Deepika Nehra

A comparison of laparoscopic and robotic assisted suturing performance by experts and novices.

BACKGROUND Surgical robotics has been promoted as an enabling technology. This study tests the hypothesis that use of the robotic surgical system can significantly improve technical ability by comparing the performance of both experts and novices on a complex laparoscopic task and a robotically assisted task. METHODS Laparoscopic experts (LE) with substantial laparoscopic and robotic experience (n = 9) and laparoscopic novices (LN) (n = 20) without any robotic experience performed sequentially 10 trials of a suturing task using either robotic or standard laparoscopic instrumentation fitted to the ProMIS surgical simulator. Objective performance metrics provided by ProMIS (total task time, instrument pathlength, and smoothness) and an assessment of learning curves were analyzed. RESULTS Compared with LNs, the LEs demonstrated significantly better performance on all assessment measures. Within the LE group, there was no difference in smoothness (328 +/- 159 vs 355 +/- 174; P = .09) between robot-assisted and standard laparoscopic tasks. An improvement was noted in total task time (113 +/- 41 vs 132 +/- 55 sec; P < .05) and instrument pathlengths (371 +/- 163 vs 645 +/- 269 cm; P < .05) when using the robot. This advantage in terms of total task time, however, was lost among the LEs by the last 3 trials (114 +/- 40 vs 118 +/- 49 s; P = .84), while instrument pathlength remained better consistently throughout all the trials. For the LNs, performance was significantly better in the robotic trials on all 3 measures throughout all the trials. CONCLUSION The ProMIS surgical simulator was able to distinguish between skill levels (expert versus novice) on robotic suturing tasks, suggesting that the ProMIS is a valid tool for measuring skill in robot-assisted surgery. For all the ProMIS metrics, novices demonstrated consistently better performance on a suturing task using robotics as compared to a standard laparoscopic setup. This effect was less evident for experts who demonstrated improvements only in their economy of movement (pathlength), but not in the speed or smoothness of performance. Robotics eliminated the early learning curve for novices, which was present when they used standard laparoscopic tools. Overall, this study suggests that, when performing complex tasks such as knot tying, surgical robotics is most useful for inexperienced laparoscopists who experience an early and persistent enabling effect. For experts, robotics is most useful for improving economy of motion, which may have implications for the highly complex procedures in limited workspaces (eg, prostatectomy).

Intestinal malrotation: Varied clinical presentation from infancy through adulthood

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical presentation of intestinal malrotation from infancy through adulthood by examining the experience of a single institution caring for patients of all ages with this condition. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review on all patients diagnosed with intestinal malrotation at Massachusetts General Hospital between 1992 and 2009. Patient demographics, clinical history, diagnostic tests, operative procedures, and outcome variables were recorded. Patients were divided into 3 age groups: infants (<1 year), children (1-18 years), and adults (18 years). RESULTS We identified 170 patients, of whom 31% were infants, 21% were children, and 48% were adults. Infants nearly always presented with emesis (93%), whereas adults most commonly presented with abdominal pain (87%), and less often with emesis (37%) or nausea (31%). The incidence of volvulus declined with age, from 37% to 22% to 12%, in each of the 3 age groups, respectively. Although infants were most often diagnosed within hours or days of symptom onset, 59% of children and 32% of adults experienced symptoms for years before diagnosis. Upper gastrointestinal series was the most common imaging study performed in infants and children, but was replaced by abdominal computed tomography in adults. All infants and children underwent a Ladds procedure, compared with only 61% of adults. The majority of patients experienced resolution of symptoms after operative intervention, although this decreased slightly with age. CONCLUSION Intestinal malrotation can occur in patients of any age and, in contrast with traditional teaching, nearly half of these patients may present during adulthood. An increased awareness of this entity and an understanding of its varied presentation at different ages may reduce time to diagnosis and improve patient outcome.

