Prucalopride and Bowel Function Post Gastrointestinal Surgery: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) contributes to morbidity and prolonged hospitalization. Prucalopride, a selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonist, may enhance bowel motility. This review assesses whether the perioperative use of prucalopride compared to placebo is associated with accelerated return of bowel function post gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.

METHODS

OVID, CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched as of January 2024 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing prucalopride and placebo for prevention of PPOI in adult patients undergoing GI surgery. The primary outcomes were time to stool, time to flatus, and time to oral tolerance. The secondary outcomes were incidence of PPOI, length of stay (LOS), postoperative complications, adverse events, and overall costs. The Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations framework were used. An inverse variance random effects model was used.

RESULTS

From 174 citations, 3 RCTs with 139 patients in each treatment group were included. Patients underwent a variety of GI surgeries. Patients treated with prucalopride had a decreased time to stool (mean difference 36.82 hours, 95% CI 59.4 to 14.24 hours lower, I2 = 62%, low certainty evidence). Other outcomes were not statistically significantly different (very low certainty evidence). Postoperative complications and adverse events could not be meta-analyzed due to heterogeneity; yet individual studies suggested no significant differences (very low certainty evidence).

DISCUSSION

Current RCT evidence suggests that prucalopride may enhance postoperative return of bowel function. Larger RCTs assessing patient important outcomes and associated costs are needed before routine use of this agent.

Postoperative Gastrointestinal Dysfunction After Neuromuscular Blockade Reversal With Sugammadex Versus Cholinesterase Inhibitors in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (POGD) commonly occurs following gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and is associated with specific anesthetic agents. Cholinesterase inhibitors employed for reversing neuromuscular blockade have been implicated in development of POGD. Sugammadex, a novel reversal agent, is linked with reduced POGD. However, there is a lack of comprehensive comparative review between these agents regarding their impact on POGD following GI surgery. This study aims to systematically review the effects of sugammadex on POGD compared to cholinesterase inhibitors following GI surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched as of July 2022 to identify articles comparing sugammadex with cholinesterase inhibitors in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, specifically in relation to POGD. Secondary endpoints included length of hospital stay, readmission rates, pulmonary complications, and postoperative morbidity.

RESULTS

From 198 citations, 2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 3 retrospective cohorts with 717 patients receiving sugammadex and 812 patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors were included. Significantly lower rates of prolonged postoperative ileus (OR .44, 95% CI .25-.77, P < .05, I2 = 56%, low certainty evidence) was observed with sugammadex. No significant difference in any other outcome was observed. Narrative review of readmission data demonstrated no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

The use of sugammadex following gastrointestinal surgery is associated with significantly lower rates of prolonged postoperative ileus compared to cholinesterase inhibitors. However, these do not translate into a significant reduction in length of stay, morbidity, or postoperative nausea and vomiting. Results are limited by the numer of studies included and missing data, more robust RCTs are needed before recommendations can be made.

Assessing the Modified Frailty Index and Post-Operative Outcomes in Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction: A Retrospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Studies identifying predictors of postoperative outcomes in adhesive small bowel obstruction are limited. This study investigates the efficacy of the modified frailty index (mFI)to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction.

METHODS

A multicentre retrospective cohort study including patients undergoing surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction after failed trial of nonoperative management between January 2015 and December 2020 was performed. Impact of frailty status using the mFI, stratified as frail (≥0.27) and robust (<0.27), on postoperative morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and discharge destination was evaluated using multiple logistic regression.

RESULTS

Ninety-two robust patients (mean age 62.4 y, 68% female) and 41 frail patients (mean age 81.7 y, 63% female) were included. On simple stratification, frail patients had significantly increased 30-d morbidity (overall morbidity 80% versus 49%) and need for higher level of care on discharge (41% versus 9%). However, on multiple regression, functional dependence but not the mFI, was independently associated with worse 30-d overall morbidity (odds ratio [OR] 3.97, confidence interval [CI] 1.29-12.19) and lower likelihood of returning to preoperative disposition (OR 0.21, CI 0.05-0.91). The delay in operation beyond 5 d was independently associated with worse 30-d outcomes including overall morbidity and mortality (OR 7.54, CI 2.13-26.73) and decreased return to preoperative disposition (OR 0.14, CI 0.04-0.56).

CONCLUSIONS

The mFI, although promising, was not independently predictive of outcomes following surgery for adhesive small bowel obstruction. Further adequately powered studies are required.

Frailty in inflammatory bowel disease: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2015-2019

AIM

Preoperative frailty has been associated with adverse postoperative outcomes in various populations, but of its use in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains sparse. The present study aimed to characterize the impact of frailty, as measured by the modified frailty index (mFI), on postoperative clinical and resource utilization outcomes in patients with IBD.

METHODS

This retrospective population-based cohort study assessed patients from the National Inpatient Sample database from 1 September 2015 to 31 December 2019. Corresponding International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision Clinical Modification codes were used to identify adult patients (>18 years of age) with IBD, undergoing either small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy. Patient demographics and institutional data were collected for each patient to calculate the 11-point mFI. Patients were categorized as either frail or robust using a cut-off of 0.27. Primary outcomes were postoperative in-hospital morbidity and mortality, whilst secondary outcomes included system-specific morbidity, length of stay, in-hospital healthcare costs and discharge disposition. Logistic and linear regression models were used for primary and secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Overall, 7144 patients with IBD undergoing small bowel resection, colectomy or proctectomy were identified, 337 of whom were classified as frail (i.e., mFI < 0.27). Frail patients were more likely to be women, older, have lower income and a greater number of comorbidities. After adjusting for relevant covariates, frail patients were at greater odds of in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.42, 95% CI 2.31-12.77, P < 0.001), overall morbidity (aOR 1.72, 95% CI 1.30-2.28, P < 0.001), increased length of stay (adjusted mean difference 1.3 days, 95% CI 0.09-2.50, P = 0.035) and less likely to be discharged to home (aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.45-0.77, P < 0.001) compared to their robust counterparts.

CONCLUSIONS

Frail IBD patients are at greater risk of postoperative mortality and morbidity, and reduced likelihood of discharge to home, following surgery. This has implications for clinicians designing care pathways for IBD patients following surgery.

The modified frailty index predicts postoperative morbidity in elective hernia repair patients: analysis of the national inpatient sample 2015-2019

PURPOSE

Frailty has shown promise in predicting postoperative morbidity and mortality following hernia surgery. This study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of the 11-item modified frailty index (mFI) in estimating postoperative outcomes following elective hernia surgery using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the NIS from 2015 to 2019 was performed including adult patients who underwent elective hernia repair. The mFI was used to stratify patients as either frail (mFI ≥ 0.27) or robust (mFI < 0.27). The primary outcomes were in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were system-specific morbidity, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital healthcare cost, and discharge disposition. Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized.

RESULTS

In total, 14,125 robust patients and 1704 frail patients were included. Frailty was associated with an increased age (mean age 66.4 years vs. 52.6 years, p < 0.001) and prevalence of ventral hernias (51.9% vs. 44.4%, p < 0.001). Adjusted analyses demonstrated that frail patients had increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.89, 95% CI 1.50, 10.11, p = 0.005), postoperative overall morbidity (aOR 1.98, 95% CI 1.72, 2.29, p < 0.001), postoperative LOS (adjusted mean difference (aMD) 0.78 days, 95% CI 0.51, 1.06, p < 0.001), total in-hospital healthcare costs (aMD $7562 95% CI 3292, 11,832, p = 0.001), and were less likely to be discharged home (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.53, 0.69, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The mFI may be a reliable predictor of postoperative morbidity and mortality in elective hernia surgery. Utilizing this tool can aid in patient education and identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from tailored prehabilitation.

Lymph Node Ratio as a Predictor of Survival for Colon Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Lymph node ratio is the number of lymph nodes with evidence of metastases on pathological review compared to the total number of lymph nodes harvested during oncologic resection. Lymph node ratio is a proven predictor of long-term survival. These data have not been meta-analyzed to determine the prognosis associated with different lymph node ratio cut-offs in colon cancer.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL were systematically searched. Articles were included if they compared 5-year overall survival (OS) or disease-free survival (DFS) between different lymph node ratios for patients undergoing oncologic resection for stages I-III colon cancer. Pairwise meta-analyses using inverse variance random effects were performed.

RESULTS

From 2587 citations, nine studies with 97,631 patients (female: 51.9%, median age: 61.65 years) were included. A lymph node ratio above .1 resulted in a 49% decrease in the odds of 5-year OS (2 studies; OR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.49-.53, P < .00001). A lymph node ratio above .25 resulted in a 56% decrease in the odds of 5-year OS (3 studies; OR: 0.44, 95% CI: 0.43-.45, P < .00001). A lymph node ratio above .5 resulted in a 65% decrease in the odds of 5-year OS (3 studies; OR: 0.35, 95% CI: 0.33-.37, P < .00001).

CONCLUSIONS

Lymph node ratios from .1 to .5 are effective predictors of 5-year OS for colon cancer. There appears to be an inverse dose-response relationship between lymph node ratio and 5-year OS. Further study is required to determine whether there is an optimal lymph node ratio cut-off for prognostication and whether it can inform which patients may benefit from more aggressive adjuvant therapy and follow-up protocols.

Financial toxicity among patients undergoing resectional surgery for inflammatory bowel disease in the United States

AIM

Financial toxicity describes the financial burden and distress that patients experience due to medical treatment. Financial toxicity has yet to be characterized among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) undergoing surgical management of their disease. This study investigated the risk of financial toxicity associated with undergoing surgery for IBD.

METHODS

This study used a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample from 2015 to 2019. Adult patients who underwent IBD-related surgery were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) diagnostic and procedure codes and stratified into privately insured and uninsured groups. The primary outcome was risk of financial toxicity, defined as hospital admission charges that constituted 40% or more of patient's post-subsistence income. Secondary outcomes included total hospital admission cost and predictors of financial toxicity.

