Diabetes remission and glycemic response to pre-bariatric surgery diet

Background

Before bariatric surgery, some patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) experience improvement in blood glucose control and reduced insulin requirements while on a preoperative low-calorie diet (LCD). We hypothesized that patients who exhibit a significant glycemic response to this diet are more likely to experience remission of their diabetes in the postoperative period.

Materials and methods

Insulin-dependent T2DM patients undergoing bariatric surgery between August 2006 and February 2011 were eligible for inclusion. Insulin requirements at day 0 and 10 of the LCD were compared. Patients with a ≥50% reduction in total insulin dosage to maintain appropriate blood glucose control were considered rapid responders to the preoperative LCD. All others were non–rapid responders. We analyzed T2DM remission rates up to 1 y postoperatively.

Results

A total of 51 patients met inclusion criteria and 29 were categorized as rapid responders (57%). The remaining 22 were considered non–rapid responders (43%). The two groups did not differ demographically. Rapid responders had greater T2DM remission rates at 6 (44% versus 13.6%; P = 0.02) and 12 mo (72.7% versus 5.9%; P < 0.01). In patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass, rapid responders showed greater excess weight loss at 3 mo (40.1% versus 28.2%; P < 0.01), 6 mo (55.2% versus 40.2%; P < 0.01), and 12 mo (67.7% versus 47.3%; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Insulin-dependent T2DM bariatric surgery patients who display a rapid glycemic response to the preoperative LCD are more likely to experience early remission of T2DM postoperatively and greater weight loss.     

Long-term outcomes of extracorporeal shockwave therapy for chronic foot ulcers

Background

Recent studies showed that extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is effective in the treatment of chronic foot ulcers in short term. However, the long-term effects of ESWT in chronic foot ulcers are unknown. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcomes of ESWT in chronic foot ulcers with 5-y follow-up.

Methods

The study cohort consisted of 67 patients with 72 ulcers including 38 patients with 40 ulcers in the diabetes mellitus (DM) group and 29 patients with 32 ulcers in the non–diabetes mellitus (non-DM) group. Each patient received ESWT to the affected foot twice per week for 3 wk for a total of six treatments. The evaluations included clinical assessment for the ulcer status, local blood flow perfusion, and analysis of mortality and morbidity.

Results

The results showed completely healed ulcers in 55.6% and 57.4% of total series, 48% and 43% of DM group, and 66% and 71% of non-DM group at 1 and 5 y (P = 0.022 and P = 0.027), respectively. The mortality rate was 15% in total series, 24% in DM group, and 3% in non-DM group (P = 0.035). The rate of amputation was 11% in total series, 17% in DM group, and 3.6% in non-DM group (P = 0.194). The blood flow perfusion rate significantly increased after ESWT for up to 1 yr but decreased from 1–5 y in both groups. However, the non-DM group showed significantly better blood flow perfusion than the DM group at 5 y (P = 0.04).

Conclusions

ESWT appears effective in chronic diabetic and nondiabetic foot ulcers. However, the effects decreased from 1–5 y after treatment.     

Metformin and Prostate Cancer: Reduced Development of Castration-resistant Disease and Prostate Cancer Mortality

Background

In vitro data and early clinical results suggest that metformin has desirable antineoplastic effects and has a theoretical benefit on castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Objective

To determine whether the use of metformin would be associated with improved clinical outcomes and a reduction in the development of CRPC.

Design, setting, and participants

Data from 2901 consecutive patients (157 metformin, 162 diabetic non-metformin, and 2582 nondiabetic) with localized prostate cancer treated with external-beam radiation therapy from 1992 to 2008 were collected from a single institution in the United States.

Intervention

Use of metformin in localized prostate cancer.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Univariate and multivariate regression models utilizing k-sample, Fine and Gray, Cox regression, log-rank, and Kaplan-Meier methods to assess prostate-specific antigen-recurrence-free survival (PSA-RFS), distant metastases-free survival (DMFS), prostate cancer–specific mortality (PCSM), overall survival (OS), and development of CRPC.