A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines: Nutrition Support of Neonatal Patients at Risk for Necrotizing Enterocolitis

BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most devastating diseases in the neonatal population, with extremely low birth weight and extremely preterm infants at greatest risk. METHOD A systematic review of the best available evidence to answer a series of questions regarding nutrition support of neonates at risk of NEC was undertaken and evaluated using concepts adopted from the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group. A consensus process was used to develop the clinical guideline recommendations prior to external and internal review and approval by the A.S.P.E.N. Board of Directors. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: (1) When and how should feeds be started in infants at high risk for NEC? We suggest that minimal enteral nutrition be initiated within the first 2 days of life and advanced by 30 mL/kg/d in infants ≥ 1, 000 g. (Weak) (2) Does the provision of mothers milk reduce the risk of developing NEC? We suggest the exclusive use of mothers milk rather than bovine-based products or formula in infants at risk for NEC. (Weak) (3) Do probiotics reduce the risk of developing NEC? There are insufficient data to recommend the use of probiotics in infants at risk for NEC. (Further research needed.) (4) Do nutrients either prevent or predispose to the development of NEC? We do not recommend glutamine supplementation for infants at risk for NEC (Strong). There is insufficient evidence to recommend arginine and/or long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for infants at risk for NEC. (Further research needed.) (5) When should feeds be reintroduced to infants with NEC? There are insufficient data to make a recommendation regarding time to reintroduce feedings to infants after NEC. (Further research needed.).

Doxycycline sclerotherapy as primary treatment of head and neck lymphatic malformations in children

PURPOSE The authors report their experience with doxycycline sclerotherapy as primary treatment of head and neck lymphatic malformations (LMs) in children. METHODS A retrospective chart review was used to collect data on 11 patients treated with doxycycline sclerotherapy for LMs of the head and neck at our institution since 2003. Radiographic imaging allowed classification of patient LM as macrocystic, microcystic, or mixed according to previously published guidelines. Only patients with macrocystic or mixed lesions were offered doxycycline sclerotherapy. Radiographic imaging and physical examination were used to determine efficacy of treatment. After each treatment, the clinical and radiographic response was characterized as excellent (> or = 95% decrease in lesion size), satisfactory (> or = 50% decrease in volume and asymptomatic), or poor (< 50% decrease in volume or symptomatic). RESULTS Eleven patients underwent a total of 23 sclerotherapies with an average of 2 treatments per patient (range, 1-4). All 7 patients with macrocystic lesions achieved complete clinical resolution with an average radiographic resolution of 93%. The 4 patients with mixed lesions achieved only partial clinical resolution and an average of 73% radiographic resolution. No patient experienced any adverse effects related to the treatment. At a median follow-up of 8 months, 2 patients (18%) experienced lesion recurrence in the setting of concomitant infection. CONCLUSION Doxycycline sclerotherapy is safe and effective as a primary treatment modality for macrocystic and mixed LMs of the head and neck in the pediatric population.

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Nonneonatal Acute Respiratory Failure: The Massachusetts General Hospital Experience From 1990 to 2008

OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for nonneonatal acute respiratory failure. DESIGN Single-institution, retrospective medical record review from February 1990 to March 2008. SETTING Tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS Eighty-one nonneonatal patients (mean age, 23 years; age range, 2 months to 61 years) with acute respiratory failure who had failed maximal ventilator support received ECMO therapy between 1990 and 2008. Patients were grouped into 6 categories based on diagnosis: sepsis (n = 8), bacterial or fungal pneumonia (n = 15), viral pneumonia (n = 9), trauma or burn (n = 10), immunocompromise (n = 15), and other (n = 24). Main Outcome Measure Survival to hospital discharge. RESULTS Overall survival was 53%. Survival was highest in patients with viral pneumonia (78%), followed by bacterial pneumonia (53%), sepsis syndrome (44%), and immunocompromise (40%). Patients treated following trauma or burns had the lowest survival (33%). The average age was 19 years for survivors as compared with 27 years for nonsurvivors. Survival was lower in patients with multiple organ failure as compared with those with single organ failure (33% vs 60%, respectively), in patients who experienced mechanical ventilation for longer than 10 days prior to the initiation of ECMO as compared with those who received ventilatory support for less than 10 days prior to the initiation of ECMO (31% vs 57%, respectively), and in patients requiring more than 400 hours of ECMO support as compared with those requiring less than 400 hours of ECMO support (42% vs 55%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Therapy with ECMO may provide a survival benefit in carefully selected patients with nonneonatal acute respiratory failure who have failed maximal ventilator support. Nonneonatal survival with ECMO therapy is strongly dependent on diagnosis, with the highest survival seen in those with viral or bacterial pneumonia. Older age, multiple organ failure, prolonged ventilation prior to ECMO initiation, and long ECMO runs are associated with decreased survival.

Provision of a soy-based intravenous lipid emulsion at 1 g/kg/d does not prevent cholestasis in neonates.

BACKGROUND One of the most common and severe complications of long-term parenteral nutrition (PN) is PN-associated cholestasis. The soybean oil-based lipid emulsion administered with PN has been associated with cholestasis, leading to an interest in lipid reduction strategies. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the provision of a soybean oil-based lipid emulsion at 1 g/kg/d compared with 2-3 g/kg/d is associated with a reduced incidence of cholestasis. METHODS Retrospective review of neonates admitted between 2007 and 2011 with a gastrointestinal condition necessitating ≥ 21 days of PN support. Neonates were divided into 2 groups based on the intravenous lipid emulsion dose: 1-g group (1 g/kg/d) and 2- to 3-g group (2-3 g/kg/d). The primary outcome measure was the incidence of cholestasis. RESULTS Sixty-one patients met inclusion criteria (n = 29, 1-g group; n = 32, 2- to 3-g group). The 2 groups did not differ in any baseline characteristics other than associated comorbidities that were more common in the 2- to 3-g group. The duration of PN, the number of operative procedures and bloodstream infections, and enteral nutrition (EN) were similar between groups. The incidence of cholestasis was not different between groups (51.7%, 1-g group; 43.8%, 2- to 3-g group; P = .61), and there was no difference between groups in the time to cholestasis (32.6 ± 24.1 days, 1-g group; 27.7 ± 10.6 days, 2- to 3-g group; P = .48). Overall, 44.8% of patients with cholestasis were transitioned to full EN, and 55.2% were transitioned to a fish oil-based lipid emulsion after which the direct bilirubin normalized in all patients. CONCLUSION Lipid reduction to 1 g/kg/d does not prevent or delay the onset of cholestasis in neonates.

Neonates With Short Bowel Syndrome: An Optimistic Future for Parenteral Nutrition Independence

