Racial Disparities in Pediatric Access to Kidney Transplantation: Does Socioeconomic Status Play a Role?

Racial disparities persist in access to renal transplantation in the United States, but the degree to which patient and neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) impacts racial disparities in deceased donor renal transplantation access has not been examined in the pediatric and adolescent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) population. We examined the interplay of race and SES in a population-based cohort of all incident pediatric ESRD patients <21 years from the United States Renal Data System from 2000 to 2008, followed through September 2009. Of 8452 patients included, 30.8% were black, 27.6% white-Hispanic, 44.3% female and 28.0% lived in poor neighborhoods. A total of 63.4% of the study population was placed on the waiting list and 32.5% received a deceased donor transplant. Racial disparities persisted in transplant even after adjustment for SES, where minorities were less likely to receive a transplant compared to whites, and this disparity was more pronounced among patients 18-20 years. Disparities in access to the waiting list were mitigated in Hispanic patients with private health insurance. Our study suggests that racial disparities in transplant access worsen as pediatric patients transition into young adulthood, and that SES does not explain all of the racial differences in access to kidney transplantation.     

Racial disparities in perioperative outcomes after bariatric surgery

BackgroundNonHispanic black patients bear a disproportionate burden of the obesity epidemic and its related medical co-morbidities. While bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for morbid obesity, black patients access bariatric surgery at lower rates than nonHispanic white patients.ObjectivesTo examine racial differences before bariatric surgery and in short-term perioperative outcomes and complications, and the extent to which race is independently associated with perioperative morbidity and mortality.SettingMetabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program national database.MethodsData were extracted from the 2015 Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program Participant Use File. Multivariate analysis was used to identify differences in mortality, length of stay, readmission, and reintervention by race in patients undergoing laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG).ResultsA total of 108,198 patients were included in the analysis. There were significant differences in perioperative disease burden. Black patients had a higher body mass index at the time they underwent surgery (laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: 48.0 versus 45.7 kg/m²; SG: 46.8 versus 44.9 kg/m²; P < .001). Black patients had significantly longer length of stay and higher rates of readmission in both the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and SG groups. In the SG group, black patients had significantly higher 30-day mortality (.2% versus .1%, odds ratio = 3.613, 95% confidence interval 1.990–6.558, P < .001) and higher rates of reoperation or reintervention.ConclusionsWe found significant racial disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes, including higher mortality in black patients undergoing SG. The specific causes of these disparities remain unclear and must be the subject of future research.     

Socioeconomic disparities in eligibility and access to bariatric surgery: a national population-based analysis

BackgroundTo analyze the socioeconomics of the morbidly obese patient population and the impact on access to bariatric surgery using 2 nationally representative databases. Bariatric surgery is a life-changing and potentially life-saving intervention for morbid obesity. Access to bariatric surgical care among eligible patients might be adversely affected by a variety of socioeconomic factors.MethodsThe national bariatric eligible population was identified from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and compared with the adult noneligible population. The eligible cohort was then compared with patients who had undergone bariatric surgery in the 2006 Nationwide Inpatient Sample, and key socioeconomic disparities were identified and analyzed.ResultsA total of 22,151,116 people were identified as eligible for bariatric surgery using the National Institutes of Health criteria. Compared with the noneligible group, the bariatric eligible group had significantly lower family incomes, lower education levels, less access to healthcare, and a greater proportion of nonwhite race (all P <.001). Bariatric eligibility was associated with significant adverse economic and health-related markers, including days of work lost (5 versus 8 days, P <.001). More than one third (35%) of bariatric eligible patients were either uninsured or underinsured, and 15% had incomes less than the poverty level. A total of 87,749 in-patient bariatric surgical procedures were performed in 2006. Most were performed in white patients (75%) with greater median incomes (80%) and private insurance (82%). Significant disparities associated with a decreased likelihood of undergoing bariatric surgery were noted by race, income, insurance type, and gender.ConclusionSocioeconomic factors play a major role in determining who does and does not undergo bariatric surgery, despite medical eligibility. Significant disparities according to race, income, education level, and insurance type continue to exist and should prompt focused public health efforts aimed at equalizing and expanding access.     

