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Training model for laparoscopic Heller and Dor fundoplication: a tool for laparoscopic skills training and assessment-construct validity using the GOALS score

Bellorin, Omar; Kundel, Anna; Sharma, Saurabh; Ramirez-Valderrama, Alexander; Lee, Paul
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic training demands practice. The transfer of laparoscopic skills from training models to real surgical procedures has been proven. The global operative assessment of laparoscopic skills (GOALS) score is a 5-item global rating scale developed to evaluate laparoscopic skills by direct observation. This scale has been used to demonstrate construct validity of several laparoscopic training models. Here, we present a low-cost model of laparoscopic Heller-Dor for advanced laparoscopic training. The aim of this study was to determine the capability of a training model for laparoscopic Heller-Dor to discriminate between different levels of laparoscopic expertise. METHODS: The performance of two groups with different levels of expertise, novices (<30 laparoscopic procedures PGY1-2) and experts (>300 laparoscopic procedures PGY4-5) was assessed. All participants were instructed to perform two tasks (esophageal myotomy and fundoplication). All the performances were recorded in a digital format. A laparoscopic expert who was blinded to subject's identity evaluated the recordings using the GOALS score. Autonomy, one of the five items of GOALS, was removed since the evaluator and the trainee did not have interaction. The time required to finish each task was also recorded. Performance was compared using the Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05 was significant). RESULTS: Twenty subjects were evaluated: ten in each group, using the GOALS score. The mean total GOALS score for novices was 7.5 points (SD: 1.64) and 13.9 points (SD: 1.66) for experts (p < 0.05).The expert group was superior in each domain of the GOALS score compared to novices: depth perception (mean: 3.3 vs 2 p < 0.05), bimanual dexterity (mean 3.4 vs 2.1 p < 0.05), efficiency (mean 3.4 vs 1.7 p < 0.05) and tissue handling (mean 3.6 vs 1.7 p < 0.05). With regard to time, experts were superior in task 1 (mean 9.7 vs 14.9 min p < 0.05) and task 2 (mean 24 vs 47.1 min p < 0.05) compared to novices. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic Heller-Dor training model has construct validity. The model may be used as a tool for training of the surgical resident.
PMID: 26514134
ISSN: 1432-2218
CID: 1817612

Gastrojejunal Anastomosis Perforation after Gastric Bypass on a Patient with Underlying Pancreatic Cancer: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Bellorin, Omar; Kundel, Anna; Ramirez-Valderrama, Alexander; Castro, Armando
Introduction. We describe a case of gastrojejunal anastomosis perforation after gastric bypass on a patient with underlying pancreatic cancer. Case Description. A 54-year-old female with past surgical history of gastric bypass for morbid obesity and recent diagnosis of unresectable pancreatic cancer presents with abdominal pain, peritonitis, and sepsis. Computerized axial tomography scan shows large amount of intraperitoneal free air. The gastric remnant is markedly distended and a large pancreatic head mass is seen. Intraoperative findings were consistent with a perforated ulcer located at the gastrojejunal anastomosis and a distended gastric remnant caused by a pancreatic mass invading and obstructing the second portion of the duodenum. The gastrojejunal perforation was repaired using an omental patch. A gastrostomy for decompression of the remnant was also performed. The patient had a satisfactory postoperative period and was discharged on day 7. Discussion. Perforation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is an unusual complication. There is no correlation between the perforation and the presence of pancreatic cancer. They represent two different conditions that coexisted. The presence of a gastrojejunal perforation made the surgeon aware of the advanced stage of the pancreatic cancer.
PMCID:4620429
PMID: 26543659
ISSN: 2090-6900
CID: 1826072

Dicer expression and microRNA dysregulation associate with aggressive features in thyroid cancer

