Impact of service delivery factors on patient outcomes in emergency general surgery

BackgroundEmergency general surgery (EGS) is a high-risk process and is associated with poor outcomes and high mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the service delivery factors in a tertiary referral centre which may influence patient outcomes in emergency general surgery.MethodsData on consecutive patients undergoing emergency laparotomy in a tertiary referral centre were prospectively collected from July 2017–July 2018. An extensive review of patient charts and IT systems was performed to extract demographic, clinical and care pathway data. Transfers for surgery from within the institution or within the centralised hospital network were recorded.ResultsThe unadjusted 30-day mortality rate in 163 patients undergoing emergency laparotomy was 13%. On multivariate analysis, 30-day mortality was significantly associated with p-POSSUM predicted mortality (p = 0.003), p-POSSUM predicted morbidity (p = 0.01), SORT mortality (p = 0.004), ICU admission (p = 0.02), ASA grade (p < 0.001) and transfer from non-surgical services (p < 0.001). 19.2% of patients were transferred from a referring hospital for emergency laparotomy. There was no association between inter-hospital transfer and 30-day mortality while increased mortality was observed in patients admitted to non-surgical services who required laparotomy (p < 0.001).ConclusionInter-hospital transfer for emergency laparotomy was not associated with increased mortality. Increased mortality was observed in patients admitted to non-surgical services who subsequently required emergency laparotomy. Configuration of emergency general surgery services must accommodate safe and effective transfer of patients, both between and within hospitals.     

Emergency surgery comparison of right versus left acute colonic diverticulitis: A 10-year outcome analysis

IntroductionThe difference in outcome between right (RCD) and left colonic diverticulitis (LCD) is not well established. The aim of this study was to analyse the presentation and surgical outcome of RCD versus left-sided disease following emergency surgery.MethodWe conducted a retrospective review of patients presenting with acute diverticulitis over a 10-year period from 2004 to 2014 to a tertiary unit. Patient demographics, Hinchey classification, need for emergency surgery, perioperative outcome and recurrence were evaluated.ResultsIn total 360 patients presented with acute diverticulitis, 218 (61%) were right-sided and 142 (39%) were left-sided. The mean age (57 yrs vs 68 yrs) and median length of stay (4 days vs 5 days) were significantly less in RCD (p < 0.001). The need for emergency surgery was similar between RCD and LCD (30.7% vs 23.2%, p = 0.12). Sixty-seven (31%) patients with RCD required emergency surgery, 42 (62.7%) of these were based on a presumptive diagnosis of appendicitis and underwent laparoscopic appendicectomy only. Operative morbidity (10.4% vs 51.5%, p < 0.001) and mortality were significantly higher in LCD (1.5% v 15.2%, p = 0.007). Subgroup analysis of non-appendicectomy, RCD patients, showed LCD were more likely to require surgery (11.5% vs 23.2%, p = 0.003). There was no difference in recurrence (p = 0.6).ConclusionRight colonic diverticulitis patients are younger and disease course is more benign compared to LCD. Presentation can be confused with appendicitis without proper imaging. In the rare cases where emergency surgery is required, RCD is associated with a lower operative morbidity and mortality compared to left-sided disease.     

Clinical impact of adjuvant radiation therapy delay after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast cancer

Backgroundand Purpose: Post-operative radiation therapy (PORT) is usually indicated for patients with breast cancer (BC) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and surgery. However, the optimal timing to initiation of PORT is currently unknown.Material and methodsWe retrospectively evaluated data from patients with BC who received PORT after NAC and surgery at our institution from 2008 to 2014. Patients were categorized into three groups according to the time between surgery and PORT: <8 weeks, 8–16 weeks and >16 weeks.ResultsA total of 581 patients were included; 74% had clinical stage III. Forty-three patients started PORT within 8 weeks, 354 between 8 and 16 weeks and 184 beyond 16 weeks from surgery. With a median follow-up of 32 months, initiation of PORT up to 8 weeks after surgery was associated with better disease-free survival (DFS) (<8 weeks versus 8–16 weeks: HR 0.33; 95% CI 0.13–0.81; p = 0.02; <8 weeks versus >16 weeks: HR 0.38; 95% CI 0.15–0.96; p = 0.04) and better overall survival (OS) (<8 weeks versus 8–16 weeks: HR 0.22; 95% CI 0.05–0.90; p = 0.036; <8 weeks versus >16 weeks: HR 0.28; 95% CI 0.07–1.15; p = 0.08).ConclusionPORT started up to 8 weeks after surgery was associated with better DFS and OS in locally-advanced BC patients submitted to NAC. Our findings suggest that early initiation of PORT is critically important for these patients. However, the low numbers of patients and events in this study prevent us from drawing firm conclusions.     

