Enhanced peri-operative care to improve outcomes for high-risk surgical patients in Brazil: a single-centre before-and-after cohort study

Mortality and morbidity for high-risk surgical patients are often high, especially in low-resource settings. Enhanced peri-operative care has the potential to reduce preventable deaths but must be designed to meet local needs. This before-and-after cohort study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a postoperative 48-hour enhanced care pathway for high-risk surgical patients (‘high-risk surgical bundle’) who did not meet the criteria for elective admission to intensive care. The pathway comprised of six elements: risk identification and communication; adoption of a high-risk post-anaesthesia care unit discharge checklist; prompt nursing admission to ward; intensification of vital signs monitoring; troponin measurement; and prompt access to medical support if required. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Data describing 1189 patients from two groups, before and after implementation of the pathway, were compared. The usual care group comprised a retrospective cohort of high-risk surgical patients between September 2015 and December 2016. The intervention group prospectively included high-risk surgical patients from February 2019 to March 2020. Unadjusted mortality rate was 10.5% (78/746) for the usual care and 6.3% (28/443) for the intervention group. After adjustment, the intervention effect remained significant (RR 0.46 (95%CI 0.30–0.72). The high-risk surgical bundle group received more rapid response team calls (24% vs. 12.6%; RR 0.63 [95%CI 0.49–0.80]) and surgical re-interventions (18.9 vs. 7.5%; RR 0.41 [95%CI 0.30–0.59]). These data suggest that a clinical pathway based on enhanced surveillance for high-risk surgical patients in a resource-constrained setting could reduce in-hospital mortality.     

Perioperative and long-term outcomes following aortic valve replacement: a population cohort study of 4124 consecutive patients

Objective: Because of increasing life expectancy, more patients require valve replacement for aortic stenosis. We aimed to determine perioperative and long-term outcomes, the factors associated with these and whether they have changed over time. Methods: We undertook a retrospective cohort study of all 4124 patients, who underwent isolated, primary aortic valve replacement in Scotland between April 1996 and March 2009 inclusive. Results: Annual operations increased by 68%, from 261 to 439. The overall risk of dying within 30 days, 5 years and 10 years was 3.4%, 19.9% and 38.5%, respectively. Over 10 years’ follow-up, 4.4% underwent further valve surgery, 7.9% suffered a stroke and 5.3% a myocardial infarction. Age, renal impairment and urgency were predictors of both perioperative and long-term death. Perioperative death was associated with left-ventricular impairment and long-term death with respiratory disease, diabetes and deprivation. Over the 13 years, there was an increase in median age (from 66 to 69 years, p < 0.001), diabetes (from 1.9% to 12.6%, p < 0.001), hypertension (from 26.4% to 56.1%, p < 0.001), cerebrovascular disease (from 3.7% to 9.8%, p < 0.001), respiratory disease (from 6.6% to 9.7%, p = 0.020) and previous myocardial infarction (from 0.6% to 5.8%, p < 0.001), but the risk of perioperative death fell from 6.5% to 3.1% (odds ratio (OR) 0.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.83, 0.92, p < 0.001) per year. Conclusions: Patients undergoing aortic valve replacement have a poor risk profile. Over time, their numbers, age and co-morbidity have increased. In spite of these, there has been a significant reduction in the risk of perioperative death.     

Population-based study of hospital trauma care in a rural state without a formal trauma system

