Renal Pelvic Anatomy Is Associated with Incidence,Grade, and Need for Intervention for Urine Leak Following Partial Nephrectomy

Background

Although the effect of tumor complexity on perioperative outcome measures is well established, the impact of renal pelvic anatomy on perioperative outcomes remains poorly defined.

Objective

To evaluate renal pelvic anatomy as an independent predictor of urine leak in moderate- and high-complexity tumors undergoing nephron-sparing surgery.

Design, setting, and participants

Patients undergoing open partial nephrectomy (PN) for localized RCC were stratified into intermediate- and high-complexity groups using a nephrometry score (7–9 and 10–12, respectively). A renal pelvic score (RPS) was defined by the percentage of renal pelvis contained inside the volume of the renal parenchyma. On this basis, patients were categorized as having an intraparenchymal (>50%) or extraparenchymal (<50%) renal pelvis.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

Characteristics of patients with and without an intraparenchymal renal pelvic anatomy were compared.

Results and limitations

Inclusion criteria were met by 255 patients undergoing PN for intermediate (73.6%) and complex (26.4%) localized renal tumors (mean size: 4.6 ± 2.9 cm). Twenty-four (9.6%) renal pelves were classified as completely intraparenchymal. Following stratification by RPS, groups differed with respect to Charlson comorbidity index, body mass index, and largest tumor size, while no differences were observed between hospital length of stay, nephrometry score, estimated blood loss, operative time, and age. Intrarenal pelvic anatomy was associated with a markedly increased risk of urine leak (75% vs 6.5%; p = 0.001), secondary intervention (37.5% vs 3.9%; p < 0.001), and prolonged duration of urine leak (93 ± 62 d vs 56 ± 29 d; p = 0.025).

Conclusions

Intraparenchymal renal pelvic anatomy is an uncommon anatomic variant associated with an increased rate of urine leak following PN. Elevated pressures within a small intraparenchymal renal pelvis might explain the increased risk. Preoperative imaging characteristics suggestive of increased risk for urine leak should be considered in perioperative management algorithms.     

Oncologic Outcomes Following Three Different Approaches to the Distal Ureter and Bladder Cuff in Nephroureterectomy for Primary Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Carcinoma

Background

There is a lack of consensus regarding the prognostic significance of different approaches to the bladder cuff at surgery for primary upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UUT-UC).

Objectives

To compare the oncologic outcomes following radical nephroureterectomy using three different methods of managing the bladder cuff.

Design, setting, and participants

From January 1990 to December 2007, 414 patients with primary UUT-UC underwent radical nephroureterectomy at our institution. Of these, 301 were included in our study.

Intervention

Three methods of bladder cuff excision—intravesical incision, extravesical incision, and transurethral incision (TUI)—were performed.

Measurements

Patients’ medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The clinicopathologic data and oncologic outcomes were compared among groups.

Results and limitations

Of the 301 patients, 81 (26.9%) underwent the intravesical method, 129 (42.9%) underwent the extravesical technique, and 91 (30.2%) underwent TUI. There were no differences in clinical and histopathologic data among the three groups. When comparing the intravesical, extravesical, and TUI techniques, bladder recurrence developed in, respectively, 23.5%, 24.0%, and 17.6% cases (p = 0.485); local retroperitoneal recurrence in 7.4%, 7.8%, and 5.5% (p = 0.798); contralateral recurrence in 4.9%, 3.9%, and 2.2% (p = 0.632); and distant metastasis in 7.4%, 10.4%, and 5.5% (p = 0.564). There were no differences in recurrence-free and cancer-specific survival among the three groups (p = 0.680 and 0.502, respectively).

Conclusions

The three techniques had comparable oncologic outcomes. Our data validate the TUI method of bladder cuff control in patients with primary UUT-UC without coexistent bladder tumors.     

High incidence of catheter-associated venous thromboembolic events in patients with long gap esophageal atresia treated with the Foker process

Purpose

To determine the incidence of catheter-associated venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in long gap esophageal atresia (LGEA) patients treated at Boston Children's Hospital (BCH) and to identify possible risk factors associated with their development.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of LGEA patients from 2005 to 2012. Symptomatic VTEs with radiographic confirmation were defined as events. Potential risk factors were assessed by univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression. Covariates included age, weight, initial gap length, cumulative days of pharmacologic paralysis and paralytic episodes, number and type of central venous catheters (CVCs), and number of operations.