Erler, Piril; Keutgen, Xavier M; Crowley, Michael J; Zetoune, Tarek; Kundel, Anna; Kleiman, David; Beninato, Toni; Scognamiglio, Theresa; Elemento, Olivier; Zarnegar, Rasa; Fahey, Thomas J 3rd
BACKGROUND: Altered miRNA expression and down-regulation of Dicer has been shown in various cancers. We investigated Dicer expression and global miRNA environment in correlation with malignant features of thyroid tumors. METHODS: Dicer gene expression was assessed for 22 normal thyroids, 16 follicular adenomas, 28 papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs), 10 tall-cell variants of PTC, 11 follicular variants of PTC, as well as the four thyroid cell lines BCPAP, TPC1, KTC1, and TAD2 via quantitative polymerase chain reaction. BRAF((V600E)) mutation screening was completed for 31 neoplasms. Next-generation sequencing was performed on a subset of PTC and normal thyroid. Protein levels were assessed via Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Dicer mRNA was down-regulated in malignant thyroid samples and cell lines compared with normal tissues, benign neoplasms, and the fetal cell line TAD2. Decreased Dicer gene expression in malignant tissues was correlated greatly with aggressive features: extrathyroidal extension, angiolymphatic invasion, multifocality, lymph node and distant metastasis, recurrence, and BRAF((V600E)) mutation. Conversely, increased levels of Dicer protein were observed in malignant tissues and cell lines. Sequencing yielded 19 differentially expressed miRNAs. Eight samples had a nonsignificant a global down-regulation in malignant tissues. CONCLUSION: Dysregulation of Dicer and possibly altered expression of miRNAs are associated with aggressive features in thyroid cancers. These findings suggest that disruption in normal miRNA processing involving Dicer may play a role in thyroid cancer progression.
PMID: 25456905
ISSN: 0039-6060
CID: 1370682

Advanced presentation of paediatric papillary thyroid cancer: A plea for heightened awareness

Zhou, Yaolin; Kundel, Anna; Pittock, Siobhan T; Thompson, Geoffrey B
PMID: 24372980
ISSN: 1034-4810
CID: 871842

Pediatric endocrine surgery: a 20-year experience at the Mayo Clinic

Kundel, A; Thompson, G B; Richards, M L; Qiu, L X; Cai, Y; Schwenk, F W; Lteif, A N; Pittock, S T; Kumar, S; Tebben, P J; Hay, I D; Grant, C S
CONTEXT: Surgically managed endocrinopathies are rare in children. Most surgeons have limited experience in this field. Herein we report our operative experience with pediatric patients, performed over two decades by high-volume endocrine surgeons. SETTING: The study was conducted at the Mayo Clinic (a tertiary referral center). PATIENTS: Patients were <19 years old and underwent an endocrine operation (1993-2012). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics, surgical procedure, diagnoses, morbidity, and mortality were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: A total of 241 primary cases included 177 thyroid procedures, 13 neck dissections, 24 parathyroidectomies, 14 adrenalectomies, 7 paragangliomas, and 6 pancreatic procedures. Average age of patients was 14.2 years. There were 133 total thyroidectomies and 40 hemithyroidectomies. Fifty-three cases underwent a central or lateral neck dissection. Six-month follow-up was available for 98 total thyroidectomy patients. There were four cases of permanent hypoparathyroidism (4%) and no permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) paralyses. Sequelae of neck dissections included temporary RLN neurapraxia and Horner's syndrome. Parathyroidectomy was performed on 24 patients: 20 with primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), three with tertiary HPT, and one with familial hypocalciuric hypocalcemia. Three patients (16%) had recurrent HPT, all with multiglandular disease. One patient had temporary RLN neurapraxia. We performed seven bilateral and seven unilateral adrenalectomies; eight were laparoscopic. Indications included pheochromocytoma, Cushing's syndrome, adrenocortical carcinoma, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and ganglioneuroma. One death was due to adrenocortical carcinoma. Five paraganglioma patients had succinate dehydrogenase subunit B mutations, and one recurred. Six patients with insulinoma underwent enucleation (n = 5) or distal pancreatectomy (n = 1). A single postoperative abscess was managed nonoperatively. CONCLUSION: Pediatric endocrine procedures are uncommon but can be safely performed with complication rates comparable to those of the adult population. It is imperative that these operations be performed by high-volume surgeons.
PMID: 24423286
ISSN: 0021-972x
CID: 1377092

