Risk Factors for Mortality and Morbidity in Elderly Patients Presenting with Digestive Surgical Emergencies

Background

Emergency digestive surgery is being increasingly performed in elderly patients. The aim of the present study was to identify the predictors of mortality and morbidity following emergency digestive surgery in patients aged 80 years and older.

Methods

A single-center retrospective review was performed of consecutive patients aged ≥65 years operated for a digestive surgical emergency between January 2011 and December 2013. Two groups were compared: group A (aged 65–79 years) and group B (aged ≥80 years).

Results

The study population included 185 patients: 76 patients in group A and 109 in group B. The mean age was 79.9 years (65–104 years). The overall 90-day mortality rate was 23.2 and 31.9% at 1 year, which was similar between groups. The overall morbidity was 28.6%. No differences were noted between the two groups in overall, minor (Dindo I–II) or major (Dindo III–IV) morbidity rates. Multivariate analysis identified pulmonary disease (odds ratio, OR = 6.43, p = 0.02), bowel ischemia (OR = 11.41, p = 0.01), postoperative ICU stay (OR = 7.37, p < 0.0001) and the occurrence of postoperative complications (OR = 2.66, p = 0.03) as predictors of 90-day mortality. Predictors of in-hospital morbidity were preoperative hemoglobin <12 g/dL (OR = 2.49, p = 0.02) and postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) stay (OR = 6.69, p < 0.0001). An age ≥80 year was not associated with mortality or morbidity in this study.

Conclusions

The decision to perform abdominal surgery in the emergency setting should be based on physiological status, which accounts for a patient’s comorbidities and health status, rather than on chronological age per se.

     

Risk Factors for Mortality and Postoperative Complications After Gastrointestinal Surgery

Background Predictors of a poor surgical outcome are numerous, of which some are well-defined. We aimed to assess risk factors predictive of poor surgical outcome across different gastrointestinal operations related to the patient, the disease, the treatment, and the organization of care. Methods Data from 5,255 unselected patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery from 1995 through 1998 was prospectively recorded in a clinical database and validated. The database embraced variables related to patient history, preoperative clinical condition, operative findings and complexity, and the surgeon’s training. Variables predictive of mortality and complications occurring within 30 days after surgery were assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results After elective operation, the 30-day mortality was 2.8% and major complications occurred in 11.5% of the patients. The corresponding figures in emergency surgery were 13.8% and 30.1%. Independent of elective or emergency surgery, dependent functional status, and type of operation were associated with postoperative mortality. Comorbidity, type of operation, blood loss, and reoperation were predictors of complications regardless of elective or emergency operation. In elective surgery, predictors of poor surgical outcome were high age, comorbidity, malignancy, and the surgeons training, whereas abnormal vital signs values and peritonitis were predictors of poor outcome after emergency surgery. Conclusion Premorbid factors, characteristics of the disease, the patients’ preoperative condition, operative factors, and the surgeon’s training are all associated with surgical outcome across different gastrointestinal operations and should be assessed when auditing surgical outcome.     

Morbidity and Mortality After Gastrectomy: Identification of Modifiable Risk Factors

Background

Morbidity after gastrectomy remains high. The potentially modifiable risk factors have not been well described. This study considers a series of potentially modifiable patient-specific and perioperative characteristics that could be considered to reduce morbidity and mortality after gastrectomy.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study includes adults in the ACS NSQIP PUF dataset who underwent gastrectomy between 2011 and 2013. Sequential multivariable models were used to estimate effects of clinical covariates on study outcomes including morbidity, mortality, readmission, and reoperation.

