Eugene F. Foley

Outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy: patient outcomes after implementation of a clinical pathway.

ObjectiveTo determine the success of a clinical pathway for outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) in an academic health center, and to assess the impact of pathway implementation on same-day discharge rates, safety, patient satisfaction, and resource utilization. Summary Background DataLaparoscopic cholecystectomy is reported to be safe for patients and acceptable as an outpatient procedure. Whether this experience can be translated to an academic health center or larger hospital is uncertain. Clinical pathways guide the care of specific patient populations with the goal of enhancing patient care while optimizing resource utilization. The effectiveness of these pathways in achieving their goals is not well studied. MethodsDuring a 12-month period beginning April 1, 1999, all patients eligible for an elective LC (n = 177) participated in a clinical pathway developed to transition LC to an outpatient procedure. These were compared with all patients undergoing elective LC (n = 208) in the 15 months immediately before pathway implementation. Successful same-day discharges, reasons for postoperative admission, readmission rates, complications, deaths, and patient satisfaction were compared. Average length of stay and total hospital costs were calculated and compared. ResultsAfter pathway implementation, the proportion of same-day discharges increased significantly, from 21% to 72%. Unplanned postoperative admissions decreased as experience with the pathway increased. Patient characteristics, need for readmission, complications, and deaths were not different between the groups. Patients surveyed were highly satisfied with their care. Resource utilization declined, resulting in more available inpatient beds and substantial cost savings. ConclusionsImplementation of a clinical pathway for outpatient LC was successful, safe, and satisfying for patients. Converting LC to an outpatient procedure resulted in a significant reduction in medical resource use, including a decreased length of stay and total cost of care.

Impact of gastric restrictive surgery on hypertension in the morbidly obese

Hypertension is a major health risk factor in patients who are morbidly obese. Two hundred eighty-nine morbidly obese patients undergoing gastric restrictive surgery were evaluated for the presence of hypertension (blood pressure greater than or equal to 160/90 mm Hg or currently undergoing antihypertensive therapy) pre- and postoperatively. Of 74 (26%) preoperatively hypertensive patients, 67 (91%) were available for follow-up. Preoperative hypertension resolved in 66% (44 of 67) of patients following gastric restrictive surgery. Superobese and morbidly obese patients had similar reductions in hypertension after surgery (69% versus 63%). Patients not receiving antihypertensives preoperatively had a greater reduction of hypertension than those medically treated preoperatively (78% versus 58%). The amount of weight loss significantly predicted the reduction of hypertension, whereas follow-up weight achieved did not. The amounts of weight loss for patients with resolved and persistent hypertension were 89.3 +/- 5.6 lbs (mean +/- standard error of the mean +ADSEM+BD) and 66.0 +/- 8.3 lbs, respectively (p less than 0.02). For patients with resolved hypertension, follow-up weights for the morbidly obese and superobese were 162.0 +/- 10.8 lbs (133% +/- 4% ideal body weight +ADIBW+BD) and 220.4 +/- 9.5 lbs (170% +/- 7% IBW). Gastric restrictive surgery is effective therapy for hypertension in morbidly obese patients. Patients need not achieve weights approaching IBW to enjoy the benefits of gastric restrictive surgery on hypertension.

Laparoscopy decreases postoperative complication rates after abdominal colectomy: results from the national surgical quality improvement program.

Objective:Compare outcomes of non-emergent laparoscopic to open colon surgery. Background:Laparoscopy has revolutionized much of gastrointestinal surgery. Colon and rectal surgery has seen drastic changes with many of the abdominal operations being performed laparoscopically. However, data comparing recovery and complications in patients undergoing laparoscopic and open colon surgery has shown only slight benefits for laparoscopy. Given the large benefits of laparoscopy in most gastrointestinal surgical procedures, this outcome is surprising. We, therefore, have set out to test the hypothesis that laparoscopic approaches decreases postoperative complications. Methods:We have undertaken a review of the database maintained by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. We have identified 8660 patients who met inclusion criteria for this study. Postoperative complication data were collected for patients undergoing laparoscopic or open colon surgery. Using a combination of univariate and multivariate analyses we evaluated for statistical significance. Results:We found that laparoscopy decreased overall complications as well as individual complications. We found a decreased length of stay as well as a decreased risk for postoperative complications in the elderly. We found that laparoscopy decreased complication rate independent of the probability of morbidity statistic. Conclusions:When controlled for probability of morbidity, laparoscopy decreases the rate of postoperative complications. Given the equivalent outcomes of laparoscopic approaches, we conclude that laparoscopy should be offered to all patients who lack an absolute contraindication for laparoscopic surgery.