Results

Forty-four LGEA patients were identified. The incidence of CVC associated VTE was 34%. Univariate analysis identified age at Foker 1 (P = .03), paralysis duration (P = .01), episodes of paralysis (P = .001), cumulative number of CVC (P = .007) and length of stay (P = .03) as significant. Multivariate logistic regression identified the number of paralytic episodes as the only significant independent risk factor for VTE (P < .0001).

Conclusions

The incidence of symptomatic VTE was 34%, significantly higher than the VTE incidence of 4.5% reported for our other hospitalized children. These data have led to multidisciplinary discussions regarding thromboprophylaxis and development of a consensus-driven protocol. Since the initiation of this protocol, no VTEs have been identified.     

Persistent gastrocutaneous fistula: Factors affecting the need for closure

Purpose

The occurrence of gastrocutaneous fistula (GCF) is a well-known complication after gastrostomy tube placement. We explore multiple factors to ascertain their impact on the rate of persistent GCF formation.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed patient records for all gastrostomies (GT) constructed at our institution from 2007 to 2011. Association of GCF with method of placement, concomitant fundoplication, neurologic findings, duration of therapy, and demographics was evaluated using logistic regression.

Results

Nine hundred fifty patients had GTs placed, of which 148 patients had GTs removed and 47 (32%) of 148 required surgical closure secondary to persistent GCF. Laparoscopic and open procedures comprised 79 (53%) of 148 and 69 (47%) of 148, respectively. Seventeen (22%) patients in the laparoscopic group developed persistent GCF, compared to 30 (43%) in the open group (P = 0.035, OR = 2.52). Seventy-one patients had concomitant Nissen fundoplication. Thirty-one (44%) developed GCF, compared to 16 (21%) without a Nissen (P = 0.002, OR = 4.94). Patients with button in place for 303 days had persistent GCF incidence of 23%, compared to 45% at 540 days (P < 0.001, OR = 3.51) and 50% at 850 days (P = 0.011, OR = 4.51). Patients with device placed at 1.8 months of age were more likely to develop GCF compared to those with device placed at 8.9 months of age (P = 0.017, OR = 2.35).

Conclusion

Open operations, concurrent Nissen and younger age at placement were all statistically significant factors causing persistent GCF.     

Hypermethylation of SHH in the pathogenesis of congenital anorectal malformations

Objective

This study sought to examine promoter methylation and expression of the identified sonic hedgehog (SHH) gene in terminal rectal tissues of children with congenital anorectal malformations (ARMs).

Methods

Tissue samples from the terminal rectum of pediatric patients with ARMs (five cases each of high and intermediate malformation — two cases of rectovesical fistula, two cases of rectourethral prostatic fistula, one case of cloaca with > 3 cm common channel, four cases of rectourethral bulbar fistula and one case of imperforate anus without fistula, respectively, and ten cases of low malformation — five cases of perineal fistula and five cases of vestibular fistula, respectively), and patients with non-gastrointestinal tract malformation (six cases, anal fistula) were collected and divided into three groups: high-intermediate ARM (ARMhi-int), low ARM (ARMlo), and control (Cont.). Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect mRNA expression levels of the verified differentially methylated gene SHH, and bisulfite genomic sequencing was performed to evaluate DNA methylation in the SHH promoter region.

Results

The average methylation levels of the SHH promoter were significantly higher in ARMhi-int (0.850 ± 0.030, P = 0.0036) and ARMlo (0.540 ± 0.053, P = 0.0087) groups than in Cont. group (0.280 ± 0.032). SHH mRNA expression levels were lower in ARMhi-int (0.340 ± 0.015, P = 0.0065) and ARMlo (0.530 ± 0.042, P = 0.0156) groups than in Cont. group (0.870 ± 0.046). The average methylation levels of the SHH promoter were higher in ARMhi-int group than in ARMlo group (0.850 ± 0.030 vs. 0.540 ± 0.053, P = 0.0095), while SHH expression was significantly reduced in ARMhi-int group compared to ARMlo group (0.340 ± 0.15 vs. 0.530 ± 0.042, P = 0.0252). The methylation levels of the SHH promoter in ARMhi-int group were negatively correlated with SHH gene expression (r = − 0.89, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The SHH gene, which plays a major role in the development of the anorectum and enteric nervous system, is hypermethylated at its promoter, and this is correlated with low levels of SHH gene expression. This epigenetic modification may therefore be responsible for the observed changes in SHH expression, which could in turn underlie the pathogenesis of congenital ARMs.     

The Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery (PLS) simulator: Methodology and results of further validation

Background

The Pediatric Laparoscopic Surgery (PLS) simulator is the only validated tool for pediatric Minimal Access Surgery. Construct validity (the ability to discriminate between novice, intermediate and expert) for the PLS simulator had previously been established on the basis of the total PLS score, as well as the individual performance on three of the five tasks. We describe the process and methods used to establish independent construct validity for a fourth task: pattern-cutting.

Methods

After considering various options for the possible modifications of the task itself, we retrospectively altered the way the pattern-cutting task was scored by modifying the weighting of precision versus time without changing the task itself. This was subsequently tested prospectively at the 2011 Canadian Association of Pediatric Surgeons meeting.

Results

Modification in the scoring metrics allowed differentiation within a previously tested cohort of 84 candidates (20 novices: score = 48 ± 16, 19 intermediates: score = 59 ± 18, 45 experts: score = 69 ± 12 p = 0.01). This was validated prospectively in a cohort of 18 experts and 7 intermediates (65 ± 8, 54 ± 17 p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Construct validity for the pattern-cutting task was established by modification of the scoring metrics. This was validated both retrospectively and prospectively.     

Comparison of long-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children

Objectives

In recent years laparoscopic fundoplication is increasingly performed in pediatric surgery. The aim of this study was to compare the long-term outcomes between open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication in children.

Methods

This retrospective study includes children who underwent a Thal fundoplication between 3/1997 and 7/2009. The minimum follow-up time to enter the study was 2 years; the overall median follow-up was 77 months (range, 29–176 months).

Results

A total of 101 patients were included, of which 47 underwent an open and 54 a laparoscopic Thal. Intraoperative problems, early postoperative complications, time to establish enteral feeds and length of stay did not differ among both groups. The mean duration of surgery was significantly less in the open group (OPG) (108.0 (± 7.72) versus 144.1 (± 6.36) minutes; p = 0.001) and this was mainly attributed to patients with neurological problems. Severe dysphagia requiring endoscopy was observed in 10 patients, but this did not differ significantly between groups (n = 2 in the OPG vs. n = 8 in the laparoscopic group (LAPG); p = 0.10). Overall 12 patients (11.9%) (6 in each group) required a redo-fundoplication after a median of 18.7 months (range, 6–36 months). In the whole study group, 80 patients (79.2%) were classified as having surgical results being excellent, good or satisfactory and this did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

In the long-term open and laparoscopic Thal fundoplication have similarly good outcomes. The laparoscopic approach can be considered as an alternative, however there is not a clear superiority compared with the open counterpart.     

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia after thermal injury: The clinical impact of methicillin resistance

Objective

To evaluate the impact of methicillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) on mortality and length of stay in burn patients.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

A 750-bed tertiary care university hospital in Cologne, Germany.

Patients

Patients registered in the database of the burn intensive care unit (BICU) between 1989 and 2009 with complete data sets (n = 1688).

Results

Over the 21-year study period, 74 patients with SAB were identified; 33 patients had methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and 41 methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Comparing the MRSA with the MSSA population the following parameters were significantly different in the univariate analysis: BMI (27.2 kg/m² vs. 23.6 kg/m²; P = 0.05), extent of deep partial thickness burns (17.8% vs. 9.0% of total body surface area; P = 0.007), antibiotic requirement on admission (45.5% vs. 22.0%; P = 0.046), median length of hospitalization prior SAB (24 days vs. 7 days; P < 0.001), packed red blood cells administration (47.6 units vs. 26.1 units; P = 0.003), intubation requirement (100% vs. 80.5%; P = 0.007), intubation period (43.5 days vs. 26.8 days; P = 0.008), catecholamine requirement (90.9% vs. 61.0%; P = 0.004), sepsis (60.6% vs. 34.1%; P = 0.035) and organ failures (81.8% vs. 39.0%; P < 0.001). Regarding outcome parameters, methicillin resistance was not significantly related with mortality (adjusted OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.56–4.28; P = 0.40) and length of BICU stay after SAB (Kaplan–Meier analysis log-rank test P = 0.32; Cox's proportional hazards regression HR 1.22, 95% CI 0.65–2.27, P = 0.535) in the univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that methicillin resistance is not associated with significant increases in mortality and length of BICU stay among burn patients with SAB.     