Effect of a health literacy training program for surgical oncologists and specialized nurses on disparities in referral to breast cancer genetic testing

BackgroundThere is an underuse of genetic testing in breast cancer patients with a lower level of education, limited health literacy or a migrant background. We aimed to study the effect of a health literacy training program for surgical oncologists and specialized nurses on disparities in referral to genetic testing.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter study in a quasi-experimental pre-post (intervention) design. The intervention consisted of an online module and a group training for surgical oncologists and specialized nurses in three regions in the Netherlands. Six months pre- and 12 months post intervention, clinical geneticists completed a checklist with socio-demographic characteristics including the level of health literacy of each referred patient. We conducted univariate and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the effect of the training program on disparities in referral to genetic testing.ResultsIn total, 3179 checklists were completed, of which 1695 were from hospital referrals. No significant differences were found in educational level, level of health literacy and migrant background of patients referred for genetic testing by healthcare professionals working in trained hospitals before (n = 795) and after (n = 409) the intervention. The mean age of patients referred by healthcare professionals from trained hospitals was significantly lower after the intervention (52.0 vs. 49.8, P = 0.003).ConclusionThe results of our study suggest that the health literacy training program did not decrease disparities in referral to genetic testing. Future research in a more controlled design is needed to better understand how socio-demographic factors influence referral to breast cancer genetic testing and what other factors might contribute.     

Reduction mammaplasty in patients with history of breast cancer: The incidence of occult cancer and high-risk lesions

IntroductionContralateral reduction mammaplasty is regularly included in the treatment of breast cancer patients. We analyzed the incidence of occult breast cancer and high-risk lesions in reduction mammaplasty specimens of women with previous breast cancer. We also analyzed if timing of reduction mammaplasty in relation to oncological treatment influenced the incidence of abnormal findings, and compared if patients with abnormal contralateral histopathology differed from the study population in terms of demographics.Materials and methodsThe study consisted of 329 breast cancer patients, who underwent symmetrizing reduction mammaplasty between 1/2007 and 12/2011. The data was retrospectively analyzed for demographics, operative and histopathology reports, oncological treatment, and postoperative follow-up.ResultsReduction mammaplasty specimens revealed abnormal findings in 68 (21.5%) patients. High-risk lesions (ADH, ALH, and LCIS) were revealed in 37 (11.7%), and cancer in six (1.9%) patients. Abnormal histopathology correlated with higher age (p = 0.0053), heavier specimen (p = 0.0491), and with no previous breast surgery (p < 0.001). Abnormal histopathological findings were more frequent in patients with reduction mammaplasty performed prior to oncological treatment (p < 0.001), and in patients with immediate reconstruction (p = 0.0064).ConclusionThe incidences of malignant and high-risk lesions are doubled compared to patients without prior breast cancer. Patients with abnormal histopathology cannot be preoperatively identified based on demographics. If reduction mammaplasty is performed before oncological treatment, the incidence of abnormal findings is higher. In the light of our results, contralateral reduction mammaplasty with histopathological evaluation in breast cancer patients offers a sophisticated tool to catch those patients whose contralateral breast needs increased attention.     