Short-Term Outcomes after Laparoscopic-Assisted Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer: Results from the ACS NSQIP

BACKGROUND Although numerous studies have demonstrated improved short-term outcomes after laparoscopic resection of colon cancer, the benefits of laparoscopic-assisted proctectomy (LAP) for rectal cancer are less clear. The current report addresses the need for a large multi-institutional study on early outcomes after proctectomy for cancer. STUDY DESIGN Patients who underwent elective LAP or open proctectomy for cancer during 2005 to 2009 were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database. The frequency of postoperative complications and other early outcomes was determined. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of 30-day morbidity. Propensity scores, stratified by quintiles, were included in all multivariable models to partially adjust for nonrandom assignment of treatment. RESULTS Of 5,420 patients who underwent surgery for rectal cancer, 4,380 underwent open proctectomy and 1,040 (19.2%) LAP. The LAP group had a lower frequency of blood transfusion (12.3% versus 4.3%; p < 0.0001) and a longer mean operative time (242 versus 219 minutes; p < 0.0001). Median length of stay was 5 days after LAP and 7 days after open resection (p < 0.0001). Although no difference in 30-day mortality was detected, the frequency of complications was less after LAP (20.5% versus 28.8%; p < 0.0001). Specifically, the frequencies of superficial surgical site infection, sepsis, respiratory complications, renal failure, and venous thromboembolism were each lower in the LAP group. After adjusting for potential confounders, the likelihood of 30-day morbidity was significantly greater in open versus laparoscopic proctectomy (odds ratio = 1.41; 95% CI, 1.19-1.68). CONCLUSIONS Compared with open proctectomy, LAP is associated with decreased length of stay and 30-day morbidity. If ongoing randomized clinical trials confirm oncologic equivalency, LAP might eventually replace open resection as the standard of care for the treatment of patients with resectable rectal cancer.

Rediversion after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to understand better the cause and predictability of pouch failure requiring rediversion after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis and to assess the ultimate outcome of patients in a large ileal pouch series who required rediversion. METHODS: Data from 460 patients completing ileal pouch-anal anastomosis at one institution were recorded from both a prospectively accumulated ileal pouch registry and patient medical records. RESULTS: Of 460 patients, 21 (4.6 percent) who underwent ileal pouch-anal anastomosis required rediversion. Five of these patients subsequently had successful restoration of pouch continuity, leaving a permanent failure rate of 16 of 460 patients (3.5 percent). The most common reasons for rediversion were pouch fistula formation (12) and poor functional results (5). Preoperative factors, including age, previous colectomy, and indication for colectomy, did not predict eventual need for rediversion. Patients requiring rediversion had significantly higher rates of postoperative complications (95vs.43 percent;P<0.001). Specifically, this group had a higher rate of postoperative pouch fistula (57vs.3.4 percent;P<0.001). Additionally, a final diagnosis of Crohns disease significantly predicted the need for rediversion. Permanent pouch failure occurred in 36.8 percent of patients with a final diagnosis of Crohns disease compared with 1.4 percent of patients with a final diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (P<0.001). All five salvaged patients had fistula formation in the absence of Crohns disease. CONCLUSIONS: The overall rate of permanent pouch failure is low. The majority of failures were related to fistula formation associated with Crohns disease or poor functional results. Pouches complicated by fistulas not associated with Crohns disease can be salvaged with temporary rediversion.

Intravenous lidocaine is as effective as epidural bupivacaine in reducing ileus duration, hospital stay, and pain after open colon resection: a randomized clinical trial.

Background: Both postoperative epidural analgesia and intravenous (IV) infusion of local anesthetic have been shown to shorten ileus duration and hospital stay after colon surgery when compared with the use of systemic narcotics alone. However, they have not been compared directly with each other. Methods: Prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted comparing the 2 treatments in open colon surgery patients. Before induction of general anesthesia, patients were randomized either to epidural analgesia (bupivacaine 0.125% and hydromorphone 6 &mgr;g/mL were started at 10 mL/hr within 1 hr of the end of surgery) or IV lidocaine (1 mg/min in patients <70 kg, 2 mg/min in patients ≥70 kg). Markers of return of bowel function, length of stay, postoperative pain scores, systemic analgesic requirements, and adverse events were recorded and compared between the 2 groups in an intent-to-treat analysis. Results: Study enrollment took place from April 2005 to July 2006. Twenty-two patients were randomized to IV lidocaine therapy and 20 patients to epidural therapy. No statistically significant differences were found between groups in time to return of bowel function or hospital length of stay. The median pain score difference was not statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found in pain scores for any specific postoperative day or in analgesic consumption. Conclusions: No differences were observed between groups in terms of return of bowel function, duration of hospital stay, and postoperative pain control, suggesting that IV infusion of local anesthetic may be an effective alternative to epidural therapy in patients in whom epidural anesthesia is contraindicated or not desired.

