American Society Of Anaesthesiologists Score Research Articles

Exploring Quality of Life and Mortality in Pertrochanteric Fragility Hip Fractures in Northern Greece: A Single Tertiary Center Study.

Background: Fragility-related pertrochanteric fractures have become a significant public health concern, with a rising incidence attributed to the expanding elderly demographic. Assessing patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL), mortality, and factors correlated with them serves as a crucial metric in evaluating the effectiveness of hip fracture surgery. Methods: In a single-center retrospective study, 259 patients underwent surgical treatment with a cephalomedullary nail, with a mean follow-up of 21.7 months. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using SF-12 (12-item Short Form) and EQ-5D (EuroQoL-5 Dimensions) questionnaires. Mobility status was measured by the Crude Mobility Index (CMI). Surveys were administered during hospitalization and six months postoperatively. Statistical analysis involved descriptive statistics, non-parametric controls (Kendall, Mann-Whitney, and Wilcoxon), and Spearman correlation and logistic regression analysis, which were conducted using IBM SPSS version 28. Results: A statistically significant decrease was observed in the mean EQ-5D and SF-12 scores at 6 months post-op compared to the pre-fracture status. The ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) score showed a significant correlation with the decrease in HRQoL measured by the SF-12 questionnaire. The 30-day post-operative mortality rate was 9.3%, increasing to 32.4% at 1 year. Notably, the 30-day mortality significantly rose during the pandemic era (5.0% vs. 12.0%; p = 0.003). Conclusions: Pertrochanteric hip fractures cause a lasting decline in quality of life. Annual mortality is high, and further investigations are needed to formulate policies that prevent hip fractures and reduce mortality rates.

Postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery: risk factors and predictive models.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are unexpected disorders that occur up to 30 days after surgery, affecting the patient's clinical status and requiring therapeutic intervention. Therefore, it becomes important to assess the patient preoperatively, as many of these complications can be minimized with proper perioperative strategies following a thorough preoperative checkup. Herein, we describe the PPCs and risk factors associated with developing PPCs in patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery. Additionally, we compared the accuracy of the American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, the Assess Respiratory Risk in Surgical Patients in Catalonia (ARISCAT) score, the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and spirometry in predicting PPCs. Consenting patients (>18 years) undergoing elective upper abdominal surgery were recruited from November 2021 to April 2023. Clinical history was noted. Spirometry and 6MWT were both performed. Pre-operative ASA and ARISCAT scores were recorded. Postoperative follow-up was conducted to assess respiratory symptoms and the occurrence of PPC. PPC was defined as per EPCO guidelines. A total of 133 patients were recruited, predominantly male. A total of 27 (20.3%) patients developed PPCs. A total of 14 (10.5%) patients had more than one PPC. The most common PPCs developed were pleural effusion (11.3%), respiratory failure (7.5%), and pneumonia (4.5%). We obtained ten statistically significant associated variables on univariable analysis, viz obstructive airway disease (p=0.002), airflow limitation (p=0.043), chest radiography (p<0.001), albumin (p=0.30), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p=0.029), aspartate aminotransferase (p=0.019), alanine aminotransferase (p=0.009), forced expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity ratio (p=0.006), duration of surgery (p<0.001), and ASA score (p=0.012). On multivariable regression analysis, abnormal chest radiograph [odds ratio: 8.26; (95% confidence interval: 2.58-25.43), p<0.001], BUN [1.05; (1.00-1.09), p=0.033], and duration of surgery [1.44; (1.18-1.76), p<0.001] were found to be independently associated with PPC. The ASA score was found to have better predictive power for the development of PPCs compared to the ARISCAT score but is of poor clinical significance. Additionally, 6MWD and spirometry results were found to lack any meaningful predictive power for PPC. To conclude, preoperative evaluation of the chest radiograph, BUN, and duration of surgery are independently associated with developing PPCs. The ASA score performs better than the ARISCAT score in identifying patients at a higher risk of developing PPCs and implementing preventive measures.