RESULTS

The analytical cohort consisted of 6412 privately insured and 3694 uninsured patients. Overall median hospital charges were $21 628 (interquartile range $14 758-$35 386). Risk of financial toxicity was 86.5% among uninsured patients and 0% among insured patients. Predictors of financial toxicity included emergency admission, being in the lowest residential income quartile and having ulcerative colitis (compared to Crohn's disease). Additional predictors were being of Black race or male sex.

CONCLUSION

Financial toxicity is a serious consequence of IBD-related surgery among uninsured patients. Given the pervasive nature of this consequence, future steps to support uninsured patients receiving surgery, in particular emergency surgery, related to their IBD are needed to protect this group from financial risk.

Harnessing artificial intelligence in bariatric surgery: comparative analysis of ChatGPT-4, Bing, and Bard in generating clinician-level bariatric surgery recommendations

BACKGROUND

The formulation of clinical recommendations pertaining to bariatric surgery is essential in guiding healthcare professionals. However, the extensive and continuously evolving body of literature in bariatric surgery presents considerable challenge for staying abreast of latest developments and efficient information acquisition. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to streamline access to the salient points of clinical recommendations in bariatric surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The study aims to appraise the quality and readability of AI-chat-generated answers to frequently asked clinical inquiries in the field of bariatric and metabolic surgery.

SETTING

Remote.

METHODS

Question prompts inputted into AI large language models (LLMs) and were created based on pre-existing clinical practice guidelines regarding bariatric and metabolic surgery. The prompts were queried into 3 LLMs: OpenAI ChatGPT-4, Microsoft Bing, and Google Bard. The responses from each LLM were entered into a spreadsheet for randomized and blinded duplicate review. Accredited bariatric surgeons in North America independently assessed appropriateness of each recommendation using a 5-point Likert scale. Scores of 4 and 5 were deemed appropriate, while scores of 1-3 indicated lack of appropriateness. A Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score was calculated to assess the readability of responses generated by each LLMs.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the 3 LLMs in their 5-point Likert scores, with mean values of 4.46 (SD .82), 3.89 (.80), and 3.11 (.72) for ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Bing (P < .001). There was a significant difference between the 3 LLMs in the proportion of appropriate answers, with ChatGPT-4 at 85.7%, Bard at 74.3%, and Bing at 25.7% (P < .001). The mean FRE scores for ChatGPT-4, Bard, and Bing, were 21.68 (SD 2.78), 42.89 (4.03), and 14.64 (5.09), respectively, with higher scores representing easier readability.

CONCLUSIONS

LLM-based AI chat models can effectively generate appropriate responses to clinical questions related to bariatric surgery, though the performance of different models can vary greatly. Therefore, caution should be taken when interpreting clinical information provided by LLMs, and clinician oversight is necessary to ensure accuracy. Future investigation is warranted to explore how LLMs might enhance healthcare provision and clinical decision-making in bariatric surgery.

Starting position during colonoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Traditional teaching has been to place patients in the left lateral decubitus starting position for colonoscopies. Recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared left lateral decubitus starting position to other approaches. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare different starting positions for colonoscopies and their effect on cecal intubation.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from inception to July 2023. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were RCTs comparing at least two different starting positions for adults undergoing colonoscopy. The main outcome was cecal intubation time. Meta-analysis used an inverse variance random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Tool for RCTs 2.0.

RESULTS

After screening 1523 citations, 14 RCTs were included. Four studies compared left lateral decubitus to right lateral decubitus, four studies compared left lateral decubitus to left lateral tilt-down, three studies compared left lateral decubitus to prone, and three studies compared left lateral decubitus to supine. There were no statistically significant differences in cecal intubation time in seconds across all comparisons: left lateral decubitus vs. right lateral decubitus (MD 14.9, 95% CI - 111.8 to 141.6, p = 0.82, I2 = 85%); left lateral decubitus vs. left lateral tilt-down (MD - 31.3, 95% CI - 70.8 to 8.3, p = 0.12, I2 = 82%); left lateral decubitus vs. prone (MD 17.2, 95% CI - 174.9 to 209.4, p = 0.86, I2 = 94%); left lateral decubitus vs. supine (MD - 149.9, 95% CI - 443.6 to 143.9, p = 0.32, I2 = 89%).

CONCLUSION

The starting position for colonoscopies likely does not influence cecal intubation time. This study was limited by heterogeneity.

Modified frailty index predicts postoperative morbidity in adhesive small bowel obstruction: analyzing the National Inpatient Sample 2015-2019

BACKGROUND

There are limited data identifying predictors of postoperative outcomes in adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO). This study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) to assess the efficacy of the modified frailty index (mFI) to predict postoperative morbidity among patients undergoing an operation for ASBO.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the NIS between September 1, 2015, and December 31, 2019, was performed to identify adult patients who underwent nonelective operative intervention for ASBO. The mFI was used to stratify patients as either frail (mFI value ≥ 0.27) or robust (mFI value < 0.27). The primary outcomes were overall in-hospital postoperative morbidity and mortality. The secondary outcomes were system-specific morbidity, length of stay (LOS), total in-hospital healthcare cost, and discharge disposition. Univariable and multivariable regressions were used.

RESULTS

Overall, 23251 robust patients and 6122 frail patients were included. Adjusted analyses demonstrated that frail patients had increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.16; 95% CI, 1.80-2.60), postoperative morbidity (aOR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.52-1.74), postoperative LOS (adjusted mean difference [aMD], 0.97 days; 95% CI, 0.73-1.21), and total in-hospital healthcare costs (aMD, $18,921; 95% CI, $14,608-$23,235) and were less likely to be discharged home (aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.55-0.63). The findings were unchanged on subgroup analysis of patients undergoing open operation and those older than 65 years of age.

CONCLUSION

The mFI may predict postoperative outcomes for ASBO. Stratifying patients based on frailty may assist clinicians and patients in making informed decisions, setting realistic expectations, and proactively planning postoperative disposition.

Fragility of Statistically Significant Outcomes in Colonic Diverticular Disease Randomized Trials: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The p value has been criticized as an oversimplified determination of whether a treatment effect exists. One alternative is the fragility index. It is a representation of the minimum number of nonevents that would need to be converted to events to increase the p value above 0.05.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the fragility index of randomized controlled trials assessing the efficacy of interventions for patients with diverticular disease since 2010 to assess the robustness of current evidence.

DESIGN

MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from inception to August 2022.

SETTINGS

Articles were eligible for inclusion if they were randomized trials conducted between 2010 and 2022 with parallel, superiority designs evaluating interventions in patients with diverticular disease. Only randomized trials with dichotomous primary outcomes with an associated p value of <0.05 were considered for inclusion.

PARTICIPANTS

Any surgical or medical intervention for patients with diverticular disease.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The fragility index was determined by adding events and subtracting nonevents from the groups with the smaller number of events. Events were added until the p value exceeded 0.05. The smallest number of events required was considered the fragility index.

RESULTS

After screening 1271 citations, 15 randomized trials met the inclusion criteria. Nine of the studies evaluated surgical interventions and 6 evaluated medical interventions. The mean number of patients randomly assigned and lost to follow-up per randomized controlled trial was 92 (SD 35.3) and 9 (SD 11.4), respectively. The median fragility index was 1 (range, 0-5). The fragility indices for the included studies did not correlate significantly with any study characteristics.

LIMITATIONS

Small sample, heterogeneity, and lack of inclusion of studies with continuous outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

The randomized trials evaluating surgical and medical interventions for diverticular disease are not robust. Changing a single-outcome event in most studies was sufficient to make a statistically significant study finding not significant. See Video Abstract .

FRAGILIDAD DE LOS RESULTADOS ESTADSTICAMENTE SIGNIFICATIVOS EN ENSAYOS ALEATORIOS DE ENFERMEDAD DIVERTICULAR DEL COLON UNA REVISIN SISTEMTICA

ANTECEDENTES:El valor p ha sido criticado por una determinación demasiado simplificada de si existe un efecto del tratamiento. Una alternativa es el Índice de Fragilidad. Es una representación del número mínimo de no eventos que deberían convertirse en eventos para aumentar el valor p por encima de 0,05.OBJETIVO:Determinar el IF de ensayos controlados aleatorios que evalúan la eficacia de las intervenciones para pacientes con enfermedad diverticular desde 2010 para evaluar la solidez de la evidencia actual.FUENTES DE DATOS:Se realizaron búsquedas en MEDLINE, Embase y CENTRAL desde el inicio hasta agosto de 2022.SELECCIÓN DE ESTUDIOS:Los artículos eran elegibles para su inclusión si eran ensayos aleatorizados realizados entre 2010 y 2022 con diseños paralelos de superioridad que evaluaran intervenciones en pacientes con enfermedad diverticular. Sólo se consideraron para su inclusión los ensayos aleatorizados con resultados primarios dicotómicos con un valor de p asociado menor que 0,05.INTERVENCIÓNES:Cualquier intervención quirúrgica o médica para pacientes con enfermedad diverticular.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:El índice de fragilidad se determinó sumando eventos y restando no eventos de los grupos con el menor número de eventos. Se agregaron eventos hasta que el valor p superó 0,05. El menor número de eventos requeridos se consideró índice de fragilidad.RESULTADOS:Después de examinar 1271 citas, 15 ensayos aleatorios cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Nueve de los estudios evaluaron intervenciones quirúrgicas y seis evaluaron intervenciones médicas. El número medio de pacientes aleatorizados y perdidos durante el seguimiento por ECA fue 92 (DE 35,3) y 9 (DE 11,4), respectivamente. La mediana del índice de fragilidad fue 1 (rango: 0-5). Los índices de fragilidad de los estudios incluidos no se correlacionaron significativamente con ninguna característica del estudio.LIMITACIONES:Muestra pequeña, heterogeneidad y falta de inclusión de estudios con resultados continuos.CONCLUSIONES:Los ensayos aleatorios que evalúan las intervenciones quirúrgicas y médicas para la enfermedad diverticular no son sólidos. Cambiar un solo evento de resultado en la mayoría de los estudios fue suficiente para que un hallazgo estadísticamente significativo del estudio no fuera significativo. (Traducción- Dr. Ingrid Melo ).

Prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging feature tracking technology in patients with light chain amyloidosis

AIM

To undertake a meta-analysis of the prognostic value of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging feature tracking (CMR-FT) in patients with light-chain cardiac amyloidosis (LCA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. All analyses were conducted using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included with 663 patients. For the left ventricle, the results showed that CMR-FT was statistically significant in predicting death, with less impaired global circumferential (GCS), radial (GRS) and longitudinal (GLS) strain in survivors of LCA (odds ratio [OR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-1.25; 0.95, 0.93-0.96; 1.12, 1.05-1.20, all p<0.001). For ejection fraction (EF) and mass index, surviving patients had higher EFs and mass index (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.96-0.97; 1.01, 1.01-1.02). For the right ventricle, the results showed that CMR-FT was statistically significant in predicting death, with less impaired GLS and GRS in survivors of LCA (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08-1.15; 0.93, 0.90-0.96, all p<0.001). Surviving patients had higher EFs (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.98, p<0.001). Upon removing the studies one by one, there was no significant change in the results of the study. Both analyses showed no apparent publication deviation on funnel plots.

CONCLUSION

Parameters derived from CMR-FT technology are promising new predictors for LCA, and are easily available and reliable. Patients with poor myocardial deformability are at highest risk of death.

Short-term postoperative outcomes for obese versus non-obese inflammatory bowel disease patients undergoing bowel resection: a propensity score matched analysis

PURPOSE

Up to 40% of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are obese. Obesity is a well-known risk factor for increased perioperative morbidity, but this risk has never been quantified in IBD patients undergoing abdominal surgery using the United States National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database. This study aims to compare postoperative morbidity between obese and non-obese patients undergoing bowel resection for IBD using recent NIS data.

METHODS

Adult patients who underwent bowel resection for IBD from 2015 to 2019 were identified in the NIS using ICD-10-CM coding. Patients were stratified into obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and non-obese groups, then propensity score matched (PSM) for demographic, operative, and hospital characteristics. The primary outcome was postoperative in-hospital morbidity. Secondary outcomes included postoperative in-hospital mortality, system-specific postoperative complications, total admission healthcare costs, and length of stay (LOS). Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized.

RESULTS

Overall, 6601 non-obese patients and 671 obese patients were identified. The PSM cohort included 659 patients per group. Obese patients had significantly increased odds of experiencing postoperative in-hospital morbidity (aOR 1.50, 95% CI 1.10-2.03, p = 0.010) compared to non-obese patients. Specifically, obese patients experienced increased gastrointestinal complications (aOR 1.49, 95% CI 1.00-2.24, p = 0.050), and genitourinary complications (aOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.12-2.61, p = 0.013). There were no differences in total admission healthcare costs (MD - $2256.32, 95% CI - 19,144.54-14,631.9, p = 0.79) or LOS (MD 0.16 days, 95% CI - 0.93-1.27, p = 0.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Obese IBD patients are at greater risk of postoperative in-hospital morbidity than non-obese IBD patients. This supports targeted preoperative weight loss protocols for IBD patients to optimize surgical outcomes.

The role of warmed-humidified carbon dioxide insufflation in colorectal surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Maintenance of normothermia is a crucial part of enhanced recovery after colorectal surgery. Dry-cold carbon dioxide (CO2 ) traditionally used for insufflation in laparoscopic surgery and negative pressure operating theatres has been associated with intraoperative hypothermia. Studies suggest that use of warmed-humidified CO2 may promote normothermia. However, due to a scarcity of high-quality studies demonstrating a proven benefit on intraoperative core body temperature, its use in colorectal surgery remains limited. Therefore, the aim of this review was to evaluate the effects of warmed-humidified CO2 compared to traditional dry-cold CO2 , or ambient air in operating theatres, during colorectal surgery.

METHODS

A search of Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL was performed. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared patients receiving warmed-humidified CO2 with either dry-cold CO2 insufflation in laparoscopic procedures or no insufflation during open surgery were included. The primary outcome was change in intraoperative core body temperature. Secondary outcomes included length of stay, operating time, return of gastrointestinal function, wound infection, and postoperative pain. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance random effects.

RESULTS

Among the six RCTs included, 208 patients received warmed-humidified CO2 (42.3% female, mean age: 65.8 years) and 210 patients received either dry-cold CO2 in laparoscopic procedures or no gas insufflation during open procedures (46.2% female, mean age: 66.1 years). No significant difference was found for change in intraoperative core body temperature (MD = 0.01, 95% CI: -0.1, 0.11, p = 0.90, very low certainty). Patients in the warmed-humidified CO2 group had significantly higher pain scores on postoperative day 1 (MD = 1.61, 95% CI: 0.91, 2.31, p < 0.05, very low certainty). No significant differences were found in any of the other secondary outcomes studied.

CONCLUSION

Patients undergoing colorectal surgery receiving warmed-humidified CO2 do not experience any clinically meaningful difference in core body temperature change compared to their counterparts receiving dry-cold CO2 insufflation or no insufflation. However, patients may report greater pain scores on postoperative day 1 with warmed-humidified CO2 . There is likely no clinically important difference between warmed-humidified CO2 and dry-cold CO2 for patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Patient, clinician, and institution factors should be considered when deciding between these two insufflation modalities.

The impact of operative approach for obese colorectal cancer patients: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2015-2019

AIM

Obesity is a well-established risk factor for the development of colorectal cancer. As such, patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer have increasingly higher body mass indices (BMIs). The advances in minimally invasive surgical techniques in recent years have helped surgeons circumvent some of the challenges associated with operating in the setting of obesity. While previous studies suggest that laparoscopy improves outcomes compared with open surgery in obese patients, this has never been established at the population level. Therefore, we designed a retrospective database study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) with the aim of comparing laparoscopic with open approaches for obese patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of the NIS from 2015 to 2019 was conducted including patients with a BMI of greater than 30 kg/m2 undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer. The primary outcomes were postoperative in-hospital morbidity and mortality. Secondary outcomes included postoperative system-specific complications, total admission healthcare cost and length of stay (LOS). Multivariable logistic and linear regressions were utilized to compare the two operative approaches.

RESULTS

A total of 4742 patients underwent open surgery and 3231 underwent laparoscopic surgery. We observed a significant decrease in overall postoperative morbidity [17.5% vs. 31.4%, adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.50-0.64; p < 0.001], gastrointestinal morbidity (8.1% vs. 14.5%, aOR 0.59, 95% CI 0.50-0.69; p < 0.001) and genitourinary morbidity (10.1% vs. 18.6%, aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.52-0.70; p < 0.001) with the use of laparoscopy. Postoperative LOS was 1.7 days shorter (95% CI 1.5-2.0, p < 0.001) and cost of admission was decreased by $9106 (95% CI $4638-$13 573, p < 0.001) with laparoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic surgery for obese patients with colorectal cancer is associated with significantly decreased postoperative morbidity and improved healthcare resource utilization compared with open surgery. Laparoscopic approaches should be relied upon whenever feasible for these patients.

Cutting seton for the treatment of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The use of cutting seton (CS) for the management of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano has remained controversial because of reports of fecal incontinence, postoperative pain, and extended healing time. The aim of this review was to provide the first synthesis of studies investigating the use of CS for the treatment of cryptoglandular fistula-in-ano.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched up to October 2022. Randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing CS with alternative interventions were included, along with single-arm studies evaluating CS alone. The primary outcome was fistula-in-ano recurrence, and secondary outcomes included incontinence, healing time, proportion with complete healing, and postoperative pain. Inverse variance random-effects meta-analyses were used to pool effect estimates.

RESULTS

After screening 661 citations, 29 studies were included. Overall, 1513 patients undergoing CS (18.8% female, mean age: 43.1 years) were included. Patients with CS had a 6% (95% CI: 3-12%) risk of recurrence and a 16% (95% CI: 5-38%) risk of incontinence at 6 months. CS patients had an average healing time of 14.6 weeks (95% CI: 10-19 weeks) with 73% (95% CI: 48-89%) of patients achieving complete healing at 6 months postoperatively. There was no difference in recurrence between CS and fistulotomy, advancement flap, two-stage seton fistulotomy, or draining seton.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this analysis shows that CS has comparable recurrence and incontinence rates to other modalities. However, this may be at the expense of more postoperative pain and extended healing time. Further comparative studies between CS and other modalities are warranted.

Disparities in access to minimally invasive surgery for inflammatory bowel disease and outcomes by insurance status: analysis of the 2015 to 2019 National Inpatient Sample

INTRODUCTION

Despite being the preferred modality for treatment of colorectal cancer and diverticular disease, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been adopted slowly for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) due to its technical challenges. The present study aims to assess the disparities in use of MIS for patients with IBD.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from October 2015 to December 2019 was conducted. Patients < 65 years of age were stratified by either private insurance or Medicaid. The primary outcome was access to MIS and secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, complications, length of stay (LOS), and total admission cost. Univariate and multivariate regression was utilized to determine the association between insurance status and outcomes.

