Intramucosal Extent as a Marker for Advanced Disease and Survival in Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is the most common biliary tract malignancy and has a poor prognosis. The clinical significance of focal vs diffuse GBC remains unclear.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted on all patients with non-metastatic GBC at a quaternary care center. Pathology was reviewed, and gallbladder cancer pattern was defined based on the extent of mucosal involvement; "diffuse" if the tumor was multicentric or "focal" if the tumor was only in a single location. Patients undergoing liver resection and portal lymphadenectomy were considered to have definitive surgery. The primary outcome was overall survival and assessed by Kaplan-Meier curves.

RESULTS

63 patients met study criteria with 32 (50.7%) having diffuse cancer. No difference was observed in utilization of definitive surgery between the groups (14 [43.8%] with focal and 12 [38.7%] with diffuse, P = .88). Lymphovascular invasion (P = .04) and higher nodal stage (P = .04) were more common with diffuse GBC. Median overall survival was significantly improved in those with focal cancer (5.1 vs 1.2 years, P = .02). Although not statistically significant, this difference in overall survival persisted in patients who underwent definitive surgery (4.3 vs 2.4 years, P = .70).

DISCUSSION

Patients with diffuse involvement of the gallbladder mucosa likely represent a subset with aggressive biology and worse overall survival compared to focal disease. These findings may aid surgeons in subsequent surgical and medical decision-making for patients with GBC.

Natural history and growth prediction model of pancreatic serous cystic neoplasms

OBJECTIVE

Serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) are benign pancreatic cystic neoplasms that may require resection based on local complications and rate of growth. We aimed to develop a predictive model for the growth curve of SCNs to aid in the clinical decision making of determining need for surgical resection.

METHODS

Utilizing a prospectively maintained pancreatic cyst database from a single institution, patients with SCNs were identified. Diagnosis confirmation included imaging, cyst aspiration, pathology, or expert opinion. Cyst size diameter was measured by radiology or surgery. Patients with interval imaging ≥3 months from diagnosis were included. Flexible restricted cubic splines were utilized for modeling of non-linearities in time and previous measurements. Model fitting and analysis were performed using R (V3.50, Vienna, Austria) with the rms package.

RESULTS

Among 203 eligible patients from 1998 to 2021, the mean initial cyst size was 31 mm (range 5-160 mm), with a mean follow-up of 72 months (range 3-266 months). The model effectively captured the non-linear relationship between cyst size and time, with both time and previous cyst size (not initial cyst size) significantly predicting current cyst growth (p < 0.01). The root mean square error for overall prediction was 10.74. Validation through bootstrapping demonstrated consistent performance, particularly for shorter follow-up intervals.

CONCLUSION

SCNs typically have a similar growth rate regardless of initial size. An accurate predictive model can be used to identify rapidly growing outliers that may warrant surgical intervention, and this free model (https://riskcalc.org/SerousCystadenomaSize/) can be incorporated in the electronic medical record.

Comparing oncologic and surgical outcomes of robotic and laparoscopic pancreatoduodenectomy in patients with pancreatic cancer: a propensity-matched analysis

INTRODUCTION

Minimally invasive Pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD), or the Whipple procedure, is increasingly utilized. No study has compared laparoscopic (LPD) and robotic (RPD) approaches, and the impact of the learning curve on oncologic, technical, and post-operative outcomes remains relatively understudied.

METHODS

The National Cancer Database was queried for patients undergoing LPD or RPD from 2010 to 2020 with a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. Outcomes were compared between approaches using propensity-score matching (PSM); the impact of annual center-level volume of MIPD was also assessed by dividing volume into quartiles.

RESULTS

A total of 3,342 patients were included. Most (n = 2,716, 81.3%) underwent LPD versus RPD (n = 626, 18.7%). There was a high rate (20.2%, n = 719) of positive margins. Mean length-of-stay (LOS) was 10.4 ± 8.9 days. Thirty-day mortality was 2.8% (n = 92) and ninety-day mortality was 5.7% (n = 189). PSM matched 625 pairs of patients receiving LPD or RPD. After PSM, there was no differences between groups based on age, sex, race, CCI, T-stage, neoadjuvant chemo/radiotherapy, or type of PD. After PSM, there was a higher rate of conversion to open (HR = 0.68, 95%CI = 0.50-0.92)., but there was no difference in LOS (HR = 1.00, 95%CI = 0.92-1.11), 30-day readmission (HR = 1.08, 95% CI = 0.68-1.71), 30-day (HR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.39-1.56) or 90-day mortality (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.42-1.16), ability to receive adjuvant therapy (HR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.92-1.44), nodal harvest (HR = 1.01, 95%CI = 0.94-1.09) or positive margins (HR = 1.19, 95% CI = 0.89-1.59). Centers in lower quartiles of annual volume of MIPD demonstrated reduced nodal harvest (p = 0.005) and a higher rate of conversion to open (p = 0.038). Higher-volume centers had a shorter LOS (p = 0.012), higher rate of initiation of adjuvant therapy (p = 0.042), and, most strikingly, a reduction in 90-day mortality (p = 0.033).

