Management of major colon surgery in geriatric patients

Summary In the management of geriatric patients it is advocated that the correct treatment of acute colon obstruction is conservative and that if this treatment is vigorously applied, few if any of these patients will need emergency colostomy. They will then become amenable to operation in one stage. A plan of management of geriatric patients requiring major surgery is outlined, with emphasis on certain details in the management of concurrent cardiovascular, pulmonary and renal disease. Read at the meeting of the American Proctologic Society, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, June 21 to 24, 1961.     

Mid-term survival of patients undergoing major cardiac surgery

Introduction and objectives

Evaluating patient outcomes following cardiac surgery is a means of measuring the quality of that surgery. The present study analyzes survival and the risk factors associated with mid-term mortality of patients undergoing cardiac surgery in Son Dureta University Hospital (Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain).

Methods

From November 2002 thru December 2007, 1938 patients underwent interventions. Patients were stratified in 4 age groups. Of 1900 patients discharged from hospital, 1844 were followed until December 31, 2008. Following discharge, we constructed Kaplan-Meier survival curves and performed Cox regression analysis to determine which variables associated with mid-term mortality.

Results

In-hospital mortality of the 1,938 patients was 1.96% (CI 95%, 1.36%-2.6%). Survival probability at 1, 3 and 5 years follow-up was 98%, 94% and 90%, respectively. Mean follow-up was 3.2 (0.01-6.06) years. Patients aged ≥70 years showed a lower survival rate than those aged <70 (log rank test, P <.0001). At the end of follow-up, mortality was 6.5% (CI 95%, 5.4%-7.7%). Age ≥70 years, a history of severe ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <30%), severe pulmonary hypertension, diabetes mellitus, preoperative anemia, postoperative stroke, and hospital stay were independently associated with mid-term mortality.

Conclusions

Mid-term survival after discharge was highly satisfactory. Mid-term mortality varied with age and other pre- and postoperative factors.Full English text available from: www.revespcardiol.org     

Pharmacokinetics of ampicillin, sulbactam and cefotiam in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery

Summary As perioperative prophylaxis for major orthopedic operations 81 patients were given the fixed combination of ampicillin (1 g)/ sulbactam (0.5 g) or cefotiam (2 g) as short infusions. The three -lactams were rapidly distributed into the different tissues and their pharmacokinetic profiles were found to be very similar. It was noteworthy that ampicillin, sulbactam and cefotiam penetrated within minutes, not only into skin, fat and muscles, but also into bone. Thus 0.25 h after starting the infusion the following mean concentrations were measured in bone: 21.8±10.5 mg/kg ampicillin, 4.9±2.2 mg/kg sulbactam and 19.4±10.6 mg/kg cefotiam. For a period of at least 2 h the concentrations measured in serum and in the different tissues affected by the operation (skin, fat, muscle, bone) were above the MICs for pathogens which are involved in postoperative wound infections. On the basis of pharmacokinetic data, ampicillin/sulbactam and cefotiam seem about equally suitable for perioperative prophylaxis in major orthopedic operations.     

Routine preoperative exercise testing in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery

A prospective study of preoperative exercise testing was carried out in 200 patients older than 40 years scheduled for elective major noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia. The exercise test response was electrocardiographically positive in 32 patients (16%) (2 patients had a markedly positive test), equivocal in 11 patients (5.5%) and negative in 157 patients (78.5%). The patients were followed with serial pre- and postoperative electrocardiograms (ECGs) and determinations of serum creatine kinase (CK) and CK-MB. Six patients (3%) had primary endpoints: 3 (1.5%) died postoperatively and 3 (1.5%) had definite postoperative myocardial infarction. Secondary endpoints of suspected postoperative myocardial ischemia/injury diagnosed by ECG or elevation in CK-MB levels occurred in 27 patients (14%). Endpoint events were more common in patients aged 70 years or older. Endpoint events were also more common in patients with an abnormal (positive or equivocal) preoperative exercise test response than in those with a negative response (27% vs 14%); however, preoperative exercise results were not statistically significant independent predictors of cardiac risk. Using multivariate analysis, the only statistically significant independent predictor of risk was the preoperative ECG. Endpoint events were more common in patients with an abnormal than in those with a normal ECG (23% vs 7%, p less than 0.002). Because the results of exercise testing do not appear to add substantially to the risk separation provided by the ECG at rest, exercise testing is not recommended as a routine preoperative method for assessing perioperative risk in older patients who are being evaluated before major elective noncardiac surgery under general anesthesia.     

