Association of Aspirin Use With Postoperative Hematoma and Bleeding Complications in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Retrospective Study

Discontinuation of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs 3 to 5 days before elective or nonelective foot and ankle surgery has been recommended, as its continued use during the perioperative period may result in complications; however, data supporting this are limited. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of postoperative bleeding, hematoma formation, and wound dehiscence after perioperative aspirin ingestion before foot and ankle surgery. The medical records of 379 patients treated over a 3-year period were reviewed. Patient demographics, surgical procedures, affected limbs (right foot versus left foot), anatomical surgical sites (forefoot, midfoot, and rearfoot), and week 2 surgical site inspection data were recorded. Mean patient age was 60.12 (range 21 to 81) years, and the overall wound complication rate was 0.80%. The patients were classified into 2 groups: those who took 81 mg of aspirin preoperatively (n = 238, 62.80%) and those who did not (n = 141, 37.20%). Of the 3 patients who developed postoperative bleeding complications, 2 were taking aspirin and 1 was not. Patients taking aspirin had similar wound complication and healing rates as those not taking aspirin. Postoperative hematomas were evacuated in the clinic under sterile conditions and healed by secondary intention. Perioperative aspirin use appears to be safe and effective in foot and ankle surgery, and patients taking aspirin had good surgical outcomes with minimal postoperative complications.     

Transesophageal echocardiography-related gastrointestinal complications in cardiac surgical patients

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this audit was to determine the incidence of major gastrointestinal (GI) complications associated with intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in adult cardiac surgical patients in this institution. DESIGN: Retrospective database audit. SETTING: University-affiliated teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred fifty-nine consecutive cardiac surgical patients. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The records of all patients who developed a major upper GI complication within 30 days of cardiac surgery between January 2001 and May 2003 were examined. The patients were identified by cross-referencing cardiac surgery and endoscopy databases. A major GI complication was defined as a perforation of the esophagus or stomach or upper GI bleeding requiring transfusion, endoscopic, or surgical intervention. Early presentation was defined as <24 hours; late presentation was defined as >24 hours. During the audit period, 859 patients underwent cardiac surgery. Five hundred sixteen patients had cardiac surgery with TEE (group 1), and 343 patients had cardiac surgery without TEE (group 2). Six patients were identified, 1.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], CI, 0.5%-2.5%) in group 1 who had a major upper GI complication consistent with TEE injury. Two patients, 0.38% (95% CI, 0.05%-1.40%), presented early, and 4 patients, 0.76% (95% CI, 0.21%-1.98%), presented late. One patient in group 2 developed a major upper GI complication, 0.29% (95% CI, 0.01%-1.6%). CONCLUSION: The incidence of major GI complications attributed to TEE in this group of cardiac surgical patients was higher than previously reported. Late presentation was more common than early presentation. Previous studies that have not included late presentations may have underestimated the true incidence of major GI complications related to TEE.     

Delayed massive hemorrhage after pancreatic and biliary surgery: embolization or surgery?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the management of delayed massive hemorrhage (DMH) after major pancreatic and biliary surgery. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Despite a decreased mortality rate for pancreatic and biliary surgery, DMH is still an important cause of postoperative mortality. The aim of the present study was to analyze the management of DMH after pancreatic and biliary surgery, and specifically to assess the role of embolization and surgical intervention. METHODS: The study group (SG) consisted of 1010 patients from 1994 to 2002 who underwent pancreatic or biliary surgery (cholecystectomy excluded). Patients from a previous study (1983-1993, n = 686) were used as a historical control group (HCG). RESULTS: The incidence of DMH (SG 2.3% vs. HCG 3.2%) declined somewhat but did not differ significantly between both periods. The number of patients with a septic complication (SG 74% vs. HCG 50%) and a sentinel bleed (SG 78% vs. HCG 100%) before the onset of DMH did not differ significantly. Embolization (SG 2 of 2 patients vs. HCG 0 of 2 patients) was not used frequently. Successful outcome after surgical intervention (SG 14 of 16 patients vs. HCG 8 of 14 patients) and the surgical procedures performed to obtain hemostasis were comparable and overall mortality (SG 22% vs. HCG 29%) was comparable. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of DMH declined somewhat from 3.2% to 2.3% over the past years. Most patients present with septic complications and a sentinel bleed before onset of DMH. Despite general acceptance of embolization in our unit, it was used infrequently in patients with DMH. Aggressive surgical intervention was the treatment of choice in patients with DMH after pancreatic or biliary surgery.     