Predictors of patient selection in bariatric surgery

OBJECTIVE: To identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of patient selection in bariatric surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Population-based studies suggest that bariatric surgery patients are disproportionately privately insured, middle-aged white women. It is uncertain whether such disparities are due to surgeon decisions to operate, differences among morbidly obese individuals in access to surgery, or patients' personal preferences regarding surgical treatment. METHODS: We conducted a national survey of 1343 U.S. bariatric surgeons. The questionnaire contained clinical vignettes generated using a balanced fractional factorial design. For each of 3 hypothetical patients unique in age, race, gender, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, social support, functional status, and insurance, respondents were asked if they would operate. Logistic regression was used to determine the odds of selection for each characteristic while controlling for the other 7 characteristics. Subset analyses were also performed using combinations of BMI and comorbidities. RESULTS: A total of 62.5% of eligible surgeons responded (n = 820). Patient race did not influence surgeon decisions to operate. Hypothetical patient age, BMI, and social support were most influential. In the subgroup of patients who did not meet current NIH BMI and comorbidity criteria for bariatric surgery, male sex (odds ratio [OR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.14-0.76) was associated with decreased odds of selection. Overall, younger age (OR, 0.09; 95% CI, 0.07-0.11), older age (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.56-0.90), limited functional status (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.52-0.82), poor social support (OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.30-0.47), self-pay (OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.91), and public insurance (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.43-0.67) were associated with decreased odds of selection. BMI and comorbidity criteria influenced the magnitude of these effects. CONCLUSIONS: Patient race did not play a role in surgeon decisions to operate. Further research should examine the roles of unequal access to bariatric surgery and differing socio-cultural perceptions of morbid obesity on racial disparities. The influence of patient age, gender, insurance status, social support, and functional status on decisions to operate was mitigated by BMI and comorbidities. Policy-makers currently debating BMI and comorbidity criteria for bariatric surgery should also consider guidelines pertaining to these sociodemographic issues that influence patient selection in bariatric surgery.     

Racial Disparities in Mortality in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery in the USA

Background

Non-Hispanic blacks bear a disproportionate burden of the growing obesity epidemic. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for morbid obesity. We sought to assess for racial disparities in short-term outcomes following bariatric surgery.

Methods

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample between 1999 and 2007. In-hospital mortality and length of stay were compared between different racial groups undergoing bariatric surgery after stratification by gender, and multivariate analysis was conducted to adjust for demographic, surgery year, and clinical and hospital characteristics.

Results

There were 115,507 bariatric surgeries. Overall mortality rate was 2.5 deaths per 1,000 and was higher among non-Hispanic blacks compared to non-Hispanic whites (3.7 vs. 2.3 per 1,000; P?=?0.007). Racial mortality disparities were most pronounced among males and at hospitals with lowest surgical volumes. In multivariate analysis, predictors of mortality were non-Hispanic black race (odds ratio [OR], 1.73; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.22–2.45), increasing age, increasing Charlson index (OR, 1.26; 95 % CI, 1.16–1.37), Medicare (OR, 2.13; 95 % CI, 1.57–2.91), and Medicaid (OR, 3.35; 95 % CI, 2.29–4.91) insurance. Incremental calendar year had reduced odds of mortality (OR, 0.80; 95 % CI, 0.76–0.83). Above national median neighborhood income (OR, 0.59; 95 % CI, 0.42–0.83) was protective in males, while teaching hospital status conveyed greater mortality (OR, 2.12; 95 % CI, 1.40–3.22).

Conclusions

Non-Hispanic blacks undergoing bariatric surgery demonstrate higher in-hospital mortality than their racial counterparts. It is unclear if this disparity is due to susceptibility to obesity-related mortality or suboptimal delivery of healthcare in the perioperative setting.     

