Background The comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) has developed as an important prognostic tool to risk stratify older adults and has recently been applied to the surgical field. In this systematic review, we examined the utility of CGA components as predictors of adverse outcomes among geriatric patients undergoing major oncologic surgery. Materials and Methods MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched for prospective studies examining the association of components of the CGA with specific outcomes among geriatric patients undergoing elective oncologic surgery. Outcome parameters included 30-day post-operative complications, mortality, and discharge to a non-home institution. Results The initial search identified 178 potentially relevant articles, with six studies meeting inclusion criteria. Deficiencies in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), ADLs, fatigue, cognition, frailty, and cognitive impairment were associated with increased post-operative complications. No CGA predictors were identified for post-operative mortality while frailty, deficiencies in IADLs, and depression predicted discharge to a non-home institution. Conclusions Across a variety of surgical oncologic populations and cancer types, components of the CGA appear to be predictive of post-operative complications and discharge to a non-home institution. These results argue for inclusion of focused geriatric assessments as part of routine pre-operative care in the geriatric surgical oncology population.

Purpose Most urologic training programs use robotic prostatectomy (RP) as an introduction to teach residents appropriate robotic technique. However, concerns may exist regarding differences in RP outcomes with resident involvement. Our objective was therefore to evaluate whether resident involvement affects complications, operative time, or length of stay following RP. Methods Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005 – 2011), we identified patients who underwent RP, stratified them by resident presence or absence during surgery, and compared hospital length of stay (LOS), operative time, and postoperative complications using bivariable and multivariable analyses. A secondary analysis comparing outcomes of interest across postgraduate year (PGY) levels was also performed. Results 5,087 patients who underwent RPs were identified, in which residents participated in 56%, during the study period. After controlling for potential confounders, resident present and absent groups were similar in 30-day mortality (0.0% vs. 0.2%, p = 0.08), serious morbidity (1.8% vs. 2.1%, p = 0.33), and overall morbidity (5.1% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.70). While resident involvement did not affect LOS, operative time was longer when residents were present (median: 208 vs. 183 minutes, p < 0.001). Similar findings were noted when assessing individual PGY levels. Conclusions Regardless of PGY level, resident involvement in RPs appears safe and does not appear to affect postoperative complications or length of stay. While resident involvement in RPs does result in longer operative times, this is necessary for the learning process.

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Introduction: This cadaveric dye study assesses the effect of volume and number of injections on the spread of solution after ultrasound-guided rectus sheath injections. In addition, this study evaluates the impact of the arcuate line on solution spread.Materials and methods: Ultrasound-guided rectus sheath injections were performed on seven cadavers on both sides of the abdomen, for a total of 14 injections. Three cadavers received one injection of 30 mL of a solution consisting of bupivacaine and methylene blue at the level of the umbilicus. Four cadavers received two injections of 15 mL of the same solution, one midway between the xiphoid process and umbilicus and one midway between the umbilicus and pubis.Results: Six cadavers were successfully dissected and analyzed for a total of 12 injections, while one cadaver was excluded due to poor tissue quality that was inadequate for dissection and analysis. There was a significant spread of solution with all injections caudally to the pubis without limitation by the arcuate line. However, a single 30 mL injection showed inconsistent spread to the subcostal margin in four of six injections, including in a cadaver with an ostomy. A double injection of 15 mL showed consistent spread from xiphoid to pubis in five of six injections, except in a cadaver with a hernia.Conclusions: Injections deep to the rectus abdominis muscle, using the same technique as an ultrasoundguided rectus sheath block, achieve spread along a large and continuous fascial plane without limitation by the arcuate line and may provide coverage of the entire anterior abdomen. A large volume is necessary for complete coverage and spread is improved with multiple injections. We suggest that two injections with a total volume of at least 30 mL per side may be needed to achieve adequate coverage in the absence of preexisting abdominal abnormalities.

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