Faculty Bibliography

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is widely considered to be the standard of care for paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repairs, yet a subset of cases still require unplanned conversion to open surgery due to factors such as poor visualization and intraoperative complications. Although both laparoscopic and robotic approaches are routinely used, few studies have compared conversion rates as a primary outcome. This study aims to evaluate conversion to open surgery and associated short-term outcomes between surgical approaches for PEH repairs. METHODS:This retrospective cohort study used the 2022-2023 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement (ACS-NSQIP) registry to identify elective laparoscopic and robotic PEH repairs in patients aged 18-90 years. Concomitant procedures were excluded and 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to control for baseline characteristics and comorbidities. The primary outcome was unplanned conversion to open surgery. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative complications, return to OR, readmission, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS:A total of 8325 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 40% (n=3364) underwent robotic repair. After matching, 3335 patients were included in each group with balanced covariates (standardized mean difference < 0.05). The robotic group had zero conversions to open, while the laparoscopic group had a conversion rate of 0.2% (p = 0.031). Operative times were longer in the robotic group (133 vs 115 minutes, p < 0.001). No differences were observed in 30-day postoperative complications, readmission, return to OR, or median length of stay. Rates of specific complications including infections, thromboembolic events, and cardiopulmonary issues were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:In this large national cohort, there was a growing trend of robot usage for elective PEH repair. Additionally, robotic repairs were associated with fewer conversions to open but longer operative time. Further studies are needed.

Humankind's historical footprint on the continent of Antarctica now spans nearly 130 years. Since the first expedition, surgical care has remained both a necessity and a challenge. Residence in Antarctica is made difficult by unforgiving terrain and a long, isolating winter season. Survival requires strategic allocation of resources and personnel. Surgical emergencies and consultations on residential bases arise in the forms of traumatic injuries and atraumatic illnesses. Medical evacuation is considered dangerous and therefore reserved for critical cases. As such, medical professionals (both surgeons and non-surgeons) must be prepared to provide life-saving surgical care.

Global surgery is an emerging field aimed at improving surgical care access and achieving health equity, especially in low-income and middle-income countries (LIMCs). Despite misconceptions, surgical procedures can be cost-effective and essential for addressing conditions like trauma, cancer, and infections. LIMCs face major barriers, including financial constraints, cultural stigma, workforce shortages, and poor infrastructure. Historical colonial legacies in Latin America and Africa have contributed to unequal health care systems. Addressing this requires region-specific strategies-Latin America must focus on reducing urban-rural gaps, while Africa needs to build foundational infrastructure and training programs to retain skilled professionals and ensure sustainable care.

