Challenges in optimising recovery after emergency laparotomy

Standardised peri-operative care pathways for patients undergoing emergency laparotomy or laparoscopy for non-traumatic pathologies have been shown to be inadequate and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recent research has highlighted this problem and showed that simple pathways with ‘rescue’ interventions have been associated with reduced mortality when implemented successfully. These rescue pathways have focused on early diagnosis and surgery, specialist surgeon and anaesthetist involvement, goal-directed therapy and intensive or intermediary postoperative care for high-risk patients. In elective surgery, enhanced recovery has resulted in reduced length of stay and morbidity by the application of procedure-specific, evidence-based interventions inside rigorously implemented patient pathways based on multidisciplinary co-operation. The focus has been on attenuation of peri-operative stress and pain management to facilitate early recovery. Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy are a heterogeneous group consisting mostly of patients with intestinal perforations and/or obstruction with varying levels of comorbidity and frailty. However, present knowledge of the different pathophysiology and peri-operative trajectory of complications in these patient groups is limited. In order to move beyond rescue pathways and to establish enhanced recovery for emergency laparotomy, it is essential that research on both the peri-operative pathophysiology of the different main patient groups – intestinal obstruction and perforation – and the potentially differentiated impact of interventions is carried out. Procedure- and pathology-specific knowledge is lacking on key elements of peri-operative care, such as: multimodal analgesia; haemodynamic optimisation and fluid management; attenuation of surgical stress; nutritional optimisation; facilitation of mobilisation; and the optimal use and organisation of specialised wards and improved interdisciplinary collaboration. As such, the future challenges in improving peri-operative patient care in emergency laparotomy are moving from simple rescue pathways to establish research that can form a basis for morbidity- and procedure-specific enhanced recovery protocols as seen in elective surgery.     

Gastrointestinal bleeding after aortic surgery. The role of laparotomy to rule out aortoenteric fistula

The frequency and causes of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding occurring after aortic surgery were evaluated retrospectively to determine the incidence of aortoenteric fistula (AEF) in relation to other causes and to place in perspective the role of laparotomy for the diagnosis of AEF. Two hundred fifty-three patients in whom aortic prostheses have been inserted were observed for a mean of 46 months. Seventy-four bleeding episodes occurred in 21% of patients between 1 and 108 months after surgery (mean 29 months). Only one AEF appeared that was associated with GI bleeding, for an incidence of 1.4% of bleeding episodes and 0.4% of grafts inserted. No diagnostic workup for GI bleeding was performed for 20 of the 74 episodes and no AEFs were noted in this group during a mean follow-up of 28 months. Diagnostic evaluation was done for the remaining 54 episodes. No cause for bleeding was identified in 16 patients and no AEF developed in this group during a mean follow-up of 26 months. A potential bleeding site was identified in 38 patients, of whom 30 had intrinsic GI lesions and no subsequent evidence of AEF during a mean follow-up of 28 months. Laparotomy for a suspected AEF was recommended for the remaining eight episodes in eight patients and was performed in six patients. An AEF was seen in one patient with abnormality found on preoperative CT scanning; an intrinsic GI lesion was identified in three patients; and no pathologic condition was found in the remaining two (negative laparotomy rate, 33%).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

腹腔镜术与开腹手术术后腹腔粘连的临床观察

目的:比较腹腔镜术与开腹手术术后发生腹腔粘连的情况。方法:将需行二次腹部手术的89例患者按既往手术方式分为腹腔镜组与开腹组,术中分级评定腹腔粘连情况,并对数据进行统计学处理,比较两组的结果。结果:腹腔镜组术后腹腔粘连发生率低于开腹组,且以轻度粘连居多;开腹组则以重度粘连为主(P<0.05)。结论:用腹腔镜行腹腔手术可降低术后腹腔粘连的发生率,并能减轻粘连的程度。     

Gastrointestinal myoelectric activity in fasting and nonfasting canine models of ileus

We studied postoperative gastrointestinal (GI) tract myoelectric activity (MEA) in three fasting and nonfasting models of ileus. After implantation of a gastric cannula and bipolar electrodes in the antrum, duodenum, proximal jejunum, midjejunum, terminal ileum, and ascending and descending colon, five dogs underwent ileus-producing laparotomies, including handling, in which the entire GI tract was manually crushed, obstruction, in which a distal ileal obstruction was created and released 24 hours later, and peritonitis, in which an ileal perforation was created and closed 24 hours later. The fasting 24-hour postoperative colonic MEA in the handling and obstruction models was significantly less than control levels but returned to normal by 48 hours. The nonfasting 24-hour postoperative duodenal and jejunal MEA in the obstruction model was significantly less than control levels. These significantly decreased MEA levels persisted for 72 hours. Nonfasting 24-hour postoperative ileal and colonic MEA in the peritonitis model was significantly greater than control levels and remained significantly elevated for 48 to 72 hours before returning to normal.     