The impact on clinical outcomes of post-operative radiation therapy delay after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with breast cancer: A multicentric international study

IntroductionRadiation therapy (RT) is frequently used for post-operative treatment in breast cancer (BC) patients who received preoperative systemic therapy (PST) and surgery. Nevertheless, the optimal timing to start RT is unclear.Material and methodsData from BC patients who underwent chemotherapy as PST, breast surgery and RT at 3 Institutions in Brazil and Canada from 2008 to 2014 were evaluated. Patients were classified into three groups regarding to the time to initiation of RT after surgery: <8 weeks, 8–16 weeks and >16 weeks.ResultsA total of 1029 women were included, most of them (59.1%; N = 608) had clinical stage III. One hundred and forty-one patients initiated RT within 8 weeks, 663 between 8 and 16 weeks and 225 beyond 16 weeks from surgery. With a median follow-up of 32 months, no differences in disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival and locoregional recurrence-free survival (LRRFS) were observed of time to indicated RT (<8 weeks versus 8–16 weeks versus >16 weeks). However, in luminal subtype patients (46.5%; N = 478), initiation of RT up to 8 weeks after surgery was associated with better LRRFS (<8 weeks versus >16 weeks: HR 0.22; 95%CI 0.05–0.86; p = 0.03), with a tendency to a better DFS (<8 weeks versus >16 weeks: HR 0.50; 95%CI 0.25–1.00).ConclusionRT initiated up to 8 weeks after surgery was related to better LRRFS in luminal BC patients who underwent PST. Our results suggest that early start of RT is important for these patients.     

“Your child needs surgery”: A survey-based evaluation of simulated expert consent conversations by key stakeholders

BackgroundConsent conversations in pediatric surgery are essential components of pre-operative care which, when inadequate, can lead to significant adverse consequences for the child, parents, surgeon, and others in the healthcare system. The aim of this study is to explore expert consenting practice from the key stakeholders' perspective.MethodsFour senior attending pediatric surgeons obtained consent from a standardized mother of a child requiring surgery in two scenarios: a low-risk elective surgery (inguinal hernia repair – Video 1), and a high-risk emergency surgery (intestinal atresia – Video 2). All sessions were recorded. Families of children who had undergone minor or major surgery, families without medical or surgical background, and healthcare professionals were invited to view and evaluate the videos using a semi-structured questionnaire.ResultsOut of 251 distributed surveys, 56 complete responses were received. Thirty two participants (57.1%) evaluated video 1 and 24 (42.9%) evaluated. Overall, 22 (69%) respondents to video 1 and 20 (84%) respondents to video 2 were “very satisfied” with the recorded consent conversation. Qualitative responses shared common themes of valuing surgeon empathy, good surgeon communication, patient engagement, and adequate time and information. Suggestions for improvement included additional resources and visual aids, improved patient engagement, and discussion of post-operative expectations.ConclusionOur data identifies strengths and gaps in the current consent process from the perspective of patient families and providers. Identified areas for improvement in the informed consent process based on multi-stakeholder input will guide the planned development of a consenting educational video resource.Level of EvidenceIV.     

A prospective cohort study of the safety of breast cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic in the West of Scotland

IntroductionIn order to minimise the risk of breast cancer patients for COVID-19 infection related morbidity and mortality prioritisation of care has utmost importance since the onset of the pandemic. However, COVID-19 related risk in patients undergoing breast cancer surgery has not been studied yet. We evaluated the safety of breast cancer surgery during COVID-19 pandemic in the West of Scotland region.MethodsA prospective cohort study of patients having breast cancer surgery was carried out in a geographical region during the first eight weeks of the hospital lockdown and outcomes were compared to the regional cancer registry data of pre-COVID-19 patients of the same units (n = 1415).Results188 operations were carried out in 179 patients. Tumour size was significantly larger in patients undergoing surgery during hospital lockdown than before (cT3-4: 16.8% vs. 7.4%; p < 0.001; pT2 – pT4: 45.5% vs. 35.6%; p = 0.002). ER negative and HER-2 positive rate was significantly higher during lockdown (ER negative: 41.3% vs. 17%, p < 0.001; HER-2 positive: 23.4% vs. 14.8%; p = 0.004). While breast conservation rate was lower during lockdown (58.6% vs. 65%; p < 0.001), level II oncoplastic conservation was significantly higher in order to reduce mastectomy rate (22.8% vs. 5.6%; p < 0.001). No immediate reconstruction was offered during lockdown. 51.2% had co-morbidity, and 7.8% developed postoperative complications in lockdown. There was no peri-operative COVID-19 infection related morbidity or mortality.Conclusionbreast cancer can be safely provided during COVID-19 pandemic in selected patients.     