Potential benefits of fast-track concepts in paediatric colorectal surgery

Background

Structured care pathways optimising peri-operative care have been shown to significantly enhance post-operative recovery. We aim to determine if enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) principles could provide benefit for paediatric patients undergoing major colorectal resection for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Children undergoing elective bowel resection for IBD at a regional paediatric unit using standard methods of peri-operative care were matched to adult cases from an associated tertiary referral university hospital already using an ERAS program. Cases were matched for disease type, gender, operative procedure, and ASA grade.

Results

Forty-four children undergoing fifty procedures were identified. Thirty-four were matched to adult cases. Total length of stay in the paediatric group was significantly longer than in the adult group (6 vs. 9 days; P = 0.001). Paediatric patients were slower to start solid diet (1 vs. 4 days; P < 0.0001) and were slower to mobilize post-operatively (1 vs. 4 days; P < 0.0001). No difference was seen in time to restoration of bowel function (2 vs. 3 days; P = 0.49). Thirty day readmissions and total in-hospital morbidity were not significantly different between the groups.

Conclusion

Potentially, application of ERAS in paediatric surgery could accelerate recovery and reduce length of post-operative stay thereby improving quality and efficiency of care.     

Obesity Has Minimal Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Purpose

Childhood obesity is an increasing problem in affluent societies throughout the world. We sought to identify the impact of obesity on the outcome of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and determine differences (if any) between ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

The 2009 Kids’ Inpatient Database was explored for all children (≤ 20 years) admitted with IBD. ICD-9 codes were used to identify obesity and complications, including hemorrhage, perforation, and complex fistulas. Logistic regression analysis accounting for demographics, underlying disease, surgical procedures, and obesity was performed to identify factors associated with complication development. Data are expressed as odds ratios (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). A P value of 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

From 12,465 admissions, 164 children were obese (1.3%), with no difference between CD and UC (1.3% vs. 1.4%; P = 0.60). Girls had a two-fold increase in obesity (OR: 2.06, CI: 1.48–2.86; P < 0.01). Obesity had no effect on elective/emergent admission rate (OR: 0.85, CI: 0.54–1.35; P = 0.49), perforation (OR: 0.76, CI: 0.13–4.46; P = 0.76), hemorrhage (OR: 0.64,CI: 0.34–1.21; P = 0.17), complex fistula (OR: 1.19, CI: 0.45–3.17; P = 0.72), or requirement for surgery (OR: 0.80, CI: 0.48–1.31; P = 0.37). While the overall clinical morbidity rate was 10.7%, obesity was not associated with the development of overall complications (OR 1.20, CI: 0.75–1.93; P = 0.45) or length of stay (6.36 vs. 6.10 days; P = 0.61). Obesity increased the rate of central venous catheter (CVC) infections (OR: 10.98, CI: 2.50–48.20; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Obesity was more prevalent in girls with IBD. While obesity did not alter disease severity, rate of surgical intervention, or hospital length of stay, it was associated with higher CVC infections.     

Laparoscopic versus open appendicectomy in children: A UK District General Hospital experience

Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of laparoscopic appendicectomy in reducing morbidity and length of stay in children compared to open procedures in a UK District General Hospital setting.

Methods

A three-year retrospective review of children ≤ 15 years with histologically confirmed appendicitis who underwent laparoscopic (LA) and/or open (OA) appendicectomy was performed. Choice of operation was based on individual surgeon’s preference and on patient’s body size. Data collected included rate of histologically complicated appendicitis, post-operative length of stay (LOS), and collective and differential morbidity rates, i.e., wound infection, intra-abdominal collection, and ileus. Chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests were used for statistical analysis. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant.

