78.07 The Effects of Norepinephrine and Hypoxia on Bone Marrow Stromal Cytokine Expression

Posted on January 18, 2018

E. Miller1, T. Loftus1, K. Kannan1, I. Alamo1, J. Plazas1, J. Mira1, S. Brakenridge1, P. Efron1, A. Mohr1  1University Of Florida,Department Of Surgery,Gainesville, FLORIDA, USA

Introduction: Following severe trauma and hemorrhagic shock, the post-injury catecholamine surge and global hypoxia suppress erythroid progenitor cell growth in a process that is mediated by the bone marrow stroma.  We hypothesized that norepinephrine (NE) and dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG) would increase bone marrow fibroblast expression of IL-6, EPO, G-CSF, and SCF, and would decrease EPO-R expression.

Methods: Fibroblasts were cultured under four different conditions: NE administration to simulate hypercatecholaminemia, DMOG administration to simulate hypoxia, NE plus DMOG, and unmanipulated controls.  At 6, 24, and 48h, fibroblast cell death was assessed by flow cytometry and expression of IL-6, EPO, EPO-R, G-CSF, and SCF were measured by polymerase chain reaction. 

Results: NE and DMOG administration did not significantly increase fibroblast cell death.  IL-6 expression was increased at all time points following NE, DMOG, and NE+DMOG, and was highest 48h following NE (103% increase, p <0.001).  EPO was also significantly increased at all time points following administration of NE, DMOG, and NE+DMOG; DMOG had strongest effects (176% increase at 48h, p <0.001).  EPO-R was significantly increased 48h following NE+DMOG (18%, p =0.003).  G-CSF was suppressed by NE but remained close to control levels following DMOG and NE+DMOG.  SCF was not significantly affected by NE, but was significantly decreased 48h following DMOG (51% decrease, p <0.001) and NE+DMOG (47% decrease, p <0.001). 

Conclusion: Catecholamines and hypoxia affect bone marrow stromal expression of cytokines that influence erythropoiesis, with unique individual and combined effects. EPO-R dysregulation following severe trauma may be attributable to circulating factors or functional damage to bone marrow fibroblasts themselves. Downregulation of SCF by hypoxia may contribute to ineffective stress erythropoiesis.

 

78.10 Determination of Coagulation Kinetics Using a Novel Linear Thromboelastometry Device

Posted on January 18, 2018

C. K. Rozean1, M. J. George1, K. R. Aroom1, M. A. Skibber1, T. Sharma1, C. E. Wade1, C. S. Cox1, B. S. Gill1  1University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston,Houston, TX, USA

Introduction: Thromboelastography (TEG) demonstrates clinical utility in multiple surgical fields including general, trauma, hepatic and cardiac surgery. Current TEG devices are limited to use within clinical laboratory settings due, in part, to size constraints. We describe a novel linear thromboelastometry device (LTD) driven by a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) with the potential for scaling to portability. We hypothesize that this device will demonstrate similar coefficients of variation to TEG when tested in normal human control subjects, and will demonstrate the effects of hemodilution on clot formation metrics with greater sensitivity than TEG.

Methods: Venous blood was collected from healthy adult volunteers into citrate tubes. Recalcified blood is injected into a well mounted on a MEMS driven translational stage. A flexible paddle probe fixed as a cantilever beam is lowered into the blood sample. As the blood clots, and a platelet/fibrin mesh forms, translation of the stage causes an increasing force to act on the unfixed end of the paddle probe. This force is measured optically as deflection of the probe. Clot formation metrics were defined as follows: maximum amplitude of paddle probe deflection (MA), time to first evidence of probe deflection (clot formation, or R), time to reach an established amplitude value (K), and angle formed by the horizontal and a line plotted from R to K on a graph of deflection over time (Angle). To test single person variability of the device, blood from a single individual was tested in triplicate for 3 consecutive days. To test population variability of the device, blood from four individuals was tested in duplicate. To test the sensitivity of the device, blood samples were diluted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). 6 solutions ranging from 95% PBS with 5% blood to 100% citrated recalcified blood were prepared. TEG was performed on separate aliquots of all samples analyzed in the LTD. 

Results:Coefficient of variation (CV) is smaller in the LVD for R and K in single person variability and MA in population variability (Table 1). Hemodilution with PBS demonstrated a strong correlation between platelet count and MA in the new device (R2 = 0.978), and LVD MA correlated strongly with TEG MA (R2 = 0.934). The new device was able to detect a signal in as little as 5% blood by volume, while TEG was able to detect a signal at 15% blood by volume. 

Conclusion:This preliminary study compares CV of the LTD to TEG and demonstrates its superiority in certain metrics. The LTD accurately detects hemodilution of a blood sample. The device is also able to detect a clotting signal in more dilute blood than TEG, suggesting it is more sensitive. 

 

78.05 Recurrent Traumatic Brain Injury Does Not Degenerate Spinal Motor Neurons in ALS or Wild Type Rodents

Posted on January 18, 2018

N. K. Dhillon1, G. Barmparas1, N. Cho1, M. Alkaslasi1, M. Marcelino1, P. S. Haro1, E. J. Ley1, G. M. Thomsen1  1Cedars-Sinai Medical Center,Los Angeles, CA, USA

Introduction:  Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized in part by degeneration of motor neurons in the spinal cord. We recently reported that recurrent traumatic brain injury (rTBI) leads to earlier disease onset in SOD1 rats genetically predisposed to ALS and is associated with sustained motor deficits in wild type (WT) rats.  We hypothesized that rTBI in SOD1 ALS rats exacerbates degeneration of spinal cord motor neuron (SCMN) and rTBI in WT rats leads to a similar SCMN degeneration observed in ALS.

Methods:  Fourteen WT and eight SOD1 rats were selected for histological analysis from a larger cohort of rats that had undergone either sham or repeat TBI and behavioral assessment. rTBI rats were administered repeat, bilateral, closed skull TBI once a week with a controlled cortical impact device over a 5-week period. Spinal cords were collected from SOD1 rats at disease endpoint and from WT rats at the age of 235 days. Histological analysis of SCMNs was conducted by staining for choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) followed by quantification and cell-size analysis of ChAT+ cells.

Results: At study endpoint, we found that although the total number of ChAT+ spinal motor neuron was significantly decreased in sham and rTBI SOD1 rats, indicative of disease progress, there was no effect of rTBI in either WT or SOD1 rats (Figure). Similarly, the average size of ChAT+ cells was not changed after rTBI indicating that rTBI does not lead to degeneration of SCMNs in either WT or SOD1 rats. 

