Incidence and Risk Factors of Postoperative Delirium in Patients with Esophageal Cancer

Background

Postoperative delirium is a common complication after major surgery and is characterized by acute confusion with fluctuating consciousness. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative delirium in patients with esophageal cancer.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis of 306 consecutive patients who had undergone an esophagectomy at Keio University Hospital from January 1998 to December 2009. All data were assessed by psychiatrists, and delirium was diagnosed according to criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Disorder, fourth edition. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Postoperative delirium developed in 153 (50.0?%) of 306 patients. One hundred fourteen (37.3?%) of the 306 patients required psychoactive medication for symptoms associated with delirium. Univariate analyses showed that older age, male gender, additional flunitrazepam for sedation in intensive care unit (ICU) after surgery, longer periods of time under mechanical ventilation after surgery, longer ICU stays, occurrence of postoperative complications, and longer hospital stays were significantly associated with postoperative delirium. Multivariate analysis revealed that development of delirium was linked to older age, additional flunitrazepam in ICU, and occurrence of postoperative complication.

Conclusions

The development of postoperative delirium in patients with esophageal cancer is a problem that cannot be ignored. Our results suggest that the risk of developing delirium is associated with older age, use of flunitrazepam in ICU, and postoperative complications.     

Haloperidol prophylaxis does not prevent postoperative delirium in elderly patients: a randomized,open-label prospective trial

Purpose

Postoperative delirium is the most common postoperative complication in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the preventive administration of low-dose haloperidol on the development of postoperative delirium after abdominal or orthopedic surgery in elderly patients.

Subjects

A total of 119 patients aged 75 years or older who underwent elective surgery for digestive or orthopedic disease were included in this study.

Methods

Patients were divided into those who did (intervention group, n = 59) and did not (control group, n = 60) receive 2.5 mg of haloperidol at 18:00 daily for 3 days after surgery; a randomized, open-label prospective study was performed on these groups. The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative delirium during the first 7 days after the operation.

Results

The incidence of postoperative delirium in all patients was 37.8 %. No side effects involving haloperidol were noted; however, the incidences of postoperative delirium were 42.4 and 33.3 % in the intervention and control groups, respectively, which were not significantly different (p = 0.309). No significant effect of the treatment was observed on the severity or persistence of postoperative delirium.

Conclusions

The preventive administration of low-dose haloperidol did not induce any adverse events, but also did not significantly decrease the incidence or severity of postoperative delirium or shorten its persistence.     

Risk Factors of Hospital Mortality after Re-laparotomy for Post-hepatectomy Hemorrhage

Background

Post-hepatectomy hemorrhage (PHH) requiring re-laparotomy is a life-threatening situation and is associated with a considerably high hospital mortality rate. However, risk factors of hospital mortality in patients with this condition have not yet been investigated.

Methods

The perioperative data of 258 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent re-laparotomy for PHH from 1997 to 2011 were retrospectively reviewed and evaluated by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify risk factors of hospital mortality.

Result

Hospital death occurred in 43 patients between 16 h and 40 days after re-laparotomy, and the overall mortality rate was 16.7 %. The median time lag between first recognition of active bleeding and re-laparotomy was 6 h (range 0.5–34 h). The mortality of patients undergoing late re-laparotomy (≥6 h) was much higher than those undergoing early re-laparotomy (<6 h) (25 vs 8.6 %; P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed early time period (1997–2004) (P = 0.040), liver cirrhosis (P = 0.025), ineffective hemostasis during re-laparotomy due to coagulopathy (P = 0.038), late re-laparotomy (≥6 h) (P = 0.032), postoperative liver failure (P = 0.001), and postoperative acute renal failure requiring hemodialysis (P = 0.024) were independent risk factors of hospital mortality.

Conclusion

Immediate re-laparotomy is a key factor to reduce hospital mortality for patients with active bleeding after partial hepatectomy. More care should be taken in those patients who develop acute liver failure and/or serious acute renal failure after re-laparotomy.     