RESULTS

The NIS sample population included 7866 patients with private insurance and 1689 with Medicaid. Medicaid patients had lower odds of receiving MIS than private insurance patients (OR 0.85, 95% CI [0.74-0.97], p = 0.017), and experienced more postoperative genitourinary complications (OR 1.36, 95% CI [1.08-1.71], p = 0.009). In addition, LOS was longer by 1.76 days (p < 0.001) and the total cost was higher by $5043 USD (p < 0.001) in the Medicaid group. Independent predictors of receiving MIS were age < 40 years old, female sex, highest income quartile, diagnosis of ulcerative colitis, elective admission, and care at teaching hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with Medicaid are less likely to receive MIS, have longer lengths of stay, and incur higher costs for the surgical management of their IBD. Further investigations into disparities in inflammatory bowel disease care for Medicaid patients are warranted.

Financial toxicity risk among patients with gastric banding complications in the United States: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (AGB) was historically among the most performed bariatric procedures but has fallen out of favor in recent years due to poor long-term weight loss and high revisional surgery rates. Significant financial hardship of medical care, known as "financial toxicity," can occur from experiencing unexpected complications of AGB.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the risk of financial toxicity among patients being admitted for AGB complications.

SETTING

United States.

METHODS

All uninsured and privately-insured patients who were admitted for AGB complications were identified from the National Inpatient Sample 2015-2019. Publicly available government data (U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) were utilized to estimate patient income, food expenditures, and average maximum out-of-pocket expenditures. Financial toxicity was defined as total admission cost from AGB complications ≥40% of postsubsistence income.

RESULTS

Among 28,005 patients, 66% patients had private insurance and 44% patients were uninsured. Median total admission cost was $12,443 (interquartile range $7959-$19,859) and $15,182 for those who received revisional bariatric surgery. Approximately 55% of the uninsured patients and 1% of insured patients were at risk of financial toxicity after admission for banding-related complications. Patients who had an emergency admission, revisional surgery, or postoperative intensive care unit admission were more likely to experience financial catastrophe following admission (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

About 1 in 2 uninsured patients admitted for AGB-related complications were at risk of financial toxicity. In addition to surgical risks, providers should consider the potential financial consequences of AGB when counselling patients on their choice of surgery.

A history of bariatric surgery before surgery for colorectal cancer may improve short-term postoperative outcomes: Analysis of the national inpatient sample 2015-2019

BACKGROUND

Bariatric surgery is the most effective and sustainable form of weight loss. Bariatric surgery before elective operations for colorectal pathology may improve postoperative outcomes. To compare patients with and without prior bariatric surgery undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer in terms of postoperative morbidity and health care use.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing resection for colorectal cancer from 2015 to 2019 were identified from the National Inpatient Sample. Patients were stratified according to their history of bariatric surgery. Propensity score matching with 4:1 nearest-neighbor matching was performed according to demographic, operative, and hospital characteristics. The primary outcome was postoperative morbidity. Secondary outcomes included system-specific postoperative complications, postoperative mortality, postoperative length of stay, total admission health care cost, and post-discharge disposition. McNemar's test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test were performed.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 1,197 patients without prior bariatric surgery and 376 patients with prior bariatric surgery were included. Patients with prior bariatric surgery had an absolute reduction of 6.5% in overall in-hospital postoperative morbidity (19.1% vs 25.6%, P < .0001), a $5,256 decrease in hospitalization cost ($70,344 vs $75,600, P = .034), and were more likely to be discharged home after their index operation (72.9% vs 63.9%, P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery before surgery for colorectal cancer may be associated with decreased postoperative morbidity and health care use. Bariatric surgery and other forms of rapid and effective weight loss, such as very low-energy diets, should be evaluated further for the optimization of obese patients before nonbariatric abdominal surgery.

Impact of frailty on hiatal hernia repair: a nationwide analysis of in-hospital clinical and healthcare utilization outcomes

Previous studies recommend a watch-and-wait approach to paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair due to an increased risk for mortality. While contemporary studies suggest that elective surgery is safe and effective, many patients presenting with PEH are elderly. Therefore, we assessed the impact of frailty on in-hospital outcomes and healthcare utilization among patients receiving PEH repair. This retrospective population-based cohort study assessed patients from the National Inpatient Sample database who received PEH repair between October 2015 to December 2019. Demographic and perioperative data were gathered, and frailty was measured using the 11-item modified frailty index. The outcomes measured were in-hospital mortality, complications, discharge disposition, and healthcare utilization. Overall, 10,716 patients receiving PEH repair were identified, including 1442 frail patients. Frail patients were less often female and were more often in the lowest income quartile compared to robust patients. Frail patients were at greater odds for in-hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.83 (95% CI 1.65-4.83); P < 0.001], postoperative ICU admissions [OR 2.07 (95% CI 1.55-2.78); P < 0.001], any complications [OR 2.18 (95% CI 1.55-2.78); P < 0.001], hospital length of stay [mean difference (MD) 1.75 days (95% CI 1.30-2.210; P < 0.001], and total admission costs [MD $5631.65 (95% CI $3300.06-$7.963.24); P < 0.001] relative to their robust patients. While PEH repair in elderly patients is safe and effective, frail patients have an increased rate of in-hospital mortality, postoperative ICU admissions, complications, and total admission costs. Clinicians should consider patient frailty when identifying the most appropriate surgical candidates for PEH repair.

Adjuvant External Beam Radiotherapy and Histopathologic Prognostic Factors in Tall Cell Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Differentiated thyroid cancer is a diverse disease, with histopathologic characteristics contributing to prognosis and treatment decisions. Tall cell variant of papillary thyroid cancer (TCV-PTC) carries a poor prognosis relative to other histologies, with first site of failure most often in the neck. Several small studies suggest there may be a disease control benefit to adjuvant external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) for certain high-risk DTC populations; however, data is limited. In this study we aim to shed light on both histopathologic prognostic factors and survival outcomes of patients with TCV-PTC carcinoma treated with surgery followed by EBRT and Radioactive Iodine (RAI) or RAI alone. We hypothesize that EBRT with RAI leads to better disease control than RAI alone.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with TCV-PTC diagnosed between 1997-2020 at a single institution were included in the analysis. TNM staging was standardized to AJCC 8th edition. Demographics, staging, and histologic characteristics were compared between the two treatment groups using T-tests and Fisher's exact tests. Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed between patients receiving EBRT vs. RAI alone for disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS), along with Cox Proportional Hazards analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients were included. Of these patients, 22 received adjuvant RAI and EBRT, and 71 received RAI alone. There was no statistical difference in race, gender, tall cell percentage in the pathology specimen, TNM stage, AJCC group stage, or disease recurrence in patients receiving EBRT vs. RAI alone. However, those receiving EBRT were significantly older (RAI mean age (SD): 50.6 (18.7), EBRT mean age (SD): 59.7 (14.4), p = 0.02) and length of follow-up was shorter for the EBRT cohort (RAI mean (SD): 8.80 (5.81) years, EBRT mean (SD): 4.53 (2.14) years, p < 0.01). Multifocal disease (HR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.30 - 7.08, p = 0.01) and soft tissue invasion (HR: 2.93, 95% CI: 1.28 - 6.75, p = 0.01) were associated with decreased DFS, whilst age (HR 1.08, 1.01 - 1.15: p = 0.03) was associated with decreased CSS; tall cell percentage in the pathology specimen, extra-thyroidal extension, vascular invasion, and positive surgical margin were not significant for either metric. There was no statistical difference in DFS (p = 0.5), CSS (p = 0.3), or OS (p = 0.6) between patients that received EBRT and RAI vs. RAI alone.

CONCLUSION

DFS, CSS, and OS were not different between patients who received EBRT compared to RAI only in this high-risk subgroup of patients. Short interval follow-up for the EBRT group and significant age differences between the EBRT and RAI cohorts may confound results. Given the significant association of advanced age with CSS, an expanded, age-matched cohort analysis is underway.

A Phase I/II Dose-Escalation Study Evaluating the Safety of 21 Gy, 23 Gy, and 25 Gy for High Dose Rate (HDR) Prostate Brachytherapy: An Interim Toxicity Report

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Single-fraction high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy has shown improved actuarial biochemical control rates from 66% to 82% with dose escalation from 19 to 20.5 Gy, respectively, but is still inferior to the reported low dose rate brachytherapy control rates of over 90%. We aimed to identify whether dose escalation to 21, 23, and 25 Gy can be safely accomplished.

MATERIALS/METHODS

Patients with previously untreated, pathologically confirmed, low-risk (cT1-T2a, Gleason ≤6, PSA <10 ng/mL) or favorable intermediate risk (Gleason 3+4, percentage of positive biopsy cores <50%, ≤1 NCCN intermediate risk factor) prostate adenocarcinoma were enrolled from a single institution. PSA and toxicity assessment were performed at baseline and at routine 6-month follow-ups.

RESULTS

From May 9, 2018 to May 12, 2022, 18 patients were enrolled. None had received prior androgen deprivation therapy, 44% had low risk disease, and 61% were ECOG 0 at baseline. Median age was 68 years (total range: 43-79), and 83% were Caucasian. Eight patients received 21 Gy, nine patients received 23 Gy, and one patient received 25 Gy, with the 25 Gy cohort still accruing. The mean prostate size and range, determined by pre-operative prostate volume study on trans-rectal ultrasound, were as follows: 21Gy cohort (mean: 41.2cc; range: 21.9-63.1cc), 23Gy Cohort (mean: 41.2cc, range 28.3-71.7cc), 25Gy cohort (65.3cc). A median of 17 catheters (range: 16-20) were implanted. At a median follow-up of 35.7 months (range: IQR 4.4 - 50.2), only one grade 3 toxicity was reported, which was an ulcerative colitis (UC) flare noted in a patient whose UC was poorly controlled, requiring multiple courses of prednisone in the 6 months prior to his brachytherapy. Regarding toxicities attributable to therapy, fourteen and four patients experienced a grade 1 and 2 genitourinary toxicity respectively; four and four patients experienced a grade 1 and 2 reproductive system toxicity respectively; one patient experienced a grade 1 GI toxicity. Two patients needed foley catheters upon discharge, with neither requiring the foley long term. There were two treatment failures in the 21Gy cohort at 1.39 and 1.67 years from date of HDR brachytherapy; date of failure was defined by the first PSA 2.0ng/mL over nadir. Of these patients, one underwent focal salvage HDR, whilst the other underwent radical prostatectomy with only 1% of the volume involved by prostate cancer. Of note, there was seminal vesicle involvement on restaging prostate biopsy for the patient that underwent radical prostatectomy, however, this was not appreciated on the final prostatectomy specimen. Both patients have no evidence of disease currently.

