Outcomes of infected pancreatic necrosis complicated with duodenal fistula in the era of minimally invasive techniques

Abstract

Background: Duodenal fistula (DF) was reportedly thought to be the second most common type of gastrointestinal fistula secondary to acute necrotizing pancreatitis. However, infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) associated DF (IPN-DF) was rarely specifically reported in the literature. The outcome of IPN-DF was also less well recognized, especially in the era of minimally invasive techniques. A retrospective cohort study was designed mainly focused on the management and outcomes of IPN-DF in the era of minimally invasive techniques.

Methods: One hundred and twenty-one consecutive patients diagnosed with IPN between January 2015 and May 2018 were enrolled retrospectively. Among them, 10 patients developed DF. The step-up minimal invasive techniques were highlighted and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: Compared with patients without IPN-DF, patients with IPN-DF had longer hospital stay (95.8 vs. 63.5 days, p?p?>?.05). The median interval between the onset of acute pancreatitis (AP) and detection of DF was 2.4 months (1–4 months). The median duration of DF was 1.5 months (0.5–3 months). Out of the 10 patients with DF, 9 had their fistulas resolve spontaneously over time by means of controlling the source of infection with the use of minimally invasive techniques and providing enteral nutritional support, while one patient died of uncontrolled sepsis. No open surgery was performed. On follow-up, the 9 patients recovered completely and remained free of infection and leakage.

Conclusion: IPN-DF could be managed successfully using minimally invasive techniques in specialized acute pancreatitis (AP) center. Patients with IPN-DF suffered from a longer hospital stay, but similar mortality rate compared with patients without DF.     

Post-laparoscopic mesh in post-menopausal umbilical hernia repair: A case series

Abstract

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of the use of a composite PTFE/polypropylene patch, Ventralex (Davol Inc., C.R. Bard, Inc., RI, USA), to repair, concurrent with laparoscopy, umbilical hernia in 51 postmenopausal women. After laparoscopy, patients were submitted to the hernia repair by a patch intraperitoneally placed behind the hernia. Primary outcomes included complication rates, while hernia recurrence was the secondary outcome. Patient age range was 58 ± 4.3 years, the size of patches was small in 17.6% of women, medium in 68.7% and large in 13.7%. Seventy-six percent of patients had an ASA I–II score, the mean operating time for hernia repair was 7 ± 2 minutes with 15 cc of related blood loss, with 1.8 days of hospital stay. The visual analogue scale was 0–3 for 62.7%, 4–6 for 27.5% and 7–10 for 9.8% of women. All laparoscopic and umbilical hernia repair terminated without any further intra or postoperative complications, with 36 months of follow-up; none of the patients showed recurrences. Combining laparoscopy and intraperitoneal mesh repair appears to be indicated for umbilical hernia treatment in post-menopausal patients undergoing laparoscopy, resulting in a safe and easy procedure, with short hospital stay and fast dismissal, with no major morbidity or recurrence.     

Referral gridlock

BACKGROUND: Patients' barriers to mental health services are well documented and include social stigma, lack of adequate insurance coverage, and underdiagnosis by primary care physicians. Little is known, however, about challenges primary care physicians face arranging mental health referrals and hospitalizations. OBJECTIVE: To examine how practice setting and environment influence primary care physicians' ability to refer patients for medically necessary mental health services. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis using nationally representative survey data from the 1998 to 1999 Community Tracking Study physician survey. The overall survey response rate was 61%. PARTICIPANTS: A 1998 to 1999 telephone survey of 6586 primary care physicians. MEASUREMENTS: Primary care physicians' report of whether they could obtain medically necessary referrals to high-quality mental health specialists or psychiatric admissions. RESULTS: Overall, 54% of primary care physicians reported problems obtaining psychiatric hospital admissions, and 54% reported problems arranging outpatient mental health referrals. Primary care physicians practicing in staff and group model HMOs were much less apt to report difficulties than physicians in solo and small-group practices (P <.001). Reports of inadequate time with patients (P <.001) and smaller numbers of psychiatrists in a market area (P <.01) also were associated with problems obtaining mental health referrals. Pediatricians were more apt to report problems than general internists (P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Primary care physicians face greater hurdles obtaining mental health services than other medical services. Primary care is an important entry point for mental health services, yet inadequate referral systems between medical and mental health services may be hampering access.     

