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Achieving satisfactory post-operative pain control for common elective general surgical procedures, while minimizing opioid utilization, remains challenging. Utilizing pre-operative educational strategies, as well as multimodal analgesia, we sought to reduce the post-operative opioid use in elective general surgery cases.Between November 2019 and July 2021, patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair or cholecystectomy were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into three cohorts: Control, opioid sparing (OS), or zero-opioid (ZO). Control patients did not have any intervention; OS patients had an opioid reduction intervention protocol applied (patient education and perioperative multimodal analgesia) and were provided an opioid prescription at discharge; the ZO had the same protocol, however, patients were not provided opioid prescriptions at discharge. Two weeks after discharge, patients were interviewed to record opioid consumption, pain scores, and level of satisfaction since discharge.A total of 129 patients were recruited for the study. Eighty-eight patients underwent inguinal hernia repair and 41 patients underwent cholecystectomy. Median post-operative morphine equivalents consumed in the Control cohort (n = 58); 46 (37.5-75) were significantly reduced when the OS protocol was enacted (n = 42); 15 (11-22.5) and further reduced to zero for every patient in the ZO cohort (n = 29) (P = 0.0001). There were no differences in patient-reported average pain scores after discharge (P = 0.08) or satisfaction levels with experience (P = 0.8302).Our study demonstrates that patient education and preoperative interventions can result in zero opioids prescribed after common general surgery procedures with equivalent patient satisfaction and pain scores.

After outlining the characteristics of the idea of community in postmodernity, the paper examines the role assumed by community in the world of crime and punishment. In the relationship with crime, the community is considered essentially on the level of criminogenesis, as a factor that can contribute to the production of the crime. In the relationship with punishment, the community plays a decisive role in the perspective of resocialising finalism, both at the ideological-political level and at the executive and penitentiary level.

Introduction Phaeochromocytomas/paraganglioma (PPGL) surgery was historically associated with significant risks of perioperative complications. The decreased mortality (Methods A retrospective study using data from our institutional database was conducted. All patients undergoing adrenalectomy for PPGL from October 2011 to September 2020 were included. All patients were routinely alpha-blocked. Intraoperative cardiovascular instability (ICI) was assessed through number of systolic blood pressure (SBP) episodes >160mmHg, SBP Results A total of 100 consecutive patients undergoing surgery were identified of whom 53 patients had complete anaesthetic records available for analysis. Thirty-two patients (60%) had at least one episode with an SBP >160mmHg. Nine (17%) cases had no intraoperative hypotensive episodes, while 3 (6%) patients had >10 intraoperative episodes of an SBP Conclusions Cardiac instability remained significant in PPGL surgery despite optimal alpha- and beta-blockade. While omitting blockade would appear empirically questionable, a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of surgery with and without alpha-blockade will provide an answer.