Results

Three thousand six hundred and seventy-eight patients underwent gastrectomy. A majority of patients had distal gastrectomy (N?=?2,799, 76.1 %) and had resection for malignancy (N?=?2,316, 63.0 %). Seven hundred and ninety-eight patients (21.7 %) experienced a major complication. Reoperation was required in 290 patients (7.9 %). Thirty-day mortality was 5.2 %. Age (OR?=?1.01, 95 % CI?=?1.01–1.02, p?=?0.001), preoperative malnutrition (OR?=?1.65, 95 % CI?=?1.35–2.02, p?<?0.001), total gastrectomy (OR?=?1.63, 95 % CI?=?1.31–2.03, p?<?0.001), benign indication for resection (OR?=?1.60, 95 % CI?=?1.29–1.97, p?<?0.001), blood transfusion (OR?=?2.57, 95 % CI?=?2.10–3.13, p?<?0.001), and intraoperative placement of a feeding tubes (OR?=?1.28, 95 % CI?=?1.00–1.62, p?=?0.047) were independently associated with increased risk of morbidity. Association between tobacco use and morbidity was statistically marginal (OR?=?1.23, 95 % CI?=?0.99–1.53, p?=?0.064). All-cause postoperative morbidity had significant associations with reoperation, readmission, and mortality (all p?<?0.001).

Conclusions

Mitigation of perioperative risk factors including smoking and malnutrition as well as identified operative considerations may improve outcomes after gastrectomy. Postoperative morbidity has the strongest association with other measures of poor outcome: reoperation, readmission, and mortality.

     

Factors Affecting Mortality in Generalized Postoperative Peritonitis: Multivariate Analysis in 96 Patients

Abstract Mortality of generalized postoperative peritonitis remains high at 22% to 55%. The aim of the present study was to identify prognostic factors by means of univariate and multivariate analysis in a consecutive series of 96 patients. Mortality was 30%. Inability to clear the abdominal infection or to control the septic source, older age, and unconsciousness were significant factors related to mortality in the multivariate analysis. Failure to control the peritoneal infection (15%) was always fatal and correlated with failed septic source control, high Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, and male gender. Failure to control the septic source (8%) also was always fatal and correlated with high APACHE II score and therapeutic delay. In patients with immediate source control, residual peritonitis occurred in 9% after purulent or biliary peritonitis and in 41% after fecal peritonitis (p = 0.002). In patients without immediate control of the septic source, delayed control was still achieved in 100% after a planned relaparotomy (PR) strategy versus 43% after an on-demand relaparotomy (ODR) strategy (p = 0.018). In the same patients, mortality was 0% in the PR group versus 64% in the ODR group (p = 0.007). Early relaparotomy is related to improved septic source control. After relaparotomy for generalized postoperative peritonitis, a PR strategy is indicated whenever source control is uncertain. It also might decrease mortality in fecal peritonitis. An ODR approach is adequate for purulent and biliary peritonitis with safe septic source control.     

Risk Factors Associated with In-Hospital Mortality for Patients with Acute Abdomen After Cardiac Surgery

World Journal of Surgery - Management of acute abdomen (AA) differs due to the heterogeneity of underlying pathophysiology. Complications of AA and its overall outcome after cardiac surgery are...     

Risk Factors for Prolonged Postoperative Ileus After Colorectal Cancer Surgery

Background  

The aim of this study was to analyze factors contributing to prolonged postoperative ileus (POI) after elective bowel resection in patients with colorectal cancer.     

Risk Factors for Morbidity and Mortality Following Gastroenterostomy

Background  Morbidity and mortality following traditional surgical treatment of gastric outlet obstruction is high. The aim of this work was to identify risk factors predictive of postoperative complications and mortality following gastroenterostomy. Methods  One-hundred sixty-five consecutive patients subjected to open gastroenterostomy from January 1996 through July 2003 were included. Data on vital signs and operative variables were retrieved from medical records and recorded retrospectively. Risk factors for postoperative complications and mortality within 30 days after operation were analyzed with multiple logistic regression. Results  The 30-day complication and death rates were higher after emergency operations (80% and 60%) than after elective operations (32% and 25%). A multivariate analysis disclosed that hypoalbuminemia (≤32 g/l), comorbidity, high age, and hyponatremia (<135 μmol/l) were significantly associated with postoperative death, whereas hypoalbuminemia, comorbidity, high age, and emergency operation were predictors of postoperative complications. Conclusions  Complications and mortality after gastroenterostomy due to gastric outlet obstruction are associated with modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. Prior to surgery means should be taken to correct low albumin and sodium levels to prevent complications. In addition, the surgeon should consider alternative treatment modalities including laparoscopic gastroenterostomy, self-expanding metallic stents, or tube gastrostomy to relieve or palliate gastric outlet obstruction.     

