Steven C. Agle

Preoperative statin therapy is associated with improved outcomes and resource utilization in patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair

INTRODUCTION This study hypothesized that preoperative statin therapy would have a protective effect on patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and that the risk-reduction effect of these agents would result in a reduction in subsequent total hospital costs. METHODS All patients who underwent an elective endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) or open AAA repair (OAR) between 2004 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical end points included postoperative days, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, hemorrhage, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, wound infection), and 30-day mortality. The financial end point was total hospital cost associated with the procedure. RESULTS We identified 401 patients, consisting of 173 EVAR patients (43%) and 228 OAR (57%). Despite a higher Society for Vascular Surgery risk score, the EVAR statin cohort had significantly reduced postoperative days (1.9 +/- 0.2 vs 2.3 +/- 0.3, P < .05) and hospital length of stay (2.3 +/- 0.3 vs 2.8 +/- 0.4, P < .05) compared with the nonstatin EVAR cohort. Postoperative complications (4.4% vs 14.7%, P < .05) and the mortality rate (0.0% vs 5.9%, P < .05) were significantly decreased in the OAR statin cohort compared with the nonstatin OAR cohort and trended to be decreased in the EVAR statin group. Statin therapy translated into a lower total cost per patient of

Amelioration of Insulin Requirement in Patients Undergoing Duodenal Bypass for Reasons Other than Obesity Implicates Foregut Factors in the Pathophysiology of Type II Diabetes

3,205 for EVAR and

Cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma: defining epidemiology, outcomes, and optimal therapy for a rare neoplasm.

3,792 for OAR (P < .05). CONCLUSION With respect to both clinical outcome measures and subsequent resource utilization, statin therapy is associated with a beneficial effect in patients undergoing elective AAA repair. These data suggest that preoperative statin therapy should be an integral part of the risk optimization for patients undergoing AAA repair.

Correlation of cerebral oximetry with internal carotid artery stump pressures in carotid endarterectomy

BACKGROUND Foregut diversion and weight loss have been proposed as potential mechanisms for resolution of type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) observed in patients undergoing gastric bypass for obesity. To support or refute the role of the foregut, we analyzed glycemic control in T2DM patients before and after foregut bypass for reasons other than morbid obesity. STUDY DESIGN Using ICD9/CPT codes, we identified patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (RY) or Billroth II (BII) reconstruction over 10 years. Fasting blood glucose, insulin or oral diabetic agent requirement, and body mass index (BMI) before and after surgery were tabulated and compared using the Students t-test. Linear regression was applied to determine specific factors predictive of resolution or improvement in glycemic control including age, duration of diabetes, antidiabetic regimen, type of operation, and surgical indication. RESULTS Between 1996 and 2006, we identified 24 patients with T2DM out of a cohort of 209 who underwent either RY (12 of 24) or BII reconstruction (12 of 24) for cancer or peptic ulcer disease and survived more than 30 days after operation. Of this group, 75% were overweight (18 of 24 with BMI < 30 kg/m(2)) and 25% were class I morbidly obese (6 of 24 with BMI 30 to 35 kg/m(2)). Seventeen patients (71%) had either complete resolution (7 of 24 or 29%) or significant reduction (10 of 24 or 42%) in medication requirements; 7 patients (29%) did not have any improvement. Logistic regression failed to identify specific factors predicting improved glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS Complete resolution of T2DM in patients undergoing duodenal diverting surgery occurs in about one-third of nonobese patients. Improved glycemic control occurs in more than two-thirds and cannot be explained by surgically related weight loss alone. Surgical cure of T2DM may be possible in carefully selected nonobese patients.

Perforated gastric corpus in a strangulated paraesophageal hernia: a case report

Apocrine adenocarcinoma is a rare neoplasm. There is a paucity of data on demographics and survival with no clear consensus on management of at risk lymph nodes, therefore, we analyzed a large cohort of patients identified via a national tumor registry.

Comparison of Surgical Residency Applicants from U.S. Medical Schools with U.S.-Born and Foreign-Born International Medical School Graduates

Objective: This study compares internal carotid artery (ICA) mean stump pressures (SPs) with cerebral oximetry monitoring during carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: A total of 104 consecutive patients undergoing CEA under general anesthesia (GA) during a 10-month period were prospectively evaluated. Baseline and postcarotid clamp regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) and mean ICA SPs were measured. Demographic, surgical, and medical variables were recorded for each case. Results: There were no postoperative strokes. Thirteen patients were excluded because of incomplete data. Of the 40 patients who had <10% drop in rSO2, 6 had SP <40 mm Hg. Regional cerebral oxygen saturation with a 15% saturation drop threshold was 76.3% sensitive and 81.1% specific in detecting patients with SP <40 mm Hg. With a threshold of 20% drop, sensitivity and specificity were 57.9% and 86.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Relative drop in rSO 2 is neither sensitive nor specific in detecting patients with mean SP <40 mm Hg. These data do not support the use of cerebral oximetry as the sole monitoring modality during carotid endarterectomy under GA.

Irreversible electroporation enhances delivery of gemcitabine to pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

IntroductionPatients with paraesophageal hernias often present secondary to chronic symptomatology. Infrequently, acute intestinal ischemia and perforation can occur as a consequence of paraesophageal hernias with potentially dire consequences.Case presentationAn 86-year-old obtunded male presented to the emergency department with hypotension and severe back and abdominal pain. An emergency abdominal CT scan was ordered with a presumptive diagnosis of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. CT topograms revealed extensive free intra-abdominal air and herniated abdominal viscera into the right hemithorax. Prior to completion of the CT study, the patient sustained a cardiopulmonary arrest. Surgery was consulted, but the patient was unable to be revived. Post-mortem examination revealed gross contamination within the abdomen and a giant, incarcerated, hiatal hernia with organoaxial volvulus and ischemic perforation.ConclusionCurrent recommendations call for prompt repair of giant hiatal hernias before they become symptomatic due to the increased risk of strangulation. Torsion of the stomach in large hiatal hernias frequently leads to a fatal complication such as this warranting elective repair as soon as possible.