Delirium following vascular surgery: increased incidence with preoperative β-blocker administration

Purpose

To determine if there is an association between perioperative administration of beta-blockers and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing vascular surgery.

Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval, data were retrospectively collected on patients who underwent vascular surgery in an academic hospital during the period January 2006 to January 2007. Patients with preoperative altered level of consciousness, carotid endarterectomy, or discharge within 24 h of surgery were excluded from the study. Identification of delirium was based on evaluation of the level of consciousness with the NEECHAM Confusion Scale and/or a chart-based instrument for delirium. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent perioperative predictors of postoperative delirium. Beta-blockers were tested for a potential effect.

Results

The incidence of postoperative delirium was 128/582 (22%). Independent predictors included age (OR 1.04, 95% CI [1.02–1.07]), history of cerebrovascular accident/transient ischemic attack (OR 2.64, 95% CI [1.57–4.55]), and depression (OR 3.56, 95% CI [1.53–8.28]). Open aortic reconstruction was associated with an OR of 5.34, 95% CI (2.54–11.2) and amputation with an OR of 4.66, 95% CI (1.96–11.09). Preoperative beta-blocker administration increased the odds of postoperative delirium 2.06 times (95% CI [1.18–3.6]). Statin administration reduced the odds of delirium by 44% (95% CI [0.37–0.88]). The model was reliable (Hosmer–Lemeshow test, P = 0.72) and discriminative (area under the receiver operating characteristic [ROC] curve = 0.729).

Conclusions

Preoperative administration of beta-blockers is associated with an increased risk of postoperative delirium after vascular surgery. Conversely, preoperative statin administration is associated with a lower risk of postoperative delirium. A randomized prospective controlled trial is required to validate these findings.     

Atrial fibrillation after esophageal cancer surgery: an analysis of 207 consecutive patients

Purpose

The aim of this study was to identify perioperative risk factors that are associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) and the outcomes of different pharmacological interventions in esophageal cancer patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy.

Methods

This study included 207 patients who underwent a transthoracic esophagectomy for esophageal cancer resection by a single surgeon from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2010.

Results

Postoperative AF occurred in 19 patients (9.2 %), all of whom received antiarrhythmic drug therapy at the early stage. Antiarrhythmic treatment was effective in 12 cases (63.2 %). In this study, landiolol hydrochloride, an ultrashort-acting β₁-selective β-blocker, was the first-line therapy for postoperative AF. A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative AF was significantly associated with the use of an ileo-colon for reconstruction after esophagectomy (P = 0.0023, odds ratios [OR] = 13.6) and with the presence of tachycardia with a heart rate of >100 bpm on postoperative day (POD) 1 (P = 0.0004, OR = 18.4).

Conclusions

Postoperative AF is associated with the use of a colon conduit for reconstruction after esophagectomy and with tachycardia with a heart rate >100 bpm on POD 1. Identifying patients at high risk for postoperative AF will allow for more direct application of pharmacological methods of prophylaxis.     

Impact of bacterial culture positivity of the drainage fluid during the early postoperative period on the development of intra-abdominal abscesses after gastrectomy

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of positive bacterial cultures of the drainage fluid (D-cultures) during the early postoperative period on the incidence of intra-abdominal abscess formation following gastrectomy.

Methods

From January 2012 to June 2013, we prospectively performed D-cultures on postoperative day (POD) 1 in consecutive gastric cancer patients who underwent gastrectomy. The univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for intra-abdominal abscess formation without anastomotic leakage.

Results

The rate of positive D-cultures was 6.4 % on POD 1. According to a univariate analysis, the use of combined organ resection (P = 0.011), the drain amylase level on POD 1 (P = 0.016) and the D-culture status on POD 1 (P = 0.004) were found to be significantly associated with the incidence of intra-abdominal abscesses. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that D-culture positivity on POD 1 was the only independent predictor of intra-abdominal abscess formation (P = 0.011).