Risk factors for clostridium difficile infection in general surgery patients

BackgroundClostridium Difficile Infection (CDI) is a significant cause of mortality. This study aims to identify predictors of CDI in general surgery patients.MethodsPatients who underwent general surgery operations in the 2019 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database were identified with demographic, intervention, and outcome data abstracted. Patients with CDI and no CDI were compared by univariate analysis. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) was performed to determine independent predictors of CDI.ResultsOf 436,831 surgical patients, 1,840 patients were diagnosed with CDI (0.4%). Patients with CDI have a higher mortality (2.1% vs 0.76%,p < 0.0001), longer length of stay (7 days vs 1 day, p < 0.0001), and are less likely to undergo a laparoscopic procedure (29.9% vs 37.5%, p < 0.0001). MLR identified older age, emergent operation, increased time to operation, surgical site infection, deep organ space infection, steroid use, metastatic cancer, smoking, and decreased body mass index (BMI) as independent predictors of CDI.ConclusionsCDI is rare following general surgery. Infections, delay to operation, and emergency operations are associated with CDI.     

Defining the treatment strategy for uncomplicated appendicitis based on patient satisfaction feedback: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundTwo surgical strategies are available for appendicitis: emergency laparoscopic appendectomy and interval laparoscopic appendectomy. However, timing of surgical intervention remains debatable. This study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of emergency laparoscopic appendectomy and interval laparoscopic appendectomy and conduct a questionnaire survey to investigate the use of emergency laparoscopic appendectomy and patient satisfaction with regard to treatment.MethodsWe included 162 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy at our hospital. Outcomes were assessed by operation time, blood loss, postoperative fasting time, length of hospital stay, and complication rate. Patient satisfaction was measured by questionnaire addressing degree of satisfaction, presurgery anxiety, and length of hospital stay.ResultsOf 162 patients, 74 (46%) and 88 (54%) received emergency and interval laparoscopic appendectomy, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the operation time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, or complication rate. Among 66 patients who responded to the questionnaire (28 emergency, 38 interval), a significant difference was observed only in the degree of satisfaction regarding the timing of the surgical intervention (p = 0.04).ConclusionSurgical outcomes of emergency and interval appendectomy were equivalent; however, patient satisfaction favored emergency appendectomy, suggesting it is a preferable approach for the treatment of uncomplicated appendicitis.     

Influence of race and sociodemographic factors on declining resection for gastric cancer: A national study

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to determine whether racial or other demographic characteristics were associated with declining surgery for early stage gastric cancer.MethodsPatients with clinical stage I-II gastric adenocarcinoma were identified from the NCDB. Multivariable logistic models identified predictors for declining resection. Patients were stratified based on propensity scores, which were modeled on the probability of declining. Overall survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsOf 11,326 patients, 3.68% (n = 417) declined resection. Patients were more likely to refuse if they were black (p < 0.001), had Medicaid or no insurance (p < 0.001), had shorter travel distance to the hospital (p < 0.001) or were treated at a non-academic center (p = 0.001). After stratification, patients who declined surgery had worse overall survival (all strata, p < 0.001).ConclusionsRacial and sociodemographic disparities exist in the treatment of potentially curable gastric cancer, with patients who decline recommended surgery suffering worse overall survival.     