Jejunostomy tubes are frequently placed at time of esophagectomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate cessation of routine j-tube placement on postoperative body mass index (BMI), return to the emergency room, and time until adjuvant therapy. We performed a retrospective review of an institutional database for consecutive patients undergoing minimally invasive Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy from 2014-2021 (after January 2019, routine j-tube placement was abandoned). Data was analyzed using Pearson's Chi-squared tests and Student's t test with 2-sided significance level of P0.05. In total,179 patients were included, 95 underwent j-tube placement and 84 did not. Cohorts had comparable baseline BMI's (no j-tube: 30.48 vs j-tube: 28.64, P = 0.06) and anastomotic leak rates (2.4% vs 4.2%, P = 0.5). Patients with no jejunostomy tubes were more likely to receive total parenteral nutrition (14.3% vs 5.3%, P0.05), but were no more likely to require total parenteral nutrition at discharge and had comparable durations of TPN requirement (7 days vs 12 days, P = 0.53). There was no difference in mean BMI reduction at 2 weeks (2.54 vs 2.09, P = 0.49) and 3-6 months postoperatively (6.11 vs 4.45 P = 0.15). There was no difference in return to the emergency room (8.3% vs 8.4%, P = 0.98) or readmissions (13.1% vs 11.6%, P = 0.76). There was a no difference in mean time to adjuvant therapy (83.5 days vs 72.6 days, P = 0.67). At esophagectomy centers with low anastomotic leak rates, cessation of routine j-tube placement at time of minimally esophagectomy can be undertaken without increasing risk of readmission, time until initiation of adjuvant therapy, or significantly impacting postoperative BMI loss.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is an extremely common condition with several medical and surgical treatment options. A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians, patients, and others in decisions regarding the treatment of GERD with an emphasis on evaluating different surgical techniques. Literature reviews were conducted for 4 key questions regarding the surgical treatment of GERD in both adults and children: surgical vs. medical treatment, robotic vs. laparoscopic fundoplication, partial vs. complete fundoplication, and division vs. preservation of short gastric vessels in adults or maximal versus minimal dissection in pediatric patients. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. Recommendations for future research were also proposed. The panel provided seven recommendations for adults and children with GERD. All recommendations were conditional due to very low, low, or moderate certainty of evidence. The panel conditionally recommended surgical treatment over medical management for adults with chronic or chronic refractory GERD. There was insufficient evidence for the panel to make a recommendation regarding surgical versus medical treatment in children. The panel suggested that once the decision to pursue surgical therapy is made, adults and children with GERD may be treated with either a robotic or a laparoscopic approach, and either partial or complete fundoplication based on surgeon–patient shared decision-making and patient values. In adults, the panel suggested either division or non-division of the short gastric vessels is appropriate, and that children should undergo minimal dissection during fundoplication. These recommendations should provide guidance with regard to surgical decision-making in the treatment of GERD and highlight the importance of shared decision-making and patient values to optimize patient outcomes. Pursuing the identified research needs may improve future versions of guidelines for the treatment of GERD.

In previous studies, the influence of plantar sensation has been examined using various textured surfaces with different stiffness materials to assess static balance. This study investigated the effects of a Firm Textured Surface (FTS) along with age and sex-related influences on postural control under different visual conditions. Forty subjects (20 elderly, 10 males, mean age 68.30, 10 females, mean age 68.00, and 20 young people, 10 males, mean age 25.45, 10 females, mean age 27.30) participated in this study maintained a quiet standing on FTS, foam and firm surfaces with eyes open and closed. The center of pressure displacement (CoPDISP), CoP velocity (CoPVEL), and sway velocity of the CoP in anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) direction (VA/P and VM/L) were measured. FTS was associated with lower postural sway measures in both the groups with eyes open and closed. However, the foam surface showed the worst results in all postural parameters under all experimental conditions. Separate four-way ANOVAs were applied to each dependent variable. The main effects of surface (p p p DISP, CoPVEL and VA/P; p = 0.0003 for VM/L) were significant in each of the four fitted models. Sex was never significant, either as a main effect or an interaction with other experimental factors. Eyes open were able to reduce the negative effects of the foam surfaces but without vision the proprioceptive sensory system cues of the body state become more important for maintaining balance. A good stimulation with rigid texture should be considered as relief to reduce the physiological-related decline of afferent information with age.

Several management strategies exist for the treatment of infected abdominal mesh. Using the American Hernia Society Quality Collaborative, we examined management patterns and 30-day outcomes of infected mesh removal with concomitant incisional hernia repair. All patients undergoing incisional hernia repair with removal of infected mesh were identified. A complete repair (CR) was defined as fascial closure with mesh; a partial repair (PR) was defined as fascial closure without mesh or no fascial closure with mesh. A two-tailed p value less than or equal to 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A total of 282 patients were identified: 136 patients in CR group and 146 patients in PR group. Patients had similar comorbidities but differed in wound class (class IV: 55% CR vs 83% SR, p

