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Safety of synchronous hepatectomy and colorectal resection (CRR) for metastatic colorectal cancer remains controversial. We hypothesized that both the extent of hepatectomy and CRR influences postoperative outcomes. Prospective 2005–2013 ACS-NSQIP data were retrospectively reviewed for mortality and major morbidity (MM) after (1) isolated hepatectomy, (2) isolated CRR, and (3) synchronous resection for colorectal cancer. Hepatectomy and CRR risk categories were created based on mortality and MM of respective isolated resections. The synchronous cohort was then stratified based on risk categories. Cumulative asynchronous mortality and MM were estimated compared to that observed in the synchronous cohort via unadjusted relative risk and risk difference. There were 43,408 patients identified. Among isolated hepatectomy patients (N = 6,661), trisectionectomy and right hepatectomy experienced the greatest mortality and were defined as “major” hepatectomy. Among isolated CRR patients (N = 35,825), diverted left colectomy, abdominoperineal resection, total abdominal colectomy, and total abdominal proctocolectomy experienced the greatest MM and were defined as “high risk” CRR. Synchronous patients (N = 922) were stratified by hepatectomy and CRR risk categories; mortality and MM varied from 0.9 to 5.0 % and 25.5 to 55.0 %, respectively. Mortality and MM were greatest for patients undergoing “high risk” CRR and “major” hepatectomy and lowest for synchronous CRR and “minor” hepatectomy. As both CRR and hepatectomy risk categories increased, there was a significant trend in increasing mortality and MM in synchronous patients. Additionally, comparison of the synchronous resections versus the estimated cumulative asynchronous outcomes showed that (1) mortality was significantly less after synchronous minor hepatectomy and either low or high risk CRR, and (2) neither mortality nor major morbidity differed significantly after major hepatectomy with either high or low risk CRR. Major morbidity after synchronous hepatic and colorectal resections vary incrementally and are related to both the risk of hepatectomy and CRR. Stratification of outcomes by the hepatectomy and CRR components may reflect a more accurate description of risks. Comparison of synchronous and combined outcomes of individual operations supports a potential benefit for synchronous resections with minor hepatectomy.

Background Differentiation between patients with acute cholecystitis and patients with severe biliary colic can be challenging. Patients with undiagnosed acute cholecystitis can incur repeat emergency department (ED) visits, which is resource intensive. Methods Billing records from 2000–2013 of all adults who visited the ED in the 30 d preceding their cholecystectomy were analyzed. Patients who were discharged from the ED and underwent elective cholecystectomy were compared with those who were discharged and returned to the ED within 30 d. T-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariable analysis were used as appropriate. Results From 2000–2013, 3138 patients (34%) presented to the ED within 30 d before surgery, 63% were women, mean age 51 y, and of those 1625 were directly admitted from the ED for cholecystectomy, whereas 1513 patients left the ED to return for an elective cholecystectomy. Patients who were discharged were younger (mean age 49 versus 54 y, P < 0.001) and had shorter ED stays (5.9 versus 7.2 h, P < 0.001) than the patients admitted immediately. Of the discharged patients, 303 (20%) returned to the ED within 30 d to undergo urgent cholecystectomy. Compared with patients with successful elective cholecystectomy after the ED visit, those who failed the pathway were more likely to have an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 and were

Elective colectomy for diverticular disease is common. Some patients undergo primary resection with proximal diversion in an effort to limit morbidity associated with potential anastomotic leak.The American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried. All patients undergoing a single, elective resection for diverticular disease from 2005 to 2011 were analyzed. Thirty-day outcomes were reviewed. Factors predictive of undergoing diversion and the risk-adjusted odds of postoperative morbidity with and without proximal diversion were determined by multivariable logistic regression models.Fifteen thousand six hundred two patients undergoing non-emergent, elective resection were identified, of whom 348 (2.2 %) underwent proximal diversion. Variables predictive for undergoing proximal diversion included age ≥65 years, BMI ≥30, current smoking status, corticosteroid use, and serum albumin3.0 g/dL. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that diversion was associated with significantly increased risk of surgical site infection (OR = 1.68), deep venous thrombosis (OR = 5.27), acute renal failure (OR = 5.83), sepsis or septic shock (OR = 1.75), readmission (OR = 2.57), and prolonged length of stay (OR = 3.35).Proximal diversion in the setting of elective segmental colectomy for diverticular disease is uncommon. A combination of preoperative factors and intraoperative factors drives the decision for diversion. Patients who undergo diversion experience increased postoperative morbidity. Surgeons should have a low index of suspicion for postoperative complications and be prepared to mitigate their effect on the patient's outcome.