Risk Factors for Return to the Emergency Department and Readmission After Same-Day Discharge Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundSame-day discharge (SDD) after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is safe and cost effective. However, benefits may be offset by the potential cost of emergency department (ED) visits and readmissions. We identified risk factors for return to the ED and readmission in patients who underwent SDD and inpatient (IP) stays after TJA. MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent primary TJA at an academic institution over the course of one year. There were 1,708 consecutive TJAs (721 THA [total hip arthroplasty] and 987 TKA [total knee arthroplasty]) included. A SDD occurred after 1,199 (70%) TJAs, 523 THAs, and 676 TKAs. We compared the demographics and comorbidities of patients who have SDD or IP who stayed following TJA. We documented rates of return to the ED or readmission within 90 days of surgery. Cohorts were compared using the Student’s t-test or Chi-square test. Significant findings were those with P value < .05. ResultsThe SDD cohort had a significantly higher rate of young, non-White men who had a lower body mass index and fewer comorbidities than the IP cohort. Rates of return to ED and readmission were similar between SDD and IP cohorts after TJA and similar between THA and TKA. Factors that significantly influenced return to ED included a higher American Society of Anaesthesiologists score (SDD, IP), a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score (SDD, IP), a lower body mass index (IP), and a psychological diagnosis (SDD, IP). Factors that significantly influenced readmission rates included a higher American Society of Anaesthesiologists score (SDD), older age (SDD), and psychological diagnosis (SDD, IP). ConclusionsPatients who discharged the same day after primary TJA have similar rates of return to the ED and readmission as those admitted as an IP. Patients who had a psychological diagnosis, and particularly a diagnosis of depression, are at higher risk for return to the ED and readmission after primary TJA, regardless of discharge the same-day or IP admission. Improved measures that attempt to further treat and optimize this patient population could reduce unnecessary postoperative ED visits.

Impact of the starch-based anti-adhesive agent 4DryField PH on anastomotic healing after rectal surgery

Aim: Postoperative adhesions cause medical and socio-economic problems. 4DryField PH (4DF) is a starch-based medical product/agent with approved anti-adhesive and haemostatic effects. However, the influence on anastomotic healing has not yet been evaluated. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to characterize the effects of intraoperatively applied 4DF on the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL) after rectal surgery. Methods: In this retrospective, monocentric cohort study, 157 patients after rectal surgery and primary anastomosis were divided into two groups. One group received 4DF (n=57), the other was treated without 4DF application (n=100). The groups were followed up for confirmed ALs. Results: The rate of ALs (P=0.850) proved to be comparable. Other additional outcome parameters like postoperative hospital stay (P=0.801), wound infection rate (P=0.627), re-admission rate (P=1.000), re-operation rate (P=0.533) and the 30-day mortality (P=0.463) also showed no statistically significant differences. A multivariable regression model for the complete cohort could not identify 4DF application as prognostically relevant for the development of AL, whereas rectal cancer (OR=2.660 [1.184–5.974]; P=0.018), smoking (OR=3.555 [1.326–9.533]; P=0.012), an ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) score ≥3 (OR=2.894 [1.300–6.442]; P=0.009) and male sex (OR=2.411 [1.040–5.591]; P=0.040) were determined as independent risk factors. Conclusion: The application of 4DF in proximity to the anastomotic region after rectal surgery did not increase the risk of AL and showed no impact on other investigated outcome parameters.

Inadvertent perioperative hypothermia prevention strategies for urology surgical patients who received a blood transfusion: A retrospective analysis.

This study aimed to establish whether hypothermia was present in patients who required a blood transfusion and underwent a urology procedure, as well as identify staff knowledge and understanding. A staff survey was conducted with respondents from a range of clinical settings, with some staff working across more than one area. A retrospective review of 46 medical records was conducted between January 2021 and July 2022. All data were exported into an Excel spreadsheet and analysed. Staff (70%) were unaware of guidelines informing thermoregulation practices; however, 90% understood the importance of normothermia in the perioperative environment. Medical record review demonstrated temperature monitoring and intervention implementation varied across the perioperative journey, with 20% of patients hypothermic on admission and 89% of the cohort having two or more risk factors. There is no formal process for the management of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia throughout the patient journey at the hospital. A variety of intrinsic factors (age, patient comorbidities, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score) and external factors (patient waiting times, anaesthetic modality, type of procedure, environmental influences), impact each patient's risk of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia.

The “Medical Cost” of Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in Endometrial Cancer in Terms of Anesthesia Comparison with Traditional Laparoscopic Surgery

Objective :Minimally invasive surgeries have important advantages such as lower morbidity, shorter hospital stay, and earlier return to routine life. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) plays a leading role in the development process of minimally invasive surgery. In this study, we compared patients with endometrial cancer who were operated with RALS and traditional laparoscopic surgery (TLS) methods in terms of processes related to anesthesia, such as peroperative fluid management and transfusion requirement, analgesic strategies, postoperative complications, duration of post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) and hospital stay&#x0D; Materials and Methods: Patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) scores II-III, over the age of 18, who were operated for endometrial cancer by TLS or RALS methods between January 2020 and March 2022 were included in the study. Patients age, ASA score, duration of surgery, peroperative fluid management, transfusion requirement, urine output, bleeding, postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, the PACU admission were obtained from the standard anesthesia record form and preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin (Hb) values, length of hospital stay were obtained from the electronic database of the hospital. &#x0D; Results: Intravenous fluid input, bleeding and urine output during the operation were statistically lower in group RALS. While there was no difference between the preoperative Hb values of the two groups, the postoperative Hb values were significantly lower in the TLS group. Perioperative bleeding and fluid replacement are lesser and the hospital stay is shorter in RALS. &#x0D; Conclusion: TLS and RALS, which are minimally invasive surgical methods, are used in the treatment of endometrial cancer. The idea that RALS is more costly than TLS should be reconsidered, as RALS reduces costs with less perioperative bleeding and fluid replacement and shorter hospital stay

Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic: Using telemedicine for pre-operative surgical evaluation in breast disease.

The COVID-19 pandemic motivated telemedicine care to decrease potential exposures for both patients and staff. We hypothesized that select breast surgical patients can be successfully evaluated pre-operatively with telemedicine. With institutional review board approval, patients with telemedicine surgical consults between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020 were identified retrospectively from our prospective breast surgical registry. The frequency of successful pre-operative evaluation using telemedicine alone was assessed, defined as cases in which surgery was completed on the planned day without changes to the surgical plan after physical examination in the pre-operative area. Differences in disease presentation, patient characteristics, and complications were evaluated by whether the first in-person visit occurred on the day of surgery versus the prior. A total of 374 patients underwent breast surgery between 1 March 2020 and 31 August 2020, of which 96 (25.7%) had a telemedicine consultation. After the telemedicine visit, 38 patients (39.6%) had additional in-person visits with the breast surgeon prior to their operative date, and 58 patients (60.4%) did not. Forty-five patients underwent breast-conserving therapies, 41 mastectomies (25 with reconstruction), two axillary dissections, and eight excisional biopsies. All surgeries were completed on the planned operative day, with no changes in surgical plans. Patients with telemedicine only prior to surgery were more likely to speak English (100% vs. 92.1%, p = 0.02) and have lower body mass index (median 24.9 vs. 29.2, p = 0.01). The frequency of in-person pre-operative visits varied significantly by surgeon (p < 0.001). Age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, distance from facility, clinical T/N category, surgery type, and complications did not differ between groups. Telemedicine can be utilized successfully for select breast surgical patients, with the ability to proceed to surgery in the majority of patients without additional in-person visits.

POTENTIAL IMPACT OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORD ON NATIONAL JOINT REGISTRY OUTLIER ANALYSES

Electronic Health Records (EHRs) have benefits for hospitals and uptake in the UK is increasing. The National Joint Registry (NJR) monitors implant and surgeon performance and relies on accuracy of data. NJR data are used for identification of potential outliers for both mortality and revision; analyses are adjusted for age, sex, and American Society of Anaesthesiologists score (ASA) and cases with some indications are excluded from analyses. In October 2020, the Royal Devon University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust “went live” on an EHR, almost eradicating paper from the Trust. This included stopping use of paper NJR forms by creating a bespoke electronic template. We sought to identify discrepancies between operation notes and data input to the NJR in variables that may influence potential outlier analyses.Data input to the NJR from 15/10/2020 to 18/10/2022 for hip procedures were provided by NEC Software Solutions. NJR data were compared to those recorded on operation notes.There were 1067 hip procedures recorded in the NJR (946 primary THRs). Of the primary THRs, discrepancies in indication between NJR and operation note were identified in 139 (15%) cases. Common discrepancies included cases being recorded as osteoarthritis where the true indication was acute trauma (n=63), avascular necrosis (n=14), metastatic cancer/malignancy (n=6) and 21 cases with no recorded indication. We identified 88 cases where the ASA recorded in the NJR differed from the anaesthetic chart. Other inaccuracies were identified including 23 cases missing type of procedure (e.g., primary or revision) and one where revision surgery had been recorded as primary.We identified at least 83 cases that should have been excluded from NJR mortality analyses but were not. Given the low incidence of mortality following primary THR, these cases (with increased risk of death) have the potential to incorrectly identify the hospital as a potential outlier. Discrepancies in ASA may also impact on both revision and mortality outlier calculations. We urge caution to hospitals in the implementation of EHRs and advise regular audit of data sent to the NJR.

Validation of the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score in Predicting Postoperative Outcomes Following Hip Fracture Surgery.

