2023
Palliative Care in a Pandemic: A Multicenter Cohort of Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Kodadek L, Moore M, Miller S, Schneider E, Ahuja V, Maerz L, Davis K. Palliative Care in a Pandemic: A Multicenter Cohort of Critically Ill Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019. Surgical Infections 2023, 24: 190-198. PMID: 36757283, PMCID: PMC10081705, DOI: 10.1089/sur.2022.377.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsIntensive care unitPalliative careIll patientsCoronavirus disease 2019Life careClinical characteristicsMechanical ventilationDisease 2019Acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infectionSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infectionSyndrome coronavirus 2 infectionCoronavirus 2 infectionPalliative care consultationPalliative care servicesCOVID-19Outcomes of interestHospital lengthAdult patientsComorbid diseasesDisease courseMulticenter cohortCare unitCare consultationsVaccination dataPatients
2021
Frailty is a stronger predictor than age for postoperative morbidity in Crohn’s disease
Wolf JH, Hassab T, D'Adamo CR, Svoboda S, Demos J, Ahuja V, Katlic M. Frailty is a stronger predictor than age for postoperative morbidity in Crohn’s disease. Surgery 2021, 170: 1061-1065. PMID: 34059345, DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2021.04.030.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSimplified Frailty IndexNational Surgical Quality Improvement ProgramFrailty indexCrohn's diseaseBowel resectionPostoperative morbiditySurgical Quality Improvement ProgramLogistic regression modelingStrongest predictorQuality Improvement ProgramAggregate morbidityNSQIP definitionsPreoperative frailtyImmunosuppressive therapyPostoperative outcomesSurgical candidacyChronic natureMorbidityFunctional assessmentFrailtyResectionDiseaseOlder individualsPotential predictorsPatients
2020
Frailty is a better predictor than age for outcomes in geriatric patients with rectal cancer undergoing proctectomy
Miller SM, Wolf J, Katlic M, D'Adamo CR, Coleman J, Ahuja V. Frailty is a better predictor than age for outcomes in geriatric patients with rectal cancer undergoing proctectomy. Surgery 2020, 168: 504-508. PMID: 32665144, DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2020.05.027.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAge FactorsAgedAged, 80 and overClinical Decision-MakingFeasibility StudiesFemaleFrail ElderlyFrailtyGeriatric AssessmentHospital MortalityHumansLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedPostoperative ComplicationsProctectomyRectal NeoplasmsRetrospective StudiesRisk AssessmentRisk FactorsTreatment OutcomeYoung AdultConceptsRectal cancerOlder ageFrailty indexNational Quality Improvement Program databaseQuality Improvement Program databaseNational quality improvement programImprovement Program databasePoor postoperative outcomesPredictor of morbidityPrimary rectal cancerAdverse surgical outcomesQuality Improvement ProgramFrail patientsOlder patientsPatient agePostoperative outcomesGeriatric patientsGreater morbiditySurgical optionsSurgical outcomesRisk factorsProgram databaseMorbidityPatientsProctectomyRacial disparities in surgical outcomes for benign thyroid disease
Maduka RC, Gibson CE, Chiu AS, Jean RA, Wills-Johnson N, Azar SA, Oliveira K, Ahuja V. Racial disparities in surgical outcomes for benign thyroid disease. The American Journal Of Surgery 2020, 220: 1219-1224. PMID: 32669203, DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2020.06.054.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBenign thyroid diseaseThyroid diseaseRLN injuryNeck hematomaPostoperative complicationsWhite patientsSurgical outcomesRacial disparitiesRecurrent laryngeal nerve injuryLaryngeal nerve injurySignificant postoperative complicationsMalignant thyroid diseaseSignificant hypocalcemiaNerve injuryPostoperative outcomesPatient factorsSurgical treatmentBlack patientsAsian patientsBenign diseaseThyroid surgeryHigh incidenceGreater oddsPatientsMultivariate analysisThe Unintended Consequences of Nonoperative Management of Acute Appendicitis
Oliveira K, Jean RA, Gonsai R, Maduka RC, Gibson CE, Chiu AS, Ahuja V. The Unintended Consequences of Nonoperative Management of Acute Appendicitis. Journal Of Surgical Research 2020, 255: 436-441. PMID: 32619858, DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2020.05.018.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNonoperative managementAcute appendicitisNational Readmission DatabaseOdds of readmissionCause readmission rateRisk of readmissionTraditional operative approachMultivariable linear regressionMore comorbiditiesIndex hospitalizationReadmission ratesSurgical managementAdult admissionsOperative approachPatient burdenAppendicitisPatientsSix monthsAppendectomyReadmissionSignificant increaseMost casesLinear regressionManagementComorbidities
2019
Does Perceived Resident Operative Autonomy Impact Patient Outcomes?
