Ralph W. Aye

General surgery residency inadequately prepares trainees for fellowship: results of a survey of fellowship program directors.

Objective:To assess readiness of general surgery graduate trainees entering accredited surgical subspecialty fellowships in North America. Methods:A multidomain, global assessment survey designed by the Fellowship Council research committee was electronically sent to all subspecialty program directors. Respondents spanned minimally invasive surgery, bariatric, colorectal, hepatobiliary, and thoracic specialties. There were 46 quantitative questions distributed across 5 domains and 1 or more reflective qualitative questions/domains. Results:There was a 63% response rate (n = 91/145). Of respondent program directors, 21% felt that new fellows arrived unprepared for the operating room, 38% demonstrated lack of patient ownership, 30% could not independently perform a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and 66% were deemed unable to operate for 30 unsupervised minutes of a major procedure. With regard to laparoscopic skills, 30% could not atraumatically manipulate tissue, 26% could not recognize anatomical planes, and 56% could not suture. Furthermore, 28% of fellows were not familiar with therapeutic options and 24% were unable to recognize early signs of complications. Finally, it was felt that the majority of new fellows were unable to conceive, design, and conduct research/academic projects. Thematic clustering of qualitative data revealed deficits in domains of operative autonomy, progressive responsibility, longitudinal follow-up, and scholarly focus after general surgery education.

The gastroesophageal flap valve: in vitro and in vivo observations

BACKGROUND This study was performed to confirm the presence and significance of a gastroesophageal flap valve. METHODS The pressure gradient needed to induce reflux across the gastroesophageal junction and the level of a high-pressure zone were determined in 13 cadavers. On inspection in the cadavers, a mucosal flap valve at the entrance of the esophagus into the stomach was seen through a gastrostomy. This valve was deficient or absent in cadavers with a hiatal hernia. The valve was inspected in controls and in patients with reflux with a retroflexed endoscope. RESULTS In cadavers with no hiatal hernia, a gradient across the gastroesophageal junction was present in nearly all cadavers. The gradient could be increased by surgically accentuating the valve without a concomitant rise in pressure in the high-pressure zone. Reduction of the hiatal hernia in the cadaver and anchoring of the gastroesophageal junction to the normal attachment to the preaortic fascia restored the valve and the gradient as seen through a gastrostomy. Control subjects had a prominent fold of tissue that extended 3 to 4 cm along the lesser curve of the stomach and tightly grasped the shaft of the endoscope. This was diminished or absent in reflux patients. Inspection of the valve in control subjects and subjects with reflux allowed for a grading system with Grades I through IV. This grading system was applied to a cohort of patients with and without reflux. The appearance of the flap valve was a better predictor of the presence or absence of reflux than was lower esophageal sphincter pressure. Endoscopic viewing of the valve during surgery can confirm that a competent valve has been reconstructed. CONCLUSIONS Grading of the gastroesophageal valve is simple, reproducible, and offers useful information in the evaluation of patients with suspected reflux undergoing endoscopy.

Respiratory failure following talc pleurodesis

BACKGROUND Sterile talc is currently the agent of choice for pleurodesis. Its success rate is excellent, and talc is generally well tolerated. However, a recent experience with fulminant pneumonitis following talc pleurodesis prompted a review of our experience. METHODS A retrospective review of patients undergoing talc pleurodesis at our institution between December 1993 and December 1997 was performed, documenting respiratory and other complications. Statistical analysis was performed using Students t test and Pearson correlations. RESULTS Seventy-eight patients received 89 talc pleurodesis procedures. Respiratory complications or death occurred in 33%; 9% of patients developed adult respiratory distress syndrome. There was no statistical difference in outcomes between patient groups, methods of application, or talc dosages utilized. CONCLUSIONS This series revealed a significantly higher rate of serious complications than that reported in the current literature, without implicating a clear reason for these outcomes. Our data raise questions about the safety of talc pleurodesis.

Sublobar resection is equivalent to lobectomy for clinical stage 1A lung cancer in solid nodules

