Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Major abdominal operations often requires postoperative opioid analgesia. However, there is growing recognition of the potential for abuse. We previously reported a significant reduction in opioid consumption after implementation of an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery protocol after ventral hernia repair focusing on opioid reduction. Epidural use was routine for postoperative pain control in this protocol. Recently, we have transitioned to transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block instead of epidural analgesia. We hypothesize that this modification reduces length of stay and lowers opioid use in ventral hernia repair. ⋯ Use of TAP block significantly reduces length of stay and decreases opioid dose requirements in the early postoperative period compared with epidural analgesia.
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The new kidney allocation systems (KAS) instituted December 2014 permitted A2 to B deceased donor kidney transplantation (DDKTx) to improve access and reduce disparities in wait time for minorities. A recent United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) analysis, however, indicated only 4.5% of B candidates were registered for A2 kidneys. Cited barriers to A2 to B DDKTx include titer thresholds, patient eligibility, and increased costs. There are little published data on post-transplantation anti-A titers or outcomes of A2 to B DDKTx since this allocation change. ⋯ Initial experience under KAS shows comparable outcomes for A2 to B vs B to B DDKTx. Anti-A titers increased significantly post-transplantation, but did not adversely affect outcomes. Hospital costs were significantly higher with A2 to B DDKTx. Transplant programs, regulators, and payors will need to weigh improved access for minorities with increased costs.
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Comparative Study
Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: Endovascular Repair is Now the Standard.
Incidence and treatment of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) has evolved, likely from improved imaging and emergence of endovascular techniques; however, multicenter data demonstrating this are lacking. We examined trends in incidence, management, and outcomes in BTAI. ⋯ The diagnosis of BTAI has increased, likely due to more sensitive imaging. Nearly 70% of patients get nonoperative care. Treatment with TEVAR improves outcomes relative to OAR. Part of the proportional increase in TEVAR use may represent overtreatment of lower grade BTAI amenable to medical management, and warrants further investigation.
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With the increased use of molecular testing of thyroid fine-needle biopsies, the frequency and extent of thyroid resection for thyroid nodules has changed. Although the role of frozen-section analysis of the thyroid has been reduced markedly in recent years, many surgeons still routinely use it intraoperatively. We sought to determine the utility of frozen section during thyroidectomy in the era of molecular testing. ⋯ Thyroid frozen-section analysis adds cost and time to thyroid operations without notable benefit. In our cohort, only 2.1% of frozen sections accurately changed intraoperative management. We recommend against its routine use.
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The Share 35 policy for liver allocation prioritizes patients with Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores ≥ 35 for regional sharing of liver allografts. To better assess donor-recipient interactions and inform expectations, this study identified factors affecting graft survival independent of MELD score and derived a risk index for transplantation in the MELD ≥ 35 population. ⋯ The LTSI-35 identifies risk factors for graft loss in a high-MELD population which, when combined, may portend worse outcomes. The LTSI-35 may be used to influence donor selection, organ allocation, and to inform expectations for allograft survival.