Although several prognostic models have been developed for patients who underwent hip fracture surgery, their preoperative performance was insufficiently validated. We aimed to verify the effectiveness of the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score (NHFS) for predicting postoperative outcomes following hip fracture surgery. This was a single-center and retrospective analysis. A total of 702 elderly patients with hip fractures (age ≥ 65 years old) who received treatment in our hospital from June 2020 to August 2021 were selected as the research participants. They were divided into the survival group and the death group based on their survival 30 days after surgery. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the independent risk factors for the 30-day mortality after surgery. The NHFS and American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grades were used to construct these models, and a receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to assess their diagnostic significance. A correlation analysis was performed between NHFS and length of hospitalization and mobility 3 months after surgery. There were significant differences in the age, albumin level, NHFS, and ASA grade between both groups (p < 0.05). The length of hospitalization in the death group was longer than the survival group (p < 0.05). The perioperative blood transfusion and postoperative ICU transfer rates in the death group were higher than in the survival group (p < 0.05). The death group's incidence of pulmonary infections, urinary tract infections, cardiovascular events, pressure ulcers, stress ulcers with bleeding, and intestinal obstruction was higher than the survival group (p < 0.05). The NHFS and ASA III were independent risk factors for the 30-day mortality after surgery, regardless of age and albumin level (p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) of the NHFS and ASA grade for predicting the 30-day mortality after surgery was 0.791 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.709-0.873, p< 0.05) and 0.621 (95% CI 0.477-0.764, p> 0.05), respectively. The NHFS positively correlated with hospitalization length and mobility grade 3 months after surgery (p< 0.05). The NHFS demonstrated a better predictive performance than the ASA score for the 30-day mortality after surgery and positively correlated with the hospitalization length and postoperative activity limitation in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Impact of Optimizing Critical Care Resources in Pediatric Surgery Patients

Background: Prediction scores could help to timely identify patients at risk. More intense care monitoring outside the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) could improve outcomes. These concepts of critical care without borders could be implemented shortly with local resources and improve patient safety. Predict more, do less in PICUs, and more in the ward. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of prediction scores for identification of postoperative high risk surgical patients and their need for pediatric intensive care unit admission.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective study was carried out on 40 pediatric patients. The studied patients were divided into three groups. LR Group: 14 cases with ASA = 1, 2 PEWS ≤ 2, pSOFA ≤ 7, LqSOFA &lt; 2. IR Group: 10 cases with PEWS = 3, 4 pSOFA = 8 -11 HiR Group: 16 cases with ASA = 3 -5, PEWS ≥ 5, pSOFA ≥ 12, LqSOFA ≥ 2. American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) scoring was obtained from each patient preop. The Pediatric Early Warning (PEWS) Scoring was obtained from each patient immediately postop. The Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) Scoring was obtained from patients admitted to PICU on day 1 and day 7. Liverpool quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (LqSOFA) scoring was obtained from all patients on admission.&#x0D; Results: Regarding prognostic performance of different scores to predict mortality. For ASA score: it was statistically significant with AUC = .882, cut off values &gt; 3, sensitivity = 75%, specificity = 88.89%, PPV = 42.9% and NPV = 97%. -For PEW score: it was statistically significant with AUC = .892, cut off values &gt; 5, sensitivity = 79%, specificity = 80.56%, PPV =30% and NPV = 96.7%. -For pSOFA score: it was statistically significant with AUC = .931, cut off values &gt; 14, sensitivity = 85%, specificity = 86.11%, PPV =37.5%, and NPV = 96.9%. All ASA, PEW, and pSOFA were statistically significant as univariate but none was significant as multivariate.&#x0D; Conclusions: ASA score, pSOFA score and PEWS score were significant predictor to length of stay (&gt;21 days). ASA score, PEW score and pSOFA score were significant as predictor to mortality. ASA score and PEWS score were highly significant as to predict PICU Admission postop. PEWS score was highly significant as to predict PICU Admission postop. ASA, PEWs, and pSOFA were predictors for LOS for more than 21 days, predictors of mortality and predictors for PICU admission Postop. Decreased platelets and increased WBCs, urea, creatinine, AST, and RBG were significant with HiR. LqSOFA is a simple variable bedside tool for identifying septic patients at high risk for poor outcomes.