Background Early cholecystectomy (E-CCY; 8 weeks or less) after percutaneous cholecystostomy tube (PCT) placement has been associated with increased postoperative complications, but this finding has not been validated at a national level and PCT-related complications and interventions (PCT-RCIs) were not evaluated. Study Design Adults with PCT for acute cholecystitis subsequently undergoing CCY were identified within the Nationwide Readmission Database (2010-2015) and our institution (2017-2019). Adjusted relative risks (aRRs) of postoperative complications were estimated using Poisson regression comparing E-CCY with delayed cholecystectomy (D-CCY; more than 8 weeks) within the nationwide cohort. Institutional PCT-RCIs, operative data, and postoperative outcomes were compared between E-CCY and D-CCY using chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Results Of 6,145 patients from the Nationwide Readmission Database, 32.9% were D-CCY. Risk-adjusted analysis identified no differences between E-CCY and D-CCY in complications (aRR 0.98; 95% CI, 0.89 to 1.07), mortality (aRR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.43 to 1.81), or 30-day readmissions (aRR 1.04; 95% CI, 0.85 to 1.27). Risk-adjusted analyses assessing the association of time to interval cholecystectomy (IC) with morbidity indicated an increased risk of surgical complications in the first month after PCT placement (aRR 1.17; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.33). In the institutional cohort (E-CCY, n = 23; D-CCY, n = 45), there were no statistically significant differences found in estimated blood loss, length of stay, and postoperative complications. There were increased PCT-RCIs in the D-CCY group (26.9% E-CCY vs 69% D-CCY; p Conclusions Increased operative complications when IC is performed within 1 month of PCT placement and increased PCT-RCIs when IC is performed 8 weeks after PCT placement suggest that the most favorable timing for IC is between 4 and 8 weeks after PCT placement.

Patients undergoing esophagectomy often receive jejunostomy tubes (j-tubes) for nutritional supplementation. We hypothesized that j-tubes are associated with increased post-esophagectomy readmissions.We identified esophagectomies for malignancy with (EWJ) or without (EWOJ) j-tubes using the 2010-2015 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Outcomes include readmission, inpatient mortality, and complications. Outcomes were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM).Of 22,429 patients undergoing esophagectomy, 16,829 (75.0%) received j-tubes. Patients were similar in age and gender but EWJ were more likely to receive chemotherapy (24.2% vs. 15.1%, p 0.01). EWJ was associated with decreased 180-day inpatient mortality (HR 0.72 [0.52-0.99]) but not with higher readmissions at 30- (15.2% vs. 14.0%, p = 0.16; HR 0.9 [0.77-1.05]) or 180 days (25.2% vs. 24.3%, p = 0.37; HR 0.94 [0.79-1.10]) or increased complications (p = 0.37). These results were confirmed in the PSM cohort.J-tubes placed in the setting of esophagectomy do not increase inpatient readmissions or mortality.

Marginal ulcer (MU) formation is a serious complication following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB). Incidental data suggested a higher incidence of MU following conversion of Sleeve Gastrectomy to RYGB (S-RYGB). Herein, we evaluate the incidence of MU after primary versus secondary RYGB.After IRB approval, each institution's electronic medical record and MBSAQIP database were queried to retrospectively identify adult patients who underwent primary RYGB (P-RYGB), Gastric Banding to RYGB (B-RYGB), or S-RYGB between 2014 and 2019, with minimum 1 year follow-up. Patient demographics, operative data, and post-operative outcomes were compared. Numeric variables were compared via two-sample t test, Wilcoxon test or Kruskal Wallis rank sum test. Two-sample proportion test or Fisher's exact test was employed for categorical and binary variables. p 0.05 marked statistical significance.748 patients underwent RYGB: P-RYGB n = 584 [78.1%]; B-RYGB n = 98 [13.1%]; S-RYGB n = 66 [8.8%]. Most patients were female (83.2%). Mean age was 45.7 years. Forty-six (n = 6.1%) patients developed MU, a median of 14 ± 32.2 months (range 0.5-82) post-operatively. Incidence of MU was significantly higher for patients undergoing S-RYGB (n = 9 [13.6%]), compared to P-RYGB (n = 34 [5.8%]) and B-RYGB (n = 3 [3.1%]) (p = 0.023). Median time (months) to MU was significantly shorter for patients who underwent S-RYGB (5 ± 6) compared to P-RYGB or B-RYGB (19 ± 37.5) (p = 0.035). Among those who developed MU, there was no significant difference in H. pylori status, NSAID, steroid, or tobacco use, irrespective of operation performed.In this multi-institutional cohort, patients who underwent S-RYGB had a significantly higher incidence of MU than those with P-RYGB or B-RYGB. Further research is needed to elucidate its pathophysiology and prevention strategies.

