High Perioperative Risk Research Articles

Rational peri-operative management of antithrombotic therapy in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: A 30-day morbidity analysis based on the updated European Association of Urology guidelines for standardized complication reporting

BackgroundRadical cystectomy (RC) in bladder cancer patients with cardiovascular comorbidity poses challenges due to the need for antithrombotic therapy and high perioperative risk. We aimed to assess 30-day complications after RC in patients receiving antithrombotic therapy. Patients and methodsRetrospective study of 416 bladder cancer patients (2009–2017) undergoing open RC with pelvic lymph node dissection, with or without antithrombotic therapy. Antithrombotic therapy and complication reporting followed European guidelines. Procedure-specific 30-day complications were cataloged, graded (Clavien-Dindo), and quantified using the 30-day Comprehensive Complication Index. Multivariable regressions evaluated antithrombotic therapy's independent effect on key morbidity outcomes. ResultsMedian age was 70 years, 78% were male. Patients on antithrombotic therapy were mostly male, had higher comorbidity burden, worse kidney function, more frequent incontinent diversion, and shorter operative time (all p ≤ 0.027). Bleeding complications occurred in 135 patients (32%; 95%CI = 28–37%), more prevalent with antithrombotic therapy (46% vs. 29%; p = 0.004). Thromboembolic complications occurred in 18 patients (4.3%; 95%CI = 2.6–6.8%), no difference between patients with and without antithrombotic therapy (8.4% vs. 3.3%; p = 0.063). Prevalence of myocardial infarction, new-onset hypertension, acute congestive heart failure, and angina pectoris showed no difference (all p ≥ 0.3). Multivariable analyses indicated no association between antithrombotic therapy and cardiac complications, 30-day major complications, or cumulative morbidity (all p ≥ 0.2). Antithrombotic therapy was associated with bleeding complications (OR = 1.92; 95%CI = 1.07–3.45; p = 0.028), predominantly transfusion-related (75% of 152 bleeding complications). Limitations include retrospective data assessment with biases. ConclusionsRC in patients on antithrombotic therapy exhibits a higher incidence of adverse events due to underlying comorbidities. Adherence to thromboprophylaxis guidelines enables safe RC in patients with significant comorbidities, without substantial increase in major bleeding or severe thromboembolic events.

Muscle quality, not quantity, is associated with outcome after colorectal cancer surgery

IntroductionEmerging evidence suggests that deconditioned patients benefit most from prehabilitation before colorectal cancer surgery. So far, selecting patients with poor muscle status and high perioperative risk remains challenging. Therefore, this study evaluates the potential of the CT-derived Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI), representing muscle mass, and of the Muscle Radiation Attenuation (MRA), a measure of muscle quality, for risk stratification in colorectal cancer patients. MethodsIn this retrospective, single-center observational study, 207 patients with resection of colorectal adenocarcinoma between January 2016 and December 2020 were included. The Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and survival were recorded. Data were analyzed using multivariable linear, logistic, and Cox proportional hazards regression models adjusted for age, sex, BMI, CCI, neoadjuvant therapy, tumor stage, and surgery type. ResultsAn increase of the MRA was associated with fewer postoperative complications (anastomotic leakage and pneumonia) and lesser severity according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, shorter hospital stays, and prolonged survival (Hazard ratio: 0.63 [95%CI: 0.49–0.81], p < 0.001). No relevant associations were found between the SMI and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, or survival. ConclusionThe easy-to-raise MRA serves as a more reliable tool than the SMI for identifying high-risk patients with poor muscle status before colorectal surgery. Those patients may benefit most from prehabilitation, which has to be proven in future interventional trials.

Effectiveness and Adherence Rate of S-flurbiprofen Plaster for the Pain Management of Patients With Moderate and End-Stage Knee Osteoarthritis.