P350 Endoscopic sedation in IBD patients: a propensity score-matched retrospective study

Abstract Background Colonoscopy plays an essential role in the prevention of colorectal cancer screening and the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For patients with IBD, colonoscopy is advocated for detection of complications, guiding clinical decisions, and cancer surveillance. In most cases, sedation is a fundamental constituent of the procedure, reducing peri-procedural discomfort and improving examination quality. We aimed to compare the dosing of sedative medications and the duration of procedure for IBD patients compared to non-IBD controls in a large-volume endoscopic center. Methods This was a propensity score–matched retrospective study that took place at a high-volume gastroenterology department between June 2020 and September 2021. Colonoscopy data of patients with established IBD including medications and duration of procedure was collected, compared to a 1:2 propensity-scored matched cohort of non-IBD patients. Patients with polyposis, past abdominal surgery, known or suspected malignancy, suspected IBD, incomplete colonoscopies and colonoscopies with inadequate preparation were excluded. The sedation protocol in our institution includes an induction of Midazolam 1-2 mg and Fentanyl of 0.025-0.05 mg administered five minutes prior to procedure. An initial dose of 10-30 mg Propofol is initiated as well, with subsequent increments of 10-20 mg every 1-2 minutes, depending on sedation depth. Results During the study period, 14502 patients including 996 patients with IBD underwent colonoscopy and 4933 patients were excluded in accordance with the exclusion criteria. Propensity score matching was conducted using four characteristics - patient age, gender, American Society of anaesthesiologists score determined by the endoscopist, and endoscopists’ experience. A total of 2289 patients were included in the final analysis (763 IBD patients, 1526 control patients). The groups were similar in administered Propofol sedation doses [IBD- median dose of 100 mg, interquartile ratio (IQR) 70-150 vs control, 100 mg, IQR 80-150, p=0.2). In addition, total procedure time (considered the time from procedure start and end as recorded by the endoscopy nurse) was significantly longer in the IBD group (23 median minutes, IQR 18-30 vs 20 median minutes, IQR 16-27, p&amp;lt;0.0001). There were no differences in terminal ileum intubation rates between the groups (51% in IBD vs 49.5% in control, p=0.5). Conclusion In a retrospective analysis from a large-scale tertiary center cohort, colonoscopies of patients with IBD were significantly longer despite comparable terminal intubation rates; IBD patients did not require more intensive sedation than controls.

Comparison of below-knee and above-knee amputations with demographic, comorbidity, and haematological parameters in patients who died

BackgroundThis study aimed to establish mortality predictive parameters with a higher contribution to mortality by comparing the demographic data, comorbid factors, and haematological values of patients who underwent below-knee and above-knee amputation and had died during the follow-up period.Materials and methodsBetween March 2014 and January 2022, 122 patients in a single centre who developed foot gangrene due to chronic diabetes and underwent below-knee or above-knee amputation were evaluated retrospectively. Patients who died of natural causes during the post-operative period were included in the study. Those who were amputated below the knee were assigned to Group 1, and those who were amputated above the knee were assigned to Group 2. The patients’ age, gender, side of amputation, comorbid diseases, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), death time, and haematological values at the time of first admission were compared between the two groups and statistical analyses were performed.ResultsGroup 1 (n = 50) and Group 2 (n = 37) had similar distributions in terms of age, gender, side of operation, number of comorbidities, and CCI (p > 0.05). Group 2’s mean ASA score and c-reactive protein (CRP) levels were statistically higher than those of Group 1 (p < 0.05). Death time, albumin value, and HbA1c levels were statistically lower in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the groups in haemogram, white blood cells (WBC), lymphocytes, neutrophils, creatinine, and Na values at the time of first admission (p > 0.05).ConclusionA high ASA score, low albumin value, and high CRP value were significant predictors of high mortality. Creatinine levels and HbA1c values were quite ineffective in predicting mortality.Level of evidenceLevel 3, retrospective comparative study.

Titanium-base abutments may have similar long-term peri-implant effects as non-bonded one-piece abutments.