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that bacterial culture positivity of drainage fluid during the early postoperative period has a significant impact on the development of intra-abdominal abscesses after gastrectomy.     

Risk factors for pulmonary complications after esophagectomy for esophageal cancer

Purpose

Pulmonary complications after esophagectomy are still common and are a major cause of mortality. The aim of this study was to clarify the risk factors for the occurrence of pulmonary complications after esophagectomy.

Methods

The clinical courses of 299 patients who underwent elective subtotal esophagectomy with lymph node dissection for esophageal cancer were retrospectively analyzed. Group I included patients who had pulmonary complications (n = 53), and group II included patients who did not (n = 246). The clinicopathological factors, surgical procedures and surgical results were compared between the groups.

Results

The frequency of any pulmonary complication was 17.7 %. Pneumonia (n = 26; 8.7 %) and respiratory failure that needed initial ventilatory support for 48 h or reintubation (n = 16; 5.4 %) were the major morbidities. The results of the logistic regression analysis suggested that smoking with a Brinkman index ≥800, salvage esophagectomy after definitive chemoradiotherapy and the amount of blood loss/body weight were independent factors associated with the occurrence of pulmonary complications.

Conclusion

Pulmonary complications after esophagectomy remain common despite advances in perioperative management. Cases with a history of heavy smoking, preoperative definitive chemoradiotherapy, and high blood loss during surgery require more careful postoperative pulmonary care.     

Haloperidol prophylaxis for preventing aggravation of postoperative delirium in elderly patients: a randomized,open-label prospective trial

Purposes

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the early administration haloperidol in preventing the aggravation of postoperative delirium in elderly patients.

Methods

A total of 201 patients (age ≥75 years) who underwent elective surgery were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups: the intervention group (n = 101) received prophylactic haloperidol (5 mg); the control group (n = 100) did not. Haloperidol was administered daily during postoperative days 0–5 to the patients who presented with NEECHAM scores of 20–24 when measured at 18:00. The primary endpoint was the incidence of severe postoperative delirium.

Results

The incidence of severe postoperative delirium in all patients was 25.1%. The incidence of severe postoperative delirium in the intervention group (18.2%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (32.0%) (p = 0.02). The difference between the two groups was larger when the analysis was limited to the 70 patients who had NEECHAM scores of 20–24 for at least one day during postoperative days 0–5. No adverse effects of the haloperidol were observed.

Conclusion

The prophylactic administration of haloperidol at the early stage of delirium significantly reduced the incidence of severe postoperative delirium in elderly patients. Clinical Trial Registration UMIN000007204.

     

Surgical site infection after open reduction and internal fixation of tibial plateau fractures

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for surgical site infections and to quantify the contribution of independent risk factors to the probability of developing infection after definitive fixation of tibial plateau fractures in adult patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed at a level I trauma center between January 2004 and December 2010. Data were collected from a review of the patient’s electronic medical records. A total of 251 consecutive patients (256 cases) were divided into two groups, those with surgical site infections and those without surgical site infections. Preoperative and perioperative variables were compared between these groups, and risk factors were determined by univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Variables analyzed included age, gender, smoking history, diabetes, presence of an open fracture, presence of compartment syndrome, Schatzker classification, polytrauma status, ICU stay, time from injury to surgery, use of temporary external fixation, surgical approach, surgical fixation, operative time, and use of a drain.