Most data on health care utilization after incisional hernia (IH) repair are limited to 30-days and are not nationally representative. We sought to describe nationwide 1-year readmission burden after IH repair (IHR).Patients undergoing elective IHR discharged alive were identified using the 2010-2014 Nationwide Readmission Database. Transfers and incomplete follow-up were excluded. Descriptive statistics were used to describe rates of 1-year readmission, IH recurrence, and bowel obstruction. Cox regression allowed identification of factors associated with 1-year readmissions. Generalized linear models were used to estimate predicted mean difference in cumulative costs/year, which allowed estimation of IHR readmission costs/year nationwide.Of 15,935 identified patients, 19.35% were readmitted within 1 y. Patients who were readmitted differed by insurance, Charlson index, illness severity, smoking status, disposition, and surgical approach compared with those who were not (P 0.05). Of readmitted patients, 39.3% returned within 30 d; 50.9% and 25.6% were due to any and infectious complications, respectively; 25.6% presented to a different hospital; 35.4% required reoperation; 5.4% experienced bowel obstruction; and 5% had IHR revision. Factors associated with readmissions included Medicare (hazard ratio [HR] 1.46 [95% confidence interval 1.19-1.8]; P 0.01) or Medicaid (HR 1.42 [1.12-1.8], P 0.01); chronic pulmonary disease (1.38 [1.17-1.64], P 0.01), and anemia (1.36, [1.05-1.75], P = 0.02). Readmitted patients had higher 1-year cumulative costs (predicted mean difference $12,190 [95% CI: 10,941-13,438]; P 0.01). Nationwide cost related to readmissions totaled $90,196,248/y.One-year readmissions after IHR are prevalent and most commonly due to postoperative complications, especially infections. One-third of readmitted patients require a subsequent operation, and 5% experience IH recurrence, intensifying the burden to patients and on the health care system.

Objectives: To compare CCY and nonoperative treatment (no-CCY) for acute cholecystitis in pregnancy. Summary of Background Data: Current Society of Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgery guidelines recommend CCY over nonoperative management of acute cholecystitis during pregnancy, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend medically necessary surgery regardless of trimester. This approach has been recently questioned. Methods: Pregnant women admitted with acute cholecystitis were identified using the Nationwide Readmission Database 2010–2015. Propensity score-adjusted logistic regression models we used to compare CCY and no-CCY. The primary outcome was a composite measure of adverse maternal-fetal outcomes (intrauterine death/stillbirth, poor fetal growth, abortion, preterm delivery, C-section, obstetric bleeding, infection of the amniotic fluid, venous thromboembolism). Results: There were 6390 pregnant women with acute cholecystitis: 38.2% underwent CCY, of which 5.1% were open. Patients were more likely to be managed operatively in their second trimester (20.7% vs 8.8%; P < 0.01). Patients managed with CCY did not differ in age, insurance, income, Charlson Comorbidity Index, diabetes or obesity when compared to no-CCY (all P > 0.05), but were less likely to have a previous C-section, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia/eclampsia or be in the third trimester (P ≤ 0.01). Risk-adjusted analyses showed that no-CCY was associated with significantly increased maternal-fetal complications during the index admission [odds ratio 3.0 (95% confidence interval 2.08–4.34), P < 0.01] and 30-day readmissions [odds ratio 1.61 (confidence interval % CI 1.12–2.32), P < 0.01]. Conclusions: Contrary to current guidelines, most pregnant women admitted in the US with acute cholecystitis are managed nonoperatively. This is associated with over twice the odds of maternal-fetal complications in addition to increased readmissions.

