OBJECTIVE: Acute limb ischemia remains one of the most challenging emergencies in vascular surgery. Historically, outcomes following interventions for acute limb ischemia have been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to determine contemporary outcomes following lower extremity bypass performed for acute limb ischemia. METHODS: All patients undergoing infrainguinal lower extremity bypass between 2003 and 2011 within hospitals comprising the Vascular Study Group of New England were identified. Patients were stratified according to whether or not the indication for lower extremity bypass was acute limb ischemia. Primary end points included bypass graft occlusion, major amputation, and mortality at 1 year postoperatively as determined by Kaplan-Meier life table analysis. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to evaluate independent predictors of mortality and major amputation at 1 year. RESULTS: Of 5712 lower extremity bypass procedures, 323 (5.7%) were performed for acute limb ischemia. Patients undergoing lower extremity bypass for acute limb ischemia were similar in age (66 vs 67; P = .084) and sex (68% male vs 69% male; P = .617) compared with chronic ischemia patients, but were less likely to be on aspirin (63% vs 75%; P < .0001) or a statin (55% vs 68%; P < .0001). Patients with acute limb ischemia were more likely to be current smokers (49% vs 39%; P < .0001), to have had a prior ipsilateral bypass (33% vs 24%; P = .004) or a prior ipsilateral percutaneous intervention (41% vs 29%; P = .001). Bypasses performed for acute limb ischemia were longer in duration (270 vs 244 minutes; P = .007), had greater blood loss (363 vs 272 mL; P < .0001), and more commonly utilized prosthetic conduits (41% vs 33%; P = .003). Acute limb ischemia patients experienced increased in-hospital major adverse events (20% vs 12%; P < .0001) including myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure exacerbation, deterioration in renal function, and respiratory complications. Patients who underwent lower extremity bypass for acute limb ischemia had no difference in rates of graft occlusion (18.1% vs 18.5%; P = .77), but did have significantly higher rates of limb loss (22.4% vs 9.7%; P < .0001) and mortality (20.9% vs 13.1%; P < .0001) at 1 year. On multivariable analysis, acute limb ischemia was an independent predictor of both major amputation (hazard ratio, 2.16; confidence interval, 1.38-3.40; P = .001) and mortality (hazard ratio, 1.41; confidence interval, 1.09-1.83; P = .009) at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who present with acute limb ischemia represent a less medically optimized subgroup within the population of patients undergoing lower extremity bypass. These patients may be expected to have more complex operations followed by increased rates of perioperative adverse events. Additionally, despite equivalent graft patency rates, patients undergoing lower extremity bypass for acute ischemia have significantly higher rates of major amputation and mortality at 1 year. rights reserved.

Esophageal perforation is a relatively rare but serious complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Most cases present as early within weeks of the initial surgery, but some cases can present years later due to a variety of mechanisms. This report details a case of esophageal perforation discovered 10 years after initial cervical surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Single-segment saphenous vein remains the optimal conduit for infrainguinal revascularization. In its absence, prosthetic conduit may be used. Existing data regarding the significance of anastomotic distal vein adjunct (DVA) usage with prosthetic grafts are based on small series. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort analysisderived from the regional Vascular Study Group of New England as well as the Brigham and Women's hospital database. A total of 1018 infrainguinal prosthetic bypass grafts were captured in the dataset from 73 surgeons at 15 participating institutions. Propensity scoring and 3:1 matching was performed to create similar exposure groups for analysis. Outcome measures of interest included: primary patency, freedom from major adverse limb events (MALEs), and amputation free survival at 1 year as a function of vein patch utilization. Time to event data were compared with the log-rank test; multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the adjusted association between vein cuff usage and the primary end points. DVA was defined as a vein patch, cuff, or boot in any configuration. RESULTS: Of the 1018 bypass operations, 94 (9.2%) had a DVA whereas 924 (90.8%) did not (no DVA). After propensity score matching, 88 DVAs (25%) and 264 no DVAs (75%) were analyzed. On univariate analysis of the matched cohort, the DVA and no DVA groups were similar in terms of mean age (70.0 vs 69.0; P = .55), male sex (58.0% vs 58.3%; P > .99), and preoperative characteristics such as living at home (93.2% vs 94.3%; P = .79) and independent ambulatory status (72.7% vs 75.7%; P = .64). The DVA and no DVA groups had similar rates of major comorbidities such as hypertension chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, and dialysis dependence (P > .05 for all). Likewise, they had similar rates of distal origin grafts (13.6% vs 12.5%; P = .85), critical limb ischemia indications (P = .53), and prior arterial bypass (58% vs 47%; P = .08). The DVA group had a higher rate of completion angiogram performed (55.7% vs 37.5%; P =.002) and were more likely to be discharged on coumadin (53.4% vs 