Racial,ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in diagnosis,treatment, and survival of patients with breast cancer

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to determine the influence of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status (SES) on breast cancer outcomes.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of Non-Hispanic Black (NHB), Non-Hispanic White (NHW), and Hispanic patients with non-metastatic breast cancer in the SEER cancer registry between 2007 and 2016.ResultsA total of 382,975 patients were identified. On multivariate analysis, NHB (OR 1.18, 95%CI: 1.15–1.20) and Hispanic (OR 1.20, 95%CI: 1.17–1.22) patients were more likely to present with higher stage disease than NHW patients. There was an increased likelihood of not undergoing breast-reconstruction for NHB (OR 1.07, 95%CI: 1.03–1.11) and Hispanic patients (OR 1.60, 95%CI 1.54–1.66). NHB patients had increased hazard for all-cause mortality (HR: 1.13, 95%CI 1.10–1.16). All-cause mortality increased across SES categories (lower SES: HR 1.33, 95%CI 1.30–1.37, middle SES: HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.17–1.23).ConclusionsThis population-based analysis confirms worse disease presentation, access to surgical therapy, and survival across racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic factors. These disparities were compounded across worsening SES and insurance coverage.     

Racial disparities in bariatric surgery postoperative weight loss and co-morbidity resolution: a systematic review

While bariatric surgery is an accepted treatment for morbid obesity, the impact of race on surgical outcomes remains unclear. This systematic review aims to compare differences in weight loss and co-morbidity outcomes among various races after bariatric surgery. PubMed, Medline, and SCOPUS databases were queried to identify publications that included more than 1 racial group and reported weight loss outcomes after bariatric surgery. A total of 52 studies were included. Non-Hispanic black (NHB) patients comprised between 5.5% and 69.7% and Hispanic patients comprised between 4.7% and 65.3% of the studies’ populations. Definitions of weight loss success differed widely across studies, with percent excess weight loss being the most commonly reported outcome, followed by percent total weight loss and change in body mass index (BMI). Statistical analyses also varied, with most studies adjusting for age, sex, preoperative weight, or BMI. Some studies also adjusted for preoperative co-morbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia, or socioeconomic status, including income, education, and neighborhood poverty. The majority of studies found less favorable weight loss in NHB compared to Hispanic and non-Hispanic white (NHW), patients while generally no difference was found between Hispanic and NHW patients. The trend also indicates no association between race and resolution of obesity-related co-morbidities. Racial minorities lose less weight than NHW patients after bariatric surgery, although the factors associated with this discrepancy are unclear. The heterogeneity in reporting weight loss success and statistical analyses amongst the literature makes an estimation of effect size difficult. Generally, racial disparity was not seen when examining co-morbidity resolution after surgery. More prospective, robust, long-term studies are needed to understand the impacts of race on bariatric surgery outcomes and ensure successful outcomes for all patients, regardless of race.     

Sociodemographic trends in bariatric surgery utilization in the USA

Although bariatric surgery has become more accessible in recent years, it is unclear whether populations disproportionately affected by obesity are utilizing this treatment. A cross-sectional analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample was performed. The sociodemographic characteristics (race, sex, age, insurance, median income), co-morbidities, and weight loss surgery type were analyzed. Bariatric surgeries increased six-fold from 17,678 in 1998 to 112,882 in 2004 (p < 0.001). Thereafter, bariatric surgeries declined to 93,733 in 2007 (p = 0.24). The proportion of individuals of Other race undergoing bariatric surgery significantly increased, while the proportion of Whites significantly decreased over time. The proportion of individuals in the lowest income quartile (< $25,000) increased, while those in the highest income percentile (> $25,000) increased, while those in the highest income percentile (> 45,000) decreased. From 1998 to 2007, the sociodemographic characteristics of the bariatric surgery population have changed, although those that are disproportionately affected by morbid obesity continue to be underrepresented.     