Design A single-centre (private practice), prospective, longitudinal, split-mouth, single-blind, randomised controlled clinical trial reported peri-implant parameters of individualised abutments bonded to titanium (Ti) bases during a five-year follow-up. The study complied with the ethical principles of the Helsinki Declaration and the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines. It was approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the University of Freiburg (013/1630) and registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00006163).Case selection The included subjects had to be over 17 years of age, have an American Society of Anaesthesiologists score of 1, be a non-smoker, have a full-mouth plaque index (PI) below 20%, full-mouth bleeding index (BI) 20%, and planned with at least two dental implants but not adjacent to each other. Participants were excluded if they required simultaneous augmentation, were pregnant or breastfeeding, or had a history of periodontitis. Marginal bone loss (MBL) was the main clinical outcome, while local bleeding on probing (BoP), probing pocket depth (PPD), plaque Index (PI), local recession (REC), and relative attachment level (RAL) were also evaluated. The study timeline consisted of a screening (visit 1) and implant surgery (visit 2). Stage two was three months after implant surgery (visit 3), impression was two weeks after stage two (visit 4), followed up by baseline with a standardised radiograph (visit 5), one-year follow-up with radiographic and clinical parameters (visit 6), two-year follow-up (visit 7), three-year follow-up (visit 8), four-year follow-up (visit 9) and five-year follow-up (visit 10). In total, 24 subjects received two bone-level implants (Conelog, Camlog Biotechnologies, Basel, Switzerland) in the same arch and region up to 1 mm subcrestally. Their implant-abutment connection was an internal 7.5 degree conical connection platform-switch. Each subject received two abutments (one control and one test) as per the split-mouth design. The control abutments consisted of individualised, one-piece, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) titanium abutments, whereas the test abutments were CAD/CAM titanium abutments bonded to Ti-bases. The decision which implant was restored and in which way was made by a coin flip. The surgeon, patient and prosthodontist were blinded regarding the treatment allocation.Data analysis Descriptive measures and quantitative parameters were obtained from means, standard deviations, minimum and maximum values and 95% confidence intervals. The means of clinical parameters (six sites per implant) were MBL, BoP, PPD, PI, REC, and RAL. Paired t-tests were used for intragroup comparisons at different intervals as well as for intergroup comparisons within each time point. All data collected were considered until participants dropped out (that is, intention-to-treat principle). The significance level alpha was set to 0.05. The post-hoc power calculation of the MBL intergroup comparison dammed this trial as underpowered (power = 34%).Results All implants were osseointegrated after the healing stage and no implants were lost during the trial. Two subjects dropped out (one after the two-year follow-up and the other at the last appointment). Regarding MBL, no significant intergroup differences were found between the abutment groups. Nonetheless, significant intragroup differences were found at several visits (visit 6 to visit 10) compared to the baseline MBL (visit 5), indicating continuous bone level alterations. Concerning the BoP, no significant differences were identified. In terms of PPD, significant intergroup differences were found at visits 9 (p = 0.006) and 10 (p = 0.024), favouring Ti-base abutments. There were significantly intergroup differences in terms of REC (p = 0.014) at visit 10, with higher values in the one-piece abutment group. No differences were found in terms of PI.Conclusions A preliminary conclusion of this underpowered trial was that Ti-base abutments have a similar long-term effect to one-piece abutments on human peri-implant tissues.

Dexamethasone Coanalgesic Administration in Steroid Naïve and Steroid Non-Naïve Patients for the Prevention of Pain Flares after Palliative Radiotherapy for Bone Metastases.

Dexamethasone could be an effective prophylactic agent for the prevention of pain flares after palliative radiotherapy (RT) for uncomplicated bone metastases. To date, there are no data on its prophylactic coanalgesic (opioid-sparing) effect after RT in patients with complicated bone metastases compared to uncomplicated ones, which is the aim of our study. Twenty-nine American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) III-IV patients, aged ≥18, treated with single-fraction 8 Gy/1 or multi-fraction 20 Gy/5 RT for painful uncomplicated bone metastases (steroid naïve patients, n = 14) or complicated ones (steroid non-naïve patients, n = 15), were examined retrospectively. All patients received parenteral dexamethasone (4 mg or 8 mg daily, 1 hour before RT, followed by the same dose for the next 4 days) along with their background and breakthrough pain opioid intake (morphine equivalents) during their 5-day in-hospital stay. Pain severity (numeric rating scale) and analgesic consumption were recorded at admission, daily during the hospital stay, and for 10 days following treatment. Binary logistic regression was used to determine predictive factors for pain flare occurrence. A higher ASA score is the only determinant positively influencing opioid consumption (P = 0.018) and pain flare as well (OR = 15.00; 95% CI: 2, 24-100, 48; P = 0.005). Lower dose 4 mg dexamethasone was revealed as a moderate analgesic agent in steroid naïve patients with no side effects, whereas in steroid non-naïve patients the predominantly higher dose 8 mg dexamethasone had minimal impact on pain flares prevention at the expense of more pronounced immunosuppression (P = 0.039). Irrespective of the supporting evidence of dexamethasone potential for prevention of RT-induced pain flare, our data failed to reveal its efficacy in the real practice world (a case mix of uncomplicated and complicated bone metastases). Further dose-effect bigger studies are needed, identifying optimal doses of dexamethasone intake and its optimal duration in high-risk patients.

Lower socioeconomic status is associated with increased co-morbidity burden and independently associated with time to surgery, length of hospitalisation, and readmission rates of hip fracture patients.

