Cohort Of Surgery Patients Research Articles

Perceptions and experiences of commercial virtual reality games in early postoperative rehabilitation among cardiac surgical patients: A qualitative study.

Although numerous studies have focused on the outcomes of virtual reality games for early rehabilitation in postoperative cardiac surgical patients, research on these patients' perceptions and experiences with virtual reality games has been limited. The aim of this qualitative study was to provide insights into the perceptions and experiences of postoperative cardiac surgery patients in using commercial virtual reality games during early rehabilitation. A cohort of postoperative cardiac surgery patients (n = 12) who used the same VR games during the early rehabilitation period at the cardiac surgery intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in Nanjing, China, was enrolled in this study, conducted between January 2023 and December 2023. Data were collected through individual in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. Two themes emerged from the interviews: (1) the benefits of virtual reality games for rehabilitation, including (i) enhancing enthusiasm for rehabilitation, (ii) helping patients to focus attention, (iii) increasing individual exercise, (iv) providing enjoyment, and (v) regulating negative emotions; (2) shortcomings in the use of virtual reality games, including (i) producing stress, (ii) insufficient operating space, (iii) discomfort while wearing, (iv) difficulty in mastering the application, and (v) individualized needs. Cardiac patients believed that the use of commercial virtual reality games during early postoperative rehabilitation was beneficial to rehabilitation, but they highlighted some shortcomings that require improvement. The results of this study provide a certain theoretical basis for the further promotion and application of commercial virtual reality games in clinical practice in the future.

Impact of Genetic Variants on Vitamin E Levels in an Italian Cohort of Bariatric Surgery Patients: A Focus on SNPs Involved with Transport and Bioavailability.

Obesity is a global epidemic associated with chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic disorders. Bariatric surgery is a highly effective intervention for sustained weight loss and the improvement of obesity-related comorbidities. However, post-surgery nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin E, remain a concern. This study investigates the role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes related to vitamin E transport and bioavailability in determining vitamin E levels post bariatric surgery. A cohort of 140 patients with obesity undergoing bariatric surgery was analyzed. Serum vitamin E levels were measured before and one year after surgery, and SNPs in genes associated with vitamin E transport and metabolism were genotyped using PCR, DHPLC, and sequencing methods. Associations between SNPs, haplotypes, and vitamin E levels were statistically evaluated. Significant associations were observed between the APOE rs7412 SNP and serum vitamin E levels. The rare T allele was linked to lower vitamin E levels post surgery, with an increased frequency in patients with severe deficiency (<11.6 μmol/L). Haplotype analysis of APOE revealed that the ε2 haplotype (T-T) was strongly associated with vitamin E deficiency. Other SNPs, including CD36 rs1761667, SCARB1 rs4238001, and ABCA1 rs4149314, were also linked to changes in vitamin E levels, suggesting that an impaired bioavailability and transport can be the reason for low vitamin E levels post surgery. Genetic polymorphisms in APOE, CD36, SCARB1, and ABCA1 significantly influence vitamin E status after bariatric surgery. These findings highlight the importance of personalized supplementation strategies considering patients' genetic profiles to mitigate the risk of vitamin E deficiency and related complications.

Preexisting opioid daily MME and use duration within a national cohort of lumbar spine surgery patients on quality outcomes.

Pain management surrounding lumbar spine surgery is a complex topic. Though some authors suggest that preoperative opioid use is a negative prognostic factor, its association with patient-reported outcomes and satisfaction after surgery remains controversial. We aimed to uncover the effect of preoperative opioid use on long-term outcomes using a national sample. Using deidentified data from the lumbar spine surgery Quality Outcomes Database, we compared functional outcomes and satisfaction in 34,934 patients based on presence of preoperative opioid use. Outcomes included Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and satisfaction indices. Regression subanalysis illustrated the effect of preoperative opioid duration and daily MME. 44.1 % used opioids preoperatively. A greater percentage of patients using opioids underwent surgery with instrumentation (p < .005). They exhibited clinically comparable improvement in VAS, ODI, and satisfaction at 3- (p = .069, p < .005, p < .005, respectively) and 12-months (p < .05). Return to work was lower at 3- (74.32 % vs. 80.82 %, p < .005) and 12-months (48.99 % vs. 62.95 %, p < .005). They maintained low postoperative use although greater than opioid naïve patients at 3- (3.1 % vs. 1.2 %, p < .005) and 12-months (3.6 % vs. 0.8 %, p < .005). Preoperative daily MME had no significant effect on outcomes, although increasing duration negatively impacted VAS and ODI scores. Preoperative opioid use by itself should not be used in surgical decision making but rather an individual risk assessment according to chronicity of opioid burden. Longer duration of use appears to impair postoperative improvement but not satisfaction with little influence by daily MME; however, larger, granular analyses remain necessary.