Results and limitations

With a median follow-up of 8.7 yr, the 10-yr actuarial rates for metformin, diabetic non-metformin, and nondiabetic patients for PCSM were 2.7%, 21.9%, and 8.2% (log-rank p ≤ 0.001), respectively. Metformin use independently predicted (correcting for PSA, T stage, Gleason score, age, diabetic status, and androgen-deprivation therapy use) improvement in all outcomes compared with the diabetic non-metformin group; PSA-RFS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.99 [1.24–3.18]; p = 0.004), DMFS (adjusted HR: 3.68 [1.78–7.62]; p < 0.001), and PCSM (HR: 5.15 [1.53–17.35]; p = 0.008). Metformin use was also independently associated with a decrease in the development of CRPC in patients experiencing biochemical failure compared with diabetic non-metformin patients (odds ratio: 14.81 [1.83–119.89]; p = 0.01). The retrospective study design was the primary limitation of the study.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, our results are the first clinical data to indicate that metformin use may improve PSA-RFS, DMFS, PCSM, OS, and reduce the development of CRPC in prostate cancer patients. Further validation of metformin's potential benefits is warranted.     

Effect of systemic carnitine therapy on serum fibronectin level in diabetic rats

Background

l-carnitine has been shown to enhance wound healing. There has, however, not been sufficient research on the effect carnitine has on diabetic wound healing. We investigated the relationship between the viability of full thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) and fibronectin (FN) serum levels in diabetic rats that were administered carnitine.

Materials and methods

A total of 40 rats were divided into four groups of 10 rats each and operated on. The FTSG model was 10 × 3 cm, with the dorsal flap extending from the tip of the scapula to the hip joint. After surgery, group 1 (nondiabetic control, n = 10) and group 2 (diabetic control, n = 10) were given a sterile saline solution at 0.9% with a dose of 100 mg/kg/d intraperitoneally for 7 d after the surgery. Group 3 (diabetic sham, n = 10) contained diabetic rats and did not receive any agent after the surgery. The diabetic rats in group 4 (carnitine study diabetic, n = 10) were given carnitine with a dose of 100 mg/kg/d intraperitoneally for 7 d after the surgery.

Results

The percentages of viable areas in groups 1–4 were 70.38 ± 6.10%, 62.66 ± 1.55%, 62.59 ± 2.94%, and 73.48 ± 4.43%, respectively. The mean levels of FN, measured in milligram per deciliter, in groups–4 were 23.57 ± 3.27 mg/dL, 21.58 ± 2.35 mg/dL, 22.04 ± 2.71 mg/dL, and 27.11 ± 2.79 mg/dL, respectively. Furthermore, we found that there was a strong positive correlation (R = 0.509; P = 0.001) between FN and the viability of the FTSG.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that administering carnitine leads to an increase in diabetic wound healing. Further increasing the levels of the FN serum might have a role in this process.     

Perioperative outcomes after totally robotic gastric bypass: a prospective nonrandomized controlled study

Background

Perioperative short-term outcomes could be improved after totally robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (TR-RYGBP) compared with conventional laparoscopic gastric bypass.

Methods

This is a nonrandomized controlled prospective study (N = 200) to evaluate perioperative short-term outcomes. The primary endpoint was to investigate risk factors for 30-day surgical complications.

Results

Mean total operative time was shorter in patients who underwent TR-RYGBP (130 vs 147 minutes; P < .0001). However, postoperative surgical complications rate (13% vs 1%; P = .001), and mean overall hospital stay (9.3 vs 6.7 days; P < .0001) were higher after TR-RYGBP. By multivariate analysis, robotic surgery (hazard ratio [HR] = 15.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8 to 280; P = .01), and conversion to laparotomy (HR = 18.8; 95% CI, 1.7 to 250.8; P = .014) were independent risk factors for 30-day surgical complications.

Conclusions

Although robotic gastric bypass reduces mean operative time, TR-RYGBP is associated with an increased postoperative surgical complications rate and longer hospitalization.     

Predictors of appendiceal perforation in an equal access system

Background

Discrepancies in socioeconomic factors have been associated with higher rates of perforated appendicitis. As an equal-access health care system theoretically removes these barriers, we aimed to determine if remaining differences in demographics, education, and pay result in disparate outcomes in the rate of perforated appendicitis.

