Effect of six-stitch pancreaticojejunostomy on pancreatic ?stula: A propensity score-matched comparative cohort study

Background: Clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula(CR-POPF) is the most common and severe complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD). Despite the development of numerous anastomotic surgical techniques to minimize CR-POPF, more than 30% of patients who undergo PD develop CR-POPF. Herein, we propose a novel pancreaticojejunostomy(PJ) technique and evaluate its efficacy and safety compared to traditional PJ. Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 164 consecutive patients who underwent PJ after PD between January 2012 and June 2017. Of them, 78(47.6%) underwent traditional PJ and 86(52.4%) underwent sixstitch PJ. The primary outcome was CR-POPF at 1-month follow-up defined according to the revised 2016 International Study Group on Pancreatic Fistula definition. To adjust for baseline differences and selection bias, patients were matched by propensity scores, which left 63 patients with traditional PJ and 63 with six-stitch PJ. Results: Compared to patients who underwent traditional PJ(mean age 56.2 ± 9.4 years), patients who underwent six-stitch PJ(mean age 57.4 ± 11.4 years) had a lower CR-POPF rate. The risk of CR-POPF among patients who underwent six-stitch PJ was decreased by 81.7% after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and disease severity compared to patients who underwent traditional PJ. Additionally, the surgery time was reduced from 29 min for traditional PJ to 15 min for six-stitch PJ( P 0.001). Adverse effects such as abdominal fluid collection, abdominal bleeding, and wound infection were similar between two groups. Conclusion: Six-stitch PJ may be an effective and efficient PJ technique for patients who undergo PD surgery.     

Is laparoscopic liver resection suitable for selected patients with BCLC stage B HCC? A propensity score-matched analysis

BackgroundThe optimal treatment for patients with Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial given the variability of tumour status within this group of patients. This aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in a subset of selected patients with BCLC stage B HCC.MethodsPatients with resectable BCLC stage B HCC who underwent treatment between April 2015 and October 2018 were identified for further analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was conducted to minimize effect of confounding factors. Perioperative and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups and multivariate analysis was performed to identify risk factors related to the overall survival (OS).ResultsFrom a total of 224 patients 70 were included into each group after PSM. The overall and major morbidity were comparable between the LLR and TACE groups (P = 0.700 and P = 0.500 after PSM, respectively). The OS in LLR group was significantly better than that in the TACE group (P < 0.001). Tumor number ≥4, the diameter of the biggest tumor >5 cm, and patients who underwent TACE were independent predictors of poorer OS.ConclusionsLLR for selected patients with BCLC stage B HCC is safe and feasible and has improved survival as compared to TACE.     

Does laparoscopic hepatectomy offer benefits for patients with COPD? A propensity score analysis

BackgroundTo date, it remains unclear whether laparoscopic hepatectomy (LH) is safe and feasible for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Thus, we compared the perioperative outcomes of LH versus open hepatectomy (OH) in this special cohort of patients.MethodsBetween February 2014 and October 2020, 162 patients who underwent hepatectomy met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of this study. Perioperative data were compared between the two groups by propensity score matching (PSM) analysis.ResultsAfter PSM, 55 patients with well-balanced baseline data were included in each group. Intraoperative blood loss, overall postoperative complications, and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) were significantly lower in the LH group than in the OH group (P < 0.001, P = 0.047, and P = 0.020 after PSM, respectively). However, major complications, early readmission, and early mortality were comparable between the two groups. According to multivariate analysis, high stage of COPD, preoperative tobacco use, and long operative time were independent risk factors for PPCs, whereas treatment with LH was a protective factor.ConclusionLH is safe and feasible for selected patients with COPD when performed by experienced surgeons, and it has superior perioperative outcomes (especially regarding PPCs) when compared to OH.     

Does SOFA predict outcomes better than SIRS in Brazilian ICU patients with suspected infection? A retrospective cohort study

We compared the discriminatory capacity of the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) versus the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) score for predicting ICU mortality, need for and length of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, and hospitalization in patients with suspected infection admitted to a mixed Brazilian ICU. We performed a retrospective analysis of a longitudinal ICU database from a tertiary hospital in Southern Brazil. Patients were categorized according to whether they met the criteria for sepsis according to SOFA (variation ≥2 points over the baseline clinical condition) and SIRS (SIRS score ≥2 points). From January 2008 to December 2014, 1487 patients were admitted to the ICU due to suspected infection. SOFA ≥2 identified more septic patients than SIRS ≥2 (79.0% [n = 1175] vs. 68.5% [n = 1020], p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two scores in predicting ICU mortality (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) = 0.64 vs. 0.64, p = 0.99). SOFA ≥2 was marginally better than SIRS ≥2 in predicting need for mechanical ventilation (AUROC = 0.64 vs. 0.62, p = 0.001), ICU stay > 7 days (AUROC = 0.65 vs. 0.63, p = 0.004), and length of hospitalization >10 days (AUROC = 0.61 vs. 0.59, p < 0.001). There was no difference between the two scores in predicting mechanical ventilation >7 days.     