Results

Eighty children (70% male) were identified at median age 11 (3–15) years. They could be divided into complicated (n = 18, 22%) and simple appendicitis (n = 62, 78%). Appendicectomy was performed in all as an OPEN (n = 53, 66%) or LAPAROSCOPIC (n = 27, 34%) procedure. Both groups were comparable in gender distribution (P = 0.11) and rate of complicated appendicitis (30% vs. 19%, respectively; P = 0.27). Median age was significantly lower in the OPEN group [10 (3–15) vs. 12 (7–15) years; P < 0.004]. Laparoscopic appendicectomy had a significantly lower rate of collective morbidity (3.8% vs. 25.9%; P < 0.003), including lower rate of intra-abdominal collection (1.9% vs. 14.8%; P < 0.01). Median LOS was not significantly different (1 day vs. 2 days; P = 0.14).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic appendicectomy in children in a UK District General Hospital is safe and was associated with significantly less post-operative morbidity than the open technique.     

In the Human Urothelium and Suburothelium,Intradetrusor Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A Does Not Induce Apoptosis: Preliminary Results

Background

Intradetrusor injections of botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNTA) are emerging as the preferred second-line treatment for neurogenic and idiopathic overactive bladder (OAB). In animal experiments, intradetrusor BoNTA injections have been shown to cause apoptosis in the bladder urothelium and suburothelium but not the detrusor.

Objective

To investigate BoNTA-induced apoptosis in patients with refractory neurogenic OAB.

Design, setting, and participants

Twelve refractory OAB patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity resulting from multiple sclerosis (MS) and seven controls were included prospectively.

Measurements

The number of apoptotic cells before and 4 wk after first intradetrusor BoNTA (300 U of BOTOX [Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA]) injections were estimated using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labelling (TUNEL) staining.

Results and limitations

Comparison of TUNEL-positive cells (yes vs no) in the bladder urothelium and suburothelium revealed no significant differences in OAB patients before (4 of 12, 33%) versus after (3 of 12, 25%) BoNTA treatment (p = 0.99). In addition, no significant differences (p = 0.99) were found in OAB patients versus controls. Because our findings are based on first intradetrusor BoNTA injections only, it is unclear whether the results could be extrapolated to repeat injections.

Conclusions

In contrast to preliminary animal experiments, first intradetrusor BoNTA injections for treating refractory neurogenic OAB—a highly effective treatment—did not induce apoptosis in the bladder urothelium and suburothelium.     

Does delay in appendectomy affect surgical site infection in children with appendicitis?

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between time from diagnosis to operation and surgical site infection (SSI) in children undergoing appendectomy.

Methods

Pediatric patients undergoing appendectomy in 2010–2012 were included. We collected data on patient demographics; length of symptoms; times of presentation, admission and surgery; antibiotic administration; operative findings; and occurrence of SSI.

Results

1388 patients were analyzed. SSI occurred in 5.1% of all patients, 1.4% of simple appendicitis (SA) patients, and 12.4% of complex appendicitis (CA) patients. SSI did not increase significantly as the length of time between ED triage and operation increased (all patients, p = 0.51; SA patients, p = 0.91; CA patients, p = 0.44) or with increased time from admission to operation (all patients, p = 0.997; SA patients, p = 0.69; CA patients, p = 0.96). However, greater length of symptoms was associated with an increased risk of SSI (p < 0.05 for all, SA and CA patients). In univariable analysis, obesity, and increased admission WBC count were each associated with significantly increased SSI. In multivariable analysis, only CA was a significant risk factor for SSI (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

We found no significant increase in the risk of SSI related to delay in appendectomy. A future multi-institutional study is planned to confirm these results.     

Evaluation of the spontaneous breathing trial in burn intensive care patients

Background

The extubation failure rate in our burn patients is 30%.

Objective

To evaluate the influence of the 30 min spontaneous breathing trial on extubation outcome in burn patients.

Methods

A prospective, observational study in a burn intensive care unit. All adult patients requiring mechanical ventilation for >24 h and meeting the inclusion criteria underwent a 30 min spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Extubation was undertaken after a successful SBT.

Results

Of 49 planned extubations, 9 failed (18%), much lower than the 30% extubation failure rate identified prior to the implementation of the SBT. The duration of ventilation was significantly shorter (p = 0.04) in the patients who passed a SBT and those who failed extubation were significantly older (p = 0.003). The logistic regression analysis identified that age independently predicted extubation outcome. Patients who failed extubation, after a successful SBT, had a significantly longer duration of ventilation (p = 0.0001) and ITU length of stay (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The incidence of extubation failure was much lower and the duration of ventilation significantly shorter in patients who were extubated after a successful SBT. These findings support the use of the SBT in burn patients. Age independently predicts extubation outcome in burn patients who have passed a SBT.     

