Pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. While surgical resection remains the only curative option, more than 80% of patients present with unresectable ...disease. Unfortunately, even among those who undergo resection, the reported median survival is 15-23 mo, with a 5-year survival of approximately 20%. Disappointingly, over the past several decades, despite improvements in diagnostic imaging, surgical technique and chemotherapeutic options, only modest improvements in survival have been realized. Nevertheless, it remains clear that surgical resection is a prerequisite for achieving longterm survival and cure. There is now emerging consensus that a subgroup of patients, previously considered poor candidates for resection because of the relationship of their primary tumor to surrounding vasculature, may benefit from resection, particularly when preceded by neoadjuvant therapy. This stage of disease, termed borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, has become of increasing interest and is now the focus of a multiinstitutional clinical trial. Here we outline the history, progress, current treatment recommendations, and future directions for research in borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.
The treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been transformed by the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, most patients with HCC do not benefit from treatment with immunotherapy. ...There is an urgent need to understand the mechanisms that underlie response or resistance to immunotherapy for patients with HCC. The use of syngeneic mouse models that closely recapitulate the heterogeneity of human HCC will provide opportunities to examine the complex interactions between cancer cells and nonmalignant cells in the tumor microenvironment.
We leverage a multifaceted approach that includes imaging mass cytometry and suspension cytometry by time of flight to profile the tumor microenvironments of the Hep53.4, Hepa 1-6, RIL-175, and TIBx (derivative of TIB-75) syngeneic mouse HCC models. The immune tumor microenvironments vary across these four models, and various immunosuppressive pathways exist at baseline in orthotopic liver tumors derived from these models. For instance, TIBx, which is resistant to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy, contains a high proportion of "M2-like" tumor-associated macrophages with the potential to diminish antitumor immunity. Investigation of The Cancer Genome Atlas reveals that the baseline immunologic profiles of Hep53.4, RIL-175, and TIBx are broadly representative of human HCCs; however, Hepa 1-6 does not recapitulate the immune tumor microenvironment of the vast majority of human HCCs.
There is a wide diversity in the immune tumor microenvironments in preclinical models and in human HCC, highlighting the need to use multiple syngeneic HCC models to improve the understanding of how to treat HCC through immune modulation.
Background
Although there is extensive literature on robotic total intracorporeal anastomosis (TICA) for right colon resection, left total ICA using the da Vinci Xi robotic platform has only been ...described in short case series previously. In this study, we report on the largest cohort of robotic left total ICA, provide a description of our institution’s techniques, and compare outcomes to robotic left partial extracorporeal anastomosis (PECA).
Methods
Patients who underwent robotic left colectomy for any underlying pathology from July 1, 2016 through April 30, 2020 were identified by procedure code. A technical description is provided for two unique techniques performed at our institution. Outcomes included operative time, length of stay, supply cost, post-operative ileus, post-operative morbidity and mortality and need for complete mobilization of the splenic flexure.
Results
From a review of our institution’s data, 83 robotic TICA cases were identified and 76 robotic PECA cases were identified. Common procedures included low anterior resection, sigmoidectomy, left hemicolectomy, and rectopexy with resection. TICA was associated with significantly shorter intraoperative time compared to PECA.
Conclusions
Our series shows that TICA is a safe and feasible technique that does not increase the risk of adverse outcomes. Using either the anvil-forward or anvil-backward technique, we were able to reliably reproduce this method in a total of 83 patients undergoing left colon resection for either benign or malignant diseases.
We sought to understand the effect of sex on compensation among colorectal surgeons and to determine which factors contribute to gender-based differences in compensation.
The sex-based wage gap in ...the medical profession is among the most pronounced wage gaps in the U.S. Data regarding the wage gap among colorectal surgeons and the underlying reasons for this disparity remain unclear.
The Healthcare Economics Committee of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons conducted a survey to evaluate surgeon demographics, compensation, and practice characteristics. To evaluate the effect of sex on compensation, we performed multivariable linear regression with backward selection. We used a two-sided P -value with a significance threshold <0.05.
The mean difference in normalized total compensation between men and women was $46,250, and when salary was adjusted for FTEs, the difference was $57,000. Women were more likely to perform anorectal surgery, less likely to perform general surgery and less likely to hold positions in leadership. After adjustments, women reported significantly lower compensation (aOR, 0.88; 95% CI, 0.80-0.97). Time spent doing abdominal surgery (aOR, 1.13; 95% CI 1.03-1.23), professor status (aOR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03-1.32) and instructor status (aOR, 1.49; 95% 1.28-1.73) were independently associated with compensation.
We found a 12% adjusted sex wage gap among colorectal surgeons. Gender-based differences in leadership positions and allocation of effort may contribute. Further research will be necessary to clarify sources of wage inequalities. Still, our results should prompt expedient actions to support closing the gap.
Background
The use of the surgical robot has increased annually since its introduction, especially in general surgery. Despite the tremendous increase in utilization, there are currently no validated ...curricula to train residents in robotic surgery, and the effects of robotic surgery on general surgery residency training are not well defined. In this study, we aim to explore the perceptions of resident and attending surgeons toward robotic surgery education in general surgery residency training.
Methods
We performed a qualitative thematic analysis of in-person, one-on-one, semi-structured interviews with general surgery residents and attending surgeons at a large academic health system. Convenient and purposeful sampling was performed in order to ensure diverse demographics, experiences, and opinions were represented. Data were analyzed continuously, and interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached, which occurred after 20 residents and seven attendings.
