Analysis of recurrence risks for sacrococcygeal teratoma in children

Background/PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate effects of risk factors on recurrence of sacrococcygeal teratoma (SCT).MethodsA retrospective review was conducted of 107 SCTs treated between January 2003 and December 2012 in our center. Risk factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsSixteen children had recurrence of SCT a median interval of 16.25 months after primary surgery. 15.6% tumors recurrence were Altman type I, 10.5% type II, 10.0% type III, and 31.3% type IV. The recurrence of mature teratoma was observed in 8 patients, immature in 2, malignant in 5. More than half of the recurrences showed a shift towards histological immaturity or malignancy, compared with the primary tumor pathology. Risk factors for recurrence were spillage of tumor parenchyma during operation (P = 0.028), incomplete resection (p = 0.000), and primary immature (P = 0.029) and malignant histology (P = 0.026). Size, Altman classification, and age were not risk factors for recurrence. There was a statistically significant difference in OS between patients who developed relapse (64.8%) and those who did not (95.0%) (P = 0.0002).ConclusionsTumor recurrence affected the outcome of children with SCT. Risk factors were tumor spillage, immature and malignant histology, or incomplete resection. Regular follow-up after surgery is mandatory to find tumor relapse earlier and to improve the outcome.     

Traumatic skull fractures in children and adolescents: A retrospective observational study

ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological features of child and adolescent (≤18 years old) patients managed for traumatic skull fractures (TSKFs) and associated traumatic brain injury (TBI).Design393 Patients who were children and adolescent who had TSKFs admitted to our university affiliated hospitals between January 2003 and December 2010. The incidence and patterns were summarized with respect to different age group, admission time and etiology.SettingTwo university-affiliated hospitals from January 2003 to May 2010.ResultsThe most common etiologies were motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) (166, 42.2%) and high fall (101, 25.7%). The most common skull fracture sites were parietal fractures (n = 111, 28.2%) and basilar skull fracture (n = 111, 28.2%). A total of 300 (76.3%) patients suffered TBI and 23 (5.9%) patients suffered OCI. The most common intracranial hemorrhage was epidural hemorrhage (n = 94, 23.9%). The frequencies of emergency admission, medical insurance and associated injuries were 56.2% (n = 221), 22.4% (n = 88) and 37.2% (n = 146). The frequencies of TBI and associated injuries were significantly increased from 53.45% to 76.3% and from 6.9% to 41.6% with age, respectively.ConclusionsMVCs were the most common etiologies. Parietal and basilar skull fractures, epidural hemorrhages were the most common fracture sites and intracranial hemorrhage.     

Peribulbar block in 500 patients scheduled for eye procedures and treated with acetyl salicylic acid

ObjectivesNo guidelines are available in France for peribulbar block for eye procedures. It is our hypothesis that continued use of acetyl salicylic acid for forestalling myocardial or cerebrovascular ischemic events does not increase the risk of hemorrhage, compared with discontinuation of its use in patients who undergo eye procedures under peribulbar block.MethodsFor this prospective control study we enrolled two groups of 500 patients scheduled for intra-ocular eye surgery requiring a peribulbar block. Patients treated with acetyl salicylic acid were included in group A (500 patients). Patients who had never been treated with acetyl salicylic acid constituted the control group (group B: 500 patients). Hemorrhages were graded as follows: 1 = spot ecchymosis; 2 = lid ecchymosis involving half of the lid surface area or less; 3 = lid ecchymosis all around the eye, without increase in intra-ocular pressure; 4 = retrobulbar hemorrhage with increased intraocular pressure.ResultsIn group A, lid hemorrhages (grade 1) were observed in 30 patients (6.0%). No grade 2, 3 or 4 hemorrhages were encountered in this group. In group B, lid hemorrhage (grade 1) was observed in 20 patients (4.0%) and grade 2 in one patient (0.2 %), but no grade 3 or 4 hemorrhages were encountered. Statistical tests showed the absence of significance between both groups.ConclusionWe conclude that between the groups with and without pre-operative acetyl salicylic acid the occurrence rate of lid hemorrhage was not significant in peribulbar block.     