IMPORTANCE The introduction of hepatoprotective strategies and multidisciplinary management has significantly improved the outcome of neonates with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who require parenteral nutrition (PN). OBJECTIVE To determine the probability of weaning from PN based on intestinal length in neonates with SBS amidst the new era of hepatoprotective strategies and multidisciplinary management. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Retrospective medical record review at a single-center academic institution. Neonates with no more than 100 cm of small intestine at a corrected gestational age of no more than 30 days who were diagnosed with a surgical gastrointestinal disease and PN dependent for at least 2 weeks were included. Data were collected from January 1, 2004, through June 1, 2012. EXPOSURE Neonates with SBS requiring PN. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The probability of wean from PN without reinitiation for at least 1 year, as determined by logistic regression. Predictors of wean were evaluated using exact conditional logistic regression. Predictors of time to wean were determined by Cox proportional hazards regression. RESULTS Sixty-three patients with a median (25th percentile, 75th percentile [interquartile range (IQR)]) gestational age of 31 (27, 35) weeks, birth weight of 1423 (895, 2445) g, small intestinal length of 41.0 (24.0, 65.0) cm, and predicted length of 29.0% (17.1%, 45.5%) underwent analysis. Fifty-one patients (81%) received a fish oil-based lipid emulsion (1 g/kg/d), 40 (63%) were weaned, 11 (17%) remained PN dependent, 4 (6%) underwent transplant, and 8 (13%) died while on PN. Excluding patients who underwent transplant or died, the median (IQR) small intestinal length was 55.0 (28.0, 75.0) cm in weaned and 26.0 (14.0, 41.0) cm in PN-dependent patients (P = .006), with 40 of 51 (78%) weaned by study end. The cumulative probability of wean for patients with at least 50 cm of small intestine was 88% after 12 and 96% after 24 months. Patients with less than 50 cm of small intestine had a cumulative probability of wean of 23% after 12, 38% after 24, and 71% after 57 months. Small intestinal length was found to be the primary predictor of wean. Notable predictors of time to wean included the amount of small intestine remaining (hazard ratio, 1.94 [95% CI, 1.45-2.58] per 20 cm of intestine; P < .001), entirety of care within our institution (3.27 [1.59-6.72]; P = .001), and intestinal lengthening procedure (0.19 [0.04-0.84]; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The majority of patients will wean from PN despite short intestinal length, likely as a result of new management strategies combined with a multidisciplinary team approach.

Prolonging the female reproductive lifespan and improving egg quality with dietary omega-3 fatty acids.

Women approaching advanced maternal age have extremely poor outcomes with both natural and assisted fertility. Moreover, the incidence of chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects increases with age. As of yet, there is no effective and practical strategy for delaying ovarian aging or improving oocyte quality. We demonstrate that the lifelong consumption of a diet rich in omega‐3 fatty acids prolongs murine reproductive function into advanced maternal age, while a diet rich in omega‐6 fatty acids is associated with very poor reproductive success at advanced maternal age. Furthermore, even short‐term dietary treatment with a diet rich in omega‐3 fatty acids initiated at the time of the normal age‐related rapid decline in murine reproductive function is associated with improved oocyte quality, while short‐term dietary treatment with omega‐6 fatty acids results in very poor oocyte quality. Thus, omega‐3 fatty acids may provide an effective and practical avenue for delaying ovarian aging and improving oocyte quality at advanced maternal age.

The Prevention and Treatment of Intestinal Failure-associated Liver Disease in Neonates and Children

Intestinal Failure Associated Liver Disease (IFALD) is a common and potentially life-threatening problem for pediatric patients receiving long-term parenteral nutrition (PN). Risk factors for IFALD include premature birth, low birth weight, long-term PN, intestinal stasis and sepsis. Preventative strategies are the cornerstone of improving outcomes in IFALD and include enteral feeding, weaning of PN, reduced dose lipid emulsions and the early recognition and treatment of sepsis. Recent work also demonstrates the efficacy of fish-oil based lipid emulsions in the prevention and treatment of IFALD. Transplantation is an option for end-stage liver disease but is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines Nutrition Support of Neonatal Patients at Risk for Metabolic Bone Disease

BACKGROUND Premature infants are at increased risk for metabolic bone disease, with resulting delayed bone growth, osteopenia, and rickets. METHOD A systematic review of the best available evidence to answer a series of questions regarding neonatal patients at risk of metabolic bone disease receiving parenteral or enteral nutrition was undertaken and evaluated using concepts adopted from the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation working group. A consensus process was used to develop the clinical guideline recommendations prior to external and internal review and approval by the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition Board of Directors. QUESTIONS (1) What maternal risk factors predispose the neonate to metabolic bone disease? (2) What is the optimal type of feeding to promote neonatal bone health? (3) When and how should vitamin D supplements be administered? (4) Does parenteral nutrition (PN) predispose a neonate to metabolic bone disease, and if so, are there PN formulation recommendations to minimize this risk?