Quantitative electroencephalography predicts postoperative delirium in adult cardiac surgical patients from a prospective observational study

The diagnostic and prognostic value of quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) in the the onset of postoperative delirium (POD) remains an area of inquiry. We aim to determine whether qEEG could assist in the diagnosis of early POD in cardiac surgery patients. We prospectively studied a cohort of cardiac surgery patients undergoing qEEG for evaluation of altered mental status. Delirium was assessed with the Confusion Assessment Method for the intensive care unit (CAM-ICU). The qEEG were interpreted by clinician, and reports were reviewed to identify features such as amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG), relative band energy in ɑ/β/θ/δ frequencies, α variability and spectral entropy. The raw EEG was also preprocessed offline for nonlinear analysis including Multi-scale Entropy analysis (MSE) and Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA). Linear regression was performed to quantify associations among EEG findings, delirium, and clinical outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to assess the accuracy of the qEEG as POD prediction index. Meanwhile, a comprehensive comparison of dynamic complexity across time scales and DFA exponent α was conducted between the non-delirium and delirium groups. Among those recruited initially (n = 64), 60 patients were evaluated and 29 patients (48.3%) met delirium criteria. When comparing delirious and non-delirious participants, significant differences were found in terms of age (p = 0.03), APACHE II scores (p = 0.004), lactate (p = 0.03), and hospital days (p = 0.048). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the first quartile (Q1) and fourth quartile (Q4) of peak or valley value of F3-P3/F4-P4 derivation (for example, Q1 of peak value for F3-P3 derivation: OR 12.4, 95% CI 1.72–89.76, p = 0.012) showed a higher association with the incidence of POD. ROC analysis demonstrated qEEG could predict POD with high sensitivity and specificity, yielding an overall good accuracy. For instance, the peak value of F3-P3 derivation (the area under the curve of 0.81), as a predictor of POD showed a sensitivity of 90% and specificity pf 72% (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the MSE curves indicated that the non-delirium group exhibited higher complexity values at fine scales, while the delirium group had significantly higher complexity at coarse scales. The DFA comparison results revealed that long-term fractal exponent alpha2 values were higher in delirium patients than in non-delirium patients, with significant differences observed at the F4-P4 electrodes (p = 0.04). The qEEG can reliably predict delirium after heart cardiac surgery. It is helpful for clinicians to early diagnose and manage these patients.Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier, NCT03351985. Registered 1 December 2017.

Risk assessment for esophageal cancer after bariatric surgery: a comparative cohort study between sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass.

The risk of esophageal cancer after bariatric surgery is a matter of debate. This study aims to evaluate the risk of esophageal cancer following sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and gastric bypass (GB). We extracted data from the national discharge database (Programme De Médicalisation des Systèmes d'Information) for patients who underwent bariatric surgery in France between 2007 and 2020. Adult patients undergoing SG or GB were included and followed until December 2022. The primary endpoints were the occurrence of esophageal and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers. The impact of bariatric procedures on cancer development was assessed using multivariate analysis, along with several sensitivity analyses to validate the findings. Among the 370,271 patients included, 68.4% underwent SG and 31.6% underwent GB. The median follow-up duration was 7.4 years (interquartile range: 5.3-9.6 years), with approximately 81,000 patients followed for at least 10 years. A total of 96 cases of esophageal cancer were identified: 25 in the GB group and 71 in the SG group. The incidence rates were 2.6 per 100,000 person-years for GB and 3.9 for SG, resulting in an incidence rate ratio of .64 (95% confidence interval [CI]: .40-1.01, P = .055). In multivariate analysis, no significant difference in cancer incidence was found between SG and GB (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.60, 95% CI: .90-2.5, P = .06). Sensitivity analyses further confirmed these findings, showing similar nonsignificant differences across various models. In this extensive national cohort of bariatric surgery patients, no significant differences were observed in the incidence of esophageal and GEJ cancer between SG and GB.

