Spread of colistin resistant non-mucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa among chronically infected Danish cystic fibrosis patients

BackgroundColistin resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa have rarely been reported in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients.MethodsWe performed a 17-year prospective study on colistin susceptibility and compared our findings with clinical variables.ResultsThe first outbreak started in 1995 and lasted 5 years. It involved 27 CF patients who had inhaled colistin twice daily for a median of 10 years. Colistin resistant isolates persisted in individual patients for a median of 75 days after colistin was withdrawn.A second outbreak started in 2004. It involved 40 patients, 17 of whom were the same as in the first outbreak. Most resistant isolates belonged to two major clones that had similar genotypes in the two outbreaks. The P. aeruginosa isolates were all non-mucoid and they appeared in a group of chronically infected patients that had been admitted to the same ward for antibiotic treatment and had been followed at the same week-days in the outpatient clinic.Patients were individually isolated to avoid cross-infection and colistin inhalation was avoided in the CF outpatient clinic and in the ward after both outbreaks. Since 2004, no further spread has been observed.ConclusionIt is important that the colistin resistant clones do not spread to non-infected patients since colistin is an important antibiotic for eradication of initial and intermittent P. aeruginosa colonisation.     

Nebulizer cleaning and disinfection practices in families with cystic fibrosis: The relationship between attitudes,practice and microbe colonization

BackgroundThe daily burden of health maintenance for children and families with cystic fibrosis (CF) is immense with respect to time and complexity of care. Infection control practices, specifically nebulizer cleaning and disinfection, are a recommended component of home health care for CF families due to colonization of home respiratory equipment with lung pathogens. To better inform education interventions at our center, we were interested in studying how families' views on infection prevention and awareness of CF Foundation infection prevention and control (IP&C) guidelines correlate with actual home nebulizer care and the presence of microorganisms on their nebulizers.MethodsTwenty families who have children with CF were surveyed to better understand attitudes toward infection prevention, awareness of CFF IP&C guidelines and nebulizer cleaning and disinfection practices in the home. Their nebulizers were also cultured for microbes to correlate recovery with infection control behaviors.ResultsA subset of families recognizes the importance of germ avoidance but do not recognize nebulizer cleaning and disinfection as very important for infection control practices. Decreased frequency of disinfection, but not cleaning, was correlated with the recovery of organisms on the nebulizers.ConclusionsThe study questionnaire results identify a gap between recognizing the importance of infection prevention and consistently implementing CFF IP&C guidelines in the home. This demonstrates the need at our center for new educational interventions to promote cleaning and disinfection of home nebulizers after each use as recommended by the CFF.     

Bacterial contamination of cystic fibrosis clinics

BackgroundRespiratory pathogens from CF patients can contaminate inpatient settings, which may be associated with increased risk of patient-to-patient transmission. Few data are available that assess the rate of bacterial contamination of outpatient settings. We determined the frequency of contamination of CF clinics and the effectiveness of alcohol-based disinfectants in reducing hand carriage of bacterial pathogens.MethodsWe conducted a point prevalence survey and before–after trial in outpatient clinics at 7 CF centers. The study examined CF patients with positive respiratory cultures for Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Stenotrophomonas or Burkholderia species. Hand carriage and environmental contamination with respiratory pathogens were assessed during clinic visits (Part I) and the effectiveness of hand hygiene performed by CF patients (Part II) was determined using molecular typing of recovered isolates.ResultsIn Part I (n = 97), the contamination rate was 13.6%. Pseudomonas and S. aureus, including methicillin-resistant strains, were cultured from patients' hands (7%), the exam room air (8%), and less commonly, environmental surfaces (1%). In Part II (n = 100), the hand carriage rate of pathogens was 13.5% and 4 participants without initial detection of pathogens had hand contamination when recultured at the end of the clinic visit.ConclusionsRespiratory pathogens from CF patients can contaminate their hands and the clinic environment, but the actual risk of patient-to-patient transmission in the outpatient setting remains difficult to quantify. These findings support several recommendations CF infection control recommendations including hand hygiene for staff and patients, contact precautions for certain pathogens, and disinfecting equipment and surfaces touched by patients and staff.     