Comparison of intracorporeal single-stapled and double-stapled anastomosis in laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer: a case–control study

Purpose

Recently, a single-stapled technique (SST) was performed instead of the conventional double-stapled technique (DST) in laparoscopic low anterior resection for anastomosis, by placement of intracorporeal purse-string sutures on the distal rectum with transanal specimen extraction. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes between the two anastomotic techniques.

Methods

Between July 2007 and April 2010, 60 patients underwent SST by laparoscopic or robotic procedure. These patients were matched 1:2 by age, gender, date of surgery, and tumor stage with 120 patients who underwent conventional DST in laparoscopic low anterior resection.

Results

The robotic-assisted operative approach was used more frequently in the SST group than in the DST group (61.7 % vs. 3.3 %, p?<?0.001). The mean operative time was 203.9 (range, 120–400)?min for the SST group and 167.6 (range, 90–300)?min for the DST group (p?<?0.001). For specimen removal, the transanal approach was used in the SST group, while the transabdominal approach was used for the DST group. The pain score (visual analogue scale) of the SST group was lower (4.5 vs. 5.6, p?<?0.001), although postoperative recovery was similar. Pathological examination revealed that the distal resection margin was significantly longer in the SST group (3.1 vs. 2.5 cm, p?=?0.018). Postoperative morbidity including anastomotic leakage was similar in both groups.

Conclusions

SST yielded equivalent short-term outcomes when compared to conventional DST and provided the advantages of minimal access and a longer distal resection margin. Therefore, SST in lower anterior resection may be a useful alternative to conventional DST.     

Does infection affect amputation rate in chronic critical leg ischemia?

BACKGROUND: Aim was to analyze the association between local infection and amputation rate in patients with chronic critical limb ischemia (CLI) with or without successful revascularization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 56 consecutive patients with 57 critically ischemic legs seen at the University Hospital Bern. Patients with CLI were selected if ischemic lesions and follow-up of more than 2 months were documented. Infection was suggested when 2 of the following criterion were present: temperature > 37 degrees C, C-reactive protein > 50 mg/L, leukocytes > 10 x 10(3)/microliter ("2 of 3" criterion), or a putrid secretion was documented ("secretion" criterion). RESULTS: In patients with successful revascularization (n = 39), there was a significant shift from 10.3% major to 33.3% minor amputations (Chi Square p value = 0.014) as compared to patients without or with failed revascularization (n = 18) with 44.4% and 11.1% (Chi Square p value = 0.008), respectively. An infection was suggested in 22 of 53 limbs (41.5%) according to the "2 of 3" criterion, and 30 of 57 limbs (52.6%) satisfying the "secretion" criterion. Both criteria, were significantly more common in patients undergoing amputation as compared to patients without amputation (p = 0.001). Multiple lesions were more common in patients with major amputations (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Successful revascularization effectively reduces major amputations and leads to healing of ischemic ulcers. Secondary foot infections are frequent. Infections are associated with a significantly higher rate of minor and major amputations, also in patients with successful revascularization, and should be treated adequately as well as in time with antibiotics.     

Colorectal surgery and surgical site infection: is a change of attitude necessary?

Introduction

Surgical site infection (SSI) can be as high as 30% in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of a set of simple preventive measures that have resulted in a reduction in surgical site infection in colorectal surgery.

Applied method

Prospective study with two groups of patients treated in the colorectal unit of the “Clinico Universitario Lozano Blesa” hospital in Zaragoza. One group was subject to our measures from February to May 2015. The control group was given conventional treatment within a time period of 3 months before the set of measures were implemented.

Results

One hundred forty-nine patients underwent a major colorectal surgical procedure. Seventy (47%) belonged to the control group and were compared to the remaining 79 patients (53% of the total), who were subject to our treatment bundle in the period tested. Comparing the two groups revealed that our set of measures led to a general reduction in SSI (31.4 vs. 13.6%, p = 0.010) and in superficial site infection (17.1 vs. 2.5%, p = 0.002). As a consequence, the postoperative hospital stay was shortened (10.0 vs. 8.0 days, p = 0.048). However, it did not, the number of readmissions nor the re-operation rate. SSI was clearly related to open surgery.