Factors influencing hospital stay duration in an elective cardiac surgery cohort

Abstract Cardiac surgery has become more complex in recent years, with increases in patient age, complexity, and associated costs. The use of a multidisciplinary strategy to analyze and standardize patient management offers significant benefits. The development of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programs has proven useful in various types of surgery, recently including cardiac surgery, yielding good results. One of the primary objectives of ERAS programs is the reduction of the Inpatients' length of stay (LOS), with the subsequent improvement in the patient experience and a reduction in costs. The aim of this study is to analyze preoperative and postoperative factors related to the LOS reduction in a cohort of elective cardiac surgery patients included in the Cardiac ERAS program at our hospital. All patients included in the ERAS program, corresponding to elective cardiac surgery, were included in the analysis. 138 patients were divided into four quartiles based on the inpatient’s LOS. An extensive search was conducted in our quality control database, which contains 470 variables on the factors more strongly associated with LOS. The results were analyzed using Chi-Square test for categorical and the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables, generally of non-normal distribution. The results are summarized in the table. Age, poor mobility, surgery other than coronary bypass, and reoperation were the non-modifiable factors most associated with a prolonged LOS. Lower preoperative hemoglobin and albumin levels were associated with an increase in LOS. A class 3 or 4 NYHA functional class, chronic pulmonary disease, and anticoagulation use were associated with higher LOS. Classic cardiovascular risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and tobacco use, were not associated with differences in hospitalization duration. Postoperative and intraoperative factors associated with higher LOS included extubation in the operating room or within six hours, ICU stay duration, mobilization on postoperative days one and two, time to oral food tolerance and gut motility recovery, hyperglycemia on postoperative day one, the duration of arterial, venous, and urinary catheters, the amount of fluids on postoperative day one and the opioid use in POD 2. The complications most associated with a prolonged duration were any infectious complication, any respiratory complication, reoperation, readmission to intensive care, transfusion after 12 hours or at any time during hospitalization, prolonged postoperative sedation, and any rhythmic complication. Conclusion In our cohort of elective patients for cardiac surgery, factors traditionally addressed by ERAS programs were identified as being associated with a longer inpatient’s length of stay. Pre-operative nutritional and anemia optimization, early extubation and mobilization, and the prevention of respiratory and infectious complications should be targeted to improve hospital stay duration.

Association of Preoperative Copeptin Levels with Risk of All-Cause Mortality in a Prospective Cohort of Adult Cardiac Surgery Patients.

We aimed to investigate the association of preoperative copeptin, a new cardiovascular biomarker, with short- and long-term mortality in a cohort of adult patients undergoing cardiac surgery, including its potential as a prognostic marker for clinical outcome. Preoperative blood samples of the Bern Perioperative Biobank, a prospective cohort of adults undergoing cardiac surgery during 2019, were analyzed. The primary and secondary outcome measures were 30-day and 1-year all-cause mortality. Optimal copeptin thresholds were calculated with the Youden Index. Associations of copeptin levels with the two outcomes were examined with multivariable logistic regression models; their discriminatory capacity was assessed with the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC). A total of 519 patients (78.4% male, median age 67 y (IQR: 60-73 y)) were included, with a median preoperative copeptin level of 7.6 pmol/L (IQR: 4.7-13.2 pmol/L). We identified an optimal threshold of 15.9 pmol/l (95%-CI: 7.7 to 46.5 pmol/L) for 30-day mortality and 15.9 pmol/L (95%-CI: 9.0 to 21.3 pmol/L) for 1-year all-cause mortality. Regression models featured an AUROC of 0.79 (95%-CI: 0.56 to 0.95) for adjusted log-transformed preoperative copeptin for 30-day mortality and an AUROC of 0.76 (95%-CI: 0.64 to 0.88) for 1-year mortality. In patients undergoing cardiac surgery, the baseline levels of copeptin emerged as a strong marker for 1-year all-cause death. Preoperative copeptin levels might possibly identify patients at risk for a complicated, long-term postoperative course, and therefore requiring a more rigorous postoperative observation and follow-up.