S-flurbiprofen plaster (SFPP) is highly skin permeable and represents a new conservative treatment for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) that can attain considerably higher concentrations in the synovium than topical flurbiprofen. To date, no study has investigated the efficacy and adherence rate of SFPP in patients with end-stage KOA. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and adherence rate of SFPP for pain management in patients with moderate and end-stage KOA. This retrospective study included a total of 118 patients with KOA (Kellgren-Lawrence classification grades II (n = 29), III (n = 32), and IV (n = 57)). The difference in SFPP use rate, adverse drug reactions rate, whether 50% pain relief occurred, and the percentage of patients who underwent surgical treatment were calculated. The overall SFPP use rate at one year was 61.0% (88.1% at less than one month, 79.7% at three months, and 61.0% at six months), with no significant differences among Kellgren-Lawrence grade II, III, and IV groups (p = 0.538). Adverse drug reactions such as skin rash (n = 23), skin irritation (n = 8), and gastrointestinal disorders (n = 2) were observed. The one-year SFPP use rate was significantly lower in patients in whom these side effects occurredbut did not decrease in patients in whom only a skin rash occurred. Overall, 19 patients underwent surgery after discontinuation of SFPP use. Surgery was statistically selectedmore by the "over 71 years of age" group (p = 0.038) and the "ineffective" group (p = 0.007). SFPP exerts a comparable therapeutic effect even in end-stage KOA and may be an effective treatment option. Even if patients have end-stage KOA, there are cases in which the patient's background does not allow for surgery positively, such as high perioperative risk or desire for conservative treatment. In such cases, SFPP may be an effective treatment option worth trying.

Perioperative management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Present themes and future directions.

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is an increasingly common pathology that all those involved in perioperative care will come across. Patients with the condition present a challenge at many stages along the perioperative journey, not least because many patients living with OSA are unaware of their diagnosis.Key interventions can be made pre, intra-, and postoperatively to improve outcomes. Knowledge of screening tools, diagnostic tests, and the raft of treatment options are important for anyone caring for these patients. Recent literature has highlighted the increasing complexity of surgical patients and significant underdiagnosis of OSA in this patient population. Work has demonstrated how and why patients with OSA are at a higher perioperative risk and that effective positive airways pressure (PAP) therapy can reduce these risks, alongside evidencing how best to optimise adherence to therapy, a key issue in OSA. OSA, and particularly undiagnosed OSA, presents a huge problem in the perioperative period. Perioperative PAP reduces the risk of postoperative complications but adherence remains an issue. Bespoke perioperative pathways should be developed to identify and optimise high risk patients, although at present evidence on how best to achieve this is lacking.

ThTP8.10 Creating a Team Culture of Building a reliable NELA Database in a District General Hospital

Abstract Introduction In St Helier Hospital, Surrey, we run a busy Emergency General Surgery Service, performing almost 200 laparotomies annually. It is remarkable that in our Department every laparotomy case is consultant-led and that the percentage of HDU admission of high perioperative risk cases reaches 100%, leading to survival rates that are above the UK average. However, the NELA database has not been updated consistently with cases missing and others entered erroneously. As a result, the NELA database does not reliably reflect the quality of care we provide to our patients and undermines the Department’s CQC metrics. Methods We established a multidisciplinary QI Project involving the Departments of General Surgery, Anaesthetics and Intensive Care to create a team culture of commitment to NELA collection data. Interventions Results Conclusion Simple measures as well as raising awareness among the implicated professionals has led to great improvement in adherence to updating NELA database.

Significance of Ultra-Radical Surgery in Extensive Metastatic Ovarian Growing Teratoma Syndrome

Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the perioperative risks and outcomes of ultra-radical surgery in patients with extensive metastatic ovarian growing teratoma syndrome (GTS). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with extensive metastatic ovarian GTS treated in our hospital between 2000 and 2022. Patients’ clinical characteristics, surgical treatment, and outcomes were evaluated. Results: Overall, 13 patients were identified, and the median age at diagnosis of ovarian immature teratoma (IT) was 24 years (range: 5–37). The median interval between IT diagnosis and presenting GTS was 8 months (range: 2–60), with a median surgery delay of 5 months (range: 3–300). Peritoneum and liver were the most commonly affected sites (100%), followed by bowel (12 patients, 92.3%), diaphragm (12 patients, 92.3%), adnexa (9 patients, 69.2%), omentum (8 patients, 61.5%), uterus (7 patients, 53.8%), in the descending order. The mean operation time was 316 min (range: 180–625), and the mean blood loss volume was 992 mL (range: 200–5,000). Peritoneal metastasectomy (13 patients, 100%), diaphragmatic metastasectomy (12 patients, 92.3%), metastasis removal from the bowel (8 patients, 61.5%), partial hepatectomy (4 patients, 30.8%), bowel excision and anastomosis (1 patient, 7.7%) were also applied to achieve optimal debulking. R0 was achieved in 9 (69.2%) patients. A high rate of intraoperative blood transfusion (8 patients, 61.5%) and admission to the intensive care unit (9 patients, 69.2%) were observed, and the median postoperative hospitalization time was 8 days (range: 4–22). After a median follow-up of 3.3 years, 9 patients were free of disease, and 4 were alive with stable residual diseases. Conclusion: The survival outcomes in extensive metastatic ovarian GTS were satisfactory after ultra-radical surgery, while a proper therapeutic plan should be established due to the high perioperative risks.