Surgical management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach

Bellorin, Omar; Kundel, Anna; Ni, Mingwei; Litong, Du
BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy has emerged as the "gold standard" procedure for many diseases that require surgical treatment. Our goal was to assess the outcomes of laparoscopic vs open partial gastrectomies for the management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the stomach (gGIST) using a national database. METHODS: Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) database (2006-2009), we identified patients who underwent laparoscopic and open partial gastrectomy gGIST. Overall morbidity and mortality were assessed. The relationships between anesthesia time, operative duration, surgical site infection (SSI), and hospital stay were also examined. Two-sample t tests were used. RESULTS: Of 486 patients, 146 (30%) underwent laparoscopic resection (LR) and 340 (70%) underwent open resection (OR). Patients who underwent LP were older (mean: 65 vs 62 years; P = .062). Patients treated with LR experienced shorter anesthesia time (mean: 183 vs 212 minutes; P < .05) and shorter operative time (mean: 119 vs 149 minutes; P < .05) compared with those who underwent OR. All patients treated with LR had fewer SSIs compared with those who underwent OR (0.68% vs 6.7%; P < .001). Patients treated with LR were less likely to experience an overall morbidity (mean: 3.9% vs 11.7%; P < .001) or mortality (mean: 0.23% vs 0.72%; P < .001) and shorter total hospital stay (mean: 3.17 vs 7.50 days; P < .001) compared with those who underwent OR. CONCLUSIONS: In ACS NSQIP hospitals, laparoscopic resection of gGIST appears to be preferable to open surgery. However, prospective studies with large sample sizes comparing both surgical approaches with size-matched tumors are strongly suggested.
PMCID:3939341
PMID: 24680142
ISSN: 1086-8089
CID: 871832

Paravesicular Paraganglioma manifesting as Chronic Hypertension and Hypertensive Crisis

Kundel, Anna ; Young, William; Thompson, Geoffrey B; Cai, Yi
We describe a woman with a rare extra-adrenal pheochromocytoma who presented with a chronic hypertension and a hypertensive crisis initiated by an invasive cardiac catheterization procedure. We present a case report, review the relevant literature, and discuss management strategies. A 49-year-old woman with a 4-year history of hypertension experienced a hypertensive crisis following a catheterization procedure. Evaluation of the episode led to identification of a catecholamine-secreting pelvic paraganglioma as confirmed by 24-hour urine fractioned metanephrines and catecholamines as well as magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was carefully pharmacologically prepared for surgical resection. Paragangliomas may exhibit 30% inheritability, and the patient was counseled on genetic testing for early diagnosis of tumor in family members. Catecholamine-secreting paragangliomas are rare tumors that may present as hypertensive emergencies. Diagnosis relies on biochemical testing followed by imaging to avoid crisis induced by invasive procedures. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, and pharmacological preparation for surgery begins at least 1 week prior to the procedure to ensure adequate adrenergic blockade. Following treatment for a paraganglioma, genetic testing should be recommended for early identification of affected family members
ORIGINAL:0009329
ISSN: 0975-5039
CID: 1384892

Calcimimetics versus parathyroidectomy for treatment of primary hyperparathyroidism: retrospective chart analysis of a prospective database

Keutgen, Xavier M; Buitrago, Daniel; Filicori, Filippo; Kundel, Anna; Elemento, Olivier; Fahey, Thomas J 3rd; Zarnegar, Rasa
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the efficacy of calcimimetics in improving bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) and compare those results to patients undergoing parathyroidectomy. BACKGROUND: Parathyroidectomy has been shown to improve BMD in pHPT, but calcimimetics have recently been advocated as a medical alternative to parathyroidectomy for pHPT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified 17 patients that were treated with calcimimetics for pHPT. Seventeen patients with pHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy served as surgical controls. Serum calcium level, parathyroid hormone (PTH) level, and femur and spine BMD T scores were compared before and 1 year after therapy. RESULTS: Both groups were demographically matched. Calcium levels normalized in 70.6% of medically versus 100% of surgically treated patients (P = 0.026). PTH levels normalized in 35% of patients treated with calcimimetics versus 76% of surgical patients (P = 0.036). Femur BMD improved in 18.8% of medically treated patients versus 58.8% of surgical patients (P = 0.032). Spine BMD improved in 70.6% of medically treated patients versus 82.4% of surgical patients (P = 0.69). Further analysis demonstrated that regardless of treatment, normalization of PTH was associated with significant improvement in femur (P = 0.03) and spine BMD (P < 0.001). Normalization of calcium without normalization of PTH did not impact BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Parathyroidectomy results in greater normalization of serum calcium and PTH levels and significantly improves cortical BMD compared to calcimimetics. Regardless of treatment, normalization of PTH is associated with significant improvement in spine and femur BMD, suggesting that the superior effects of surgery may be mediated by better control of PTH.
PMID: 22470074
ISSN: 0003-4932
CID: 528262