Materials and methods

All patients undergoing appendectomy for acute appendicitis (November 2004–October 2009) at a tertiary care equal access institution were categorized by demographics and perioperative data. Rank of the sponsor was used as a surrogate for economic status. A multivariate logistic regression model was performed to determine patient and clinical characteristics associated with perforated appendicitis.

Results

A total of 680 patients (mean age 30 ± 16 y; 37% female) were included. The majority were Caucasian (56.4% [n = 384]; African Americans 5.6% [n = 38]; Asians 1.9% [n = 13]; and other 48.9% [n = 245]) and enlisted (87.2%). Overall, 6.4% presented with perforation, with rates of 6.6%, 5.8%, and 6.7% (P = 0.96) for officers, enlisted soldiers, and contractors, respectively. There was no difference in perforation when stratified by junior or senior status for either officers or enlisted (9.3% junior versus 4.40% senior officers, P = 0.273; 6.60% junior versus 5.50% senior enlisted, P = 0.369). On multivariate analysis, parameters such as leukocytosis and temperature, as well as race and rank were not associated with perforation (P = 0.7). Only age had a correlation, with individuals aged 66–75 y having higher perforation rates (odds ratio, 1.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.02–1.05; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In an equal-access health care system, older age, not socioeconomic factors, correlated with increased appendiceal perforation rates.     

Effects of additional laparoscopic cholecystectomy on outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer based on a national administrative database

Background

Little information is available on the effects of adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy to laparoscopic gastrectomy on outcomes of patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy to laparoscopic gastrectomy on outcomes in patients with gastric cancer using a national administrative database.

Methods

A total of 14,006 patients treated with laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer were referred to 744 hospitals in Japan between 2009 and 2011. Patients were divided into two groups, those who also underwent simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones (n = 1484) and those who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy alone (n = 12,522). Laparoscopy-related complications, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and medical costs during hospitalization were compared in the patient groups.

Results

Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy did not affect laparoscopy-related complications (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84–1.24; P = 0.788) or in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.49–2.76; P = 0.727). Multiple linear regression analysis also showed that adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy did not affect the length of stay (unstandardized coefficient, 0.37 d; 95% CI, −0.47 to 1.22 d; P = 0.389). However, adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with significantly increased medical costs during hospitalization (unstandardized coefficient, $1256.0 (95% CI, $806.2–$1705.9; P < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy did not affect outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer, although medical costs during hospitalization were significantly increased.     

The increasing incidence of adolescent bariatric surgery

Background

Morbid obesity continues to be a significant problem within the United States, as overweight/obesity rates are nearing 33%. Bariatric surgery has had success in treating obesity in adults and is becoming a viable treatment option for obese adolescents.

Methods

We studied 1615 inpatient admissions for children ≤ 20 years of age undergoing a bariatric procedure for morbid obesity in 2009 using the Kids' Inpatient Database (KID). Patients had a principal diagnosis of obesity and a bariatric procedure listed as one of their first 5 procedures. Procedures (open gastric bypass, laparoscopic gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastroplasty, and laparoscopic gastric band) and complications were defined by ICD-9 codes.

Results

There were 90 open gastric bypasses, 906 laparoscopic gastric bypasses, 150 sleeve gastrectomies, 18 laparoscopic gastroplasties, and 445 laparoscopic gastric bandings. The length of stay for each procedure was 2.44, 2.20, 2.33, 1.10, and 1.02 days, respectively (P < 0.001). The complication rates were 3.3%, 3.5%, 0.7%, 0.0%, 0.2%, respectively (P = 0.004).

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery is an increasingly utilized option for the treatment of morbid obesity among adolescents. The procedures can be performed safely as evidenced by low complication rates. Additional long-term follow-up is necessary.     

Predictive factors for incidental gallbladder dysplasia and carcinoma

Background

This study aims to analyze clinical characteristics and demographics of all patients admitted for cholecystectomy in a tertiary referral center to determine predictors of incidental gallbladder dysplasia (IGBD) and incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC).

Methods

A retrospective analyses of clinical, demographic, and histologic features of patients undergoing cholecystectomy in a single tertiary institution from 2005–2012 were performed using a logistic regression model to determine the predictors of IGBD and IGBC.