Stenosis of the colorectal anastomosis after surgery for diverticulitis: A national retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this work was to investigate the association between early postoperative anastomotic leakage or pelvic abscess (AL/PA) and symptomatic anastomotic stenosis (SAS) in patients after surgery for left colonic diverticulitis. This is a retrospective study based on a national cohort of diverticulitis surgery patients carried out by the Association Française de Chirurgie. The assessment was performed using path analyses. The database included 7053 patients operated on for colonic diverticulitis, with surgery performed electively or in an emergency, by open access or laparoscopically. Patients were excluded from the study analysis where there was (i) right-sided diverticulitis (the initial database included all consecutive patients operated on for colonic diverticulitis), (ii) no anastomosis was performed during the first procedure or (iii) missing information about stenosis, postoperative abscess or anastomotic leakage. Of the 4441 patients who were included in the final analysis, AL/PA occurred in 327 (4.6%) and SAS occurred in 82 (1.8%). AL/PA was a significant independent factor associated with a risk for occurrence of SAS (OR = 3.41, 95% CI = 1.75-6.66), as was the case for diverting stoma for ≥100 days (OR = 2.77, 95% CI = 1.32-5.82), while central vessel ligation proximal to the inferior mesenteric artery was associated with a reduced risk (OR = 0.41; 95% CI = 0.19-0.88). Diverting stoma created for <100 days or ≥100 days was also a factor associated with a risk for AL/PA (OR = 3.08, 95% CI = 2-4.75 and OR = 12.95, 95% CI = 9.11-18.50). Interestingly, no significant association between radiological drainage or surgical management of AL/PA and SAS could be highlighted. AL/PA was an independent factor associated with the risk for SAS. The treatment of AL/PA was not associated with the occurrence of anastomotic stenosis. Diverting stoma was associated with an increased risk of both AL/PA and SAS, especially if it was left for ≥100 days. Physicians must be aware of this information in order to decide on the best course of action when creating a stoma during elective or emergency surgery.

Analysis of tranexamic acid usage in adult spinal deformity patients with relative contraindications: does it increase the risk of complications?

Complex spinal deformity surgeries may involve significant blood loss. The use of antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid (TXA) has been proven to reduce perioperative blood loss. However, for patients with a history of thromboembolic events, there is concern of increased risk when TXA is used during these surgeries. This study aimed to assess whether TXA use in patients undergoing complex spinal deformity correction surgeries increases the risk of thromboembolic complications based on preexisting thromboembolic risk factors. Data were analyzed for adult patients who received TXA during surgical correction for spinal deformity at 21 North American centers between August 2018 and October 2022. Patients with preexisting thromboembolic events and other risk factors (history of deep venous thrombosis [DVT], pulmonary embolism [PE], myocardial infarction [MI], stroke, peripheral vascular disease, or cancer) were identified. Thromboembolic complication rates were assessed during the postoperative 90 days. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess thromboembolic outcomes in high-risk and low-risk patients who received intravenous TXA. Among 411 consecutive patients who underwent complex spinal deformity surgery and received TXA intraoperatively, 130 (31.6%) were considered high-risk patients. There was no significant difference in thromboembolic complications between patients with and those without preexisting thromboembolic risk factors in univariate analysis (high-risk group vs low-risk group: 8.5% vs 2.8%, p = 0.45). Specifically, there were no significant differences between groups regarding the 90-day postoperative rates of DVT (high-risk group vs low-risk group: 1.5% vs 1.4%, p = 0.98), PE (2.3% vs 1.8%, p = 0.71), acute MI (1.5% vs 0%, p = 0.19), or stroke (0.8% vs 1.1%, p > 0.99). On multivariate analysis, high-risk status was not a significant independent predictor for any of the thromboembolic complications. Administration of intravenous TXA during the correction procedure did not change rates of thromboembolic events, acute MI, or stroke in this cohort of adult spinal deformity surgery patients.

Electronic health record-integrated questionnaires in colorectal surgery patients as a new standard: Could preoperative bowel function be used to predict postoperative patient-reported outcomes?