Clinical studies of the High-Intensity Narrow-Spectrum light Environmental Decontamination System (HINS-light EDS), for continuous disinfection in the burn unit inpatient and outpatient settings

Infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in burn patients and prevention of contamination from exogenous sources including the hospital environment is becoming increasingly emphasised. The High-Intensity Narrow-Spectrum light Environmental Decontamination System (HINS-light EDS) is bactericidal yet safe for humans, allowing continuous disinfection of the environment surrounding burn patients. Environmental samples were collected from inpatient isolation rooms and the outpatient clinic in the burn unit, and comparisons were then made between the bacterial contamination levels observed with and without use of the HINS-light EDS. Over 1000 samples were taken. Inpatient studies, with sampling carried out at 0800 h, demonstrated a significant reduction in the average number of bacterial colonies following HINS-light EDS use of between 27% and 75%, (p<0.05). There was more variation when samples were taken at times of increased activity in the room. Outpatient studies during clinics demonstrated a 61% efficacy in the reduction of bacterial contamination on surfaces throughout the room during the course of a clinic (p=0.02). The results demonstrate that use of the HINS-light EDS allows efficacious bacterial reductions over and above that achieved by standard cleaning and infection control measures in both inpatient and outpatient settings in the burn unit.     

Contamination of the nebulization systems used in the prophylaxis with amphotericin B nebulized in lung transplantation

The contamination of nebulizer may be the origin of respiratory infections. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of contamination in nebulizers used to nebulize amphotericin B in lung transplant (LT) patients and the relationship with bacterial isolation in sputum culture. A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted with 41 LT patients who were administered amphotericin B with a jet nebulizer. Samples were taken from the nebulizers (prior to nebulization). Sputum culture was carried out and patients were asked whether or not they followed a cleaning and disinfection protocol (washing and brushing with soap and water followed by subsequent disinfection with the Milton method after each nebulization). Contamination was defined as such when potentially pathogenic bacteria were isolated in the nebulizer. Seventeen of the 41 nebulizers (41.4%) were contaminated. In 7 of the 17 cases (41.1%) contamination was polymicrobial. The most common microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Fourteen of the 41 patients (34.1%) presented positive sputum cultures, most common was P aeruginosa. In 10 patients (24.3%) pathogenic bacteria was isolated both in the nebulizer and in the sputum. In four of these patients (9.7%) the species was the same. The cleaning and disinfection protocol was carried out by 16 of the 41 patients (39.0%). In 2 of the 16 patients (12.5%) who were following the protocol the nebulizer was contaminated, compared to 15 of 25 patients (60.0%) whose nebulizer was not contaminated (P < .05). Two of the 16 patients (12.%) who were following the protocol presented positive sputum culture compared to 12 of 25 (48.0%) who did not (P < .05). In conclusion, the contamination of the nebulizing systems is frequent when no strict cleaning and disinfection protocol is followed. Patients who did not follow the protocol presented a greater isolation of pathogenic bacteria in the sputum.     

The virtual CF clinic: Implications for sputum microbiology

The COVID19 pandemic has shifted the paradigm of how outpatient clinics are delivered within CF care, resulting in a significant reduction of patient visits to CF centres. One consequence of this has been a reduction in the number of sputa/cough swabs that patients submit for routine analysis. This report examines why it is important to maintain optimal sputum microbiology and explores (i). the microbiological efficiency of postal submission of sputum specimens from the community and (ii) the regulatory conditions that must be met through postal submission of respiratory specimens. Virtual clinics have now been established within CF care and it is incumbent on each speciality within the CF MDT to explore ways to nurture and support their individual contribution to the success of the virtual clinic. Within microbiology, adopting innovative approaches to sputum collection in the community and transportation via postal services will allow for continued microbiological vigilance thereby supporting patient safety.     