输尿管负压吸引鞘在输尿管软镜碎石术中的价值探讨

目的探讨输尿管负压吸引鞘在输尿管软镜碎石术治疗肾结石中的安全性及有效性。方法回顾性分析96例行输尿管软镜碎石术治疗肾结石患者的临床资料,应用输尿管负压吸引鞘46例(治疗组),未应用50例(对照组),比较两组患者的结石清除率、手术时间、肾盂内压、术后肾绞痛、石街形成情况、术后全身炎症反应综合征(SIRS)、降钙素原(PCT)浓度、白细胞计数、住院时间、住院费用和治疗有效率。结果治疗组肾盂内压在最小值、最大值和平均值方面均明显小于对照组(P0.05);在1个月后检查发现,对照组患者治疗有效率为70.0%,清除率为82.0%,而治疗组患者治疗有效率为84.7%,清除率95.6%,治疗组患者结石治疗有效率和清除率明显优于对照组(P0.05);治疗组和对照组手术时间分别为(86.3±5.2)和(108.6±3.5)min,治疗组明显短于对照组(P0.05);对照组和治疗组术后肾绞痛例数分别为13和2例(P0.05);对照组和治疗组术后石街形成例数分别为11和2例(P0.05);对照组和治疗组术后SIRS分别为10和2例,治疗组术后肾绞痛和石街形成、SIRS例数均明显低于对照组(P0.05);对照组和治疗组住院时间分别为(8.8±1.1)和(7.7±1.2)d,住院费用分别为(23 067.5±392.8)和(21 957.3±378.6)元,治疗组住院时间和住院费用与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);对照组和治疗组术后PCT分别为(1.5±0.3)和(0.3±0.1)ng/ml,白细胞计数分别为(14.6±0.5)×109/L和(6.4±0.6)×109/L,术后治疗组患者PCT和白细胞计数明显低于对照组(P0.05)。结论输尿管负压吸引鞘在输尿管软镜碎石术治疗肾结石中安全、有效,缩短手术时长,同时提高结石清除率,减少不良反应发生,应当推广。     

Cardiac catheterization through ipsilateral radial and ulnar artery access during the same procedure

We evaluated the safety and feasibility of ipsilateral radial and ulnar artery cannulation during the same catheterization procedure. Crossover from radial to femoral was done in 122 patients. Both ipsilateral radial and ulnar catheterization were performed in 16 patients without any complications, which was further supported by Doppler ultrasonography.     

Distal transradial access for post-CABG coronary and surgical grafts angiography and interventions

BackgroundPost-CABG coronary and grafts angiography (CGAG) and interventions (PCI) have historically been performed via classic transfemoral approach. Particularly for those with left internal mammary artery (LIMA) grafts, left standard transradial access (lsTRA) represents a feasible alternative, with significant fewer vascular complications, but it has ergonomic disadvantage for the operator because of the need to bend over the patients, especially in obese ones. Distal transradial access (dTRA) may provide important advantages, including shorter hemostasis and greater patient and operator comfort, mainly for left dTRA (ldTRA). We aim to describe the feasibility and safety of right and left dTRA for post-CABG CGAG and PCI.Material and methodsFrom February 2019 to April 2021, 111 consecutive post-CABG patients submitted to CGAG and/or PCI via dTRA have been enrolled.ResultsMean patient age was 67.6 years old. Most were male (88.3%) and had chronic coronary syndromes (61.3%). Overall, 35.1% had acute coronary syndromes. Distal RA was successfully punctured in all 111 patients, always without ultrasound guidance. All procedures involving LIMA grafts were done via ipsilateral ldTRA. We had only 5 (4.5%) access site crossovers. Successful dTRA sheath insertion was then achieved in 95.5% of all patients, mostly (74.8%) via ldTRA and with standard 6Fr sheath (99.1%). Distal and proximal RA pulses were palpable in all patients at hospital discharge. No major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events and no major complications related to dTRA were recorded.ConclusionsdTRA for routine post-CABG CGAG and PCI by experienced transradial operators appears to be feasible. Further randomized and larger trials are needed to assure clinical benefits and safety of this new technique.     