OBJECTIVE: Formalized systems of trauma care are believed to improve outcomes in an urban setting, but little is known of the applicability in a rural setting. METHODS: We conducted a population-based analysis of hospital survival after trauma comparing an American College of Surgeons-verified Level I trauma center (TC) with the pooled results of 13 small community hospitals (CH) in a rural state with no formal trauma system. All patients admitted to any hospital within the state of Vermont over a 5-year period (1995-1999) with a trauma discharge diagnosis were included. Elderly patients with isolated femur fractures were excluded from the database. International Classification of Diseases Injury Severity Scores (ICISSs) were calculated for each patient and used to control for injury severity in an omnibus logistic regression model that included age, ICISS, and hospital type (TC vs. CH) as predictors of survival. Patients who died were characterized on the basis of ICISS into "expected" (ICISS < 0.25), "indeterminate" (ICISS = 0.26-0.50), and "unexpected" (ICISS > 0.5). RESULTS: In 16,354 trauma admissions over the 5-year period in the rural state of Vermont, 370 (2.2%) died. There were 5,964 (36%) admitted to TC. Patients admitted to TC were more injured (ICISS 0.94 vs. 0.96) and had a higher mortality (3.1% vs. 1.8). Overall, care at the CH provided an improved survival (odds ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence internal = 1.31-2.18, p = 0.000). However, in the more severely injured cohort of trauma patients (expected and indeterminate; n = 133), overall survival was higher in the TC (16% CH vs. 38% TC, p = 0.02, chi2). Because the TC was known to provide care equivalent to Major Trauma Outcome Study norms during this time period (Z = -0.03, M = 0.894), we believe this study confirms that trauma care throughout the state is in accordance with national norms. CONCLUSION: In a rural state, without a statewide formal trauma system, survival after trauma is no worse at CH than TC when corrected for injury severity and age. Future expenditures of resources might better be concentrated in other areas such as discovery or prehospital care to further improve outcomes.     

Clinical outcomes after parastomal hernia repair with a polyester monofilament composite mesh: a cohort study of 79 consecutive patients

Purpose

Different techniques and mesh materials are used in parastomal hernia repair with recently reported recurrence rates ranging from 10 to 28%. The aim of this cohort study was to examine the risk of recurrence and chronic pain after Sugarbaker or keyhole parastomal hernia repair with intraperitoneal placement of a polyester monofilament macroporous composite mesh.

Methods

Data on all patients undergoing parastomal hernia repair with Parietex? Composite Parastomal Mesh at our institution during a 4-year period were examined. Patients with urostomy were excluded. A team of three experienced surgeons performed all repairs. Follow-up including physical examination was done after 10 days, 6 and 12 months, and hereafter as annual structured telephone interviews. Patients suspected of hernia recurrence were offered computed tomography scan. Chronic pain was defined as pain requiring out-patient visit(s) and/or regular use of analgesics.

Results

79 patients (Sugarbaker, n = 69; keyhole, n = 10) were included. Of those, 72 procedures were performed laparoscopically and seven by open technique. Two patients were reoperated within 30 days with removal of the mesh. In total, seven (9%) patients had parastomal hernia recurrence (reoperation, n = 3; conservative management, n = 4) during follow-up of median 12 months (range 0–49 months). In univariable logistic analyses, type of stoma was associated with recurrence (ileostomy 28% vs colostomy 3%, p = 0.007). Three patients (4%) reported chronic pain.

Conclusion

In this study, we found low rates of recurrence and chronic pain following parastomal hernia repair using intraperitoneal reinforcement with a polyester monofilament composite mesh.

     