消化内镜及其附件消毒方法的改进

目的 改进消化内镜及其附件的消毒方法，提高消毒效果。方法 改进前内镜采用床边三槽消毒法，附件采用2％戊二醛浸泡；改进后建立专用清洗消毒间，内镜消毒增加酶洁液刷洗和全浸泡消毒程序，附件经戊二醛浸泡后用环氧乙烷熏蒸。比较改进前后细菌及HBsAg阳性率。结果 改进前内镜及其附件消毒后细菌阳性率分别为14．0％、8．0％，HBsAg阳性率分别为14．0％、7．0％；改进后细菌及HBsAg阳性率均为0。改进后消毒效果显著优于改进前（均P＜0．05）。结论 改进方法清洗彻底、消毒时间充分，可确保消毒质量。     

Telephone clinic follow-up following carpal tunnel decompression

This paper investigates the feasibility of a telephone clinic follow-up service for patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression. Six hundred and thirty patients were recruited over a 2-year period and we assessed their outcome and satisfaction level in the service, using a pre-determined questionnaire 6 weeks following surgery. The telephone clinic was overseen by a surgical care practitioner. We followed up 598 patients (93%) in total, and found 42 patients to be dissatisfied with the service (7%). These patients were referred for outpatient consultation and investigation. Most patients were satisfied with their surgical outcome and found the telephone clinic service to be convenient and effective. Cost analysis calculations estimated a potential saving of pound 45,958 over the 2-year period when compared to standard outpatient consultation. This model has been developed in our trust to follow up patients undergoing similar minor hand surgery.     

Ambulatory urologic surgery

Since November 1st, 1988, an outpatient clinic has been set up in our department of Urology. Patients come to the clinic on the morning of the procedure and leave in the evening after a few hours of monitoring. Eligibility for outpatient surgery is determined using strict social, surgical and medical criteria. A visit with the anesthesiologist is scheduled one week before the operation. On the day of the procedure, the patient arrives at 7 a.m., is shaved, prepared and operated on by a senior surgeon before impatient operations begin. Postoperative monitoring is carried out as usual and around 6 p.m. the surgeon and the anesthesiologist decide whether the patient can be discharged. Most patients are interviewed by telephone within one week of the procedure. From November 1988 through December 1989, 172 adults were admitted to the outpatient clinic for endoscopic surgery (85 cases), open surgery (42 cases) or other procedures including diagnostic investigations, instillations, and removal or replacement of stents (44 cases). Twenty-three patients were discharged only on the day following the procedure. One patient was readmitted for clotting in the bladder. These preliminary results show that, as compared to inpatient surgery, outpatient surgery is cost-saving, easier to cope with psychologically and less apt to be followed by nosocomial infection, without greater risk to the patient provided inclusion criteria are stringently applied.     

Levels of bacterial contamination affecting podiatric equipment

This study aimed to ascertain the efficacy of standard equipment disinfection procedures by quantifying the level of bacterial contamination during a busy podiatric clinic. Sixteen cubicles were randomly paired and the footrest of the patient’s chair, the light handle and the trolley were sampled over 8 weeks at three times during the day; before the first patient (prior to disinfection), immediately after disinfection with a standard hard surface preparation and again at the end of the day. A template and the cotton swab technique were employed to obtain samples and control swabs. The swabs were plated, incubated aerobically and the number of colony forming units was counted. Samples from three cubicles were investigated further for the presence of pathogens. The contamination level decreased on all equipment following disinfection and the change was significant for the light handle and trolley (P<0.01). Contamination levels increased significantly on all equipment between the first disinfection and the end of the day (P<0.01). The light handle was the most contaminated and the footrest the least. Control swabs were negative for growth. Staphylococcus aureus was identified at different sampling times on all equipment and on the light handle after apparent disinfection. Coagulase negative staphylococci and Bacillus were also identified. While equipment disinfection initially had a significant impact on bacterial contamination, this was not maintained throughout the day. Disinfection procedures proved ineffective in eliminating the pathogen S.aureus, which raises concerns regarding the risk of cross-infection. Cleaning and disinfection procedures require review, audit and reinforcement. Particular attention should be given to disinfection of the light handle.     

How clean is your scope? A completed audit cycle of the disinfection of nasendoscopes

INTRODUCTION

Correct disinfection of nasendoscopes is essential to address both the potential iatrogenic transmission of infection and to avoid injury from the chemicals used.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Standards-based audit of the disinfection of nasendoscopes against the ENT UK guidelines, ervention: instructional poster and staff training session. The disinfection process was re-audited one month later.