CONCLUSION

LPD and RPD have similar surgical and oncologic outcomes, with a lower rate of conversion to open in the robotic cohort. The robotic technique does not appear to eliminate the "learning curve", with higher volume centers demonstrating improved outcomes, especially seen at minimum annual volume of 5 cases.

Cholecystoenteric Stent-Related Complications: Rendering the Inoperable Patient Operable

INTRODUCTION

Cholecystoenteric stenting is an alternative treatment for cholecystitis. However, complications with this approach can render a need for surgical intervention.

METHODS

A case series of three patients undergoing surgery for a cholecystoenteric stent-related complication.

RESULTS

Patient 1 was a 42-year-old male with history of lung transplant who had a cholecystoenteric stent placed for acalculous cholecystitis. One year later the stent became occluded with return of symptoms. Endoscopic replacement failed. A laparoscopic cholecystectomy with modified Graham patch was performed. Patient 2 is a 73-year-old female with acalculous cholecystitis in the setting of metastatic colon cancer on FOLFOX. Antibiotic treatment failed. A cholecystoenteric stent was attempted, but the stent dislodged during deployment. The fistula tract was clipped, and a percutaneous cholecystostomy drain was placed, which noted a leak at the gallbladder infundibulum. The patient deteriorated clinically and was taken emergently for an open cholecystectomy. Patient 3 was a 71-year-old male with history of ischemic cardiomyopathy who had a cholecystogastric stent placed for necrotizing gallstone pancreatitis. The stent migrated into the gastrointestinal tract and he developed post-prandial pain. A cholecystectomy and modified Graham patch repair of the gastrotomy was performed. This failed as the gastrotomy was too close to the pylorus. He underwent re-operation with Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty. All patients recovered without any cardiopulmonary complications.

CONCLUSION

With the increasing utility of cholecystoenteric stents, surgeons should be aware of the complications and have a plan for managing the duodenotomy or gastrotomy. Shared-medical decision-making involving surgeons should be applied when placing these stents.

Postoperative Day 1 Drain Amylase After Pancreatoduodenectomy: Optimal Level to Predict Pancreatic Fistula

INTRODUCTION

Drain amylase on day 1 (DA-D1) after pancreaticoduodendectomy (PD) to predict occurrence of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is controversial. In this study, we evaluate the optimal DA-D1 level to predict clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF).

METHODS

The 2014-2020 NSQIP pancreatectomy-targeted database was queried for patients who underwent elective PD. Perioperative data was extracted to determine development of POPF and CR-POPF per International Study Group of Pancreatic Fistula guidelines. Receiver operative curve (ROC) and Youden's index were used to assess the performance and optimal cutoff for DA-D1 to predict CR-POPF. The DA-D1 value was confirmed with a multivariable logistic regression to determine hazard ratios (HR) for CR-POPF and conditional logistic regression by modified fistula risk score (mFRS) subgroups.

RESULTS

A total of 6,087 patients with complete perioperative data were included. Mean DA-D1 was 2,897 ± 8,636 U/L; median drain duration was 5 days. CR-POPF was documented in 544 (8.9%) patients. DA-D1 ROC for CR-POPF had area under the curve of 0.779 (95%CI 0.759-0.798). Youden's index for the CR-POPF ROC coordinates had 77.6% sensitivity and 66.3% specificity, corresponding to DA-D1 values ≥ 720U/L as an optimal cutoff. CR-POPF was higher for patients with DA-D1 ≥ 720U/L (HR 4.6; p = 0.001). Patients DA-D1 < 720U/L with a negligible, low, intermediate, and high mFRS had respectively 1%, 3%, 4%, and 7% rate of CR-POPF.

