Postoperative outcomes following cardiac surgery in non‐anaemic iron‐replete and iron‐deficient patients – an exploratory study

Iron deficiency anaemia is strongly associated with poor outcomes after cardiac surgery. However, pre‐operative non‐anaemic iron deficiency (a probable anaemia precursor) has not been comprehensively examined in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, despite biological plausibility and evidence from other patient populations of negative effect on outcome. This exploratory retrospective cohort study aimed to compare an iron‐deficient group of patients undergoing cardiac surgery with an iron‐replete group. Consecutive non‐anaemic patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting or single valve replacement in our institution between January 2013 and December 2015 were considered for inclusion. Data from a total of 277 patients were analysed, and were categorised by iron status and blood haemoglobin concentration into iron‐deficient (n = 109) and iron‐replete (n = 168) groups. Compared with the iron‐replete group, patients in the iron‐deficient group were more likely to be female (43% vs. 12%, iron‐replete, respectively); older, mean (SD) age 64.4 (9.7) vs. 63.2 (10.3) years; and to have a higher pre‐operative EuroSCORE (median IQR [range]) 3 (2–5 [0–10]) vs. 3 (2–4 [0–9]), with a lower preoperative haemoglobin of 141.6 (11.6) vs. 148.3 (11.7) g.l^?1. Univariate analysis suggested that iron‐deficient patients had a longer hospital length of stay (7 (6–9 [2–40]) vs. 7 (5–8 [4–23]) days; p = 0.013) and fewer days alive and out of hospital at postoperative day 90 (83 (80–84 [0–87]) vs. 83 (81–85 [34–86]), p = 0.009). There was no evidence of an association between iron deficiency and either lower nadir haemoglobin or higher requirement for blood products during inpatient stay. After adjusting the model for pre‐operative age, sex, renal function, EuroSCORE and haemoglobin, the mean increase in hospital length of stay in the iron‐deficient group relative to the iron‐replete group was 0.86 days (bootstrapped 95%CI ?0.37 to 2.22, p = 0.098). This exploratory study suggests there is weak evidence of an association between non‐anaemic iron deficiency and outcome after cardiac surgery after controlling for potentially confounding variables.     

Iron deficiency anaemia and delayed diagnosis of colorectal cancer: a retrospective cohort study

Aim The extent to which different referral pathways following a primary care diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) are associated with delay in diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) was determined. Method Eligible patients aged 40 or more years, with IDA diagnosed in primary care, and a subsequent diagnosis of CRC, were studied retrospectively. Referral pathways were identified using the specialty of first recorded GP referral following IDA diagnosis. Differences in time to diagnosis of CRC were assessed by referral specialty. Differences in the proportion of cases referred before and after the re‐issue of the NICE urgent referral guidelines for suspected lower gastrointestinal (GI) cancer were also assessed. Results Of 628 882 eligible patients, 3.1% (n = 19 349) were diagnosed with IDA during the study period; 3.0% (n = 578) were subsequently diagnosed with CRC. Two hundred and fifty‐nine (44.8%) patients had no recorded referral or a referral unrelated to anaemia or the GI tract. Only 35% (n = 201) of patients were referred to a relevant specialty. Median time to CRC diagnosis ranged from 2.5 months (referral to a relevant surgical specialty) to 31.9 months (haematology). Time to diagnosis was longer in patients referred to a medical compared with a relevant surgical specialty (P = 0.024). There was no significant difference in time to CRC diagnosis before and after the NICE guidelines were re‐issued in 2005. Conclusion Significant differences exist between referral specialties in time to CRC diagnosis following a primary care diagnosis of IDA. Despite NICE referral recommendations, a significant proportion of patients are still not managed within recommended care pathways to CRC diagnosis.     