Conclusion: Our results are the first to demonstrate that the overall health of spinal motor neurons is not compromised by repetitive injury to the brain.  Spinal motor neurons were not affected by rTBI in SOD1 ALS or WT rats suggesting that the functional deficits that occur are solely due to repeat brain trauma.  Importantly, the more rapid deterioration that occurs with rTBI superimposed upon ALS appears to be due to separate mechanisms related to each.

 

78.06 Glycocalyx Injury Correlates with Coagulopathy and Transfusion Requirements in Pediatric Trauma

Posted on January 18, 2018

R. Uhlich1, P. Hu1, J. Pittet3, M. Shroyer2, P. Bosarge1, J. Kerby1, J. Richter1, R. Russell2  1University Of Alabama at Birmingham,Acute Care Surgery,Birmingham, Alabama, USA 2University Of Alabama at Birmingham,Pediatric Surgery,Birmingham, Alabama, USA 3University Of Alabama at Birmingham,Anesthesia,Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Introduction:
The endothelial glycocalyx layer (EGL) is an important regulator of endothelial cell (EC) function. Trauma induced damage to the EGL can lead to endothelial dysfunction resulting in increased vascular permeability, coagulopathy, organ dysfunction, and mortality. While these associations have been an increasing area of focus within the adult trauma population, the effect of traumatic injury on the EGL and endothelial function among pediatric patients is less clear. Quantification of circulating levels of Syndecan-1 (Syn-1), an essential proteoglycan of the EGL, has recently been identified as a method to demonstrate the endotheliopathy of trauma. Correlations between increased Syn-1 levels and worse clinical outcomes have been described following traumatic injury in the adult patient. Our study sought to identify pertinent clinical correlations with Syn-1 elevation following severe injury in the pediatric population.

Methods:
We performed a prospective observational study from 2013-2016 at a level 1 pediatric trauma center. Blood samples were obtained upon admission, Syn-1 levels were quantified, and coagulopathy and clinical parameters evaluated. Endotheliopathy was defined as an admission Syn-1 ≥ 40 ng/mL, based on existing literature. Traumatic coagulopathy was defined as an INR >1.5. Skewed variables were log-transformed for inclusion. Clinical data was analyzed with χ2 or Fisher’s exact test and Student’s t-test for categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Logistic regression with relevant covariates was used to evaluate the association between endotheliopathy and coagulopathy. 

Results:
A total of 53 patients were identified. Endotheliopathy was identified in 43.4% (23/53) of patients. Those with endotheliopathy were more severely injured (mean injury severity score (ISS): 29.04 ± 18.28 vs 20.70 ± 13.80, p = 0.06), which trended towards significance. Mean admission INR was significantly higher (1.40 ± 0.57 vs 1.13 ± 0.16, p = 0.045) and patients were significantly more likely to have traumatic coagulopathy (26.1% vs 3.4%, p=0.035) and require FFP transfusion within 6 hours (17.4% vs 0%, p = 0.03) compared to patients without endotheliopathy. Endotheliopathy was significantly associated with traumatic coagulopathy in multivariate analysis when adjusting for age and mechanism of injury, but not ISS (Table 1). 

Conclusion:
These findings reflect the association between endotheliopathy and coagulopathy following pediatric trauma. Damage to the EGL may play an important role in the development of trauma induced coagulopathy. Thus, maintenance of EGL integrity after injury is a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing coagulopathy in pediatric trauma.
 

78.01 The Effect of Aspirin on Platelet Contraction

Posted on January 18, 2018

M. J. George1, K. R. Aroom1, M. A. Skibber1, T. Sharma1, C. S. Cox1, C. E. Wade1, B. S. Gill1  1University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston,Center For Translational Injury Research,Houston, TEXAS, USA

Introduction:  Aggregation is the initial phase of platelet activation while contraction is the terminal phase. Both aggregation and contraction are key determinants of clot formation and stability. Optical aggregometry measures platelet aggregation and detects anti-platelet drugs like Aspirin. There is no current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved device that measures platelet contraction. We hypothesize that a platelet contraction device can detect the presence of Aspirin. We studied platelet contraction using a novel device employing gain and loss of function experiments.  We targeted the TXA2 platelet activation pathway by measuring changes in platelet contraction and aggregation due to inhibition with aspirin or stimulation with arachidonic acid.

Methods:  Venous blood samples were taken from consenting healthy adult volunteers before and 120 minutes after oral ingestion of 325 mg non-enteric coated aspirin (ASA) tablets. Platelet contraction was measured in the novel device using fresh native blood (NB) within 5 minutes of collection. Platelet contraction assays were measured in duplicate, with and without stimulation by arachidonic acid (AA). Metrics reflecting platelet contraction include contraction start time (CST) and maximum contraction force (MCF). Platelet aggregation was measured in an optical aggregometer using citrated platelet rich plasma within 20 minutes of collection. Optical aggregometry assays were measured in triplicate and stimulated by AA. Metrics reflecting platelet aggregation include lag time (LT) and max amplitude (MA). ANOVA with repeated measures and Bonferroni post-hoc analysis measured differences among the four treatment groups. Linear regression analysis compared platelet contraction and platelet aggregation among single subjects.

Results: Eight adult subjects were enrolled. MCF or CST was not significantly different when comparing pre and post ASA assays without AA. However with AA added, MCF was significantly higher in pre ASA assays compared to post ASA assays (4082±353 uN vs 3325±741 uN) and CST was significantly lower in pre ASA assays compared to post ASA assays (913±26 seconds vs 1389±266 seconds)(Figure 1, ** denotes p < 0.005, * denotes p < 0.05). Among single subjects prior to ASA administration, platelet contraction CST and platelet aggregation LT correlated with R2 = 0.857; platelet contraction MCF and platelet aggregation MA correlated with R2 = 0.864.

Conclusion: Platelet contraction demonstrates utility as a potential measure of platelet function when detecting effects of anti-platelet drugs like aspirin. The novel platelet contraction device correlates with optical aggregometry. 
 