The effect of socioeconomic status on hip fracture outcomes remains controversial. We examine the relationship between SES and patient comorbidity, care access, and clinical outcomes of surgically managed hip fracture patients. Using healthcare payor status as a surrogate for SES, patients operated for fragility hip fractures between 2013 and 2016 were dichotomised based on payor status, namely private healthcare (PRIV) versus subsidised healthcare (SUB). PRIV patients were compared with SUB patients in terms of demographic data, ASA scores, co-morbidity burden (Charlson comorbidity index, CCI), time to surgery, length of acute hospitalisation, and 90-day readmission rates. A total of 145 patients in group PRIV and 1146 patients in group SUB were included. SUB patients had a higher mean Charlson Co-morbidity Index (CCI) (p = 0.01), a longer length of hospitalisation (p = 0.001), an increased delay in surgery (p = 0.005), and higher 90-day readmission rates (p = 0.013). Lower SES (p = 0.01), older age (p = 0.01), higher CCI (p &lt; 0.01), and a higher American Society of Anaesthesiologists score (ASA) (p = 0.03) were predictive of time to surgery. Lower SES (p = 0.02) and higher CCI (p &lt; 0.001) were predictive of the length of hospitalisation. Lower SES (p = 0.04) and higher CCI (p &lt; 0.001) were predictive of 90-day readmission rates. Low SES is associated with higher CCI in surgically treated hip fracture patients. However, it is independently associated with slower access to surgery, a longer hospital stay, and higher readmission rates. Hence, lower SES, with its associated higher CCI and independent impact on surgical access and outcomes, can be considered a "double setback" in the management of fragility hip fractures.

The impact of age on rectal cancer treatment, complications and survival

BackgroundThe number of older patients with rectal cancer is increasing. Treatment outcome discrepancies persist, despite similar treatment guidelines. To offer the oldest patients optimal individually adjusted care, further knowledge is needed regarding treatment strategy and outcome. The present study aimed to evaluate treatment, postoperative complications, and survival in older patients treated for rectal cancer.MethodsThis retrospective study included all 666 patients (n=255 females, n=411 males) treated for rectal cancer at Levanger Hospital during 1980-2016 (n=193 <65 years, n=329 65-79 years, n=144 ≥80 years). We performed logistic regression to analyse associations between complications, 90-day mortality, and explanatory variables. We performed a relative survival analysis to identify factors associated with short- and long-term survival.ResultsDespite a similar distribution of cancer stages across age-groups, patients aged ≥80 years were treated with a non-curative approach more frequently than younger age groups. Among patients aged ≥80 years, 42% underwent a non-curative treatment approach, compared to 25% of patients aged <65 years, and 25% of patients aged 65-79 years. The 90-day mortality was 15.3% among patients aged ≥80 years, compared to 5.7% among patients aged <65 years, and 9.4% among patients aged 65-79 years.Among 431 (65%) patients treated with a major resection with curative intent, the 90-day mortality was 5.9% among patients aged ≥80 years (n=68), compared to 0.8% among patients aged <65 years (n=126), and 3.8% among patients aged 65-79 years (n=237). The rate of postoperative complications was 47.6%. Pneumonia was the only complication that occurred more frequently in the older patient group. The severity of complications increased with three factors: age, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score, and >400 ml perioperative blood loss. Among patients that survived the first 90 days, the relative long-term survival rates, five-year local recurrence rates, and metastases rates were independent of age.ConclusionPatients aged ≥80 years were less likely to undergo a major resection with curative intent and experienced more severe complications after surgery than patients aged <80 years. When patients aged ≥80 years were treated with a major resection with curative intent, the long-term survival rate was comparable to that of younger patients.

Periprosthetic infection after total hip replacement : Risk factors for an early infection after primary implantation

Periprosthetic infection is one of the most serious complications in primary arthroplasty. The infection rates reported in the current literature range from 0.36 to 2.23%. The aim of this retrospective case-control study was to determine preoperative risk factors for the occurrence of early periprosthetic infection after primary hip arthroplasty. The influence of patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), C‑reactive protein, preoperative leukocyte count and morbidity level (American Society of Anaesthesiologists score) on the occurrence of periprosthetic early infection of the hip joint was examined, and their correlation was investigated. Of the 1383patients followed up, 25were diagnosed with early infection. With an increase in BMI of 1 kg/m2, the risk of periprosthetic early infection increased by 12.1% (p < 0.001). In addition, using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, aBMI ≥ 29 kg/m2 is identified as asignificant cut-off for the increased likelihood of periprosthetic hip infection. Using the ROC curve, apreoperative CrP value > 5 mg/l can be validated as acut-off value for an increased risk of early infection. Using binary logistic regression, no influence of CrP > 5 mg/l on the development of early infection was statistically proven (p = 0.065). Patients with aBMI ≥ 29 kg/m2 should be informed about the increased risk of periprosthetic early infection after hip prosthesis implantation and arisk assessment should be performed. Furthermore, the determination of the preoperative CrP value should be considered standard.