37.1%; P =.01). By multivariable analysis, use of a distal DVA was protective against MALEs (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.90; P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: This contemporary multi-institutional propensity-matched study demonstrates that patients that receive distal anastomotic vein adjuncts as part of infrainguinal prosthetic bypass operations in general have more extreme comorbidities and more technically challenging operations based on level of target vessel and prior bypass attempts. After propensity-matched analysis, the use of a DVA may protect against MALEs in prosthetic bypass surgery and should be considered when feasible. rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE: This study compared, at a national level, trends in utilization, mortality, and stroke after carotid angioplasty and stenting (CAS) and carotid endarterectomy (CEA) from 2005 to 2007. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried for patient discharges with International Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes for CAS and CEA. The primary outcomes were in-hospital mortality, stroke, hospital charges, and discharge disposition. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate these outcomes by neurologic presentation using chi(2) and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 404,256 discharges for carotid revascularization, CAS utilization was 66% higher in 2006 than in 2005 (9.3% vs 14%, P = .0004). Crude mortality, stroke, and median charges remained higher for CAS than for CEA; discharge to home was more common after CEA. Results improved from 2005 to 2007. By logistic regression of the total cohort from 2005 to 2006, CAS was independently predictive of mortality (odds ratio [OR], 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08-2.00; P < .0001). Independent predictors of stroke included CAS (OR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.18-1.73; P < .0001) and symptomatic disease (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 2.06-2.93;P < .0001). Among subgroups based on neurological presentation, regression showed that CAS significantly increased the odds of stroke in asymptomatic patients (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.2-2.0; P = .0003). Among symptomatic patients, CAS increased the odds of in-hospital death (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.7-5.1, P < .0001) and trended toward significance for stroke (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.0-2.8; P = .0569). CONCLUSION: Utilization of CAS has increased from the years 2005 to 2007 with some improvements in the outcome. Despite improvements in outcome, resource utilization remains significantly higher for CAS than CEA. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE:: Studies analyzing the effects of volume on outcomes after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair have primarily centered on institutional volume and not on individual surgeon volume. We sought to determine the relative effects of both surgeon and institution volume on mortality after open and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for intact AAAs. METHODS:: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2003-2007) was queried to identify all patients undergoing open repair and EVAR for nonruptured AAAs. To calculate surgeon and institution volume, 11 participating states that record a unique physician identifier for each procedure were included. Surgeon and institution volume were defined as low (first quintile), medium (second, third, or fourth quintile), and high (fifth quintile). Stratification by institution volume and then by surgeon volume was performed to analyze the primary endpoint: in-hospital mortality. Multivariable models were used to evaluate the association of institution and surgeon volume with mortality for open repair and EVAR, controlling for potential confounders. RESULTS:: During the study period, 5972 open repairs and 8121 EVARs were performed. For open AAA repair, a significant mortality reduction was associated with both annual institution volume (low <7, medium 7-30, and high >30) and surgeon volume (low ≤2, medium 3-9, and high >9). High surgeon volume conferred a greater mortality reduction than did high institution volume. When low and medium volume institutions were stratified by surgeon volume, mortality after open AAA repair was inversely proportional to surgeon volume (8.7%, 3.6%, and 0%; P < .0001, for low, medium, and high-volume surgeons at low-volume institutions; and 6.7%, 4.8%, and 3.3%; P = .02, for low, medium, and high-volume surgeons at medium-volume institutions). High-volume institutions stratified by surgeon volume demonstrated the same trend (5.1%, 3.4%, and 2.8%), but this finding was not statistically significant (P = .57). Multivariable analysis was confirmatory: low surgeon volume independently predicted mortality (odds ratio [OR], 2.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-3.1; P < .001); low institution volume did not (P = .1). For EVAR, neither institution volume nor surgeon volume influenced mortality (univariate or multivariable). CONCLUSION:: The primary factor driving the mortality reduction associated with case volume after open AAA repair is surgeon volume, not institution volume. Regionalization of AAAs should focus on open repair, as EVAR outcomes are equivalent across volume levels. Payers may need to re-evaluate strategies that encourage open AAA repair at high-volume institutions if specific surgeon volume is not considered. All rights reserved.