Results

Some 771 (28 conversions to open surgery [3.6%]) and 93 patients (10.7%) underwent laparoscopic and open cholecystectomies for gallstone disease, respectively. At final pathology, IGBD (low-grade [n = 10], high-grade [n = 2], mixed-grade [n = 1], and adenoma-associated [n = 5] dysplasia) was found in 18 patients (2%; median age, 45 y; interquartile range, 42.5–63.5; male-to-female ratio, 1:2; six Caucasian; and 12 Asian). IGBC was found in seven patients (0.8%; median age, 69 y; interquartile range, 69–72; one Afro-Caribbean; four Caucasian; and two Asian). Logistic regression analysis revealed Asian patients to be at a higher risk of IGBD (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1–8.0; P = 0.02). Only age (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.04–1.2; P < 0.01) and polypoid lesions (OR, 37.4; 95% CI, 2.97–470.6; P = 0.01) were significantly associated with IGBC. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that age >68 y correlated positively to IGBC.

Conclusions

IGBD and IGBC are fairly common incidental histologic finding after cholecystectomy for gallstone disease. When considering cholecystectomy, patients' demographics, in particular age and race, should always be considered as this might help the surgeon and the pathologist to institute the appropriate treatment.     

Short-Term Prospective Study of Metabolic Syndrome in Renal Transplant Recipients

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) may affect patient and graft survival in renal transplant recipients. However, the evolution of MS during prospective follow-up remains uncertain.

Methods

Renal transplant patients were recruited for a study of MS in 2010 and then prospectively followed for 2 years. The modified Adult Treatment Panel III criteria adopted for Asian populations were used to define MS.

Results

A total of 302 cases (male:female = 154:148) with a mean duration of 10.5 ± 5.7 years after transplantation were enrolled. At initiation, 71 cases (23.5%) fulfilled the criteria of MS. At the end of follow-up, 11 cases had died and 21 had graft failure. Nine cases had insufficient data for reclassification. The remaining 261 cases completed a 2-year follow-up, and the prevalence of MS was 26.1% at the end of study. Of these, 7.79% (18 cases) of patients without MS had developed new-onset MS. Conversely, 16.9% (12 cases) with MS were free from MS at the end of study (P = .362). Patients with MS were associated with older age (57.1 ± 10.4 vs 52.6 ± 12.4 y; P = .006), more chronic allograft nephropathy (17.4% vs 7.1%; P = .01), proteinuria (22.5% vs 10.8%; P = .012), and use of more antihypertensive agents (1.49 ± 0.86 vs 0.80 ± 0.98; P < .0001). There was no significant change in serum creatinine in each subgroup.

Conclusions

The status of MS in renal transplant patients is dynamic. MS patients were associated with more chronic allograft nephropathy and proteinuria.     

The influence of socioeconomic factors on gender disparities in lower extremity bypass

Background

Some contend that gender differences in outcomes after lower extremity bypass (LEB) for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) relate to socioeconomic factors (SEFs). Here, we evaluate these disparities with attention to clinically relevant yet understudied SEF.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients aged >50 y with PAD undergoing LEB was performed using data from Pennsylvania Health care and Cost Containment Council (2003–2011). Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed to evaluate the association between gender and outcomes with adjustment for potential confounders including SEF such as income, insurance provider, distance to hospital, and race. Generalized estimating equations were used to adjust for hospital clustering. Independent models were developed to examine death or serious morbidity (DSM) and failure-to-rescue (FTR).

Results

Of 4202 patients identified, 1510 (36%) were women. SEF differed by gender. DSM was more frequent in women (15.6% versus 12.2%; P = 0.002). There was no association between gender and FTR in univariate analysis (P = 0.49). SEFs were associated with DSM and FTR. After adjustment for potential confounders including SEF, women remained more likely to experience DSM (odds ratio = 1.28; P = 0.01). There remained no significant association between gender and FTR on independent modeling (odds ratio = 0.49; P = 0.11).

Conclusions

Women undergoing LEB in the state of Pennsylvania are at increased risk of poor outcomes, which is not completely explained by SEF. Quality of postoperative care does not appear to be different between gender as there was no difference in FTR. To improve these outcomes, efforts should be made to increase awareness of PAD and promote screening among high-risk women to ensure timely diagnosis and referral.     

Primary hyperparathyroidism across the ages: presentation and outcomes

Background

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a disease process traditionally thought to present during middle age, but can occur at any age. The purpose of this study was to compare PHPT patient characteristics based on patient age at the time of surgical referral.