Patient-reported bowel function has been previously shown to correlate with quality of life and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after colorectal surgery. We examined the relationship between preoperative patient-reported bowel function and postoperative symptom reporting using an electronic health record-integrated symptom management (eSyM). Patients who underwent major abdominal surgery for colorectal cancer at a single institution were included. Preoperative bowel function was assessed prospectively using the validated colorectal functional outcome (COREFO) questionnaire. Patients with electronic portal access received automated eSyM questionnaires after discharge. Logistic regression was used to analyze the association between COREFO scores and eSyM use. 169 patients underwent surgery between April 2020 and June 2022 (median age 64, 46.7% female). 148 completed COREFO questionnaires preoperatively; 54 (36.5%) had scores ≥15. Of the 108 patients with portal access, 67.6% used eSyM postoperatively. Among users, 72.3% (47/73) reported severe symptoms. Those with COREFO scores ≥15 were more likely to use eSyM (80.0% vs. 62.7%) though this difference was not significant (p = 0.079). We found that eSyM utilization regardless of preoperative baseline bowel function was high in this cohort of colorectal surgery patients. This suggests that electronically captured PROs is an effective way for patients to communicate symptoms to their care teams in a postsurgical setting.

Hepatokine ITIH3 Protects Against Hepatic Steatosis by Downregulating Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and De Novo Lipogenesis

Accumulating evidence suggest that mitochondrial functions are altered and contribute to the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). As a result, research is being conducted to discover targets that alter mitochondrial functions to ameliorate NAFLD, and its progression towards non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recent studies demonstrate that liver secretory proteins regulate normal development, obesity, simple steatosis to NASH progression. Inter-α-trypsin inhibitors (ITI) are one such proteins secreted by liver, altered in NAFLD, but their functional importance in mitochondrial metabolism is poorly understood. Here, we have identified that ITIH3 is a potential candidate gene that protects against NAFLD by targeting mitochondrial metabolism. We used an integrative multiomics approach using transcriptomic data from approximately 100 different mouse strains called hybrid mouse diversity panel (HMDP) and a cohort of bariatric surgery patients and identified Itih3/ITIH3 expression to be inversely associated with NAFLD/NASH progression and hepatic TG accumulation. Our network enrichment analyses revealed NAFLD-related pathways such as mitochondria, TCA cycle, fatty acid metabolism, cholesterol metabolism, coagulation and fibrinolysis. Next, disease enrichments by ToppGene revealed metabolic syndrome-related disease traits including dyslipidemia, steatosis, NASH and fibrosis. Our in vitro and in vivo studies using loss and gain of function mouse and cell culture models demonstrated that hepatic ITIH3 reduced liver triglyceride accumulation and de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Remarkably, hepatic ITIH3 also lowered mitochondrial respiration and lipid droplet accumulation. This was accompanied by increased STAT1 signaling and Stat3 expression, both of which are known to protect against NAFLD/NASH. Together, we conclude that ITIH3 plays a unique role in regulating the hepatic lipid profile, DNL, and mitochondrial metabolism, all of which have implications for NAFLD treatment. Our findings indicate hepatokine ITIH3 as a potential biomarker and/or treatment for NAFLD. R00DK120875. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Hepatokine ITIH3 protects against hepatic steatosis by downregulating mitochondrial bioenergetics and de novo lipogenesis

Recent studies demonstrate that liver secretory proteins, also known as hepatokines, regulate normal development, obesity, and simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression. Using a panel of ∼100 diverse inbred strains of mice and a cohort of bariatric surgery patients, we found that one such hepatokine, inter-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 3 (ITIH3), was progressively lower in severe non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) disease states highlighting an inverse relationship between Itih3/ITIH3 expression and NAFLD severity. Follow-up animal and cell culture models demonstrated that hepatic ITIH3 overexpression lowered liver triglyceride and lipid droplet accumulation, respectively. Conversely, ITIH3 knockdown in mice increased the liver triglyceride in two independent NAFLD models. Mechanistically, ITIH3 reduced mitochondrial respiration and this, in turn, reduced liver triglycerides, via downregulated de novo lipogenesis. This was accompanied by increased STAT1 signaling and Stat3 expression, both of which are known to protect against NAFLD/NASH. Our findings indicate hepatokine ITIH3 as a potential biomarker and/or treatment for NAFLD.