Availability of immediate breast reconstruction (IBR) varies among institutions, yet the impact of IBR availability on the rates of bilateral mastectomy (BM) versus unilateral mastectomy (UM) for breast cancer is unknown. From the 2002 to 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified women with breast cancer undergoing UM or BM with and without IBR using ICD-9 codes. Hospitals were classified as performing IBR if at least one hospitalization included both mastectomy and reconstruction and then by IBR volume. Statistical comparisons utilized Chi square tests, tests for trend, and multivariable logistic regression. We identified 130,420 women undergoing UM (76.9 %) or BM (23.1 %) for breast cancer. Of 6,579 hospitals, 3,358 (51.0 %) performed no IBRs, while in the remaining 3,221 hospitals, 1 to 638 IBRs were performed per year. Large, teaching, urban, and Northeastern hospitals were more likely to have higher IBR volumes. BM rates were significantly higher in patients treated at those hospitals with higher IBR volumes, from 33.1 % at hospitals performing ≥24 IBRs per year to 9.0 % at hospitals without IBR (p

Reoperation for positive margins after lumpectomy for breast cancer is common. Intraoperative analysis of frozen-section (FS) margins permits immediate re-excision, avoiding reoperation. The aim of this study was to compare reoperation rates between an institution using routine FS analysis of all margins and the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data.We designed a retrospective cohort analysis comparing the NSQIP data from a FS single institution with the national NSQIP data from 2006 to 2010. Women undergoing lumpectomy for cancer were identified (N = 24,217), and reoperation rates were compared by the use of χ(2) analyses and multivariable logistic regression. During this time period, NSQIP did not differentiate between reoperations for complications or oncologic reasons. Reoperation rates for mastectomy patients (N = 21,734) and lumpectomy patients without cancer (N = 2,777) over the same time period were analyzed as controls, because reoperations after these procedures likely would be for reasons other than positive margins.The 30-day reoperation rate after lumpectomy for cancer was greater nationally than at the FS institution (13.2% vs 3.6%, P.001). Multivariable analysis showed that patients in the national NSQIP data set were over four times as likely to undergo reoperation as those at the FS institution's (odds ratio 4.19). The reoperation rates were similar between the two, both for patients undergoing mastectomy (4.7% vs 4.5%, P = .84) and those undergoing lumpectomy for benign diagnosis (2.9% vs 5.9%, P = .39).Intraoperative FS margin analysis decreases the number of reoperations for patients undergoing breast conservation for breast cancer. This technique has important implications for patient satisfaction and cost of care.

Although lymphedema of the arm is a well-known complication of breast and axillary surgery, breast lymphedema has received scant attention. We sought to prospectively characterize breast lymphedema's incidence, associated symptoms, clinical course, and impact on quality of life. Subjects were enrolled prospectively from a consecutive sample of patients undergoing non-mastectomy breast procedures (excisional biopsy or wide local excision ± lymph node removal) and followed for signs and symptoms of lymphedema in the operated breast. Symptoms and distress were serially assessed with 11-point linear analog scales. Breast lymphedema was diagnosed independent of symptoms, based on the distribution and degree of edema and erythema. One hundred twenty-four women were followed for a median of 11 months, and breast lymphedema was diagnosed in 38 (31%) women. Breast lymphedema was more frequent after breast surgery with axillary node removal (49%) compared to breast surgery alone (0%), p < 0.0001. Breast lymphedema involved multiple quadrants in most women and was characterized by edema in 100% and erythema in 79%. Patients with breast lymphedema were significantly more likely than women without breast lymphedema to report symptoms of breast heaviness (65% vs 22%, p < 0.0001), redness (62% vs 29%, p = 0.0006), and swelling (59% vs 22%, p < 0.0001), but symptom-associated distress was low overall. Three of 32 breast lymphedema patients with clinical follow-up developed chronic edema. Breast lymphedema occurs in approximately one-half of women who undergo breast surgery with axillary node removal. The condition is characterized by diffuse skin edema and erythema as well as self-reported symptoms with a low level of distress.

Purpose To examine the clinical predictors of a positive temporal artery biopsy (TAB) among patients suspected of having giant cell arteritis. Patients and Methods We conducted a retrospective study of all consecutive patients who underwent TAB by a single surgeon (K.L.R.) at the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery from April 30, 2002, to June 29, 2006. The medical records were reviewed for the clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, biopsy results, and final diagnosis. The variables of interest as predictors of positive biopsy findings were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results During the study period, 82 patients underwent TAB. Histologic evidence of arteritis was present in 22 patients (26.8%). Two (2.4%) were diagnosed with giant cell arteritis clinically but had negative TAB findings. The patients presenting with weight loss or jaw claudication were more likely to have a positive TAB finding (odds ratio 4.50, 95% confidence interval 1.45 to 13.93; and odds ratio 3.71, 95% confidence interval 1.28 to 10.76, respectively). No laboratory findings were predictive of a positive TAB finding. Prednisone use before TAB also was not associated with a decreased likelihood of a positive finding. Conclusions Patients suspected of having giant cell arteritis were more likely to have a positive TAB finding if they presented with weight loss or jaw claudication. In the present series, corticosteroid therapy before biopsy did not affect the rate of positive TAB findings.