CONCLUSION

HDR brachytherapy appears well tolerated in patients with low to favorable intermediate risk prostate cancer at 21 and 23 Gy, with more accrual needed at 25Gy. Long-term follow-up needed to assess efficacy.

An In Silico study of a One-Day One-Machine Workflow for Definitive Radiotherapy Cases on a Novel Simulation and Treatment Platform

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

The workflow in Radiotherapy (RT) has largely unchanged for the past three decades, despite increasing evidence suggesting that delayed access to RT, including the wait time between consultation, simulation, and treatment appointments, can negatively impact clinical outcomes. In this pilot study, we present preliminary results of an in silico study that demonstrate the feasibility of a novel RT platform, which integrates simulation into the treatment process and enables patients to receive immediate RT after their initial RT consultation.

MATERIALS/METHODS

A prospective clinical study has been approved to assess the capabilities of a novel RT platform with a high quality CBCT system for imaging guidance as well as planning. This new platform enables a novel clinical workflow that allows clinicians to review contours and plans created on diagnostic CT images prior to the initial RT consultation and allow them to approve new plans adapted on the actual simulation dataset acquired on the first treatment fraction. Four patients receiving standard of care RT (three abdomen and one thorax) consented for this study and underwent additional experimental CBCT simulation on the new platform in addition to their standard CT simulation. The CBCT simulation was taken in two setups: with a specific mold on a flat couch and without a mold on a curved couch. To demonstrate the equivalence of the new workflow to the current standard of care, the plan created on the most recent diagnostic CT images was compared to the plans adapted on the experimental simulation images and the standard CT simulation images, using a knowledge-based model. Contours were propagated from approved datasets to the new datasets through deformable image registration.

RESULTS

All experimental simulations were completed between 14 and 21 minutes with the assistance of two therapists. The contouring, editing, and replanning process took less than one hour in all cases, in line with our experience and peer-reviewed literature. Despite notable anatomical changes observed, the dose-volume histograms (DVH) were consistent, as shown in Table 1.

CONCLUSION

The novel workflow presented herein was feasible and demonstrates that the integration of simulation with image-guided RT on one single platform may unlock the potential of accelerating the RT workflow and reducing the wait time for treatment from weeks to hours.

Optimal ropivacaine concentration for ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy surgery

Background

An ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has emerged as an effective way to control postoperative pain and may be a good alternative way to an epidural block. However, relevant research on the appropriate concentration of local anesthetics for an ESPB remains scarce.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the optimal concentration of ropivacaine for an ESPB in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

Methods

A total of 68 patients who underwent a VATS lobectomy were enrolled. An ipsilateral ultrasound-guided ESPB was performed with three different ropivacaine concentrations as a local anesthetic: 0.189% (G1), 0.375% (G2), and 0.556% (G3). The total amount of perioperative remifentanil administered, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) applied, and rescue drugs for postoperative analgesia during the 24 h after surgery were acquired, and numeric rating scale (NRS) scores were obtained.

Results

The total amount of intraoperative remifentanil administered was 7.20 ± 3.04 mcg/kg, 5.32 ± 2.70 mcg/kg, and 4.60 ± 1.75 in the G1, G2, and G3 groups, respectively. G2 and G3 had significantly lower amounts of remifentanil administered than the G1 group (P = 0.02 vs. G2; P = 0.003 vs. G3). The G3 group needed more inotropes than the G1 and G2 groups in the perioperative period (P = 0.045). The NRS scores, PCA, and rescue drug were not significantly different in the three groups.

Conclusion

The optimal concentration of ropivacaine recommended for an ESPB was 0.375%, which was effective in controlling pain and reducing the intraoperative opioid requirements with minimal adverse reactions such as hypotension.

Long-term outcomes following Dor, Toupet, and Nissen fundoplication: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

In the surgical management of GERD, the traditional procedure is laparoscopic total (Nissen) fundoplication. However, partial fundoplication has been advocated as providing similar reflux control while potentially minimizing dysphagia. The comparative outcomes of different approaches to fundoplication are a topic of ongoing debate and long-term outcomes remain uncertain. This study aims to compare long-term gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) related outcomes following different fundoplication procedures.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, and CENTRAL databases were searched up to November 2022 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different types of fundoplications reporting long-term (> 5 years) outcomes. The primary outcome was incidence of dysphagia. Secondary outcomes included incidence of heartburn/reflux, regurgitation, inability to belch, abdominal bloating, reoperation, and patient satisfaction. DataParty, which uses Python 3.8.10 was used to perform the network meta-analysis. We evaluated the overall certainty of evidence with the GRADE framework.

RESULTS

13 RCTs were included, with 2063 patients across Nissen (360°), Dor (anterior 180°-200°), and Toupet (posterior 270°) fundoplications. Network estimates demonstrated that Toupet had lower incidence of dysphagia compared to Nissen (OR 0.285; 95% CrI 0.06-0.958). There were no differences in dysphagia between Toupet and Dor (OR 0.473, 95% CrI 0.072-2.835) or between Dor and Nissen (OR 1.689, 95% CrI 0.403-7.699). The three fundoplication types were comparable in all other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

All three approaches of fundoplication share similar long-term outcomes, with the Toupet fundoplication likely providing the best long-term durability with lowest odds of developing postoperative dysphagia.

Primary anastomosis with diverting loop ileostomy versus Hartmann's procedure for acute complicated diverticulitis: analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2015-2019

BACKGROUND

Up to 50% of patients with acute complicated diverticulitis require operative management on their index admission. There is ongoing debate as to whether primary anastomosis with diverting ileostomy versus a Hartmann's procedure is the optimal surgical approach for these patients. This study aims to compare postoperative complications in patients undergoing either Hartmann's procedure or primary anastomosis and diverting ileostomy for perforated diverticulitis using recent National Inpatient Sample data.

METHODS

Patients who underwent either primary anastomosis with diverting ileostomy or Hartmann's procedure for acute complicated diverticulitis from the 2015 to 2019 NIS database sample were included. Primary outcomes were postoperative in-hospital mortality and morbidity. Secondary outcomes were postoperative cause-specific complications, total admission cost, and length of stay (LOS). Univariate and multivariate regression were utilized to compare the two operative approaches.

RESULTS

Overall, 642 patients underwent primary anastomosis with diverting ileostomy and 4,482 patients underwent Hartmann's procedure. There was no difference in in-hospital mortality (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.45-1.92, p = 0.84) or in-hospital morbidity (OR 1.10, 95%CI 0.90-1.35, p = 0.33). Adjusted analysis suggested shorter postoperative LOS for patients undergoing Hartmann's procedure (MD 0.79 days, 95%CI 0.15-1.43 days, p = 0.013) and decreased total admission cost (MD $4,893.99, 95%CI $1,425.04-$8,362.94, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study supports that primary anastomosis with diverting ileostomy is safe for properly selected patients presenting with complicated diverticulitis. Primary anastomosis with diverting ileostomy is associated with greater total hospitalization costs and LOS.

HEmoRhoidal disease management with Band ligation versus polidocanol Sclerotherapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis (the HerBS Review)

PURPOSE

Symptomatic internal hemorrhoids affect up to 40% of people in Western society. Patients with grade I-III hemorrhoids, who fail lifestyle and medical management, may benefit from office-based procedures. As per the American Society of Colon and Rectum Surgeons (ASCRS), rubber band ligation (RBL) is the first-line office-based treatment. Polidocanol sclerotherapy is a relatively new approach for these patients. The aim of this systematic review is to compare the efficacy of RBL and polidocanol sclerotherapy with the treatment of symptomatic grade I-III internal hemorrhoids.

METHODS

The systematic review was completed by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases from inception to August 2022 for prospective studies comparing RBL and polidocanol sclerotherapy or evaluating the efficacy of polidocanol sclerotherapy alone for adult (> 18 years) patients with grade I-III internal hemorrhoids. Treatments were evaluated for therapeutic success and post-procedure morbidity.

RESULTS

Of 155 citations obtained, 10 studies (3 comparative and 7 single-arm studies) and 4 abstracts (2 comparative and 2 single arm) were included in the study. The patients undergoing sclerotherapy had a 93% (151/163) therapeutic success rate compared to 75% (68/91) in the RBL group (OR 3.39, 95% CI 1.48-7.74, p < 0.01). The post-procedure morbidity was 8% (17/200) in the sclerotherapy group and 18% (23/128) in the RBL group (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.15-1.82, p = 0.31).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights that polidocanol sclerotherapy may be associated with higher therapeutic success in patients with symptomatic grade I-III internal hemorrhoids. Further evaluations in the form of randomized trials are required to evaluate patient populations, which may benefit more from sclerotherapy.

Fragility of statistically significant findings from randomized trials in comparing laparoscopic versus robotic abdominopelvic surgeries

BACKGROUND

Utility of robotic over laparoscopic approach has been an area of debate across all surgical specialties over the past decade. The fragility index (FI) is a metric that evaluates the frailty of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) findings by altering the status of patients from an event to non-event until significance is lost. This study aims to evaluate the robustness of RCTs comparing laparoscopic and robotic abdominopelvic surgeries through the FI.