Spontaneous bleeding from liver after open heart surgery

INTRODUCTIONIntra-abdominal hemorrhage after open heart surgery is very uncommon in routine clinical practice. There are case reports of having bleeding from spleen or liver after starting low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) postoperatively.PRESENTATION OF CASEOur patient is a 58-year-old man with mitral valve regurgitation, who underwent mitral valve repair and developed intra-abdominal hemorrhage 8 h after open heart surgery. The exploratory laparotomy revealed the source of bleeding from ruptured sub-capsular liver hematoma and oozing from raw areas of the liver surface. Liver packing was done to control the bleeding.DISCUSSIONThe gastrointestinal complications after open heart surgery are rare and spontaneous bleeding from spleen has been reported. This is the first case from our hospital to have intra-abdominal hemorrhage after open heart surgery.CONCLUSIONSpontaneous bleeding from liver is a possible complication after open heart surgery. We submit the case for the academic interest and to discuss the possible cause of hemorrhage.     

Impact of newly adopted guidelines for management of children with isolated skull fracture

PurposeIn an effort to standardize practices and reduce unnecessary hospital resource utilization, we implemented guidelines for management of patients with isolated skull fractures (ISF). We sought to examine the impact of these guidelines.MethodsPatients with nondisplaced/depressed fracture of the skull vault without intracranial hemorrhage were prospectively enrolled from February 2010 to February 2014.ResultsEighty-eight patients (median age = 10 months) were enrolled. Fall was the most common mechanism of injury (87%). The overall admission rate was 57%, representing an 18% decrease from that reported prior to guideline implementation (2003–2008; p = 0.001). Guideline criteria for admission included vomiting, abnormal neurologic exam, concern for abuse, and others. Forty-two percent of patients were admitted outside of the guideline, primarily because of young age (20%). Patients transferred from another hospital (36%) were more likely to be admitted, though the majority (63%) did not meet admission criteria. No ED-discharged patient returned for neurologic symptoms, and none reported significant ongoing symptoms on follow-up phone call.ConclusionsImplementation of a new guideline for management of ISF resulted in a reduction of admissions without compromising patient safety. Young age remains a common concern for practitioners despite not being a criterion for admission. Interhospital transfer may be unnecessary in many cases.     

Familial intracranial aneurysm,the relationship of the aortic diameter

ObjectivesFamilial predisposition appears as an identified risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. The primary objective of our study was to assess intracranial aneurysm (IA) recurrence rate in a population of familial IA. Secondary objectives were first to analyse the inheritance categorisation/pattern of these families and second to assess the correlation between the aortic diameter on MRI and the aneurysmal characteristics.Patients and methodsOver a period of 20 years (1990–2010), 26 patients from 23 families, identified from a regional register, accepted to participate in this prospective trial in order to determine, the inheritance pattern, the screening of de novo aneurysms by CT angioscan, and the aortic mensuration by MRI. The transmission pattern was categorised into autosomal dominant inheritance, autosomal recessive and autosomal dominance with incomplete penetrance. The aortic diameter was measured: anatomic coverage in the caudo-cranial direction from the iliac arteries to the ventriculo-aortic junction.ResultsAll 26 patients [from 55.4 ± 11.2 years, sex ratio female/male: 1.36] were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 7.9 ± 6.6 years after the diagnosis of a cerebral aneurysm. The characteristics of this population were the diagnostic circumstances such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in 14 (53.8%), the multiple locations in 10 (38.5%) and a giant aneurysm in 4 (15.4%). Four de novo aneurysms were diagnosed in 3 patients (11.5%) after a mean follow-up of 22.3 ± 4 years, which corresponds to an annual incidence of 1.9 (95% CI 1.4–2.6%). The transmission pattern was autosomal dominant in 16 (61.5%), recessive in 3 (11.5%) and not defined in 7 (26.9%). As regards the aortic diameter, a significant decrease in the aortic diameter was observed in patients with an aneurysmal diameter superior to 10 mm.ConclusionThe rate of de novo aneurysm justifies prolonged monitoring by imaging of these patients with familial intracranial aneurysm. The narrowing of the terminal part of the aorta could be a hemodynamic factor involved into the IA development.     

