Outcomes in Obese Adult Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Systematic Review.

Obesity is associated with an overall increased risk of morbidity and mortality. However, in patients with critical illness, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome, obesity may be protective, termed "the obesity paradox." This is a systematic literature review of articles published from 2000 to 2022 evaluating complications and mortality in adults with respiratory failure on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) based on body mass index (BMI).

Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Total Pancreatectomy with/without Islet Cell Autotransplantation: A Single Center Experience.

Total pancreatectomy (TP) and islet cell autotransplantation (IAT) are complex operations that require intensive postoperative monitoring with standardized protocols. There are few studies detailing immediate perioperative management. The purpose of this study was to describe the perioperative management of post-pancreatectomy patients in the first week following surgery to guide clinicians in addressing salient points from different organ systems.

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult kidney transplant patients: A qualitative systematic review of literature.

Background: A paucity of evidence exists regarding the risks and benefits of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in adult kidney transplantation.

Methods: This was a systematic review conducted from Jan 1, 2000 to April 24, 2020 of adult kidney transplant recipients (pre- or post- transplant) and donors who underwent veno-arterial or veno-venous ECMO cannulation. Death and graft function were the primary outcomes, with complications as secondary outcomes.

Healthcare Disparity Education for Surgical Residents: Progress Made, More Needed.

Background: Healthcare disparities are an important determinant of patient outcomes yet are not standardized within surgical resident education. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and design of current healthcare disparities curricula for surgical residents and included a resident-based needs assessment at a single institution.

Study Design: A national survey evaluating the presence and design of healthcare disparities curricula was distributed to general surgery program directors via the Association of Program Directors in Surgery Listserv.

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adult liver transplant patients: A qualitative systematic review of literature.

Background: A paucity of evidence exists regarding risks and benefits of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in adult liver transplantation.

Methods: This was a systematic review conducted from January 1, 2000 to April 24, 2020 of adult liver transplant recipients (pre- or post-transplant) and donors who underwent Veno-arterial or Veno-venous ECMO cannulation. Death was the primary outcome, with graft function and complications as secondary outcomes.

Evaluation of Complications and Weight Outcomes in Pediatric Cerebral Palsy Patients With Gastrostomy Tubes.

Background: Feeding difficulties are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). The goal of this study was to examine pediatric CP patients undergoing gastrostomy tube (G tube) placement and assess the association between patient characteristics and weight after 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year.

Methods: This was a retrospective study of all pediatric patients with CP who received a G tube placement between April 2014 and December 2017 at a single institution.

Socioeconomic disparities in ostomy reversal among older adults with diverticulitis are more substantial among non-Hispanic Black patients.

Background: While ostomies for diverticulitis are often intended to be temporary, ostomy reversal rates can be as low as 46%. There are few comprehensive studies evaluating the effects of socioeconomic status as a disparity in ostomy reversal. We hypothesized that among the elderly Medicare population undergoing partial colectomy for diverticulitis, lower socioeconomic status would be associated with reduced reversal rates.

Comparative outcomes between COVID-19 and influenza patients placed on veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for severe ARDS.

Background: ECMO is an established supportive adjunct for patients with severe, refractory ARDS from viral pneumonia. However, the exact role and timing of ECMO for COVID-19 patients remains unclear.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective comparison of the first 32 patients with COVID-19-associated ARDS to the last 28 patients with influenza-associated ARDS placed on V-V ECMO.

The role of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in pediatric abdominal transplant patients: A qualitative systematic review of literature.

Background: Advances in ECMO have made it a useful adjunct in critically ill pediatric patients; however, a dearth of evidence exists regarding risks and benefits in pediatric abdominal transplantation. The purpose of this study was to perform a qualitative systematic review of outcomes in pediatric patients undergoing ECMO support pre- or post-abdominal organ transplantation.

Methods: This was a systematic review conducted from Jan 1, 1989, to April 24, 2020, via PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.

Secondary Overtriage of Trauma Patients to a Central Hospital in Malawi.

Introduction: Secondary overtriage (OT) is the unnecessary transfer of injured patients between facilities. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), which shoulder the greatest burden of trauma globally, the impact of wasted resources on an overburdened system is high. This study determined the rate and associated characteristics of OT at a Malawian central hospital.

Interpersonal violence in peacetime Malawi.

Background: The contribution of interpersonal violence (IPV) to trauma burden varies greatly by region. The high rates of IPV in sub-Saharan Africa are thought to relate in part to the high rates of collective violence. Malawi, a country with no history of internal collective violence, provides an excellent setting to evaluate whether collective violence drives the high rates of IPV in this region.

Sex Disparities in Access to Surgical Care at a Single Institution in Malawi.

Introduction: There is a paucity of data regarding sex-based disparities in surgical care delivery, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study sought to determine whether sex disparities are present among patients presenting with surgical conditions in Malawi. Hypothesis compared to men, fewer women present to Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) with peritonitis and have longer delays in presentation for definitive care.