Fourth Postoperative Day Research Articles

449. CAN LARGE ANASTOMOTIC LEAKAGE AFTER ESOPHAGEAL SURGERY BE TREATED BY ENDOLUMINAL VACUUM-ASSISTED CLOSURE (EVAC THERAPY)?: A CASE REPORT

Abstract Background Anastomotic leakage after esophageal surgery is a deadly complication which approach is still under debate. The high morbimortality of the surgical approach has led to debate whether there are any alternative treatments. The appropriate strategy is based on many factors that include patient’s general conditions, size of anastomotic leakage and diagnosis delay. EVAC (Endoscopic vacuum assisted wound closure) is an emerging technique to treat these patients that can be placed either into the cavity or in the lumen under endoscopic guidance. It is then connected to a negative continuous pressure of 75-125mmhg and then reviewed after 3-4 days. Methods A 62-year-old man with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy, followed by a minimally invasive Mckeown esophagectomy. On the fourth postoperative day, inflammatory indexes increased, and a CT scan showed an anastomotic leakage. It was decided to perform an endoscopy that showed that the leakage was about 70% of the anastomosis opening to a wound cavity of 5cm with necrotic tissue and fibrosis. Due to the clinical stability of the patient, it was decided to treat the anastomotic leakage conservatively by EVAC therapy. Results To start the EVAC therapy a polyurethane sponge was placed in the cavity via an overtube during the first endoscopy. The patient underwent a total of 14 EVAC sessions over 85 days. As we performed the sessions, healthy granulation tissue appeared leading the leakage and the cavity size to progressively improve. After the 13th session, the endoscopic evaluation showed a healed anastomosis. A CT scan with oral contrast was performed showing leak resolution. The patient started oral intake and was discharged after four days. Conclusions Treatment of anastomotic leakage after esophagectomy is still challenging and presenting high morbidity. The appropriate strategy needs to be individualized. Although surgical reintervention was the classical approach for these patients, new strategies have appeared like the EVAC. It is a promising option to improve the outcome of patients with transmural leakages who would otherwise require surgery. It has demonstrated that it is a reliable, safe and effective treatment.

Acquired antithrombin deficiency in adult patients with postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between acquired antithrombin deficiency in patients undergoing postcardiotomy extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (PC-ECMO) and thromboembolic or haemorrhagic events such as bleeding, peripheral arterial thromboembolism, and ischemic cerebrovascular events. The study was designed as a single-center, prospective study and conducted at our hospital between November 2019 and June 2021. 50 patients who underwent ECMO due to postcardiotomy cardiogenic shock were included in the study. Antithrombin (AT) activity testing was performed immediately after ECMO placement and continued for 5 days. The total of haemorrhagic or thromboembolic events was defined as morbidity. The entire patient population was assessed daily for AT measurements according to morbidity status, and ROC analysis was applied to determine the cut-off point. The correlation between clinical outcomes and morbidities with antithrombin levels was analysed. In our study, we identified a cut-off for AT levels on the first postoperative day. The risk of both bleeding (p = .006) and thromboembolism (p = .012) was significantly higher in patients below the 48.9% cut-off value. AT levels were compared with data on separation from PC-ECMO. The rate of separation from ECMO was 7.969 times higher in cases with AT levels above 51.8 on the third postoperative day and 5.6 times higher in cases with AT levels above 47.5 on the fourth postoperative day. Acquired antithrombin deficiency may develop in adults undergoing PC-ECMO. In our study, we demonstrated that in patients with low antithrombin levels, the risk of bleeding and thromboembolism increased. Additionally, since AT levels were higher in survivors, this can be considered an indicator of severity. This study is the first prospective study related to determining target antithrombin levels in adult patients undergoing PC-ECMO.

Effectiveness of Auricular Acupressure on Improving Pain and Heart Rate Variability in Patients After Cervical Spine Surgery.