Factores implicados en el desarrollo de vasoplejía tras cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea. Estudio prospectivo observacional

ObjectiveThe incidence and risk factors for vasoplegia in the early postoperative period and at 24 h are investigated in patients subjected to cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Vasoplegia following cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is associated with a high morbimortality. The risk factors described emerged from retrospective, non-controlled studies.MethodsObservational prospective study of 188 consecutive patients subjected to cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass in a single hospital between November 2011 and May 2012. Emergency surgery or complex procedures were excluded. Vasoplegia was assessed during the immediate postoperative period, and at 24 h after surgery, and was defined as a mean arterial pressure below 50 mmHg, and the need for a noradrenaline perfusion of more than 0.08 μg/kg/min, monitored by cardiac output and systemic vascular resistances. The anaesthetic and cardiopulmonary bypass protocols, as well as haemodynamic management, were the same in all patients.ResultsAlmost half (48%) of patients had vasoplegia in the immediate postoperative period, and 34% at 24 h. Risk factors for immediate vasoplegia development were preoperative use of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor drugs, a mean arterial pressure < 50 mmHg immediately after beginning cardiopulmonary bypass, duration of aortic clamping as well as the cardiopulmonary bypass, and minimum temperature in cardiopulmonary bypass. Vasoplegia at 24 h after surgery was correlated to preoperative angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor drug treatment and cardiopulmonary bypass duration.ConclusionThe incidence of vasoplegia after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass is high during the first 24 postoperative hours. Preoperative treatment with angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor and the mean arterial pressure at the beginning of cardiopulmonary bypass are the more easily controllable risk factors. In patients arriving to surgery with those drugs, treatment or prevention of vasoplejia should be planned.     

Improved functional outcome after early reduction in Bosworth fracture-dislocation

BackgroundBosworth described an unusual fracture-dislocation of the ankle with fixed posterior fracture-dislocation of the fibula. Previous epidemiological data on the prevalence and characteristics of patients with Bosworth ankle fractures have been limited. Bosworth fracture-dislocations are often missed in patients with ankle fractures. We investigated the outcomes of missed diagnosis and the prevalence of Bosworth fracture-dislocation in patients with ankle fractures.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of inpatients aged 15 years and older with an ankle fracture, who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2016 in 4 Korean hospitals. The patient demographics, risk factors, fracture characteristics, treatment data, outcomes, and complications were analyzed.ResultsWe reviewed 3405 hospital admissions for ankle fractures. During the study period, Bosworth fracture-dislocations were diagnosed in 51 cases. The prevalence of Bosworth fracture-dislocations (n = 51) was 1.62% among patients with ankle fractures who were enrolled in this study (n = 3140). Emergency surgery was performed within 24 h of injury in 36 cases (group A) and delayed surgery was performed in 15 cases (group B). The mean patient age at admission was 35.97 (standard deviation [SD], 1.643) years in group A and 34.33 (SD, 2.296) years in group B. Men were more commonly affected than women, with a 32:19 ratio. Most of the patients with Bosworth fracture-dislocations were young adults with high-energy trauma. The most frequent mechanism of trauma was falling down stairs (n = 27, 52.94%), followed by traffic accidents. Patient outcomes were significantly better in group A than in group B.ConclusionThe prevalence of Bosworth fracture-dislocations was higher than expected. If unrecognized, it can result in inappropriate treatment and permanent disability. With accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment, excellent results can usually be obtained.Level of clinical significance4.     

Is malignant edema and hemorrhage after occlusion of high-flow arteriovenous malformation related to the size of feeding arteries and draining veins?