CONCLUSION

DA-D1 < 720U/L after elective PD is a clinically useful predictor of CR-POPF. For patients with negligible to intermediate FRS, surgeons should consider utilizing DA-D1 < 720 U/L for removal of a drain on the first postoperative day.

Digital Professionalism in Patient Care: A Case Based Survey of Patients

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to obtain the perception of patients on the use of portable digital media devices by providers during patient care and compare the findings to a previous study that examined providers' perceptions on the use of these devices.

DESIGN

This was a cross-sectional survey study.

SETTING

This study took place at a large tertiary referral center.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants were identified via inpatient lists from general surgery services.

RESULTS

Of those eligible to participate, 70% completed the questionnaire. While some situations were seen as less appropriate, the overall consensus from participants was that informing the patient of why the physician is using a digital media device made it more appropriate.

CONCLUSION

Patients recognize digital device use in healthcare is appropriate and professional when discussed with them in advance. Overall, patients and providers are in agreement that portable digital technology can improve patient care and open communication about the use improves the provider-patient relationship. There is some risk to patient trust in using digital devices in their presence.

Postoperative Respiratory Failure After Elective Abdominal Surgery: A Case-Control Study

INTRODUCTION

Postoperative respiratory failure (PRF) contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality. We sought to identify patient characteristics and perioperative risk factors associated with PRF in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery to improve patient outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery from 2011 to 2016 at our institution. An experimental group consisting of adult patients with the Patient Safety Indicator 11 diagnosis of PRF was compared with a time-matched control group.

RESULTS

Each group consisted of 233 patients. Comorbidities associated with PRF included ascites, coronary artery disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and hypoalbuminemia (P < 0.05). American Society of Anesthesiologists score IV (20.2% versus 3.95%; P < 0.001), operative time (4.13 versus 2.55 h; P < 0.001), laparotomy with open operation (77.7% versus 45.5%; P < 0.001), and net intraoperative fluid balance (3635 versus 2410 mL; P < 0.001) were higher in patients with PRF. On multivariate analysis, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus type II, laparotomy, and net intraoperative fluid balance maintained significance (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We identified contributing pre- and intra-operative risk factors for PRF undergoing elective abdominal surgery. These findings may help identify those at increased risk for respiratory failure and mitigate complications.

The Impact of Simulation Training on Operative Performance in General Surgery: Lessons Learned from a Prospective Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Practice in the simulated environment can improve surgical skills. However, the transfer of open complex surgical skills to the operating room is unclear. This study evaluated the effect of resident operative performance following a simulation experience on a hand-sewn small bowel anastomosis and determined the impact of utilizing proficiency-based training.

METHODS

Nine categorical interns performed a hand-sewn small bowel anastomosis in the operating room prior to (pre-test) and following (post-test) a 3-h simulation training session with an assessment at the end. Participants were randomly assigned to 1of 2 simulation training groups: proficiency-based or standard. Operative performance was videotaped. 2 independent, blinded faculty surgeons assessed performances by a global rating scale. Pre- and post-confidence levels were obtained on a 5-point Likert scale.

RESULTS

Overall, pre-test and post-test operative performance was similar (3 [IQR, 2.5 -3.5] versus 3 [IQR, 3 -3], P = 0.59). Furthermore, no difference was observed in the post-test performance with proficiency-based or standard training (3 [IQR, 3 -3] versus 3 [IQR, 3 -3], P = 0.73). Self-reported confidence with the skills, however, significantly improved (median 1 versus 4, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

In this prospective, randomized study, we did not observe an improvement in operative performance following simulation instruction and assessment, with both training groups. Overcoming barriers to skills transfer will be paramount in the future to optimize simulation training in general surgery. These findings highlight the importance of continued study for the ideal conditions and timing of technical skills training.

A critical analysis of laparoscopic and open approaches to sporadic pancreatic insulinoma resection in the modern era

BACKGROUND

A single center experience with sporadic pancreatic insulinoma was analyzed to develop an algorithm for modern surgical management.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients undergoing surgery from 2001 to 2019 were reviewed.