Cervical spine surgery is a common neurosurgical procedure; however, postoperative pain remains a problem. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of auricular acupressure, which is considered a noninvasive, convenient, and safe method for pain reduction and heart rate variability in patients after surgery. A total of 62 patients who underwent cervical spine surgery were randomly divided into experimental (32 patients) and control (30 patients) groups. Both groups received routine care, whereas the experimental group received auricular acupressure three times a day for four days. The Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire was administered, and heart rate variability measurements were obtained on the first, second, third, and fourth postoperative days. The results indicated that auricular acupressure was effective in reducing pain (P <.05) and improving heart rate variability (P <.05) in patients. Based on the findings, this study suggests that auricular acupressure can be used as a complementary treatment to reduce pain in patients after cervical spine surgery.

Comparison of Perioperative Pain Management between Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair and Total Knee and Hip Arthroplasty

Background Although postoperative shoulder pain surgery is severe, the quality of its management has not been studied in comparison with pain after other orthopedic surgeries. Furthermore, reports have investigated daytime pain, but none have discussed nighttime pain. Objective This study aimed to compare perioperative pain management in patients who underwent Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair (ARCR) and those who underwent lower extremity arthroplasty. Methods The study population included 33 patients who underwent ARCR and 21 patients who underwent lower-extremity arthroplasty between August 2015 and March 2016. For postoperative analgesia, an interscalene brachial plexus block was used for ARCR, and an epidural block was used for lower extremity arthroplasty. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for rest and night pain was measured from the day before the operation to the fourth postoperative day. Results In ARCR, night pain was significantly weaker on the day of surgery (VAS, ARCR 23.9 vs. lower extremity arthroplasty 47.9; P = 0.008); however, it was significantly stronger on the second and third postoperative days (2nd, 45.6 vs. 23.2; P = 0.002 / 3rd, 38.1 vs. 23.5; P = 0.021). There were no significant differences in rest pain. Conclusion It was confirmed that postoperative pain can be well managed in patients undergoing ARCR. However, because the pain worsened after the removal of the block, further improvement is required.

Cerebellar Haemorrhage After Corrective Surgery for Scoliosis in a Girl with Arrested Hydrocephalus.

A 14-year-old girl with congenital hydrocephalus and early-onset scoliosis presented with sudden onset of severe headache on the fourth postoperative day of scoliosis correction (definitive fusion). On evaluation, she was found to have cerebellar haemorrhage on computed tomography scan with the findings of obstructive hydrocephalus. Posterior fossa bleed with hydrocephalus contributing to raised ICP was suspected initially. Headache persisted despite treating the patient with analgesics and antioedema measures. There was no history of postural variation of headache. As the drain output was not coming down, even by the sixth postoperative day, low cerebrospinal fluid pressure headache was considered and the drain was removed, which resulted in marked improvement of headache. Subsequent wound exploration revealed grade III dural tear at D10 level, which was repaired and the headache subsided completely. The linear pattern of haemorrhage in the cerebellum is classical of remote cerebellar haemorrhage, which is seen rarely following spinal surgeries with associated dural tear.

Small bowel occlusion due to congenital peritoneal encapsulation treated with laparoscopic resection of the hernia sac: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

Congenital peritoneal encapsulation (CPE) is an extraordinarily rare condition characterized by an additional peritoneal membrane encasing part or whole of the small intestine. The etiology of CPE, believed to originate from atypical adhesions during fetal mid-gut development, remains uncertain. Clinical presentations involving intestinal obstruction are extremely rare. We report a case of a 39-year-old male of Egyptian origin who presented to our emergency department with abdominal pain and vomiting. Initial abdominal computed tomography scan showed no mechanical obstruction. However, worsening symptoms necessitated laparoscopic exploration, which revealed a mechanical obstruction in the jejunum due to a peritoneal-vessel band and CPE involving the initial segment of the small bowel. The peritoneal fold, encircling the first jejunal loops, was resected up to the Treitz ligament, releasing the jejunum. The patient had an uncomplicated postoperative recovery and was discharged on the fourth postoperative day.