Pre‐operative haemoglobin levels and iron status in a large multicentre cohort of patients undergoing major elective surgery

Pre‐operative anaemia in patients undergoing major surgical procedures has been linked to poor outcomes. Therefore, early detection and treatment of pre‐operative anaemia is recommended. However, to effectively implement a pre‐operative anaemia management protocol, an estimation of its prevalence and main causes is needed. We analysed data from 3342 patients (44.5% female) scheduled for either: elective orthopaedic surgery (n = 1286); cardiac surgery (n = 691); colorectal cancer resection (n = 735); radical prostatectomy (n = 362); gynaecological surgery (n = 203) or resection of liver metastases (n = 122). For both sexes, anaemia was defined by a haemoglobin level < 130 g.l^?1; absolute iron deficiency by ferritin < 30 ng.ml^?1 (< 100 ng.ml^?1, if transferrin saturation < 20% or C‐reactive protein > 5 mg.l^?1); iron sequestration by transferrin saturation < 20% and ferritin > 100 ng.ml^?1; and low iron stores by transferrin saturation > 20% and ferritin 30–100 ng.ml^?1. The overall prevalence of anaemia was 36%, with differences according to the type of surgery. Laboratory parameters allowing classification of iron status were available for 2884 patients. Among those with anaemia (n = 986), 677 (69%) were women, 608 (62%) presented with absolute iron deficiency, 101 (10%) with iron sequestration; and 150 (5%) with low iron stores. Iron status alterations were similar in women with haemoglobin < 130 g.l^?1 or < 120 g.l^?1. For those who were not anaemic (n = 1898), corresponding figures were 656 (35%), 621 (33%), 165 (9%) and 518 (27%), respectively. Anaemia was present in one‐third of patients undergoing major elective procedures. Over two‐thirds of anaemic patients presented with absolute iron deficiency or iron sequestration. Over half of non‐anaemic patients presented with absolute iron deficiency or low iron stores. We consider these data useful for planning pre‐operative management of patients scheduled for major elective surgery.     

The association between iron deficiency and outcomes: a secondary analysis of the intravenous iron therapy to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (PREVENTT) trial

In the intravenous iron therapy to treat iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery (PREVENTT) trial, the use of intravenous iron did not reduce the need for blood transfusion or reduce patient complications or length of hospital stay. As part of the trial protocol, serum was collected at randomisation and on the day of surgery. These samples were analysed in a central laboratory for markers of iron deficiency. We performed a secondary analysis to explore the potential interactions between pre-operative markers of iron deficiency and intervention status on the trial outcome measures. Absolute iron deficiency was defined as ferritin <30 μg.l⁻¹; functional iron deficiency as ferritin 30–100 μg.l⁻¹ or transferrin saturation < 20%; and the remainder as non-iron deficient. Interactions were estimated using generalised linear models that included different subgroup indicators of baseline iron status. Co-primary endpoints were blood transfusion or death and number of blood transfusions, from randomisation to 30 days postoperatively. Secondary endpoints included peri-operative change in haemoglobin, postoperative complications and length of hospital stay. Most patients had iron deficiency (369/452 [82%]) at randomisation; one-third had absolute iron deficiency (144/452 [32%]) and half had functional iron deficiency (225/452 [50%]). The change in pre-operative haemoglobin with intravenous iron compared with placebo was greatest in patients with absolute iron deficiency, mean difference 8.9 g.l⁻¹, 95%CI 5.3–12.5; moderate in functional iron deficiency, mean difference 2.8 g.l⁻¹, 95%CI −0.1 to 5.7; and with little change seen in those patients who were non-iron deficient. Subgroup analyses did not suggest that intravenous iron compared with placebo reduced the likelihood of death or blood transfusion at 30 days differentially across subgroups according to baseline ferritin (p = 0.33 for interaction), transferrin saturation (p = 0.13) or in combination (p = 0.45), or for the number of blood transfusions (p = 0.06, 0.29, and 0.39, respectively). There was no beneficial effect of the use of intravenous iron compared with placebo, regardless of the metrics to diagnose iron deficiency, on postoperative complications or length of hospital stay.     

Screening and treating pre-operative anaemia and suboptimal iron stores in elective colorectal surgery: a cost effectiveness analysis