25 Evaluating serum copper and kidney function in a cohort of bariatric surgery patients

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: High serum copper (Cu) levels have previously been described in bariatric patients. The kidneys are a target organ for Cu toxic insult but the role of Cu on kidney function (eGFR) is uncertain. This study examines the association between Cu and eGFR in a bariatric population in Southeast Louisiana. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Seven hundred fifty patients will be recruited from the Bariatric Center of the University Medical Center in New Orleans. Inclusion criteria include: age ≥ 18 years, clinic visit between June 1, 2018 – May 31st 2024, and having a serum Cu test result. Covariables such as inflammatory markers and hormonal contraception use will be assessed as potential confounders. Blood pressure will be assessed as a potential effect modifier. Data will be obtained from electronic medical records. Two cohorts will be assembled, a pre-surgery cross-sectional cohort and another followed post-surgery. Separate models will be developed stratified by race-ethnicity. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: In a pilot study of bariatric patients 26% had elevated (&gt;155 mcg/dl) serum Cu and pronounced racial differences were noted. Characteristics consisted of a mean BMI of approximately 50 kg/m2; 91% were female and 69% were Black. Black patients had approximately double the prevalence (OR 1.98; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.4) compared to white patients. Due to the dual nature of the kidneys’ involvement in metabolism via excretion and being the target organ for toxic insult, racial differences in exposure, coupled with the disproportionate rates of chronic kidney disease in Black adults, may be an explanation for the association between elevated Cu levels and eGFR in Black adults in this study. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Results from this study will provide insight into the prevalence of Cu and its association with kidney function in a bariatric population. Chronic kidney disease or other forms of renal impairment may result in the need for more conservative guidelines for dietary copper in bariatric medicine.

Does Intrawound Vancomycin Decrease Postoperative Surgical Site Infection in Spine Surgery: A Retrospective Case-control Study.

Retrospective Case-Control series. The objective of this study is to define the overall postoperative rate of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing spine surgery and examine the effects of intrawound Vancomycin on postoperative infection rates. Surgical site infections (SSI) account for 22% of all health care-associated infections. The use of intrawound Vancomycin in an attempt to reduce the incidence of postoperative SSI has not been sufficiently evaluated in the existing literature. All spine surgeries (n=19,081) from our institution were reviewed from 2003 to 2013. All cases of verified SSI were identified from the database. Cases were then matched to controls in a 1:1 fashion based on age, gender, and date of surgery (+/-30d). Patient demographics, comorbidities, estimated blood loss, duration of surgery, intrawound administration of Vancomycin, and smoking status were evaluated. At total of 316 cases of SSI after spine surgery were identified, representing an infection rate of 1.7%. The mean follow-up for cases and controls was 31.5 and 41.6 months, respectively. OR for intrawound Vancomycin was 0.44 (95% CI 0.23-0.88, P =0.019). OR for BMI greater than 30 was 1.63 (95% CI 1.04-2.56, P =0.03). In this large cohort of spine surgery patients, administration of intrawound Vancomycin was associated with a significant reduction in postoperative surgical site infections. Further studies are needed to determine appropriate dosing and application as well as long-term safety in spine surgery.

The Relationship of Spinal Anesthesia Dosing Based on Thecal Sac Area to Anesthetic Failure in Lumbar Surgery.

Greater thecal sac volumes are associated with an increased risk of spinal anesthesia (SA) failure. The thecal sac cross-sectional area accurately predicts thecal sac volume. The thecal sac area may be used to adjust the dose and prevent anesthetic failure. We aim to assess the rate of SA failure in a prospective cohort of lumbar surgery patients who receive an individualized dose of bupivacaine based on preoperative measurement of their thecal sac area. A total of 80 patients prospectively received lumbar spine surgery under SA at a single academic center (2022-2023). Before surgery, the cross-sectional area of the thecal sac was measured at the planned level of SA injection using T2-weighted MRI. Patients with an area <175 mm2, equal to or between 175 and 225 mm2, and >225 mm2 received an SA injection of 15, 20, or 25 mg of 0.5% isobaric bupivacaine, respectively. Instances of anesthetic failure and adverse outcomes were noted. Incidence of SA failure was compared with a retrospectively obtained control cohort of 250 patients (2019-2022) who received the standard 15 mg of bupivacaine. No patients in the individualized dose cohort experienced failure of SA compared with 14 patients (5.6%) who experienced failure in the control cohort (P = .0259). The average thecal sac area was 187.49 mm2, and a total 28 patients received 15 mg of bupivacaine, 42 patients received 20 mg of bupivacaine, and 10 patients received 25 mg of bupivacaine. None of the patients experienced any adverse outcomes associated with SA. Patients in the individualized dose cohort and control cohort were comparable and had a similar distribution of lumbar procedures and comorbidities. Adjusting the dose of SA according to thecal sac area significantly reduces the rate of SA failure in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

A Pilot Study of Renin-Guided Angiotensin-II Infusion to Reduce Kidney Stress After Cardiac Surgery.