Results

The overall rate of surgical site infection after ORIF of tibial plateau fractures during the 7 years of this study was 7.8 % (20 of 256). The most common causative pathogens was Staphylococcus aureus (n = 15, 75 %). Independent predictors of surgical site infection identified by multivariate analyses were open tibial plateau fracture (odds ratio = 3.9; 95 % CI = 1.3–11.6; p = 0.015) and operative time (odds ratio = 2.7; 95 % CI = 1.6–4.4; p < 0.001). The presence of compartment syndrome (odds ratio = 3.4; 95 % CI = 0.7–15.9; p = 0.119), use of temporary external fixation (odds ratio = 0.5; 95 % CI = 0.2–1.7; p = 0.298), and ICU stay (odds ratio = 1.0; 95 % CI = 1.0–1.1; p = 0.074) were not determined to be independent predictors of surgical site infection.

Conclusions

Both open fracture and operative time are independent risks factors for postoperative infection.     

Impact of Preoperative Risk Factors on Morbidity after Esophagectomy: Is There Room for Improvement?

Background

Despite progress in multidisciplinary treatment of esophageal cancer, oncologic esophagectomy is still the cornerstone of therapeutic strategies. Several scoring systems are used to predict postoperative morbidity, but in most cases they identify nonmodifiable parameters. The aim of this study was to identify potentially modifiable risk factors associated with complications after oncologic esophagectomy.

Methods

All consecutive patients with complete data sets undergoing oncologic esophagectomy in our department during 2001–2011 were included in this study. As potentially modifiable risk factors we assessed nutritional status depicted by body mass index (BMI) and preoperative serum albumin levels, excessive alcohol consumption, and active smoking. Postoperative complications were graded according to a validated 5-grade system. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify preoperative risk factors associated with the occurrence and severity of complications.

Results

Our series included 93 patients. Overall morbidity rate was 81 % (n = 75), with 56 % (n = 52) minor complications and 18 % (n = 17) major complications. Active smoking and excessive alcohol consumption were associated with the occurrence of severe complications, whereas BMI and low preoperative albumin levels were not. The simultaneous presence of two or more of these risk factors significantly increased the risk of postoperative complications.

Conclusions

A combination of malnutrition, active smoking and alcohol consumption were found to have a negative impact on postoperative morbidity rates. Therefore, preoperative smoking and alcohol cessation counseling and monitoring and improving the nutritional status are strongly recommended.     

Female gender is a risk factor for pain, discomfort, and fatigue after laparoscopic groin hernia repair

Purpose

Female gender is a risk factor for early pain after several specific surgical procedures but has not been studied in detail after laparoscopic groin hernia repair. The aim of this study was to compare early postoperative pain, discomfort, fatigue, and nausea and vomiting between genders undergoing laparoscopic groin hernia repair.

Methods

Prospective consecutive enrollment of women and age-matched (±1 year) and uni-/bilateral hernia-matched male patients undergoing elective transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP). Patients in the two groups received a similar anesthetic, surgical, and analgesic treatment protocol.

Results

Between August 2009 and August 2010, 25 women and 25 men undergoing elective TAPP were prospectively included in the analysis (n = 50) with no significant difference between groups in psychological status regarding anxiety, depression, and catastrophizing. On day 0, women had significantly more pain during rest (p = 0.015) and coughing (p = 0.012), discomfort (p = 0.001), and fatigue (0.020) compared with men. Additionally, cumulative overall postoperative pain during coughing, discomfort, and fatigue on day 0–3 was significantly higher in women compared with men (all p values < 0.05). Women required significantly more opioids (p = 0.015) and had a significantly higher incidence of vomiting on days 0 and 1 (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Women experienced more pain, discomfort, and fatigue compared with men after laparoscopic groin hernia repair.

Trial registration

Registration number NCT00962338 (www.clinicaltrials.gov).     

Blood transfusion and drainage catheter clamping are associated with ecchymosis formation at the surgical site after total knee arthroplasty: an analysis of 102 unilateral cases

Background

Many previous studies have focused on the postoperative complication of postoperative knee pain, infection, knee prosthesis loosening, periprosthetic fractures, and so on. There have been few studies focused on postoperative ecchymosis formation surrounding the wound of the TKA site. A certain degree of effect on the early functional recovery of the patients may occur due to the mental stress caused by the ecchymosis, which raises doubts regarding the success of the surgery. Therefore, it is particularly important to understand the risk factors for postsurgical ecchymosis formation after TKA, and specific measures for preventing ecchymosis should be taken. In this study, we reviewed the record of patients who received TKAs in our hospital, and a comprehensive analysis and assessment was conducted regarding 15 clinical factors causing postsurgical ecchymosis formation.