METHODS

A search was conducted in MEDLINE and EMBASE for RCTs with dichotomous outcomes comparing laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgery in general surgery, gynecology, and urology. The FI and reverse fragility Index (RFI) metrics were used to assess the strength of findings reported by RCTs, and bivariate correlation was conducted to analyze relationships between FI and trial characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 21 RCTs were included, with a median sample size of 89 participants (Interquartile range [IQR] 62-126). The median FI was 2 (IQR 0-15) and median RFI 5.5 (IQR 4-8.5). The median FI was 3 (IQR 1-15) for general surgery (n = 7), 2 (0.5-3.5) for gynecology (n = 4), and 0 (IQR 0-8.5) for urology RCTs (n = 4). Correlation was found between increasing FI and decreasing p-value, but not sample size, number of outcome events, journal impact factor, loss to follow-up, or risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

RCTs comparing laparoscopic and robotic abdominal surgery did not prove to be very robust. While possible advantages of robotic surgery may be emphasized, it remains novel and requires further concrete RCT data.

Total Abdominal Colectomy Versus Diverting Loop Ileostomy and Antegrade Colonic Lavage for Fulminant Clostridioides Colitis: Analysis of the National Inpatient Sample 2016-2019

BACKGROUND

When surgery is indicated for fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI), total abdominal colectomy (TAC) is the most common approach. Diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) with antegrade colonic lavage has been introduced as a colon-sparing surgical approach. Prior analyses of National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data suggested equivalent postoperative outcomes between groups but did not evaluate healthcare resource utilization. As such, we aimed to analyze a more recent NIS cohort to compare these two approaches in terms of both postoperative outcomes and healthcare resource utilization.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the NIS from 2016 to 2019 was conducted. The primary outcome was postoperative in-hospital morbidity. Secondary outcomes included postoperative in-hospital mortality, system-specific postoperative complications, total admission cost, and length of stay (LOS). Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized to compare the two operative approaches.

RESULTS

In total, 886 patients underwent TAC and 409 patients underwent DLI with antegrade colonic lavage. Adjusted analyses demonstrated no difference between groups in postoperative in-hospital morbidity (aOR 0.96, 95%CI 0.64-1.44, p = 0.851) or in-hospital mortality (aOR 1.15, 95%CI 0.81-1.64, p = 0.436). Patients undergoing TAC experienced significantly decreased total admission cost (MD $79,715.34, 95%CI 133,841-25,588, p = 0.004) and shorter postoperative LOS (MD 4.06 days, 95%CI 6.96-1.15, p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

There are minimal differences between TAC and DLI with antegrade colonic lavage for fulminant CDI in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Healthcare resource utilization, however, is significantly improved when patients undergo TAC as evidenced by clinically important decreases in total admission cost and postoperative LOS.

Ghost Ileostomy Versus Loop Ileostomy Following Oncologic Resection for Rectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to compare ghost ileostomy (GI) and loop ileostomy (LI) in patients undergoing oncologic resection for rectal cancer in terms of postoperative morbidity.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

LIs are often fashioned to protect downstream anastomoses following oncologic resection for low rectal cancer at medium-to-high risk of anastomotic leak. More recently, GIs have been utilized in patients with low-to-medium risk anastomoses to reduce the rate of unnecessary stomas.

METHODS

Medline, Embase, and CENTRAL were systematically searched. Studies investigating the use of GI in patients undergoing oncologic resection for rectal cancer were included. The primary outcomes were anastomotic leak and postoperative morbidity. Secondary outcomes included stoma-related complications and length of stay (LOS). Pairwise meta-analyses were performed with inverse variance random effects.

RESULTS

From 242 citations, 14 studies with 946 patients were included. In comparative studies, 359 patients were undergoing GI and 266 patients were undergoing LI. Pairwise meta-analysis revealed no differences in the prevalence of anastomotic leak (OR 1.40, 95%CI .73-2.68, P = .31), morbidity (OR .76, 95%CI .44-1.30, P = .32), or LOS (SMD -.05, 95%CI -.33-.23, P = .72). International Study Group of Rectal Cancer anastomotic leak grades were as follows: Grade A (GI 0% vs LI 13.3%), Grade B (GI 80.9% vs LI 86.7%), Grade C (GI 19.1% vs LI 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

GI appears to be a safe alternative to LI following oncologic resection for rectal cancer. Larger, prospective comparative studies are warranted to evaluate the use of GI in patients deemed to be at low-to-medium risk of anastomotic leak.

Fragility of statistically significant outcomes in randomized trials comparing bariatric surgeries

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are regarded as high-level evidence, but the strength of their P values can be difficult to ascertain. The Fragility Index (FI) is a novel metric that evaluates the frailty of trial findings. It is defined as the minimum number of patients required to change from a non-event to event for the findings to lose statistical significance. This study aims to characterize the robustness of bariatric surgery RCTs by examining their FIs.

METHODS

A search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL from January 2000 to February 2022 for RCTs comparing two bariatric surgeries with statistically significant dichotomous outcomes. Bivariate correlation was conducted to identify associations between FI and trial characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 35 RCTs were included with a median sample size of 80 patients (Interquartile range [IQR] 58-109). The median FI was 2 (IQR 0-5), indicating that altering the status of two patients in one treatment arm would overturn the statistical significance of results. Subgroup analyses of RCTs evaluating diabetes-related outcomes produced a FI of 4 (IQR 2-6.5), while RCTs comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy had an FI of 2 (IQR 0.5-5). Increasing FI was found to be correlated with decreasing P value, increasing sample size, increasing number of events, and increasing journal impact factor.

CONCLUSION

Bariatric surgery RCTs are fragile, with only a few patients required to change from non-events to events to reverse the statistical significance of most trials. Future research should examine the use of FI in trial design.

Perioperative intravenous dexamethasone for patients undergoing colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid that is often administered intraoperatively as prophylaxis for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined its use in colorectal surgery. This systematic review aims to assess the postoperative impacts of dexamethasone use in colorectal surgery.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched from database inception to January 2023. Articles were included if they compared perioperative intravenous dexamethasone to a control group in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery in terms of postoperative morbidity. The primary outcomes were prolonged postoperative ileus (PPOI) and PONV. Secondary outcomes included postoperative infectious morbidity and return of bowel function. A pair-wise meta-analysis and GRADE assessment of the quality of evidence were performed.

RESULTS

After reviewing 3476 relevant citations, seven articles (five RCTs, two retrospective cohorts) met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 1568 patients received perioperative dexamethasone and 1459 patients received a control. Patients receiving perioperative dexamethasone experienced significantly less PPOI based on moderate-quality evidence (three studies, OR 0.46, 95%CI 0.28-0.74, p < 0.01). Time to first flatus was significantly reduced with intravenous dexamethasone. There was no difference between groups in terms of PONV (four studies, OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.64-1.27, p = 0.55), postoperative morbidity (OR 0.93, 95%CI 0.63-1.39, p = 0.74), or rate of postoperative infectious complications (seven studies, OR 0.74, 95%CI 0.55-1.01, p = 0.06).

CONCLUSION

This review presents moderate-quality evidence that perioperative intravenous dexamethasone may reduce PPOI and enhance the return of bowel function following elective colorectal surgery. There was no significant observed effect on PONV or postoperative infectious complications.

Differences in in-hospital outcomes and healthcare utilization for laparoscopic versus open approach for emergency inguinal hernia repair: a nationwide analysis

PURPOSE

There has been a growing debate of whether laparoscopic or open surgical techniques are superior for inguinal hernia repair. For incarcerated and strangulated inguinal hernias, the laparoscopic approach remains controversial. This study aims to be the first nationwide analysis to compare clinical and healthcare utilization outcomes between laparoscopic and open inguinal hernia repair in an emergency setting.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of the National Inpatient Sample was performed. All patients who underwent laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair (LIHR) and open inguinal hernia repair (OIHR) between October 2015 and December 2019 were included. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes include post-operative complications, ICU admission, length of stay (LOS), and total admission cost. Two approaches were compared using univariate and multivariate logistic and linear regression.

RESULTS

Between the years 2015 and 2019, 17,205 patients were included. Among these, 213 patients underwent LIHR and 16,992 underwent OIHR. No difference was observed between laparoscopic and open repair for mortality (odds ratio [OR] 0.80, 95% CI [0.25, 2.61], p = 0.714). Additionally, there was no significant difference between groups for post-operative ICU admission (OR 1.11, 95% CI [0.74, 1.67], p = 0.614), post-operative complications (OR 1.09, 95% CI [0.76, 1.56], p = 0.647), LOS (mean difference [MD]: -0.02 days, 95% CI [- 0.56, 0.52], p = 0.934), or total admission cost (MD: $3,028.29, 95% CI [$- 110.94, $6167.53], p = 0.059).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair is comparable to the open inguinal hernia repair with respect to low rates of morbidity, mortality as well as healthcare resource utilization.

Video-based coaching for surgical residents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Video-based coaching (VBC) is used to supplement current teaching methods in surgical education and may be useful in competency-based frameworks. Whether VBC can effectively improve surgical skill in surgical residents has yet to be fully elucidated. The objective of this study is to compare surgical residents receiving and not receiving VBC in terms of technical surgical skill.

METHODS

The following databases were searched from database inception to October 2021: Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and PubMed. Articles were included if they were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing surgical residents receiving and not receiving VBC. The primary outcome, as defined prior to data collection, was change in objective measures of technical surgical skill following implementation of either VBC or control. A pairwise meta-analyses using inverse variance random effects was performed. Standardized mean differences (SMD) were used as the primary outcome measure to account for differences in objective surgical skill evaluation tools.

RESULTS

From 2734 citations, 11 RCTs with 157 residents receiving VBC and 141 residents receiving standard surgical teaching without VBC were included. There was no significant difference in post-coaching scores on objective surgical skill evaluation tools between groups (SMD 0.53, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.01, p = 0.05, I² = 74%). The improvement in scores pre- and post-intervention was significantly greater in residents receiving VBC compared to those not receiving VBC (SMD 1.62, 95% CI 0.62 to 2.63, p = 0.002, I² = 85%). These results were unchanged with leave-one-out sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis according to operative setting.