The optimal management of achalasia in obese patients is unclear. For those who have undergone Heller myotomy and fundoplication, the long-term outcomes and their impressions following surgery are largely unknown. A retrospective review of patients who underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Dor fundoplication (LHMDF) for achalasia was performed. From this cohort, Class 2 and 3 obese (BMI > 35 kg/m2) patients were identified for short- and long-term outcome analysis. Between 2003 and 2015, 252 patients underwent LHMDF for achalasia, and 17 (7%) patients had BMI > 35 kg/m2. Pre-operative Eckardt scores varied from 2 to 9, and at short-term (2–4 week) follow-up, scores were 0 or 1. Ten (58%) patients had available long-term (2–144 months) follow-up data. Eckardt scores at this time ranged from 0 to 6. Symptom recurrence was worse for patients with BMI > 40 kg/m2 compared to patients with BMI

Purpose: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a marker of inflammation that has been investigated as a prognostic factor in many diseases. We hypothesized that NLR would be lower in patients undergoing minimally invasive distal pancreatectomy (MIDP). Methods: Using a prospective database, we identified patients who underwent open or minimally invasive (laparoscopic/robotic) distal pancreatectomy and splenectomy from 2006 to 2018. Patients were grouped according to their type of surgery and matched by age, gender, and benign or malignant pathology. The NLR was calculated from a complete blood count with differential on the second postoperative day. Statistical calculations were performed in Stata (v13.0). Results: A total of 106 patients were included, with 53 MIDP and 53 open cases. MIDP was associated with a significantly lower postoperative NLR than open surgery (13.3 vs. 17.2, p = 0.01). NLR did not vary significantly between patients who developed complications and those who did not (15.4 vs. 15.3, p = 0.95). Patients undergoing MIDP had decreased length of postoperative hospital stay (4 days vs. 5 days, p = 0.003). Multivariable linear regression failed to find a significant decrease in NLR with the use of laparoscopy (p = 0.14) when accounting for age, body mass index, surgical blood loss, pathology, and operative time as covariates. Conclusion: The NLR is significantly decreased when performing MIDP versus open distal pancreatectomy, but correlation with clinical outcomes has yet to be proven.

National and international guidelines support early cholecystectomy after mild gallstone pancreatitis but a recent nationwide study suggested these recommendations are not universally followed. Our study sought to quantify the national utilization of same hospitalization cholecystectomy versus non-operative management (NOM) and its association with pancreatitis recurrence, readmissions, and costs after mild gallstone pancreatitis (GP).Adult patients admitted with mild GP were identified from the Nationwide Readmission Database 2010-2015. Primary outcomes included the rate of cholecystectomy during the index admission as well as pancreatitis recurrence and readmission at 30 and 180 days (30d, 180d) comparing NOM to same hospitalization cholecystectomy. Mortality upon readmission, total length of stay (LOS), and total costs (combined index-readmission hospital costs) were also explored. Cox proportional hazards regression and generalized linear models controlled for patient/hospital confounders.Among the 65,067 patients identified, 30% underwent cholecystectomy. The NOM cohort was older (58 vs. 50 years), had more comorbidities (Charlson index gt; 2, 23.5% vs. 11.5%), fewer female patients (56.7% vs. 67%) and less discharge-to-home (84.9% vs. 94.4%) (all p lt; 0.001). NOM was associated with increase in recurrence and unplanned readmissions at 30d [Hazard Ratio 3.53 (95% CI 2.92-4.27), 2.41 (2.11-2.74), respectively], and 180d [4.27 (3.65-4.98), 2.78 (2.54-3.04), respectively], as well as increased mortality during 180d readmission 1.88 (1.06-3.35). This approach was also associated with significant increase in LOS [predicted mean difference 2.79 days (95% CI 2.46-3.12)] and total costs [$2507.89 ($1714.4-$3301.4)].In the USA, most patients presenting with mild GP do not undergo same hospitalization cholecystectomy. This strategy results in higher recurrent pancreatitis, mortality during readmission, and an additional $4.85 M/year in hospital costs nationwide. These data support same hospitalization cholecystectomy as the gold standard for mild GP.