78.02 Bladder Infection Reduces Uroepithelial Acid Ceramidase: A Novel Etiology for Recurrent UTIs

Posted on January 18, 2018

R. M. Boudreau1, J. E. Baker1, A. E. Mahdy1, M. J. Edwards1, E. Gulbins1,2, A. P. Seitz1  1University Of Cincinnati,Department Of Surgery,Cincinnati, OH, USA 2University Of Duisburg-Essen,Department Of Molecular Biology,Essen, NORTH RHINE-WESTPHALIA, Germany

Introduction:  Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a leading cause of infectious disease worldwide and cost the US healthcare system an estimated $1.6 billion annually. The most common predictor for susceptibly to UTI is a history of a previous UTI. Acid ceramidase deacylates ceramide to sphingosine; together with sphingosine, it has been shown to play a critical role in the innate immunity of the respiratory epithelium and skin. We have previously reported finding decreased expression of acid ceramidase in uroepithelial cells of patients with UTIs. In this study, we hypothesized that a murine model of UTI would lead to diminished expression of acid ceramidase compared to uninfected controls. 

Methods:  Wildtype C57BL/6 mice underwent serial inoculation with 1×106 CFU uropathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) via transurethral catheterization at 0 and 24 hours. At time points of 1, 3, and 5 days after the second inoculation, mice were sacrificed and their bladders harvested and fixed in 4% formaldehyde. The bladders were then analyzed by immunohistochemistry with anti-acid ceramidase rabbit IgG and a fluorescent secondary antibody. Imaging was then performed using a scanning laser confocal microscope. Select images then were analyzed with Nikon Elements software and fluorescence intensity per µm2 quantified. 

Results: Uroepithelial expression of acid ceramidase, as reflected by fluorescence intensity per µm2, was significantly decreased by 56.4% (p < 0.01) in infected bladders compared to control bladders on day 1 after inoculation. (Figure 1) 

Conclusion: UTIs represent a significant financial and clinical burden to the healthcare system, with recurrent UTIs proving exceptionally difficult to treat. We report a novel finding of decreased uroepithelial acid ceramidase expression in a murine model of UTI. Taken together with prior reports on the importance of acid ceramidase in innate immunity, these data suggest a possible etiology for susceptibility to recurrent UTI and offer a potential avenue for the treatment and prevention of UTI.

 

78.04 A Combat-Relevant Model of Noncompressible Torso Hemorrhage with Hilum Clamping

Posted on January 18, 2018

A. Batchinsky1,2, V. Karaliou1, J. Choi1,2, B. Beely1,2, T. Roberts1,2, G. Harea1, J. Cannon3, L. Cancio6, S. Nessen6, V. Sams4, P. Mason4, J. Lantry5, A. Batchinsky1,2  1The Geneva Foundation,Tacoma, WA, USA 2University Of The Incarnate Word, School Of Osteopathic Medicine,Department Of Translational Medicine,San Antonio, TX, USA 3University Of Pennsylvania,Penn Presbyterian,Philadelphia, PA, USA 4Brooke Army Medical Center,Ft Sam Houston, TX, USA 5University Of Maryland,Medical Center,Baltimore, MD, USA 6United States Army Institute Of Surgical Research,JBSA Ft. Sam Houston, TX, USA

Introduction:  Noncompressible torso hemorrhage (NCTH) is highly lethal. We developed a model of NCTH with single lung ventilation due to pulmonary contusion, hemorrhage, and unilateral hilum clamping, hypothesizing that it leads to severe shock, acidosis, and ARDS.

Methods: After anesthesia, instrumentation, volume controlled mechanical ventilation (10ml/kg tidal volume (TV) and 5 cm H2O PEEP), and baseline data recording (BL), 8 swine (54±7kg) received right-sided contusion (PC) with a captive bolt device; chest tube; hemorrhage (Post Hem) to 40 mm Hg of mean arterial pressure (MAP); 30 minutes of shock (Post Shock); then thoracotomy with hilum clamping (Hilum Clamp); crystalloid resuscitation (36 ml/kg) followed by transfusion of the shed blood (Post Transf) and 12 and 24 hour follow up. Body temperature was not controlled. Data presented as means±SEM, statistics by Kruskal-Wallis test with a Dunnett adjustment, p-value < 0.05 (*).

Results: See Table 1. Injury led to progressive sustained tachycardia; sustained hypotension; desaturation with increased O2 needs; transient increase in Peak and Plateau pressure, ARDS, and lactic acidosis. Mortality was 38% at 24 hr with mean survival time of 16.5± 3.6 hr. In 7 animals, continuous epinephrine was administered at 0.1-5 mcg/kg/min; 2 animals required direct heart massage, and repeat defibrillations with CPR occurred in 4 animals. Histology confirmed diffuse alveolar damage consistent with ARDS in all animals.

Conclusion: We developed a model of NCTH which led to sustained tachycardia, profound hypotension; transient ARDS and lactic acidosis. This model will be used to investigate rescue interventions such as extracorporeal life support and normothermic vs. hypothermic resuscitation.

 

7.19 Finding the Surgical “Sweet Spot” in Colorectal Cancer: Timing Affects Survival.

Posted on January 18, 2018

R. J. Kucejko1, T. Holleran1, D. E. Stein1, J. L. Poggio1  1Drexel University College Of Medicine,Surgery,Philadelphia, PA, USA

Introduction:  Surgical resection is the mainstay of definitive treatment for colon and rectal cancer.  Prior studies have shown that earlier surgery for other malignancies can improve long-term survival.  Research has shown that emergent treatment for colorectal cancer leads to lower long-term survival, but the effect of timing for elective surgery has not been well studied.  Quality metrics have been established for the administration of chemotherapy in colorectal surgery, but none exist for the timing of surgery.  This study aims to determine the optimal timing of elective surgical resection of colon and rectal cancer.

Methods:  A retrospective review was performed on the National Cancer Database (NCDB) on patients between 2004 and 2013 with a primary site corresponding to colon or rectum.  Patients were included if the entry was for their first and only malignancy, and if definitive surgical treatment was performed prior to other modalities.  Patients were excluded if the number of days to diagnosis was unknown, or diagnosis was made on autopsy.  Patients were separated into 15-day strata and post-operative outcomes were assessed by chi-squared and Mann-Whitney U tests.  Overall survival was evaluated by Cox regression.

