 and April 2009. Prospectively collected AIEs included organ injuries, anesthesia-related events, anastomotic revisions, and equipment failure. The relationship between AIEs and a composite end point of 30-day major adverse complications (ie, death, venous thromboembolism, percutaneous, endoscopic, or operative reintervention and failure to be discharged from the hospital within 30 days from surgery) was evaluated using a multivariable relative risk model adjusting for factors known to influence their risk. RESULTS There were 1,608 laparoscopic adjusted gastric banding, 3,770 laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operations, and 504 open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operations. Adverse intraoperative events occurred in 5% of the overall sample and were most frequent during open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (7.3%), followed by laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (5.5%) and laparoscopic adjusted gastric banding (3%). The rate of composite end point was 8.8% in the AIE group compared with 3.9% among those without an AIE (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that patients with an AIE were at 90% greater risk of composite complication than those without an event (relative risk = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.26-2.88; p = 0.002), independent of the type of procedure (open or laparoscopic). CONCLUSIONS Incidence of an AIE is not infrequent during bariatric surgery and is associated with much higher risk of major complication. Additional study is needed to assess the association between specific AIEs and short-term complications.

Comparison of iatrogenic splenectomy during open and laparoscopic colon resection.

Iatrogenic splenic injury requiring splenectomy is a well-recognized and potentially serious complication of colon resection. Iatrogenic splenectomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, including bleeding and the postsplenectomy sepsis syndrome. Our study aims to compare the incidence of iatrogenic splenectomy in laparoscopic colon resection with that of open colon resection over an 11-year-period at Mount Sinai. A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing colon resection at Mount Sinai Medical Center during the last 11 years was performed to identify patient demographics, procedure, indication, and outcome. There was a significant difference (P=0.03) in the incidence of iatrogenic splenectomy during open colectomy (13/5477, 0.24%) versus laparoscopic colectomy (0/1911, 0%). All cases complicated by iatrogenic splenectomy involved splenic flexure mobilization. Laparoscopy has many recognized advantages over open procedures, including shorter recovery and length of stay. This retrospective review of our experience at Mount Sinai presents another potential benefit of the laparoscopic approach to colon resection.

Ileal j pouch complications and surgical solutions: a review.

Abstract:Ileal pouch–anal anastomosis is currently accepted as the standard method to restore continence after total proctocolectomy for medically refractory ulcerative colitis and familial adenomatous polyposis. Ileal pouches offer improved quality of life and high patient satisfaction; however, there are many pouch-related complications due to the original disease process and change in anatomy. This is a review article of the common and some rare surgical complications after J pouches, which can be subdivided into the septic and nonseptic categories. Septic-related complications include anastomotic leak, abscess, and fistulas, whereas common nonseptic-related complications include small bowel obstruction, strictures, Crohns disease, pouchitis, and cuffitis. Rare nonseptic complications to be discussed are prolapse, volvulus, and neoplasia.

Cystic Duct Stump Leaks: After the Learning Curve

OBJECTIVES To describe a series of patients who have had cystic duct stump leaks (CDSLs) after laparoscopic cholecystectomy and to compare the current presentation and management with that in previous studies. DESIGN Two-institution retrospective case series and review of the previously published literature. SETTING Two teaching hospitals. PATIENTS Twelve patients who had CDSLs of 5751 patients who underwent total laparoscopic cholecystectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Symptoms at presentation, laboratory values, imaging modalities, treatment modalities, and operative indications and techniques. RESULTS Between January 1, 1998, and March 31, 2007, 12 patients (0.21%) developed CDSLs a mean of 2.3 days postoperatively. Five patients (42%) were reported to have abnormal cystic ducts. A mean of 3 surgical clips were used for closure. Abdominal pain (58%) was the most common presenting symptom; 9 patients (75%) had an elevated white blood cell count, and 9 (75%) had abnormal liver function test results. Ten patients (83%) underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and 8 (67%) were definitively treated with ERCP stenting of the common bile duct. Two patients (17%) required adjunctive computed tomography-guided drainage. There was 1 death. CONCLUSIONS A CDSL can occur for a variety of reasons. Any patient with a postoperative picture consistent with a bile leak should undergo ERCP. If a CDSL is discovered, the common bile duct should be stented. Computed tomography-guided drainage is indicated if the patient does not improve after ERCP. Operative intervention should be reserved for the most serious of circumstances.