The Association of Periprocedural Hypertension and Adverse Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Catheter-Directed Thrombolysis

OBJECTIVE Compare characteristics of U.S. medical school graduates with U.S.-born and foreign-born international medical school (IMG) graduates. DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING East Carolina University, a tertiary care teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS Demographic data, United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) scores, attempts needed to achieve a passing score, number of scholarly works, attainment of an advanced degree, and employment history since medical school graduation were obtained from all Electronic Residency Application Service applications to a general surgery residency for the 2007 match. RESULTS In all, 572 applicants were evaluated. Comparing U.S. graduates with U.S.-born IMGs and foreign-born IMGs. IMGs are older (mean, 28.9 vs 29.9 vs 33.0 years, respectively), more frequently male (70% vs 80% vs 86%, respectively), and hold more advanced degrees (11% vs 13% vs 19%, respectively). Mean time between graduation and application to residency was 0.3 years for U.S. graduates, 1.5 years for U.S.-born IMGs, and 7.7 years for foreign-born IMGs. Although mean USMLE Step 1 scores were similar (206 vs 200 vs 202, respectively), IMGs more frequently required multiple attempts to achieve a passing score (9% vs 20% vs 24%, respectively). Mean USMLE Step 2 scores were lower (213 vs 201 vs 203, respectively), and IMGs again required more attempts to achieve a passing score (11% vs 22% vs 19%, respectively). U.S. graduates produced an average of 1.7 scholarly works compared with 0.9 scholarly works for U.S.-born IMGS and 3.9 scholarly works for foreign-born IMGs. U.S.-born graduates held a mean of 0.3 jobs since graduation with most positions being preliminary surgery residents. U.S.-born IMGs held an average of 2.2 jobs most frequently in research or U.S. preliminary surgery, and foreign-born IMGs held an average of 5.1 jobs; most frequently, positions included international surgery or research. CONCLUSION IMGs are older, frequently male, hold more advanced degrees, and produce more scholarly works but require multiple attempts to pass the USMLE. IMGs also hold more jobs after graduation with most positions being in research or surgery.

Murine mesothelin: characterization, expression, and inhibition of tumor growth in a murine model of pancreatic cancer

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) utilizes short, high‐voltage pulses to irreversibly permeabilize the cell membrane, resulting in apoptotic cell death. In addition to the irreversible zone, IRE creates a reversible zone that could be utilized for enhanced drug delivery. The hypothesis of this study is that a zone of reversible electroporation exists and allows for increased chemotherapy delivery.

Manganese superoxide dismutase expression is negatively associated with microRNA-301a in human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND Peripheral thrombolysis is an indispensible tool in the treatment of occlusive peripheral vascular disease (PVD). However, the use of intravascular thrombolytic agents carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to review a contemporary series of patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolytics in the treatment of occlusive PVD. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed reviewing all patients who underwent catheter-directed thrombolytic therapy for PVD with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) between 2005 and 2008. Data included clinical and demographic variables potentially associated with endpoints of technical success, hemorrhagic complications, and death. Data were analyzed with univariate and multivariate measures. Significance was assigned with p <0.05. RESULTS Over the 36-month study, 125 thrombolytic procedures were performed. Indication for treatment was occlusive thrombus in native artery (49 cases, 37.6%), vein (13 cases, 10.4%), or arterial bypass graft (63 cases, 49.6%). Twenty three cases (14.3%) used ultrasound-assisted catheter technology. Mean patient age was 57.9 +/- 1.1 years. Technical success was achieved in 82% of cases. Mean rt-PA dose was 47.3 +/- 1.4 mg (13.5 +/- 4.5 mg with ultrasound assisted catheter technology). Hemorrhagic complications occurred in 22.4% of patients with a 5.6% stroke rate. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) correlated with poor hypertensive control (systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg; OR, 13.67; CI, 1.59-117.68; p = 0.006) and advanced age (>80 years; OR, 9.04; CI, 1.40-58.57, p = 0.049). Hemorrhagic complications (including minor access site hematomas) correlated with poor hypertensive control (systolic blood pressure >180 mmHg; OR, 3.48; CI, 1.22-9.94; p = 0.021) and in patients with congestive heart failure (OR, 3.26; CI, 1.09-9.76; p = 0.036). Overall mortality occurred in 7 patients (5.6%), 4 as a result of hemorrhagic complications. Correlates of mortality were patients with diabetes mellitus (OR, 8.85; CI, 1.62-48.26; p = 0.003), end stage renal disease (OR, 15.33; CI, 2.07-113.39; p < .001) and congestive heart failure (OR, 6.06; CI, 1.22-30.13; p = .014). Serum fibrinogen levels, pre-procedural hypertension, and rt-PA dosage did not correlate with hemorrhagic complication or death. CONCLUSION Peripheral thrombolysis with catheter-based technologies has a high incidence of technical success. However, the procedure continues to carry a significant complication rate. This study emphasizes the importance of periprocedural hypertensive control and identifies subgroups of patients at risk of untoward complications. On the basis of these data, the authors advocate stricter blood pressure parameters in patients undergoing peripheral thrombolysis.