RESULTS

A total of 10 sessions and 31 cleaning episodes were audited in the first cycle (C1). A total of 12 sessions and 36 cleaning episodes were re-audited in the second cycle (C2). Clinic set-up results: there was a marked improvement in the checking of the expiry date (C1 = 5/10; C2 = 10/12; P ≤ 0.001) and recording the date for the solution to be discarded (C1 = 0/10; C2 = 10/12; P ≤ 0.048). Each cleaning episode results: an improvement in transportation in a ‘dirty bag’ (C1 = 0/31; C2 = 19/36; P ≤ 0.001), washing of the scope (C1 = 0/31; C2 = 36/36; P ≤ 0.001), adequate disinfection time (C1 = 16/31; C2 = 33/36; P≤ 0.001), rinsing and drying with alcohol swab (C1 = 0/31; C2 = 35/36; P ≤ 0.001) and placing of the scope in a ‘clean bag’ for storage (C1 = 0/31; C2 = 35/36; P ≤ 0.001) was seen after the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of a poster and training in the disinfection of nasendoscopes proved successful in improving compliance with the published guidelines. These simple measures were simple, cheap and effective to institute. The benefit of improving the disinfection of nasendoscopes to patients, doctors and the organisations that they work in is clear.     

Incidental Findings on Knee Radiographs in Children and Adolescents

Background

Despite the wide use of knee radiography in children and adolescent patients visiting the outpatient clinic, there has been no analysis about the prevalence and type of incidental findings yet. This study was performed to investigate the incidental findings on knee radiographs in children and adolescents according to age.

Methods

A total of 1,562 consecutive patients younger than 18 years of age were included. They who visited Seoul National University Bundang Hospital''s outpatient clinic with a chief complaint of knee pain or malalignment between 2010 and 2011. We reviewed the knee radiographs and analyzed the prevalence and type of incidental findings, such as metaphyseal lucent area, epiphyseal cortical irregularity, osteochondroma and Harris growth arrest line.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 10.2 years (range, 1 month to 18 years). We identified 355 incidental findings in 335 patients (21.4%) and 98 abnormal findings (6.3%). The most common incidental finding was metaphyseal lucent area (131, 8.4%), followed by epiphyseal cortical irregularity (105, 6.7%), Harris growth arrest line (75, 4.8%), and osteochondroma (44, 2.8%). An epiphyseal cortical irregularity tended to have a higher prevalence at younger age (p < 0.001) and the prevalences of metaphyseal lucent area and Harris growth arrest line were also higher at a younger age (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, the osteochondroma tended to have a higher prevalence at an older age (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

This study describes the incidental findings on knee radiographs in children and adolescents and provides effective information from a viewpoint of an orthopedic doctor. The authors recommend considering those incidental findings if unfamiliar findings appear on a knee radiograph in the pediatric outpatient clinic.     

Cleaning,disinfection and sterilization of equipment

Decontamination is a combination of processes, in which pathogens are removed, inactivated or destroyed, to render a reusable item safe for further use. It comprises cleaning and either disinfection or sterilization as appropriate. Cleaning physically removes infectious agents and the organic matter on which they thrive, but does not necessarily destroy them. Disinfection is a process of inactivating pathogenic organisms except for bacterial spores. Sterilization is the elimination of all viable microorganisms. Single-use medical devices resolve the difficulties of reuse and decontamination procedures and should be used where appropriate. Healthcare-associated infections place a serious burden on the NHS and healthcare organizations have a legal responsibility to implement changes to reduce infections. An effective infection control system relies on the whole of an organization and not just those areas processing equipment. The MAC Manual, developed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency provides guidance on sterilization, disinfection and cleaning of medical equipment in the health service.     

Surgical Case Order Has an Effect on the Risk of Subsequent Periprosthetic Joint Infection

Background

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a serious complication with multiple etiologies. Prior spine literature has shown that later cases in the day were more likely to develop surgical site infection. However, the effect of case order on PJI after TJA is unknown. This study aims to determine the influence of case order, prior infected case, and terminal cleaning on the risk for a subsequent PJI.

'Paper Clinics'- a model for improving delivery of outpatient colorectal services.