Our study investigated whether pre-operative screening and treatment for anaemia and suboptimal iron stores in a patient blood management clinic is cost effective. We used outcome data from a retrospective cohort study comparing colorectal surgery patients admitted pre- and post-implementation of a pre-operative screening programme. We applied propensity score weighting techniques with multivariable regression models to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between groups. Episode-level hospitalisation costs were sourced from the health service clinical costing data system; the economic evaluation was conducted from a Western Australia Health System perspective. The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost per unit of red cell transfusion avoided. We compared 441 patients screened in the pre-operative anaemia programme with 239 patients not screened; of the patients screened, 180 (40.8%) received intravenous iron for anaemia and suboptimal iron stores. The estimated mean cost of screening and treating pre-operative anaemia was AU$332 (£183; US$231; €204) per screened patient. In the propensity score weighted analysis, screened patients were transfused 52% less red cell units when compared with those not screened (rate ratio = 0.48, 95%CI 0.36–0.63, p < 0.001). The mean difference in total screening, treatment and hospitalisation cost between groups was AU$3776 lower in the group screened (£2080; US$2629; €2325) (95%CI AU$1604–5947, p < 0.001). Screening elective patients pre-operatively for anaemia and suboptimal iron stores reduced the number of red cell units transfused. It also resulted in lower total costs than not screening patients, thus demonstrating cost effectiveness.     

The association between borderline pre‐operative anaemia in women and outcomes after cardiac surgery: a cohort study

Anaemia is common before cardiac surgery and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The World Health Organization (WHO) definition of anaemia is lower for women than for men by 10 g.l^?1, potentially putting women at a disadvantage compared with men with regard to pre‐operative optimisation. Our hypothesis was that women with borderline anaemia (defined by us as haemoglobin concentration 120–129 g.l^?1) would have a higher rate of red cell transfusion, morbidity and mortality than non‐anaemic women (haemoglobin ≥ 130 g.l^?1). This retrospective observational study included all adult patients admitted for elective cardiac surgery from January 2013 to April 2016. During the study period, 1388 women underwent cardiac surgery. Pre‐operatively, 333 (24%) had a haemoglobin level < 120 g.l^?1; 408 (29%) 120–129 g.l^?1; and 647 (47%) ≥ 130 g.l^?1. Compared with non‐anaemic women, women with borderline anaemia were more likely to be transfused (68.6% vs. 44.5%; RR 1.5, 95%CI 1.4–1.7; p < 0.0001) and were transfused with more units of red cells, mean (SD) 1.8 (2.8) vs. 1.3 (3.0); p < 0.0001. Hospital length of stay was significantly longer in the borderline anaemia group compared with non‐anaemic women, median (IQR [range]) 8 (6–12 [3–45]) vs. 7 (6–11 [4–60]); p = 0.0159. Short‐ and long‐term postoperative survival was comparable in both groups. Borderline anaemia is associated with increased red cell transfusion and prolonged hospital stay. Future research should address whether correction of borderline anaemia results in improved outcomes.     

Normal saline versus a balanced crystalloid for goal-directed perioperative fluid therapy in major abdominal surgery: a double-blind randomised controlled study

Background

This double-blind randomised controlled trial investigated whether normal saline or a balanced crystalloid has distinct effects on vasopressor use in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

Incidence of persistent postoperative opioid use in patients undergoing ambulatory surgery: a retrospective cohort study

The opioid crisis remains a major public health concern. In ambulatory surgery, persistent postoperative opioid use is poorly described and temporal trends are unknown. A population-based retrospective cohort study was undertaken in Ontario, Canada using routinely collected administrative data for adults undergoing ambulatory surgery between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2017. The primary outcome was persistent postoperative opioid use, defined using best-practice methods. Multivariable generalised linear models were used to estimate the association of persistent postoperative opioid use with prognostic factors. Temporal trends in opioid use were examined using monthly time series, adjusting for patient-, surgical- and hospital-level variables. Of 340,013 patients, 44,224 (13.0%, 95%CI 12.9–13.1%) developed persistent postoperative opioid use after surgery. Following multivariable adjustment, the strongest predictors of persistent postoperative opioid use were pre-operative: utilisation of opioids (OR 9.51, 95%CI 8.69–10.39); opioid tolerance (OR 88.22, 95%CI 77.21–100.79); and utilisation of benzodiazepines (OR 13.75, 95%CI 12.89–14.86). The time series model demonstrated a small but significant trend towards decreasing persistent postoperative opioid use over time (adjusted percentage change per year −0.51%, 95%CI −0.83 to −0.19%, p = 0.003). More than 10% of patients who underwent ambulatory surgery experienced persistent postoperative opioid use; however, there was a temporal trend towards a reduction in persistent opioid use after surgery. Future studies are needed that focus on interventions which reduce persistent postoperative opioid use.     