CONCLUSION

VBC can improve objective surgical skills in surgical residents of various levels. The benefit may be most substantial for trainees with lower baseline levels of objective skill. Further studies are required to determine the impact of VBC on competency-based frameworks.

Preoperative carbohydrate loading before colorectal surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

PURPOSE

Preoperative carbohydrate loading has been introduced as a component of many enhanced recovery after surgery programs. Evaluation of current evidence for preoperative carbohydrate loading in colorectal surgery has never been synthesized.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL were searched until May 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing patients undergoing colorectal surgery with and without preoperative carbohydrate loading were included. Primary outcomes were changes in blood insulin and glucose levels. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance random effects.

RESULTS

The search yielded 3656 citations, from which 12 RCTs were included. In total, 387 patients given preoperative carbohydrate loading (47.2% female, age: 62.0 years) and 371 patients in control groups (49.4% female, age: 61.1 years) were included. There was no statistical difference for blood glucose and insulin levels between both patient groups. Patients receiving preoperative carbohydrate loading experienced a shorter time to first flatus (SMD: - 0.48 days, 95% CI: - 0.84 to - 0.12, p = 0.008) and stool (SMD: - 0.50 days, 95% CI: - 0.86 to - 0.14, p = 0.007). Additionally, length of stay was shorter in the preoperative carbohydrate loading group (SMD: - 0.51 days, 95% CI: - 0.88 to - 0.14, p = 0.007). There was no difference in postoperative morbidity and patient well-being between both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative carbohydrate loading does not significantly impact postoperative glycemic control in patients undergoing colorectal surgery; however, it may be associated with a shorter length of stay and faster return of bowel function. It merits consideration for inclusion within colorectal enhanced recovery after surgery protocols.

Very low energy diets before nonbariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Very low energy diets serve as an intensive approach to weight loss in a short period of time. Although the preoperative use of very low energy diets to optimize patients with obesity before bariatric surgery is well established, the evidence for very low energy diets before other types of surgery remains unclear. The aim of this review was to determine the impact of preoperative very low energy diets on perioperative outcomes in nonbariatric surgery.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PubMed were systematically searched from inception through to July 2021. Articles were included if they evaluated very low energy diets use before any type of nonbariatric surgery. The primary outcome was postoperative morbidity. Secondary outcomes included compliance, safety, and preoperative weight loss. A pairwise meta-analyses using inverse variance random effects was performed.

RESULTS

From 792 citations, 13 studies with 395 patients (mean age: 56.5 years, 55.8% female) receiving very low energy diets preoperatively in preparation for nonbariatric surgery were included. Mean duration of preoperative very low energy diets was 6.6 weeks (range, 0.42-17 weeks). Target daily caloric intake ranged from 450 kcal to 1,400 kcal. Compliance with very low energy diets ranged from 94% to 100%. The mean preoperative weight loss ranged from 3.2 kg to 19.2 kg. There were no significant differences in postoperative morbidity (odds ratio, 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.64-1.91; P = .72), operative time (standard mean difference -0.35; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-0.43, P = .38), or postoperative length of stay (standard mean difference 0.40, 95% confidence interval -0.11-0.91, P = .12) with very low energy diets.

CONCLUSION

Although the currently available evidence is heterogenous, preoperative very low energy diets are safe, well tolerated, and effectively induce preoperative weight loss in patients undergoing nonbariatric surgery for both benign and malignant disease. Further prospective studies are warranted.

Gastrojejunostomy versus endoscopic stenting for the palliation of malignant gastric outlet obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Though gastrojejunostomy (GJ) has been a standard palliative procedure for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), endoscopic stenting (ES) has shown to provide benefits due to its non-invasive approach. The aim of this review is to perform a comprehensive evaluation of ES versus GJ for the palliation of malignant GOO.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL databases were searched and comparative studies of adult GOO patients undergoing ES or GJ were eligible for inclusion. The primary outcomes were survival time and mortality. Secondary outcomes included technical success, clinical success, reinterventions, days until oral food tolerance, postoperative adjuvant palliative chemotherapy, postoperative morbidities, length of stay (LOS), and costs. Pairwise meta-analyses using inverse-variance random effects were performed.

RESULTS

After identifying 2222 citations, 39 full-text articles fit the inclusion criteria. In total, 3128 ES patients (41.4% female, age: 68.0 years) and 2116 GJ patients (40.4% female, age: 66.8 years) were included. ES patients experienced a shorter survival time (mean difference -24.77 days, 95% Cl - 45.11 to  - 4.43, p = 0.02) and were less likely to undergo adjuvant palliative chemotherapy (risk ratio 0.81, 95% Cl 0.70 to 0.93, p = 0.004). The ES group had a shorter LOS, shorter time to oral intake of liquids and solids, and less surgical site infections (risk ratio 0.30, 95% Cl 0.12 to 0.75, p = 0.01). The patients in the ES group were at greater risk of requiring reintervention (risk ratio 2.60, 95% Cl 1.87 to 3.63, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ES results in less postoperative morbidity and shorter LOS when compared to GJ, however, this may be at the cost of decreased initiation of adjuvant palliative chemotherapy and overall survival, as well as increased risk of reintervention. Both techniques are likely appropriate in select clinical scenarios.

The Senhance Surgical System in Colorectal Surgery: A Systematic Review

The Senhance Surgical System allows for infrared eye tracking, haptic feedback, and an adjustable upright seat allowing for improved ergonomics. This systematic review was designed with the aim of reviewing the current literature pertaining to the use of the Senhance Surgical System in colorectal surgery. Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated adults undergoing colorectal surgery with the Senhance Surgical System. The primary outcome was intraoperative efficacy; as defined by operative time, estimated blood loss (EBL), and conversion. A DerSimonian and Laird inverse variance random-effects meta-analysis was used to generate overall effect size estimates and narrative review was provided for each outcome. Six observational studies with 223 patients (mean age: 63.7, 41.2% female, mean BMI: 24.4 kg/m²) were included. The most common indication for surgery was colorectal cancer (n = 180, 80.7%) and the most common operation was anterior resection (n = 72, 32.3%). Meta-analyses demonstrated a pooled total operative time of 229.8 min (95% CI 189.3-270.4, I² = 0%), console time of 141.3 min (95% CI 106.5-176.1, I² = 0%), and docking time of 10.8 min (95% CI 6.4-15.2, I² = 0%). The pooled EBL was 37.0 mL (95% CI 24.7-49.2, I² = 20%). Overall, there were nine (4.0%) conversions to laparoscopy/laparotomy. The Senhance Surgical System has an acceptable safety profile, reasonable docking and console times, low conversion rates, and an affordable case cost across a variety of colorectal surgeries. Further prospective, comparative trials with other robotic surgical platforms are warranted.

P12.04.A Exosomes from glioma associated sphere forming cells induce a transition of invasive phenotype via transfer of EMP2 and CA9

Background

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) mostly occurs local recurrence at normal parenchyme adjacent tumor despite of conventional treatment. Glioma stem like cells (GSC) forming intratumoral heterogeneity within the GBM acquired the microenvironmental adaptation by inter-exosomal contents exchange between heterogenic cells. In addition, GSC has an invasive potential as like human GBM. Therefore, we investigate whether exosomal proteins of GSC affect the normal tissue invasion in GBM.

Material and Methods

Exosomes were isolated by Size-Exclusion method from conditioned media and validated by Electron microscope and Immunoblot assay. Exosomal proteomics were examined with Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS). To produce the fluorescent exosome, bi-cistron vectors were cloned with shRNA and CD63-GFP. To identify the effect of tranfected exosome, the isolated exosomes were treated to recipient cells and examined the invasion by 3D invasion assay and mouse intracranial model.

Results

Firstly, we dichotomized two groups following tumor invasion at matrigel assay and GSC derived orthotopic mouse model. CSC2 and X01 GSCs revealed highly invasive phenotype whereas 83NS and 528NS GSCs did not. Exosome was isolated in each group and identified by CD63 expression or electron microscopy. In proteomics analysis, hypoxia, extracellular matrix organization, GTPase cycle related proteins were enriched in highly invasive cell’s exosome. Among them, we focused the carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) and the epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) on its permissive role to glioblastoma invasion respectively. CA9 and EMP2 mRNA and protein levels were verified in GSCs and their exosomes and the high expression levels were detected in CSC2 and X01 compared to the low one in 83NS and 528NS GSCs. To evaluate the effects of CA9 and EMP2 on exosome mediated invasion potential, viral bi-cistron vectors was composed with the target gene knockdown and the CD63 fluorescence was used to detect intracellular exosome transfer. Interestingly, the decreased expression of phosphorylated FAK, a key invasive marker, was observed after Lentiviral mediated CA9- and EMP2-knockdown in highly invasive CSC2. To identify whether CA9 and EMP2 proteins are the intracellular effector protein responsible for exosome mediated glioma invasion, the donor exosomes (Exo-CSC2-sh-CA9 and Exo-CSC2-EMP2, after Lentiviral transfection to CSC2s) were isolated and treated to the non invasive 528NS cells as recipient cells. In 3D invasion assay, Exo-CSC2-shCA9 or Exo-CSC2-shEMP2 mediated tumor invasion was significantly decreased at 528NS GSCs compared to Exo-CSC2-shEV. These features were found at mouse intracranial model as well.

Conclusion

Together with these, we conclude that exosome derived from GSCs induces a transition of invasive phenotype via transfer of EMP2 and CA9 proteins.

Endoscopic Full-Thickness Resection for Colorectal Lesions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with an over-the-scope full-thickness resection device is a relatively new technique for the resection of colorectal lesions. Multiple centers have published the results of case series and observational cohorts regarding the use of this technique for managing difficult polyps. This study aims to aggregate the results of these studies to determine the effectiveness and safety of this technique in the resection of these technically challenging colonic lesions.