Application of transesophageal echocardiography for localization in totally implantable venous access port implantation through subclavian approach in children

A totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) is important in children who need intravenous infusion for a long time. A number of studies have shown methods for locating the tip of the TIVAP catheter. To explore whether transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) can be used to accurately locate the TIVAP catheter tip through a subclavian approach and to improve the rate of correct TIVAP catheter placement and reduce complications of TIVAP placement. In 36 children who needed TIVAP implantation surgery, we used real‐time TEE guidance to place the catheter tip around the crista terminalis. In all children, chest X‐rays were used to figure out whether the catheter tip as localized by TEE was within the T5‐T7 segment. Then, we compared the length of the catheter calculated by the height formula and the actual catheter length applied under TEE guidance. The medical records, surgical details, nursing records, and recorded complications were collected during the follow‐up. The success rate of TIVAP implantation was 100% in all enrolled patients and no hemopneumothorax or pinch‐off syndrome occurred. Compared with TEE, chest X‐ray showed a coincidence rate of 80.56% in correctly detecting the TIVAP catheter tip locate. The height‐derived catheter length (11.0 [9.6, 11.8]) cm and the TEE‐derived catheter length (10.0 [9.3, 10.8]) cm were significantly different (p < .001). TEE can be used to guide TIVAP catheter positioning through a left subclavian approach in children accurately and successfully and more accurate than chest X‐ray and height calculation formula.     

Meta-analysis of ProGlide versus MANTA vascular closure devices for large-bore access site management

IntroductionThe comparative effectiveness of ProGlide® compared with MANTA® vascular closure devices (VCDs) in large-bore access site management is not entirely certain, and has only been evaluated in underpowered studies. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the outcomes of ProGlide® compared with MANTA® VCDs.MethodsPubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched systematically for relevant articles from the inception of the database until August 27, 2021. The outcomes of interest were all bleeding events, major bleeding, major and minor vascular complications, pseudoaneurysm, stenosis or dissection, and VCD failure. Risk ratios were used as point estimates of endpoints. All statistical analyses were carried out using R version 4.0.3.ResultsFour observational studies and 1 pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference between the ProGlide® and MANTA® groups in the risk of all bleeding events, major/life-threatening bleeding, major vascular complications, minor vascular complications, pseudoaneurysms, and/or stenosis or dissection of the entry site vessel. However, the incidence of VCD failure was higher in the ProGlide® group compared with the MANTA® group (RR 1.94; 95% CI 1.31–2.84; I² = 0%).ConclusionIn conclusion, both VCDs (ProGlide® and MANTA®) have comparable outcomes with regard to risk of bleeding, vascular complications, pseudoaneurysms, and/or stenosis or dissection of entry vessel. ProGlide® was however associated with higher device failure.     

Digital communication between clinician and patient and the impact on marginalised groups: a realist review in general practice

Background

Increasingly, the NHS is embracing the use of digital communication technology for communication between clinicians and patients. Policymakers deem digital clinical communication as presenting a solution to the capacity issues currently faced by general practice. There is some concern that these technologies may exacerbate existing inequalities in accessing health care. It is not known what impact they may have on groups who are already marginalised in their ability to access general practice.

Aim

To assess the potential impact of the availability of digital clinician–patient communication on marginalised groups’ access to general practice in the UK.

Design and setting

Realist review in general practice.

Method

A four-step realist review process was used: to define the scope of the review; to search for and scrutinise evidence; to extract and synthesise evidence; and to develop a narrative, including hypotheses.

Results

Digital communication has the potential to overcome the following barriers for marginalised groups: practical access issues, previous negative experiences with healthcare service/staff, and stigmatising reactions from staff and other patients. It may reduce patient-related barriers by offering anonymity and offers advantages to patients who require an interpreter. It does not impact on inability to communicate with healthcare professionals or on a lack of candidacy. It is likely to work best in the context of a pre-existing clinician–patient relationship.

Conclusion

Digital communication technology offers increased opportunities for marginalised groups to access health care. However, it cannot remove all barriers to care for these groups. It is likely that they will remain disadvantaged relative to other population groups after their introduction.