RESULTS

The majority underwent enucleation (10 laparoscopic, 15 open). Laparoscopy was performed in 22 patients with conversion to open in 11, mostly related to the proximity of the tumor to the pancreatic duct (n = 4). Tumors on the anterior and posterior surface of the pancreas in all anatomic locations were completed with laparoscopic enucleation. Overall, the clinically-relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) rate was 21%, with no difference between laparoscopic versus open enucleation (10% vs 20%, p = 0.50) or enucleation versus resection (16% vs 33%, p = 0.27). Laparoscopic enucleation had shorter median hospital length of stay (LOS) compared with open (4 vs 7 days, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic enucleation does not increase the CR-POPF risk and provides an advantage with a shorter hospital LOS in select patients. Tumor location and relationship to the pancreatic duct guide surgical decision-making. These findings highlight tumor-specific criteria that would benefit from a minimally invasive approach.

Factors that Minimize Curative Resection for Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma: an Analysis of Clinical Decision-Making and Survival

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis as it is often diagnosed incidentally, and patients have a high risk for residual and occult metastatic disease. Expert guidelines recommend definitive surgery for ≥T1b tumors; however, surgical management is inconsistent. This study evaluates the factors that affect the completion of radical resection with portal lymphadenectomy and its impact on survival.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for gallbladder cancer from 2008 to 2017 at an academic institution was performed. Patients were analyzed based on whether they underwent definitive surgical resection. Patient factors and clinical decision-making were analyzed; overall survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Seventy-five patients with ≥T1b tumors were identified, of who 32 (42.7%) underwent definitive resection. Fifty-four (72%) patients had gallbladder cancer identified as an incidental diagnosis following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Among patients who did not undergo definitive resection, the underlying factors were varied. Only 24 (55.8%) patients in the non-definitive resection group were seen by surgical oncology. Among patients who underwent re-operation for definitive resection, 12 (38.7%) were upstaged on final pathology. Of the 43 patients who did not undergo definitive resection, 4 (9.3%) had metastatic disease identified during attempted re-resection. Patients who underwent definitive resection had a significantly longer median overall survival compared to those who did not (4.3 v. 1.9 years, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing definitive resection have a significantly improved survival, including as part of a re-operative strategy. Universal referral to a surgical specialist is a modifiable factor resulting in increased definitive resection rates.

Preoperative calcium and parathyroid hormone values are poor predictors of gland volume and multigland disease in primary hyperparathyroidism: A review of 2,000 consecutive patients

OBJECTIVE

Calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values are thought to have a linear relationship in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism and correlate with parathyroid gland size, with higher values predicting single-gland disease. In this modern series, these preoperative values are correlated with operative findings to determine their utility in predicting gland involvement at parathyroid exploration.

METHODS

Two thousand consecutive patients who underwent initial surgery for sporadic primary hyperparathyroidism from 2000 to 2014 were reviewed. All patients underwent a four-gland exploration. Relationships between preoperative calcium and PTH values with per patient total gland volume were examined and stratified by number of involved glands: single adenoma (SA), double adenoma (DA), and hyperplasia (H).

RESULTS

There were 1274 (64%) SA, 359 (18%) DA, and 367 (18%) H cases. There was poor correlation between preoperative calcium and PTH (R=0.37), and both correlated poorly with total gland volume (R<0.40). Subgroup analysis by the number of involved glands similarly showed poor correlation. Mean total gland volume was similar among all subgroups (SA=1.28, DA=1.43, H=1.27 cc, p=0.52), implying individual glands were smaller in multigland disease. SA was found in 53% of patients with calcium ≤10.5 mg/dL and 78% if ≥12 mg/dL (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This is the largest series correlating preoperative calcium and PTH values with operative findings of gland size and number of diseased glands. Although a lower calcium value predicts somewhat more multigland disease, the overall poor correlation should make the parathyroid surgeon aware that gland size and multigland disease cannot be predicted by preoperative laboratory testing.

Clinical Significance of Postoperative Antibiotic Treatment for Positive Islet Cultures After Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation

OBJECTIVES

Islet cultures are routinely performed in total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TPIAT), and the need for empiric antibiotic treatment based on culture results is unknown. We evaluated the effect of postoperative antibiotic treatment for positive islet cultures on clinical infection.