OBJECTIVES A single randomized trial established lobectomy as the standard of care for the surgical treatment of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Recent advances in imaging/staging modalities and detection of smaller tumors have once again rekindled interest in sublobar resection for early-stage disease. The objective of this study was to compare lung cancer survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer with a diameter of 30 mm or less with clinical stage 1 disease who underwent lobectomy or sublobar resection. METHODS We identified 347 patients diagnosed with lung cancer who underwent lobectomy (n = 294) or sublobar resection (n = 53) for non-small cell lung cancer manifesting as a solid nodule in the International Early Lung Cancer Action Program from 1993 to 2011. Differences in the distribution of the presurgical covariates between sublobar resection and lobectomy were assessed using unadjusted P values determined by logistic regression analysis. Propensity scoring was performed using the same covariates. Differences in the distribution of the same covariates between sublobar resection and lobectomy were assessed using adjusted P values determined by logistic regression analysis with adjustment for the propensity scores. Lung cancer-specific survival was determined by the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox survival regression analysis was used to compare sublobar resection with lobectomy, adjusted for the propensity scores, surgical, and pathology findings, when adjusted and stratified by propensity quintiles. RESULTS Among 347 patients, 10-year Kaplan-Meier for 53 patients treated by sublobar resection compared with 294 patients treated by lobectomy was 85% (95% confidence interval, 80-91) versus 86% (confidence interval, 75-96) (P = .86). Cox survival analysis showed no significant difference between sublobar resection and lobectomy when adjusted for propensity scores or when using propensity quintiles (P = .62 and P = .79, respectively). For those with cancers 20 mm or less in diameter, the 10-year rates were 88% (95% confidence interval, 82-93) versus 84% (95% confidence interval, 73-96) (P = .45), and Cox survival analysis showed no significant difference between sublobar resection and lobectomy using either approach (P = .42 and P = .52, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Sublobar resection and lobectomy have equivalent survival for patients with clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer in the context of computed tomography screening for lung cancer.

Use of purified streptokinase in empyema and hemothorax

Enzymatic debridement of the pleural cavity for retained hemothorax or empyema is a frequently overlooked option. Thirteen of fourteen patients (93%) with retained pleural collections underwent successful enzymatic debridement and tube drainage with purified streptokinase injections. The average increase in chest tube output following streptokinase injections was 158%. No significant adverse reactions occurred. One patient required thoracotomy when streptokinase therapy failed. Two others had successful resolution of their pleural collections but required thoracotomy for other indications. There were two deaths (14%), which were unrelated to the use of streptokinase or residual empyema. Intrapleural streptokinase is a safe, effective means of removing retained proteinaceous collections in the pleural space. It is a useful adjunct to chest tube drainage and may obviate the need for more invasive procedures.

Early Experience With Robotic Lung Resection Results in Similar Operative Outcomes and Morbidity When Compared With Matched Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Cases

BACKGROUND Robotic lung resection is gaining popularity despite limited published evidence. Comparative studies are needed to provide information about the safety and effectiveness of robotic resection. Therefore, we compared our initial experience with robotic anatomic resection to our most recent video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) cases. METHODS A case-control analysis of consecutive anatomic lung resections by robot or VATS from 2009 through 2011 was performed. RESULTS In the robotic group, 52 resections were attempted. Three conversions and 3 wedges were excluded, leaving 40 lobectomies, 5 segments, and 1 conversion to VATS. In the VATS group, 35 resections were attempted with 1 conversion. The distribution of resected lobes or segments and demographics was similar. Clinical outcomes between robotics and VATS were similar in tumor size (2.8 versus 2.3 cm), operative time (213 versus 208 minutes), blood loss (153 versus 134 mL), intensive care unit stay (0.9 versus 0.6 days), and length of stay (4.0 versus 4.5 days). There was no operative mortality. Major (n=8; 17%) and minor morbidity (n=12; 26%) with robotics was similar to VATS. The percentage of expected nodal stations sampled was similar. The duration of narcotic use after discharge (p=0.039) and the time to return to usual activities (p=0.001) was shorter in the robotic group. CONCLUSIONS Early experience with robotic resection resulted in similar outcomes compared with mature VATS cases. A potential benefit of robotics may relate to postoperative pain reduction and earlier return to usual activities. Robotic lung resection should be studied further in selected centers and compared with VATS in a randomized fashion to better define its potential advantages and disadvantages.

Endoscopic Appraisal of the Gastroesophageal Valve After Antireflux Surgery

OBJECTIVES:Little consensus exists regarding the endoscopic assessment of the esophagogastric junction after antireflux surgery. The purpose of this report is to characterize the gastroesophageal valve appearance unique to each type of antireflux procedure and to introduce an endoscopic lexicon by which to describe this anatomic region.METHODS:Endoscopic images were obtained from patients who had undergone any one of the following procedures: Nissen, Collis-Nissen, Toupet, and Dor fundoplications and Hill repair. Images were excluded if patients had any symptoms of heartburn, regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain, or gas bloat or if they were using antisecretory medication. Seven photographs per operation type were evaluated by experienced surgeons and gastroenterologists tasked with describing defining characteristics of each procedure.RESULTS:Ten valve criteria were developed to uniquely identify and quantify the ideal endoscopic appearance of each procedure. Illustrations were created to clearly depict those traits.CONCLUSIONS:Using 10 gastroesophageal valve criteria, the key components of a successful functional repair of the esophagogastric junction were defined. These criteria can be employed when evaluating upper gastrointestinal complaints after antireflux surgery and may ultimately serve as a dependable outcome measure.