The role of combination antibiotic therapy with a beta-lactam and a fluoroquinolone for bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacilli, to our knowledge, has not been previously described. Much of the previous study of combination therapy has included beta-lactams and aminoglycosides. We conducted a large retrospective cohort study to evaluate 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with monomicrobial bacteremia due to aerobic gram-negative bacilli who received either a combination of beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones or beta-lactam monotherapy. We enrolled adult patients admitted to Mayo Clinic hospitals from 1 January 2001 to 31 October 2006 in the study. After stratification of patients by Pitt bacteremia scores, we used Cox regression models to estimate the hazard ratios (HR) for 28-day all-cause mortality after adjusting for the propensity to receive combination therapy. We identified 398 and 304 unique patients with bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacilli who received single and combination antibiotic therapy, respectively. In less severely ill patients with Pitt bacteremia scores of P = 0.044). In critically ill patients with Pitt bacteremia scores of ≥4, there was no difference in 28-day mortality between combination and single therapy (25.6% [23 of 90] versus 27.8% [22 of 79]; adjusted HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.47 to 1.62; P = 0.660). These findings were consistent for 14-day all-cause mortality. In this large cohort, we found for the first time that combination therapy with beta-lactams and fluoroquinolones was associated with a reduction in 28-day all-cause mortality among less severely ill patients with bacteremia caused by gram-negative bacilli.

Previous studies have observed high rates of perioperative cardiovascular events in patients with coronary stents undergoing noncardiac surgery (NCS). It is uncertain whether this finding reflects an independent association.The goal of this study was to assess the independent relationship between prior coronary stent implantation and the occurrence of perioperative major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and bleeding and its relation with time from stenting to NCS.A total of 24,313 NCS cases at the Mayo Clinic (Rochester, Minnesota) from 2006 through 2011 were included in the study; 1,120 (4.6%) cases involved patients with coronary stents. MACCE was defined as death, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, or stroke. Age-adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were calculated after propensity adjustment for Revised Cardiac Risk Index factors and other conventional risk factors.The 30-day MACCE rates were 3.7% and 1.5% in stented and unstented patients, respectively (p0.001). The risk of MACCE was largely related to the time from stent implantation to NCS, indicating substantially elevated risk in the first year after stenting (aOR: 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36 to 4.94) but not thereafter (aOR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.59 to 1.36). Bleeding displayed a similar pattern, indicating elevated risk in the first year after stenting (aOR: 2.23; 95% CI: 1.55 to 3.21) but not thereafter (aOR: 1.07; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.28). Subgroup analysis in patients with known stent type found that the increased risk of both MACCE and bleeding1 month after stent implantation was not limited to only those with drug-eluting stents.This study found that prior coronary stent implantation is an independent risk factor for MACCE and bleeding when time from stenting to NCS is1 year, both in patients with bare-metal and drug-eluting stents.

To determine if utilization of thoracoscopic resection of congenital cystic lung disease (CLD) is increasing and if this approach is associated with improved outcomes using a large national sample.Children ≤20years old who underwent resection of a congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, bronchopulmonary sequestration, or bronchogenic cyst were identified from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kids' Inpatient Database (2009, 2012) and Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2008, 2010-2011). Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between thoracoscopic and open approaches using univariate and multivariable analyses stratified by magnitude of resection.Thoracoscopic resection was used in 39.4% of 1120 children who underwent resection of CLD. Utilization of the thoracoscopic approach increased from 32.2% in 2008 to 48.2% in 2012. Use of thoracoscopy was lower in lobectomy than segmental resection (32.5 vs 48.4%, p.001). Newborns, those with comorbid congenital conditions, and those with respiratory infections also had lower rates of thoracoscopy. After stratifying by magnitude of resection and adjusting for patient complexity, complication rates and postoperative length of stay were similar between thoracoscopic and open approaches.Utilization of thoracoscopic resection for CLD in the United States is increasing with time. After adjusting for patient complexity, there is no difference in postoperative length of stay or complications between thoracoscopic and open lobectomy and sub-lobar resection.

