Journal of the American College of Surgeons
-
The aim of this study is to investigate patient-centered quality of life (QOL) outcomes in patients undergoing laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair. ⋯ Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair results in significantly improved QOL as measured by the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey at both short- and long-term intervals. Additionally, Reflux Symptom Index and GERD Health Related Quality of Life scores improved at all postoperative time points.
-
Management of stage IV melanoma patients remains a challenge. In spite of promising new therapies, many patients develop resistance and progression. The aim of this pilot study was to determine if circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are associated with shortened (180-day) progression-free survival (PFS) after a baseline CTC assessment in stage IV melanoma patients. ⋯ One or more CTCs at baseline were associated with progression within 180 days in stage IV melanoma patients. This information warrants further study of CTCs as a means of identifying patients at high-risk for disease progression.
-
Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) is a novel method of controlling subdiaphragmatic hemorrhage while improving hemodynamic stability. This procedure achieves many of the goals of resuscitative thoracotomy (RT), but is less invasive. Here, we present the initial experience with REBOA at a level 1 academic trauma center. ⋯ Resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta is an effective method of improving hemodynamic status in patients with sub-diaphragmatic hemorrhage. Extensive training is not required to implement a REBOA program, and REBOA is a useful technique for trauma surgeons.
-
Positive margins have been reported in 20% to 40% of patients undergoing a partial mastectomy, often resulting in re-excision. How often the re-excision yields additional cancer and whether there are predictors of residual disease remain unknown. ⋯ Positive margins are associated with further disease in more than one-third of patients and, aside from young age, there are no predictors of this. These findings support continued re-excision of positive margins, particularly in patients younger than 60 years of age.
-
It is increasingly important for faculty to teach deliberately and provide timely, detailed, and formative feedback on surgical trainee performance. We initiated a multicenter study to improve resident evaluative processes and enhance teaching and learning behaviors while engaging residents in their education. ⋯ By adopting recognized educational models with repeated Plan, Do, Check, Act cycles, we increased the quality of preoperative learning objectives, showed more frequent, detailed, and timely assessments of resident performance, and demonstrated more effective self-reflection by residents. We monitored trends, identified opportunities for improvement and successfully sustained those improvements over time, applying a team-based approach.