Methods

The records of 102 patients who received unilateral TKAs between January 2007 and May 2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the occurrence of ecchymosis.

Results

Of the 102 patients, 14 (13.7%) developed ecchymosis. Blood transfusion and drainage catheter clamping during the first few postoperative hours had a significant impact on the development of ecchymosis (p < 0.05). There was no difference in age, BMI, operation time, pre- and postoperative platelet count, and length of postoperative anticoagulant therapy between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression revealed major risk factors for ecchymosis were postoperative blood transfusion (odds ratio (OR) = 15.624) and drainage catheter clamping (OR 14.237) (both, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Blood transfusion and drainage catheter clamping after TKA due to excessive blood suction were associated with higher risks for ecchymosis formation surrounding the surgical site.     

Portal Vein Thrombosis After Hepatectomy

Background

Although various complications after hepatectomy have been reported, there have been no large studies on postoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT) as a complication. This study evaluated the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of PVT after hepatectomy.

Methods

The preoperative and postoperative clinical characteristics of patients who underwent hepatectomy were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

A total of 208 patients were reviewed. The incidence of PVT after hepatectomy was 9.1 % (n = 19), including main portal vein (MPV) thrombosis (n = 7) and peripheral portal vein (PPV) thrombosis (n = 12). Patients with MPV thrombosis had a significantly higher incidence of right hepatectomy (p < 0.001), larger resection volume (p = 0.003), and longer operation time (p = 0.021) than patients without PVT (n = 189). Multivariate analysis identified right hepatectomy as a significant independent risk factor for MPV thrombosis (odds ratio 108.9; p < 0.001). Patients with PPV thrombosis had a significantly longer duration of Pringle maneuver than patients without PVT (p = 0.002). Among patients who underwent right hepatectomy, those with PVT (n = 6) had a significantly lower early liver regeneration rate than those without PVT (n = 13; p = 0.040), and those with PVT had deterioration of liver function on postoperative day 7. In all patients with MPV thrombosis who received anticoagulation therapy, PVT subsequently resolved.

Conclusions

Postoperative PVT after hepatectomy is not rare. It is closely related to delayed recovery of liver function and delayed liver regeneration.     

Nutritional risk is still a clinical predictor of postoperative outcomes in laparoscopic abdominal surgery

Background

The relationship between nutritional risk and postoperative recovery of patients with major laparoscopic abdominal surgery is still unclear. The present study was designed to assess the value of the nutritional risk screening in predicting the postoperative outcomes in this cohort of patients.

Methods

Data from a consecutive series of 75 patients undergoing various elective major laparoscopic abdominal operations was prospectively collected. Nutritional risk was defined by the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) score and correlated to the incidence of postoperative complications and hospital stay. Multivariate regression identified factors associated with 30-day complications [odds ratio (95 % confidence interval)].

Results

The overall incidence of nutritional risk was 34.7 %. There was a significantly higher infectious complication rate of 38.5 % in patients at nutritional risk, compared to 12.2 % in patients at no risk (p = 0.008). No significant difference of postoperative hospital stay and overall complications was found in patients at nutritional risk or not. Nutritional risk was identified as an independent predictor of postoperative infectious complications (odds ratio 4.87 [1.33–17.84]; p = 0.017).

Conclusions

The present study reinforces the value of the NRS 2002 to identify patients at higher risk of infectious complications after major laparoscopic abdominal surgery. In the era of minimally invasive surgery, the problem of nutritional risk still deserves our attention and concern.     