ObjectiveOur study aimed to identify predictive factors for malignant post-treatment edema and hemorrhage in patients who underwent microsurgical treatment of arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in our institution.MethodsThe study included 72 patients treated by microsurgery for cerebral symptomatic and/or ruptured AVM between 2010 and 2020. Six patients developed postprocedural malignant edema and hemorrhage (group M); the other 66 patients had no malignant edema and hemorrhage (group NM). In each patient, flow was assessed indirectly by summing the diameters of all feeding arteries to obtain an overall diameter (ODA), and similarly for draining veins (ODV). High-flow was defined as a delay between feeding artery injection and draining vein injection (DAV) < 1 second on dynamic digital subtraction angiography. Univariate analysis was performed.ResultsMean ODA and ODV were respectively 11 mm (± 8.2) and 11 mm (± 5.3) in group M and 2.9 mm (± 1.4) and 3.7 mm (± 1.3) in group NM (P = 0.001). High-flow AVM was demonstrated in 4 out of 5 patients (85%) in group M and in 14 out of 55 (25%) in group NM (P = 0.02). Associated aneurysm was seen in 5 patients in group M (83%) and in 11 in group NM (17%) (P = 0.001).ConclusionHigh-flow AVM may be associated with higher risk of postoperative edema and hemorrhage. Multidisciplinary discussion is mandatory in these cases, to define a pre-therapeutic plan for progressive staged vascular malformation occlusion.     

Risk factors of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgery

ObjectTo assess the incidence and analyze the risk factors of postoperative spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) surgery, in order to provide a solution for reducing the occurrence of postoperative SEH after TLIF.MethodsA total of 3717 patients who were performed TLIF surgery in the Orthopedics department of our hospital from January 2010 to March 2020 were included. Patients who had reoperations due to postoperative SEH were selected as the SEH group. The control group was randomly selected from patients without reoperations with the ratio of 3:1 compared to the SEH group. The basic information, preoperative examination and surgical information of the patients were collected through the hospital medical record system, and the statistics were processed through SPSS 22.0 software.Results(1) Among the 3717 patients who underwent TLIF surgery in our hospital in the past 10 years, 46 had secondary surgeries, with a total incidence of 1.24%. 12 cases had secondary surgeries due to postoperative SEH, with an incidence of 0.35%. (2) Univariate analysis identified eight factors potentially associated with risk for postoperative SEH, including older age, longer thrombin time (TT), higher level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), higher number of fusion segments, revision surgery, having received blood transfusion, using of more than one gelatin sponge or using of styptic powder in the surgery, longer operation time and more blood loss in the surgery (P < 0.05). (3) On multivariate analysis, three factors were identified as independent risk factors, which include revision surgery (P = 0.021, OR = 7.667), longer TT (P = 0.027, OR = 2.586) and using of more than one gelatin sponge or using of styptic powder in the surgery (P = 0.012, OR = 9.000).ConclusionsRevision surgery (P = 0.021, OR = 7.667), longer TT (P = 0.027, OR = 2.586) and using of more than one gelatin sponge or using of styptic powder in the surgery were independent risk factors for postoperative SEH after TLIF.     

Cerebral oxygenation in patients undergoing shoulder surgery in beach chair position: Comparing general to regional anesthesia and the impact on neurobehavioral outcome

BackgroundIschemic brain damage has been reported in healthy patients after beach chair position for surgery due to cerebral hypoperfusion. Near-infrared spectroscopy has been described as a non-invasive, continuous method to monitor cerebral oxygen saturation. However, its impact on neurobehavioral outcome comparing different anesthesia regimens has been poorly described.MethodsIn this prospective, assessor-blinded study, 90 patients undergoing shoulder surgery in beach chair position following general (G-group, n = 45) or regional anesthesia (R-group; n = 45) were enrolled to assess the prevalence of cerebral desaturation events comparing anesthesia regimens and their impact on neurobehavioral and neurological outcome. Anesthesiologists were blinded to regional cerebral oxygen saturation values. Baseline data assessed the day before surgery included neurological and neurobehavioral tests, which were repeated the day after surgery. The baseline data for regional cerebral oxygen saturation/bispectral index and invasive blood pressure both at heart and auditory meatus levels were taken prior to anesthesia, 5 min after induction of anesthesia, 5 min after beach chair positioning, after skin incision and thereafter all 20 min until discharge.ResultsPatients in the R-group showed significantly less cerebral desaturation events (p < 0.001), drops in regional cerebral oxygen saturation values (p < 0.001), significantly better neurobehavioral test results the day after surgery (p < 0.001) and showed a greater hemodynamic stability in the beach chair position compared to patients in the G-group.ConclusionsThe incidence of regional cerebral oxygen desaturations seems to influence the neurobehavioral outcome. Regional anesthesia offers more stable cardiovascular conditions for shoulder surgery in beach chair position influencing neurobehavioral test results at 24 h.     