Fieber JH, Bailey EA, Wirtalla C, Johnson AP, Leeds IL, Medbery RL, Ahuja V, VanderMeer T, Wick EC, Irojah B, Kelz RR. Does Perceived Resident Operative Autonomy Impact Patient Outcomes? Journal Of Surgical Education 2019, 76: e182-e188. PMID: 31377204, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2019.06.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsGeneral surgery training programsColorectal resectionSurgery serviceSurgery training programsPatient outcomesTrainee autonomyProspective multi-institutional studyColorectal surgery serviceOpen partial colectomyPrior abdominal surgeryRate of readmissionPatients' clinical outcomesPost-graduate year 3Multi-institutional studyImpact patient outcomesMixed effects regression modelsLower ratesAnesthesiologists classificationSeparate mixed-effects regression modelsColorectal surgeryPrimary outcomeSecondary outcomesAbdominal surgerySerious morbidityClinical outcomesOperative Mortality Prediction for Primary Rectal Cancer: Age Matters
Li Z, Coleman J, D'Adamo CR, Wolf J, Katlic M, Ahuja N, Blumberg D, Ahuja V. Operative Mortality Prediction for Primary Rectal Cancer: Age Matters. Journal Of The American College Of Surgeons 2019, 228: 627-633. PMID: 30630082, DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2018.12.014.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPrimary rectal cancerRectal cancerLogistic regression modelsActual mortalityOlder patientsRisk calculatorAmerican CollegeCovariate-adjusted logistic regression modelsCurrent risk calculatorsICD-9/10 codesColorectal cancer increasesSurgeons NSQIP databaseYears age groupAge categoriesMortality risk estimatesOperative mortalityNSQIP databaseRegression modelsPrognostic valueFunctional statusCancer increasesCare discussionsMortality predictionCPT codesAge groups
2017
Quantification of Resident Work in Colorectal Surgery
Bailey EA, Johnson AP, Leeds IL, Medbery RL, Ahuja V, VanderMeer T, Wick EC, Irojah B, Kelz RR. Quantification of Resident Work in Colorectal Surgery. Journal Of Surgical Education 2017, 75: 564-572. PMID: 28986275, DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2017.09.001.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAcademic Medical CentersAdultClinical CompetenceColorectal SurgeryEducation, Medical, GraduateFemaleHumansInternship and ResidencyInterprofessional RelationsLogistic ModelsMaleMultivariate AnalysisOperating RoomsProfessional AutonomyProspective StudiesSurveys and QuestionnairesUnited StatesConceptsSurgery serviceProspective multi-institutional studyColorectal surgery serviceDay of surgeryGeneral surgery serviceGeneral surgery residency programsMulti-institutional studyAcademic medical centerColorectal resectionColorectal surgerySurgery residency programsFascial closureSkin closureMedical CenterSurvey toolNovel survey toolResponse rateIndependent training programsOperating roomStudy periodSurgeonsSurgeryResidency programsDegree of involvementResidents' workThe Changing Epidemiology of Diverticulitis in the United States
Teetor T, Palachick B, Grim R, Bell T, Martin J, Blumberg D, Khan K, Ahuja V. The Changing Epidemiology of Diverticulitis in the United States. The American Surgeon 2017, 83: 134-136. PMID: 28424119, DOI: 10.1177/000313481708300411.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2016
Locally advanced primary recto-sigmoid cancers: Improved survival with multivisceral resection
Laurence G, Ahuja V, Bell T, Grim R, Ahuja N. Locally advanced primary recto-sigmoid cancers: Improved survival with multivisceral resection. The American Journal Of Surgery 2016, 214: 432-436. PMID: 28082009, DOI: 10.1016/j.amjsurg.2016.12.018.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsMultivisceral resectionAdvanced colorectal cancerColorectal cancerCancer patientsYear survivalNon-metastatic colorectal cancerRadiation treatmentRecto-sigmoid cancerFive-year survivalSignificant associated morbidityKaplan-Meier analysisExtensive surgical proceduresGreatest survival advantageEligible patientsAssociated morbiditySelect patientsMeier analysisStandard surgeryRadical operationSEER dataAdjacent organsSurgical proceduresSurvival advantagePatientsSurgical specialists
2015
Critical Outcomes in Nonrobotic vs Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery
Yanagawa F, Perez M, Bell T, Grim R, Martin J, Ahuja V. Critical Outcomes in Nonrobotic vs Robotic-Assisted Cardiac Surgery. JAMA Surgery 2015, 150: 771-777. PMID: 26083734, DOI: 10.1001/jamasurg.2015.1098.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLength of stayMedian LOSCardiac surgical proceduresNonrobotic surgeryRobotic-assisted surgeryCardiac surgerySurgical proceduresRobotic-assisted cardiac surgeryPropensity scoreLower LOSNationwide Inpatient SampleRobotic-assisted casesHigher median costCardiac operationsInpatient SampleCardiac patientsOpen techniqueMAIN OUTCOMECardiac casesMedian costHealthcare costsSurgeryLower mortalityComplicationsUtilization Project
2014
Changing Demographics in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed in the United States: Hospitalizations from 1998 to 2010
Tucker JJ, Grim R, Bell T, Martin J, Ahuja V. Changing Demographics in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Performed in the United States: Hospitalizations from 1998 to 2010. The American Surgeon 2014, 80: 652-658. PMID: 24987895, DOI: 10.1177/000313481408000718.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLaparoscopic cholecystectomyDisease burdenUtilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample databaseLarge hospital bed sizeAge groupsNationwide Inpatient Sample databasePrevalence of obesityYoung patient populationYears of ageHospital bed sizePeople ages 15Patients 15Younger patientsObese populationMedian lengthPatient populationHospital costsCommunity hospitalObese youthMedian costClinical experienceEconomic burdenObesityAge 15Sample databaseUnnecessary Head Computed Tomography Scans: A Level 1 Trauma Teaching Experience
Parma C, Carney D, Grim R, Bell T, Shoff K, Ahuja V. Unnecessary Head Computed Tomography Scans: A Level 1 Trauma Teaching Experience. The American Surgeon 2014, 80: 664-668. PMID: 24987897, DOI: 10.1177/000313481408000720.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overCraniocerebral TraumaFemaleGuideline AdherenceHospital CostsHospitals, CommunityHospitals, TeachingHumansInjury Severity ScoreMaleMiddle AgedPatient SafetyPennsylvaniaPractice Guidelines as TopicQuality ImprovementRegistriesRetrospective StudiesTomography, X-Ray ComputedTrauma CentersUnnecessary ProceduresYoung AdultConceptsHead CT scanCT scanHead injuryHigher Injury Severity ScoreCanadian CT Head RuleMild traumatic brain injuryMinor head injuryProportion of patientsInjury Severity ScoreGlasgow Coma ScaleLength of stayLoss of consciousnessTraumatic brain injuryQuality patient careVentilator daysComa ScaleNeurologic complaintsTrauma registryVehicular injuriesSeverity scoreUnivariate analysisBrain injuryTomography scanInclusion criteriaAge 41
2013
Infective Endocarditis Leading to Acute Aortic Insufficiency, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Colonic Ischemia
Salman M, Khan NN, Ahuja V, Shears L, Monk J. Infective Endocarditis Leading to Acute Aortic Insufficiency, Ventricular Septal Defect, and Colonic Ischemia. The American Surgeon 2013, 79: 267-268. PMID: 23896231, DOI: 10.1177/000313481307900805.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchUse, Cost, Complications, and Mortality of Robotic versus Nonrobotic General Surgery Procedures Based on a Nationwide Database
Salman M, Bell T, Martin J, Bhuva K, Grim R, Ahuja V. Use, Cost, Complications, and Mortality of Robotic versus Nonrobotic General Surgery Procedures Based on a Nationwide Database. The American Surgeon 2013, 79: 553-560. PMID: 23711262, DOI: 10.1177/000313481307900613.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLysis of adhesionsLength of stayNonrobotic surgeryGeneral surgeryRobotic casesRobotic surgeryOpen surgeryUtilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample dataNationwide Inpatient Sample dataGeneral surgery proceduresRobotic general surgeryHospital bed sizeLower mortality rateCurrent Procedural TerminologyRobotic-assisted proceduresCharlson scoreHigher complicationsNationwide databaseProcedure typeRobotic cholecystectomyHospital regionHealthcare costsSurgeryMortality rateSurgery procedures
2012
Predicting Risk of Death in General Surgery Patients on the Basis of Preoperative Variables Using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data