METHODS

Seventy-nine patients undergoing TPIAT were reviewed. Prophylactic perioperative ceftriaxone and metronidazole were administered, and transplanted islet preparations included ciprofloxacin. Postoperative antibiotics were not routinely given for positive cultures unless a clinical infection was suspected. The primary end point was 30-day infectious complications.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients (65%) had a positive culture. Overall, 39 patients (87%) had organisms susceptible to our perioperative antibiotic regimen. There was no difference in the infectious complication rate between those with positive compared with negative cultures (16% vs 29%, P = 0.17). Patients with a positive culture had similar 30-day postoperative infectious complication rates whether receiving postoperative antibiotics (n = 7) or not (14% vs 16%, P = 0.91). Only 1 patient had a correlation of clinical and islet cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

Beyond prophylactic antibiotics, empiric antibiotic treatment for a positive culture is not warranted and provides a rationale for the abandonment of routine cultures in TPIAT.

Long-Term Outcomes of Pancreas-Sparing Duodenectomy for Duodenal Polyposis in Familial Adenomatous Polyposis Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Pancreas-sparing duodenectomy (PSD) offers definitive therapy for duodenal polyposis associated with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). We reviewed the long-term complications of PSD and evaluated the incidence of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and cancer in the remaining upper gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

Forty-seven FAP patients with duodenal polyposis undergoing PSD from 1992 to 2019 were reviewed. Long-term was defined as > 30 days from PSD.

RESULTS

All patients were treated with an open technique, and 43 (91.5%) had Spigelman stage III or IV duodenal polyposis. Median follow-up was 107 months (IQR, 26-147). There was no 90-day mortality. Seven patients died at a median of 10.5 years (IQR, 5.4-13.3) after PSD, with one attributed to gastric cancer. Pancreatitis occurred in 10 patients (21.3%), and two required surgical intervention. Seven patients (14.9%) developed an incisional hernia, and all underwent definitive repair. Forty-one patients (87.2%) had postoperative surveillance endoscopy over a median follow-up of 111 months (IQR, 42-138). Three patients (6.4%) developed adenocarcinoma (two gastric, one jejunal), and four (8.5%) had adenomas with HGD (two gastric, two jejunal) with a median of 15 years (IQR, 9-16) from PSD. One patient with gastric adenocarcinoma and all patients with HGD or adenocarcinoma of the jejunum required surgical intervention.

CONCLUSION

PSD can be performed with a low but definable risk of long-term morbidity. Risk of gastric and jejunal carcinoma rarely occurs and was diagnosed decades after PSD. This demonstrates the need for lifelong endoscopic surveillance and educates us on the risk of carcinoma in the remaining gastrointestinal tract.

Efficacy of Virtual Case-Based General Surgery Clerkship Curriculum During COVID-19 Distancing

OBJECTIVE

The COVID-19 pandemic created a paradigm shift in medical education with a reliance upon alternative teaching methods to deliver meaningful surgery clerkship content. This study examines the efficacy of a novel, case-based virtual surgery clerkship curriculum to determine its impact on student experience during quarantine.

STUDY DESIGN

Sixteen third-year medical students enrolled in the General Surgery clerkship between April through June 2020 during COVID-19 distancing at a quaternary medical center (Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH) participated in this study. Course surveys, including a 10-question curriculum-based multiple-choice assessment, were administered before and after the clerkship. Analyses include student self-perception of readiness to see a surgical consult independently, students' interest in pursuing a General Surgery residency, and improvement of surgical knowledge.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

On a 5-point Likert scale, students felt significantly more assured in their ability to independently assess a surgical consult by the end of the course. Five (31%) students reported an influence of the curriculum on their personal interest in a career in General Surgery. Mean scores on the curriculum-based knowledge assessment increased. These findings highlight that a virtual platform can be a reliable alternative adjunct that delivers surgical content and positively impacts student experience.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-020-01126-5.

Use of Preoperative Imaging in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

CONTEXT

Preoperative imaging is performed routinely to guide surgical management in primary hyperparathyroidism, but the optimal imaging modalities are debated.

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives were to evaluate which imaging modalities are associated with improved cure rate and higher concordance rates with intraoperative findings. A secondary aim was to determine whether additive imaging is associated with higher cure rate.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

This is a retrospective cohort review of 1485 adult patients during a 14-year period (2004-2017) at an academic tertiary referral center that presented for initial parathyroidectomy for de novo primary hyperparathyroidism.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Surgical cure rate, concordance of imaging with operative findings, and imaging performance.