Spontaneous disappearance of brain arteriovenous malformation: A case series

ObjectiveBrain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) is defined as abnormal communication between cerebral of arteries and veins, without capillaries. Clinically, it may involve intracranial hemorrhage or seizures. Complete spontaneous resolution, known as BAVM disappearance, has been reported in rare cases.MethodsWe retrospectively collated all cases of BAVM in Lille University Hospital, from 2005 to 2018, and identified all cases of spontaneous BAVM disappearance on angiography (nidus and early venous drainage).ResultsThere were 4 cases of spontaneous BAVM disappearance, in 3573 patients: i.e., prevalence of 0.1%. Sex ratio was 2:2; ages ranged from 14 to 46 years; nidus size was generally small (< 20 mm); 3 of the 4 patients had superficial venous drainage. Revelation of BAVM was by hemorrhage in 3 cases and by seizure in 1. There were no cases of recanalization at 1 year's follow-up.ConclusionSpontaneous BAVM disappearance is rare. Associated factors may include small nidus, superficial venous drainage and hemorrhage.     

Brain metastasis from renal cell carcinoma

BackgroundPatients with brain metastasis (BM) from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) have a poorly known prognosis due to the rarity of this disease. The aim of our study was to assess the outcome of patients with a BM due to RCC, and to determine the predictive factors for survival.MethodsConsecutive patients who underwent treatment between 1997 and 2012 were identified retrospectively from a database (n = 28, median age of 57.8 years, sex ratio M/F: 3.7). Main criteria collected concerned survival time. Other data collected were relative to initial histology, clinical findings at the time of BM diagnosis (diagnosis circumstances, KPS), radiological findings and BM characteristics (number, size and localization), treatment of BM (including surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery [SRS], systemic treatments, whole brain radiotherapy [WBRT]) and the outcome of surgery if performed. Statistical analysis of survival was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.ResultsMedian survival was 13.3 months, 1-year survival was 60.2%, 2-year survival was 16.4%. Univariate analysis showed the existence of intracranial hypertension (P = 0.01), other systemic metastasis (P = 0.049), the absence of deep metastasis (P = 0.03) which are all linked to shorter survival. Age, KPS, initial histology of RCC, number, size, localization, and hemorrhage in BM were not correlated to survival. The median survival in the surgical resection group was 25.3 months versus 8.6 months (P = 0.02). The main criteria for the selection of the surgical group were a single BM (P = 0.04), and superficial metastasis (P = 0.02).ConclusionsThree predictive factors for longer survival in BMRCC were the absence of intracranial hypertension, the absence of acute metastasis and the absence of extracranial metastasis. Surgical removal, when possible, seems to benefit patient survival.     

Post-operative radiotherapy for ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast – A systematic review of the randomised trials

AimTo summarise the results of randomised trials testing the addition of radiotherapy (RT) to breast conserving surgery for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS); to determine whether there are subsets of women with DCIS who do not benefit from RT; and to determine what the balance may be between reduction in risk of recurrence and long-term toxicity.MethodsWe performed a systematic review to resolve these questions, using standard Cochrane methodology to identify, select and appraise relevant randomised trials.ResultsFour randomised controlled trials involving 3925 women were identified. All were high quality with minimal risk of bias. Analysis confirmed a statistically significant benefit from the addition of radiotherapy on all ipsilateral breast events (HR = 0.49; 95% CI 0.41–0.58, p < 0.00001). All subgroups analysed (margin status, age and grade) benefited from the addition of radiotherapy. Nine women require treatment with radiotherapy to prevent one ipsilateral breast recurrence (NNT = 9). Deaths due to vascular disease, pulmonary toxicity and second cancers were low and not significantly higher for women who received radiotherapy.Concluding statementRadiotherapy was beneficial in all clinically relevant subgroups. Longer follow-up is required to detect any long-term toxicity from use of radiotherapy. To date, no increase in toxicity has been identified.     