Burns surgery handover study: Trainees’ assessment of current practice in the British Isles

IntroductionEffective handover of clinical information between working shifts is essential for patient safety. The aim of this study was to identify current practice and trainees’ assessment of handover in the burns units of the British Isles.MethodsA telephone questionnaire was conducted to trainee burns surgeons (at junior and senior grades) currently working at all 30 burns surgery units in the British Isles. Information regarding timing, location, duration, participation and quality of handover was collated anonymously. Trainees commented on satisfaction with current practice and its perceived safety.ResultsA 100% response from all 30 units was obtained. 23/30 units (76.7%) had junior to junior trainee handovers. 17/30 (56.7%) had senior to senior trainee handovers. 19/30 units (63.3%) reported that handover took place with more than one grade of doctor present (range 1–4 grades). 3/30 (10%) reported that handover was bleep-free. 3/30 (10%) had received formal training on good burns handover. 5/30 (16.7%) were working in a unit that operated a “burns surgeon of the week” pattern of emergency cover. Mean satisfaction level was 3.8 out of 5. Those working in “surgeon of the week” teams had significantly higher scores, 4.4 versus 3.68 (p = 0.037). Other healthcare professionals were present at only 4/30 (13.3%) handovers. Overall 26/30 (86.7%) of trainees judged their current handover practice “safe” (100% in “surgeon of week” group and 84% in the remaining group, p = 0.289).ConclusionsEffective handover remains a keystone in safe and effective communication between doctors. The study highlights areas for improvement in handover practice, including greater involvement of an integrated multidisciplinary team. Those working under the “surgeon of the week” pattern are more satisfied.     

Standardizing nightly huddles with surgical residents and nurses to improve interdisciplinary communication and teamwork

BackgroundClear and effective communication supports interdisciplinary teamwork and prevents adverse patient events. At our academic teaching hospital, poor communication between surgical residents and nurses was identified as a recurring problem, particularly on the inpatient general surgery night float rotation.MethodsA standardized nightly huddle with surgical residents and nurses was developed and implemented as a resident-led quality improvement initiative on two acute care units. The huddle was evaluated with pre/post surveys of nurses and residents, as well as analysis of paging volume and rapid response events.ResultsNightly huddles significantly improved nurses’ perception of interdisciplinary teamwork and communication (p < 0.00005). With nightly huddles, significantly more nurses were able to identify and name the on-duty night float resident at the end of a 4-week rotation (p < 0.00005). Nurses perceived a positive impact on patient care and work environment. There were no changes in the number of nighttime pages or rapid responses.ConclusionWith night float rotations becoming a standard part of residency training, standardized huddles can enhance nighttime collaboration between residents and nurses.     

Awareness and attitude of doctors and nurses at a teaching hospital to skin donation and banking

IntroductionThis study sought to determine the awareness and attitude of doctors and nurses in a teaching hospital to skin donation and banking, and to identify needs for personnel educational programmes.MethodsA cross sectional survey on doctors and nurses was carried out using a 44-item questionnaire that included a Likert scale on attitudes. Predictors of favourable attitudes were determined.ResultsEighty (49.7%) doctors and 81 (50.3%) nurses participated in the study. Many participants, 126 (78.3%), knew that skin could be donated, but only 96 (59.6%) participants were aware of skin banking. The main source of information was during professional training (17.4%). Only 41 (25.5%) participants were willing to donate skin after death. Body disfigurement was the major reason (20.5%) against skin donation. Participants who were doctors, were aware of skin banking, and who were previous blood donors had higher attitudes scores (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.007 respectively). Being a doctor and having heard of skin banking were predictors of favourable attitudes to skin donation and banking.ConclusionKnowledge transfer during health professional training on the usefulness of banked skin in patients with major burns may lead to improved attitude of health professionals and acceptance of this modality of burn management.     

Trends in surgery and survival for T1-T2 male breast cancer: A study from the National Cancer Database

BackgroundDespite evidence that early-stage male breast cancer (MBC) can be treated the same as in females, we hypothesized that men undergo more extensive surgery.MethodsPatients with clinical T1-2 breast cancer were identified in the National Cancer Database 2004–2016. Trends in surgery type and overall survival were compared between sexes.ResultsOf 9,782 males and 1,078,105 females, most were cN0 with AJCC stage I/II disease. Unilateral mastectomy was most common in men (67.1% vs. 24.1%, p < 0.001) and partial mastectomy in women (64.7% vs. 26.4%, p < 0.001), with no significant change over time. Over 1/3 of men received ALND in 2016. While overall survival was superior in females (HR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73–0.94, p = 0.003), partial mastectomy was associated with a 42% reduction in mortality risk for males (HR 0.58, 95% CI 0.4–0.8, p = 0.003).ConclusionsDe-escalation of surgery could be considered for MBC to improve survival and align with current standards of care.     