Percutaneous lumbopelvic fixation for pathologic sacral fractures and spinopelvic dissociation: patient series.

Because patients with advanced cancer live longer, the number of patients with the sequelae of metastatic spine disease has increased. Pathologic instability of the mobile spine has been classified, and minimally invasive surgery has been well described. However, pathologic sacral instability is uncommon and often underdiagnosed. Although most sacral fractures are stable, patients with unstable U- or H-type fractures have spinopelvic dissociation and can experience progressive pain, sacral kyphosis, and neurological injury. Open lumbopelvic fusion carries a high perioperative risk for this patient population, which has often been previously radiated and is medically frail. The authors investigated the utility and safety of percutaneous lumbopelvic fixation, as previously described for traumatic spinopelvic dissociation, in the oncological setting. The authors retrospectively reviewed five consecutive patients with unstable pathologic sacral fractures who had undergone percutaneous lumbopelvic fixation after conservative management failed. Patients experienced significant improvement between pre- and postoperative visual analog scale scores (9.2 and 1.6, respectively) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group grades (median 3 and 1, respectively). All patients were independently ambulatory at the final follow-up. Sagittal alignment remained stable in four patients and worsened in one. There were no major medical or surgical complications. Percutaneous lumbopelvic fixation shows promising results for palliation, durability, and safety for pathologic sacropelvic instability.

Concurrent paraesophageal hernia repair in revisional/conversional laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: propensity score-matched analysis of the MBSAQIP database.

Patients requiring concurrent paraesophageal hernia repair (CPHR) have been shown to have favorable outcomes in primary bariatric surgery. However, patients requiring revisional or conversional surgery represent a group of patients with higher perioperative risk. Currently, few reports on concurrent paraesophageal hernia repair utilizing the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database are available. The primary aim of this study was to determine perioperative complications associated with CPHR and the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) as a revisional/conversional operation. In this study, patients undergoing revisional/conversional RYGB between 2015 and 2020 were accessed via the MBSAQIP database. Patients were categorized based on the presence of a paraesophageal hernia as a concurrent procedure. Patients who underwent revisional/conversional surgery without additional procedures were utilized for controls. A propensity score-matched cohort was generated and E-analysis utilized to assess unmeasured confounding. After exclusions, 35,698 patients were available. Patients receiving CPHR were more likely to be female (90.79% vs 87.37%; p < 0.001) and have increased frequency of gastroesophageal reflux disease (69.20% vs 51.69%; p < 0.001). However, these patients had lower frequencies of sleep apnea (24.12% vs 30.13%; p < 0.001), hypertension requiring medication (38.51% vs 42.59%; p < 0.001), and decreased frequency of hyperlipidemia (19.44% vs 21.60%;p < 0.001). After matching, 6,231 patient pairs were developed and showed that patients undergoing CPHR were at increased risk of readmission (9.44% vs 7.58%; p < 0.001), intervention (3.56% vs 2.79%; p = 0.018), increased requirement for outpatient dehydration treatment (5.87% vs 4.67%;p = 0.004), and overall increased operation time (169.3min ± 76.0 vs 153.5 ± 73.3; p < 0.001). However, there were no significant increases in the rates of reoperation, death, postoperative leak complications, or bleeding complications after CPHR. Patients undergoing revisional/conversional RYGB with CPHR may be at higher risk for a small number of rare postoperative complications. CPHR is a safe procedure in patients undergoing revisional/conversional RYGB in the short-term postoperative period.