Effect of aztreonam on the colon microflora in patients undergoing colorectal surgery

Summary Aztreonam was given intravenously at a dose of 1 g at induction of anaesthesia, followed by subsequent doses of 1 g at eight hour intervals during 48 hours to 20 patients undergoing colorectal surgery. A series of serum and faecal specimens were taken for analysis of aztreonam concentrations. Tissue samples from the gut wall were taken at surgery. The maximum serum concentrations (mean value 114.7 mg/l) during surgery were reached 15 minutes after aztreonam administration. The aztreonam concentration in the tissue samples varied from 4.1–28.3 mg/kg and the concentration in the faecal samples from 0.4–34.4 mg/kg. Faecal samples were also collected during the investigation period for cultivation of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Enterobacteria were suppressed significantly during the prophylaxis period and there was a significant increase of staphylococci in ten of the patients. Three of these patients developed postoperative wound infections with staphylococci. Among the anaerobic bacteria, only minor changes were observed during the same period. After two weeks, the microflora was normalized in all patients. Five postoperative infections including an anastomose dehiscence in one patient occurred.

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Einfluß von Aztreonam auf die Mikroflora des Kolon von Patienten, bei denen kolorektale Operationen durchgeführt werden

Zusammenfassung Aztreonam wurde bei Einleitung der Anästhesie in einer Dosis von 1 g an 20 Patienten, bei denen colorektale Operationen durchgeführt wurden, intravenös appliziert; im Abstand von acht Studen wurden 48 Stunden lang jeweils weitere 1 g-Dosen verabreicht. Zur Bestimmung der Aztreonam-Konzentrationen wurde eine Reihe von Serum- und Stuhlproben gewonnen. Unter der Operation wurden Gewebeproben vom Darm entnommen. 15 Minuten nach Aztreonam-Gabe wurden unter der Operation die höchsten Aztreonam-Serumkonzentrationen erreicht (Mittelwert 114,7 mg/l). In den Gewebeproben fanden sich Aztreonam-Konzentrationen von 4,1–28,3 mg/kg, in den Stuhlproben von 0,4–34,4 mg/kg. Zur Anzüchtung aerober und anaerober Bakterien wurden im Untersuchungszeitraum ebenfalls Stuhlproben gewonnen. Während der Prophylaxephase war eine erhebliche Suppression der Enterobakterien festzustellen, gleichzeitig stiegen bei zehn Patienten die Staphylokokken signifikant an. Bei drei dieser Patienten traten postoperative Wundinfektionen mit Staphylokokken auf. Die anaerobe Bakterienpopulation änderte sich im selben Zeitraum nur geringfügig. Nach zwei Wochen hatte sich bei allen Patienten die Mikroflora normalisiert. Insgesamt traten fünf postoperative Infektionen auf, einschließlich einer Anastomosendehiszenz bei einem Patienten.

     

Perioperative coagulation assessment of patients undergoing major elective orthopedic surgery

Traditional coagulative parameters are of limited use in identifying perioperative coagulopathy occurring in patients undergoing major elective orthopedic surgery (MEOS). The aim of our study was to evaluate the coagulation changes in patients undergoing MEOS and to facilitate an early detection of perioperative coagulopathy in patients experiencing major intraoperative bleeding. We enrolled 40 consecutive patients (M/F 10/30, age range 34–90 years) who underwent MEOS at the Orthopedic Unit of the Padua University Hospital, Italy, between January 2014 and January 2015. Blood samples were obtained at the following time points: T0-pre: 30 min before surgery; T0-post: 30 min after the end of the procedure; T1: morning of the first postoperative day; T2: 7 ± 2 days after surgery. Patients who experienced an intraoperative blood loss ≥250 mL/h were considered as cases. Routine coagulative parameters, thromboelastometry and thrombin generation (TG) profiles were evaluated. At baseline, a significantly lower platelet count and FIBTEM MCF/AUC were observed in patents with excessive bleeding (p < 0.05 and 0.02/0.01, respectively). At T0-post and T1 intervals, cases showed hypocoagulation characterized by a significantly low platelet count (p = 0.001), prolonged CFT INTEM/EXTEM, reduction of alpha-angle and MaxV INTEM/EXTEM, MCF and AUC INTEM/EXTEM/FIBTEM (p < 0.05 in all comparisons). The only TG parameter standing out between study groups was time to peak at T0-pre. A low platelet count and fibrinogen activity were associated with significant intraoperative bleeding in patients undergoing MEOS. Thromboelastometry performed by ROTEM^® identifies patients with coagulopathy.     

Safety of perioperative statin use in high-risk patients undergoing major vascular surgery

No clinical data are available on the influence of perioperative statin use on postoperative myopathy in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery except for some case reports. Therefore, the aim of this study was to clarify the potential risk of myopathy in statin users who underwent major noncardiac surgery.     