OBJECTIVE: To assess perioperative mortality following resection of biliary tract cancer within the U.S. BACKGROUND: Resection remains the only curative treatment for biliary tract cancer. However, current data on operative mortality after surgical resections for biliary tract cancer are limited to small and single-center studies. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample 1998-2006, a cohort of patient-discharges was assembled with a diagnosis of biliary tract cancer, including intrahepatic bile duct, extrahepatic bile duct, and gall bladder cancers. Patients undergoing resection, including hepatic resection, bile duct resection, pancreaticoduodenectomy, and cholecystectomy, were retained. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Categorical variables were analyzed by chi-square. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality following resection. RESULTS: 31 870 patient-discharges occurred for the diagnosis of biliary tract cancer, including 36.2% intrahepatic ductal, 26.7% extrahepatic ductal, and 31.1% gall bladder. Of the total, 18.6% underwent resection: mean age was 69.3 years (median 70.0); 60.8% were female; 73.7% were white. Overall inpatient surgical mortality was 5.6%. Independently predictive factors of mortality included patient age >/=50 (vs./= 70 OR 9.03, 95% CI 2.86-28.56), the presence of identified comorbidities (congestive heart failure, OR 3.67, 95% CI 2.61-5.16; renal failure, OR 4.72, 95% CI 2.97-7.49), and admission designated as emergent (vs. elective; OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.39-2.37). CONCLUSION: Increased in-hospital mortality for patients undergoing biliary tract cancer resection corresponded to age, comorbidity, hospital volume, and emergent admission. Further study is warranted to utilize these observations in promoting early detection, diagnosis, and elective resection.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy (TP) is performed for various indications. Historically, morbidity and mortality have been high. Recent series reporting improved peri-operative mortality have renewed interest in TP. We performed a national review of TP including indication, patient/hospital characteristics, complications and peri-operative mortality. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried to identify TPs performed during 1998 to 2006. Univariate analyses were used to compare patient/hospital characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of in-hospital mortality. Post-operative complications/disposition were assessed. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2006, 4013 weighted patient-discharges occurred for TP. Fifty-three per cent were male; mean age 58 years. Indication: neoplastic disease 67.8%. Post-operative complications occurred in 28%. Univariate analyses: TPs increased significantly (1998, n = 384 vs. 2006 n = 494, P < 0.01). 77.1% of TPs occurred in teaching hospitals (P < 0.0001), 86.4% in hospitals performing or = 70 Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-8.67], select patient comorbidities and year (referent = 2004-2006; 1998-2000 AOR 2.70; 95% CI 1.41-5.14) independently predicted in-patient mortality whereas hospital surgical volume did not. DISCUSSION: TP is increasingly performed nationwide with a concomitant decrease in peri-operative mortality. Patient characteristics, rather than hospital volume, predicted increased mortality.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic resection can be performed to ameliorate the sequelae of chronic pancreatitis in selected patients. The perceived risk of pancreatectomy may limit its use. Using a national database, this study compared mortality after pancreatic resections for chronic pancreatitis with those performed for neoplasm. STUDY DESIGN: Patient discharges with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic neoplasm were queried from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 1998 to 2006. To account for the Nationwide Inpatient Sample weighting schema, design-adjusted analyses were used. RESULTS: There were 11,048 pancreatic resections. Malignant neoplasms represented 64.2% of the sample; benign neoplasms and pancreatitis comprised 17.1% and 18.7%, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates were 2.2% and 1.7% for the pancreatitis and benign tumor cohorts, respectively, compared with 