Lokalni nazolabijalni režanj u rekonstrukciji defekata dna usne šupljine

After an extensive tumor resection, a defect of the floor of the mouth is a significant reconstructive challenge. The main goal is to preserve the mobility of the tongue, which allows the restauration of mastication, deglutition, and articulation. Today, a standard method for reconstruction of floor of the mouth defects is free microvascular flaps, especially radial forearm free flap. Despite that, a potential problem is the high perioperative risk and high complication rate associated with the patient’s age and comorbidities. Current literature suggests that a local nasolabial flap is a reliable treatment option for reconstruction of this type of defect, with a low complication rate and excellent functional and aesthetic results. The aim of this case presentation is to show the use of a local nasolabial flap for reconstruction of the floor of the mouth and to determine the criteria for this type of reconstruction. We present a patient who underwent resection of a floor of the mouth tumor. Due to the patient’s age, medical condition, and comorbidities, the defect was reconstructed with a local nasolabial flap. There were no postoperative complications. Articulation, mastication, and deglutition were satisfactorily rehabilitated. Follow-up showed no signs of recurrent disease twelve months postoperatively. To conclude, a local nasolabial flap is still an important reconstructive choice for oral cavity defects, especially for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities who have a higher risk of perioperative complications.

Novel Approach to treating a COVID-19 positive patient with a Complex Arch and Descending Aneurysm and Dissection in whom open surgery is prohibitive.

Ascending aortic and arch aneurysms are a challenging group of pathologies for surgeons. These typically require a complex open repair, including hypothermic circulatory arrest and carry a high peri-operative risk. Outcomes are best when performed in centers with significant experience and expertise. Many patients, because of co-morbidities, are at a prohibitive risk for these open surgeries. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become the preferred treatment of most acute descending thoracic aortic pathologies.[1] However, these require strict anatomic criteria to be successful and are usually confined to the distal arch and descending thoracic aorta. There are no commercially available endovascular devices in the United States to treat this patient population with ascending or proximal arch aneurysms or dissections, especially in an urgent or emergent setting, whose anatomy does not meet criteria for standard TEVAR. We present a novel endovascular approach, including a cerebral protection strategy, to treat a complex arch aneurysm and dissection in a patient who was not a candidate for an open repair.

Supervised exercise training improves cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces perioperative risk in peripheral artery disease patients with intermittent claudication.

This study examined to what extent supervised aerobic and resistance exercise combined with continued unsupervised exercise training improves cardiorespiratory fitness and corresponding perioperative risk in peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients with intermittent claudication. A total of 106 patients (77% male) were enrolled into the study, alongside 155 healthy non-PAD control participants. Patients completed supervised exercise therapy (aerobic and resistance exercises of the upper and lower limbs) twice a week for 10 weeks. Thereafter, 52 patients completed 12 weeks of an unsupervised tailored home-based exercise. Pain-free walking distance (PWD), maximum walking distance (MWD), peak oxygen uptake ([Formula: see text]) and perioperative risk were assessed before and after both exercise interventions. Patients were highly unconditioned relative to healthy controls ([Formula: see text]=11.9 vs 24.2ml/kg/min, p=<0.001) with 91% classified as high perioperative risk (peak oxygen uptake <15ml/kg/min). Supervised exercise increased PWD (+44±81m, p=<0.001), MWD (+44±71m, p=<0.001) and [Formula: see text] (+1.01±1.63ml/kg/min, p=<0.001) and lowered perioperative risk (91% to 85%, p=<0.001). When compared with supervised exercise, the improvements in PWD were maintained following unsupervised exercise (+11±91m vs supervised exercise, p=0.572); however, MWD and [Formula: see text] decreased (-15±48m, p=0.030 and -0.34±1.11ml/kg/min, p=0.030, respectively) and perioperative risk increased (+3%, p=<0.001) although still below baseline (p=<0.001). Supervised aerobic and resistance exercise training and, to a lesser extent, unsupervised tailored exercise improves walking capacity and cardiorespiratory fitness and reduces perioperative risk in PAD patients with intermittent claudication.

The Sinus Tract in Bone and Joint Infection: Minimally Invasive Salvation or Prolonged Suffering? A Multicenter Study.

A follow-up examination in three national reference centers for septic bone and joint surgery was performed utilizing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D/A), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) score, including patients with a chronic sinus tract due to treatment-resistant PJI or osteomyelitis. In total, 48 patients were included, with a mean follow-up time of 43.1 ± 23.9 months. The mean SF-36 Mental Component Summary (MCS) was 50.2 (±12.3) and the Physical Component Summary (PCS) was 33.9 (±11.3). The mean HADS-D was 6.6 (±4.4) and HADS-A was 6.2 (±4.6), and the VAS was 3.4 (±2.6). The SF-36 MCS showed no significant differences between the study group and the standard population (47.0, p = 0.10), as well as the HADS-A. The PCS in the study population was significantly worse (50.0, p < 0.001), as was the HADS-D. A sinus tract represents a treatment option in selected cases with an acceptable QOL. The treatment should be considered for multimorbid patients with a high perioperative risk or if the bone or soft tissue quality prevents surgery.