Perioperative hypotension and discharge outcomes in non-critically injured trauma patients,a single centre retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThere is a lack of information on the effect of age on perioperative care and outcomes after minor trauma in the elderly. We examined the association between perioperative hypotension and discharge outcome among non-critically injured adult patients.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of non-critically ill patients (ISS <9 or discharged within less than 24 h) who received anaesthesia care for surgery and Recovery Room care at a level-1 trauma centre between 5/1/2012 and 11/30/2013. Perioperative hypotension was defined as systolic blood pressure (SBP) <90 mmHg (traditional measure) for all patients, and SBP <110 mmHg (strict measure) for patients ≥65 years. Poor outcome was defined as death or discharge to skilled nursing facility/hospice.Results1744 patients with mean ISS 4.4 across age groups were included; 169 (10%) were ≥65 years. Among patients ≥ 65 years, intraoperative hypotension occurred in >75% (131/169, traditional measure) and in >95% (162/169, strict measure); recovery room hypotension occurred in 2% (4/169) and 29% (49/169), respectively. Mean age-adjusted anaesthetic agent concentration (MAC) was similar across age groups. Opioid use decreased from 9.3 (SD 5.7) mg/h morphine equivalents in patients <55 years to 6.2 (SD 4.0) mg/h in patients over 85 years. Adjusted for gender, ASA score, anaesthesia duration, morphine equivalent/hr, fluid balance, MAC and surgery type, and using traditional definition, older patients were more likely than patients <55 to experience perioperative hypotension: aRR 1.21, 95% CI 1.11–1.30 for 55–64 and aRR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07–1.32 for ages 65–74. Perioperative hypotension was associated with poor discharge outcome (aRR 1.55; 95% CI 1.04–2.31 and aRR 1.87; 95% CI 1.17–2.98, respectively).ConclusionDespite age related reduction in doses of volatile anaesthetic and opioids administered during anaesthesia care, and regardless of hypotension definition used, non-critically injured patients undergoing surgery experience a large perioperative hypotension burden. This burden is higher for patients 55–74 years and older and is a risk factor for poor discharge outcomes, independent of age and ASA status.     

Fibrinogen is an independent predictor of mortality in major trauma patients: A five-year statewide cohort study

IntroductionFibrinogen may be reduced following traumatic injury due to loss from haemorrhage, increased consumption and reduced synthesis. In the absence of clinical trials, guidelines for fibrinogen replacement are based on expert opinion and vary internationally. We aimed to determine prevalence and predictors of low fibrinogen on admission in major trauma patients and investigate association of fibrinogen levels with patient outcomes.Patients and methodsData on all major trauma patients (January 2007–July 2011) identified through a prospective statewide trauma registry in Victoria, Australia were linked with laboratory and transfusion data. Major trauma included any of the following: death after injury, injury severity score (ISS) >15, admission to intensive care unit requiring mechanical ventilation, or urgent surgery for intrathoracic, intracranial, intra-abdominal procedures or fixation of pelvic or spinal fractures. Associations between initial fibrinogen level and in-hospital mortality were analysed using multiple logistic regression.ResultsOf 4773 patients identified, 114 (2.4%) had fibrinogen less than 1 g/L, 283 (5.9%) 1.0–1.5 g/L, 617 (12.9%) 1.6–1.9 g/L, 3024 (63.4%) 2–4 g/L and 735 (15%) >4 g/L. Median fibrinogen was 2.6 g/L (interquartile range 2.1–3.4). After adjusting for age, gender, ISS, injury type, pH, temperature, Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), initial international normalised ratio and platelet count, the lowest fibrinogen categories, compared with normal range, were associated with increased in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio [OR] for less than 1 g/L 3.28 [95% CI 1.71–6.28, p < 0.01], 1–1.5 g/L adjusted OR 2.08 [95% CI 1.36–3.16, p < 0.01] and 1.6–1.9 g/L adjusted OR 1.39 [95% CI 0.97–2.00, p = 0.08]). Predictors of initial fibrinogen <1.5 g/L were younger age, lower GCS, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg, chest decompression, penetrating injury, ISS >25 and lower pH and temperature.ConclusionsInitial fibrinogen levels less than the normal range are independently associated with higher in-hospital mortality in major trauma patients. Future studies are warranted to investigate whether earlier and/or greater fibrinogen replacement improves clinical outcomes.     