RESULTS

The overall cure rate was 94.1% (95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.95). Cure rate was significantly improved if sestamibi/single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was concordant with operative findings (95.9% vs. 92.5%, P = 0.010). Adding a third imaging modality did not improve cure rate (1 imaging type 91.8% vs. 2 imaging types 94.4% vs. 3 imaging types 87.2%, P = 0.59). Despite having a low number of cases (n = 28), 4-dimensional (4D) CT scan outperformed (higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value) all imaging modalities in multiglandular disease and double adenomas, and sestamibi/SPECT in single adenomas.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative ultrasound combined with sestamibi/SPECT were associated with the highest cure and concordance rates. If pathology was not found on ultrasound and sestamibi/SPECT, additional imaging did not improve the cure rate or concordance. 4D CT scan outperformed all imaging modalities in multiglandular disease and double adenomas, and sestamibi/SPECT in single adenomas, but these findings were underpowered.

Beyond Medical Knowledge and Patient Care: A Program Director's Perspective for the Role of General Surgery Subinternships

OBJECTIVE

Established primary goals of general surgery subinternships are improvement in patient care and medical knowledge. However, the secondary gains such as obtaining recommendation letters and forming relationships are apparent but poorly defined. We sought the opinion of general surgery program directors (PDs) on the secondary purposes of subinternships. Our aim is to aide mentors and students to optimize the subinternship experience relative to the residency application process.

DESIGN

A survey was administered in July 2019. This questionnaire consisted of 11 items and was broken down into 3 sections: demographics, PD perspective on the secondary goals of a general surgery subinternship, and the role of general surgery subinternships on the students' residency application.

SETTING

An online, national survey through the Association for Program Directors listserv.

PARTICIPANTS

United States general surgery PDs affiliated with the Association for Program Directors listserv.

RESULTS

Sixty-one PDs completed the survey from 42 (69%) academic and 14 (23%) community programs. The majority of PDs (n = 33, 54%) reported that assessment of a subintern's suitability for their residency was the most important secondary purpose. Furthermore, PDs (n = 24, 39%) valued a letter of recommendation from faculty the student worked with during a subinternship as the most important criteria in the interview selection process. Away rotations were perceived as of equal value to subinternships completed at the student's home institution. Overall, PD opinions were similar at academic and community programs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests subinternships significantly impact a student's application to general surgery residency, clarifying a secondary role for these rotations. Subinternships are important for PDs to assess a student for ranking at their program. All students should pursue a letter of recommendation from subinternship faculty, when possible, as they can heavily influence the interview selection process. Away rotations should only be recommended for those students who need to strengthen their application.

Utilization of a quality reporting system to increase faculty participation in resident operative assessment

BACKGROUND

A quality collaborative across our hospital system was initiated to track surgical outcomes. We sought to determine whether incorporating a resident operative performance assessment into this quality collaborative would increase the quantity and quality of these assessments and impact relevant milestones.

METHODS

A resident operative assessment was added to a quality reporting system required to be completed by faculty at the completion of 2 operations. Three milestones directly related to operative performance were analyzed-Patient Care 3, Medical Knowledge 2, and Interpersonal and Communication Skills 3. Residents were divided in 2 groups: quality collaborative (≥10 operative assessments) and no quality collaborative (<10 operative assessments). Milestones from Spring 2019 and Fall 2019 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Faculty participation was 86% with 407 assessments completed from February to October 2019. A difference in the rate of change in resident performance for Patient Care 3 (+0.95 vs +0.55; P = .04) and Interpersonal and Communication Skills 3 (+1.05 vs +0.52; P = .02) was observed for those residents in the quality collaborative group (n = 20) compared with baseline data.

CONCLUSION

Addition of an operative assessment to a mandatory quality collaborative increases faculty participation and impacts resident milestone determination. These findings highlight opportunities to find innovative and efficient methods to improve faculty engagement.

Survival impact based on hepatic artery lymph node status in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: A study of patients receiving modern chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has significantly improved in recent years. While the involvement of the hepatic artery lymph node (HALN; station 8a lymph node) likely represents advanced disease, a comparison to patients with metastases on modern chemotherapy is lacking.

METHODS

Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy with HALN sent for pathologic review at a single institution from 2003 to 2018 were reviewed. Patients who presented with liver-only metastases at the time of PDAC diagnosis (Stage IV) and received chemotherapy were identified. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was utilized and overall survival (OS) was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 112 patients with a HALN sent for analysis, 17 (15%) were positive and 13 (76%) received chemotherapy. Ninety-four stage IV patients were identified and were significantly more likely to have received a multiagent rather than single-agent chemotherapy regimen compared to HALN positive patients (79.8% vs. 38.5%, p < .001). Median OS was significantly longer in all patients who underwent surgical resection, regardless of HALN status, compared to stage IV patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy with HALN positivity have significantly improved OS compared to patients with stage IV disease. HALN involvement does not significantly alter survival among resected patients and does not warrant preoperative endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy.