Results: 595,174 patients were analyzed, with 78.7% having colon cancer and 21.3% having rectal cancer.  62.4% of all patients were operated on between 0 to 15 days after definitive diagnosis, with 30.2% having an operation the same day as diagnosis.  Cox regression analysis controlling for age, stage, and Charlson comorbidity score showed the lowest overall survival rate in patients operated on within the first 15 days of diagnosis.  When days 0 through 15 were analyzed individually, a significantly lower survival was noted between days 2 through 6.  The highest survival was seen in patients operated on between 16 and 90 days after definitive diagnosis.

Conclusion: The timing of surgery in colon and rectal cancer significantly affects overall survival.  Patients operated on the same day of diagnosis may represent those in need of emergent surgery, yet those patients did not have the lowest overall survival when controlling for disease stage, age, and comorbidities.  The high percentage of patients receiving definitive operations within the first 15 days suggest patients may be receiving definitive operations too soon.  They would likely benefit from pre-operative optimization of medical comorbidities, nutrition, and social support, as no benefit is seen from rushing to surgery.  There is a need for further analysis of pre-operative variables to determine why the lowest survival exists between days 2 to 6 after definitive diagnosis. 

 

7.20 Decision Tree Analysis to Identify Key Factors Predicting ICU Admission After Colorectal Surgery

Posted on January 18, 2018

D. E. Wang1, Y. Fang2, S. E. Sherman2, E. Newman1, G. Ballantyne1, H. Pachter1, M. Melis1  1New York University School Of Medicine,Department Of Surgery,New York, NY, USA 2New York University School Of Medicine,Department Of Population Health,New York, NY, USA

Introduction: Currently, there are no standard criteria for admission to an intensive care unit (ICU) following colorectal surgery and rates of ICU admission fluctuate widely across various healthcare settings. Undertriage can lead to preventable complications. Over-triage can cause iatrogenic harm to the patient alongside unnecessary costs and misutilization of resources. We sought to identify predictors for appropriate ICU triage following colorectal surgery.

Methods:  We performed a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing colorectal surgery (2011-2015). Objective criteria (e.g. prolonged hypotension, reintubation, new onset of cardiac arrhythmia) were used to identify appropriate ICU admissions. Patient demographics, underlying conditions, and common surgical risk scores such as Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Surgical Apgar Score (SAS), and Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI) were utilized in a decision tree model to identify factors correlating with objective criteria for ICU admission. The accuracy and overall quality of the model was assessed by examining the test misclassification rate achieved after separating the dataset into training and validation sets. The model was then compared to other approaches including bivariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: Events requiring ICU care were observed in 41 of 104 patients who underwent colorectal surgery. Decision tree analysis identified the lowest intraoperative heart rate, CCI, and eGFR as the 3 most important predictors for ICU admission with an overall misclassification rate of 21.2% (Figure 1a). SAS, CCI, age, history of solid tumor, and preoperative hematocrit were also predictors of need for ICU. Using 65 patients who were randomly selected as training set to build a model and the remaining 39 patients to test the model, a simpler decision tree was achieved utilizing CCI and lowest intraoperative heart rate with an overall misclassification rate of 20.5% (Figure 1b). Bivariate analysis of the top 9 predictors identified through the decision tree model revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in lowest heart rate, CCI, SAS, RCRI, and history of a solid tumor but insignificant differences in eGFR, age, and preoperative hematocrit. Multiple logistic regression analysis of these 9 variables resulted in an overall misclassification rate of 23.1%.

Conclusion: Many patients are unnecessarily admitted to the ICU following colorectal surgery. Using decision tree modeling, we found that lowest intraoperative heart rate and CCI represent the two most important predictors for ICU admission. Further analysis with larger datasets will be necessary to develop clinical tools to enhance postoperative triage after colorectal surgery.

 

7.17 Frequency and Timing of Complications Following Abdominoperineal Resection: A NSQIP Analysis

Posted on January 18, 2018

L. A. Sceats1, J. E. Tooley3, D. D. Bohl2, B. Read1, A. Trickey4, C. Kin1  1Stanford University,Surgery,Palo Alto, CA, USA 2Rush University Medical Center,Orthopedic Surgery,Chicago, IL, USA 3Stanford University,Internal Medicine,Palo Alto, CA, USA 4Stanford University,S-SPIRE Center,Stanford, CA, USA

Introduction:
Abdominoperineal resection (APR) is primarily used for low rectal cancers and is historically associated with a high rate of complications. Though the majority of APRs are performed as open procedures, laparoscopic APRs have increased in popularity. The differences in short-term complications between open and laparoscopic APR are poorly characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in frequency and timing of onset of postoperative complications between laparoscopic and open APR.  

Methods:
A retrospective cohort study was completed using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database. All patients in the ACS-NSQIP database who underwent laparoscopic or open APR between 2011 and 2015 were identified by Current Procedure Terminology (CPT) codes. Selected patients’ demographic data and comorbidities were compared using Pearson’s χ2 tests. Utilization of the laparoscopic approach over time was evaluated with χ2 tests for trend. The 30-day occurrence rates of common postoperative complications were determined. Cox proportional hazard models were created to compare timing of complication onset between open and laparoscopic procedure groups while controlling for baseline demographics and comorbidities. Hazard ratios and hazard curves for postoperative day of onset were calculated for each complication. Differences in length of stay were analyzed using multivariate robust regression. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata v14.2.   

Results:
A total of 7681 patients undergoing laparoscopic or open APR were identified. The total complication rate for APR was high (45.4%). APRs were commonly complicated by blood transfusion (20.1%), surgical site infection (19.3%), and readmission (12.3%). The percentage of APRs completed laparoscopically increased from 26% in 2011 to 40% in 2015 (p<0.001). Laparoscopic APR was associated with a lower total complication rate compared to open APR (36.0% vs. 50.1%, p<0.001). This was primarily driven by a decreased rate of transfusion (10.7% vs. 24.9%, p<0.001) and surgical site infection (15.5% vs. 21.2%, p<0.001). Laparoscopic APR was associated with a shorter length of stay (7.4 vs. 9.8 days, p<0.001) and decreased reoperation rate but similar rates of readmission and death. Laparoscopic patients were readmitted earlier, corresponding with earlier discharge date. Cardiopulmonary complications occurred earlier in the postoperative period while infectious complications occurred later. Wounds dehisced later (16.5 vs. 13.2 days, p=0.001) and strokes occurred later in laparoscopic surgical patients (12.2 vs. 8.8 days, p=0.027). 