Unusual cause of urinary retention in an infant

Introduction: Gastrointestinal tract duplication cysts constitute a rare group of malformation. Patients with presacral mass present with a diagnostic challenge due to the less obvious presentation. Case Report: We report a 7-month-old boy, who presented with constipation and acute intermittent urinary retention. On per-rectal examination, a palpable mass was felt posteriorly with a narrow base, raising a query of pre-sacral/pelvic mass. Ultrasound pelvis revealed a well-defined, rounded oval-shaped cystic mass noted in the center of the lower pelvis, posteriorly. Computed tomography (CT) scan abdomen confirmed a cystic pelvis mass anterior to the rectum causing mass effect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the pelvis was done to define its relationship to the sacral spine. A high-intensity lesion was seen on T2 imaging with no spinal involvement. Hence surgical exploration was done, and per operative diagnosis of rectal duplication was confirmed. Postoperatively child was discharged on the fourth post-operative day and doing well on follow-up. Conclusion: We emphasize a complete examination, including per rectal examination in any child presenting with acute urinary retention to exclude pre-sacral masses.

Suprapubic versus transurethral catheterization for bladder drainage in male rectal cancer surgery (GRECCAR10), a randomized clinical trial.

Bladder drainage is systematically used in rectal cancer surgery; however, the optimal type of drainage, transurethral catheterization (TUC) or suprapubic catheterization (SPC), is still controversial. The aim was to compare the rates of urinary tract infection on the fourth postoperative day (POD4) between TUC and SPC, after rectal cancer surgery regardless of the day of removal of the urinary drain. This randomized clinical trial in 19 expert colorectal surgery centers in France and Belgium was performed between October 2016 and October 2019 and included 240 men (with normal or subnormal voiding function) undergoing mesorectal excision with low anastomosis for rectal cancer. Patients were followed at postoperative days4, 30, and 180. In 208 patients (median age 66years [IQR 58-71]) randomized to TUC (n = 99) or SPC (n = 109), the rate of urinary infection at POD4 was not significantly different whatever the type of drainage (11/99 (11.1%) vs. 8/109 (7.3%), 95%CI, - 4.2% to 11.7%; p = 0.35). There was significantly more pyuria in the TUC group (79/99 (79.0%) vs. (60/109 (60.9%), 95%CI, 5.7-30.0%; p = 0.004). No difference in bacteriuria was observed between the groups. Patients in the TUC group had a shorter duration of catheterization (median 4 [2-5] vs. 4 [3-5] days; p = 0.002). Drainage complications were more frequent in the SPC group at all followup visits. TUC should be preferred over SPC in male patients undergoing surgery for mid and/or lower rectal cancers, owing to the lower rate of complications and shorter duration of catheterization. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02922647.

Is Piezosurgery Associated with Improved Patient Outcomes Compared to Conventional Osteotomy in Rhinoplasty? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs.

Background: Rhinoplasty is a common plastic surgery procedure with evolving surgical techniques. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares the outcomes of piezosurgery versus conventional osteotomy in rhinoplasty. Methods: A comprehensive search of six databases yielded 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing piezosurgery (292 cases) to conventional osteotomy (338 cases) in rhinoplasty patients. The examined outcomes included postoperative edema, ecchymosis, complications, pain (using the Visual Analogue Scale-VAS), and operative time. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on the assessment timepoint, surgical approach, and outcome grade. The risk of bias was evaluated using the revised Cochrane tool. Results: Piezosurgery showed a significant reduction in the degree of postoperative edema (second and seventh postoperative days) and ecchymosis (second, fourth, and seventh postoperative days). The external approach in piezosurgery demonstrated greater benefits for both outcomes. Piezosurgery was associated with a significant reduction in overall complications, especially mucosal injuries, compared to conventional osteotomy, with no significant difference regarding postoperative hemorrhage. A significant reduction in pain scores and the need for analgesia was observed with piezosurgery. No significant difference was found in operative time. Conclusions: Piezosurgery offers significant benefits in patient outcomes, with similar operative time between both techniques. However, long-term investigations are still needed.