Methods

A retrospective review of a prospectively managed database of adult patients undergoing parathyroid surgery for PHPT was conducted. Patients with a negative family history, no previous parathyroid surgery, and ≥6-mo follow-up were included. Patients were grouped by age for comparison.

Results

From 2001–2012, 1372 patients met inclusion criteria. Age groups were as follows: ≤50 y, 51–60 y, 61–70 y, and >70 y. Female predominance increased with age (P > 0.01). Baseline serum parathyroid hormone levels were higher at the extremes of age (P < 0.001). Young patients had the highest serum calcium (P < 0.01), urinary calcium (P < 0.001), and T-score (P < 0.001) measures, and greater incidence of vitamin D deficiency (P = 0.03). The use of local anesthesia increased with age, whereas use of outpatient parathyroidectomy decreased with age (both P < 0.01). Rates of disease persistence (2.3%–2.9%, P = 0.95) and recurrence (2.1%–3.3%, P = 0.75) were low, and did not differ.

Conclusions

Patients at the extremes of age are referred with more elevated laboratory indices whereas those in the traditional age range have milder biochemical indices. This may result from differential surgical referral. Individuals with laboratory evidence of abnormal calcium and parathyroid hormone regulation should be evaluated for parathyroidectomy regardless of age because all ages can be successfully treated.     

Recurrent and persistence primary hyperparathyroidism occurs more frequently in patients with double adenomas

Introduction

The incidence of recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) had been reported to be between 1% and 10%. The purpose of this study was to examine if patients with multigland disease have a different recurrence rate.

Methodology

A retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database was performed on patients with PHPT who underwent parathyroidectomy at one institution between 2001 and 2013. Patients who underwent initial parathyroidectomy with at least 6 mo of follow-up were included and were divided into three groups according to operative notes: single adenoma (SA), double adenoma (DA), and hyperplasia (HP). An elevated postoperative serum calcium level within 6 mo of surgery was defined as a persistent disease, whereas an elevated calcium after 6 mo was defined as a recurrence.

Results

In total, 1402 patients met inclusion criteria, and the success rate of parathyroidectomy was 98.4%. The mean age was 60 ± 14 y and 78.5% were female. Among them, 1097 patients (78%) had SA, 124 patients (9%) had DA, and 181 patients had HP (13%). The rate of persistent PHPT was higher among patients with DA (4%) versus SA (1.3%) and HP (2.2%) (P = 0.0049). Moreover, the recurrence rate was higher among patients with DA (7.3%) versus SA (1.7%) and HP (4.4%) (P = 0.0005) with identical median follow-up time. The median of the follow-up was 11 mo for patients with SA, 12.5 for patients with DA, and 12 for patients with HP (P = 0.1603).

Conclusions

Recurrent and persistent PHPT occur more frequently in patients with DA. These data suggest that DA in some cases could represent asymmetric or asynchronous hyperplasia. Therefore, patients with DA may warrant more rigorous intraoperative scrutiny and more vigilant monitoring after parathyroidectomy.     

Pancreaticogastrostomy versus pancreaticojejunostomy

Background

It has long been debated whether pancreaticogastrostomy (PG) or pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) is the better choice for reconstruction after pancreaticoduodenectomy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the two techniques.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing PG with PJ published from January 1995 to January 2014 were searched electronically using PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library. Published data of these RCTs were analyzed using either fixed-effects model or random-effects model.

Results

Seven RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 1121 patients (562 in PG, 559 in PJ). The incidence of postoperative pancreatic fistula and intra-abdominal fluid collection were significantly lower in PG than in PJ (respectively: odds ratio = 0.53 [0.37, 0.74], P < 0.001; odds ratio = 0.48 [0.30, 0.76], P < 0.01), no significant difference could be found for delayed gastric emptying, hemorrhage, morbidity, reoperation rate, and mortality.

Conclusions

The evidence from RCTs suggests that PG technique is associated with a lower rate of postoperative pancreatic fistula and intra-abdominal fluid collection than PJ.     