Vasoplegia is common after cardiac surgery, is associated with hyperreninemia, and can lead to acute kidney stress. We aimed to conduct a pilot study to test the hypothesis that, in vasoplegic cardiac surgery patients, angiotensin-II (AT-II) may not increase kidney stress (measured by [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7]). We randomly assigned patients with vasoplegia (cardiac index [CI] > 2.1l/min, postoperative hypotension requiring vasopressors) and Δ-renin (4-hour postoperative-preoperative value) ≥3.7 µU/mL, to AT-II or placebo targeting a mean arterial pressure ≥65 mm Hg for 12 hours. The primary end point was the incidence of kidney stress defined as the difference between baseline and 12 hours [TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] levels. Secondary end points included serious adverse events (SAEs). We randomized 64 patients. With 1 being excluded, 31 patients received AT-II, and 32 received placebo. No significant difference was observed between AT-II and placebo groups for kidney stress (Δ-[TIMP-2]*[IGFBP7] 0.06 [ng/mL] 2 /1000 [Q1-Q3, -0.24 to 0.28] vs -0.08 [ng/mL] 2 /1000 [Q1-Q3, -0.35 to 0.14]; P = .19; Hodges-Lehmann estimation of the location shift of 0.12 [ng/mL] 2 /1000 [95% confidence interval, CI, -0.1 to 0.36]). AT-II patients received less fluid during treatment than placebo patients (2946 vs 3341 mL, P = .03), and required lower doses of norepinephrine equivalent (0.19 mg vs 4.18mg, P < .001). SAEs were reported in 38.7% of patients in the AT-II group and in 46.9% of patients in the placebo group. The infusion of AT-II for 12 hours appears feasible and did not lead to an increase in kidney stress in a high-risk cohort of cardiac surgery patients. These findings support the cautious continued investigation of AT-II as a vasopressor in hyperreninemic cardiac surgery patients.

Mortality and major postoperative complications within 1 year after vascular surgery: a prospective cohort study.

Patients undergoing vascular procedures are prone to developing postoperative complications affecting their short‑term mortality. Prospective reports describing the incidence of long‑term complications after vascular surgery are lacking. We aimed to describe the incidence of complications 1 year after vascular surgery and to evaluate an association between myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS) and 1‑year mortality. This is a substudy of a large prospective cohort study Vascular Events in Noncardiac Surgery Patients Cohort Evaluation (VISION). Recruitment took place in 28 centers across 14 countries from August 2007 to November 2013. We enrolled patients aged 45 years or older undergoing vascular surgery, receiving general or regional anesthesia, and hospitalized for at least 1 night postoperatively. Plasma cardiac troponin T concentration was measured before the surgery and on the first, second, and third postoperative day. The patients or their relatives were contacted 1 year after the procedure to assess the incidence of major postoperative complications. We enrolled 2641 patients who underwent vascular surgery, 2534 (95.9%) of whom completed 1‑year follow‑up. Their mean (SD) age was 68.2 (9.8) years, and the cohort was predominantly male (77.5%). The most frequent 1‑year complications were myocardial infarction (224/2534, 8.8%), amputation (187/2534, 7.4%), and congestive heart failure (67/2534, 2.6%). The 1‑year mortality rate was 8.8% (223/2534). MINS occurred in 633 patients (24%) and was associated with an increased 1‑year mortality (hazard ratio, 2.82; 95% CI, 2.14-3.72; P <0.001). The incidence of major postoperative complications after vascular surgery is high. The occurrence of MINS is associated with a nearly 3‑fold increase in 1‑year mortality.