Elderly trauma patients are at high risk for urinary tract infection (UTI). Despite this, UTI has been deemed a potentially preventable problem and therefore not reimbursable by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Early identification of UTI in these patients should lead to prompt treatment, improved outcomes, and cost savings. Risk factors for UTI development in this population must be elucidated to realize these goals.The Trauma Quality Improvement Program (TQIP) database was used to analyze elderly patients (≥65 years) admitted as a result of injury during 2011. Patients with genitourinary injuries or undergoing dialysis before admission were excluded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify UTI risk factors. Mean cost of UTI was calculated based on the assumption of $862 to $1,007 per UTI.In total, 33,257 patients were identified; 1,492 developed UTI (4.5%). Multiple significant risk factors were identified, including age greater than 75 years, female sex, ascites, moderate head injury, impaired sensorium, congestive heart failure, and duration of hospital stay (all p0.05). Assuming that UTIs diagnosed on hospital Day 1 were preexisting, the cost of UTI to TQIP hospitals ranged from $1,280,959 to $1,496,434 per year.Duration of stay has a profound impact on the development of UTIs in elderly trauma patients, but overall severity of injury does not. In addition, multiple nonmodifiable risk factors were identified, prompting the possibility for increased screening of occult UTIs. Reimbursement for care of UTI in this complicated patient population should be revisited. The TQIP database must improve urinary catheter data.Epidemiologic study, level III.

Outcomes after hepatectomy have been assessed incompletely and have not been stratified by both extent of resection and diagnosis. We hypothesized that operative risk is better assessed by stratifying diagnoses into low- and high-risk categories and extent of resection into major and minor resection categories to more accurately evaluate the outcomes after hepatectomy. ACS-NSQIP was reviewed for 30-day operative mortality and major morbidity after partial hepatectomy (PH), left hepatectomy (LH), right hepatectomy (RH), and trisectionectomy (TS). Mortality was reviewed per diagnosis. “High Risk” was defined as the diagnoses associated with the greatest mortality. Major and minor resections were defined by comparison of outcomes for extent of resection by univariate analysis. Chi-square tests, t tests, Fisher’s exact tests, and multivariable logistic regression were utilized to compare the outcomes across groups. Among the 7,043 patients, the greatest mortality was observed with hepatocellular carcinoma (5.2 %) and cholangiocarcinoma (8.2 %), either intra- or extrahepatic, which were classified “High Risk”. Metastatic disease, benign neoplasms, and gallbladder cancer had a mortality rate of 1.3, 0.5, and 1.0 %, respectively, and were classified “Low Risk”. PH and LH were similar statistically for operative mortality and major morbidity within respective diagnosis risk groups (Low Risk: PH vs. LH and High Risk: PH vs. LH; all p > 0.05) and were defined as “Minor Resections”. Similarly, RH and TS had similar operative mortality and major morbidity within respective diagnosis risk groups (Low Risk: RH vs. TS and High Risk: RH vs. TS; all p > 0.05) and were defined as “Major Resections”. Risks of major morbidity and mortality increased for both diagnoses and the extent of resection. With minor resections, mortality and major morbidity were 5 and 1.6 times greater respectively for high-risk diagnosis than for low-risk diagnosis. With major resections, mortality and major morbidity were 4 and 1.6 times greater, respectively, for high-risk diagnoses than low-risk diagnoses. With low-risk diagnoses, mortality and major morbidity were 2.9 and 1.7 times greater, respectively, for major resections than minor resections (p

Urinary tract infections, a risk factor for readmission, have been deemed a potentially preventable problem and, therefore, not reimbursable by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services since 2008. Defining the risk factors for development of urinary tract infection in the postoperative period will provide risk stratification for development of urinary tract infection in these challenging patients.Pre-, intra-, and postoperative characteristics were collected for patients ≥65 years who underwent an emergency abdominal operation from the 2005 to 2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant User File, a database of 374 participating hospitals. In-hospital urinary tract infections occurring within 30 days of the operation were identified. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors of urinary tract infection.In total, 53,879 patients were included, 1,881 (3.5%) of whom were diagnosed with a postoperative urinary tract infection before discharge. In-hospital urinary tract infection was associated with a longer hospital stay (27 vs 13 days, P .001) and greater 30-day mortality rates (18% vs 16%, P = .003). The rate of urinary tract infection decreased from 4.5% before the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decree to 3.2% thereafter (P .001). Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated advanced age, female sex, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, dependent functional status, open wound, hypoalbuminemia, increased American Society of Anesthesiologists class, operative approach, and prolonged operative time were independent risk factors for development of postoperative urinary tract infection.Although postoperative rates of urinary tract infection decreased after the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services decree, the lack of reimbursement is not justified, as few modifiable risk factors to further improve postoperative urinary tract infection rates in elderly emergency surgical patients were identified. Although targeted interventions may be developed, this complication is not easily preventable and will continue to plague acute care surgeons taking care of this challenging patient population.