Comparison of microarray analysis of fine needle aspirates and tissue specimen in thyroid nodule diagnosis

Kundel, Anna; Zarnegar, Rasa; Kato, Meredith; Moo, Tracy-Ann; Zhu, Biaxin; Scognamiglio, Theresa; Fahey, Thomas J 3rd
Microarray technology provides a new opportunity to improve the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in evaluating thyroid nodules. Here, we evaluate whether ex vivo FNA and tissue samples can be used interchangeably in microarray and whether the method of acquisition affects the precision of the gene list that is generated. To assess whether FNA samples provide adequate material for reliable gene expression analysis, paired tissue and FNA samples were collected from 13 thyroid nodules; 7 malignant, 6 benign. RNA was extracted from each specimen, converted to complimentary DNA and hybridized to AffymetrixU-133 GeneChips. Cluster analysis was then performed using 61 genes predetermined to differentiate benign from malignant nodules. Clustering patterns were evaluated using 2-group K-means and hierarchical analysis. Twelve concordant pairs were used to generate differentially expressed genes between the sampling methods. Twenty-five of 26 samples clustered concordantly with the pathologic diagnosis. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 100%, 100%, and 100% for FNA and 85.7%, 100%, and 92.3% for tissue, respectively. Two-group K-means revealed an adjacent grouping for 12 of 13 pairs. Hierarchical analysis clustered 8 of 13 pairs together. Sixty-seven genes were differentially expressed between FNA and the tissue sampling methods. These genes predominantly represented stromal components and were upregulated in the tissue compared with FNA samples. We conclude that FNA is a reliable alternative to tissue samples in predicting malignancy with microarray.
PMID: 20186006
ISSN: 1052-9551
CID: 528272

Ipsilateral versus bilateral central neck lymph node dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Moo, Tracy-Ann S; Umunna, Ben; Kato, Meredith; Butriago, Daniel; Kundel, Anna; Lee, James A; Zarnegar, Rasa; Fahey, Thomas J 3rd
OBJECTIVE: Many patients undergoing thyroidectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) have subclinical nodal disease at the time of surgery. Prophylactic bilateral central neck dissection (CND) is gaining acceptance in the treatment of PTC as studies have shown nodal disease increases the rate of local recurrence and may alter postsurgical radioactive iodine dosing. Given the potential complications of bilateral CND, we undertook a prospective study to determine the adequacy of prophylactic ipsilateral CND for PTC. METHODS: A total of 116 patients with PTC underwent total thyroidectomy and routine prophylactic CND at a tertiary referral center. Of these, 45 had right and left central neck lymph node basins submitted separately for pathologic examination. We examined the laterality of positive lymph nodes based on tumor location and size. RESULTS: Overall, positive lymph nodes were found in 45% of patients. Of the patients having a lateralized CND, 33% had ipsilateral positive nodes only, while 20% had bilateral positive nodes. None of the patients with tumor size <=1 cm had bilateral positive lymph nodes compared with 31% of patients with tumors >1 cm (P = 0.02). Multifocality did not affect lymph node metastasis in tumors <=1 cm. Parathyroids were found in the pathology specimen of 34% of patients, 40% had parathyroids autotransplanted, 47% had temporary hypocalcemia, and 0% had permanent hypocalcemia. Rates of temporary and permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were 5% and 0% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ipsilateral CND appears to be sufficient in patients with tumors <=1 cm. In tumors >1 cm, bilateral CND should be considered as these patients are more likely to have bilateral positive nodes. If tumor size is used as criteria for prophylactic CND, approximately one-third of patients can be spared a bilateral CND.
PMID: 19661784
ISSN: 0003-4932
CID: 528282