BACKGROUND:Early postoperative small bowel obstruction (ESBO) following roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a feared complication, generally estimated to occur in 1-2% of cases. Most surgeons advocate for prompt surgical exploration for ESBO after RYGB. There is currently a paucity of literature regarding conservative management approaches to ESBO after RYGB. OBJECTIVES/OBJECTIVE:To determine the safety and efficacy of non-operative management of early small bowel obstruction following RYGB. SETTING/METHODS:Academic-affiliated municipal hospital. METHODS:We performed a retrospective review of all patients at a single institution who underwent RYGB between July 1, 2020 and April 30, 2024 and were readmitted within 30 days of the procedure due to a small bowel obstruction. Mesenteric defects were closed with permanent suture in 100% of cases. RESULTS:2430 RYGBs were performed, 54 patients (2.2%) developed ESBO. The average interval from time of surgery to diagnosis of ESBO was 7.3 days [range 2-26 days]. The vast majority of patients (n = 43; 80%) were successfully managed conservatively including nasogastric decompression (n = 20; 47%). Most (73%) of the patients requiring reoperation were found to have kinking at the anastomosis or dense adhesions from the cut end of the staple line. CONCLUSIONS:This study demonstrates that non-operative management may be a safe and effective treatment option for the majority of RYGB patients who develop ESBO. Clinical judgement is required to identify those who would benefit from early exploration.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:Barbed sutures in ventral hernia repair have been used increasingly. The impact that barbed sutures has on operative time in other procedures is well documented but few reports on ventral hernia repair exist. Furthermore, the use of barbed sutures varies across surgical approaches. The aim of this study was to explore the operative time for ventral hernia repair elucidated by open, laparoscopic, or robotic approach. METHODS:Patients who underwent ventral hernia repair with fascial closure from 2020 to 2022 from the Abdominal Core Health Quality Collaborative were included. Propensity score matching 1:1 with covariates of age, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, recurrent, wound status, incisional procedure, hernia width, mesh used and type, mesh location, body mass index capped at 15 to 60, and concomitant procedures was performed by operative approach. The primary outcome of interest was operative time, and secondary outcomes were length of stay, surgical site infections, surgical site occurrences, surgical site occurrences requiring procedural intervention at 30-day follow-up. RESULTS:A total of 2,230 patients were included in propensity score matchings: open ventral hernia repair (n = 1,434), laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (n = 252), and robotic ventral hernia repair (n = 544). Operative time was more frequently >2 hours in robotic ventral hernia repair using nonbarbed sutures (58% vs 47%; P = .006) and was similar for open (60% vs 57%; P = .2) or laparoscopic (15% vs 21%; P = .2) approach. Across all operative modalities, using barbed sutures was strongly associated with fixation of mesh with sutures, closure of fascia in a running fashion, and more versatility in mesh locations, specifically in laparoscopic ventral hernia repair. Open ventral hernia repair had a shorter length of stay in patients with barbed sutures (2 vs 3; P = .003); however, a reoperation was more common in this same group (3% vs 1%; P = .03), specifically for recurrence (1% vs 0%; P = .04). All the other 30-day outcomes were similar across surgical approaches. CONCLUSION(S)/CONCLUSIONS:The usage of barbed sutures was associated with shorter operative time for robotic procedures and appears to influence the overall technique used in ventral hernia repair. Higher complexity laparoscopic ventral hernia repair performed with barbed sutures had a similar operative time to simpler ventral hernia repair performed with nonbarbed sutures. Open ventral hernia repair with barbed sutures might experience an increase in early recurrences. Further studies are needed.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP1-RAs) are increasingly prescribed as an alternative to bariatric surgery for weight loss, and may pose as an alternative to conversion Roux-En-Y Gastric Bypass (cRYGB) in patients with insufficient weight loss or weight recurrence after sleeve gastrectomy [A C, N C, A I. Postoperative morbidity and weight loss after revisional bariatric surgery for primary failed restrictive procedure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. International Journal of Surgery; 2022;Jensen et al. in Obes Surg 33:1017-1025, 2023; Jamal et al. in Obes Surg 34:1324-1332, 2024; Lautenbach A, Wernecke M, Stoll FD, Meyhöfer SM, Meyhöfer S, Aberel J. 1422-P: The potential of semaglutide once-weekly in patients without Type 2 Diabetes with weight regain or insufficient weight loss after bariatric surgery. Diabetes 2022; 71(Supplement_1);]. METHODS AND PROCEDURES/METHODS:Adult patients ≥ 18 years old, who previously underwent a sleeve gastrectomy and were subsequently treated with weekly injectable Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, or treated with conversion from sleeve gastrectomy were included for analysis. Patients converted for GERD, GLP1-RA use with BMI ≤ 35, or pre operative GLP1-RA use were excluded. Post operative weights and Hgb A1C were assessed from 3 months to 3 years post intervention (start of GLP1-RA or surgery). T-test, ANOVA, and chi-squared analysis were used to compare groups, while multivariable linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the effect of bariatric surgery on %TBWL at 3 years post intervention when adjusting for baseline characteristics. RESULTS:4901 patients were included for analysis (3004 cRYGB, 1897 GLP1-RA). There was no difference in pre-intervention weight (242.8 ± 44.4 GLP1-RA vs 242.3 ± 57.8 cRYGB, p = .993). cRYGB patients had a higher baseline Hgba1c (6.19 ± 1.4 vs 5.85 ± 1.2, p < 0.001). cRYGB was associated with significantly greater weight loss at all post operative time points up to 3 years post intervention, (26.1 vs 13.7%, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in Hgba1c control between treatments at all post intervention time points (all p > 0.05). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, when adjusting for sex, baseline BMI, baseline age, and non-white race, cRYGB was associated with an 11% greater %TBWL compared to those who were treated with a GLP1-RA. CONCLUSIONS:For patients who have had insufficient weight loss or weight recurrence following sleeve gastrectomy, conversion to RYGB offers greater, long-term weight loss compared to GLP1-RAs.