The development of breast lymphedema (BLE) after breast/axillary surgery is poorly characterized. We prospectively evaluated clinical and surgical factors associated with development of BLE. Patients undergoing unilateral breast-conserving surgery were prospectively enrolled preoperatively and followed for development of BLE. To augment the number of patients with BLE for evaluation of risk factors, postoperative patients identified in the clinic with signs and symptoms of BLE were also enrolled. Logistic regression with Firth’s penalized likelihood bias-reduction method was used for univariate and multivariate analysis. Of 144 women, 124 were enrolled preoperatively (38 of whom developed BLE), and 20 women with BLE were enrolled postoperatively. Any type of axillary surgery was the strongest factor associated with BLE (odds ratio, 134; 95 % confidence interval, 18 to >1,000). All 58 BLE events occurred in women with axillary surgery as compared with no events in the 46 patients without axillary surgery (p

The utility of CT findings in predicting long-term mortality in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively determine whether three CT findings--increased embolic burden, interventricular septal bowing toward the left ventricle, and right ventricle-to-left ventricle (RV/LV) diameter ratio greater than 1--are independent predictors of long-term all-cause mortality after acute PE.A total of 1105 patients (47% female; mean age, 63 ± 16 years) with CT scans positive for PE from January 1, 1997, to December 31, 2002, were included. Scans were independently interpreted by two observers, with a third independent observer reviewing discrepant cases. CT findings and clinical information were compared with all-cause mortality using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.The median duration of survival was 6.2 years following acute PE, with estimated 10-year survival of 37.4%. CT-derived embolic burden was associated with a very small decrease in long-term all-cause mortality in both univariate (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; p0.001) and multivariate (HR, 0.97; p0.001) analyses. Interventricular septal bowing and RV/LV diameter ratio were not significantly associated with long-term all-cause mortality.CT findings are not predictive of decreased long-term survival after acute PE.

Objectives: To describe lesional diffusion-weighted imaging characteristics in a cohort of patients with biopsy-proven CNS inflammatory demyelinating disease (IDD) and compare diffusion characteristics of ring-enhancing CNS IDD lesions vs abscesses and tumors. Methods: Forty prebiopsy apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were reviewed from 30 patients with CNS IDD. Lesions were analyzed for size, T2-weighted (T2W) hypointense rim, enhancement, and ADC pattern. ADC patterns of CNS IDD ring-enhancing lesions were compared with a published cohort of 35 patients with ring-enhancing tumors and abscesses. Results: IDD lesions displayed a spectrum of peripheral ADC patterns at the lesion edge: restricted diffusion (low ADC), 33%; increased diffusion (high ADC), 60%; and normal diffusion (homogeneously isointense), 7%. Of biopsied lesions, 93% enhanced (ring, 52%; heterogeneous, 34%; homogeneous, 7%). A hypointense T2W rim was observed in 53%. A ring pattern on ADC (isointense or dark) was associated with T2W hypointense rims ( p = 0.02) but not with ring enhancement. On serial imaging, 4 of 7 (57%) patients demonstrated changes in ADC patterns. Peripheral restriction was more common in IDD ( p = 0.006) than in tumors or abscesses, whereas central restriction was only observed in abscesses. Restricted lesions in the same stage were more common in the non-IDD cohort (42% vs 20%), with a uniform restricted pattern seen only in abscesses. Conclusions: In ring-enhancing lesions, peripheral diffusion restriction is more common in IDD than in tumors/abscesses, whereas central restriction is more common among abscesses. Rapid ADC pattern changes in IDD probably reflect dynamic lesion evolution and may distinguish IDD from tumors.

Plasma exchange (PLEX) is a beneficial rescue therapy for acute, steroid-refractory central nervous system inflammatory demyelinating disease (CNS-IDD). Despite the approximately 45% PLEX response rate reported among patients with CNS-IDD, determinants of interindividual differences in PLEX response are not well characterized.To perform an exploratory analysis of clinical, radiographic, and serological features associated with beneficial PLEX response.Historical cohort study.Neurology practice, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota. Patients All Mayo Clinic patients treated with PLEX between January 5, 1999, and November 12, 2007, for a steroid-refractory CNS-IDD attack.The PLEX response in attack-related, targeted neurological deficit(s) assessed within the 6-month period following PLEX.We identified 153 patients treated with PLEX for a steroid-refractory CNS-IDD, of whom 90 (59%) exhibited moderate to marked functional neurological improvement within 6 months following treatment. Pre-PLEX clinical features associated with a beneficial PLEX response were shorter disease duration (P = .02) and preserved deep tendon reflexes (P = .001); post-PLEX variables included a diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (P = .008) and a lower Expanded Disability Status Scale score (P.001) at last follow-up. Plasma exchange was less effective for patients with multiple sclerosis who subsequently developed a progressive disease course (P = .046). Radiographic features associated with a beneficial PLEX response were presence of ring-enhancing lesions (odds ratio = 4.00; P = .03) and/or mass effect (odds ratio = 3.00; P = .02). No association was found between neuromyelitis optica-IgG serostatus and PLEX response.We have identified clinical and radiographic features that may aid in identifying patients with fulminant, steroid-refractory CNS-IDD attacks who are more likely to respond to PLEX.

