Gen Surg

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the efficacy and quality of life associated with conservative treatment of acute uncomplicated appendicitis. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Conservative management with antibiotics only has emerged as a potential treatment option for acute uncomplicated appendicitis. However the reported failure rates are highly variable and there is a paucity of data in relation to quality of life. METHODS: Symptomatic patients with radiological evidence of acute, uncomplicated appendicitis were randomized to either intravenous antibiotics only or undergo appendectomy...

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether specific patterns of early postoperative complications may predict overall severe morbidity after major surgery, warranting early escalation of care and prevention of failure to rescue. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: It is unclear whether early postoperative complications predict a poor outcome. Detailed knowledge of the chronology and type of early complications after major surgery may alert clinicians when to expect higher risk for subsequent major negative events...

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the challenges confronting surgeons performing basic science research in today's academic surgery environment. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Multiple studies have identified challenges confronting surgeon-scientists and impacting their ability to be successful. Although these threats have been known for decades, the downward trend in the number of successful surgeon-scientists continues. Clinical demands, funding challenges, and other factors play important roles, but a rigorous analysis of academic surgeons and their experiences regarding these issues has not previously been performed...

BACKGROUND: The medical complexity of hernia patients imparts higher risk for complications, and mortality is a distinct reality. No study has stratified patients based on preoperative risk for open ventral hernia repair (VHR) specifically. We utilized the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to create a mortality risk stratification model following VHR. METHODS: Patients undergoing open VHR were identified from American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databases...

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to determine the role of postoperative antibiotics in reducing complications in patients undergoing appendectomy for complicated appendicitis. METHODS: We performed a 5-year retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent appendectomy for acute appendicitis. Patients with complicated appendicitis (perforated or gangrenous) were analyzed on the basis of whether they received postoperative antibiotics. Main outcome measures were wound complications, length of stay (LOS), and readmission to hospital...

BACKGROUND: Daikenchuto (DKT) has widely been used to improve abdominal symptoms by being expected to accelerate bowel motility. The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy and safety of DKT for prevention of ileus and associated gastrointestinal symptoms after total gastrectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Two hundred and forty-five gastric cancer patients who underwent total gastrectomy were enrolled. Patients received either DKT (15.0 g/d) or matching placebo from postoperative days 1 to 12...

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between ketorolac use and postoperative complications. BACKGROUND: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may impair wound healing and increase the risk of anastomotic leak in colon surgery. Studies to date have been limited by sample size, inability to identify confounding, and a focus limited to colon surgery. METHODS: Ketorolac use, reinterventions, emergency department (ED) visits, and readmissions in adults (≥ 18 years) undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) operations was assessed in a nationwide cohort using the MarketScan Database (2008-2012)...

IMPORTANCE: The use of perioperative pharmacologic β-blockade in patients at low risk of myocardial ischemic events undergoing noncardiac surgery (NCS) is controversial because of the risk of stroke and hypotension. Published studies have not found a consistent benefit in this cohort. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of perioperative β-blockade on patients undergoing NCS, particularly those with no risk factors. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This is a retrospective observational analysis of patients undergoing surgery in Veterans Affairs hospitals from October 1, 2008, through September 31, 2013...

IMPORTANCE: Changes in pulmonary dynamics following laparotomy are well documented. Deep breathing exercises, with or without incentive spirometry, may help counteract postoperative decreased vital capacity; however, the evidence for the role of incentive spirometry in the prevention of postoperative atelectasis is inconclusive. Furthermore, data are scarce regarding the prevention of postoperative atelectasis in sub-Saharan Africa. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of the use of incentive spirometry on pulmonary function following exploratory laparotomy as measured by forced vital capacity (FVC)...