The role of race and poverty on steps to kidney transplantation in the southeastern United States

Racial disparities in access to renal transplantation exist, but the effects of race and socioeconomic status (SES) on early steps of renal transplantation have not been well explored. Adult patients referred for renal transplant evaluation at a single transplant center in the Southeastern United States from 2005 to 2007, followed through May 2010, were examined. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from patient's medical records and then linked with United States Renal Data System and American Community Survey Census data. Cox models examined the effect of race on referral, evaluation, waitlisting and organ receipt. Of 2291 patients, 64.9% were black, the mean age was 49.4 years and 33.6% lived in poor neighborhoods. Racial disparities were observed in access to referral, transplant evaluation, waitlisting and organ receipt. SES explained almost one-third of the lower rate of transplant among black versus white patients, but even after adjustment for demographic, clinical and SES factors, blacks had a 59% lower rate of transplant than whites (hazard ratio = 0.41; 95% confidence interval: 0.28-0.58). Results suggest that improving access to healthcare may reduce some, but not all, of the racial disparities in access to kidney transplantation.     

Socioeconomic Factors Impact Colon Cancer Outcomes in Diverse Patient Populations

Purpose  

Cancer disparities among racial and ethnic groups are major public health concerns. Our objective was to examine the impact of socioeconomic status (SES) on survival of colon cancer patients within major racial and ethnic groups.     

Sociodemographic Differences and Time Trends of Bariatric Surgery in Sweden 1990–2010

Background

The aim of the present study was to examine demographic and socioeconomic differences and time trends of bariatric surgery in Sweden during 1990–2010.

Methods

An open cohort of all individuals aged 20–64 years was followed between 1990 and 2010. Socioeconomic differences were examined during two periods: 1990–2005 and 2006–2010 using cumulative rates in a closed cohort. Hazard ratios (HRs) of bariatric surgery were calculated in these two periods using Cox regression models.

Results

A majority of the 22,198 individuals that underwent bariatric surgery were women (76.3 %). Women were more likely to undergo surgery in younger ages (30–39 years), while men were more likely to undergo surgery around 10 years later (40–49 years). The number of surgeries increased substantially during the second period. During the whole period, the dominating surgical method was gastric bypass contributing to 69.4 % of the procedures. HRs for bariatric surgery were highest for individuals with intermediate educational level and intermediate-low income in both periods. For married/cohabiting and/or employed individuals, the HRs were highest during the first period whereas an opposite pattern was seen in the second period.

Conclusions

Individuals in the lowest socioeconomic groups undergo bariatric surgery less often than those with intermediate income and educational level, although previous research has shown that those with low socioeconomic status have the highest rates of morbid obesity. The failure to identify eligible individuals for surgery may result in negative effects on those individuals with the largest need for weight loss.     

BMD in Population‐Based Adult Women Is Associated With Socioeconomic Status

With few exceptions, an inverse relationship exists between social disadvantage and disease. However, there are conflicting data for the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and BMD. The aim of this study was to assess the association between SES and lifestyle exposures in relation to BMD. In a cross‐sectional study conducted using 1494 randomly selected population‐based adult women, we assessed the association between SES and lifestyle exposures in relation to BMD. BMD was measured at multiple anatomical sites by DXA. SES was determined by cross‐referencing residential addresses with Australian Bureau of Statistics 1996 census data for the study region and categorized in quintiles. Lifestyle variables were collected by self‐report. Regression models used to assess the relationship between SES and BMD were adjusted for age, height, weight, dietary calcium, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, hormone therapy, and calcium/vitamin D supplements. Unadjusted BMD differed across SES quintiles (p < 0.05). At each skeletal site and SES index, a consistent peak in adjusted BMD was observed in the mid‐quintiles. Differences in adjusted BMD were observed between SES quintiles 1 and 4 (3–7%) and between quintiles 5 and 4 (2–7%). At the spine, the maximum difference was observed (7.5%). In a subset of women, serum 25(OH)D explained a proportion of the association between SES and BMD (difference remained up to 4.2%). Observed differences in BMD across SES quintiles, consistent across both SES indices, suggest that low BMD may be evident for both the most disadvantaged and most advantaged.     