Venous thromboembolism in emergency general surgery patients: a single-centre retrospective cohort study

BackgroundThere is limited literature on the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in emergency general surgery (EGS) patients. We undertook this study to identify the rate of symptomatic VTE for patients undergoing EGS operations.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating EGS patients who underwent operative intervention between March and December 2014. Data collected included patient demographics, type of procedure, risk of VTE, VTE prophylaxis, development of symptomatic VTE, and mortality.ResultsWe included 767 patients in our analysis. The mean age was 53 ± 19.7 years, and 52.2% of patients were female. Eighteen patients (2.3%) experienced VTE in hospital and 12 (1.6%) experienced VTE after discharge. Only 66% of patients received appropriate VTE prophylaxis. High-risk patients had a higher VTE rate (7.4% v. 2.3%, p < 0.001) and higher mortality (17.6% v. 4.0%, p < 0.001) than low-to moderate-risk patients.ConclusionThe risk of VTE in patients requiring EGS is significant and persists after hospital discharge. Further studies on quality improvement with VTE prophylaxis are warranted.     

Applicability of the Clavien-Dindo classification to emergency surgical procedures: a retrospective cohort study on 444 consecutive patients

Background

Patients undergoing emergency surgery have a high risk for surgical complications and death. The Clavien-Dindo classification has been developed and validated in elective general surgical patients, but has not been validated in emergency surgical patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications in emergency surgical patients and to study preoperative factors for risk stratification that should be included into a database of surgical complications.

Methods

A cohort of 444 consecutive patients having emergency general surgery during a three-month period was retrospectively analyzed. Surgical complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Preoperative risk factors for complications were studied using logistic regression analysis.

Results

Preoperatively 37 (8.3%) patients had organ dysfunctions. Emergency surgical patients required a new definition for Grade IV complications (organ dysfunctions). Only new onset organ dysfunctions or complications that significantly contributed to worsening of pre-operative organ dysfunctions were classified as grade IV complications. Postoperative complications developed in 115 (25.9%) patients, and 14 (3.2%) patients developed grade IV complication. Charlson comorbidity index, preoperative organ dysfunction and the type of surgery predicted postoperative complications.

Conclusions

The Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications can be used in emergency surgical patients but preoperative organ dysfunctions should be taken into account when defining postoperative grade IV complications. For risk stratification patients’ comorbidities, preoperative organ dysfunctions and the type of surgery should be taken into consideration.

     

Non-invasive ventilation in do-not-intubate patients: five-year follow-up on a two-year prospective, consecutive cohort study

Background: End-of-life decisions are common in intensive care units (ICUs), and increasingly, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) is used as a ceiling of ventilatory care. However, little is known about the outcome following that decision.
Methods: An observational, single-center, retrospective, follow-up study with no interventions, on ICU patients treated with NIV and a do-not-intubate (DNI) order. The patients were followed until a 5-year survival rate could be calculated.
Results: One hundred and fifty-seven patients were treated with NIV during 2002 and 2003, and among 38 a DNI order was in effect. Of the 38 DNI patients, 11 died in the ICU, 16 died on the ward and 11 survived the hospital stay. Five of these 11 survivors died within 6 months, two died after 2.7 and 3.3 years, respectively, but four were still alive after 5 years. The long-term (>6 months) survivors have, surprisingly only been admitted to the hospital 0–2 times a year – and seldom with the need for ICU treatment.
Conclusions: According to this study, and previous ones, it seems worthwhile treating DNI patients with NIV. Twenty-five to 35% leave the hospital alive, every 6th patient lives for at least 1 year, and this paper shows that 10% may survive for 5 years or more. However, only chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure patients (both with a concomitant low APACHE score) seem to have a reasonable outcome, and patients should be informed about this. So far, no study has investigated the quality of life of these survivors.     

