Time Required for Planned and Unplanned Episodes of Care in Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty: Has Anything Changed With a Growth in Outpatient Arthroplasty?

BackgroundThis study sought to determine the total amount of time committed to planned and unplanned episodes of care related to primary, unilateral total joint arthroplasty (TJA), relative to a growth in outpatient TJA.MethodsAll primary, unilateral TJA procedures performed over a 7-year period by a single surgeon at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Time dedicated to planned work was calculated over each episode of care, from surgery scheduling to 90 days postoperatively. All telephone inquiries and readmissions involving the surgeon’s direct input, over the episode of care, constituted time dedicated to unplanned work.ResultsBetween 2012 and 2018, as the proportion of outpatient TJAs increased, the average planned episode-of-care time per patient decreased from 412 minutes to 361 minutes. Despite a 108% increase in the total number of outpatient TJAs between 2017 and 2018 (51/432 (11.8%) to 106/555 (19.1%); P = .002), neither the average number of unplanned telephone inquiries (4.6 ± 3.8 vs 4.2 ± 3.7; P = .124), nor the mean time per patient required to respond to calls (23.1 ± 19.4 vs 21.2 ± 18 minutes, P = .135) differed. Between 2017 and 2018, the average total episode-of-care time per patient decreased from 403 minutes (376 planned + 27 unplanned) to 387 minutes (361 planned + 26 unplanned).ConclusionDespite an increase in outpatient TJA, the average time required for planned and unplanned patient care remained relatively constant. The growth of outpatient TJA nationally should not trigger a change in Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services benchmarks.     

Chemokines and the inflammatory response following cardiopulmonary bypass – a new target for therapeutic intervention? – a review

This 10-year Medline search of English-language articles describing experimental and clinical studies on chemokines, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and systemic or multiorgan failure revealed that chemokines are significantly involved in the pathogenesis of post-CPB syndrome. The post-CPB inflammatory response depends upon recruitment and activation of inflammatory cells. Leucocyte recruitment is a well-orchestrated process that involves several protein families, including pro-inflammatory cytokines, adhesion molecules and chemokines. Current anti-inflammatory therapies mostly act on the cells that have already been recruited. A more efficient therapy might be the prevention of excessive recruitment of particular leucocyte populations by antagonizing chemokine receptors which might act upstream of the current anti-inflammatory agents. The chemokines, which are a cytokine subfamily of chemotactic cytokines, participate in recognizing, recruiting, removing and repairing inflammation. As chemokines target specific leucocyte subsets, antagonism of a single chemokine ligand or receptor would be expected to have a circumscribed effect, thereby endowing the antagonist with a limited side-effect profile. Chemokines should be considered as possible targets for therapeutic intervention.     

Equipment and monitoring – what is in the future to improve safety?

There have been a number of recent developments in the practice of anesthesia and intensive care aimed at improving outcome in terms of reducing both morbidity and mortality, as well as other less‐defined factors, such as quality of service provision. Significant advances have been made in airway devices such as pediatric tracheal tube designs, Microcuff^® tracheal tubes, and new laryngoscopes. Noninvasive monitoring devices, including continuous hemoglobin analysis and near infrared spectrometry, are being increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia. Other, ‘scaled‐down’ versions from adult anesthesia care, however, have not universally been shown to result in improved safety and outcomes in pediatric anesthesia.     

Breast Cancer‐Related Lymphedema – What Are the Significant Predictors and How They Affect the Severity of Lymphedema?

According to the American Cancer Society, there are currently 2 million breast cancer (BC) survivors in the USA and 20% of them cope with lymphedema (LE). The primary aim of this study was to determine the predictive factors of BC-related LE. The secondary aim was to investigate the impact of predictors on the severity of LE. The study design was intended to be a 1:2 matched case-control study. Instead, we stratified on age (+/-10 years), radiation therapy (y/n), and type of operation (SM/MRM/MRM with tram). Patients who underwent BC surgery between 1990 and 2000 at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital were reviewed for LE. Data were collected on 52 women with LE and 104 female controls. Logistic regression was utilized to assess the relationship between risk factors and LE. Ordinal logistic regression was performed to determine the association between risk factors and severity of LE. Severity was defined according to the volume difference between affected and unaffected limbs. Risk factors considered were occupation/hobby (hand use), TNM stage, number of dissected nodes, number of positive nodes, tumor size, infection, allergy, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypothyroidism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and body mass index (BMI). LE was mild in 43 patients and was moderate/severe in nine patients. The level of hand use in the control group was categorized as low in 56 (54%), medium in 15 (14%), and high in 33 (32%) patients. The corresponding frequencies were 14 (33%), 6 (14%) and 23 (53%) for patients with mild LE and 3 (33%), 1 (11%), 5 (56%) for patients with moderate/severe LE (p < 0.05). Infection of the operated side arm was reported by two (2%) patients in the control group, 14 (33%) patients with mild LE and five (56%) patients with moderate/severe LE (p < 0.05). The mean BMI was 26.1 kg/m(2) (SD 4.9) for the control group, 29.0 kg/m(2) (SD 5.9) for the mild LE group and 30.9 kg/m(2) (SD 7.5) for patients with moderate/severe LE (p < 0.05). The results of this stratified case-control study demonstrated that the risk and severity of LE was statistically related to infection, BMI, and level of hand use.     