Postoperative complications in patients with rectal cancer are associated with delays in chemotherapy that lead to worse disease-free and overall survival.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors for delays in chemotherapy after rectal cancer surgery and evaluate the effects of delayed therapy on long-term outcomes. We also sought to clarify what time frame should be used to define delayed adjuvant chemotherapy. BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications have been found to influence the timing of chemotherapy in patients with colon cancer. Delays in chemotherapy have been shown to be associated with worse overall and disease-free survival in patients with colorectal cancer, although the timing of delay has not been agreed upon in the literature. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a retrospective review of a prospectively maintained rectal cancer database. Univariate analysis was used to identify risk factors for delayed chemotherapy. Kaplan-Meier curves were generated to compare overall and disease-free survival in patients based on complications and timing of chemotherapy. SETTINGS: This study was performed at the University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, between 1995 and 2012. PATIENTS: Patients with rectal cancer who underwent proctectomy with curative intent were included in this study. OUTCOME MEASURES: Timing of chemotherapy, 30-day complications, and 30-day readmissions were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Postoperative complications and 30-day readmissions were associated with delays in chemotherapy ≥8 weeks after surgery. Patients who received chemotherapy ≥8 weeks postoperatively were found to have worse local and distant recurrence rates and worse overall survival in comparison with patients who received chemotherapy within 8 weeks of surgery. LIMITATIONS: The limitations of this study include its retrospective nature and that it was performed at a single institution. CONCLUSIONS: We found complications and readmissions to be risk factors for delayed chemotherapy. Patients who received therapy ≥8 weeks postoperatively had worse disease-free and overall survival.

Visceral obesity is associated with outcomes of total mesorectal excision for rectal adenocarcinoma

General obesity, measured by the body mass index (BMI), increases the technical difficulty of total mesorectal excision (TME) but does not affect oncologic outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare visceral and general obesity as predictors of outcomes of TME for rectal adenocarcinoma.

Surgical Aspects of Sclerosing Cholangitis

Of 178 patients with sclerosing cholangitis treated since 1950, 88 patients had associated inflammatory bowel disease, 72 had no such history, and 18 had iatrogenic injury or stone disease. A total of 233 biliary operations were performed, with a 75% rate of temporary improvement after initial operation. Subsequent operations resulted in a lower success rate and a higher mortality rate. Radiologic findings included predominant extrahepatic, intrahepatic, and diffuse disease in 29%, 28%, and 43% of patients, respectively; no survival differences were noted. Seventy-five of one hundred three deaths (73%) were related to liver failure, bleeding, or sepsis. Of 14 patients undergoing portosystemic shunt; 13 died of surgical complications or related disease. Orthotopic liver transplantation was performed in 16 patients and resulted in eight deaths, mainly in patients who had previously, undergone extensive surgical treatment. No survival differences were seen between the patients with inflammatory bowel disease, those, without the condition, or those who had colectomy. Surgical treatment in patients with sclerosing cholangitis should be minimized. Orthotopic liver transplantation should be offered as the treatment of choice for patients with portal hypertension, refractory cholangitis, advanced cirrhosis, or progressive liver failure.

The Feasibility of Real-Time Intraoperative Performance Assessment With SIMPL (System for Improving and Measuring Procedural Learning): Early Experience From a Multi-institutional Trial

PURPOSE Intraoperative performance assessment of residents is of growing interest to trainees, faculty, and accreditors. Current approaches to collect such assessments are limited by low participation rates and long delays between procedure and evaluation. We deployed an innovative, smartphone-based tool, SIMPL (System for Improving and Measuring Procedural Learning), to make real-time intraoperative performance assessment feasible for every case in which surgical trainees participate, and hypothesized that SIMPL could be feasibly integrated into surgical training programs. METHODS Between September 1, 2015 and February 29, 2016, 15 U.S. general surgery residency programs were enrolled in an institutional review board-approved trial. SIMPL was made available after 70% of faculty and residents completed a 1-hour training session. Descriptive and univariate statistics analyzed multiple dimensions of feasibility, including training rates, volume of assessments, response rates/times, and dictation rates. The 20 most active residents and attendings were evaluated in greater detail. RESULTS A total of 90% of eligible users (1267/1412) completed training. Further, 13/15 programs began using SIMPL. Totally, 6024 assessments were completed by 254 categorical general surgery residents (n = 3555 assessments) and 259 attendings (n = 2469 assessments), and 3762 unique operations were assessed. There was significant heterogeneity in participation within and between programs. Mean percentage (range) of users who completed ≥1, 5, and 20 assessments were 62% (21%-96%), 34% (5%-75%), and 10% (0%-32%) across all programs, and 96%, 75%, and 32% in the most active program. Overall, response rate was 70%, dictation rate was 24%, and mean response time was 12 hours. Assessments increased from 357 (September 2015) to 1146 (February 2016). The 20 most active residents each received mean 46 assessments by 10 attendings for 20 different procedures. CONCLUSIONS SIMPL can be feasibly integrated into surgical training programs to enhance the frequency and timeliness of intraoperative performance assessment. We believe SIMPL could help facilitate a national competency-based surgical training system, although local and systemic challenges still need to be addressed.