Risk factors for intestinal ischaemia in cardiac surgical patients.

OBJECTIVE: Mesenteric ischaemia is an uncommon (<1%) but serious complication of cardiac surgery associated with a mortality >50%. Predictors of this complication are not well defined, and diagnosis can be difficult and prompt surgical intervention can be lifesaving. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a retrospective case-note analysis from May 1994 through to May 2000, we identified mesenteric ischaemia in 39 of 5349 consecutive patients (0.07%) undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. By logistic multivariate analysis, we have identified six possible predictors of intestinal ischaemia: duration of cross-clamp, use of significant inotropic support, intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation for low cardiac output, need for blood transfusions, triple vessel disease and peripheral vascular disease. In all patients a combination of four predictors were present. Patients who survived this complication had surgical intervention earlier (6.4+/-3.8 h) than those who did not (16.9+/-10 h). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis and prompt treatment of mesenteric ischaemia post cardiac surgery requires a high degree of awareness. These predictors may be useful in alerting medical staff to the possibility of gastro-intestinal ischaemic complications after cardiac surgery particularly that early surgical intervention reduces mortality.     

Incidence and management of bleeding complications after gastric bypass surgery in the morbidly obese

BackgroundBleeding after gastric bypass can be a life-threatening event and challenging to manage. With an increase in the number of bariatric procedures performed in recent years, it is important to be cognizant of the frequency, presentation, and management of this complication. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the incidence and management of bleeding complications after gastric bypass surgery.MethodsA review of prospectively maintained bariatric surgery databases was conducted at 2 tertiary bariatric units. All patients who presented with gastrointestinal and intra-abdominal bleeding after gastric bypass during a 10-year period were identified, and their charts were reviewed.ResultsA total of 4466 patients who underwent gastric bypass during the 10-year period had reliable morbidity data available and were included in the present study. Of the 4466 patients, 42 (.94%) experienced a bleeding complication postoperatively. Of these patients, 20 (47.6%) had undergone previous abdominal surgery. Bleeding occurred in the early postoperative period (<30 d) in 30 (71%); the etiology of which included bleeding from the staple lines, iatrogenic visceral injury, or mesenteric vessel bleeding. Early postoperative bleeding required operative intervention to achieve hemostasis in 43%. Late postoperative bleeding (n = 12) were usually secondary to marginal ulceration and warranted surgical intervention in 33.3%. Previously undiagnosed bleeding diatheses were identified in 14.3%.ConclusionGastrointestinal bleeding after gastric bypass, although infrequent, is a difficult clinical scenario. Nonoperative management is feasible for hemodynamically stable patients. Surgical intervention is merited for patients with hemodynamic compromise, those who do not respond to transfusion, and those in whom the bleeding source cannot be adequately identified nonoperatively.     

Stress fractures of the lateral rays in the cavovarus foot: indication for surgical intervention

Lateral ray stress fractures are a known complication of the cavovarus foot deformity. Malpositioning of the forefoot and hindfoot leads to increased pressure on the heel and lateral rays, resulting in significant morbidity. Patients with nonprogressive deformities can be managed surgically or nonsurgically in an attempt to decrease adverse events. It is often difficult to predict which patients will benefit most from a surgical intervention. This article describes 2 model cases of stress fractures in patients with nonprogressive cavovarus foot deformities. Patient 1 was an active patient with a minor, flexible cavovarus deformity, and patient 2 was a relatively inactive patient with a severe, fixed deformity. These cases serve to illustrate a spectrum of the 2 major risk factors for the development of a stress fracture of the lateral rays: severity of deformity and activity level of the patient. We believe the relationship between these 2 risk factors constitutes a threshold that allows the development of a stress fracture to serve as an adequate marker for surgical intervention. Within this patient population, a stress fracture indicates that given a patient's lifestyle, his or her deformity is sufficient enough to cause significant and repeated morbidity. Surgical restoration of the foot to plantigrade will eliminate the increased forces to the lateral metatarsals and decrease the incidence of further injury. Thus, stress fractures of the lateral rays in patients with nonprogressive cavovarus deformities should be considered an indication for surgical intervention.     