Infectious risk in xenotransplantation – what post‐transplant screening for the human recipient?

Xenotransplantation may be associated with the transmission of pig microorganisms including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. As the recipient may be immunosuppressed, infection and pathologic consequences may be more pronounced compared to non-immunosuppressed individuals. Transmission of most microorganisms with exception of porcine endogenous retroviruses (PERV) may be prevented by screening the donor pig and qualified pathogen-free breeding. PERVs represent a special risk as they are present in the genome of all pigs and infect human cells in vitro. Until now, no PERV transmission was observed in experimental and clinical xenotransplantations as well as in numerous infection experiments. Nevertheless, several strategies have been developed to prevent PERV transmission.     

Implications for the usage of the left lateral liver graft for infants ≤10 kg,irrespective of a large‐for‐size situation – are monosegmental grafts redundant?

Organ donor shortage for infant liver transplant recipients has lead to an increase in splitting and living donation. For cases in which even transplantation of the left lateral graft (Couinaud’s segments II + III) results in a “large for size situation” with an estimated graft body weight ratio (GBWR) of >4%, monosegmental liver transplantation was developed. This, however, bears complications because of greater parenchymal surface and suboptimal vascular flow. We exclusively use the left lateral graft from living donors or split grafts. Temporary abdominal closure is attempted in cases of increased pressure. We report of 41 pediatric transplants in 38 children ≤10 kg. Within this group, there were 23 cases with a GBWR of ≥4, and 15 cases with a GBWR <4. There was no statistical difference in vascular or biliary complications. Despite a more frequent rate of temporary abdominal closure, we did not find a higher rate of intra‐abdominal infections. Overall, patient and graft survival was excellent in both groups (one death, three re‐transplants). We noticed, however, that the ventro–dorsal diameter of the graft appears to be more relevant to potential graft necrosis than the actual graft size. In conclusion, the usage of monosegmental grafts seems unnecessary if transplantation of left lateral grafts is performed by an experienced multidisciplinary team, and temporary abdominal closure is favored in cases of increased abdominal pressure.     

Robotic systems in total hip arthroplasty – is the time ripe for a new approach?

The technical aspects of manual total hip arthroplasty are briefly described. The development, technique and technical problems of previous robotic systems in total hip arthroplasty are described with special details of the Robodoc--System. Recent advances regarding the minimally invasive technique of total-hip implantation and navigation are described. The current development of a robotic assisted system for total hip arthroplasty is presented. This project aims to combine the advantages of minimally invasive techniques and navigational systems with the accuracy that robotic assisted bone milling can provide. The project-name is RomEo (Robotic minimally invasive Endoprosthetics), the main project partners are the Helmut-Schmidt-University/Hamburg and the Department of Trauma and Orthopaedics of the BG Trauma Hospital Hamburg.     

Fibrin glue for the treatment of fistulae in ano – a method worth sticking to?

