Bradford J. Kim

The Impact of Postoperative Complications on a Timely Return to Intended Oncologic Therapy (RIOT): the Role of Enhanced Recovery in the Cancer Journey.

This is a dynamic and exciting time for perioperative medicine. Continuous evolutions in anesthetic techniques, surgical approaches, and tools to measure recovery have improved patient safety and quality significantly. In addition, multiple new avenues of basic, translational, clinical, and health care delivery research have been opened. Although these areas of investigation are in their early stages, it seems timely to review our progress to date. In this chapter, our group introduces the concept of return to intended oncologic therapies (RIOT) as a novel quality metric that all fields of cancer surgery/anesthesia can use to measure and monitor the degree to which various perioperative interventions impact the functional recovery in cancer patients. Using goal-directed fluid therapy, narcotic minimization, and alternative analgesic strategies as examples, we explore the data that support an association between perioperative care and RIOT. Further,

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Postoperative Thoracic Epidural Analgesia Versus Intravenous Patient-controlled Analgesia after Major Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery

Objectives: The primary objective of this randomized trial was to compare thoracic epidural analgesia (TEA) to intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV-PCA) for pain control over the first 48 hours after hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) surgery. Secondary endpoints were patient-reported outcomes, total narcotic utilization, and complications. Background: Although adequate postoperative pain control is critical to patient and surgeon success, the optimal analgesia regimen in HPB surgery remains controversial. Methods: Using a 2.5:1 randomization strategy, 140 patients were randomized to TEA (N = 106) or intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (N = 34). Patient-reported pain was measured on a Likert scale (0–10) at standard time intervals. Cumulative pain area under the curve was determined using the trapezoidal method. Results: Between the study groups key demographic, comorbidity, clinical, and operative variables were equivalently distributed. The median area under the curve of the postoperative time 0- to 48-hour pain scores was lower in the TEA group (78.6 vs 105.2 pain-hours, P = 0.032) with a 35% reduction in patients experiencing ≥7/10 pain (43% vs 62%, P = 0.07). Patient-reported outcomes and total opiate use further supported the benefit of TEA on patient experience. Anesthesia-related events requiring change in analgesic therapy were comparable (12.2% vs 2.9%, respectively, P = 0.187). Grade 3 or higher surgical complications (6.6% vs 9.4%), median length of stay (6 days vs 6 days), readmission (1.9% vs 3.1%), and return to the operating room (0.9% vs 3.1%) were similar (all P > 0.05). There were no mortalities in either group. Conclusions: In major HPB surgery, TEA provides a superior patient experience through improved pain control and less narcotic use, without increased length of stay or complications.

Borderline operability in hepatectomy patients is associated with higher rates of failure to rescue after severe complications

To understand the influence of age and comorbidities, this study analyzed the incidence and risk factors for post‐hepatectomy morbidity/mortality in patients with “borderline” (BL) operability, defined by the preoperative factors: age ≥75 years, dependent function, lung disease, ascites/varices, myocardial infarction, stroke, steroids, weight loss >10%, and/or sepsis.

Inflammation and pro-resolution inflammation after hepatobiliary surgery

BackgroundThe magnitude of the perioperative inflammatory response plays a role in surgical outcomes. However, few studies have explored the mechanisms of the resolution of inflammation in the context of surgery. Here, we described the temporal kinetics of interleukin-6, cortisol, lipoxin A4, and resolvin D in patients who underwent oncologic liver resections.MethodsAll patients gave written informed consent. Demographic and perioperative surgical data were collected, along with blood samples, before surgery and on the mornings of postoperative days 1, 3, and 5. Interleukin-6, cortisol, lipoxin-A4, and resolvin D were measured in plasma. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsForty-one patients were included in the study. Liver resection for colorectal metastatic disease was the most commonly performed surgery. The plasma concentrations of interleukin-6 were highest on day 1 after surgery and remained higher than the baseline up to postoperative day 1. Postoperative complications occurred in 14 (24%) patients. Cortisol concentrations spiked on postoperative day 1. The concentrations of lipoxin A4 and resolvin D were lowest on day 1 after surgery.ConclusionsThe inflammatory response associated with hepatobiliary surgery is associated with low circulating concentrations of lipoxin A4 and resolvin D that mirror, in an opposite manner, the kinetics of interleukin 6 and cortisol.Trial registrationNCT01438476

What Is “Enhanced Recovery,” and How Can I Do It?