Postoperative Toxic Shock Syndrome After Excision of a Ganglion Cyst From the Ankle

Postoperative toxic shock syndrome (PTSS) after orthopedic surgery is rare, but early recognition and prompt intervention are essential to minimize morbidity and potential mortality. The diagnosis should be considered in all postoperative patients presenting with fever, hypotension, and systemic illness. The treating surgeon must have not only knowledge of the clinical entity, but also an extremely high index of suspicion, because the diagnosis can be elusive with surgical wounds appearing deceptively benign. Treatment consists of antibiotics, surgical wound debridement, and, more importantly, aggressive supportive care with intravenous fluids and intensive care surveillance. To date, the literature contains relatively few case reports of PTSS after orthopedic procedures, with even fewer cases encountered after foot and ankle surgery. This report describes a patient who developed the rare complication of PTSS after an elective ganglion cyst excision from the ankle.     

A report of UK experience in 917 cases of day care foot surgery using a validated outcome tool

BackgroundDay case surgery is an increasingly important treatment modality and one that foot surgery is particularly well suited to.ObjectivesThis article presents an in depth evaluation of the outcomes of day case foot surgery undertaken in the primary care setting.Method917 consecutive day surgery cases were evaluated with the Foot Health Status Questionnaire (FHSQ), patient satisfaction questionnaires and complication audits.Results917 separate day care admissions were audited (696 females and 221 males). The average age at time of surgery was 50 years (range 14–100, S.D. 11). Post-operative follow up was usually complete by 26 weeks (range 21–218 weeks, S.D. 145). A total of 2772 individual procedures with patients receiving between one and five procedures per admission. The majority of patients (81%, N = 743) opted for local anaesthesia. The FHSQ scores for foot pain, foot function, foot health, shoe fitting, general health, physical activity, social capacity and vigour improved. Patient satisfaction results were favourable and complication rates were within acceptable limits.ConclusionsPodiatric surgery is well placed to meet both the demands of government and patients in delivering a high quality, safe and efficient treatment for patients requesting elective surgical intervention for foot deformity.     

足踝Ⅰ类切口手术部位感染的临床分析

目的 探讨并分析足踝Ⅰ类切口手术部位感染的发病率、临床特征、相关因素及病原菌种类,为预防足踝Ⅰ类切口手术部位感染提供依据.方法 回顾性调查西南医科大学附属医院2011年6月-2015年6月行足踝Ⅰ类切口手术的患者,收集分析发生手术部位感染患者的临床资料,对手术部位感染的发病率、临床特征、相关因素及病原菌种类等情况进行研究.结果 761例足踝Ⅰ类切口手术患者中,发生手术部位感染的患者42例,感染发病率为5.5％.不同年龄、不同性别、麻醉方式、是否吸烟、是否酗酒、是否合并风湿性疾病或痛风、切口数量,以及是否为开放伤转归后的Ⅰ类切口等方面,手术部位感染的发病率差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).糖尿病伴周围神经病变的患者手术部位感染发病率明显高于非糖尿病患者(P＜0.05).手术时间＞3h的患者相较于手术时间≤lh的患者,手术部位感染的发病率明显增高(P＜0.05).术中植入内固定的患者相较于外固定组和无植入组手术部位感染发病率明显增高(P＜0.05).结论 足踝Ⅰ类切口手术部位感染发病率较高,与足部独特的解剖结构密切相关.糖尿病伴周围神经病变,手术时间长,术中植入内固定等可能是其高危因素.     

Complication, survival rates, and risk factors of surgery for metastatic disease of the spine.

STUDY DESIGN: The risk factors for complications and complication and survival rates in patients with metastatic disease of the spine were reviewed. A retrospective study was performed. OBJECTIVES: To determine the surgical complication and survival rates of patients with metastatic disease of the spine and risk factors for complication occurrence. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The role of surgical intervention for patients with metastatic disease of the spine has been controversial. Several risk factors for surgical complications have been identified. Short survival times and high complication rates have failed to justify surgical intervention in many cases. METHODS: Patients (n = 80) undergoing surgical treatment for metastatic disease of the spine were reviewed. Surgical indications included progressive neurologic deficit, neurologic deficit failing to respond to, or progressing after, radiation treatment; intractable pain; radioresistant tumors; or the need for histologic diagnosis. Patients underwent anterior, posterior, or combined decompression and stabilization procedures. Neurologic examination was recorded before surgery, postoperative period, and at least follow-up. Complication and survival rates were calculated. Several variables were examined for risk of complication. RESULTS: The mean age at time of surgery was 55.6 years (range, 20-84 years). Mean survival time after the diagnosis of spinal metastasis was 26.0 months (range, 1-107.25 months). Mean survival time after surgery was 15.9 months (range, 0.25-55.5 months). Sixty-five patients showed no change in Frankel grade, 19 improved one Frankel grade, and 1 deteriorated one Frankel grade; 1 patient had paraplegia. Thirty-five complications occurred in 20 patients (25.0%). Ten patients (12.5%) had multiple complications accounting for 23 of the 35 postoperative problems (65.7%). Sixty patients had no surgical complications (75%). There were no intraoperative deaths. CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood that a complication occurred was significantly related to Harrington classifications demonstrating significant neurologic deficits and the use of preoperative radiation therapy. In general, Harrington classifications with neurologic deficits and lower Frankel grades before and after surgery were associated with an increased risk of complication. Overall, the major complication rate was relatively low, and minor complications were successfully treated with minimal morbidity. The relatively long survival time after spinal surgery in this group of patients justifies surgical treatment for metastatic disease. Most complications occurred in a small percentage of patients. To minimize complications, patients must be carefully selected based on expected length of survival, the use of radiation therapy, presence of neurologic deficit, and impending spinal instability or collapse caused by bone destruction.     