Poor outcomes in cirrhosis-associated hernia repair: a nationwide cohort study of 32,033 patients

Cirrhosis is a significant marker of adverse postoperative outcome. A large national database was analyzed for abdominal wall hernia repair outcomes in cirrhotic vs. non-cirrhotic patients. Data from cirrhotics and non-cirrhotics undergoing inpatient repair of abdominal wall hernias (excluding inguinal) from 1999 to 2004 were obtained from the University HealthSystem Consortium (UHC) database. Differences (P<0.05) were determined using standard statistical methods. Inpatient hernia repair was performed in 30,836 non-cirrhotic (41.5% male) and 1,197 cirrhotic patients (62.7% male; P<0.0001). Cirrhotics had a higher age distribution (P<0.0001), no race differences (P=0.64), underwent ICU admission more commonly (15.9% vs. 6%; P<0.0001), had a longer LOS (5.4 vs. 3.7 days), and higher morbidity (16.5% vs. 13.8%; P=0.008), and mortality (2.5% vs. 0.2%; P<0.0001) compared to non-cirrhotics. Several comorbidities had a higher associated mortality in cirrhosis: functional impairment, congestive heart failure, renal failure, nutritional deficiencies, and peripheral vascular disease. The complications with the highest associated mortality in cirrhotics were aspiration pneumonia, pulmonary compromise, myocardial infarction, pneumonia, and metabolic derangements. Cirrhotics underwent emergent surgery more commonly than non-cirrhotics (58.9% vs. 29.5%; P<0.0001), with longer LOS regardless of elective or emergent surgery. Although elective surgical morbidity in cirrhotics was no different from non-cirrhotics (15.6% vs. 13.5%; P=0.18), emergent surgery morbidity was (17.3% vs. 14.5%; P=0.04). While differences in elective surgical mortality in cirrhotics approached significance (0.6% vs. 0.1%; P=0.06), mortality was 7-fold higher in emergencies (3.8% vs. 0.5%; P<0.0001). Patients with cirrhosis carry a significant risk of adverse outcome after abdominal wall hernia repair compared to non-cirrhotics, particularly with emergent surgery. It may, however, be safer than previously thought. Ideally, patients with cirrhosis should undergo elective hernia repair after medical optimization.     

Oncological and endoprosthetic outcomes of bone sarcoma patients: a nationwide cohort study

European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology - To retrospectively analyze the entire cohort of patients in the Republic of Slovenia diagnosed with bone sarcomas in the long bones or...     

A prospective cohort study investigating the use of a surgical planning tool to improve patient fasting times in orthopaedic trauma

Objectives

To improve surgical planning and reduce fasting times with a tool designed to predict average surgical times for the commonest orthopaedic trauma operations.

Relationship between responsiveness to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent and long-term outcomes in chronic hemodialysis patients: a single-center cohort study

Background

Responsiveness to erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) may be associated with mortality risk in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between responsiveness to ESA and long-term outcome in chronic HD patients.

Methods

Patients on HD therapy for more than 6 months were enrolled in this cohort study. The first year was used to assess the longitudinal dialysis status of patients; the subsequent years were used to assess the time-dependent risk of all-cause mortality. Hazard ratios were estimated using a Cox proportional model for the association between ESA dose and hemoglobin (Hb) level and mortality, adjusting for potential confounders. The ESA resistance index (ERI) was determined as the weekly weight-adjusted dose of ESA divided by Hb concentration. Patients were divided into three groups by tertiles of ERI.

Results

Of the 320 subjects enrolled, 105 died during the follow-up period of 70.4 ± 29.0 months. When subjects were stratified by epoetin dose and Hb level into four groups, those who had low Hb despite a high dose of epoetin were associated with the highest risk of mortality among the four groups (adjusted hazard ratio 1.86; 95 % confidence interval 1.25–2.75). These highest risk subjects had older age, lower body mass index, and lower serum levels of albumin, triglyceride, and transferring saturation. The impact of serum albumin and serum ferritin on mortality risk in an adjusted Cox proportional hazards model was in accordance with low Hb and higher ESA. There was no significant difference between the mortality risk and tertile of ERI.

Conclusions

High ESA dose and low Hb level were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. However, the responsiveness to ESA estimated by ERI was not related to mortality risk. These findings suggest that the responsiveness to ESA should be evaluated by different methods in HD patients.