Results
All interviewees agreed that dual consoles are necessary to maximize the teaching potential of the robotic platform, and the importance of simulation and simulators in robotic surgery education is paramount. However, further work to ensure proper access to simulation resources for residents is necessary. While most recognize that bedside-assist skills are essential, most think its educational value plateaus quickly. Lastly, residents believe that earlier exposure to robotic surgery is necessary and that almost every case has a portion that is level-appropriate for residents to perform on the robot.
Conclusions
As robotic surgery transitions from novelty to ubiquity, the importance of effective general surgery robotic surgery training during residency is paramount. Through in-depth interviews, this study provides examples of effective educational tools and techniques, highlights the importance of simulation, and explores opinions regarding the role of the resident in robotic surgery education. We hope the insights gained from this study can be used to develop and/or refine robotic surgery curricula.
Background and Objectives
Increasing evidence suggests patient‐oriented benefits of nonoperative management (NOM) for rectal cancer. However, vigilant surveillance requires excellent access to care. ...We sought to examine patient, socioeconomic, and facility‐level factors associated with NOM over time.
Methods
Using the National Cancer Database (2006–2017), we examined patients with Stage II–III rectal adenocarcinoma, who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation and received NOM versus surgery. Factors associated with NOM were assessed using multivariable logistic regression with backward stepwise selection.
Results
There were 59,196 surgical and 8520 NOM patients identified. NOM use increased from 12.9% to 15.9% between 2006 and 2017. Patients who were Black (adjusted odds ratio aOR: 1.36, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.26–1.47), treated at community cancer centers (aOR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.12–1.30), without insurance (aOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.68–2.09), and with less education (aOR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.42–1.65) exhibited higher odds of NOM. Patients treated at high‐volume centers (aOR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.74–0.84) and those who traveled >25.6 miles for care (aOR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.55–0.64) had lower odds of NOM.
Conclusions
Vulnerable groups who traditionally have difficulty accessing comprehensive cancer care were more likely to receive NOM, suggesting that healthcare disparities may be driving utilization. More research is needed to understand NOM decision‐making in rectal cancer treatment.
Background
Common colorectal procedures that require access to all quadrants of the abdomen are subtotal colectomy (STC) and total proctocolectomy (TPC). These are frequently performed with a ...surgical robot, but multiquadrant operations have unique challenges during robot-assisted surgery.
Methods
Patients who underwent robotic STC or TPC with the da Vinci Xi surgical robot at our institution from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2019 were identified by diagnosis and procedure codes. A technical description is provided for the techniques utilized at our institution. Outcomes included operative times (OT), supply cost and length of stay. Associated morbidity and mortality was also analyzed.
Results
From a review of our institution’s robotic surgery data, 37 cases were identified that utilized the described technique. Of these cases, 21 were robotic STC and 16 were TPC. Total mean OT was 276.86 min (SD ± 119.49). Mean OT was further analyzed by year, which demonstrated an overall decrease in OT from 350.91 min (SD ± 46.38) in 2016 to 221.43 min (SD ± 16.46) in 2018 (p = 0.008). A total of 21 cases were performed prior to 2018. Overall OT for STC was 222.81 min (SD ± 14.54) compared to overall TPC OT 347.81 min (SD ± 34.35). Median length of stay was 5 days 25th and 75th percentiles 4, 6, respectively. There was no 30-day mortality and only one return to operating room for mesenteric bleeding. There was a low risk of mortality associated with this technique.
Conclusions
The current study provides the largest cohort of patients assessed who have undergone multiquadrant robotic STC or TPC. The study provides a detailed description of the technique utilized at our institution. There was no associated 30-day mortality and a low risk of morbidity. The data suggest that the learning curve for improved operative time is between 15 and 20 cases.
Abstract Background In recent years, increasingly accessible and novel genetic technologies have spurred keen interest in the application of cancer genetics in predicting prognosis and response to ...treatment. In particular, investigators have eagerly sought to establish and validate genetic signatures that might improve the identification of patients with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) who are at highest risk of recurrence. To better understand the evidence for incorporation of genetic assays into clinical practice, we have systematically reviewed those assays that have been validated and are available for clinical use in stage II CRC. Methods A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases. The GRADE system was used to evaluate level of evidence and strength of recommendations. Results After duplicates were removed and exclusion criteria were applied, there were 13 articles for review. Conclusion Identifying high-risk patients with stage II CRC using molecular profiling has been the primary aim of many investigators, and the approach is translating into clinical utility.
Abstract
Traditionally, surgical interventions for colonic Crohn's disease (CD) have been limited to total abdominal colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis, or total proctocolectomy with end ileostomy ...if there is rectal involvement. However, improved understandings of the biology of CD, as well as the development of biologic therapies, have enabled more limited resections. Here, we review the indications for, and limitations of, specific procedures aiming to preserve intestinal continuity in colonic CD.
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory condition that generally affects the rectum and extends proximally into the colon in a continuous, distal-to-proximal pattern. Surgical resection (total ...proctocolectomy) is the only cure for UC and is often necessary in managing complicated or refractory disease. However, recent advances in biologically targeted therapies have resulted in improved disease control, and surgery is required in only a fraction of cases. This ever-increasing array of options for medical management has added complexity to surgical decision-making. In some circumstances, the added time required to ensure failure of medical therapy can delay colectomy in patients who will ultimately need it. Indeed, many patients with severe disease undergo trials of multiple medical therapies prior to considering surgery. In severe cases of UC, continued medical management has been associated with a delay to surgical intervention and higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Biomarkers represent a burgeoning field of research, particularly in inflammatory bowel disease and cancer. This review seeks to highlight the different possible settings for surgery in UC and the role various biomarkers might play in each.
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