Conclusion:
Short-term complications following APR are common. Compared to open APR, laparoscopic APR is safe and has a shorter hospitalization, decreased rate of complications, and lower reoperation rate. Laparoscopic APR may be the preferable method for surgeons with the appropriate training and skill set.
 

7.18 ERAS Protocol Validation in a Propensity Matched Cohort of Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery.

Posted on January 18, 2018

P. Vinsard3, A. C. Spaulding2, J. M. Naessens2, Z. Li5, A. Merchea1, J. E. Crook5, D. W. Larson4, R. G. Landmann1, D. T. Colibaseanu1,2  1Mayo Clinic,Department Of General Surgery,Jacksonville, FL, USA 2Mayo Clinic,Center For The Science Of Health Care Delivery,Rochester, MN, USA 3University Of Connecticut,Department Of Surgery,Farmington, CT, USA 4Mayo Clinic,Division Of Colorectal Surgery,Rochester, MN, USA 5Mayo Clinic,Department Of Health Sciences Research,Jacksonville, FL, USA

Introduction: Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) has been shown to decrease length of stay, postoperative pain, morbidity, and cost of care. Implementation of the various elements of ERAS is variable, and limited data exists regarding protocol validation. We aim to describe the implementation and validation of a previously described ERAS protocol.

Methods: A retrospective review with propensity score matching of all patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery from 2009 – 2016 was undertaken.  Patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), pain scores, and perioperative morbidity (30-day readmissions, unplanned reoperations, surgical site infections, anastomotic leaks and bleeding) are described. Patients enrolled in the ERAS protocol and those undergoing standard of care were compared for the above outcomes.

Results:From the initial 1,556 patients identified in the initial, nonmatched cohort, 1398 were propensity matched, 698 in each group.  After propensity matching, there was no significant difference in age, Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, Body Mass Index (BMI), sex, operative approach (minimally invasive or open), and surgery duration.  Overall postoperative complications were the same in both groups, with postoperative bleeding slightly lower in the ERAS group. The median LOS in ERAS and non-ERAS groups was 3 vs 5 days, respectively (p <0.001).  From the time of implementation, the 2-day decrease in LOS stabilized after approximately 6 months. Mean pain scores were always lower in the ERAS group, measured at discharge from post anesthesia unit (4.8 vs 3.4; p<0.0001), on Post Operative Day (POD)1 (3.8 vs 3.3; p 0.002) , and on POD 2 (3.1 vs 2.8; p 0.024), but were the same on discharge (2.0). 

Conclusion:This ERAS protocol was successfully validated at our institution, using the same protocol and a similar population of patients as the institution that developed the protocol.   The primary outcome, LOS, decreased by 2 days as at the original institution.   In this study, the time to achieve a 2-day decrease in LOS from the moment of implementation was 6 months.  Secondary outcomes were also very similar as the original institution; in particular pain scores were observed to be statistically significant and lower in the ERAS group.  Different than most other retrospective studies was the use of propensity matching which ensured that – to the best of the authors’ ability-  the groups are as evenly matched as possible. This study adds to the body of literature showing that ERAS is beneficial to the patients, but is the only validation ERAS study in a propensity matched cohort of patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Limitations of this study include the retrospective design and that this is a single institution experience, reliant on its surgical mix and electronic clinical systems to capture some of the outcomes described. Further validation from other institutions would be beneficial. 

7.15 Trends and Outcomes for Minimally Invasive Surgery for Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Posted on January 18, 2018

C. H. Davis1, T. Gaglani2, H. R. Bailey1,2, M. V. Cusick1,2  1Methodist DeBakey Heart And Vascular Center,Department Of Surgery,Houston, TX, USA 2University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston,Department Of Surgery,Houston, TX, USA

Introduction:
The relapsing and remitting nature of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) predisposes patients to the development of fibrotic strictures, which must often be managed surgically. Laparoscopy provides the potential for enhanced perioperative care. Previous studies comparing morbidity and trends of open versus laparoscopic resection in IBD have been constrained by length of study and sample size. The aim of this study was to assess the trends of laparoscopic utilization over time and to compare operative outcomes with between open vs. laparoscopic technique.

Methods:
Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database, patients with primary diagnosis of IBD undergoing surgical resection from 2005-2015 were identified using a combination of ICD-9 and CPT codes. Utilization as well as morbidity and mortality rates were then compared between open and laparoscopic resections.

Results:
A total of 29,266 resections were performed on IBD patients; 4,856 (16.6%) performed laparoscopically. The mean age in the open and laparoscopic groups was 43.8 and 38.9 years, respectively. The mean BMI in the open and laparoscopic groups was 25.7 and 25.2 kg/m2. The use of laparoscopy increased over time from 5.9% in 2005 to 23.2% in 2015. Comparing laparoscopic versus open, postoperative complication rates favored laparoscopy in each of the 16 categories. (Table 1) The most common complications in both laparoscopic and open methods were organ space infection (5.4% vs. 6.9%), superficial surgical site infection (4.6% vs. 7.1%), and urinary tract infection (1.3% vs. 3.4%). Length of stay was also markedly reduced in the laparoscopic group (6.4 vs. 9.3 days).

Conclusion:
These data indicate that the number of laparoscopic resections for IBD have been increasing over time. Favorable complication rates, operating time and hospital stay suggest that laparoscopy may be a safer option and should be preferred for fibrotic bowel resection. There are various limitations of this study that stem from the use of the NSQIP database. Skill or training level of surgeons and outcome data past 30 postoperative days are not captured. Furthermore, there was limited information about the clinical complexity of each case as the database did not contain inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein or sedimentation rates. Future analyses should be conducted about the relative efficacy of robotic surgery as well as single incision laparoscopic surgery.
 

7.16 Medicaid Patients Less Likely to Receive Emergent Procedures for Colorectal Cancer

Posted on January 18, 2018

Y. A. Zerhouni1,3, E. B. Schneider2, N. Melnitchouk1  1Brigham And Women’s Hospital,C,Boston, MA, USA 2Ohio State University,Columbus, OH, USA 3UCSF- East Bay,Surgery,Oakland, CA, USA

Introduction:
Disparities in referral to surgical intervention for cancer exist for Medicaid patients. Emergent surgical procedures, both curative and palliative, play a major part in the management of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), and carry worse outcomes. We evaluated the disparity of procedures by insurance coverage in the management of CRC patients who present to the emergency department (ED) for care of CRC.