Thromboembolic events are potentially devastating sources of morbidity in trauma patients. With increasing experience and the introduction of retrievable devices, there has been a renewed interest in inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in trauma patients.The records for consecutive trauma patients undergoing IVC filter placement during the years 2001 to 2005 were reviewed, and clinical, demographic, and procedural data were evaluated for associations with thromboembolic events and device complications.During the study years, 226 trauma patients had IVC filters inserted, and 140 of these patients (62%) had retrievable IVC filters placed. Six patients (3%) had a pulmonary embolism with the filter in place, and two patients (1%) had a pulmonary embolism after filter removal. The most common complication was thrombosis in 27 patients (12%), with clinically significant thrombus occurring in 15 patients (7%). There was no association between the type of filter (permanent or retrievable) or the brand of retrievable filter and thrombosis. Specific risk factors for thrombosis could not be identified. Retrievable filters were successfully removed in 61% of patients with retrievable filters. Technical success rate was 97% in those patients who underwent attempted removal. Removal was completed at a median of 21 days (range, 2-292 days).Retrievable IVC filters in trauma patients are safe, but complications do occur with thrombosis being the most common. Retrieval has a high technical success rate when attempted. However, a significant number of trauma patients are lost to follow-up and this may impact the utilization of retrievable filters in this patient population.

Distinction between acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and acute multiple sclerosis is often clinically difficult. Perivenous demyelination is the pathological hallmark of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, whereas confluent demyelination is the hallmark of acute multiple sclerosis. We investigated whether perivenous demyelination versus confluent demyelination distinguishes acute disseminated encephalomyelitis from multiple sclerosis. Patients with perivenous demyelination (n = 13; median age 43 years, range 5-67) on brain biopsy and/or autopsy, ascertained retrospectively, were compared with a cohort with confluent demyelination only (n = 91; 84% multiple sclerosis, 16% isolated syndrome at follow-up; median age 39 years, range 10-69). Clinical presentation, course and the International Paediatric Multiple Sclerosis Study Group clinical criteria for acute disseminated encephalomyelitis were assessed in both cohorts. Among the perivenous demyelination cohort, 10 patients had only perivenous demyelination and three also had confluent demyelination. All but one patient with perivenous demyelination only had a monophasic course, whereas two of three with both types had a relapsing course. The perivenous demyelination cohort was more likely than the confluent demyelination cohort to present with encephalopathy (P < 0.001), depressed level of consciousness (P < 0.001), headache (P < 0.001), meningismus (P = 0.04), cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (P = 0.04) or multifocal enhancing magnetic resonance imaging lesions (P < 0.001). A distinct pattern of cortical microglial activation and aggregation without associated cortical demyelination was found among six perivenous demyelination patients, all of whom had encephalopathy and four of whom had depressed level of consciousness. This pattern of cortical pathology was not observed in the confluent demyelination cohort, even in one patient with depressed level of consciousness. Clinical criteria were 80% sensitive and 91% specific for pathologically defined acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (perivenous demyelination), but misdiagnosed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis among 9% of patients with confluent demyelination and multiple sclerosis diagnosis at last follow-up. Perivenous demyelination is associated with meningoencephalopathic presentations and a monophasic course. Depressed level of consciousness is a more specific clinical criterion for pathologically confirmed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis than encephalopathy, which over-diagnosed acute disseminated encephalomyelitis among multiple sclerosis patients. A distinct pattern of cortical microglial activation without cortical demyelination may be the pathological correlate of depressed level of consciousness in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Although pathological evidence of perivenous demyelination may be superior to clinical criteria for diagnosing acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, the co-occurrence of perivenous and confluent demyelination in some individuals suggests pathogenic overlap between acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and multiple sclerosis and misclassification even with biopsy.

To determine if neoadjuvant FOLFOX/FOLFIRI is associated with improved disease-free survival (DFS) or overall survival (OS) in patients with colorectal metastases (CRM) to the liver. Ninety-nine patients (from 457 eligible) with CRM that underwent hepatic resection during 2000 to 2005 were included. Group 1 (n = 44) patients received neoadjuvant FOLFOX/FOLFIRI, and Group 2 (n = 55) did not receive neoadjuvant therapy. There were 58% men. The median age for Group 1 was 58 and Group 2, 64 (p = 0.03). OS for Group 1 at 1, 3, and 5 years was 93%, 62%, and 51%, respectively, with a median OS of 5.8 years. In Group 2 survival at 1l, 3, and 5 years was 90%, 63%, and 45%, respectively, with a median OS of 3.7 years (HR 1.06, p = 0.87). The DFS for Group 1 at 1, 3, and 5 years was 51%, 20%, and 20%, with a median DFS of 1.1 years and Group 2 at 1, 3, and 5 years was 58%, 32%, and 32% (median DFS—1.2 years; HR = 1.24, p = 0.45). Neoadjuvant FOLFOX/FOLFIRI was employed more frequently in younger patients with CRM; however, neoadjuvant chemotherapy for CRM was not significantly associated with an increase in OS or DFS, despite additional adjuvant therapy.