BACKGROUND:The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) American College of Surgeons (ACS) risk calculator is a validated method of predicting postoperative complications that was recently updated to a machine-learning structure. The objective of this study was to measure the accuracy of this calculator in our institution on paraoesophageal hernia (PEH) repair. METHOD/METHODS:Procedures performed between 2019 and 2023 were retrospectively collected regarding demographics, operative variables, and outcomes with a 30-day follow-up. Thirteen outcomes measured by NSQIP-ACS calculator were measured. Observed and predicted rates were compared by receiver operating curves (ROC) and length of stay was compared by Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS:A total of 203 paraoesophageal hernia repairs on patients with a median age of 68 (IQR 61-75) and 70.9% (n = 144) predominantly female. The size of the paraoesophageal hernia (PEH) was large or giant in 59.1% (n = 120) and mesh was placed in 70.4% (n = 143). The predicted risk was consistently higher than observed events on all but discharge destinations. Eight outcomes had no event to measure; however, the calculator accurately predicted a risk of ≤ 1% on all of these. The area under the curve (AUC) was fair (0.6-0.79) on discharge to nursing or rehabilitation facilities and failed in the rest of the measurable outcomes. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The ACS-NSQIP risk calculator correctly predicted a low occurrence of postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing robotic paraoesophageal hernia repair.

The use of a closed staple height of less than 3.5 mm in right colon resections remains poorly defined, with limited comparative data against the traditionally used 3.5 mm staplers. To compare rates of anastomotic bleeding and other complications between two staple heights (2.5 mm, white cartridge versus 3.5 mm, blue cartridge) used for intracorporeal isoperistaltic ileocolic anastomosis in robotic right hemicolectomies. This is a retrospective study. The investigation is based on data from a tertiary care center. All patients who underwent a robotic right hemicolectomy or robotic extended right hemicolectomy with an intracorporeal isoperistaltic ileocolic anastomosis for dysplasia or cancer from August 2018 to February 2024. The primary outcome was the anastomotic bleeding rate. A total of 120 patients were included of which 64 patients (53.3%) were female. Group 1 comprised of 52 patients (43.3%) in whom white cartridges were used for ileocolic anastomosis, and group 2 had 68 patients (56.6%) for whom a blue cartridge was used either for the resection of the colon, creation of the anastomosis, or both. A total of 14 patients (11.6%) had anastomotic bleeding. This was managed conservatively with hemodynamic monitoring and blood transfusions in 13 patients (93%), and one patient required a lower endoscopy. The incidence of anastomotic bleeding was almost twice as high in group 2 at 14.7% compared to only 7.6% in group 1 (p = 0.23). No anastomotic leaks were observed in this study. The retrospective nature of the study and inclusion of a single specialized center. The use of staplers with reduced staple height while performing robotic right colon resections may reduce the incidence of bleeding complications without an increase in rates of other complications. Further investigation with large-scale and randomized patient populations is warranted to validate these findings.

BACKGROUND:Crohn's disease (CD) often affects the terminal ileum, leading to complications such as stricture, fistula, and abscesses, necessitating surgery in up to 80% of patients. Early and effective treatment is crucial to prevent disease progression and improve outcomes, although timing between medical and surgical treatments is challenging. METHODS:This study reviewed patients who underwent ileocolic resection for CD at our quaternary inflammatory bowel disease center from September 2016 to September 2023. A novel classification system categorized the severity and complexity of ileocolic CD. Preoperative characteristics, operative variables, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed to assess the impact of disease complexity. RESULTS:Among the 301 patients (median age 33.3 years, 48.5% female), 56.8% had complex ileocolic CD. Complex disease was associated with greater blood loss, longer hospital stays, longer operative time, and greater rates of open surgery and conversion compared with noncomplex disease (P < .01). Diversion rates were significantly greater in complex cases (P < .01). Emergent operations were more common among complex cases (P < .01). Delayed referral and increased complexity correlated with inferior surgical outcomes and greater stoma rates. CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:The proposed classification system stratifies patients on the basis of CD severity and complexity, facilitating better preoperative planning and communication among multidisciplinary teams. Early surgical intervention, when appropriate, may reduce morbidity and improve outcomes in patients with ileocolic CD. This system highlights the importance of timely referrals and standardizing the management approach for complex CD.