Methods:
We queried the 2008-2014 Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS), a 20% stratified sample of United States ED visits, to identify all visits with a primary ICD-9-CM diagnosis of CRC. CRC patients who underwent a colon resection, ostomy creation, colon dilation, or colon stenting were identified (PROC). Comparisons were done between Medicaid and private insurance PROC patients and those who did not have a procedure (NOPROC). Using coarsened exact matching controlling for age, sex, cancer site, hospital region, zip-code median income, year of presentation, and discharge weight within the NEDS, a one-to-one match was made between Medicaid and private insurance patients. Descriptive analyses were done to compare the matched cohorts.

Results:

Medicaid and private insurance patients accounted for 12.7% and 20.1% respectively of an estimated 312,105 ED visits for a primary diagnosis of CRC. In the unmatched analysis, Medicaid patients were noted to be younger (mean age NOPROC 53.5 vs. 57.3 and PROC 54.9 vs. 57.9, p<0.001). Both Medicaid and private insurance patients were more likely to be male (NOPROC 55.8% vs 57.9%, p=0.092; PROC 55.0% vs 51.6%, p<0.001). Both groups of Medicaid patients were more likely to have more comorbidities than private patients, notably tobacco use, malnutrition, COPD, liver disease, and AIDS. Private NOPROC patients were significantly more likely to be obese, have a history of myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic renal disease. Private PROC patients were more likely to be obese than Medicaid patients (14.0% vs. 10.0%, p<0.001). Medicaid patients were more likely to receive an ostomy only as their procedure (15.4% vs. 8.5%, p<0.001).  4,087 matched pairs were made. After matching, Medicaid patients were still less likely to have a procedure (p=0.021) and died at a higher rate after a procedure but this did not meet statistical significance (2.6% vs. 1.7%, p=0.055).

Conclusion:
After matching, Medicaid patients continue to be less likely to be treated with a surgical procedures. Medicaid patients presenting for emergent care of CRC have more co-morbidities and rectal disease than private patients. Medicaid patients were more likely to undergo ostomy creation as their sole procedure.

7.14 Perineural Invasion is a Significant Prognostic Factor in Non-Metastatic Colon Cancer.

Posted on January 18, 2018

L. G. Leijssen1,2, A. M. Dinaux1,2, H. Kunitake1,2, L. G. Bordeianou1,2, D. L. Berger1,2  1Massachusetts General Hospital,General And Gastrointestinal Surgery,Boston, MA, USA 2Harvard School Of Medicine,Brookline, MA, USA

Introduction:  ?Perineural invasion (PNI) is associated with adverse oncological outcomes in colorectal cancer. However, it’s often underreported and not considered in the TNM staging system. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of PNI in patients with non-metastatic colon cancer.?

Methods:  Patients with stage I-III colon cancer who underwent elective surgery at our tertiary center between 2004-2014 were extracted from a prospectively maintained database (n=1090). Long-term outcomes were compared, and differences were determined by multivariable Cox regression models adjusted for stage and potential confounders. ?

Results: PNI was identified in 168 (15.4%) patients and associated with left-sided tumors, greater tumor size, and advanced disease. Histopathological features including extramural vascular invasion, large and small vessel involvement, and poor differentiation were correlated with PNI. Furthermore, recurrence rates were significantly higher in patients with PNI presence (P<0.001). This was mainly explained by a higher rate of distant recurrence (8.7% vs. 30.4%, P<0.001), with liver (14.9%), peritoneum (8.9%), and lung (8.3%) as the main sites of metastasis. The estimate 5-year overall (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were both worse in the PNI positive group (OS: 79.7% vs. 55.1%; DFS: 87.9% vs. 60.8%, both P<0.001). Patients with stage-II disease and PNI presence had significantly worse OS than stage-III patients with no PNI (P<0.001). However, adjuvant therapy reversed this adverse outcome to comparable OS (P0.205). Multivariate analysis demonstrated PNI as an independent predictor for both overall (HR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.31-2.40, P<0.001) and disease-free survival (HR 1.72, 95% CI: 1.20-2.54, P0.004).?

Conclusion: Our study supports the benefits of adjuvant therapy in stage-II colon cancer with PNI positivity. PNI presence is an independent and poor prognostic factor in non-metastatic colon cancer and should be considered as a factor in disease stratification.?

 

7.13 Pre-operative Predictors of Prolonged Length-of-Stay with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)

Posted on January 18, 2018

T. S. Wahl1, J. D. Owen1, L. E. Goss1, J. S. Richman1, M. S. Morris1, G. D. Kennedy1, J. A. Cannon1, D. I. Chu1  1University Of Alabama At Birmingham,Department Of Surgery,Birmingham, AL, USA

Introduction: ERAS decreases post-operative length-of-stay (pLOS) and cost following colorectal surgery. It remains unclear, however, which patients will fail ERAS based on pre-operative assessments. We hypothesized that patient-level factors, such as social determinants of health (SDOH), would predict prolonged post-operative length-of-stay.

Methods: All adult patients undergoing colorectal surgery with ERAS from 2015 at a single-institution were identified. ERAS failure was defined as an observed pLOS greater-than-the-expected pLOS calculated using the ACS-NSQIP Risk Calculator. Patients were stratified by ERAS success or failure. Pre-operative patient-level characteristics including SDOH were compared. Backwards step-wise logistic regression identified independent predictors of ERAS failure.

Results: Of 210 patients, 39 (18.6%) patients were ERAS failures. No differences in SDOH or ERAS compliance rates were observed between groups. Compared to non-ERAS failures, ERAS failure patients experienced a median pLOS 12 days (IQR 8-14) compared to 3 days (IQR 3-4) (p<0.001). ERAS failure was associated with active smoking, white race, and emergency surgery. On adjusted analysis, pre-operative smoking status (OR 2.4 95%CI 1.1-5.6, p=0.03) and emergency surgery (OR 5.0 95%CI 1.9-13.5, p<0.01) were independently associated with ERAS failure. On adjusted analysis of elective surgery patients, the presence of pre-operative opioid prescriptions was independently associated with ERAS failure (OR 4.8 95%CI 1.7-13.7, p=0.03).

Conclusion: Pre-operative patient characteristics associated with ERAS failure are smoking status, emergency surgery, and having outpatient opioid prescriptions. These factors represent potential targets for future interventions to prevent ERAS failure.
 