The role of remote ischemic preconditioning in organ protection after cardiac surgery: a meta-analysis

Background

Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) appears to protect distant organs from ischemia–reperfusion injury. We undertook meta-analysis of clinical studies to evaluate the effects of RIPC on organ protection and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods

A review of evidence for cardiac, renal, and pulmonary protection after RIPC was performed. We also did meta-regressions on RIPC variables, such as duration of ischemia, cuff pressure, and timing of application of preconditioning. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital and intensive care unit stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, and mortality at 30 days.

Results

Randomized control trials (n = 25) were included in the study for quantitative analysis of cardiac (n = 16), renal (n = 6), and pulmonary (n = 3) protection. RIPC provided statistically significant cardiac protection (standardized mean difference [SMD], −0.77; 95% confidence interval [CI], −1.15, −0.39; Z = 3.98; P < 0.0001) and on subgroup analysis, the protective effect remained consistent for all types of cardiac surgical procedures. However, there was no evidence of renal protection (SMD, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.53, 1.02; Z = 1.81; P = 0.07) or pulmonary protection (SMD, −0.03; 95% CI, −0.56, 0.50; Z = 0.12; P = 0.91). There was no statistical difference in the short-term clinical outcomes between the RIPC and control groups.

Conclusions

RIPC provides cardiac protection, but there is no evidence of renal or pulmonary protection in patients undergoing cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. Larger multicenter trials are required to define the role of RIPC in surgical practice.     

Impact of podiatry resident experience level in hallux valgus surgery on postoperative outcomes

Background

Despite modern advancements in transosseous fixation and operative technique, hallux valgus (i.e., bunion) surgery is still associated with a higher than usual amount of patient dissatisfaction and is generally recognized as a complex and nuanced procedure requiring precise osseous and capsulotendon balancing. It stands to reason then that familiarity and skill level of trainee surgeons might impact surgical outcomes in this surgery. The aim of this study was to determine whether podiatry resident experience level influences midterm outcomes in hallux valgus surgery (HVS).

Methods

Consecutive adults who underwent isolated HVS via distal metatarsal osteotomy at a single US metropolitan teaching hospital from January 2004 to January 2009 were contacted and asked to complete a validated outcome measure of foot health (Manchester–Oxford Foot Questionnaire) regarding their operated foot. Resident experience level was quantified using the surgical logs for the primary resident of record at the time of each case. Associations were assessed using linear and logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 102 adult patients (n = 102 feet) agreed to participate with a mean age of 46.8 years (standard deviation 13.1, range 18–71) and average length of follow-up 6.2 y (standard deviation 1.4, range 3.6–8.6). Level of trainee experience was not associated with postoperative outcomes in either the univariate (odds ratio 0.99 [95% confidence interval, 0.98–1.01], P = 0.827) or multivariate analyses (odds ratio 1.00 [95% confidence interval, 0.97–1.02], P = 0.907).

Conclusions

We conclude that podiatry resident level of experience in HVS does not contribute appreciably to postoperative clinical outcomes.     

Long-term Complications After Liver Transplantation

Background

Along with an increased number of cases of liver transplantation (LT), perioperative mortality has decreased and short-term survival has improved. However, long-term complications have not been fully elucidated today.

Purpose

Chronic complications were analyzed individually to find risk factors and to improve long-term outcomes after LT.

Subjects

There were 63 cases of LT from our outpatient clinic that were included in this study. Among them, 58 were performed using living donor LT and 5 were performed using deceased donor LT. Original diseases mainly consisted of hepatitis C virus (HCV; 45.9%) and hepatitis B virus (23.0%).

Findings

The median follow-up was 5.4 ± 3.3 years (range, 0.1∼17 years). Overall survival at 2, 3, 5, and 10 years was 89.3%, 83.4%, 81.3%, and 81.3%, respectively. Long-term complications mainly consisted of renal dysfunction (62.7%), dyslipidemia (29.4%), diabetes mellitus (21.6%), and arterial hypertension (21.6%). In univariate analysis, HCV (P = .03) and elapsed years after LT (P = .02) were identified as predictive factors for arterial hypertension and recipient age >50 (P = .03), and elapsed years after LT for renal dysfunction (P = .03), respectively. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, HCV (odds ratio [OR] 5.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05–34.06, P = .04) was identified as a predictive factor for arterial hypertension, and recipient age older than 50 years for renal dysfunction (OR 5.67, 95% CI 1.34–28.88, P = .02). The number of elapsed years after transplantation was also identified as a predictive factor for arterial hypertension/dyslipidemia/renal dysfunction (OR 13.88/14.15/4.10, 95% CI 1.91–298.26/2.18–290.78/1.09–18.03, P = .01/.003/.04). Fifty percent of the recipients developed renal dysfunction within 8 years after LT, and fluctuation of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) within 3 months after LT was successfully associated with an annual decrease of eGFR (r² value = 0.574, P < .0001).