Objective The current evidence for fibrin glue as a treatment for anal fistulae is mixed. This study reviews the experience of fibrin glue as a treatment for anal fistulae in a single tertiary referral centre and attempts to identify factors related to failure of therapy and the length of follow‐up required. Method Patients with fistulae in ano that were treated with fibrin glue between February 2004 and August 2008 were analysed. All procedures were performed by two colorectal consultants based at the Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham. All patients were followed‐up to assess the outcome of this treatment. Results Forty patients (21 male, 19 female) with a mean age of 46.5 years were studied. The mean duration of symptoms prior to presentation was 39 months (range 4–240 months). Presenting symptoms included perianal discharge (72.5%), perianal abscess (57.5%), pain (12.5%), PR bleeding (7.5%), itching (5%) and urgency (2.5%). Patients had a minimum of two follow‐up appointments and the median follow‐up period was 5.2 months (range 1–16 months). Following MRI and operative assessment, 28 (70%) of the 40 fistulae were considered complex (high trans‐sphincteric, extra‐sphincteric, pouch‐vaginal). Patients who had inflammatory bowel disease were classified as simple tracts but all failed to heal (three patients). Twenty of the complex fistulae failed to heal. Three patients who had repeat application of glue for their complex fistulae failed to heal on follow‐up. Of the remaining 12 patients who had simple fistulae in ano, five (41.7%) healed completely. There were no complications such as abscess, related to treatment. All patients who were asymptomatic at 3 months did not develop any further recurrence. Conclusion Fibrin glue is a simple treatment strategy, preserves sphincter function with minimal adverse side effects. It should therefore be considered as possible first line treatment in simple fistulae but it is less likely to be successful in complex or those fistulae associated with inflammatory bowel disease. Repeat gluing is unlikely to be successful. Fistulae that have failed to heal by 3 months will need further treatment.     

First Experience With the Synergy Micro‐Pump in Patients in INTERMACS Class 1–2 as a Bridge to Transplantation: Pushing the Limits?

The Synergy Micro‐pump is the smallest implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) and provides partial flow support up to 4.25 L/min. It was shown that early intervention with this device can provide substantial benefits to patients with severe heart failure not yet sick enough for a full‐support LVAD. However, as it can be inserted via small incisions with no need for sternotomy or cardiopulmonary bypass, it might be beneficial for selected high‐risk patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the Synergy Micro‐pump in patients in INTERMACS class 1–2. From February 2012 to August 2013, 13 patients with severe heart failure were supported with the Synergy Pocket Micro‐pump. Patients were divided into two groups according to INTERMACS class: the high‐risk group (INTERMACS class 1–2) and the low‐risk group (INTERMACS class 3–4). There were seven patients in INTERMACS class 1–2 and six in INTERMACS class 3–4. Patient demographics, perioperative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were compared. There were no statistically significant differences in patient demographics, and mean support time was 108 ± 114 days in the high‐risk group and 238 ± 198 days in the low‐risk group. Also, there were no significant differences in perioperative characteristics or in the rate of postoperative adverse events. The overall survival was comparable between the two groups (one late death in each group, log‐rank P = 0.608). Two patients from the high‐risk group were upgraded to a full‐support LVAD (P = 0.462) after 65 ± 84.9 days of mean support. One patient from the high‐risk group and two patients from the low‐risk group were successfully transplanted (P = 0.559). The use of the Synergy Micro‐pump in INTERMACS 1–2 patients is feasible and is associated with similar postoperative outcome as in patients in INTERMACS 3–4. Carefully selected patients with severe heart failure could benefit due to the small size of the pump; however, further studies and medium‐term follow‐up are required.     

Do Laparoscopy and Intraoperative Ultrasound Have a Role in the Assessment of Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma for Liver Transplantation?

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) and early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), Routine laparoscopy with intraoperative ultrasound was employed in an attempt to improve patient selection for transplantation. Our aim was to assess whether laparoscopy improved the patient selection with ESLD and HCC being considered for transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical notes and transplant database of all patients with ESLD complicated by HCC, being assessed for liver transplantation, from January 2000 to April 2005. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with ESLD and HCC underwent assessment for liver transplantation. Eight were deemed untransplantable on cross-sectional imaging alone. Sixteen patients underwent laparoscopy and intraoperative ultrasound. One patient had undergone a previous segmental hepatectomy and laparoscopy was not technically feasible. At laparoscopy, all 16 patients were found to be free from extrahepatic disease and major vascular involvement. All 16 patients were listed for transplantation. At transplantation, one patient was found to have extrahepatic disease; the procedure was abandoned. One patient was found to have lesser curvature lymphadenopathy, Two patients had major vascular involvement noted in the explanted liver. All these findings were missed on pretransplant imaging and at laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: As an additional investigation, laparoscopy did not improve staging or alter the management of patients with HCC being assessed for liver transplantation. Since July 2005, we have ceased routine laparoscopic assessment of patients prior to listing. The decision use laparoscopy on patients is now being taken on a more selective basis.