BackgroundEnhanced recovery (ER) and fast-track protocols were initially implemented in the perioperative management of the surgical patient over 20 years ago. These standardized protocols are now broadly implemented across most surgical specialties for its many benefits. ER is well known for its positive effects on decreasing length of stay and complications. However, patient-centric outcomes for adequate pain control, functional recovery, costs, and overall patient experience are less considered.How I Do ItA successful ER foundation stands on the pillars of several perioperative care principles: early feeding, early ambulation, goal-directed fluid therapy, and opiate-sparing analgesia. Moreover, it requires a multi-disciplinary team buy-in (including patient and family) that must also be thoughtfully executed. The following is a review of key elements within successful evidence-based ER protocols and relevant concepts to consider when starting a successful enhanced recovery program.

An Inexpensive Modified Primary Closure Technique for Class IV (Dirty) Wounds Significantly Decreases Superficial and Deep Surgical Site Infection

Despite the creation of several programs to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection, it remains a common complication that has a significant impact on patient recovery and medical costs. The following is a description and brief outcome report of a modified primary closure technique used for dirty (Class IV) wounds. There were 14 consecutive patients who had a laparotomy with Class IV wounds treated by a single surgeon (TAA) from 2011 to 2015. All patients had a history of cancer and either showed signs suggestive for an acute abdomen and required an emergent exploratory laparotomy or were found to have purulent intraabdominal infection at the time of elective surgery. The operation and “modified primary closure” technique (subcutaneous wound wicks with stapled skin closure) were performed in every case. The modified primary closure technique was utilized in 14 patients with a Class IV wound. There were no 30-day mortalities or readmissions. Wound wicks were slowly advanced out over a 7-day period, and only one patient required subsequent wound packing of a single-wicked area. There were no superficial or deep surgical site infections, or wound dehiscence during the hospital course, or 30-day postoperative period. The modified primary closure technique is efficient and inexpensive and was effective in a series of 14 patients with wounds classified as dirty.

A proactive outreach intervention that decreases readmission after hepatectomy

Background. After hepatectomy, 7%–19% of patients are readmitted within 30 days, accounting for substantial cost and poor patient experience. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of a proactive outreach intervention on readmissions. Methods. Consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy by a single surgeon 2012–2016 were identified in a prospectively maintained database. In August 2013 a postoperative intervention was implemented; an advanced practice provider called each patient within 72 hours of discharge. Readmission rates were compared pre‐ and postintervention using standard statistics. Results. Two hundred thirty‐one patients met the inclusion criteria and major hepatectomy was performed in 45.5% of patients. Although the complication rate was similar (25.0% preintervention and 19.4% postintervention, P = .324), readmissions within 30 days of operation decreased from 14.5% pre‐ to 6.5% postintervention (P = .046). Approximately 30% of outreach interactions required outpatient intervention. Factors associated with readmission on univariate analysis included increased operative time (P = .007), major hepatectomy (P = .012), hemi or extended hepatectomy (P = .032), second stage operation (P = .031), bile leak (P = 0.022), and any complication/modified Accordion complication ≥ 3 within 30 days (P <.0001). On multivariate analysis, lack of post‐discharge intervention (P = .012) and bile leak (P = .031) were independently associated with readmission. Conclusion. These data demonstrate the efficacy of a proactive communication intervention after discharge to decrease readmissions after hepatectomy. The additional work created by the intervention is likely offset by decreased inpatient care needs and costs. Identification of high‐risk populations and application of technology are likely to lead to further improvements.

Extended Pharmacologic Thromboprophylaxis in Oncologic Liver Surgery is Safe and Effective

Essentials The risk for venous thromboembolism after liver surgery remains high in the modern era. We evaluated the safety/efficacy of extended anticoagulation in liver surgery. This protocol reports zero venous thromboembolism events in 124 liver surgery patients. Extended anticoagulation after oncologic liver surgery is safe and effective.

Cost‐effectiveness of palliative surgery versus nonsurgical procedures in gastrointestinal cancer patients

Palliative care is an essential component to multidisciplinary cancer care. Improved symptom control, quality of life (QOL), and survival have resulted from its utilization. Cost‐effectiveness and utility analyses are significant variables that should be considered in comparing benefits and costs of medical interventions to determine if certain treatments are economically justified. This is a review on the cost‐effectiveness of palliative surgery compared to other nonsurgical palliative procedures in patients with unresectable gastrointestinal cancers. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:316–322.