Preoperative high-resolution esophageal manometry and postoperative symptoms in patients undergoing bariatric surgery: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThe increasing incidence of obesity has led to a rise in bariatric surgeries. Obesity can be associated with various gastrointestinal symptoms as well as abnormal findings on high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM). Bariatric procedures have variable effects on esophageal function and may contribute to postoperative symptoms. Preoperative HRM is not performed routinely on patients undergoing bariatric surgery but may identify patients likely to experience postoperative esophageal symptoms via delineation of structural or functional abnormalities.ObjectivesTo evaluate whether prebariatric surgery HRM could predict persistent or de novo postoperative esophageal symptoms.SettingAcademic tertiary care hospital, United States.MethodsRetrospective data were collected for 20 patients undergoing HRM and 100 controls 18 years and older from May 2012 to May 2015. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust for baseline differences between the 2 groups. Preoperative and postoperative esophageal symptoms (reflux, dysphagia, nausea/vomiting, bloating, fullness, early satiety, pain, and intolerance) were compared between HRM and control patients, and associations among HRM findings, Chicago Classification, and symptoms were analyzed. All included patients had follow-up beyond 3 months postoperatively. Data were analyzed with 2-tailed Fisher’s exact test, Wilcoxon rank-sum test, and odds ratio.ResultsCompared to controls, patients undergoing preoperative HRM had a higher rate of postoperative chronic intolerance (25% versus 8%, P = .041). This difference was not observed in propensity score matching analysis. Identification of elevated integrated relaxation pressure and esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction predicted chronic intolerance (odds ratio = 21.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.40–314; P = .027 for each).ConclusionsPreoperative HRM abnormalities were associated with postoperative symptoms in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. HRM can identify patients who are more likely to experience postoperative esophageal symptoms and may aid in discussion of suitability for surgery and selection of bariatric intervention.     

妇科腹壁单点悬吊式腹腔镜手术效果观察(附60例报告)

目的:探讨妇科腹壁单点悬吊式腹腔镜手术的安全性。方法:将120例拟行妇科腹腔镜手术的患者随机分为两组,其中实验组60例,行免气腹腹壁单点悬吊式腹腔镜手术;对照组60例,采用CO2充气式腹腔镜手术。结果:实验组手术时间及肛门排气时间比对照组短,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:免气腹腹壁单点悬吊式腹腔镜手术无需人工气腹,在简化操作过程中同样可提供清晰的操作视野,适应证宽、操作方便、安全、手术时间短、并发症少,临床效果满意。     

Associations of nadir haemoglobin level and red blood cell transfusion with mortality and length of stay in surgical specialties: a retrospective cohort study

Few studies have investigated if, and how, red cell transfusion and anaemia interact. We analysed 60,955 admissions to three metropolitan hospitals in Western Australia between 2008 and 2017 to determine whether the relationship between red cell transfusion and outcomes in surgical patients differed by lowest (nadir) level of haemoglobin. At levels above 100 g.l⁻¹, in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality were higher with transfusion, the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) (95%CI) being 8.80 (4.43–17.45) p < 0.001 and 3.68 (1.93–7.02) p < 0.001 and the adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) being 1.83 (1.28–2.61) p = 0.001, respectively. Likewise, between 90 g.l⁻¹ and 99 g.l⁻¹, in-hospital, 30-day and 1-year mortality were higher with transfusion, the adjusted odds ratio (95%CI) being 3.76 (2.23–6.34) p < 0.001 and 1.96 (1.23–3.12) p < 0.001 and the adjusted hazard ratio (95%CI) being 1.34 (1.05–1.70) p = 0.017, respectively. Length of stay was longer with transfusion at nadir haemoglobin levels above 100 g.l⁻¹ and in the following ranges: 90–99 g.l⁻¹, 80–89 g.l⁻¹, 70–79 g.l⁻¹ and 60–69 g.l⁻¹, the adjusted rate ratio (95%CI) being 1.38 (1.25–1.53) p < 0.001, 1.18 (1.10–1.27) p < 0.001, 1.17 (1.13–1.22) p < 0.001, 1.07 (1.02–1.12) p = 0.003 and 1.24 (1.13–1.36) p < 0.001, respectively. Mortality was higher with red cell transfusion at haemoglobin levels greater than 90 g.l⁻¹, whereas at all levels below 90 g.l⁻¹ mortality was not significantly higher or lower. Length of stay was longer with transfusion at nadir haemoglobin levels of 60 g.l⁻¹ or above. Our results suggest that nadir haemoglobin modified the relationship between red cell transfusion and outcomes and adds to the evidence recommending caution before transfusing red cells.     