The high sensitivity and lower specificity of breast MRI for detecting breast cancer are well documented in the literature. As the use of breast MRI continues to grow, medical controversy persists over the appropriate use of this test. However, patients' perceptions of breast MRI are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine patients' perception of the impact of breast MRI on their care and to compare patients' perception with objective assessments.Patients undergoing breast MRI between January 2004 and December 2005 for cancer staging or high-risk surveillance were surveyed regarding comfort during, satisfaction with, and perception of MRI's impact on their clinical care. The respondents' perceptions of the impact of MRI on their care were compared with objective assessments based on retrospective chart review for breast cancer patients.Of 300 patients, the survey was completed by 227 (76%). Ninety-one percent (203/224) reported mild or no discomfort during the examination, and 91% (206/226) perceived the breast MRI examination as having a positive impact on their care. Breast cancer patients were significantly more likely to perceive the impact of MRI as beneficial in comparison with the objective assessment (91% vs 35%, respectively; p0.001).Most women undergoing breast MRI for cancer staging and screening found it to be a comfortable test and perceived it to have a positive impact on their care. Breast cancer patients perceived the clinical impact of their breast MRI examination to be significantly more positive than when assessed objectively.

Preoperative serum values of CA 19-9 have been reported to be associated with survival in patients undergoing resection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Preoperative CA 19-9 levels are associated with margin and/or lymph node status in patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic carcinoma. We conducted a review of 143 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from July 2001 through April 2006 at our institution. Preoperative serum values of CA 19-9 and total bilirubin, pathologic findings, and survival were analyzed. A cutoff value for CA 19-9 (120 U/ml) was determined using a Cox proportional hazards model for survival. Overall survival at 1, 3, and 5 years for patients with CA 19-9 ≤ 120 U/ml was 76%, 41%, and 31%, respectively, versus 64%, 17%, and 10% for patients with CA 19-9 > 120 U/ml (p = 0.002). CA 19-9 > 120 U/ml was not associated, however, with a greater chance of an R1 or R2 resection (p = 0.86), tumor involving the SMA margin (p = 0.88), tumor at the portal vein groove (p = 0.14), or lymph node metastases (p = 0.89). Our findings do not support a cutoff value for CA 19-9 that is associated with margin or lymph node involvement. Preoperative CA 19-9 ≤ 120 U/ml is, however, associated with increased overall and recurrence-free survival.

Objective To determine which factors are most important to adolescent cross-country runners in selecting and replacing running shoes. Design A cross-sectional, descriptive survey. Setting Surveys were completed at 4 high schools in a southeastern Minnesota community. Participants Eligible subjects included adolescents (grades 7–12) participating in cross-country running at any of the 4 high schools in Rochester, Minnesota. A total of 223 surveys were distributed and collected from of an estimated 243 eligible participants. Assessment of Risk Factors Independent variables included gender, running experience, grade, and previous injury history. Main Outcome Measures A descriptive analysis of factors important in running shoe selection was performed. The assessment also included evaluation of the runners' knowledge of arch type and awareness of mileage accumulated before replacing running shoes. Results A total of 73.1% of survey participants identified arch type compatibility with shoe design as the most important factor in choosing a running shoe. However, only 57.0% reported knowing their arch type. A total of 74.0% reported not knowing how many miles they accumulated in a single pair of running shoes before replacement. Conclusions A majority of adolescent runners in this study identified arch type and shoe design as the most important factors in choosing a running shoe.

Background. Polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (PVAN) is a significant cause of allograft loss after renal transplantation. A noninvasive assay that can guide the evaluation of PVAN would be of clinical value. We compared the utility of BK virus (BKV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and urine cytology in screening for concurrent PVAN. Methods. We used PCR to test urine and plasma samples from renal recipients simultaneously for BKV DNA. Additionally, we tested urine samples for decoy cells. Sample results were correlated with biopsy-proven PVAN. Receiver-operator characteristic curves were used to determine viral load thresholds associated with concurrent PVAN. Results. In this cross-sectional study, BKV viruria, viremia, and urinary decoy cells were detected in 24%, 9%, and 13% of renal recipients, respectively. Among 114 patients who had renal allograft biopsy, four (3.5%) were diagnosed with PVAN. Using pathology as gold standard for the diagnosis of PVAN, BKV viremia threshold of >1.6E+04 copies/mL had 100% sensitivity, 96% specificity, 50% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. A BKV viruria threshold of >2.5E+07 copies/mL had 100% sensitivity, 92% specificity, 31% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value. In contrast, urine decoy cells had 25% sensitivity, 84% specificity, 5% positive predictive value, and 97% negative predictive value for the diagnosis of concurrent PVAN. Conclusion. BKV PCR may be a clinically useful noninvasive test to identify renal recipients with concurrent PVAN. BKV DNA >1.6E+04 copies/mL of plasma and >2.5E+07 copies/mL of urine were highly associated with concurrent PVAN whereas a negative PCR test makes the diagnosis of PVAN highly unlikely.