A Multicenter,Double-blind,Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial of the β3-Adrenoceptor Agonist Solabegron for Overactive Bladder

Background

β-Adrenoceptor agonists are effective in animal models of bladder dysfunction, and the human bladder primarily expresses the β3 receptor subtype.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of the highly selective and potent β3-adrenoceptor agonist solabegron in a clinical proof-of-concept study in incontinent women with overactive bladder (OAB).

Design, setting, and participants

This was a randomized, double-blind trial in adult women with OAB (one or more 24-h incontinence episodes and eight or more average 24-h micturitions).

Interventions

Solabegron 50 mg (n = 88), solabegron 125 mg (n = 85), or placebo (n = 85)—all twice daily—were administered.

Outcome measurements and statistical analysis

The primary efficacy end point was percentage change from baseline to week 8 in the number of incontinence episodes over 24 h. Secondary end points included actual change and percentage change from baseline to week 4 and week 8 in micturitions per 24 h, urgency episodes per 24 h, and volume voided per micturition. Adverse events (AEs) were assessed, as well.

Results and limitations

Solabegron 125 mg produced a statistically significant difference in percent change from baseline to week 8 in incontinence episodes over 24 h when compared with placebo (p = 0.025). Solabegron 125 mg treatment also showed statistically significant reductions from baseline to weeks 4 and 8 in micturitions over 24 h and a statistically significant increase from baseline to week 8 in urine volume voided. Solabegron was well tolerated, with a similar incidence of AEs in each treatment group. There were no significant treatment differences for mean changes from baseline to week 8 in systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, mean arterial pressure (MAP), or heart rate during the 24-h ambulatory measurement.

Conclusions

Solabegron significantly reduced the symptoms of OAB in women with moderate to severe OAB. Solabegron was safe, well tolerated, and did not demonstrate significant differences in AEs as compared to placebo. β3-Adrenoceptor agonists may represent a new therapeutic approach for treating OAB symptoms.     

Hydroxyethylstarch supplementation in burn resuscitation—A prospective randomised controlled trial

Introduction

Hydroxyethylstarches (HES) are thought to be beneficial in trauma and major surgery management, due to their volume expansion and anti-inflammatory properties. This study examined the use of 6% (HES) in burn resuscitation.

Methods

26 adult patients with burns exceeding 15% total body surface area (TBSA) were randomised to either crystalloid (Hartmann's solution) or a colloid-supplemented resuscitation regime, where 1/3 of the crystalloid-predicted requirement was replaced by 6% HES.

Results

There was no difference in age, gender or TBSA between the two groups. The median (95% CI) fluid volume/%TBSA received in the first 24 h was 307 ml and 263 ml for the crystalloid only and HES-supplemented group respectively (p = 0.0234, Mann–Whitney). Body weight gain within the first 24 h after injury was significantly lower in the HES-supplemented group 2.5 kg versus 1.4 kg respectively (p = 0.0039). The median (95% CI) serum C-reactive protein at 48 h after injury was 210(167–257) and 128(74–145) mg/L for the crystalloid only and HES-supplemented group respectively (p = 0.0001). Albumin–creatinine ratio per % burn (ACR, a marker of capillary leak) was lower in the HES-supplemented group at 12 h after burn (p = 0.0310).

Conclusions

Patients treated with HES-supplemented resuscitation required less fluid, showed less interstitial oedema and a dampened inflammatory response compared to patients receiving isotonic crystalloid alone.     

Long-term Survival in Patients Undergoing Radical Nephrectomy and Inferior Vena Cava Thrombectomy: Single-Center Experience

Background

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with a tumor thrombus extension into the inferior vena cava (IVC) demands aggressive surgical management.

Objective

To evaluate the long-term survival in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy.

Design, setting, and participants

We performed a retrospective analysis of 87 patients undergoing surgery between 1997 and 2008. The patients were grouped according to the extent of tumor thrombus, with level I involving the IVC at the level of the renal vein, level II being infrahepatic IVC, level III being intrahepatic IVC, and level IV being suprahepatic IVC or right atrium. Relevant clinical and pathologic data were analyzed.

Measurements

Disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) were studied.