手辅助腹腔镜在腹部手术中的应用(附14例报告)

目的　探讨手辅助腹腔镜在腹部手术中的应用。方法　回顾性分析我院 2 0 0 1年 5月～ 2 0 0 3年 4月间 14例腹部手术的治疗经验。结果　 14例手术时间从 30min～ 2h ,手术失血量为 2 0～ 10 0ml,中转开放手术率为 0。病人术后痛苦小 ,恢复快。结论　运用手辅助腹腔镜技术能在手术步骤上综合传统开放手术和腹腔镜手术的优势 ,达到微创的目的。     

Complications and reintervention following elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: a 10-year retrospective analysis

INTRODUCTION

Recent data have shown higher rates of graft related complication or reintervention in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair compared with open aneurysm surgery (OAS). However, there are fewer data available regarding procedure related reinterventions following OAS. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of procedure related complications and reintervention following elective open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from the dedicated Portsmouth POSSUM database. Data from 361 patients (median age: 72 years, 91.4% male) who underwent elective OAS between 1993 and 2004 were analysed. The incidences of early and late complications and subsequent reintervention were investigated.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 10 years 4 months (range: 5 years - 16 years 4 months). There were 52 reinterventions in the follow-up period. Of these, 34.6% were for incisional hernias or small bowel obstruction with the majority of the remaining laparotomies performed for bleeding or distal ischaemic complications. Almost two-thirds (63.5%) of reinterventions occurred in the first 30 days. There were 30 emergency readmissions to the acute surgical wards that did not require reintervention.

CONCLUSIONS

OAS carries a significant reintervention rate. In this study, 54% of reinterventions were directly related to laparotomy.     

Adverse outcomes after planned surgery with anticipated intensive care admission in out-of-office-hours time periods: a multicentre cohort study

Background

Increasing mortality for patients admitted to hospitals during the weekend is a contentious but well described phenomenon. However, it remains uncertain whether adverse outcomes, including prolonged hospital length-of-stay (LOS), may also occur after patients undergoing major planned surgery are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) out-of-office-hours, either during weeknights (after 18:00) or on weekends.

Return hospital visits and morbidity within 60 days after day surgery: a retrospective study of 18,736 day surgical procedures

BACKGROUND: As day surgery includes more extensive procedures focus should be put on late outcome. The frequency of day surgery-related return visits and the associated morbidity were examined to identify suitable indicators of quality. METHODS: From two centres, 16,048 patients underwent 18,736 day surgery operations including 4,829 surgical abortions. Patients were retrospectively analysed for contacts to Danish hospitals within 60 post-operative days and the associated morbidity and mortality. Data were obtained from the Danish National Patient Registry and the National Causes of Death Registry. Patient records were studied to validate contacts as being definite, likely, possible or not related. RESULTS: Altogether 113 patients (not including the surgical abortions) were readmitted to hospitals with 117 complications definitely or likely related to day surgery. The most common complications were haematomas or haemorrhage (0.40%) and infections (0.29%). Morbidity after the two most common procedures, hernia repair and knee arthroscopy, was observed in 1:39 patients and 1:220 patients, respectively. More serious complications included four patients with septic arthritis of the knee and six patients with venous thromboembolism. After surgical abortion, pelvic inflammation and bleeding were observed in 3.1% and 2.2%, respectively, with centre differences. Altogether no myocardial infarctions, central nervous system deficits, pneumonias or deaths were recorded that could definitely or likely be related to day surgery. CONCLUSION: Day surgery in Denmark is a safe practice. Readmission rates, haematomas and wound infections are likely future indicators of outcome quality after day surgery.     

Epidural ropivacaine versus ropivacaine plus tramadol in postoperative analgesia in children undergoing major abdominal surgery: a comparison

Purpose  

In this study, we aimed to compare the effects of ropivacaine alone and ropivacaine plus tramadol administered epidurally for postoperative analgesia in children.