The study of long-term complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for malignant disease has been problematic given the paucity of patients with long-term survival after diagnosis and surgical resection. We therefore studied patients who were surgically treated with a PD for a benign diagnosis to evaluate long-term anastomotic durability. A retrospective analysis of 122 patients who had PD performed in the interval 1993–2003 inclusive for benign pancreatic diseases was undertaken. Long-term morbidity and mortality (specifically biliary, pancreaticojejunostomy [PJ], and gastrojejunostomy [GJ] strictures) were evaluated. Gender was equally represented with 53% female and 47% male. The median age at surgery was 55 years (range 15–81 years). The three most frequent diagnoses were chronic pancreatitis (40%), intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (16%), and cystic neoplasms (9%). Median follow-up in the 95 patients alive at last follow-up was 4.1 years (10 days–12.6 years). The 5- and 10-year survival rates were 83% (76, 91%) and 62% (49%, 78%), respectively. The observed survival was significantly lower than the expected survival in an age- and gender-matched U.S. white population, p

Background Ineffective weight loss or complications of previous bariatric surgery often require revisional bariatric procedures. Our aim was to define the indications, operative approach, and outcomes of revisional bariatric procedures during 2 decades at a tertiary center. Methods From our prospective database (n = 1584), including 1985–2004, 218 patients (14%) underwent revisional bariatric procedures. Follow-up (mean 7 yr, range 1 mo to 19 yr) data obtained from patient records and questionnaires were current for 98%. Patients were grouped according to operative indications: group 1, unsatisfactory weight loss (n = 97); group 2, mechanical/symptomatic complications (n = 95); and group 3, severe nutritional/metabolic problems (n = 26). Results The operative mortality rate was 0.9% (1 case each of pulmonary embolus and cardiac arrest). The serious operative morbidity rate was 26% (wound infection in 13%, leak in 3%, pulmonary embolus in 2%, anemia/hemorrhage in 2%, pneumonia/prolonged ventilation in 2%, and other in 4%). Of the 218 patients, 94% underwent conversion to, or revision of, Roux-en-y gastric bypass. Group 1 achieved substantial weight reduction with a mean body mass index from 51 ± 1 to 38 ± 1 kg/m 2 , the complications resolved in 88% of group 2, and the nutritional/metabolic problems resolved in 79% of group 3. Patients who underwent revisional surgery 1990 were more likely to present with mechanical/symptomatic/metabolic complications than for unsuccessful weight loss ( P Conclusions Revisional bariatric surgery is safe and effective in experienced centers. Complications (mechanical/symptomatic/nutritional) or unsatisfactory weight loss after primary bariatric procedures can be treated effectively with revision to Roux-en-y gastric bypass.

BackgroundStudies of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) frequently overlook diagnosis as a variable when evaluating postoperative outcomes or generically group patients according to whether they have ‘benign’ or ‘malignant’ disease. Large multicentre studies comparing postoperative outcomes in PD stratified by diagnosis are lacking. The present study was conducted to verify the hypothesis that postoperative morbidity and length of stay (LoS) following PD vary by diagnosis and that patients may be grouped into low- and high-risk categories.MethodsThe database of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) was reviewed for all PDs performed during 2005–2011. Diagnoses were identified using ICD-9 codes and grouped based on the incidence of major morbidity. Univariate and multivariate analyses were utilized to assess the impact of diagnosis on PD outcomes.ResultsOf 5537 patients, those with pancreas cancer (n = 3173) and chronic pancreatitis (n = 485) experienced similar incidences of major morbidity (P = 0.95) and were grouped as having low-risk diagnoses. Patients with bile duct and ampullary (n = 1181), duodenal (n = 558) and neuroendocrine (n = 140) disease experienced similar levels of major morbidity (P = 0.78) and were grouped as having high-risk diagnoses. A high-risk diagnosis was identified as an independent risk factor for a prolonged LoS [odds ratio (OR) 1.67], organ space infection (OR 2.57), sepsis or septic shock (OR 1.83), and major morbidity (OR 1.70). Diagnosis did not predict readmission.ConclusionsThe high-risk diagnosis is independently associated with postoperative morbidity and prolonged LoS. Patients with PD should be stratified by diagnosis to more accurately reflect their risk for postoperative complications and the complexity of care they will require.