Socioeconomic Status and Ethnicity of Deceased Donor Kidney Recipients Compared to Their Donors

Public perception and misperceptions of socioeconomic disparities affect the willingness to donate organs. To improve our understanding of the flow of deceased donor kidneys, we analyzed socioeconomic status (SES) and racial/ethnic gradients between donors and recipients. In a retrospective cohort study, traditional demographic and socioeconomic factors, as well as an SES index, were compared in 56,697 deceased kidney donor and recipient pairs transplanted between 2007 and 2012. Kidneys were more likely to be transplanted in recipients of the same racial/ethnic group as the donor (p < 0.001). Kidneys tended to go to recipients of lower SES index (50.5% of the time, p < 0.001), a relationship that remained after adjusting for other available markers of donor organ quality and SES (p < 0.001). Deceased donor kidneys do not appear to be transplanted from donors of lower SES to recipients of higher SES; this information may be useful in counseling potential donors and their families regarding the distribution of their organ gifts.     

Unequal rates of postoperative complications in relatively healthy bariatric surgical patients of white and black race

BackgroundRacial disparities in postsurgical complications are often presumed to be due to a higher preoperative co-morbidity burden among patients of black race, although being relatively healthy is not a prerequisite for a complication-free postoperative course.ObjectivesTo examine the association of race with short-term postbariatric surgery complications in seemingly healthy patients.SettingsMetabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program database (2015–2018).MethodsWe studied a relatively healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 or 2), propensity score–matched cohort of adult non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white bariatric surgery patients. We compared the risk-adjusted incidences of postoperative complications, serious adverse events, and measures of postoperative resource utilization across racial groups.ResultsWe identified 44,090 matched pairs of relatively healthy black and white bariatric surgery patients. Patients of black race were 72% more likely than those of white race to develop 1 or more postoperative complications (.7% versus .4%, respectively; odds ratio [OR], 1.72; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.32–2.24; P < .01). Measures of postbariatric resource utilization were significantly higher in patients of black race than those of white race, including unplanned reoperations (1.3% versus 1.0%, respectively; OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.07–1.52; P = .01), unplanned readmissions (4.5% versus 3.0%, respectively; OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.38–1.69; P < .01), unplanned interventions (1.6% versus 1.2%, respectively; OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.16–1.60; P < .01), and extended hospital lengths of stay (51.2% versus 42.7%, respectively; OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.36–1.46; P < .01).ConclusionEven among relatively healthy patients, race appears to be an important determinant of postbariatric surgery complications and resource utilization. Research and interventions aimed at narrowing the racial disparities in bariatric surgery outcomes may need to broaden the focus beyond the racial variation in the preoperative co-morbidity burden.     

Racial and Neighborhood-Level Disparities in COVID-19 Incidence among Patients on Hemodialysis in New York City

BackgroundThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disproportionately affected socially disadvantaged populations. Whether disparities in COVID-19 incidence related to race/ethnicity and socioeconomic factors exist in the hemodialysis population is unknown.MethodsOur study involved patients receiving in-center hemodialysis in New York City. We used a validated index of neighborhood social vulnerability, the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI), which comprises 15 census tract–level indicators organized into four themes: socioeconomic status, household composition and disability, minority status and language, and housing type and transportation. We examined the association of race/ethnicity and the SVI with symptomatic COVID-19 between March 1, 2020 and August 3, 2020. COVID-19 cases were ascertained using PCR testing. We performed multivariable logistic regression to adjust for demographics, individual-level social factors, dialysis-related medical history, and dialysis facility factors.ResultsOf the 1378 patients on hemodialysis in the study, 247 (17.9%) developed symptomatic COVID-19. In adjusted analyses, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic patients had significantly increased odds of COVID-19 compared with non-Hispanic White patients. Census tract–level overall SVI, modeled continuously or in quintiles, was not associated with COVID-19 in unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Among non-Hispanic White patients, the socioeconomic status SVI theme, the minority status and language SVI theme, and housing crowding were significantly associated with COVID-19 in unadjusted analyses.ConclusionsAmong patients on hemodialysis in New York City, there were substantial racial/ethnic disparities in COVID-19 incidence not explained by neighborhood-level social vulnerability. Neighborhood-level socioeconomic status, minority status and language, and housing crowding were positively associated with acquiring COVID-19 among non-Hispanic Whites. Our findings suggest that socially vulnerable patients on dialysis face disparate COVID-19–related exposures, requiring targeted risk-mitigation strategies.     