Risk of Morbidity and Mortality Following Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery

Introduction

Hepatic, pancreatic, and complex biliary (HPB) surgery can be associated with major morbidity and significant mortality. For the past 5?years, the American College of Surgeons?CNational Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS?CNSQIP) has gathered robust data on patients undergoing HPB surgery. We sought to use the ACS?CNSQIP data to determine which preoperative variables were predictive of adverse outcomes in patients undergoing HPB surgery.

Methods

Data collected from ACS?CNSQIP on patients undergoing hepatic, pancreatic, or complex biliary surgery between 2005 and 2009 were analyzed (n?=?13,558). Diagnoses and surgical procedures were categorized into 10 and eight groups, respectively. Seventeen preoperative clinical variables were assessed for prediction of 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to develop a risk model.

Results

Of the 13,558 patients who underwent an HPB procedure, 7,321 (54%) had pancreatic, 4,881 (36%) hepatic, and 1,356 (10%) biliary surgery. Overall, 70.3% of patients had a cancer diagnosis. Post-operative complications occurred in 3,850 patients for an overall morbidity of 28.4%. Serious complications occurred in 2,522 (18.6%) patients; 366 patients died for an overall peri-operative mortality of 2.7%. Peri-operative outcome was associated with diagnosis and type of procedure. Hepatic trisectionectomy (5.8%) and total pancreatectomy (5.4%) had the highest 30-day mortality. Of the preoperative variables examined, age >74, dyspnea with moderate exertion, steroid use, prior cardiac procedure, ascites, and pre-operative sepsis were associated with morbidity and mortality (all P?<?0.05).

Conclusions

While overall morbidity and mortality for HPB surgery are low, peri-operative outcomes are heterogeneous and depend on diagnosis, procedure type, and key clinical factors. By combining these factors, an ACS?CNSQIP ??HPB Risk Calculator?? may be developed in the future to help better risk-stratify patients being considered for complex HPB surgery.     

Pneumatosis Intestinalis in Adults: Management,Surgical Indications,and Risk Factors for Mortality

Background Pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) is an unusual finding that can exist in a benign setting but can indicate ischemic bowel and the need for surgical intervention. We present a series of cases of PI in adults to illustrate factors associated with death and surgical intervention. Methods We reviewed the radiology database of the Mount Sinai Medical Center for cases of PI between 1996–2006 in adult patients. Chi-square and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors significant for surgery and death. Results Forty patients developed PI over a 10-year span. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 20%, and the surgical rate was 35%. Factors independently associated with surgical management on multivariable analysis were age ≥ 60 years (p = 0.03), the presence of emesis (p = 0.01), and a WBC > 12 c/mm³ (p = 0.03). Pre-existing sepsis was independently associated with mortality (p = 0.03) while controlling for surgery. Conclusion Patients with the concomitant presence of PI, a WBC > 12 c/mm³, and/or emesis in the >60-year-old age group were most likely to have surgical intervention, whereas PI patients with sepsis had the highest risk for death. A management algorithm is proposed, but further research will be needed to determine which patients with PI may benefit most from surgery.     

Intrabiliary Rupture of Hepatic Echinococcosis, a Risk Factor for Developing Postoperative Morbidity: A Cohort Study

Background  

The aim of this study was to determine if intrabiliary rupture (IBR), an evolutive complication of hepatic echinococcosis (HE), is a risk factor for developing postoperative morbidity (POM).     

Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Cytoreductive Surgery and Perioperative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: Incidence,Risk Factors,Management, and Clinical Sequelae

Background  

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) has improved survival in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. This study evaluates the morbidity of postoperative pancreatic fistula (PF) within the context of CRS and PIC.     