A lot of authors have been studied the consequence of postural control strategies through investigating the effects of foot-surface contact. In this context an important variable of textured surfaces or insoles could be related to material stiffness. We apply a particular textured insoles to evaluate neuromuscular response of plantar stimulation during walking.Could textured insoles alter the human locomotion during walking at different speeds?Ten adults (age: 27 ± 5 years) completed three trials on the multifunction treadmill at 0.42 msPlantar stimulation improved cadence, stride time, stride length and gait line parameters with increasing speed. First force peaks and maximum force forefoot were always significant. The maximum force midfoot was significant at 0.42 and 0.89 msThe perception of shape and texture through its linear response to skin deformation over a wide range of deformations could be the reason why the significant differences increase in the higher speed. In conclusion, sensory interventions fallowing appropriate insoles can influence significantly gait. Walking strategy positively adjusts locomotion with high efficiency.

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe anastomotic techniques used for total minimally invasive transthoracic esophagectomy (ttMIE) and to analyze the associated morbidity. Background: ttMIE faces increasing application in surgical treatment of esophageal cancer. For esophagogastric reconstruction, different anastomotic techniques are currently used, but their effect on postoperative anastomotic leakage and morbidity has not been investigated. Patients and Methods: Patients were selected from a basic dataset, collected during a 5-year period from 13 international surgical high-volume centers. Endpoints were anastomotic leakage rate and postoperative morbidity in correlation to anastomotic techniques, measured by the Clavien-Dindo classification and the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Results: Five anastomotic techniques were identified in 966 patients after ttMIE: intrathoracic end-to-side circular-stapled technique in 427 patients (double-stapling n = 90, purse-string n = 337), intrathoracic (n = 109) or cervical (n = 255) side-to-side linear-stapled, and cervical end-to-side hand-sewn (n = 175). Leakage rates were similar in intrathoracic and cervical anastomoses (15.9% vs 17.2%, P = 0.601), but overall complications (56.7%% vs 63.7%, P = 0.029) and median 90-day CCI {21 [interquartile range (IQR) 0-36] vs 29 [IQR 0-40], P = 0.019} favored intrathoracic reconstructions. Leakage rates after intrathoracic end-to-side double-stapling (23.3%) and cervical end-to-side hand-sewn (25.1%) techniques were significantly higher compared with intrathoracic side-to-side linear (15.6%), end-to-side purse-string (13.9%), and cervical side-to-side linear-stapled esophagogastrostomies (11.8%) (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis confirmed anastomotic technique as independent predictor of leakage after ttMIE. Conclusion: Results of this analysis present the current status of the technical evolution of ttMIE with anastomotic leakage as predominant surgical complication. However, technique-related morbidity requires cautious interpretation considering the long learning curve of this complex surgical procedure.

Some controversy surrounds the postoperative feeding regimen utilized in patients who undergo esophagectomy. Variation in practices during the perioperative period exists including the type of nutrition started, the delivery route, and its timing. Adequate nutrition is essential for this patient population as these patients often present with weight loss and have altered eating patterns after surgery, which can affect their ability to regain or maintain weight. Methods of feeding after an esophagectomy include total parenteral nutrition, nasoduodenal/nasojejunal tube feeding, jejunostomy tube feeding, and oral feeding. Recent evidence suggests that early oral feeding is associated with shorter LOS, faster return of bowel function, and improved quality of life. Enhanced recovery pathways after surgery pathways after esophagectomy with a component of early oral feeding also seem to be safe, feasible, and cost-effective, albeit with limited data. However, data on anastomotic leaks is mixed, and some studies suggest that the incidence of leaks may be higher with early oral feeding. This risk of anastomotic leak with early feeding may be heavily modulated by surgical approach. No definitive data is currently available to definitively answer this question, and further studies should look at how these early feeding regimens vary by surgical technique. This review aims to discuss the existing literature on the optimal route and timing of feeding after esophagectomy.