Extraperitoneal cystectomy with ureterocutaneostomy derivation in fragile patients - should it be performed more often?

Radical cystectomy (RC) continues to be standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer and recurrent or refractory nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer. Unfortunately, it has high rates of perioperative morbidity and mortality. One of the most important predictors of postoperative outcomes is frailty, while the majority of complications are diversion related. The aim of our study was to evaluate safety of extraperitoneal cystectomy with ureterocutaneostomy in patients considered as frail. We retrospectively collected data of frail patients who underwent extraperitoneal cystectomy with ureterocutaneostomy from October 2018 to August 2020 in a single center. We evaluated frailty by assessing patients' age, body mass index (BMI), nutritional status by Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, overall health by RAI (Risk Analysis Index) and ASA (American Society of Anaesthesiologists) score, and laboratory analyses. We observed intraoperative outcomes and rates of perioperative (within 30 days) and early postoperative (within 90 days) complications (Clavien-Dindo classification). We defined extraperitoneal cystectomy with ureterocutaneostomy as safe if patients did not develop Clavien Dindo IIIb, or worse, complication. A total of 34 patients, 3 female and 31 male, were analyzed. The median age was 77, BMI 26, RAI 28, ASA 3 and the majority had preexisting renal insufficiency. Blood analyses revealed presence of severe preoperative hypoalbuminemia and anemia in half of our cohort. Intraoperative median blood loss was 250 cc, whilst operative time 245 min. During perioperative period 60% of our cohort developed Clavien Dindo II complication and during early postoperative period 32% of patients required readmission. One death occurred during early postoperative period (2.9%). After 12 months of follow-up, we observed stability of the renal function for most patients. We believe that extraperitoneal cystectomy with ureterocutaneostomy could be considered as a treatment option for elderly and/or frail patients.

Gastrectomy for elderly gastric cancer patients: A propensity score-matching analysis.

Although D2-gastrectomy is the most effective treatment for resectable gastric cancer (GC), it is unclear whether elderly patients have increased risk of morbidity and worse survival. This study aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of older age (OA) patients with those of less advanced age (LAA). GC patients undergoing curative gastrectomy were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups: OA (>75 years) and LAA (<75 years). Propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis using seven variables was conducted to reduce selection bias. Among 586 patients, 494 (84.3%) were classified as LAA and 92 (15.7%) as OA. OA patients had worse clinical status, higher rates of D1-lymphadenectomy, subtotal gastrectomy, and Lauren type; higher mortality and worse survival. No difference in pathological tumor-node-metastasis (pTNM) stage was observed between groups. Preoperative chemotherapy was performed more frequently in the LAA group. After PSM (92 OA: 92 LAA), all variables included in PSM were matched, and mortality rates and survival became similar between groups. In multivariate analysis, American Society of Anaesthesiologists score III/IV was an independent factor associated with a 90-day mortality after PSM. Gastrectomy in elderly GC patients has similar outcomes compared with younger ones. Clinical status and disease stage are more important than the patient's age.

Octogenarian patients with colon cancer \u2013 postoperative morbidity and mortality are the major challenges

BackgroundFew studies have addressed colon cancer surgery outcomes in an unselected cohort of octogenarian patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the relative survival of octogenarian patients after a major resection of colon cancer with a curative intent.MethodsAll patients diagnosed with colon cancer at Levanger Hospital between 1980 and 2016 were included. We performed logistic regression to test for associations between 90-day mortality and explanatory variables. We performed a relative survival analysis to identify factors associated with short- and long-term survival.ResultsAmong 237 octogenarian patients treated with major resections with curative intent, the 90-day mortality was 9.3%. Among 215 patients that survived the first 90 days, the 5 year relative survival rate was 98.7%. The 90-day mortality of octogenarian patients was significantly higher than that of younger patients, but the long-term survival converged with that of younger patients. Among octogenarian patients, the incidence of colon cancer more than doubled during our 37-year observation period. The relative increase in patients undergoing surgery exceeded the increase in incidence; hence, more patients were selected for surgery over time. A high 90-day mortality was associated with older age, a high American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, and emergency surgery. Moreover, worse long-term survival was associated with a high Charlson Comorbidity Index, a high ASA score, a worse TNM stage, emergency surgery and residual tumours. Both the 90-day and long-term survival rates improved over time.ConclusionAmong octogenarian patients with colon cancer that underwent major resections with curative intent, the 90-day mortality was high, but after surviving 90 days, the relative long-term survival rate was comparable to that of younger patients. Further improvements in survival will primarily require measures to reduce the 90-day mortality risk.