Report of a Quality Improvement Program for Reducing Postoperative Complications by Using a Surgical Risk Calculator in a Cohort of General Surgery Patients

World Journal of Surgery - The study investigates whether postoperative complications in elective surgery can be reduced by using a risk calculator via raising the awareness of the surgeon in a...     

Risk Factors for Mesh-related Infections After Hernia Repair Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Cohort Studies

Mesh infection, although infrequent, is a devastating complication of mesh hernioplasties. The aim of this study was to systematically review and synthesize the available evidence on risk factors for synthetic mesh infection after hernioplasty. A systematic search was performed in PubMed and Scopus databases. The extracted data were synthesized with the methodology of meta-analysis. We identified six eligible studies that reported on 2,418 mesh hernioplasties. The crude mesh infection rate was 5%. Statistically significant risk factors were smoking (risk ratio [RR] = 1.36 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07, 1.73]; 1,171 hernioplasties), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score ≥3 (RR = 1.40 [1.15, 1.70]; 1,682 hernioplasties), and emergency operation (RR = 2.46 [1.56, 3.91]; 1,561 hernioplasties). Also, mesh infections were significantly correlated with patient age (weighted mean difference [WMD] = 2.63 [0.22, 5.04]; 2,364 hernioplasties), ASA score (WMD = 0.23 [0.08, 0.38]; 1,682 hernioplasties), and the duration of the hernioplasty (WMD = 44.92 [25.66, 64.18]; 833 hernioplasties). A trend toward higher mesh infection rates was observed in obese patients (RR = 1.41 [0.94, 2.11]; 2,243 hernioplasties) and in patients operated on by a resident (in contrast to a consultant; RR = 1.18 [0.99, 1.40]; 982 hernioplasties). Mesh infections usually resulted in mesh removal, and common pathogens included Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and gram-negative bacteria. Patient age, ASA score, smoking, and the duration and emergency setting of the operation were found to be associated with the development of synthetic mesh infection. The heterogeneity of the available evidence should be taken under consideration. Prospective studies with a meticulous follow-up are warranted to further investigate mesh-related infections.     

POSSUM and P-POSSUM as Predictors of Postoperative Morbidity and Mortality in Patients Undergoing Hepato-biliary-pancreatic Surgery: A Meta-analysis

Background

Physiologic and Operative Severity Score for the enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) models are used extensively to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in general surgery. The aim was to undertake the first meta-analysis of the predictive value of these models in patients undergoing hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery.

Methods

Eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases from 1991 to 2012. All data were specific to hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery. Predictive value of morbidity and mortality were assessed by calculating weighted observed to expected (O/E) ratios. Subanalysis was also performed.

Results

Sixteen studies were included in final review. The morbidity analysis included nine studies on POSSUM with a weighted O/E ratio of 0.78 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.68–0.88]. The mortality analysis included seven studies on POSSUM and nine studies on P-POSSUM (Portsmouth predictor equation for mortality). Weighted O/E ratios for mortality were 0.35 (95 % CI 0.17–0.54) for POSSUM and 0.95 (95 % CI 0.65–1.25) for P-POSSUM. POSSUM had more accuracy to predict morbidity after pancreatic surgery (O/E ratio 0.82; 95 % CI 0.72–0.92) than after hepatobiliary surgery (O/E ratio 0.66; 95 % CI 0.57–0.74), in large sample size studies (O/E ratio 0.90; 95 % CI 0.85–0.96) than in small sample size studies (O/E ratio 0.69; 95 % CI 0.59–0.79).

Conclusions

POSSUM overpredicted postoperative morbidity after hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery. Predictive value of POSSUM to morbidity was affected by the type of surgery and the sample size of studies. Compared with POSSUM, P-POSSUM was more accurate for predicting postoperative mortality. Modifications to POSSUM and P-POSSUM are needed for audit in hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgery.     

Upper Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis Risk Factors,Associated Morbidity and Mortality in Trauma Patients

World Journal of Surgery - The literature on upper extremity deep venous thrombosis (UEDVT) is not as abundant as that on lower extremities. This study aimed to identify the risk factors for UEDVT,...