Best Practices in Letters of Recommendation for General Surgery Residency: Results of Expert Stakeholder Focus Groups

OBJECTIVE

Performance inflation is rampant in applications to general surgery residency. The medical student performance evaluation, transcript, and letters of recommendation (LOR) have all been shown significantly biased in the applicants' favor. This study sought to determine best practices for LOR to improve transparency and alignment of applicant and program characteristics.

DESIGN

Two 1-hour focus groups were conducted using semi-structured interviews. Participants were asked to discuss the value and role of LOR characteristics, including standardized LOR, and provide recommendations for best practices. The transcribed discussions were coded by two educators using grounded theory and an inductive approach utilizing NVivo 12. Codes were then reviewed and revised to achieve consensus and recommendations.

SETTING

Focus groups were held during the annual Surgical Education Week meeting in April 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

General Surgery Program Directors from 10 institutions and Surgery Clerkship Directors from 11 other medical schools participated, with each group meeting independently from the other.

RESULTS

Individually, 18 codes were identified by the authors, with consensus agreed on ten. These were grouped into 4 themes: author factors, letter content, bias, and standardized letters. Overall, a checkbox and short-answer standardized LOR was not recommended, favoring a template of items to include and exclude. Ideal letter writers were felt to be surgeons who best know the applicant, and the Chair's letter, when they have no working knowledge of the applicant, was perceived to add little value. Use of specific examples to demonstrate applicant characteristics were favored, and descriptors for coded language should be included to aid in interpretation.

CONCLUSION

The focus groups identified best practices to guide writing LOR in support of applicants to general surgery residency. A template of content is provided to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accuracy of these letters for the benefit of students, medical schools, and residency programs.

Personal Statements in General Surgery: An Unrecognized Role in the Ranking Process

OBJECTIVE

Personal statements are a requirement of general surgery residency applications. Yet, their role in an applicant's final rank within a program remains unclear. This study explores the language used in personal statements to differentiate applicants in the general surgery residency ranking process.

DESIGN

A textual analysis of general surgery residency applicant personal statements was performed. Using inductive coding and grounded theory, 3 main themes from personal statements were identified: my story, my future, my goals. These themes were utilized to build a dictionary consisting of over 400 descriptive terms in multiple categories. Data was extracted using the Linguistics Inquiry and Word Count program, which can linguistically determine basic characteristics from text. The data was stratified according to final rank and gender for analysis, using correlation and descriptive statistics.

SETTING

Large, urban, academic general surgery residency program.

PARTICIPANTS

One hundred nineteen personal statements during the 2018 to 2019 application cycle were analyzed. All applicants were interviewed and considered for inclusion on our final rank list.

RESULTS

There were 68 (57%) females on the final rank list with no difference in the distribution of gender between those in the top and bottom halves (p = 0.11). Overall, personal statements for the top applicants scored higher in grit than those in the bottom half (median 0.42% vs 0.35%, p = 0.03). Males ranked in the top half had less use of agentic (p = 0.04) and efficient/organized (p = 0.03) words when compared with males ranked in the bottom half. In contrast, females ranked in the top half used more grit words compared to those in the bottom half (median 0.45% vs 0.35%, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Linguistic differences existed in the personal statements of top- and bottom-ranked applicants to a general surgery residency program. These findings provide an adjunctive tool for differentiating applicants based on this underutilized component of the ranking process.

Effect modification of resident autonomy and seniority on perioperative outcomes in laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Resident operative involvement is an integral aspect of general surgery residency training. However, current data examining the effect of resident autonomy on perioperative outcomes remain limited.