7.11 Disparity of Colon Cancer Outcomes in Rural America: Making the Case to Travel the Extra Mile

Posted on January 18, 2018

V. Raman1, M. A. Adam1, M. Turner1, H. Moore1, C. Mantyh1, J. Migaly1  1Duke University Medical Center,Department Of Surgery,Durham, NC, USA

Introduction:
Rural disparity in colon cancer care may exist, with potential compromised outcomes for rural dwellers. However, it is unclear if this disparity could be mitigated by traveling to high-volume centers, given concerns for travel burden and wait times. The objectives of this study were to characterize outcomes from colon cancer patients based on rurality and compare the outcomes of rural patients who traveled to high-volume centers to urban patients who traveled to high-volume centers.

Methods:
Patients treated for colon cancer were identified from the National Cancer Database (2004-2014). Travel distance to treatment centers and annual hospital volume were divided into quartiles. Overlaying rural status with the upper quartiles of travel distance with hospital volume status was employed to identify 2 groups: (1) rural patients who traveled to high-volume hospitals, (2) urban patients who traveled to high-volume hospitals. Outcomes were compared after adjustment for clinicopathologic tumor characteristics, and surgical therapy.

Results:
A total of 503,438 patients were included; 492883 patients from urban areas and 10555 patients from rural areas. Rural vs urban patients more often were White, had lower income, more comorbid conditions, and received treatment at non-academic centers (all p<0.05).  While extent of surgery was not different between groups, rural patients had higher 90-day mortality (7% vs 6%, p=0.002). Unadjusted 10-year overall survival was significantly shorter for the rural group (37% vs 39%, p<0.0001). After adjustment, survival remained significantly compromised among rural patients (HR 1.06, p=0.0003). There were 31499 urban patients who travel a long distance (mean 40 miles) to high-volume centers (mean137 cases/yr) and 701 rural patients who travel a long distance (mean 108 miles) to high-volume centers (139 cases/yr). Unadjusted 10-year survival was equivalent between rural vs urban patients who travelled to high-volume centers (42% vs 45%, p<0.39), even after adjustment for patient and tumor characteristics (HR 1.097, p=0.25).

Conclusion:
This national study suggests that rural disparity exists in colon cancer, with compromised outcomes for rural patients. Despite concerns for travel burden and the potential for longer wait times, rural patients who travel to high-volume centers appear to have similar survival to urban patients who travel to high-volume centers. This data may encourage rural providers, patients and policymakers to facilitate referral to high-volume centers for this disadvantaged population. 
 

7.12 Risk Factors Associated with Readmission after Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis: An ACS-NSQIP Analysis

Posted on January 18, 2018

N. P. McKenna1,4, E. B. Habermann3,4, A. E. Glasgow4, K. L. Mathis2, A. L. Lightner2  1Mayo Clinic,Department Of Surgery,Rochester, MN, USA 2Mayo Clinic,Division Of Colon And Rectal Surgery,Rochester, MN, USA 3Mayo Clinic,Department Of Health Science Research,Rochester, MN, USA 4Mayo Clinic,Robert D. And Patricia E. Kern Center For The Science Of Health Care Delivery,Rochester, MN, USA

Introduction: While the increased risk for readmission after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) relative to other colorectal surgery operations is known, reasons and risk factors for readmission remain poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to identify preventable reasons for readmission and to delineate risk factors for readmission in the perioperative period.

Methods: Patients with a diagnosis of chronic ulcerative colitis (CUC) undergoing either total proctocolectomy with IPAA (two-stage) or proctectomy with IPAA (three-stage) were identified in the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database from 2012 to 2015.  Reasons for unplanned readmission within 30 days of procedure were reviewed and categorized as infectious, dehydration/electrolyte abnormalities, small bowel obstruction/ileus, venous thromboembolism, ostomy related, pouch related, pain, bleeding, and other/missing. The primary outcome rate measured was readmission within 30 days of discharge as calculated by person-years method. Cox Proportional Hazard models determined independent risk factors for readmission overall and for specific categories.  

Results: 3473 patients met inclusion criteria with an overall readmission rate of 33% per 30 person days. Identified reasons for readmission included infectious complications (32%), dehydration/electrolyte abnormalities (23%), small bowel obstruction/ileus (15%) and venous thromboembolism (VTE) (5%). Multivariable analysis found race/ethnicity of Hispanic white and black/African American (both versus non-Hispanic white, HR: 1.5, p=0.02 and HR: 1.4, p=0.02, respectively) to be independently associated with thirty-day readmission. When looking at specific reasons for readmission, age 57+ (versus age 18-32, HR: 2.3, p<0.01) and hypertension requiring medication (HR: 1.5, p=0.04) were associated with readmission for dehydration/electrolyte abnormalities; two stage IPAA was associated with readmission for VTE (HR 6.5, p=0.01), while obesity (HR 1.5, p<0.01), operative time 330+ minutes (versus <189 minutes, HR: 2.2, p<0.01), and Hispanic white race/ethnicity (versus non-Hispanic white, HR: 2.0, p<0.01) were associated with readmission for infectious complications.

Conclusions: One-third of patients were readmitted after IPAA, with infectious complications and dehydration making up the majority of reasons for readmission. Targets for quality improvement include potentially preventable reasons for readmission such as dehydration and VTE. The development of pathways to prevent dehydration after discharge in high-risk patients and consideration of extended VTE prophylaxis after two-stage IPAA could help reduce the high readmission rate after IPAA. 

7.09 Readmission Risk Factors For Colorectal Patients Under Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Pathways

Posted on January 18, 2018

J. D. Owen1, L. E. Goss1, G. D. Kennedy1, J. A. Cannon1, M. S. Morris1, J. S. Richman1, D. I. Chu1  1University Of Alabama at Birmingham,Department Of Surgery,Birmingham, AL, USA

Introduction:  Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) pathways decrease length-of-stay and readmissions after colorectal surgery. While risk factors such as ostomies have been associated with 30-day readmissions under traditional recovery pathways, it is unclear if these readmission factors remain the same with ERAS pathways. We hypothesized that risk factors for 30-day readmissions under ERAS would differ from pre-ERAS risk factors. 

Methods: Using a single-institution colorectal database, we identified all patients who underwent ERAS in 2015 and matched to pre-ERAS patients from 2010-2014 by age, sex, race/ethnic group and procedure type. Patient/procedure-specific characteristics were obtained. The primary outcome was 30-day readmissions. Pre-ERAS and ERAS patients were each stratified by readmission status and univariate and bivariate comparison were made. Multivariate regression was used to identify independent predictors of 30-day readmissions for each cohort. 