Obturator hernia: a persisting clinical diagnostic challenge – a case report

Introduction: The presentation of a strangulated obturator hernia is rare, with it accounting for less than 0.04% of all hernias. Delay in presentation and diagnosis results in complications like bowel ischemia, necrosis, perforation, and peritonitis, thereby increasing morbidity and mortality. Case presentation: The authors report the case of an 85-year-old multiparous woman who presented with a 3-day history of abdominal pain and vomiting. Upon examination, she exhibited hypotension, altered sensorium, and a distended abdomen with visible peristalsis. An abdominal pelvic computed tomography scan confirmed the diagnosis of ‘intestinal obstruction secondary to an incarcerated obturator hernia’. Subsequently, a lower midline laparotomy was performed, successfully reducing the bowel and repairing the hernial orifice. The patient was discharged on the fourth postoperative day, and there has been no hernia recurrence as of her 3-month follow-up. Discussion: The presentation of a strangulated obturator hernia can be elusive. During clinical examination, both the Howship–Romberg sign and the Hannington-Kiffs sign tests may be negative. Laparoscopic obturator hernia repair has been shown to reduce hospital stay and morbidity. A midline laparotomy has the advantage of easy manual reduction, minimizing bowel trauma, accurately accessing the bowel, and facilitating bowel resection. Conclusion: Obturator hernias constitute rare subtypes of abdominal hernias. They typically occur in older women, and patients often present with poor functional status and multiple comorbidities. The clinical diagnostic tests are uncertain, even in patients with a high index of suspicion. Timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical management are crucial for a favorable outcome.

Incidence of Venous Thromboembolism after Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty with Mechanical Prophylaxis in Hong Kong Chinese.

The incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) following total hip arthroplasty (THA) without chemoprophylaxis could be as high as 50% in Caucasians. However, according to several subsequent studies, the incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in Asians was much lower. The routine use of chemoprophylaxis, which could potentially cause increased bleeding, infection, and wound complications, has been questioned in low-incidence populations. The objective of this study is to determine the incidence of VTE after primary THA without chemoprophylaxis in an Asian population using a fast-track rehabilitation protocol and to verify the safety profile for use of 'mechanical prophylaxis alone' in patients with standard risk of VTE. This is a retrospective cohort study of 542 Hong Kong Chinese patients who underwent primary THA without chemoprophylaxis. All patients received intermittent pneumatic compression and graduated compression stockings as mechanical prophylaxis. Multimodal pain management was applied in order to facilitate early mobilisation. Routine duplex ultrasonography was performed between the fourth and seventh postoperative day for detection of proximal DVT. All patients were Chinese (mean age, 63.0±11.9 years). Six patients developed proximal DVT (incidence rate, 1.1%). None of the patients had symptomatic or fatal pulmonary embolism. The incidence of VTE after primary THA without chemical prophylaxis can be low in Asian populations when following a fast-track rehabilitation protocol. Mechanical prophylaxis alone can be regarded as a reasonably safe practice in terms of a balanced benefit-to-risk ratio for Asian patients with standard risk of VTE.

Validity of a smartwatch for detecting atrial fibrillation in patients after heart valve surgery: a prospective observational study

Objectives Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common early arrhythmia after heart valve surgery that limits physical activity. We aimed to evaluate the criterion validity of the Apple Watch Series 5 single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) for detecting AF in patients after heart valve surgery. Design We enrolled 105 patients from the University Hospital of North Norway, of whom 93 completed the study. All patients underwent single-lead ECG using the smartwatch three times or more daily on the second to third or third to fourth postoperative day. These results were compared with continuous 2–4 days ECG telemetry monitoring and a 12-lead ECG on the third postoperative day. Results On comparing the Apple Watch ECGs with the ECG monitoring, the sensitivity and specificity to detect AF were 91% (75, 100) and 96% (91, 99), respectively. The accuracy was 95% (91, 99). On comparing Apple Watch ECG with a 12-lead ECG, the sensitivity was 71% (62, 100) and the specificity was 92% (92, 100). Conclusion The Apple smartwatch single-lead ECG has high sensitivity and specificity, and might be a useful tool for detecting AF in patients after heart valve surgery.