This paper presents the first experimental study of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) active vibration suppression by pole placement using the receptance method. The research is based on a purpose-built modular flexible wing equipped with leading- and trailing-edge control surfaces and two displacement sensors for measuring its position. The MIMO controller has the advantage of being designed entirely on frequency response functions, which are measured between the control surface position (control inputs) and the structural displacements (outputs), and include the actuator dynamics. There is no requirement to evaluate or to know the structural M, C, and K matrices or the aerodynamic loads; and the formulation eliminates the need for a state observer. The controller is first implemented numerically and then experimentally on the aeroelastic system. Both frequencies and damping are assigned (together or independently) for the first two vibration modes. The research includes a procedure for assessing the control effort required and demonstrates an effective means of increasing the flutter margin while the effort is minimized.

Paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) is burdened by high recurrence rates that frequently lead to redo PEHR. Revisional surgery, because of higher complexity, higher risk of injury, and the intrinsic risk of recurrence, has increased likelihood of higher complication rates and decreased quality of life (QOL) postoperatively. We aimed to compare perioperative outcomes and QOL after revisional and primary PEHR. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent PEHR for a recurrent hernia between January 2011 and July 2016 was completed. These were matched with a contemporary cohort of patients who underwent primary PEHR by age, gender, and BMI. Perioperative measures were compared. The patients were invited to complete the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index (GIQLI) to assess response to surgical intervention. There were 24 patients (group 1) who underwent revisional PEHR, and they were matched to 48 patients (group 2) who had a primary hernia repair. Thirteen patients in group 1 responded to the survey (54%), whereas 21 patients’ responses were received from group 2 (44%). Conversion rates, LOS, and mean Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index scores were significantly different between the two groups. Reoperative procedures for paraesophageal and hiatal hernias are burdened by higher conversion rates and length of stay, with similar overall complication rates. Patients who are undergoing repair of a recurrent hernia should be preoperatively counseled, and should have realistic expectations of their GI QOL after surgery.

Survival for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer remains dismal. Non-response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) portends worse survival. We hypothesized that patients undergoing up-front esophagectomy may have better survival than those who do not respond to nCRT. We identified all patients undergoing esophagectomy with a pathologic stage of II or greater at our institution between 1994 and 2015 and separated them into two groups: those who received nCRT and those undergoing up-front esophagectomy. The neoadjuvant group was further separated into patients downstaged to pathologic stage 0 or I (responders) and patients with either the same or higher pathologic stage after nCRT, or with pathologic stage II disease or greater (non-responders). Overall survival was compared between groups using Kaplan–Meier statistics. Covariate-adjusted Cox modeling was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for mortality associated with non-response. Overall, 287 patients met inclusion criteria. Fifty-nine percent of the responders had pathologic complete response (pCR). The majority of non-responders and primary esophagectomy patients had stage II or III disease (94%). Median survival was 58.3 months in responders, 23.9 months in non-responders, and 29.1 months in primary esophagectomy patients (p