Results:Of 395 patients, 198 patients underwent ERAS and were matched to 197 Pre-ERAS patients. Overall, the 30-day readmission rate was 15.7% and similar between ERAS and Pre-ERAS patients (16.2 vs. 15.2%, p>0.05). Among ERAS patients, readmitted and non-readmitted patients were similar by matched characteristics and smoking status (28.1 vs 17.5%), minimally-invasive approaches (37.5 vs 44.6%) and BMI (mean 28.9 vs 28.3 (p>0.05). Compared to non-readmitted ERAS patients, readmitted ERAS patients had more ostomies (43.3% vs 22.8%), higher ASA classification scores and more government insurance (p<0.05). Among Pre-ERAS patients, readmitted and non-readmitted patients were similar by female status (53.3 vs. 43.7%), smoking status (23.3 vs 22.2%), and hypertension (43.3 vs 48.5%) (p>0.05). Compared to non-readmitted Pre-ERAS patients, readmitted Pre-ERAS patients had a higher proportion of total colectomies (30.0 vs 5.4%) and more ostomies (36.7 vs. 15.6%) (p<0.01). On adjusted comparisons (Table), risk factors for 30-day readmissions for Pre-ERAS patients included procedure type such as total colectomy (Odds Ratio [OR] 7.0, 95%Confidence-Interval [CI] 1.1-41.6) and presence of an ostomy (OR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1-6.1). For ERAS patients, risk factors for 30-day readmissions included government insurance (OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.7-10.6) and presence of an ostomy (OR 3.1, 95%CI 1.5-6.4). 

Conclusion:Independent risk factors for readmission varied between the pre-ERAS and ERAS cohorts. The presence of an ostomy, however, remained an important and common risk factor for 30-day readmissions even under ERAS pathways. Improving our post-discharge care of patients with an ostomy may represent an immediately actionable opportunity to reduce readmissions. 

 

7.10 Patterns of Opioid Prescribing and Patient Use for Outpatient Anorectal Operations

Posted on January 18, 2018

A. Swarup1, K. A. Mathis1, M. V. Hill1, S. J. Ivatury1  1Dartmouth Medical School,General Surgery,Lebanon, NH, USA

Introduction:

Surgery for anorectal diseases is commonly thought to cause significant pain in the postoperative setting. There is little known regarding standardized opioid prescribing trends and patient use following surgery for anorectal disorders. With the ongoing opioid epidemic posing a significant health problem, we aimed to evaluate and analyze opioid prescribing trends and patient use for outpatient anorectal operations.

Methods:

All patients who underwent outpatient anorectal surgery performed over a one year period at a single institution were eligible. Procedures included hemorrhoidectomy, anal fistula repair/seton, anal fissure treatment with sphincterotomy, and transanal excision of rectal tumors. Demographic, operative and postoperative data was obtained. Patients were given a survey to determine postoperative pain control with opioid and non-narcotic analgesia use; respondents were included in analysis.

Results:

42 outpatient anorectal surgery patients were included: 13 had hemorrhoidectomy, 22 anal fistula repair/seton, 1 sphincterotomy and 6 transanal excisions. All patients had multimodality treatment with an anal block and postoperative Tylenol and/or ibuprofen. 90% were prescribed opioids postoperatively with a median of 20 pills (range: 0 – 120 pills). 43% (18/42) did not fill their prescription. For those who used opioids, the median number of pills taken was four. 80% of pills prescribed were not used. One patient required a refill. Greater than 60% of respondents reported good to excellent pain control on a five-point scale.

Conclusion:

There is large variability in the amount of opioids prescribed for patients undergoing outpatient anorectal surgery. When used with a multimodality pain treatment approach, opioids are minimally needed for most patients. We intend to standardize our prescribing opioid quantities for outpatient anorectal operations to reflect this reduced use. 
 

7.06 The Effect of State Rurality on Colorectal Cancer Screening and Death Rate

Posted on January 18, 2018

E. Benzer1, S. Tolefree1, C. DeRoche2, Z. Wu1, J. Mitchem1  1University Of Missouri,Department Of Surgery,Columbia, MO, USA 2University Of Missouri,Medical Research Office,Columbia, MO, USA

Introduction:
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cancer killer in the US.  Screening significantly decreases the death rate from colorectal cancer, which has led to standard screening recommendations from multiple professional and government organizations. Despite this well-established data, adherence to colorectal cancer screening is poor. One reason for this may be access to care, as adherence to colorectal screening has previously been shown to be worse in rural populations.  We used a population based data set combined with state level data on rurality to test the effect of rurality on screening and death rate from colorectal cancer.

Methods:
Publicly accessible data was downloaded from the American Cancer Society website compiled from the Center for Disease Control regarding colorectal cancer death rate average from 2010-2014 and Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System regarding colorectal cancer screening from 2014. Data regarding rural and urban populations, race, and socioeconomic status was downloaded from the US Census website. Data analysis was performed using SPSS.

Results:
The median percent of population residing in rural and urban areas in each state was 25.8% (0-61.3) and 73.8% (38.6-100), respectively. Median percent of patients screened was 67.6% (58-76), and the median death rate (per 100,000) from colorectal cancer per state was 14.6 (11.3-19.4). To establish that screening correlates with decreased death from colorectal cancer, each state’s percent screened was compared with death rate from colorectal cancer. This demonstrated significant negative correlation (-0.500, p< 0.001). Each state’s percent of population living in rural areas was then compared with death rate from colorectal cancer. This demonstrated a significant positive correlation (0.43, p= 0.002). To test our hypothesis, we then compared percent rural population with screening rate. We found no correlation between rural population and screening rate (-0.153, p=0.29).  There was no difference between males or females. We then performed multivariate linear regression to factors associated with death rate from colorectal cancer. After this analysis, percent rural, percent African-American, and percent screened remained significant (p<0.05).

Conclusion:
State level data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Center for Disease Control, and the US Census were used to determine whether increased rural population correlates with colorectal cancer death and screening. Both screening rate and state rurality correlate significantly with death rate from colorectal cancer; however, screening and rurality did not correlate. Based on this result, future interventions aimed at rural populations should focus not only on screening, but also what to do after screening results are obtained. Further analysis is warranted to delve deeper into this issue to improve outcomes from colorectal cancer in rural populations.
 

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