Abdominal recovery after laparotomy and omental transposition into a grossly contaminated median sternotomy wound

Grossly contaminated median sternotomy wounds are frequently treated with transposed omental flaps. A laparotomy adjacent to such an infected wound carries the risk of peritonitis. It has been suggested that this risk may increase when the omentum, which has anti-infective properties, is removed from the abdominal cavity and is transposed to the chest. The authors evaluated abdominal recovery after laparotomy and omental transposition into an adjacent, grossly contaminated median sternotomy wound. The study group included 15 patients who had sternal wound reconstruction with an omental flap between 1990 and 1998. All patients underwent median sternotomy reconstruction according to a "two-compartment" operative sequence protocol, which included division of the surgical field into an upper (thoracic) contaminated zone and a lower (abdominal) clean zone. The control group was comprised of 15 patients who underwent elective laparotomy for splenectomy during the same time period. The effect of the surgical procedure on the abdomen was compared between the two groups. The timing of the reappearance of peristalsis and regular bowel function, and the incidence of bowel obstruction and postoperative peritonitis were similar in the two groups. The findings indicate that laparotomy and omental transposition in the presence of a grossly contaminated median sternotomy wound is a safe procedure, and is associated with a low rate of abdominal complications.     

Evaluation of a clinical recovery score after general anesthesia.

A clinical recovery score (CRS) assessing recovery after general anesthesia was compared with the Digit-Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Trieger Test (TT), a patient-completed visual analogue scale for alertness (VAS), and an independent observer's evaluation of recovery. The CRS included ratings of the following parameters: activity, respiration, circulation, consciousness, ambulation, color, and nausea and vomiting. Forty patients requiring the removal of three or four third molars participated in the study. All patients received the same general anesthetic technique. Each patient was evaluated by the five methods preoperatively, on admission to the recovery room, and at 15-min intervals until discharge. The four recovery tests (CRS, DSST, TT, VAS) were evaluated using chi 2 analysis to determine if there was any overall difference among the tests using the observer's determination of home readiness as the standard for discharge. The CRS was significantly more in agreement with the observer's determination than were the paper and pencil tests. The recovery tests were also evaluated with regard to instances of early dismissal or prolonged retention of the patient, again using the observer's determination as the "gold standard." The CRS was the only recovery test devoid of early dismissals. We conclude that the CRS provides a valid, simple measure of recovery that can be readily used in offices providing outpatient anesthesia and in studies measuring clinical recovery from anesthesia or sedation.     

Mortality after laparotomy. A 10-year series.

The Department of Surgery at the University Hospital, Link?ping has 133 beds and serves a population of 130000. During the 10-year period 1962-1971 35039 in-patient operations were performed, of which 16719 (48%) were laparotomies. If fracture surgery and urological operations are excluded (during the relevant period these specialties were included under General Surgery) the proportion of laparotomies becomes 67%. Of patients subjected to this procedure 431 (2.58%) died. The mortality for appendicectomy was 0.2%, for gall-bladder surgery 1.3%, for gastric surgery 8.1%, for colon surgery 11.9% for small-gut surgery (including ileus) 15.2%, and for pancreatic surgery 22.2%. Over and above the target organ, malignancy and age exceeding 50 years appear to have contributed greatly to a lethal outcome.     

Early absorption of enteral ranitidine after major laparotomy.

Thirty-six patients were studied following abdominal aortic surgery to determine if a commonly used medication could be absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in the early postoperative period. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group I received ranitidine elixir 3 mg/kg via nasogastric tube every 12 hours; Group II received intravenous (IV) ranitidine 1 mg/kg every 8 hours. Ranitidine serum levels were measured with high performance liquid chromatography 1 hour after administration of the first three doses. Gastric pH was measured every 4 hours. It was found that serum ranitidine levels generally regarded as clinically effective were achieved in both groups. Although the levels were significantly higher following intravenous (IV) administration (Group II), there were no differences in average gastric pH. The authors conclude that within 24 hours of aortic surgery enterally administered ranitidine is effectively absorbed and provides prophylaxis equivalent to IV administration of the drug at lower cost. Other medications might be deliverable via the GI tract in the early postoperative period.     