Conclusion

Renal dysfunction is the most frequent chronic complication after LT. As chronic individual eGFR can be now accurately predicted with deterioration speed, recipient strata for renal protection strategies should be precisely targeted.     

Prognostic significance of receptor for advanced glycation end products expression in hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatectomy

Background

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is recognized to be responsible for cancer progression in several human cancers. In this study, we investigated the clinical impact of RAGE expression in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy.

Materials and methods

Sixty-five consecutive patients who underwent initial hepatectomy for HCC were investigated. The relationships between immunohistochemical expression of RAGE and clinicopathologic features, clinical outcome (overall survival [OS], and disease-free survival [DFS]) were evaluated.

Results

The cytoplasmic expression of RAGE in HCC cells was observed in 46 patients (70.8%) and correlated with histologic grade (poorly differentiated versus moderately differentiated HCC, P = 0.021). Five-year OS in RAGE-positive and RAGE-negative groups were 72% and 94%, respectively, whereas 5-y DFS were 29% and 55%, respectively. There were significant differences between OS and DFS (P = 0.018 and 0.031, respectively). Multivariate analysis indicated that RAGE was an independent predictor for both OS and DFS (P = 0.048 and 0.032, respectively).

Conclusions

Our data suggest for the first time a positive correlation between RAGE expression and poor therapeutic outcome. Furthermore, RAGE downregulation may provide a novel therapeutic target for HCC.     

Transabdominal preperitoneal versus totally extraperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: a meta-analysis of randomized studies

Background

The aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair and totally extraperitoneal repair.

Methods

The electronic databases of Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, and a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials was undertaken.

Results

Seven studies comprising 516 patients with 538 inguinal hernia defects were identified. A shorter recovery time (P = .02) was found for totally extraperitoneal repair in comparison with transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (weighted mean difference = −.29; 95% confidence interval [CI], −.71 to .07) although the length of hospitalization (P = .89) was similar in the 2 treatment arms (weighted mean difference = .01; 95% CI, −.13 to .15). Operative morbidity (P = .004) was higher for the preperitoneal approach (odds ratio = 2.15; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.61). No differences were found with regard to the incidence of recurrence, long-term neuralgia, and operative time.

Conclusions

Current evidence suggests similar operative results for endoscopic and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, with a trend toward higher morbidity for the preperitoneal approach. Randomized trials with a longer-term follow-up are needed in order to assess the effect of each approach on the prevention of recurrence.     

Impact of the hepatic branch of the vagus and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on the hypoglycemic effect and glucagon-like peptide-1 in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Background

The impact of the hepatic branch of the vagus and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on the hypoglycemic effect and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was investigated, and interactions were preliminarily analyzed.

Methods

A total of 45 rats with T2DM were divided into four groups: sham operation (S, n = 10), sham operation with the hepatic branch of the vagus resected (SV, n = 11), RYGB (n = 12), and RYGB without preservation of the vagus (RYGBV, n = 12). Body mass, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting serum insulin, and concentrations of fasting serum GLP-1 were examined in the first, second, fourth, and eighth week before and after surgery. The effects of RYGB and the hepatic branch of the vagus on GLP-1 levels in the eighth postoperative week were also analyzed.

Results

RYGB caused a significant reduction in the weight of rats with T2DM (P < 0.05), improved the levels of serum GLP-1 and insulin (P < 0.05), and decreased FBG level (P < 0.05). Retention of the hepatic branch of the vagus maintained weight reduction for a longer period (P < 0.05) and increased the levels of serum GLP-1 and insulin (P < 0.05), but had no impact on FBG level (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

RYGB had better therapeutic efficacy in rats with T2DM. Care should be taken during RYGB surgery to preserve the hepatic branch of the vagus.