Conclusions

The preventive set of measures applied in colorectal surgery led to a significant reduction of the SSI and of the length of hospital stay.

     

Does stress echocardiography predict the site of future myocardial infarction? A large-scale multicenter study

Objectives. We sought to assess whether the site of future myocardial infarction can be predicted on the basis of induced dyssynergy (“area at risk”) recognized by stress echocardiography.Background. The severity and extent of stress-induced dyssynergy are strong predictors of subsequent major cardiac events. However, high grade stenotic lesions are not strictly associated with the site of future coronary occlusions.Methods. From the stress echocardiography multicenter trials data bank, we selected 70 patients (56 men; mean age ± SD 58 ± 11 years) meeting the following inclusion criteria: 1) dipyridamole (n = 53) or dobutamine (n = 17) stress echocardiography; 2) a spontaneously occurring infarction, with no intercurrent revascularization procedure between the initial study and the infarction; and 3) a follow-up rest echocardiogram obtained 41 ± 90 days after the infarction.Results. A complete ischemia-infarction mismatch (infarct-related dysfunction in a patient with negative stress test results) occurred in 29 patients (41%). A partial mismatch (ischemic dysfunction in a territory different from the infarct area) occurred in nine patients (13%). A match (ischemia-related and infarction-related dyssynergy involving the same region) occurred in 32 patients (46%). The average time interval between the stress examination and the occurrence of infarction or reinfarction was 144 ± 160 days in patients with a match and 439 ± 622 days in patients with a mismatch (p < 0.05).Conclusions. Induced ischemia (imaged as transient dyssynergy by pharmacologic stress echocardiography) inconsistently identifies the site of future infarction. The majority of spontaneous coronary occlusions leading to infarction unheralded by induced ischemia. However, most infarctions occurring within 1 year of stress testing are in the area identified as ischemic during testing.     

Does increased general schooling protect against HIV infection? A study in four African cities

BACKGROUND: The association between educational attainment and risk of HIV infection varies between populations and over time. Earlier studies in sub-Saharan Africa have found that those with more education are at increased risk of HIV infection. METHODS: We investigated the associations between general schooling and both HIV and herpes simplex-2 (HSV-2) infection using data from the multicentre study on factors determining the differential spread of HIV in four African cities. Cross-sectional general population studies were conducted in 1997-1998 in Cotonou (Benin), Yaoundé (Cameroon), Kisumu (Kenya), and Ndola (Zambia), including about 2000 adults in each city. RESULTS: There was no association between schooling and HIV infection in men or women in Kisumu or Ndola. Women in Yaoundé and men in Cotonou, with more schooling, were less likely to be HIV positive. These associations persisted after adjusting for sociodemographic factors. Similar trends in men in Yaoundé and women in Cotonou were not statistically significant. Increased schooling was associated with significantly decreased risk of HSV-2 infection in women in Kisumu and Ndola and men in Cotonou. In all the cities those with more education tended to report less risky sexual behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence of an increased risk of HIV infection associated with education as seen in earlier studies. In each city there was some evidence of lower HIV or HSV-2 infection rates and less risky sexual behaviour associated with increased education levels. The most educated may be responding more readily to health education programmes. The challenge is to extend this to the rest of the population.     

Does the site of anastomosis for esophagectomy affect long‐term quality of life?

Long‐term survival after esophagectomy is improving, and hence, quality of life (QOL) of these patients has become a priority. There has been extensive debate regarding the optimal site of surgical anastomosis (cervical or intrathoracic). We aimed to evaluate the impact of anastomotic site on long‐term QOL postesophagectomy. Quality of life questionnaires (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] C‐30 and OG‐25) were sent to patients surviving over 3 years following esophagectomy. The data were analyzed by site of esophagogastric anastomosis: intrathoracic or cervical. EORTC C‐30 data were compared against the reference population data. Of the patients, 62 responded (82%) with a median time postsurgery of 6.1 years (range 3–12 years). Patient demographics were comparable. There was no significant difference between cervical or intrathoracic anastomosis groups for functional or symptom scores, focusing on dysphagia (cervical = 8.8 vs. intrathoracic = 17.6, P = 0.24), odynophagia (cervical = 13.4 vs. intrathoracic = 16.1, P = 0.68) and swallowing problems (cervical = 8.1 vs. intrathoracic = 13.4, P = 0.32). There was no difference in overall health score between groups (cervical = 70.5 vs. intrathoracic = 71.6, P = 0.46). Overall general health score was comparable with the reference population (esophagectomy group P = 70.9 ± 22.1 vs. reference population = 71.2 ± 22.4, P = 0.93). There is no difference in long‐term QOL after esophagectomy between patients with a cervical or intrathoracic anastomosis. Scores compare favorably with EORTC reference data. Survival after esophagectomy is associated with recovery of QOL in the long term, regardless of site of anastomosis and despite worse gastrointestinal‐related symptoms.     