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is an extremely common condition with several medical and surgical treatment options. A multidisciplinary expert panel was convened to develop evidence-based recommendations to support clinicians, patients, and others in decisions regarding the treatment of GERD with an emphasis on evaluating different surgical techniques.Literature reviews were conducted for 4 key questions regarding the surgical treatment of GERD in both adults and children: surgical vs. medical treatment, robotic vs. laparoscopic fundoplication, partial vs. complete fundoplication, and division vs. preservation of short gastric vessels in adults or maximal versus minimal dissection in pediatric patients. Evidence-based recommendations were formulated using the GRADE methodology by subject experts. Recommendations for future research were also proposed.The panel provided seven recommendations for adults and children with GERD. All recommendations were conditional due to very low, low, or moderate certainty of evidence. The panel conditionally recommended surgical treatment over medical management for adults with chronic or chronic refractory GERD. There was insufficient evidence for the panel to make a recommendation regarding surgical versus medical treatment in children. The panel suggested that once the decision to pursue surgical therapy is made, adults and children with GERD may be treated with either a robotic or a laparoscopic approach, and either partial or complete fundoplication based on surgeon-patient shared decision-making and patient values. In adults, the panel suggested either division or non-division of the short gastric vessels is appropriate, and that children should undergo minimal dissection during fundoplication.These recommendations should provide guidance with regard to surgical decision-making in the treatment of GERD and highlight the importance of shared decision-making and patient values to optimize patient outcomes. Pursuing the identified research needs may improve future versions of guidelines for the treatment of GERD.

Item does not contain fulltext BACKGROUND: Esophagectomy is a technically challenging procedure, associated with significant morbidity. The introduction of minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has reduced postoperative morbidity. OBJECTIVE: Although the short-term effect on complications is increasingly being recognized, the impact on long-term survival remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between postoperative complications following MIE and long-term survival. METHODS: Data were collected from the EsoBenchmark Collaborative composed by 13 high-volume, expert centers routinely performing MIE. Patients operated between June 1, 2011 and May 31, 2016 were included. Complications were graded using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification. To correct for short-term effects of postoperative complications on mortality, patients who died within 90 days postoperative were excluded. Primary endpoint was 5-year overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 915 patients were included with a mean follow-up time of 30.8 months (standard deviation 17.9). Complications occurred in 542 patients (59.2%) of which 50.2% had a CD grade ≥III complication [ie, (re)intervention, organ dysfunction, or death]. The incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) was 135 of 915 patients (14.8%) of which 84 patients were classified as a CD grade ≥III. Multivariable analysis showed a significantly deteriorated long-term survival in all patients with AL [hazard ratio (HR) 1.68, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.24]. This inverse relation was most distinct when AL was scored as a CD grade ≥III (HR 1.83, 95% CI 1.30-2.58). For all other complications, no significant association with long-term survival was found. CONCLUSION: The occurrence and severity of AL, but not overall complications, after MIE negatively affect long-term survival of esophageal cancer patients.

Esophagectomy practices have evolved over time in response to new technologies and refinements in technique. Using the National Safety and Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database, we aimed to describe trends for esophagectomy in terms of approach, surgeon specialty, and associated outcomes.Adult patients undergoing esophagectomy were identified within the 2007-2017 NSQIP database. The proportion of cases performed using different approaches was trended over time. Outcomes were compared with chi-squared and t-tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with outcomes and provide risk-adjusted measures.A total of 10,383 esophagectomies were included; 6347 (61.1%) were performed for cancer. The proportion of esophagectomies performed via the Ivor Lewis approach (ILE) increased between 2007 (37.0%) and 2017 (62.4%). Simultaneously, transhiatal esophagectomies (THEs) decreased from 41.1% to 21.5% (P 0.001). THE was more frequently performed in patients with higher baseline probability of mortality (2.3% versus 2.0%, P 0.001) and morbidity (32.2% versus. 28.7%, P 0.001). The percentage performed with cardiothoracic surgeons increased from 0.8% in 2007 to 50.3% in 2017 (P 0.001). The risk-adjusted complication rate was 45% for THE, 40% for ILE, and 50% for McKeown (MCK) esophagectomy (P 0.001). The risk-adjusted rate of surgical site infection was 17.3% for THE, 13.1% for ILE, and 19% for MCK (P = 0.001). Within risk-adjusted analysis, surgical approach was not associated with complications.ILE has emerged as the predominant approach for esophagectomy nationwide among NSQIP-participating institutions and may be associated with lower complication rates than THE. The use of MCK esophagectomy has remained stable but is associated with increased complications.