Apolipoprotein E e4 allele does not increase the risk of early postoperative delirium after major surgery

Background

A relationship between patients with a genetic predisposition to and those who develop postoperative delirium has not been yet determined. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is an association between apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele (APOE4) and delirium after major surgery.

Methods

Of 230 intensive care patients admitted to the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) over a period of 3?months, 173 were enrolled in the study. Patients?? demographics and intra- and postoperative data were collected. Patients were followed for the development of delirium using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist, and DNA was obtained at PACU admission to determine apolipoprotein E genotype.

Results

Fifteen percent of patients developed delirium after surgery. Twenty-four patients had one copy of APOE4. The presence of APOE4 was not associated with an increased risk of early postoperative delirium (4% vs. 17%; P?=?0.088). The presence of APOE4 was not associated with differences in any studied variables. Multivariate analysis identified age [odds ratio (OR) 9.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0?C43.0, P?=?0.004 for age ??65?years), congestive heart disease (OR 6.2, 95% CI 2.0?C19.3, P?=?0.002), and emergency surgery (OR 59.7, 95% CI 6.7?C530.5, P?<?0.001) as independent predictors for development of delirium. The Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and The Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) were significantly higher in patients with delirium (P?<?0.001 and 0.008, respectively). Hospital mortality rates of these patients was higher and they had a longer median PACU stay.

Conclusions

Apolipoprotein e4 carrier status was not associated with an increased risk for early postoperative delirium. Age, congestive heart failure, and emergency surgery were independent risk factors for the development of delirium after major surgery.     

Orthostatic intolerance during early mobilization following video-assisted thoracic surgery

Purpose

Early postoperative mobilization is crucial for early ambulation to reduce postoperative pulmonary complications after lung resection. However, orthostatic intolerance (OI) may delay patient recovery, leading to complications. It is therefore important to understand the prevalence of and predisposing factors for OI following video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), which have not been established. This study evaluated the incidence of OI, impact of OI on delayed ambulation, and predisposing factors associated with OI in patients after VATS.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study consecutively analyzed data from 236 patients who underwent VATS. The primary outcome was defined as OI with symptoms associated with ambulatory challenge on postoperative day 1 (POD1), including dizziness, nausea and vomiting, feeling hot, blurred vision, or transient syncope. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with OI.

Results

Of the 236 patients, 35.2 % (83) experienced OI; 45.8 % of these could not ambulate at POD1, compared with 15.7 % of patients without OI (P < 0.001). Factors independently associated with OI included advanced age [odds ratio 2.83 (1.46–5.58); P = 0.002], female gender [odds ratio 2.40 (1.31–4.46); P = 0.004], and postoperative opioid use [odds ratio 2.61 (1.23–5.77); P = 0.012]. Use of thoracic epidural anesthesia was not independently associated with OI [odds ratio 0.72 (0.38–1.37); P = 0.318].

Conclusion

Postoperative OI was common in patients after VATS and significantly associated with delayed ambulation. Advanced age, female gender, and postoperative opioid use were identified as independent predisposing factors for OI.     

Risk factors for anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic low anterior resection with DST anastomosis

Background

Laparoscopic rectal surgery involving rectal transection and anastomosis with stapling devices is technically difficult. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for anastomotic leakage (AL) after laparoscopic low anterior resection (LAR) with double-stapling technique (DST) anastomosis.

Methods

This was a retrospective single-institution study of 154 rectal cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic LAR with DST anastomosis between June 2005 and August 2013. Patient-, tumor-, and surgery-related variables were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses. The outcome of interest was clinical AL.