Race/ethnicity, poverty status, and renal transplant outcomes

BACKGROUND: There are known racial disparities in renal graft survival. Data are lacking comparing associations of race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status with graft failure and functional status after transplantation. Our goal was to test if African-American and Hispanic race/ethnicity and poverty are associated with worse outcomes following renal transplantation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study using a nationwide registry (United Network for Organ Sharing). We studied 4,471 adults who received renal transplants in 1990. Outcomes were graft failure and functional status over 10 years. RESULTS: Cumulative incidence of graft failure was higher among African-Americans and Hispanics than whites (77% vs. 64% vs. 60 %; P<0.001) and among transplant recipients living in the poorest areas (70% vs. 58% in the richest; P<0.001). African-American and Hispanic race/ethnicity were independently predictive of graft failure (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.6-1.9; RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.6, respectively) in multivariate analyses but poverty status was not (RR 1.0, 95% CI 0.9-1.1). Days with impaired functional status were higher for African-Americans compared to whites (RR 1.6, 95% CI 1.3-1.9) but not independent of poverty. Poverty was independently associated with impaired functional status (RR 1.3, 95% CI 1.0-1.6). CONCLUSIONS: African-Americans and Hispanics had higher rates of graft failure compared to whites after adjustment for poverty and other covariates whereas poverty, but not race/ethnicity, was related to functional status following renal transplantation. National datasets should include individual-level measures of socioeconomic status in order to improve evaluation of social and environmental causes of disparities in renal transplant outcomes.     

Prostate cancer screening between low-income African-American and Caucasian men

OBJECTIVE: African-Americans (AA) are more likely than Caucasians (CA) to be diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer, perhaps due to delayed detection. We investigated racial differences in prostate cancer screening according to age and socioeconomic and demographic indices in a large and predominantly low-income population. METHODS: In-person interviews were conducted with 12,552 men, 84% AA, recruited during 2002 through 2004 from 25 community health centers in the southern United States. Prostate specific antigen test (PSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) histories, and socioeconomic and demographic indices (i.e., education, household income, health insurance, and marital status) were determined. Odds ratios (OR) from logistic regression summarized the screening and race association as a function of age, while controlling for socioeconomic status (SES). RESULTS: Racial differences in screening prevalence varied with age. Of men older than 65 years, CA were significantly more likely to report a PSA test (OR = 1.4) or DRE (OR = 1.5) within the past 12 months. However, these disparities were reduced with control for SES (PSA: OR =1.2; DRE: OR = 1.3, P > 0.05). In contrast, at ages younger than 65, CA were equally or less likely to have received a recent PSA test or DRE, particularly at ages 45-49 years (PSA: OR = 0.7; DRE: OR = 0.9), with little change after SES adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Consistent with several screening recommendations, younger AA men, especially those younger than age 50, are more likely than CA to have had a recent PSA test or DRE, independent of SES. Of men older than age 65, less frequent use of screening among AA than CA seems partly attributable to SES and factors other than race.     