Difficult Diagnosis and Management of Concealed Cushing.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors account for 5- 10% of Cushing syndrome cases and are often difficult to diagnose and treat. A 44-year-old man presented with arterial hypertension and weight gain. On the physical examination, he exhibited central obesity, abdominal striae rubrae, and facial plethora. Due to the clinical suspicion of Cushing syndrome, the Nugent test and Liddle-1 test were performed, which showed a lack of cortisol suppression. ACTH levels were also high (138 pg/mL), so pituitary MRI and dynamic tests were performed, including the Corticotropin-releasing Hormone (CRH) stimulation test and Liddle-2. MRI showed a 3 mm pituitary microadenoma, but hormonal testing suggested ectopic ACTH production. Chest CT detected a 10-mm nodule in the upper lobe of the right lung, suspicious for a carcinoid tumor. However, the nodule did not exhibit any enhancement on 68-Gallium-DOTATOC PET-CT, and further, 18-FDG PET-CT was inconclusive. In addition, the nodule was deemed non-biopsiable due to its location. Meanwhile, the patient developed osteoporosis, resulting in two vertebral fractures and one rib fracture, which was treated with zoledronate. Furthermore, the patient developed acute aortic insufficiency. During bioprosthetic valve replacement, the thoracic surgeon performed wedge resection of the right upper lung lobe. The histological examination of the lesion revealed a typical lung carcinoid (1.2x0.9 cm, pT1bNXR0, Ki671%, ACTH positive in 95% of neoplastic elements). ACTH levels dropped to 4 pg/mL on the fourth postoperative day. ACTH-secreting tumors are particularly challenging diseases. A comprehensive hormonal and instrumental valuation is often required, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach.

Functional Physical Analysis and Quality of Life in the Preoperative and Early Postoperative Periods of Cardiac Surgery and 30 Days After Hospital Discharge.

The analysis of patients submitted to heart surgery at three assessment times has been insufficiently described in the literature. To analyze chest expansion, maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), distance traveled on the six-minute walk test (6MWT), and quality of life in the preoperative period, fourth postoperative day (4th PO), and 30th day after hospital discharge (30th-day HD) in individuals submitted to elective heart surgery. A descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with 15 individuals submitted to elective heart surgery between 2016 and 2020 who did not undergo any type of physiotherapeutic intervention in Phase II of cardiac rehabilitation. The outcome variables were difference in chest expansion (axillary, nipple, and xiphoid), MIP, MEP, distance on 6MWT, and quality of life. The assessment times were preoperative period, 4th PO, and 30th-day HD. Chest expansion diminished between the preoperative period and 4th PO, followed by an increase at 30th-day HD. MIP, MEP, and distance traveled on the 6MWT diminished between the preoperative period and 4th PO, with a return to preoperative values at 30th-day HD. General quality of life improved between the preoperative period and 4th PO and 30th-day HD. An improvement was found in the social domain between the preoperative period and the 30th-day HD. Heart surgery causes immediate physical deficit, but physical functioning can be recovered 30 days after hospital discharge, resulting in an improvement in quality of life one month after surgery.

Fear of Cancer and State Anxiety Among Women Undergoing Hysterectomy

Background Fear of cancer may develop after surgery in women who underwent surgery for suspected malignancy in preoperative examinations. It is important from a psychosocial point of view that the fear of cancer and the factors affecting anxiety are determined and necessary interventions are made. Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the level of state anxiety, fear of cancer, and influencing factors in women who had hysterectomies with a risk of cancer in the waiting period for the pathology result. Methods The research data were collected from 109 women who underwent hysterectomy while waiting for the pathology result on the third or fourth postoperative day. Patients completed the Personal Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-I, and Cancer Worry Scale. Results Women who underwent hysterectomy with the risk of gynecological cancer had high levels of state anxiety and cancer fear after hysterectomy; type of hysterectomy significantly affected cancer fear (P = .022), and social support (P = .015), type of hysterectomy (P = .024), and family history of cancer (P = .022) significantly affected state anxiety. Conclusion The management of these women’s concerns can be improved if healthcare professionals know more about the factors affecting their state anxiety and fear. Implications for Practice Health professionals witness patients’ most private experiences and play a key role in providing care and support. This study may be foundational in the planning and implementation of nursing interventions to manage causes of anxiety and fear during this waiting period.