Foot and Ankle Giant Cell Tumors Are Not so Aggressive After All: A Retrospective Study

Giant cell tumors are most commonly seen around the knee and rarely around the foot and ankle. Therefore there is a paucity of data regarding the options of surgery, outcomes and recurrence of Giant cell tumors involving the foot and ankle. We retrospectively studied patients with Giant cell tumors of the foot and ankle from January 2009 to December 2017. We identified 19 (N = 19) patients with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Their data was retrieved from the electronic database and analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 36.2 (range 12-96) months. On an average, the patients underwent 1.6 surgeries. The surgeries performed were extended curettage and bone graft/cement in 8 (42.1%) patients, excision and bone graft in 8 (42.1%) patients and excision and mega prosthesis in 3 (15.79%) patients. The most common complication was wound infection seen in 3 (15.79%) patients. None of the patients who underwent index procedure in our center (biopsy and surgery) had local recurrence. There were 9 (47.36%) patients with primary procedure elsewhere – 7 of them had no recurrence after surgery in our center. One (5.26%) amputation was eventually performed due to complications and not as a primary surgery. At the final review, all 19 (100%) patients with >1 year follow up were in remission. Local recurrence and wound infection were exclusively found in patients who presented to us after invasive procedures done elsewhere. With good surgical clearance, the uncommon presentations of foot and ankle Giant cell tumors can be treated to attain complete remission.     

Thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery

BACKGROUND: The incidence and potential life-threatening complications of thromboembolic disease after major orthopaedic surgery has been extensively studied. However, there are two studies pertaining to the incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery, the findings of which suggest that the incidence is too low to justify routine thromboprophylaxis. METHODS: This is a retrospective study identifying the incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery in the practices of two foot and ankle specialists. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the risk factors for the development of thromboembolic disease and to examine the issue of routine thromboprophylaxis. Six hundred and two patients were included in this study. RESULTS: There was a 4% incidence (24 patients) of postoperative thromboembolic complications. Risk factors identified for postoperative thromboembolic disease were a history of rheumatoid arthritis, a recent history of air travel, previous deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and limb immobilization. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery could be higher than that previously reported particularly if a patient has certain risk factors. Prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to establish the true incidence of thromboembolic disease after foot and ankle surgery and to define the indications for routine thromboprophylaxis.     

Horner's syndrome in association with thyroid and parathyroid disease

BACKGROUND: Injury to the cervical sympathetic chain and its consequence, Horner's syndrome, as a result of thyroid pathology or surgical intervention is an uncommon complication. The purpose of the present study was to examine the experience of one endocrine surgical unit with pre and postoperative Horner's syndrome. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series. The study group comprised all patients undergoing thyroid and parathyroid surgery at Royal North Shore Hospital from January 2000 to October 2003 who were identified as having either pre or postoperative Horner's syndrome. Patient demographics, operation performed, underlying pathology and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: There were nine cases of Horner's syndrome recorded from a total of 2208 thyroid and parathyroid operations undertaken: three with preoperative Horner's, an incidence of 0.14%, six with postoperative Horner's, an incidence of 0.27%. Patients ranged in age from 22 to 87 years. Two of the three preoperative cases were related to benign pathology, the remaining case having anaplastic carcinoma. Five of the six postoperative cases were related to thyroid malignancy with lymph node dissection; one case was associated with benign parathyroid pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical sympathetic chain injury is a rare complication of surgery for thyroid and parathyroid conditions. The presence of preoperative Horner's does not necessarily indicate an underlying malignancy.     

腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术后II型内漏的处理

背景与目的 II型内漏是腹主动脉瘤腔内修复术（EVAR）术后相对常见的并发症,然而目前对其是否需要手术干预及干预时机方面尚无统一的认识。因此,本研究探讨EVAR术后II型内漏的手术方法,及其临床效果与安全性,以期为临床提供给参考。方法 回顾中南大学湘雅医院血管外科2016年1月—2020年12月期间行EVAR手术治疗的腹主动脉瘤患者临床与随访资料,分析EVAR术后发生II型内漏的发生率,以及其中行二次手术干预的患者的疗效、并发症及随访情况。结果 期间共282例行EVAR患者,术后随访1~54个月,平均17.9个月。随访过程中,发现单纯II型内漏68例（24.1%）,其中31例患者（45.6%）II型内漏自愈;25例患者（36.8%）瘤体直径无明显增大;12例患者（17.6%）瘤体直径增加>10 mm或表现有相应的临床症状行二次干预。二次干预患者中,10例行经皮动脉栓塞术,其中8例患者行责任动脉栓塞者随诊12个月无内漏复发,瘤体直径缩小;2例栓塞后术后随访24个月II型内漏仍存在,但瘤体直径无继续增大;2例行开放手术,其中1例术后出现急性心肌梗死,行急诊PCI,术后顺利恢复出院,另1例术中大出血,住院时间延长至16 d。2例开放手术患者术后随访6个月以上,情况良好,内漏完全消失。结论 大部分EVAR术后II型内漏患者预后较好,而对于随访中瘤体直径增长较快及有临床症状者,栓塞责任血管可获得不错的临床效果;开放手术创伤相对较大,严重并发症发生率较高,选择需慎重。     

Long-term neurological complications associated with surgery and peripheral nerve blockade: outcomes after 1065 consecutive blocks

Peripheral nerve blockade is gaining popularity as an analgesic option for both upper or lower limb surgery. Published evidence supports the improved efficacy of regional techniques when compared to conventional opioid analgesia. The incidence of neurological deficit after surgery associated with peripheral nerve block is unclear. This paper reports on neurological outcomes occurring after 1065 consecutive peripheral nerve blocks over a one-year period from a single institution. All patients receiving peripheral nerve blocks for surgery were prospectively followed for up to 12 months to determine the incidence and probable cause of any persistent neurological deficit. Formal independent neurological review and testing was undertaken as indicated. Thirteen patients reported symptoms that warranted further investigation. A variety of probable causes were identified, with peripheral nerve block being implicated in two cases (one resolved at nine months and one remaining persistent). Overall incidence of block-related neuropathy was 0.22%. Persistent postoperative neuropathy is a rare but serious complication of surgery associated with peripheral nerve block. Formal follow-up of all such blocks is recommended to assess causality and allow for early intervention.     

Bacterial Skin Contamination Before and After Surgical Preparation of the Foot,Ankle, and Lower Leg in Patients with Diabetes and Intact Skin versus Patients with Diabetes and Ulceration: A Prospective Controlled Therapeutic Study

Eradication of bacterial flora from the foot, especially the nailfolds and toe webspaces, through surgical preparation remains a challenge. All previous studies have involved healthy patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery or healthy volunteers. However, the patient with diabetes is considered an immunocompromised host with decreased ability to combat invasive bacterial infections. The use of an efficacious surgical preparation is therefore of paramount importance. The author conducted a prospective study involving patients with diabetes with and without ulceration who underwent the current “best evidence available” surgical preparation (i.e., chlorhexidine gluconate [4%] scrub followed by alcohol impregnated with iodine [1%] solution). Qualitative aerobic cultures before and after completion of this surgical preparation technique were obtained from the hallux nailfold; second, third, and fourth toe webspaces (as one culture); and distal anterior tibia. A total of 120 organisms were cultured before surgical preparation with 64 in the elective group and 56 in the ulcerated group. The most commonly isolated organism was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, which was identified in 46 pre-preparation cultures (38.3%). This was followed by methicillin-sensitive S. epidermidis (16.7%) and “other” organisms (10.0%). There was a significant reduction for both numbers of organisms identified and positive cultures for the 3 most commonly isolated organisms after surgical preparation. Based on the results of this study, the surgical preparation used here appears to be an efficacious surgical preparation technique for eradicating aerobic bacterial pathogens from the foot in patients with diabetes both with and without ulceration. The high incidence of methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis found in this patient population is a cause for concern, especially when metallic fixation is intended to be implanted.     