Vaid S, Bell T, Grim R, Ahuja V. Predicting Risk of Death in General Surgery Patients on the Basis of Preoperative Variables Using American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Data. The Permanente Journal 2012, 16: 10-17. PMID: 23251111, PMCID: PMC3523928, DOI: 10.7812/tpp/12-019.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdolescentAdultAgedAged, 80 and overDatabases, FactualDecision Support TechniquesFemaleGeneral SurgeryHospital MortalityHumansLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedPostoperative ComplicationsPractice Guidelines as TopicPreoperative PeriodReproducibility of ResultsRisk AssessmentRisk FactorsSocieties, MedicalTreatment OutcomeUnited StatesYoung AdultConceptsPreoperative variablesMortality predictorsAmerican CollegeACS NSQIP Participant Use Data FilesNational Surgical Quality Improvement Program databaseSurgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataSurgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databaseNational Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataNSQIP Participant Use Data FilesParticipant Use Data FileQuality Improvement Program dataQuality Improvement Program databaseLogistic regressionGeneral surgery patientsCurrent Procedural Terminology codesPoor functional statusImprovement Program databaseRisk of deathProcedural Terminology codesLaparoscopic colorectalOperative survivalSurgery patientsSteroid usePancreas surgeryDead patientsCost Analysis of Laparoscopic versus Open Colectomy in Patients with Colon Cancer: Results from a Large Nationwide Population Database
Vaid S, Tucker J, Bell T, Grim R, Ahuja V. Cost Analysis of Laparoscopic versus Open Colectomy in Patients with Colon Cancer: Results from a Large Nationwide Population Database. The American Surgeon 2012, 78: 635-641. PMID: 22643256, DOI: 10.1177/000313481207800614.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLaparoscopic colectomyOpen colectomyColon cancerUtilization Project National Inpatient Sample databaseNational Inpatient Sample databaseElective laparoscopic colectomyNationwide population databasePredictors of costsLower mortality rateLower total chargesMann-Whitney testCharlson scoreLaparoscopic approachMean ageUnadjusted analysesUrban hospitalMortality ratePatientsColectomyHospital sizeTeaching statusCancerSample databaseReliable optionPopulation database
2011
Changing Epidemiology of Acute Appendicitis in the United States: Study Period 1993–2008
Buckius MT, McGrath B, Monk J, Grim R, Bell T, Ahuja V. Changing Epidemiology of Acute Appendicitis in the United States: Study Period 1993–2008. Journal Of Surgical Research 2011, 175: 185-190. PMID: 22099604, DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2011.07.017.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchLaparoscopic Cholecystectomy Is Safe but Underused in the Elderly
Tucker JJ, Yanagawa F, Grim R, Bell T, Ahuja V. Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Is Safe but Underused in the Elderly. The American Surgeon 2011, 77: 1014-1020. PMID: 21944516, DOI: 10.1177/000313481107700820.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultAge FactorsAgedCase-Control StudiesCholecystectomyCholecystectomy, LaparoscopicConfidence IntervalsFemaleFollow-Up StudiesGallbladder DiseasesGeriatric AssessmentHumansLogistic ModelsMaleMiddle AgedPostoperative ComplicationsPredictive Value of TestsPreoperative CareRisk AssessmentSafety ManagementTreatment OutcomeConceptsLength of stayOpen cholecystectomyLaparoscopic cholecystectomyElderly patientsSurgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program databaseNational Surgical Quality Improvement Program databaseQuality Improvement Program databaseLonger LOSLogistic regressionImprovement Program databaseEarly operative interventionLow complication rateMultivariate logistic regressionNonelderly patientsOperative interventionComplication rateIndependent predictorsLC surgeryPatient groupGallbladder diseaseHigh comorbidityProgram databaseAmerican CollegeEmergent casesSafe optionEconomics of Appendicitis: Cost Trend Analysis of Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendectomy from 1998 to 2008
McGrath B, Buckius MT, Grim R, Bell T, Ahuja V. Economics of Appendicitis: Cost Trend Analysis of Laparoscopic Versus Open Appendectomy from 1998 to 2008. Journal Of Surgical Research 2011, 171: e161-e168. PMID: 21962815, DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2011.06.067.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsLength of stayOpen appendectomyLaparoscopic appendectomyLaparoscopic Versus Open AppendectomyShorter LOSNationwide Inpatient Sample dataTotal hospital chargesTreatment of appendicitisAcute appendicitisAppendicitis casesHospital chargesMore complicationsComplexity of diseaseDisease presentationOperative approachPrincipal diagnosisAppendectomyComplicationsAppendicitisDiseaseComplex diseasesCost effectivenessComplex casesCONV casesPatients