Cardiac outcome of major noncardiac surgery in patients undergoing preoperative coronary angioplasty

Patients with significant coronary artery disease are at increased risk for myocardial infarction and death when undergoing major noncardiac surgery, particularly vascular, thoracic and upper abdominal procedures. Revascularization with coronary bypass surgery has shown to be effective in reducing perioperative coronary events in such patients. Little data is available on the role of preoperative coronary angioplasty in this setting. The objective of this study was to determine the perioperative cardiac outcome in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty within six weeks of major noncardiac surgery. We analyzed our experience with 108 consecutive patients (85 males) with a mean age of 68 years (range 41-83) who underwent coronary angioplasty within 42 days of a major operative procedure, which was defined as either a vascular, thoracic or upper abdominal procedure. Multivessel disease was present in 48% of patients. Angioplasty success rate was 97% with 33 (31%) patients having more than one lesion dilated. Angioplasty complications included 1 stroke and 4 non-Q wave myocardial infarctions. The mean time from angioplasty to operative procedure was 14.5 days (range 0-41 days). Ninety six (91%) of the patients underwent vascular surgery--including 42 abdominal aneurysm repairs, 29 carotid endarterectomies, 21 lower extremity bypass operations and four renal artery bypass procedures. Eight patients had major abdominal surgery and one patient had a thoracic procedure. Postoperative cardiac complications included three non-Q wave myocardial infarctions and one Q-wave myocardial infarction which resulted in the only cardiac death (0.9%). There were no sustained ventricular arrhythmias.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Bacterial translocation in patients undergoing major gastrointestinal surgery and its role in postoperative sepsis

Bacteria of the human intestinal microflora have a dual role. They promote digestion and are part of a defense mechanism against pathogens. These bacteria could become potential pathogens under certain circumstances. The term “bacterial translocation” describes the passage of bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract through the intestinal mucosa barrier to mesenteric lymph nodes and other organs. In some cases, the passage of bacteria and endotoxins could result in blood stream infections and in multiple organ failure. Open elective abdominal surgery more frequently results in malfunction of the intestinal barrier and subsequent bacterial translocation and blood stream infections than laparoscopic surgery. Postoperative sepsis is a common finding in patients who have undergone non-elective abdominal surgeries, including trauma patients treated with laparotomy. Postoperative sepsis is an emerging issue, as it changes the treatment plan in surgical patients and prolongs hospital stay. The association between bacterial translocation and postoperative sepsis could provide novel treatment options.     

Utility of B-type natriuretic peptide in predicting medium-term mortality in patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery

This study was conducted to assess the ability of preoperative B-type natriuretic peptide levels to predict medium-term mortality in patients who undergo major noncardiac surgery. During a median of 654 days of follow-up, 33 patients from a total cohort of 204 patients (16%) died, 17 from cardiovascular causes. The optimal cutoff in this cohort, determined using a receiver-operating characteristic curve, was >35 pg . ml(-1). This was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in the hazard of death (p = 0.001) and a 6.9-fold increase in the hazard of cardiovascular mortality (p = 0.003). In conclusion, these findings extend recent work demonstrating that B-type natriuretic peptide levels obtained before major noncardiac surgery can be used to predict perioperative morbidity and indicate that they also forecast medium-term mortality, particularly cardiovascular death.     

Pharmacokinetics of digoxin and digitoxin in patients undergoing hemodialysis

The pharmacokinetics of digoxin and digitoxin in patients undergoing long-term hemodialysis were examined to determine which is the preferred cardiac glycoside in this patient population.Absorption curves from 0 to 24 hours after an oral dose of digitoxin were similar in dlalyzed patients and in control patients. Serum glycoside concentrations after an oral dose of digoxin were higher in dialyzed patients than in control patients, significantly so from 2 to 24 hours, reflecting the absence of the predominantly renal route of excretion of digoxin.When nine dialyzed patients were placed on a maintenance dose of digoxin, 0.125 mg 5 days a week, serum levels plateaued at 30 days at a mean concentration (± SE) of 0.84 ± 0.05 ng/ml. Maintenance therapy with 0.1 mg digitoxin 5 days a week resulted in stabilization of serum levels within 30 days at a mean concentration of 19 ± 1 ng/ml. Variability in the serum glycoside concentrations was determined after stabilization of levels during 2 to 19 week follow-up periods with each drug. Variability in serum levels was somewhat increased during maintenance therapy with digitoxin. On the basis of the pharmacokinetic data obtained in this study, no clear cut preference for one glycoside over the other could be established.     