Prevention of Severe Pelvic Abscess Formation Following Extended Radical Surgery for Locally Recurrent Rectal Cancer

Background  For treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC), extended radical surgery is sometimes required to obtain a negative margin. Such surgery is often associated with severe postoperative pelvic abscess (PA) formation. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of reconstructive surgery using a large rectus abdominis myocutaneous (RAM) flap and anal preservation surgery on the incidence of severe PA. Method  Between February 1998 and June 2008, 44 patients underwent extended surgery for LRRC. Patients were divided into the pre-2004 group (n = 15) and the post-2004 group (n = 29). To reduce the risk of infections, we modified the surgical approach after 2004 to include a larger volume of RAM flap (modified RAM flap) and implemented anal preservation surgery. Results  The overall incidence of severe PA was significantly lower in the post-2004 group [6 of 29 (21%)] than the pre-2004 group [9 of 15 (60%), P = 0.017]. The incidence of severe PA was lower in the anal preservation group [1 of 12 (8.3%)] compared with those who did not undergo such surgery [14 of 32 (44%), P = 0.035]. Modified RAM flap reduced the incidence of severe PA, albeit insignificantly (pre-2004 group: 57%, post-2004 group: 23%). All three patients who underwent anal preservation and modified RAM flap reconstruction did not develop severe PA. Multiple logistic analysis identified no anal preservation (Odds ratio [OR] = 10.6) and performing of sacrectomy (OR = 20.0) as risk factors for severe PA. Conclusion  Anal preservation surgery is an effective measure against the development of severe PA after radical resection of LRRC.     

Incidence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome after Foot and Ankle Surgery

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is an uncommon complication of orthopedic surgery, and few investigators have considered the incidence in foot and ankle surgery. In the present retrospective cohort study of 390 patients who had undergone elective foot and/or ankle surgery in our department from January to December 2009, the incidence of postoperative CRPS was calculated and explanatory variables were analyzed. A total of 17 patients (4.36%) were identified as meeting the International Association for the Study of Pain criteria for the diagnosis of CRPS. Of the 17 patients with CRPS, the mean age was 47.2 ± 9.7 years, and 14 (82.35%) were female. All the operations were elective, and 9 (52.94%) involved the forefoot, 3 (17.65%) the hindfoot, 3 (17.65%) the ankle, and 2 (11.76%) the midfoot. Twelve patients (70.59%) had new-onset CRPS after a primary procedure, and 5 (29.41%) had developed CRPS after multiple surgeries. Three patients (17.65%) had documented nerve damage intraoperatively and thus developed new-onset CRPS type 2. Blood test results were available for 14 patients (82.35%) at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively, and none had elevated inflammatory markers. Five of the patients (29.41%) were smokers, and 8 (47.06%) had had a pre-existing diagnosis of anxiety and/or depression. From our findings, we recommend that middle-age females and those with a history of anxiety or depression, who will undergo elective foot surgery, should be counseled regarding the risk of developing CRPS during the consent process. We recommend similar studies be undertaken in other orthopedic units, and we currently are collecting data from other orthopedic departments within Scotland.     

Aortic pseudoaneurysm after endarterectomy for small aorta syndrome

IntroductionSmall Aorta Syndrome (SAS) or hypoplastic aorto-iliac syndrome is a rare pathology of the aorta that affects almost exclusively young or middle-aged women and is characterized by smaller dimension of the aorta and iliac axes. Etiopathogenesis is unclear and many factors have been invoked. The smaller caliber of the aorta and iliac arteries may predispose to aorto-iliac occlusive disease development.In the past aorto-iliac endarterectomy (AE) with patch closure was utilized as an alternative to surgical bypass in order to correct steno-obstructive syndromes affecting carriers of SAS. Little is known about long term outcomes of this type of surgery.Presentation of the caseDuring investigations for acute colecystitis, an aortic pseudoaneurysm (PA) was diagnosed by ultrasound in a 73 old year woman. She was submitted twenty-two years ago for SAS with disabling claudication to aortic endarterectomy (AE) with patch graft insertion. Considering all the vascular options available she was submitted to open surgery with replacement of the aortic bifurcation.DiscussionAortic PA is a relatively common complication after bypass surgery but is rarely observed after AE. It requires prompt intervention to prevent subsequent complications such as rupture, thrombosis, distal embolism or aorto-enteric fistula.ConclusionEndovascular treatment for aortic PA should be always considered the treatment of choice but the open surgical option was preferred in this particular case because of the small diameters of the iliac accesses, making them unsuitable for an endovascular approach.     

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.