体温保护对剖腹胃癌根治术患者快速康复的影响

目的观察体温保护对剖腹胃癌根治术患者快速康复的影响。方法选择剖腹胃癌根治术患者60例,男39例,女21例,年龄45~76岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分成升温组和对照组,每组30例。升温组患者入室后给予体温保护,开启升温毯至42℃直至患者离开PACU,暴露皮肤均予以干净敷料覆盖,输注液体(包括复方乳酸钠、羟乙基淀粉及红细胞悬液)和腹腔冲洗液体均加热至40℃,呼吸过滤器安置于气管导管处。对照组患者未给予特殊保温加热措施。手术室温度调节至21~23℃。采用红外线鼓膜耳温计观察并记录两组患者入室时(T_1)、麻醉诱导前(T_2)、术中(T_3)、关腹(T_4)、拔管(T_5)、离开PACU(T_6)时患者的核心温度。观察并记录患者麻醉时间、手术时间、手术室温度、术中出血量、术中输血量、麻醉药物用量、总输液量和腹腔液体冲洗量、拔管时间和住院时间等;记录术后寒战、切口感染的发生情况。结果与T_1时比较,T_2~T_6时两组核心温度均明显降低,且升温组核心温度明显高于对照组(P0.05)。升温组术中出血量、术中输血量明显少于,拔管时间和住院时间明显短于,术后寒战及切口感染的发生率明显低于对照组(P0.05);两组麻醉时间、手术时间、手术室温度、麻醉药物用量、总输液量、腹腔冲洗液量差异无统计学意义。结论多方法联合体温保护措施,能明显降低剖腹胃癌根治术患者围术期低体温的发生,有利于患者术后康复。     

Thyrotoxic crisis after emergency laparotomy. A case report

A case of thyrotoxic crisis after emergency abdominal surgery is presented. The pathogenesis, clinical features and management of this unusual clinical problem are discussed.     

Gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery.

Gastrointestinal complications after cardiac surgery are uncommon, but are associated with a high morbidity and mortality. Over 11 years 8559 procedures requiring cardiopulmonary bypass were performed in this unit and 35 patients were identified who developed gastrointestinal complications after surgery, an incidence of 0.41%. There were nine deaths in this group, a mortality of 25.7% compared with an overall mortality after cardiac surgery in Ireland ranging from 3.24% to 4.81%. These complications required surgery in 21 patients. The most common indication for surgical intervention was upper gastrointestinal bleeding in 10 patients, three patients had acute pancreatitis, two patients had perforated peptic ulcer; two patients had intestinal ischaemia, with five cases of colon pathology. The difficulties of making an early diagnosis are outlined and a low threshold to exploratory laparotomy is recommended.     

Modelling of hypoxaemia after gynaecological laparotomy

BACKGROUND: Late postoperative arterial hypoxaemia is common after major surgery, and may contribute to cardiovascular, cerebral or wound complications. This study investigates the time course of hypoxaemia following gynaecological laparotomy, and estimates parameters of mathematical models of pulmonary gas exchange to describe hypoxaemia. METHODS: Twelve patients were studied on four occasions; preoperatively, 2, 8 and 48 h after surgery. On each occasion inspired oxygen fraction (FIO2) was varied, changing end-expired oxygen fraction (FEO2) to achieve arterial oxygen saturations (SaO2) ranging from 90% to 100%. Measurements of ventilation and blood gases were taken. Oxygenation was characterized plotting FEO2 against SaO2. The shape and position of the FEO2/SaO2 curve was described using two mathematical models including parameters describing gas exchange: either shunt and resistance to oxygen diffusion (Rdiff); or shunt and asymmetry of ventilation-perfusion (fA2). RESULTS: Two hours after surgery SaO2 was reduced from 97.5%+/-1.2% (mean+/-SD) to 93.8%+/-2.7% (mean+/-SD) (P<0.001). Values of shunt, Rdiff and fA2 were significantly changed at 2 and 8 h postoperatively. Forty-eight hours postoperatively Rdiff and fA2 were still significantly changed. CONCLUSION: Oxygenation in 12 patients preoperatively, 2, 8 and 48 h after gynaecological laparotomy is described. Two patients were hypoxaemic (SaO2 <92%) 48 h postoperatively. When two different models of oxygen transport are fitted to patient data, high values of Rdiff or low values of fA2 describe the right shift in the FEO2/SaO2 curve seen in patients with oxygenation problems. These models fit patient data identically, and may be useful in quantifying postoperative hypoxaemia.     