Results and limitations

The median follow-up was 22 mo, and 19, 14, 40, and 14 patients had level I, II, III, and IV IVC thrombus, respectively. Among patients with M0 disease, 22 developed metastases. The 5-yr DFS was 64% for all levels and 74%, 69.5%, 59.5%, and 58% for levels I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Of the level I group, 16% of patients died of disease compared to 57% of the level IV group. The 5-yr DSS for all levels was 46% and 71%, 48%, 40%, and 35% for levels I, II, III, and IV, respectively. Patients with level IV thrombus had a significantly lower 5-yr DSS compared to level I (p = 0.03). However, when analyzed in two groups—supradiaphragmatic and infradiaphragmatic—there was no significant difference in DSS (P = 0.14). On univariate analysis, metastasis at presentation, non–clear-cell histology, lymph node metastases, and higher nuclear grade were statistically significant prognostic factors influencing DSS. Only higher nuclear grade (p = 0.03), metastasis at presentation (p < 0.01), and non–clear-cell histology (p = 0.03) were independent prognostic factors on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy offer reasonable long-term survival. The level of tumor thrombus is not an independent prognostic factor. Distant metastasis at presentation, higher nuclear grade, and non–clear-clear cell histology are significant prognostic factors influencing DSS.     

A Comparison of Postoperative Complications in Open versus Robotic Cystectomy

Background

Robotic cystectomy is an emerging alternative for treatment of invasive bladder cancer (BCa). However, reduction in postoperative morbidity relative to the open approach has not been demonstrated.

Objective

To compare complication rates in patients undergoing robotic versus open radical cystectomy (RC).

Design, setting, and participants

A prospective cohort study of 187 consecutive patients undergoing RC at our institution—104 open RC, 83 robotic RC.

Intervention

Open or robotic RC with urinary diversion.

Measurements

Demographic, perioperative, and complication data were recorded prospectively. Thirty-day and 90-d complication rates were assessed using the modified Clavien complication scale. Data were evaluated using χ² and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results and limitations

At 30 d, the open group demonstrated a higher overall complication rate (59% vs 41%; p = 0.04) as well as more major complications (30% vs 10%; p = 0.007). At 90 d, the overall complication rate was greater in the open group, but this was not statistically significant (62% vs 48%; p = 0.07). However, there was a significantly higher major complication rate in the open cohort (31% vs 17%; p = 0.03). When subjected to logistic regression analysis, robotic cystectomy was an independent predictor of fewer overall and major complications at 30 and 90 d. High American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (3–4) and longer surgical time were independent predictors of major complications. Though this is one of the largest published RC series, the sample size is relatively small. Moreover, despite the two patient cohorts being similarly matched, the study was not performed in a randomized fashion.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing robotic cystectomy experienced fewer postoperative complications than those undergoing open cystectomy. Robotic cystectomy is an independent predictor of fewer overall and major complications. Until long-term oncologic results are available, robotic cystectomy should still be considered investigational.     

A systematic review of the literature to support an evidence-based Precepting Program

Aim

To provide a systematic review of the literature regarding development of an evidence-based Precepting Program for nurses transitioning to burn specialty practice.

Background

Burned patients are admitted to specialty Burn Centers where highly complex nursing care is provided. Successful orientation and integration into such a specialized work environment is a fundamental component of a nurse's ability to provide safe and holistic patient care.

Design

A systematic review of the literature was performed for the period 1995–2011 using electronic databases within PUBMED and Ovid search engines.

Data sources

Databases included Medline, CINHAL, ProQuest for Dissertations and Thesis, and Cochran Collaboration using key search terms: preceptor, preceptee, preceptorship, precept*, nurs*, critical care, personality types, competency-based education, and learning styles.

Review methods

Nurses graded the level and quality of evidence of the included articles using a modified 7-level rating system and the Johns Hopkins Nursing Quality of Evidence Appraisal during journal-club meetings.

Results

A total of 43 articles related to competency (n = 8), knowledge acquisition and personality characteristics (n = 8), learning style (n = 5), preceptor development (n = 7), and Precepting Programs (n = 14).

Conclusions

A significant clinical gap existed between the scientific evidence and actual precepting practice of experienced nurses at the Burn Center. Based on this extensive review of the literature, it was determined that a sufficient evidence base existed for development of an evidence-based Precepting Program.