Concomitant Tricuspid Valve Surgery Is Not Associated With Increased Operative Risk During Robotic Mitral Valve Surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of robotic mitral valve surgery with and without concomitant tricuspid valve surgery. Patients who underwent robotic mitral surgery between March 2010 and September 2022 were included. Patients were grouped according to the presence of concomitant tricuspid interventions. The groups were compared for baseline factors, operative parameters, and early postoperative outcomes. Age- and gender-matched groups were also compared for outcomes. The study included 285 robotic mitral surgery patients. There were 59 patients who underwent concomitant tricuspid interventions. In the concomitant tricuspid surgery group, cardiopulmonary bypass time (150.1 vs 128.4 min, P < 0.001) and cross-clamp time (99.2 vs 82.4 min, P < 0.001) were longer. Prolonged intubation was more frequent in the concomitant tricuspid intervention group (5.2% vs 0.5%, P = 0.029). The groups did not differ in terms of mortality, permanent pacemaker (PPM) requirement, or other morbidities. Perioperative outcomes were similar after matched group analysis. Operative mortality and early adverse outcomes did not increase with the addition of tricuspid intervention in our cohort of robotic mitral surgery patients. The robotic approach for mitral disease and coexisting tricuspid disease may offer safe results without an increased risk of postoperative PPM requirement.

Impact of penicillin allergy labels on surgical site infections in a large UK cohort of gastrointestinal surgery patients.

Studies in the USA, Canada and France have reported higher surgical site infection (SSI) risk in patients with a penicillin allergy label (PAL). Here, we investigate the association between PALs and SSI in the UK, a country with distinct epidemiology of infecting pathogens and range of antimicrobial regimens in routine use. Electronic health records and national SSI surveillance data were collated for a retrospective cohort of gastrointestinal surgery patients at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2021. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine the effects of PALs and the use of non-β-lactam-based prophylaxis on likelihood of SSI, 30 day post-operative mortality, 7 day post-operative acute kidney injury and 60 day post-operative infection/colonization with antimicrobial-resistant bacteria or Clostridioides difficile. Our data comprised 3644 patients and 4085 operations; 461 were undertaken in the presence of PALs (11.3%). SSI was detected after 435/4085 (10.7%) operations. Neither the presence of PALs, nor the use of non-β-lactam-based prophylaxis were found to be associated with SSI: adjusted OR (aOR) 0.90 (95% CI 0.65-1.25) and 1.20 (0.88-1.62), respectively. PALs were independently associated with increased odds of newly identified MRSA infection/colonization in the 60 days after surgery: aOR 2.71 (95% CI 1.13-6.49). Negative association was observed for newly identified infection/colonization with third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria: aOR 0.38 (95% CI 0.16-0.89). No evidence was found for an association between PALs and the likelihood of SSI in this large UK cohort, suggesting significant international variation in the impact of PALs on surgical patients.

Machine learning to predict myocardial injury and death after non-cardiac surgery

Abstract Background/Introduction Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) is defined as prognostically relevant myocardial injury due to ischaemia that occurs within 30-days of non-cardiac surgery. Purpose The aim of this study was to test whether machine learning, using neural networks, can accurately predict this frequent and important complication. Methods Using data from 24,589 participants in the Vascular Events in Noncardiac Surgery Patients Cohort Evaluation (VISION) study, who had non-cardiac surgery and post-operative high-sensitivity troponin T (hs-TnT) levels measured, a deep neural network was trained to predict the primary outcome of MINS and the secondary outcome of death within 30-days. Validation was performed on a separate, randomly selected, subset of the study population with model discrimination and accuracy (number of correct predictions) determined. Results Using only data available pre-operatively, the deep neural network predicted MINS with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.75 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.74-0.76) and death at 30-days with an AUROC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.79-0.86). Addition of basic intra-operative and early post-operative data increased the AUROC for MINS to 0.77 (95% CI 0.76-0.78) and death to 0.87 (95% CI 0.85-0.90). The deep neural network trained on the full dataset (pre-operative, intra-operative and early post-operative) predicted MINS with an accuracy of 70% and death within 30-days with an accuracy of 89%. Conclusions Neural networks can be trained to predict MINS and death within 30-days of non-cardiac surgery and the inclusion of intra-operative and early post-operative data improves predictive accuracy. These techniques may be useful clinically to predict adverse outcomes after non-cardiac surgery.MINS outcomesDeath Outcomes