METHODS

Patient and operator-specific data were collected from 344 adult laparoscopic cholecystectomies at a tertiary academic institution and its regional affiliates between 2018 and 2019. Multivariate modeling compared postoperative outcomes between cases completed with or without resident involvement and its effect modification by resident seniority and autonomy per Zwisch scale. Outcomes include 30-day postoperative complications, hospital readmission rate, and operative time.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis revealed resident involvement in laparoscopic cholecystectomy did not significantly change odds of 30-day postoperative complications (OR 2.52, p = 0.185, 95% CI 0.64-9.92) or hospital readmission (OR 1.61, p = 0.538, 95% CI 0.36-7.23). Operative time is significantly increased compared to faculty-only cases (IRR 1.37, p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.26-1.48). While accounting for case difficulty and resident performance evaluated by SIMPL criteria, stratification by resident autonomy measured by Zwisch scale or seniority reveal no effect modification on 30-day postoperative complications, readmissions, or operative time. The effect of resident involvement on longer relative rates of operative time loses its significance in supervision-only cases (IRR 1.18, p = 0.069, 95% CI 0.99-1.41).

CONCLUSION

While resident involvement and autonomy are associated with significantly longer operative times in laparoscopic cholecystectomy, their lack of significant effect on postoperative outcomes argues strongly for continued resident involvement and supervised operative independence.

SAT-398 The Use of Imaging in Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism is characterized by excessive dysregulated production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by 1 or more abnormal parathyroid glands. Preoperative localization is important for surgical planning in primary hyperparathyroidism. Previously, it had been published that ultrasound (sensitivity of 76.1%, positive predictive value of 93.2%) and nuclear scintigraphy (Sestamibi-SPECT) (sensitivity of 78.9%, and a positive predictive value of 90.7%) are first line imaging modalities1. Currently, the imaging modality of choice varies according to region and institutional protocol. The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging modality that is associated with an improved remission rate based on concordance with operative findings. A secondary aim was to determine the effect of additive imaging on remission rates. This was an IRB-approved retrospective review of 2657 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism undergoing surgery at a tertiary referral center from 2004–2017. Analyses were performed with SAS software using a 95% confidence interval (p&lt;0.05) for statistical significance. After excluding re-operative and familial cases, 2079 patients met study criteria. There were 422 (20.3%) male and 1657 (79.7%) female patients with a mean age of 66 (+12.2) years, of which 1723 (82.9%) of patients were white and 294 (14.1%) patients were black. Ultrasound (US) was performed in 1891 (91.9%), sestamibi with SPECT (sestamibi/SPECT) in 1945 (93.6%), and CT in 98 (4.7%) patients. Of these, 1721 (82.8%) had combined US and sestamibi/SPECT. US was surgeon-performed in 94.2% of cases and 89.9% of the patients underwent a four gland exploration. Overall, US concordance was 52.4%, sestamibi/SPECT was 45.5%, and CT was 45.9%.US and sestamibi/SPECT both had an improved remission rate if concordant with operative findings, while CT had no effect (US p=0.04; sestamibi/SPECT p=0.01; CT p=0.50). The overall remission rate was 94% (CI=0.93–0.95), however, increasing the number of imaging modalities performed did not increase the remission rate (p=0.76) or concordance with operative findings (p=0.05). Despite having low concordance rates, US and sestamibi/SPECT that agreed with operative findings were associated with higher remission rates. Therefore, when imaging is to be used for localization, our data support the use of US and sestamibi/SPECT as the initial imaging modalities of choice for preoperative localization.

1Kuzminski SJ, Sosa JA, Hoang JK. Update in Parathyroid Imaging. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2018;26(1): 151–166.

Digital Professionalism in Patient Care: A Case-Based Survey of Surgery Faculty and Trainees

BACKGROUND

Use of digital devices have become ubiquitous in healthcare and can create professionalism issues. This study presents opinions of faculty, residents, and medical students to inform policy on the appropriate use of digital devices in the patient care setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A survey was administered from September 2018 to October 2018 to faculty and residents within the general surgery department at a large academic medical center and all fourth-year medical students at an affiliated university. The survey included direct statements and case-based scenarios on similar themes to triangulate responses.

RESULTS

There were 114 participants in the survey-50 faculty, 26 residents, and 38 medical students. Digital device utilization was equivalent among all groups, and all participants use a smartphone. Digital devices were most frequently used during rounds and clinical conferences. Overall, digital device use was found more appropriate when seen in the case-based format rather than as a direct statement. Furthermore, use of these devices was seen as most appropriate when the provider explained its use or left the room to use the device.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital devices are used by faculty and trainees at similar rates for parallel purposes, and the benefits for patient-related care are evident. However, the use of digital devices in the presence of patients should be minimized and always preceded by an explanation. These findings can inform institutional policy when creating guidelines on the professional use of these devices in the patient care setting.