Human duodenal myoelectric activity after operation and with pacing

We sought to determine the influence of operation on the pattern of human duodenal myoelectric activity and to assess whether electrical pacing might correct any postoperative disturbances. Three pairs of temporary bipolar serosal electrodes were placed on the duodenums of ten patients undergoing cholecystectomy. Electrical recordings were obtained daily until the patients' discharge, at 3 to 7 days, after operation. On each postoperative day, a regular rhythmic pattern of pacesetter potentials (PPs) was detected in all patients. The PP frequency (mean +/- SEM) was greater at the proximal electrode than at the distal electrode on the first postoperative day (12.3 +/- 0.1 cpm vs 11.9 +/- 0.1 cpm, p less than 0.01) and on the day of feeding (12.0 +/- 0.2 cpm vs 11.6 +/- 0.2, p less than 0.01). Spontaneous periods when spike potentials accompanied each PP (phase III of the migrating myoelectric complex), were found in only one patient on the day after operation, while they were recorded in five patients after 3 to 7 days, when postoperative ileus had resolved (p less than 0.05). Pacing with electric pulses (50 msec, 5 to 15 mA, 11 to 13 cpm) did not alter the pattern of duodenal PPs or entrain them in the duodenum of any patient at any time after operation. In conclusion, the pattern of duodenal pacesetter potentials changed little during the period of postoperative ileus, while the incidence of phase IIIs of the migrating myoelectric complex was greatly decreased.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

The mechanism of hypoxaemia after laparotomy

In 18 patients who were undergoing upper laparotomies the alveolo-arterial oxygen difference and right-to-left shunt were measured before the operation, on the first post-operative day, and in some cases also later in the post-operative period. The arterial oxygen tension was found to be considerably reduced post-operatively. The right-to-left shunt estimated by the hydrogen isotope technique was moderately increased in most instances, but the increase was far from large enough to account for the observed hypoxaemia. It is concluded that uneven distribution of ventilation relative to perfusion is the main cause of post-operative hypoxaemia, whereas veno-arterial shunt through atelectatic areas is of minor importance.     

Gastrointestinal recovery and outcome after laparoscopy-assisted versus conventional open distal gastrectomy for early gastric cancer

Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy has been increasingly reported as the treatment of choice for early gastric cancer. However, there is little information regarding the benefits of laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG). LADG and conventional open distal gastrectomy (DG) for early gastric cancer were compared in terms of operative outcome, recovery of bowel function, complications, and changes in body weight. Thirty-four patients underwent LADG for early gastric cancer. These patients were compared with 31 patients who underwent DG during the same period. For estimating gastrointestinal motility recovery, 20 radiopaque markers were inserted into the duodenum during surgery, and abdominal X-rays were taken daily until all markers were seen in the ascending colon. Age, gender, and histologic differentiation of the lesions were matched. The LADG group required a significantly longer operative time and the dissection of fewer lymph nodes. Postoperative hospital stay and the occurrence of postoperative complications (ileus) were significantly shorter and less frequent in the LADG group. The LADG group showed a more rapid recovery of gastrointestinal motor function compared with the DG group during the early postoperative period. Body weight 24 months after LADG was about 100% of pre-illness weight, but no further weight change was encountered in the DG group. For selected patients with early gastric cancer, LADG with lymphadenectomy can provide a rapid recovery and good quality of life without compromising the cure rate.     

Gastrointestinal complications after pediatric cardiac transplantation.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of major gastrointestinal complications after pediatric heart transplantation has not been well characterized. Studies in adults suggest significant morbidity and mortality from post-transplant gastrointestinal complications. In this study, we investigated major gastrointestinal complications in the pediatric heart transplant population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent heart transplantation at Children's Hospital, Boston, including all pertinent clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, and pathologic findings. Between May 1986 and December 2000, 104 patients underwent 105 orthotopic heart transplantations. Gastrointestinal complications were defined as major if they significantly prolonged hospital course, required hospital admission, or required surgical intervention. RESULTS: Median age at transplant was 8.7 years (range, 2 weeks to 23 years). Median duration of follow-up was 3.3 years (range, 2 days to 14.9 years). All patients initially received standard triple immunosuppression with cyclosporine, prednisone, and azathioprine. During this period, 30 major complication episodes occurred in 19 patients (18%) and included pancreatitis (7), cholecystitis (6), recurrent abdominal infection (5), malignancy (4), intestinal pneumatosis (4), colonic perforation (2), appendicitis (1), Crohn's disease (1), and partial small bowel obstruction (1). Ten (53%) of the 19 patients with major gastrointestinal complications required surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Serious gastrointestinal complications can occur after pediatric cardiac transplantation, with an incidence similar to that seen in adults. Gastrointestinal symptoms should be aggressively evaluated in the pediatric heart transplant patient because of the high incidence of complications that may require surgery.