Vascular covered stent and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery for Aortoesophageal fistula caused by esophageal fishbone: a case report

BackgroundAortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare condition characterized by communication between the aorta and esophagus. AEF caused by an esophageal foreign body is even rare, and there is currently no recommended standard treatment protocol. We report a case of delayed aortic rupture after the endoscopic removal of a fish bone, which was successfully treated with a combined approach of vascular stenting and thoracic surgery.Case presentationA 33-year-old man presented to the hospital after experiencing chest discomfort for 3 days following the accidental ingestion of a fish bone. Under endoscopic guidance, the fish bone was successfully removed, and the patient was subsequently admitted for medical therapy. On the fourth postoperative day, the patient suddenly developed hematemesis, and chest computed tomography angiography revealed the presence of an AEF. This necessitated urgent intervention; hence, thoracic surgery was performed and a vascular-covered stent was placed. Following the surgical procedure, the patient received active medical treatment, recovered well, and was successfully discharged from the hospital.ConclusionsIn patients with esophageal perforation caused by foreign bodies, hospitalization for observation, computed tomography angiography examination, early use of antibiotics, and careful assessment of aortic damage are advised. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair and esophageal rupture repair may have benefits for the treatment of AEF.

Skin Grafting in Post burn contractures of Groin and perineum in patients

Background: Groin and perineal burn contracture is a rare postburn sequel. Such postburn contractures causes distressing symptoms to the patients and in the management of these contractures, both functional and cosmetic appearance should be the primary concern. Material and Methods: This is prospective and descriptive study conducted in the Department of Plastic Surgery at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital over a period of 1 Year. First dressing was seen on third or fourth postoperative day and percentage of graft take/loss was noted. Complications, if any, were recorded. Indwelling urinary catheter drainage was instituted for 3 to 4 days postoperatively. Once the graft stabilized, patients were discharged and advised to wear compression garments. Results: In our study, 77.1% of the patients, post burn contractures of the groin and perineum were because of Open chulla. Other less common causes were hot water (14.3%) and flame burn (8.6%). Majority of the patients were brought with complaints of difficulty in squatting (80.0%) followed by limitation of movements of hip joints (71.4%) and (44.3%) impairment of walking. In our series of 70 patients two types of operative procedures were performed: (1) release of contracture with split thickness skin grafting; (2) release of contracture and closure by multiple Zplasties. Moreover, 30 (42.9%) patients having bilateral groin contractures underwent release of contracture with split thickness skin grafting. 29 (41.4%) patients underwent release of unilateral groin contracture with split thickness skin grafting and 4 (5.7%) patients underwent release of unilateral groin contracture and closure by multiple Zplasties.Conclusion: To conclude, recuperation from perineal burns, both in acute period and chronic phase in case contracture occurs, is a difficult challenge physically and mentally. The agony that a burn patientendures during treatment is evident even to an onlooker.

Effectiveness of range of motion therapy to improve muscle strength in postoperative limb fracture patients

Intoduction: A fracture or fracture is a separation or tear in bone continuity caused by trauma. Fracture fixation surgery is one of the procedures in handling fractures. However, there are still many short-term and long-term complications that can be experienced by patients, one of which is a decrease in range of motion which results in a decrease in muscle strength. Range Of Motion (ROM) is one of the therapies that can be done to improve and maintain the perfection of the ability to move joints completely and to increase muscle time and tone. Objective: To increase muscle strength in postoperative limb fracture patients can apply Range of Motion therapy. Methods: The method used in this study uses case studies with pre and post intervention. Range of Motion therapy is carried out 2 times a day in 3 consecutive days starting from the second day postoperatively. The patient was given ROM therapy on the second day postoperatively passively. On the third and fourth postoperative days, patients are asked to do ROM actively as taught on the first day. Results: Results showed that there was an increase in muscle strength in patients postoperative limb fractures after Range of Motion therapy. Conclusion: Range of motion therapy with appropriate procedures and performed routinely can improve muscle strength and daily activities in patients with postoperative limb fractures.