BACKGROUND:Long rectal cuff (>2 cm) and remnant mesorectum are known causes of pouch dysfunction because of obstructive defecation as well as pelvic sepsis after prolonged obstruction. OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to report the rates and management of patients who underwent redo IPAA because of pouch failure associated with a retained mesorectum and long rectal cuff. DESIGN/METHODS:This is a retrospective study. SETTINGS/METHODS:The investigation is based on data from a quaternary IBD center. PATIENTS/METHODS:Patients undergoing redo IPAA surgery with a long rectal cuff and/or remnant mesorectum between September 2016 and September 2023 were included in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES/METHODS:The main outcomes were functioning pouch rate and functional results. RESULTS:Of the 245 patients who underwent redo IPAA surgery, 98 patients (40%) had long rectal cuff and/or remnant mesorectum. Redo IPAA in this patient group was successful (92%) at a median follow-up of 28 (18-52) months. LIMITATIONS/CONCLUSIONS:The retrospective nature of the study and inclusion of a single specialized center. CONCLUSIONS:Long rectal cuff and remnant mesorectum are major causes of pouch failure, which can be successfully managed with redo IPAA surgery. Nearly half of pouch failure patients who had successful redo IPAA surgery initially received unnecessary biologic therapy before coming to our center. See Video Abstract . MUON RECTAL LARGO Y MESORRECTO REMANENTE SON LAS PRINCIPALES CAUSAS PREVENIBLES DE DISFUNCIN DE LA BOLSA ILEAL/UNASSIGNED:ANTECEDENTES:El muñon rectal largo (>2 cm) y el mesorrecto remanente son causas conocidas de disfunción de la bolsa debido a defecación obstructiva, así como de sepsis pélvica tras obstrucción prolongada.OBJETIVO:El objetivo de este estudio es informar las tasas y el tratamiento de los pacientes que se sometieron a una nueva anastomosis anal con bolsa ileal debido al fracaso de la bolsa asociado a mesorrecto remanente y el muñon rectal largo.DISEÑO:Se trata de un estudio retrospectivo.LUGAR:La investigación se basa en un centro cuaternario de enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron en el estudio los pacientes sometidos a una nueva cirugía de anastomosis anal con bolsa ileal y que tenían muñon rectal largo y/o mesorrecto remanente entre septiembre de 2016 y septiembre de 2023.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE VALORACIÓN:Los principales resultados fueron la tasa de funcionamiento de la bolsa y los resultados funcionales.RESULTADOS:De los 245 pacientes que se sometieron a una nueva cirugía de anastomosis anal con bolsa ileal, 98 (40%) pacientes tenían un muñon rectal largo y/o mesorrecto remanente. La repetición de la anastomosis anal con bolsa ileal en este grupo de pacientes fue exitosa (92%) en una mediana de seguimiento de 28 (18-52) meses.LIMITACIONES:La naturaleza retrospectiva del estudio y la experiencia de un solo centro especializado.CONCLUSIONES:El muñon rectal largo y el mesorrecto remanente son las principales causas de fracaso de la bolsa, que pueden tratarse con éxito mediante una nueva cirugía de anastomosis anal con bolsa ileal. Casi la mitad de los pacientes con fracaso de la bolsa que se sometieron con éxito a una nueva cirugía de anastomosis anal con bolsa ileal recibieron inicialmente un tratamiento biológico innecesario antes de acudir a nuestro centro. (Traducción-Ingrid Melo ).