Thoracoscopic talc versus tunneled pleural catheters for palliation of malignant pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND A malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a late complication of malignancy that affects respiratory function and quality of life. A strategy for palliation of the symptoms caused by MPE should permanently control fluid accumulation, preclude any need for reintervention, and limit hospital length of stay (LOS). We compared video-assisted thorascopic (VATS) talc insufflation with placement of a tunneled pleural catheter (TPC) to assess which intervention better met these palliative goals. METHODS We conducted a retrospective chart review of consecutive MPE at a single institution from 2005 through June 2011. Primary a priori outcomes were reintervention in the ipsilateral hemithorax, postprocedure LOS, and overall LOS. RESULTS One hundred nine patients with MPE were identified. Fifty-nine patients (54%) had TPC placed, and 50 (46%) were treated with VATS talc. Patients who underwent TPC placement had significantly fewer reinterventions for recurrent ipsilateral effusions than patients treated with VATS talc (TPC 2% [1 of 59], talc 16% [8 of 50], p=0.01). Patients treated with TPC had significantly shorter overall LOS (TPC LOS mean 7 days, mode 1 day; talc mean 8 day, mode 4 days, p=0.006) and postprocedure LOS (TPC post-procedure LOS mean 3 days, mode 0 days; talc mean 6 days, mode 3 days, p<0.001). Type of procedure was not associated with differences in complication rate (TPC 5% [3 of 59], talc 14% [7 of 50], p=0.18), or in-hospital mortality (TPC 3% [2 of 59], talc 8% [4 of 50], p=0.41). CONCLUSIONS TPC placement was associated with a significantly reduced postprocedure and overall LOS compared with VATS talc. Also, TPC placement was associated with significantly fewer ipsilateral reinterventions. Placement of TPC should be considered for palliation of MPE-associated symptoms.

Forty-eight-hour ph monitoring increases sensitivity in detecting abnormal esophageal acid exposure

Ambulatory 24-hour esophageal pH measurement is the standard for detecting abnormal esophageal acid exposure (AEAE), but it has a false negative rate of 15% to 30%. Wireless 48-hour pH monitoring (Bravo; Medtronic, Shoreview, MN) may allow more accurate detection of AEAE versus 24-hour pH monitoring. Forty-eight-hour wireless data were reviewed from 209 patients at three different tertiary care referral centers between 2003 and 2005. Manometric or endoscopic determination of the lower esophageal sphincter helped place the Bravo probe 5 to 6 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter. A total of 190 studies in 186 patients had sufficiently accurate data. There were 114 women and 72 men with an average age of 51 years. AEAE was defined by a Johnson-DeMeester score greater than 14.7 and was obtained in 115 of 190 studies (61%). Only 64 of 115 patients (56%) demonstrated AEAE for both days of the study, whereas 51 of 115 patients (44%) demonstrated AEAE in a single 24-hour period. There was no difference in the prevalence of AEAE on day 1 versus day 2 only (26% vs. 18%, P = .26). Compared with 24-hour alone data, 48-hour data showed 22% more patients with AEAE. Frequent day-to-day variability in patients with AEAE may be missed by a single 24-hour pH test. Fortyeight-hour pH testing may increase detection accuracy and sensitivity for AEAE by as much as 22%.

Early results with the laparoscopic hill repair

The open Hill repair is established as a highly effective and durable antireflux procedure. At the present time, we have multi-institutional experience with over 140 laparoscopic Hill repairs. Detailed follow-up on the first 40 patients at our institution is described. All patients had well-documented reflux or esophagitis preoperatively, 7 patients had evidence of peptic stricture or Schatzkis ring, 11 had large hiatal hernia, and 10 weighed more than 200 lb. There were no serious complications and no reoperations. There was 1 death during the follow-up period that was not attributable to the repair. Hospital stay averaged 2.8 days with return to normal activity in 7 to 14 days. Postoperative manometry has been obtained in 24 of the 39 patients available for follow-up (62%) and 24-hour pH studies in 23 of the 39 (59%). Thirty-nine patients were evaluable at a mean follow-up of 10 months and a median follow-up of 8 months (range: 4 to 20 months), with 36 (92%) subjectively rating results as good or excellent. Only one of the three remaining patients has objective evidence of reflux, yielding 97% clinical control of reflux. Mean lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) was raised from 10.7 mm Hg, preoperatively, to 25 mm Hg, postoperatively. Postoperatively, 33 of the 39 patients (85%) are now free of medications referable to the esophagus or upper gastrointestinal tract. This early follow-up experience with the laparoscopic Hill repair leads us to conclude that it is safe, widely applicable, and highly effective as an antireflux operation. Its special features give it certain advantages over the laparoscopic Nissen repair, and we recommend it as the procedure of choice.