Black clouds in surgery: A study of surgical resident workload and burnout

BackgroundThe concept of a ‘black cloud’ is a common unfounded perception in the healthcare workforce that attributes a heavier workload to specific individuals or teams. Prior studies in non-surgical disciplines have demonstrated that ‘black cloud’ perceptions are not associated with workload, albeit such perceptions may influence behavior. The influence of ‘black cloud’ perceptions on surgical resident workload and burnout remains to be investigated. This study assesses the associations between ‘black cloud’ self-perception with actual workload and burnout among surgical residents in different specialties.MethodsA cross-sectional survey study of postgraduate year (PGY) 2 and 3 residents enrolled in different surgical residencies at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai was conducted between September–November 2021.ResultsThe survey response rate was 62.1% (41/66). 46.3% of respondents were female. The majority of subjects were single (61%) and PGY2 trainees (56.1%). In a multivariate regression analysis demographic factors and workload variables, such as the number of pages responded, notes, and amount of sleep, were not significant predictors of a ‘black cloud’-self-perception. A significantly lower Burnout Index Score (BIS) was observed among females (p< .001). A significantly higher BIS was observed among residents who are single (p = .003), training in general surgery (p = .02), and orthopedic surgery (p = .03). There was no significant association between ‘black cloud’ self-perception and BIS.DiscussionThe findings demonstrate that a ‘black cloud’ self-perception is not associated with a high workload and burnout among surgical residents. Gender, marriage/domestic partnership, and certain surgical specialties influenced burnout among the study cohort.     

Risk factors and effect of postoperative delirium on adverse surgical outcomes in older adults after elective abdominal cancer surgery in Taiwan

BackgroundPostoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication in older adults, with unknown epidemiology and effects on surgical outcomes in Asian geriatric cancer patients. This study evaluated incidence, risk factors, and association between adverse surgical outcomes and POD after intra-abdominal cancer surgery in Taiwan.MethodsOverall, 345 patients aged ≥65 years who underwent elective abdominal cancer surgery at a medical center in Taiwan were prospectively enrolled. Delirium was assessed daily using the Confusion Assessment Method. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses investigated risk factors for POD occurrence and estimated the association with adverse surgical outcomes.ResultsPOD occurred in 19 (5.5%) of the 345 patients. Age ≥73 years, Charlson comorbidity index ≥3, and operative time >428 min were independent predictors for POD occurrence. Patients presenting with one, two, and three risk factors had 4.1-fold (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4–35.8, p = 0.20), 17.4-fold (95% CI, 2.2–138, p = 0.007), and 30.8-fold likelihood (95% CI, 2.9–321, p = 0.004) for POD occurrence, respectively. Patients with POD had a higher probability of prolonged hospital stay (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.8; 95% CI, 1.0–8.1; p = 0.037), intensive care stay (adjusted OR: 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5–10.5; p = 0.008), 30-day readmission (adjusted OR 3.1; 95% CI, 1.1–9.7; p = 0.039), and 90-day postoperative death (adjusted OR: 4.2; 95% CI, 1.0–17.7; p = 0.041).ConclusionPOD occurrence was significantly associated with adverse surgical outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing elective abdominal cancer surgery, highlighting the importance of early POD identification in geriatric patients to improve postoperative care quality.     

Does receipt of preference sensitive care impact patient reported outcomes following breast cancer surgery?