Increased risk for complications following removal of hardware in patients with liver disease,pilon or pelvic fractures: A regression analysis

PurposeIndications for removing orthopedic hardware on an elective basis varies widely. Although viewed as a relatively benign procedure, there is a lack of data regarding overall complication rates after fracture fixation. The purpose of this study is to determine the overall short-term complication rate for elective removal of orthopedic hardware after fracture fixation and to identify associated risk factors.Materials and methodsAdult patients indicated for elective hardware removal after fracture fixation between July 2012 and July 2016 were screened for inclusion. Inclusion criteria included patients with hardware related pain and/or impaired cosmesis with complete medical and radiographic records and at least 3-month follow-up. Exclusion criteria were those patients indicated for hardware removal for a diagnosis of malunion, non-union, and/or infection. Data collected included patient age, gender, anatomic location of hardware removed, body mass index, ASA score, and comorbidities. Overall complications, as well as complications requiring revision surgery were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 20.0, and included univariate and multivariate regression analysis.Results391 patients (418 procedures) were included for analysis. Overall complication rates were 8.4%, with a 3.6% revision surgery rate. Univariate regression analysis revealed that patients who had liver disease were at significant risk for complication (p = 0.001) and revision surgery (p = 0.036). Multivariate regression analysis showed that: 1) patients who had liver disease were at significant risk of overall complication (p = 0.001) and revision surgery (p = 0.039); 2) Removal of hardware following fixation for a pilon had significantly increased risk for complication (p = 0.012), but not revision surgery (p = 0.43); and 3) Removal of hardware for pelvic fixation had a significantly increased risk for revision surgery (p = 0.017).ConclusionsRemoval of hardware following fracture fixation is not a risk-free procedure. Patients with liver disease are at increased risk for complications, including increased risk for needing revision surgery following hardware removal. Patients having hardware removed following fixation for pilon fractures also are at increased risk for complication, although they may not require a return trip to the operating room. Finally, removal of pelvic hardware is associated with a higher return to the operating room.     

Estado nutricional preoperatorio valorado mediante la herramienta CONUT y su relación con la aparición de complicaciones mayores postoperatorias

IntroductionMalnutrition is a risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications; therefore, early identification and perioperative optimization of surgical patients may improve postoperative outcomes. The objective of our study was to determine the prevalence of moderate or high under nutrition alerts in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery, and their relationship with the appearance of major postoperative complications. Nutritional status was calculated using the CONUT tool.Material and methodsA retrospective observational study in 190 patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery over two consecutive years. Preoperative nutritional status was calculated using CONUT, and the patients’ medical records were reviewed to determine their epidemiological characteristics and major complications.ResultsThe under nutrition alert was moderate in 17% of patients, and high in 10%. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for treatment with vasoactive drugs (OR 3.58; 95% CI 1.18-10.89; p = .025), respiratory support (OR 7.63; 95% CI 1.25-46.43; p = .027), renal support (OR 23.29; 95% CI 2.0-271.08; p = .012), prolonged hospital stay (coef. 20.16; 95% CI 2.10-38.22; p = .029) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR 7.15; 95% CI 1.31-39.02; p = .023).ConclusionsIn total, 10% of patients who underwent major non-cardiac surgery presented serious preoperative deterioration in their nutritional status. A high under nutrition alert was an independent risk factor for the appearance of major postoperative complications.     

Perioperative Red Blood Cell Transfusion and Outcome in Stable Patients after Elective Major Vascular Surgery