OBJECTIVES: The overburdening of colorectal out-patient clinics necessarily leads to delays in time from referral to consultation and subsequent clinic attendance. This study aimed to ascertain the feasibility of 'paper clinic' follow-up rather than all patients receiving a routine follow-up appointment following investigation. A more efficient outpatient follow-up process should reduce unnecessary follow-up, thereby facilitating the speedy investigation and diagnosis of patients through changes in clinic profiles. METHODS: From August 2001 all patients seen in the outpatient clinic of one (part time) Consultant colorectal surgeon, who required investigation, were prospectively recorded on a 'paper clinic' form. These patients were given the necessary test request forms but were not given a further outpatient appointment. The results of the investigations were reviewed, together with the patients' medical records at a formal fortnightly 'paper clinic' session carried out by the Consultant and Nurse Consultant, and a treatment plan derived. Patients then followed one of 5 follow-up pathways and were notified in writing with a copy to their GP. RESULTS: During a 24-month period a total of 897 patients were reviewed using the 'paper clinic' follow-up system. Of these, 285 (31.8%) patients were discharged without further follow-up. In a given 3-month period when the clinic was well established, 152 patients were reviewed, of whom 27% were discharged from follow-up, 17% received SOS appointments, 13% required further investigation (and consequently were returned to 'paper clinic' follow-up), and 7% received Nurse led follow-up. In this 3-month period 64% of patients reviewed by 'paper clinic' follow-up did not return to Surgical Outpatient's and 12% received a Surgical Outpatient appointment for review. CONCLUSION: 'Paper clinic' follow-up is an effective and feasible follow-up alternative, resulting in a major decrease in outpatient follow-up burden. This has allowed the redesign of the outpatient clinic profile allowing for an increase in new urgent slots, and more rapid clinic follow up review of those patients who need it. Re-design and rationalization of existing services can result in considerable service improvement. Expanding clinics should not be considered the only option when faced with capacity and demand issues.     

Neutrophil dysfunction in cystic fibrosis

BackgroundExcessive neutrophil inflammation is the hallmark of cystic fibrosis (CF) airway disease. Novel technologies for characterizing neutrophil dysfunction may provide insight into the nature of these abnormalities, revealing a greater mechanistic understanding and new avenues for CF therapies that target these mechanisms.MethodsBlood was collected from individuals with CF in the outpatient clinic, CF individuals hospitalized for a pulmonary exacerbation, and non-CF controls. Using microfluidic assays and advanced imaging technologies, we characterized 1) spontaneous neutrophil migration using microfluidic motility mazes, 2) neutrophil migration to and phagocytosis of Staphylococcal aureus particles in a microfluidic arena, 3) neutrophil swarming on Candida albicans clusters, and 4) Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced neutrophil transepithelial migration using micro-optical coherence technology (µOCT).ResultsParticipants included 44 individuals: 16 Outpatient CF, 13 Hospitalized CF, and 15 Non-CF individuals. While no differences were seen with spontaneous migration, CF neutrophils migrated towards S. aureus particles more quickly than non-CF neutrophils (p < 0.05). CF neutrophils, especially Hospitalized CF neutrophils, generated significantly larger aggregates around S. aureus particles over time. Hospitalized CF neutrophils were more likely to have dysfunctional swarming (p < 0.01) and less efficient clearing of C. albicans (p < 0.0001). When comparing trans-epithelial migration towards Pseudomonas aeruginosa epithelial infection, Outpatient CF neutrophils displayed an increase in the magnitude of transmigration and adherence to the epithelium (p < 0.05).ConclusionsAdvanced technologies for characterizing CF neutrophil function reveal significantly altered migratory responses, cell-to-cell clustering, and microbe containment. Future investigations will probe mechanistic basis for abnormal responses in CF to identify potential avenues for novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.     

Defective immunometabolism pathways in cystic fibrosis macrophages

BackgroundMitochondria play a key role in immune defense pathways, particularly for macrophages. We and others have previously demonstrated that cystic fibrosis (CF) macrophages exhibit weak autophagy activity and exacerbated inflammatory responses. Previous studies have revealed that mitochondria are defective in CF epithelial cells, but to date, the connection between defective mitochondrial function and CF macrophage immune dysregulation has not been fully elucidated. Here, we present a characterization of mitochondrial dysfunction in CF macrophages.MethodsMitochondrial function in wild-type (WT) and CF F508del/F508del murine macrophages was measured using the Seahorse Extracellular Flux analyzer. Mitochondrial morphology was investigated using transmission electron and confocal microscopy. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) as well as mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mROS) were measured using TMRM and MitoSOX Red fluorescent dyes, respectively. All assays were performed at baseline and following infection by Burkholderia cenocepacia, a multi-drug resistant bacterium that causes detrimental infections in CF patients.ResultsWe have identified impaired oxygen consumption in CF macrophages without and with B. cenocepacia infection. We also observed increased mitochondrial fragmentation in CF macrophages following infection. Lastly, we observed increased MMP and impaired mROS production in CF macrophages following infection with B. cenocepacia.ConclusionsThe mitochondrial defects identified are key components of the macrophage response to infection. Their presence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to impaired bacterial killing in CF macrophages. Our current study will enhance our understanding of the pathobiology of CF and lead to the identification of novel mitochondrial therapeutic targets for CF.     