BackgroundPatients with early breast cancer have multiple surgical options, with their choice being based on personal values, and ultimately being preference sensitive. Most patients will choose breast conserving surgery (BCS) as their preferred management, with some ultimately requiring mastectomy. These patients may have lower satisfaction with this approach than others choosing mastectomy as their preferred option.MethodsThe BREAST-Q patient reported outcomes (PRO) measurement tool was retrospectively administered to patients undergoing mastectomy.ResultsPatients choosing an index mastectomy had higher satisfaction with breasts score than those originally having BCS (58.0 vs 44.0; p = 0.012). Quality of life domains were also higher in those originally choosing a mastectomy, including: psychosocial (72.5 vs 63.0; p = 0.019), sexual (48.0 vs 36.0; p = 0.042), and physical well being of the chest domains (80.0 vs 72.0; p = 0.031).ConclusionPatients undergoing mastectomy after initial breast conserving surgery report lower PRO’s than those initially choosing mastectomy. This suggests that patient preferences need to be considered when interpreting PRO’s following breast cancer surgery.     

Learning curve could affect oncologic outcome of minimally invasive radical hysterectomy for cervical cancer

Background/ObjectiveRecent prospective studies have shown poorer oncologic outcomes following minimally invasive surgery, which has led many surgeons to deeply inspect their practices. We reviewed our experience and evaluated the results of radical hysterectomy in patients with early stage cervical cancer.MethodsThis retrospective study included patients with early stage cervical cancer (Ia1 - IIa1) who were treated with radical hysterectomy from May 2006 to Dec 2016. Patients were divided into three groups according to the surgical approach: radical abdominal hysterectomy (RAH), laparoscopic radical hysterectomy (LRH), and robot-assisted radical hysterectomy (RRH).ResultsLearning curves of each type of surgery were obtained using the cumulative sum method. Survival rates were compared using Kaplan–Meier curves. To analyze the learning curve of a single surgeon, 89 patients were selected from the whole population. Learning curves of each group showed two distinct phases. The minimum number of cases required to achieve surgical improvement were 16 in RAH, 13 in LRH, and 21 in RRH. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival did not vary between RAH and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) (p = .828 and p = .757, respectively). However, when stratified by the phases of the learning curves, patients included in the early phase of MIS showed a poorer PFS (p = .014).ConclusionsSurgical proficiency could significantly affect the oncologic outcome in MIS. A prospective study regarding sufficient surgical competence is necessary for elaborate analysis of the feasibility of minimally invasive radical hysterectomy.     

Clinical behavior and outcome of papillary T1 thyroid cancers: South Korea vs. Turkey vs. Colombia in a cohort study analyzing oncological outcomes

Background/PurposeThere has not been an international multicentric study to examine the relationship between thyroid cancer clinical outcomes and geographic location for South Korea, Colombia, and Turkey, whereas thyroid cancer is amongst the highest three cancer types seen in South Korea and Turkey. The aim of the study was to assess regional differences of T1 papillary thyroid cancer outcomes in Korea, Turkey and Colombia.MethodsThis is an observational non-randomized study. A total of 2720 patients who have been operated for T1 papillary thyroid cancer between 2011 and 2014 and are on routine follow-up have been recruited. The mean follow-up was 46.4 ± 10.7 months. Data were collected in a commonly used database and analyses were conducted.ResultsPatients participated in South Korea (88.2%), Turkey (9.1%) and Colombia (2.6%). Eighty percent were female. Female dominance tended to be higher in Colombia (p = 0.01). Mean age at diagnosis was 45.2 years. There was no mortality. Recurrence tended to be higher in Colombia (p < 0.001). Moreover, statistical analysis revealed differences among patients regarding symptoms (p < 0.001), family history (p < 0.001), euthyroidism (p < 0.001), anti-Tg and/or anti-TPO positivity (p < 0.001), FNAB results (p < 0.001), type of resection (p < 0.001), prophylactic central node dissection (p < 0.001), tumor size (p < 0.001), multifocality (p < 0.001), bilaterality (p < 0.001), tumor subtype (p < 0.001) and radioactive iodine treatment (p < 0.01).ConclusionThyroid cancer is becoming more commonly diagnosed worldwide. This international multicentric study has identified differences in disease presentation, treatment approaches and outcome, which need to be investigated, especially by increasing the number of participating countries. Future comparisons will facilitate developments in treatment for the benefit of patient outcomes.