The effect of reflexology on pain, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionReflexology is a non-pharmacological method that helps normalization of bodily functions by applying pressure to the reflex points on the hands, feet and ears, which correspond to all the organs and glands in the body. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of reflexology on pain, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery. MethodsThis open-label, randomized parallel-group controlled trial was conducted between September 2020 to May 2021 in a university hospital in Turkey. Seventy eligible patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery were randomized into reflexology group (n = 35) or control group (n = 35). While foot reflexology was applied to the reflexology group for 40 min in the first three days after surgery, no intervention was applied to control group. The primary outcome was pain severity, assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, in the first three postoperative days. The other outcomes were anxiety level assessed using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, fatigue level assessed using the Visual Analog Scale in the first three postoperative days, and sleep quality assessed using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire in the first four postoperative days. ResultsAfter applying reflexology on the first, second, and third postoperative days, pain scores (d=-2.736, 95% Cl=-3.388 to -2.084) (d=-7.954, 95% Cl=-9.352 to -6.555) (d=-7.528, 95% Cl=-8.860 to -6.196), anxiety scores (d=-3.462, 95% Cl=-4.202 to -1.721) (d=-6.077, 95% Cl=-7.187 to -4.967) (d=-6.537, 95% Cl=-7.717 to -5.357), and fatigue scores (d=-2.490, 95% Cl=-3.115 to -1.866) (d=-6.245, 95% Cl=-7.380 to -5.109) (d=-8.223, 95% Cl=-9.675 to -6.791, respectively) were statistically significantly lower in reflexology group compared to control group. On the second, third, and fourth postoperative days, sleep scores in reflexology group were statistically significantly higher than control group (d = 3.230, 95% Cl=2.519 to 3.941) (d = 4.280, 95% Cl=3.431 to 5.130) (d = 6.106, 95% Cl=4.992 to 7.221, respectively). During the study period, no adverse events were noted in either groups. ConclusionThis study showed that applying foot reflexology to patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery reduced pain, anxiety, and fatigue and improved sleep quality. Further studies on reflexology practice are recommended to be conducted with larger sample sizes and different groups. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04473287.

Perioperative copeptin: predictive value and risk stratification in patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery—a prospective observational cohort study

PurposeBiomarkers can aid in perioperative risk stratification. While preoperative copeptin has been associated with adverse events, intraoperative information is lacking and this association may rather reflect a baseline risk. Knowledge about correlations between postoperative copeptin measurements and clinically relevant outcomes is scarce. We examined the association of perioperative copeptin concentrations with postoperative all-cause mortality and/or major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) at 12 months and 30 days as well as with perioperative myocardial injury (PMI).MethodsWe conducted a prospective observational cohort study of adults undergoing noncardiac surgery with intermediate to high surgical risk in Basel, Switzerland, and Düsseldorf, Germany from February 2016 to December 2020. We measured copeptin and cardiac troponin before surgery, immediately after surgery (0 hr) and once between the second and fourth postoperative day (POD 2–4).ResultsA primary outcome event of a composite of all-cause mortality and/or MACCE at 12 months occurred in 48/502 patients (9.6%). Elevated preoperative copeptin (> 14 pmol·L−1), immediate postoperative copeptin (> 90 pmol·L−1), and copeptin on POD 2–4 (> 14 pmol·L−1) were associated with lower one-year MACCE-free and/or mortality-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 2.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.62 to 5.2; HR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.17 to 3.66; and HR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.36 to 4.46, respectively). Multivariable analysis continued to show an association for preoperative and postoperative copeptin on POD 2–4. Furthermore, elevated copeptin on POD 2–4 showed an association with 30-day MACCE-free survival (HR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.18 to 3.91). A total of 64 of 489 patients showed PMI (13.1%). Elevated preoperative copeptin was not associated with PMI, while immediate postoperative copeptin was modestly associated with PMI.ConclusionThe results of the present prospective observational cohort study suggest that perioperative copeptin concentrations can help identify patients at risk for all-cause mortality and/or MACCE. Other identified risk factors were revised cardiac risk index, body mass index, surgical risk, and preoperative hemoglobin.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02687776); first submitted 9 February 2016.