What is the impact of surgical site infection on graft function in kidney transplant recipients?

F.G. Menezes, S.B. Wey, C.A. Peres, J.O. Medina‐Pestana, L.F.A. Camargo. What is the impact of surgical site infection on graft function in kidney transplant recipients?
Transpl Infect Dis 2010: 12: 392–396. All rights reserved Abstract: The impact of surgical site infections (SSIs) on graft function in kidney transplant recipients is controversial. We conducted a matched case–control study (1:1 ratio) between April 2001 and December 2004 in a Brazilian cohort of kidney transplant recipients. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics of SSIs were described based on chart review. The impact on graft function was assessed by comparing serum creatinine measurements and creatinine clearance up to 18 months after transplantation with analysis of variance model. Among 1939 kidney transplants, 120 patients with 145 SSIs were enrolled. Most wound infections were superficial (73.1%). The mortality rate was 0.8%. No impact on graft function was detected. In conclusion, accurate identification of SSIs may have resulted in shorter hospitalization periods, but they had no impact on graft function up to 18 months post transplantation.     

Does cross-sex transmission increase the severity of polio infection? A study of multiple family cases

Previous studies have suggested that transmission of measles virus from the opposite sex increases the severity of infection; however, the role of gender in the transmission of other infections has not been examined. Multiple polio cases within a family usually occur simultaneously, and are therefore likely to be secondary to a common subclinical index case. The few clinical polio cases that appear much later than any other clinical case are likely to be tertiary cases. If cross-sex transmission increases the severity of infection then multiple polio cases would tend to affect the same sex, i.e. the opposite sex to that of the subclinical index case. In order to assess this phenomenon we identified 6345 records of individuals hospitalized with poliomyelitis in Copenhagen between 1919 and 1953. The severity and gender of suspected secondary and tertiary cases were analysed among all multiple household cases. Overall, 70% of the 133 sibling pairs having polio simultaneously were same-sex pairs, which differed significantly from the expected 52% (chi2 = 9.1; p < 0.01). Tertiary cases with exposure to the opposite sex were more likely to be paralytic than cases with exposure to the same sex [relative risk (RR) = 2.86 (95% confidence interval 1.08-7.58)1. In families with adult polio cases, possible tertiary cases were more common among fathers (7/24) than among mothers (1/35) [RR = 10.21 (1.34-77.72)]. We examined whether the excess of male polio cases was more pronounced in small families where the mother would play a relatively larger role in disease transmission and found that the male:female excess decreased with increasing birth order (p = 0.02) and family size (p = 0.09). The strong tendency towards same-sex pairs in 2-case families suggests that gender plays an important role in the severity of polio infection. Cross-sex transmission may increase the severity of polio and mothers may contribute to the higher prevalence of polio cases among boys.     

Does sarcopenia originate in early life? Findings from the Hertfordshire cohort study

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength with aging. Recent epidemiological studies have shown that men and women who grew less well in early life have lower muscle strength. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between birth weight, infant growth, and the development of sarcopenia. METHODS: We studied 730 men and 673 women, of known birth weight and weight at 1 year, who were born in Hertfordshire, U.K., between 1931 and 1939. Participants completed a health questionnaire, and we measured their height, weight, and grip strength. Standard deviation scores for birth weight, and for infant growth conditional on birth weight, were analyzed in relation to grip strength before and after adjustment for adult size. RESULTS: Grip strength was most strongly associated with birth weight in men (r = 0.19, p < .001) and women (r = 0.16, p < .001). These relationships remained significant after adjustment for adult height and weight. In contrast, the associations with infant growth were weakened after allowing for adult size. Adjustment for age, current social class, physical activity, smoking, and alcohol did not affect these results. CONCLUSIONS: Birth weight is associated with sarcopenia in men and women, independently of adult height and weight. The influence of infant growth on long-term muscle strength appears to be mediated through adult size. Sarcopenia may have its origins in early life, and identifying influences operating across the whole life course may yield considerable advances in developing effective interventions.