ObjectivesDefinitive evidence that red blood cell transfusion improves outcome after vascular surgery is lacking. The aims of the study were to determine, among stable consecutive patients who underwent elective major vascular surgery, (1) the association between postoperative transfusion and 30-day death, myocardial infarction, and both, and (2) and if this association differs according to the presence of postoperative anaemia (haemoglobin value less than 9.0 g/dL within 7 days after surgery).MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted on 359 patients prospectively screened according to the ACC/AHA guidelines for preoperative risk in non-cardiac surgery. Main outcome was 30-day death; secondary outcomes 30-day myocardial infarction, and composite of 30-day myocardial infarction or death.ResultsOf the patients included, 95 (26.5%) received at least one unit of red blood cells. Patients who received transfusion had a significantly increased hazard of 30-day death (hazard ratio [HR] 11.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.92–35.10; p < 0.0001), myocardial infarction (HR 3.3, 95% CI 1.7–6.1; p = 0.0003), and both (HR 4.0 95% CI 2.2–7.3; p < 0.0001). Such associations held even after adjusting for baseline characteristics, surgical risk, bleeding, and propensity to receive transfusion. There was a significant interaction between transfusion and postoperative anaemia (p = 0.012). In patients without anaemia, transfusion was associated with higher risk of 30-day death (HR 19.20, 95% CI 3.99–92.45; p = 0.007), myocardial infarction (HR 5.05, 95% CI 2.23–11.44; p = 0.0001), and both. Conversely, in patients with anaemia this association was not significant.ConclusionsIn patients who underwent elective major vascular surgery, perioperative transfusion was associated with a significantly increased risk of 30-day events which was more attributable to patients with lesser degree of anaemia. Our data caution against the use of liberal transfusion in stable vascular surgery patients.     

Impact of intermittent pneumatic foot pumps on delay to surgery following ankle fracture

BackgroundAnkle fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) are common and place considerable burden on inpatient beds. ORIF cannot be performed once the associated swelling is too excessive to permit tension-free wound closure. Where ORIF cannot be performed before the onset of swelling in the first 24–48 h, patients typically require up to 7 days of inpatient bed-rest and elevation to reduce swelling to an acceptable level for ORIF.The primary aim of this study was to determine whether delay to ORIF could be reduced with the pre-operative application of an intermittent pneumatic foot pump (IPF). These devices were designed as anti-embolic adjuncts, but have also been shown to be effective in the reduction of swelling.We compared 12 patients managed with an IPF to 12 matched historical controls who were not.No previous studies have addressed this question in unselected patients requiring ankle ORIF.MethodsWe performed a retrospective, controlled, before and after study of 24 patients who underwent ankle ORIF at our orthopaedic unit. Foot pumps were applied in the Accident and Emergency Department to ankle fracture patients requiring admission, and kept in place until ORIF.Data was collected from patient case notes for all patients.Patients were matched for age, gender, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) Grade, and pre-injury mobility. The primary outcome measure was time to surgery. We also recorded total hospital stay, and calculated cost savings.ResultsPatients managed with IPFs had a statistically significant 50% reduction in time from presentation to surgery compared to those managed without (p = 0.024), and had a reduced hospital stay (p = 0.116). This resulted in a net saving of £10,480 (£953 per patient).ConclusionsWe conclude that foot pumps reduce the time to surgery and total hospital stay of patients requiring ankle ORIF, and are cost effective.     

Cáncer de mama contralateral y recurrencia en portadoras BRCA1/2 y no portadoras con alto riesgo de cáncer de mama hereditario tras mastectomía bilateral

IntroductionContralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) has been reported to reduce risk of contralateral breast cancer (CBC) by at least 90%.In addition, BRCA carriers presents higher risk of ipsilateral recurrence and a second primary tumor.The aim is to evaluate risk of CBC and recurrence and to analyze predictive factors in BRCA1/2 mutation carriers and non-carriers at high-risk of hereditary breast cancer patients.MethodsRetrospective observational study. 46 patients underwent bilateral mastectomy during 2004-2018.ResultsCohort comprised 9 patients BRCA1,12 BRCA2 and 25 at high-risk without mutation. Median follow-up 79 months. 16 patients recently diagnosed and 30 previously treated by breast cancer whom underwent CPM at second time (because of later detection of BRCA mutation in 10 cases). The external lateral incision was most frequent surgical technique. In all patients immediate reconstruction was performed.In CPM pieces, 4 in situ carcinoma, 3 invasive and 1 atypical hyperplasia were found. The incidence of occult contralateral cancer was 15.2%. Recurrence was observed in 5 patients a media of 21.2 months after surgery. FSD was 83.74 months and OS 84.33 months. Regression models identified BRCA1/2 mutation and high risk without mutation as significant occult tumor predictive factors while tumor size ≥ 2 cm was predictive of recurrence.ConclusionsIn our series we found a10.8% recurrence despite CPM and 7 patients (15.2%) would have developed a CBC in subsequent years.