Article of interest: Transversus abdominis muscle release: a novel approach to posterior component separation during complex abdominal wall reconstruction

Novitsky YW, Elliott HL, Orenstein SB, Rosen MJ. Transversus abdominis muscle release: a novel approach to posterior component separation during complex abdominal wall reconstruction. Am J Surg. 2012 Nov;204(5):709-16.

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Background: Several modifications of the classic retromuscular Stoppa technique to facilitate dissection beyond the lateral border of the rectus sheath recently were reported. We describe a novel technique of transversus abdominis muscle release (TAR) for posterior component separation during major abdominal wall reconstructions.

Methods: Retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing TAR. Briefly, the retromuscular space is developed laterally to the edge of the rectus sheath. The posterior rectus sheath is incised 0.5-1 cm underlying medial to the linea semilunaris to expose the medial edge of the transversus abdominis muscle. The muscle then is divided, allowing entrance to the space anterior to the transversalis fascia. The posterior rectus fascia then is advanced medially. The mesh is placed as a sublay and the linea alba is restored ventral to the mesh.

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Practice Guideline: The AAES guidelines for the definitive surgical management of thyroid disease in adults

Patel KN, Yip L, Lubitz CC, et al. The American Association of Endocrine Surgeons (AAES) Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults. Ann Surg. 2020 Mar;271(3):e21-e93. Full-text for Emory users.

See also: Patel KN, Yip L, Lubitz CC, et al. Executive Summary of the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons Guidelines for the Definitive Surgical Management of Thyroid Disease in Adults. Ann Surg. 2020 Mar;271(3):399-410. Full-text for Emory users.

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Article of interest: The C-reactive protein-to-prealbumin ratio predicts fistula closure

Harriman S, Rodych N, Hayes P, Moser MA. The C-reactive protein-to-prealbumin ratio predicts fistula closure. Am J Surg. 2011 Aug;202(2):175-8.

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Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictability of fistula closure using the ratio of C-reactive protein to prealbumin (C:P ratio).

Methods: A database of 89 patients with gastrointestinal fistulas (1994-2009) was created based on the records of our Nutrition Support Services Team. All patients had weekly blood work including C-reactive protein level, prealbumin level, and albumin level. Forty-three fistulas were managed without surgery for 6 weeks or more; of these, 29 closed.

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Calculation of essential metabolites in total parenteral nutrition (TPN): the basics

Madsen H, Frankel EH. The hitchhiker’s guide to parenteral nutrition management for adult patients. Practical Gastroenterology. 2006 Jul;30(7):46.

Summary: This was discussed as a possible question on boards. Below are three tables, taken directly from the article referenced.

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Essential articles: Cardiothoracic/Cardiac

Emory users, open this instance of PubMed, then click the links below for full-text article access.

Khan JM, et al. Transcatheter Electrosurgery: JACC State-of-the-Art Review J Am Coll Cardiol. 2020 Mar 31;75(12):1455-1470. doi: 10.1016/j.jacc.2020.01.035. 

Editors. American Association for Thoracic Surgery/International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation guidelines on selected topics in mechanical circulatory support J Heart Lung Transplant. 2020 Mar;39(3):187-219. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2020.01.1329. 

Giustino G, et al. Mortality After Repeat Revascularization Following PCI or CABG for Left Main Disease: The EXCEL Trial JACC Cardiovasc Interv. 2020 Feb 10;13(3):375-387. doi: 10.1016/j.jcin.2019.09.019. 

Holm NR, et al. Percutaneous coronary angioplasty versus coronary artery bypass grafting in the treatment of unprotected left main stenosis: updated 5-year outcomes from the randomised  non-inferiority NOBLE trial Lancet. 2020 Jan 18;395(10219):191-199. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(19)32972-1. 

Seese L, et al. The Impact of Major Postoperative Complications on Long-Term Survival After Cardiac Surgery Ann Thorac Surg. 2020 Jul;110(1):128-135. doi: 10.1016/j.athoracsur.2019.09.100. 

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