Intermittent injections vs. continuous infusion of factor VIII in haemophilia patients undergoing major surgery

Continuous infusion (CI) of factor VIII (FVIII) has been proved to be a safe alternative to intermittent bolus injections (BI) in haemophilia A. Most reports on CI suggest a considerable saving in FVIII compared with historical controls treated with BI, but some recent reports failed to demonstrate such an effect. The present study prospectively compared safety, efficacy and factor requirements in 43 major surgical procedures performed in severe haemophilia A patients who were treated with either BI (18 operations) or CI (25 operations). The aim was to maintain factor VIII levels above the same minimum levels. Improved safety of CI over BI was observed, despite a bias in favour of the BI group (all underwent unilateral operations, compared with 24% of the CI group who underwent bilateral operations). Higher nadir levels were found in the CI group (0.44 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.31 +/- 0.09 IU/ml; P < 0.01) with a lower incidence of dangerous drops below 0.3 IU/ml (8% vs. 44% of patients respectively; P < 0.01), and a lower drop in haemoglobin (Hb) (1.56 +/- 1.21 vs. 3.01 +/- 2.13 g/dl; P < 0.05) and blood transfusion requirements (12% vs. 39%; P < 0.01). Major bleeding complications developed in three out of 18 patients (17%) in the BI group and none of the CI group (P = 0.06). The FVIII dosage was lower by 36% in the CI group (467 +/- 104 vs. 733 +/- 126 IU/kg; P < 0.01). Had the trough factor levels been maintained at the target levels, a greater difference of 72% would probably have been observed.     

高龄腹部大手术患者术中低体温影响因素及其预防管理

目的 调查高龄腹部大手术患者术中低体温发生率,分析影响术中低体温的相关因素。方法 将2022年1月至2023年1月在中国人民解放军联勤保障部队第九六四医院收治的146例行腹部大手术的高龄患者纳为研究对象。统计其术中低体温发生率及术中低体温对患者术后并发症的影响,采用logistic回归模型分析影响高龄腹部大手术患者术中低体温的相关影响因素。采用SPSS 22.0统计软件进行数据分析。根据数据类型,组间比较分别采用t检验及χ²检验。结果 146例高龄腹部大手术患者中,发生术中低体温患者共76例(52.05%),发生术中低体温患者麻醉恢复期寒颤、代谢性酸中毒、电解质紊乱等发生率均高于正常体温组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。二元logistic回归分析发现,体质量指数≥24kg/m²(OR=0.212, 95%CI 0.073~0.615)及输液加温(OR=0.459, 95%CI 0.279~0.756)是高龄腹部大手术患者术中低体温发生的保护因素,而麻醉时间≥3h(OR=2.010, 95%CI 1.604~2.518)、术中输液量＞2000ml(OR=1.912,95%CI 1.164~3.139)是其危险因素。结论 高龄腹部大手术患者术中低体温发生率较高,术中低体温会增加患者术后各种并发症发生率;建议采用复合措施,以降低患者术中低体温发生率。     

Risk factors for metachronous adenoma in the residual colon of patients undergoing curative surgery for colorectal cancer

Purpose

Adenoma detection in colorectal cancer survivors is poorly characterised with insufficient evidence to inform frequency of surveillance schedule. The aim of this study was to examine adenoma incidence and recurrence in patients who have undergone colorectal cancer resection with curative intent. Survival outcomes were compared to determine if the presence of adenomas could be used to identify patients at higher risk of local recurrence.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational cohort study at a single tertiary institution between 2006 and 2012. Five hundred fifteen consecutive patients with stage I–III colorectal cancer who had preoperative colonoscopy and curative surgery were included (median follow-up 56 months (36–75 months).

Results

In total, 352/515 (68%) patients underwent postoperative surveillance colonoscopy in the first 5 years after resection. Male gender was associated with greater risk of detecting synchronous adenoma at index colonoscopy or in the resection specimen (OR 2.35, p < 0.001). In the first 5 years after cancer surgery, synchronous adenoma, male gender and right sided primary tumour were independent predictors of metachronous lesions (OR 2.13, p = 0.009; OR 2.07, p = 0.027 and OR 2.34, p = 0.004, respectively). Presence of synchronous or metachronous adenoma had no impact upon incidence of local recurrence, overall or disease free survival.

Conclusions

Patients with synchronous adenoma remain at high risk of adenoma recurrence despite undergoing colonic resection and should be considered for early endoscopic surveillance. Men and those undergoing right-sided resection have a higher risk of metachronous adenoma in the long term and may benefit from more frequent endoscopic surveillance post resection.

     

Indications of prophylactic coronary revascularization in patients undergoing major vascular surgery: the saga continues.

ACC/AHA Guidelines When considering a patient for major vascular surgery, a carefulpre-operative clinical risk evaluation and subsequent risk-reductionstrategies are essential to improve post-operative outcome.The ACC/AHA TaskForce published therefore Practice Guidelinesfor Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation for Non-cardiacSurgery in 1996 and an update in 2002.¹ Furthermore, due toincreasing evidence of the beneficial effect of beta-blockeruse in the perioperative period, the guidelines section on perioperativebeta-blocker therapy is recently updated.² The core of the ACC/AHAguidelines is an algorithm, which summarizes the stepwise evaluationof clinical parameters used to assess the need for further cardiactesting. According to the algorithm, after assessing the urgencyof the surgery and the cardiac status of