Results

The overall AL rate was 12.3 % (19/154). In univariate analysis, tumor size (P = 0.001), operative time (P = 0.049), intraoperative bleeding (P = 0.037), lateral lymph node dissection (P = 0.009), multiple firings of the linear stapler (P = 0.041), and precompression before stapler firings (P = 0.008) were significantly associated with AL. Multivariate analysis identified tumor size (odds ratio [OR] 4.01; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.25–12.89; P = 0.02) and precompression before stapler firings (OR 4.58; CI 1.22–17.20; P = 0.024) as independent risk factors for AL. In particular, precompression before stapler firing tended to reduce the AL occurring in early postoperative period.

Conclusions

Using appropriate techniques, laparoscopic LAR with DST anastomosis can be performed safely without increasing the risk of AL. Important risk factors for AL were tumor size and precompression before stapler firings.     

Hospital administrative database underestimates delirium rate after cardiac surgery

Purpose

Administrative electronic databases are highly specific for postoperative complications, but they lack sensitivity. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of delirium after cardiac surgery using a targeted prospectively collected dataset and to compare the findings with the incidence of delirium in the same cohort of patients identified in a hospital administrative database.

Methods

Following Research Ethics Board approval, we compared delirium rates in a prospectively collected data research database with delirium rates in the same cohort of patients in an administrative hospital database where delirium was identified from codes entered by coding and abstracting staff. Every 12 hr postoperatively, delirium was assessed with a Confusion Assessment Method in the Intensive Care Unit. The administrative database contained the International Classification of Diseases version 10 (ICD-10) codes for patient diagnoses. The ICD-10 codes were extracted from the administrative database for each patient in the research database and were checked for the presence of the ICD-10 code for delirium.

Results

Data from a cohort of 1,528 patients were analyzed. Postoperative delirium was identified in 182 (11.9%) patients (95% confidence interval [CI], 10.3-13.5%) in the research dataset and 46 (3%) patients (95% CI, 2.2-3.8%) in the administrative dataset (P < 0.001). Thirteen (0.85%) patients who were coded for delirium in the administrative database were not identified in the research dataset. The median onset of postoperative delirium in these patients was significantly delayed (4 [3-9] days) compared with patients identified by both datasets (2 [1-9] days) and compared with patients from the research database only (1 [1-14] days) (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

Postoperative delirium rates after cardiac surgery are underestimated by the hospital administrative database.     

Early rehabilitation versus conventional care after laparoscopic rectal surgery: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

Background

Although early rehabilitation programs have been reported to be effective after laparoscopic colectomy, there is no report of the efficacy of rehabilitation programs after rectal cancer surgery. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an early rehabilitation program after laparoscopic low anterior resection for mid or low rectal cancer in a randomized, controlled trial.

Methods

Ninety-eight patients who had undergone a laparoscopic low anterior resection with defunctioning ileostomy were randomized on a 1:1 basis to an early rehabilitation program (n = 52) or conventional care (n = 46). The primary endpoint was recovery rate at 4 days postoperatively. The secondary endpoints were recovery time, postoperative hospital stay, complications, readmission rates, pain on a visual analogue scale, and quality of life (QOL) according to Short Form 36.

Results

The recovery rates were not different in both groups (rehabilitation, 25 % vs. conventional, 13 %, p = 0.135). Recovery time and postoperative hospital stay was similar between the groups (rehabilitation, 137 h [107–188] vs. conventional, 146.5 h [115–183], p = 0.47; 7.5 days [7–11] vs. 8.0 days [7–10], p = 0.882). The complication rates did not differ between the two groups, but more complications were noted in the rehabilitation program group (42.3 vs. 24.0 %, p = 0.054), which was related to postoperative ileus (28.8 vs. 13.0 %, p = 0.057) and acute voiding difficulty (19.6 vs. 4.7 %, p = 0.032). There was no readmission within 1 month of surgery. Pain and QOL were similar in both groups.

Conclusions

This randomized trial did not show that an early rehabilitation program is beneficial after laparoscopic low anterior resection. Our results confirm that postoperative ileus and acute voiding difficulty are major obstacles to fast-track surgery for mid or low rectal cancer. This study was registered (registration number NCT00606944).