Utility of Divided Omentum for Preventing Complications Associated with Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass

Background Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass has emerged as a standard surgical treatment for morbid obesity. However, prevention of postoperative complications associated with bariatric surgery is an important consideration. Methods To reduce postoperative complications and achieve adequate body weight loss, we introduce a simple procedure using a divided omentum during laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The actual aim of this procedure is to prevent leakage from the gastric pouch or anastomosis and the gastro-gastric fistula because of reentry of the alimentary tract. Between February 2002 and April 2007, we performed laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity in 94 patients. In the most recent 83 cases, our simple procedure using a divided omentum was employed. Results These patients comprised 20 males and 63 females, with a mean age of 38 years, and a mean body mass index of 44.1 kg/m². At surgery, the omentum is routinely divided using laparoscopic coagulating shears before performing gastrojejunostomy to reduce the tension on the anastomosis caused by the route of reconstruction. After performing hand-sewn gastrojejunostomy, the left side of the divided omentum is moved cranially and interposed between the gastric pouch and the excluded stomach. The omentum is then sutured from the posterior aspect of the gastric pouch to the anterior side of the anastomosis. Conclusion Our procedure using a divided omentum during bariatric surgery is feasible and safe for obtaining better outcomes without artificial materials. Although the long-term outcome of this technique is still unclear, we believe that it will contribute to decreasing the particular complications related to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for morbid obesity.     

Disparate use of minimally invasive surgery in benign surgical conditions

Background  Disparities in outcome across race and ethnicity have been consistently described for medical and surgical care. Given that surgery is a rapidly evolving field, we hypothesized that racial disparities exist in access to minimally invasive surgery (MIS), which importantly influences outcome. Methods  Cohort analysis of all patients who underwent appendectomy, gastric fundoplication, and gastric bypass in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a 20% stratified random sample of US hospital discharge abstracts. To determine the effect of race on the use of MIS techniques and morbidity and mortality, we controlled for patient characteristics, comorbidity, and hospital characteristics including surgical volume and MIS conversion to open surgery. Results  Blacks were consistently less likely to be treated with MIS despite adjustment for socioeconomic status, comorbidity, and treatment setting. In addition, in-hospital mortality and complications such as pneumonia, heart disease, infections, and surgical misadventures were higher in black than white patients. These outcomes differences remained despite adjustment for hospital volume, the use of MIS, and MIS conversion to open surgery. Conclusions  We demonstrate evidence of racial disparities in the use of MIS for benign surgical conditions and worse outcomes for patients of black race. Although, the racial differences in outcome were attenuated with adjustment for MIS, further studies are needed to help resolve remaining differences in outcomes across race. Presented at the 2008 SAGES Annual Meeting.     

Investigating racial disparities in bariatric surgery referrals

BackgroundPrior studies investigating racial, socioeconomic, and/or insurance disparities with regard to access to care and outcomes in bariatric surgery have been performed with varying results.ObjectivesOur aim was to determine if racial or ethnic disparities exist in referral patterns for bariatric surgery at a single center.MethodsAn institutional, retrospective chart review from January 2012 through June 2017 was performed for patients meeting referral criteria to bariatric surgery. Data collection was limited to patients referred to the bariatric surgery clinic from on-site primary care clinics.ResultsIn total, 4736 patients were eligible for bariatric surgery during the study period. Patients were 63.8% female (n = 3022), and 36.2% male (n = 1714); 53.9% white (n = 2553), 37.8% black (n = 1790), and 8.3% Hispanic (n = 393). Female patients were more likely to be referred than male patients (5.5% versus 4.1%, χ² 4.59, P = .032). On univariate comparison, Hispanic patients were less likely to be referred compared with black or white patients (2.0% versus 5.3% and 5.2%, χ² 7.88, P = .019).ConclusionHispanic patients were less likely to be referred at our institution for bariatric surgery compared with white or black patients. A barrier to referral may be explained by the disproportionate number of Hispanic patients that were designated as “self-pay” rather than private insurance or Medicaid/Medicare coverage that is required for bariatric surgery referral. This finding underscores the need for further research surrounding barriers to access to care for Hispanic patients.