METHODS

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were searched. Articles were included if they reported technical success rate for EFTR of colonic lesions. The primary outcome was technical success rate and secondary outcomes included rate of R0 resection and overall 30-d morbidity. DerSimonian and Laird random-effects meta-analysis of proportions was used to generate effect sizes for pooled outcomes.

RESULTS

From 2211 citations, 21 studies with 1539 patients (mean age 67.2 y, 39.5% female) undergoing 1551 procedures were included. Difficult to resect benign lesions were the most commonly excised lesions (hyperplastic: 35.9%; adenomas: 30.2%), followed by T1 adenocarcinomas (25.6%) and neuroendocrine tumors (6.1%). Technical success rate was 89% (95% confidence interval [CI] 87-92), and R0 resection rate was 79% (95% CI 76-82). Mean procedure time was 53.5 min and mean specimen size was 17.5 mm. Overall 30-d morbidity was 11% (95% CI 7-13), and incidences of perforation and postpolypectomy bleeding were 2% (95% CI 1-2) and 5% (95% CI 3-7), respectively. Lesion recurrence at 3-mo follow-up was 8%.

CONCLUSIONS

EFTR requires further large sample size, comparative studies with reporting of long-term oncologic data. However, preliminary findings indicate that it is a safe and effective technique with high rates of technical success and acceptable rates of R0 resection when employed by experienced endoscopists for high-risk colonic lesions.

P-568 The effect of recombinant hCG on FSH-induced ovarian stimulation in rats depends on the FSH dose and can be detrimental at high concentrations

Study question

What is the effect of choriogonadotropin beta (CG beta) on FSH-induced ovarian stimulation and multifollicular development in a rat model?

Summary answer

CG beta dose-dependently potentiates effects of low-to-mid FSH doses but has inhibitory effects at high concentrations: optimal CG beta/FSH ratio depends on the FSH dose.

What is known already

Similarly to follitropin delta (rFSH), CG beta (FE 999302) is a novel recombinant hCG purified from the human PER.C6®cell line. A recent placebo-controlled trial in women undergoing ovarian stimulation with follitropin delta demonstrated that the addition of 1 to 12 µg CG beta reduced the number of intermediate follicles and related hormones. This observation required further preclinical research to (1) evaluate whether the pharmacology of CG beta at LH/CGR was different than other hCG forms used in the clinic and/or (2) assess the effect of high concentrations of hCG and different hCG/FSH ratios on multiple follicular development and follicle atresia.

Study design, size, duration

Signaling properties of CG beta and other LH/hCG forms were compared at downstream pathways of LH/CGR in recombinant systems and human granulosa cells. To evaluate the effects of FSH±hCG in vivo, juvenile female rats were injected subcutaneously twice daily with follitropin delta ± CG beta/alfa for three days followed by an ovulatory dose of hCG. Oviducts were then collected for oocyte enumeration, ovaries and uteri were weighed, and ovaries were fixed for histological analysis.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

The pharmacology of CG beta and other LH/hCG forms was evaluated in a cAMP assay in human granulosa cells from follicular fluid from IVF patients and in recombinant systems, at the Gs, Gq and arrestin pathways. In the rat model, a dose response of follitropin delta (Rekovelle) was first evaluated, followed by evaluation of the dose-dependent effects of CG beta (0.00117-2.4 µg/kg), or CG alfa (Ovidrel/Ovitrelle), in combination with 1, 3 or 10 µg/kg rFSH.

Main results and the role of chance

The in vitro pharmacology (potency and efficacy) of CG beta was similar to recombinant LH, urinary hCG and recombinant hCG (CG alfa) tested at all proximal pathways evaluated downstream of LH/CGR as well as in human granulosa cells.

In vivo, treatment with follitropin delta induced a bell-shaped dose-response curve for oocyte release with a maximum response of 40-50 oocytes at 8-10 µg/kg follitropin delta dose.

The addition of CG beta dose-dependently potentiated the effects at low-to-mid follitropin delta doses but had inhibitory effects on the number of ovulated oocytes at high CG beta concentrations. The lowest CG beta dose that clearly reduced the number of ovulated oocytes was 2.4, 0.6 and 0.3 µg/kg in combination with a fixed dose of 1, 3 and 10 µg/kg follitropin delta, respectively, which indicated that the optimal hCG/FSH ratio and corresponding hCG efficacious dose was inversely related to the FSH dose. There was no difference between CG beta and CG alfa for the dose effect on the number of ovulated oocytes or ovarian weight. Histology data indicated many cystic follicles following high CG beta exposure which may represent atretic follicles prior to triggering follicular maturation and ovulation.

Limitations, reasons for caution

This is the first study demonstrating that the FSH dose in combination with the hCG dose determines the effect on multiple follicle growth, ovulation, and atresia. These observations need to be confirmed in clinical research, as doses and ratios applied in the rat cannot be extrapolated to the clinical setting.

Wider implications of the findings

A better understanding of the effect of different FSH to hCG ratios will help to improve current mixed protocols and design future recombinant combination products providing the optimal treatment outcome for each individual patient.

Trial registration number

not applicable

Comparison of single- versus double-anastomosis duodenal switch: A single-center experience with 2-year follow-up

Objective

Single-anastomosis duodenal switch (SADS) has emerged in recent years as an alternative to the standard double-anastomosis duodenal switch (DADS). The objective of this study was to compare short- and medium-term outcomes between SADS and DADS.

Methods

Data collected in the Ontario Bariatric Registry between 2010 and 2019 were used for this retrospective study to determine outcomes of patients undergoing primary laparoscopic SADS versus DADS at a Canadian tertiary hospital and bariatric center of excellence. The primary outcome was weight loss at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Short-term secondary outcomes included operative times, intra- and early postoperative complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), and 30-day readmissions. Medium-term secondary outcomes included late postoperative complications as well as nutritional deficiencies and persistent diarrhea at 1 and 2 years after surgery. Subgroup analyses were performed to compare patients undergoing one- and two-stage procedures.

Results

Data of 107 patients who underwent SADS (n = 25) or DADS (n = 82) were included in the study. Follow-up data were available for 59/107 (55.1%) patients at 1 year and 47/107 (43.9%) at 2 years after surgery. Patients in the SADS and DADS groups had similar %TBWL at 1 year (23.6 versus 26.2, P = 0.617) and 2 years (24.8 versus 30.2, P = 0.116) after surgery. Short- and medium-term outcomes were similar between groups. There was no difference between patients undergoing one- versus two-stage procedures.

Conclusion

This study showed that patients undergoing SADS and DADS had similar weight loss at 1 and 2 years. Early and late postoperative morbidity, operative times, early readmissions, and LOS were also similar between groups. Further studies with longer follow-up are required to confirm these results.

What patient factors influence bariatric surgery outcomes? A multiple regression analysis of Ontario Bariatric Registry data

BACKGROUND

As bariatric surgery evolves and gains popularity, statistical analysis of its outcomes could improve the process of decision-making and risk assessment. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of age and other factors on bariatric surgery outcomes in order to improve patient selection and outcomes.

METHODS

We analyzed data from the Ontario Bariatric Registry to evaluate the influence of age and 10 other factors on early (< 90 d) and 1-year surgical outcomes among patients aged 18 years or older who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) between January 2010 and May 2013. Early outcomes included composite adverse events and readmission. The 1-year outcomes included percent excess body weight loss (%EBWL), and remission of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. We performed multiple regression analysis to identify independent variables that influenced these outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 3166 patients (2655 women [83.9%] and 511 men [16.1%], mean age 44.8 yr, mean body mass index [BMI] 48.4) who underwent LRYGB (2839 [89.7%]) or LSG (327 [10.3%]) over the study period and completed their 1-year follow-up. Preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and history of angina were independent variables that influenced the composite adverse event outcome. Obstructive sleep apnea was the only factor that influenced early readmission. The independent factors that influenced %EBWL were age, type of surgery, BMI and baseline glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) level: age was found to influence hypertension remission, and HbA_1c level and obstructive sleep apnea were found to influence diabetes remission.

CONCLUSION

Complications after bariatric surgery can be predicted by preoperative ASA score and history of angina; patient age was not related to an increase in postoperative complications. These factors could help both surgeon and patient make appropriate surgical decisions.

Prophylactic Mesh for Prevention of Parastomal Hernia Following End Colostomy: an Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic mesh placement during end colostomy formation at reducing rates of parastomal hernia using the most recently available data.

BACKGROUND

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have uniformly concluded that the use of prophylactic surgical mesh when fashioning an end colostomy reduces the risk of parastomal hernia. However, recent RCTs have failed to corroborate these findings. This study was designed to provide an updated systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of prophylactic mesh placement during end colostomy formation.

METHODS

A search of Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL was performed. Articles were included if they were RCTs that compared the use of prophylactic mesh to no prophylactic mesh during construction of an end colostomy following colorectal resection for benign or malignant disease. The primary outcome was parastomal hernia rate. A pairwise meta-analysis was performed using inverse variance random effects.

RESULTS

From 1,089 citations, 12 RCTs with 581 patients having prophylactic mesh placement and 671 patients not having prophylactic mesh placement met inclusion criteria. Incidence of parastomal hernia was significantly reduced in patients receiving prophylactic mesh (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.80, p = 0.0003, I² = 74%). Results were no longer significantly different when only studies conducted in the last 5 years were analyzed (p = 0.10). There was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity, postoperative mortality, colostomy-specific morbidity, or length of stay between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There remains a significant reduction in the risk of parastomal hernia with the use of prophylactic mesh at the time of end colostomy formation, despite recent evidence suggesting no difference. Further contemporary trials with the application of modern surgical technology are required.