5.9% for the malignancy cohort (overall p < 0.01). A multivariable logistic regression examined differences in mortality among diagnoses while adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics; covariates included patient gender, race, age, comorbidities, type of pancreatectomy, payor, hospital teaching status, hospital size, and hospital volume. After adjustment, patients undergoing resection for pancreatitis were at a significantly lower risk of in-hospital mortality when compared with those with malignant neoplasm (odds ratio, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.28 to 0.67). CONCLUSIONS: Pancreatectomies for chronic pancreatitis have lower in-hospital mortality than those performed for malignancy and similar rates as resection for benign tumors. Pancreatic resection, which can improve quality of life in chronic pancreatitis patients, can be performed with moderate mortality rates and should be considered in appropriate patients.

OBJECTIVE: Improved outcomes after pancreatic resection (PR) by high volume (HV) surgeons have been reported in single center studies, which may be confounded with potential selection and referral bias. We attempted to determine if improved outcomes by HV surgeons are reproducible when patient demographic factors are controlled at the population level. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, discharge records with surgeon identifiers for all nontrauma PR (n = 3581) were examined from 1998 to 2005. Surgeons were divided into 2 groups: (HV; > or = 5 operations/year) or low volume (LV; <5 operations>/year). We created a logistic regression model to examine the relationship between surgeon type and operative mortality while accounting for patient and hospital factors. To further eliminate differences in cohorts and determine the true effect of surgeon volume on mortality, case-control groups based on patient demographics were created using propensity scores. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four HV and 1450 LV surgeons performed 3581 PR in 742 hospitals across 12 states that reported surgeon identifier information over the 8-year period. Patients who underwent PR by HV surgeons were more likely to be male, white raced, and a resident of a high-income zip code (P < 0.05). Significant independent factors for in-hospital mortality after PR included increasing age, male gender, Medicaid insurance, and surgery by HV surgeon. HV surgeons had a lower adjusted mortality compared with LV surgeons (2.4% vs. 6.4%; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: After controlling for patient demographics and factors, pancreatic resection by a HV surgeon in this case-controlled cohort was independently associated with a 51% reduction in in-hospital mortality.

PURPOSE: Colorectal cancer screening has decreased mortality through early disease detection. In 1995, the United States Preventative Services Task Force recommended commencing screening at age 50 for average-risk people. We assessed trends in colorectal resection for neoplasia in the interval following these recommendations. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was queried to identify patient discharges for colorectal resection of neoplastic disease, 1998-2005. Univariate analyses were performed using Rao-Scott chi-squared tests and survey-weighted analysis of variance. Trends were analyzed by the Mantel-Haenszel chi-squared test. RESULTS: There were 212,389 patient discharges following resection for colorectal neoplasia. The number of resections for each age group were as follows: less than 50 years ranged from 11.8 to 13.3 percent, around 12.5 percent for ages 50 to 70 years, and 13.5 to 11.6 percent for ages greater than 70, with overall P < 0.0001. In-hospital mortality was 0.6 percent for patients aged less than 50 years, 1.5 percent for those aged 50 to 70 years, and 4.6 percent for those aged greater than 70 years. Right colectomy was the most common procedure among all age groups (42.5 percent). CONCLUSIONS: Although the national incidence of colorectal cancer has been fairly stable, the increase in colorectal resection for neoplasia in patients less than age 50, combined with their low in-hospital mortality rate, strengthens the argument for screening before age 50. The predominance of right-sided procedures supports the use of full colonoscopy as the primary screening method.