Journal of the American College of Surgeons
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Stroke requires timely intervention, with carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) increasingly used in select acute carotid-related stroke patients. We aimed to build a model to predict neurologic functional independence (modified Rankin scale, mRS ≤ 2) in this high-risk group. ⋯ We present a novel model using four clinical factors-stroke severity, time to intervention, thrombolysis use, and frailty risk-to predict functional neurologic independence with 93% accuracy in patients undergoing urgent carotid interventions for acute stroke. This high predictive capability can enhance clinical decision-making and improve patient outcomes by identifying those most likely to benefit from timely carotid revascularization.
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Patients with large pannus and ventral hernias may benefit from undergoing panniculectomy performed concurrently with open ventral hernia repair (VHR-PAN). However, there has been concerns related to increase surgical site occurrences when adding a panniculectomy. This study aims to evaluate outcomes of open VHR with and without panniculectomy using a large hernia specific database. ⋯ This study demonstrated that VHR with concurrent panniculectomy is not significantly associated with an increased risk of complications. Concurrent panniculectomy can be considered for selected patients needing VHR.
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The concomitant hiatal hernia repair with endoscopic fundoplication (c-TIF) is a novel anti-reflux procedure that addresses the hiatus and the gastro-esophageal flap valve for surgical candidates with GERD. We aim to compare the outcomes of a hiatal hernia repair with endoscopic fundoplication (TIF) vs surgical partial fundoplication (anterior and posterior) with regards to quality-of-life scores at 12 months after surgery. ⋯ There are no differences in outcomes between the c-TIF and a surgical partial fundoplication. QoL scores significantly decrease with all partial fundoplications and there are no differences in dysphagia or bloating between the three types of fundoplication. Long term data is necessary to see if either technique provides superior control of symptoms while minimizing dysphagia and bloating.
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Motion-tracking has been shown to correlate with expert and novice performance but has not been used for skill development. For skill development, performance goals must be defined. We hypothesize that using wearable sensor technology, motion tracking outcomes can be identified in those deemed practice-ready and used as benchmarks for precision learning. ⋯ Wearable sensor technology can identify differences between surgeons rated practice-ready and not practice-ready. More importantly, motion metric results can be used to develop benchmarks for training endpoints. This will allow for development of an individualized report card and training protocol focused on areas in need of improvement instead of the current model of generalized training. Implementing such focused training may expedite competency and mastery of surgical skills.
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In 2012, TQIP guidelines for massive transfusion protocols (MTP) recommended delivery of blood product coolers within 15 minutes. Subsequent work found that every minute delay in cooler arrival was associated with a 5% increased risk of mortality. We sought to assess the impact and sustainability of quality improvement (QI) interventions on time to MTP cooler delivery and their association with trauma patient survival. ⋯ With increased MTP activations, delivery of the first cooler was faster and mortality improved. Keeping cooler times under 8 minutes was associated with increased survival. The measurement and monitoring of "Door-to-cooler" time should be considered as a metric to assess performance and delivery of institutional MTP.