SLC26A9 SNP rs7512462 is not associated with lung disease severity or lung function response to ivacaftor in cystic fibrosis patients with G551D-CFTR

BackgroundThe CFTR modulator ivacaftor has been variably effective in treating individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) who harbor CFTR gating variants such as G551D, as well as other classes of CFTR variants when used with other modulators. Because CFTR genotype does not fully explain this variability, defining genetic modifiers of response to modulator therapy is of particular interest to the field of individualized CF drug therapy. Previous studies have proposed that a variant in SLC26A9 (rs7512462) is associated with lung disease severity and with response to treatment with ivacaftor in individuals with CF who carry G551D or gating variants.MethodsGiven the implications for CF treatment, we re-examined the reported associations in three cohorts; patients enrolled in the Twin and Siblings study at Johns Hopkins University, the CF modifier study at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the prospective G551D Observational (GOAL) study. The GOAL study was specifically designed to measure lung function response to ivacaftor.ResultsWe find no association between SLC26A9 (rs7512462) genotype and lung disease severity (n = 272) or change in lung function at one-, three-, and six-month intervals following ivacaftor treatment(n = 141) in individuals with CF who carry at least one G551D variant.ConclusionsOur inability to replicate this association indicates that rs7512462 genotype should not be used in treatment decisions.     

轴节类器械不同清洗方法的效果观察

目的探讨轴节类医疗器械的有效清洗方法,保证再生器械灭菌质量。方法将回收的450件轴节类器械随机分为A、B、C三组各150件,每组组织剪、止血钳、持针器各50件。器械在流动水下充分冲洗后,A组用全自动清洗消毒机清洗;B组浸泡于多酶清洗剂10min,人工刷洗后再用全自动清洗消毒机清洗;C组用超声机加酶清洗后人工刷洗,进而手工漂洗再高温煮沸。结果三组清洗后目测合格率及潜血试验阳性率比较,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.01),其中C组潜血试验阳性率显著低于A、B组(均P<0.0125)。三组清洗后器械咬合面、关节处潜血试验阳性率比较,差异有统计学意义(均P<0.01),C组上述部位潜血试验阳性率显著低于A、B组(均P<0.0125)。结论超声清洗机加酶清洗后进行手工刷洗,可有效去除残留物,是轴节类器械较理想的清洗方法。     

Laparoscopic Gastric Banding Is Safe in Outpatient Surgical Centers

Background

Due to constraints on resources and capacity, as well as advances in surgical technique and care, there has been progressive change toward converting surgical procedures to the outpatient setting when feasible. This study was designed to investigate the safety of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) as an outpatient procedure for morbid obesity in Canada.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included consecutive patients who underwent outpatient LAGB at the Surgical Weight Loss Centre in Ontario, Canada, beginning with our initial experience in February 2005 and continuing to July 2009. Eligible patients were morbidly obese adults whose outpatient clinic surgery had been performed by one of two experienced surgeons.

Results

A total of 1,641 patients were included in this analysis. The average presurgical body mass index was 46.7 kg/m² (range 35.0 to 79 kg/m²). Fifteen patients (0.91%) experienced minor complications during surgery or within 30 days of surgery (dysphagia, n?=?5; wound infection, n?=?3; port infection, n?=?2; all other complications occurred in one patient each). Four patients required transfer to hospital from the clinic on the day of surgery, and three were admitted. None of the complications were serious and all were resolved. The device was explanted in two patients. The average time from sedation to discharge was <4 hours (h).

Conclusions

The ability to treat patients within 4 h and the extremely low complication rates reported here contribute to a growing literature supporting the safe performance of LAGB in an outpatient setting for the treatment of morbid obesity.