Combined conservative management and percutaneous peritoneal drainage as damage control approach in high-risk patients with perforated peptic ulcers

High risk patients with perforated peptic ulcer, where both the surgeon and anaesthetist are hesitant to operate, were managed by combined conservative management and bilateral percutaneous peritoneal drainage under local anaesthesia as a damage control approach; followed by either definitive surgery or omental patch closure. Here we study the management outcome in terms of morbidity &amp; mortality of such patients.A prospective study of 60 patients presenting to VSSIMSAR, Burla was done between Feb 2018 and Jan 2020. Study population includes patients with perforated peptic ulcer confirmed by pneumo-peritoneum in X-ray and bilious peritoneal tap; with high peri-operative risk (PULP score 8-18). They were managed by combined conservative management and bilateral percutaneous peritoneal drainage under local anaesthesia. The outcome in terms of improved general condition and definitive/ omental patch closure, morbidity and mortality rates were noted. After risk stratification according to PULP score, total number of high-riskcases (PULP score &amp;#62;8) were 60 (male-39, female-21); Majority of them were elderly (90%). Most common complication was ARDS (28.3%). Maximum number of patients (75%) were improved by the damage control approach without significant complications and offered exploratory laparotomy &amp; needful. Localised abscess were observed in around 13.33% patients; which were managed by image guided aspiration under antibiotic coverage. The overall mortality rate was 11.67%. Combined conservative management and percutaneous peritoneal drainage as damage control, which can be done in resource limited centre; followed by either definitive surgery or omental patch closure is associated with reduced mortality.

SUBXIPHOID VIDEO ASSISTED THORACOSCOPIC SURGERY (VATS) FOR CHEST TRAUMA AND COMPLICATIONS

Introduction: Subxiphoid approach Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique which can applied to variety of thoracic procedures with unanimous results even in emergency conditions such as chest trauma. This paper presents uniport-subxiphoid approach Video Assisted Thora Aim: coscopic Surgery (VATS) used in chest trauma and its detailed analysis. In this study, a total of 30 patients from November Material and Methods: 2022 to March 2023 underwent Subxiphoid approach Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) for the management of haemothorax and complications post chest trauma. In a Result: total of 30 patients from November 2022 to March 2023, Single port subxiphoid approach Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) was used to successfully conclude the surgery essential in all these patients presenting to Teerthanker Mahaveer Medical College and Hospital, post chest trauma. Additionally, 3 patients who developed bronchopleural stula post chest trauma also underwent correction using uniport subxiphoid Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS). No postoperative wound infection was noted. Complete Haemothorax removal was achieved in all these patients. There was no case noted of post operative wound infection. All the patients were discharged early. Conclusion: Classical Median Sternotomy is the standard approach for haemothorax evacuation as indicated in previous studies. However, access through classical median sternotomy is associated with a higher risk of local infection and sternal instability. Additionally, it may sometimes be burdened with a high perioperative risk due to massive mediastinal adhesions in the late postoperative period. The uniport subxiphoid approach Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) is an effective procedure for evacuating haemothorax and correcting chest complications post trauma. Subxiphoid Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS) intervention is also associated with decreased rates of chest infections and superior cosmesis. Moreover, it signicantly reduced the duration of ventilator dependency. The clinical outcomes were signicantly better for patients undergoing uniport Subxiphoid Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS).

Similar 5-Year Survival in Transfemoral and Transapical TAVI Patients: A Single-Center Experience

Transapical transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TA-TAVI) is generally considered to be associated with increased morbidity and mortality compared with transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation TAVI (TF-TAVI). We aimed to compare different patient risk profiles, access-related complications, and long-term survival using inverse probability treatment weighting. This is a retrospective, single-center analysis of 925 consecutive patients with aortic valve stenosis undergoing TF-TAVI (n = 802) or TA-TAVI (n = 123) at the University Hospital Basel, Switzerland, as a single procedure between September 2011 and August 2020. Baseline characteristics revealed a higher perioperative risk as reflected in the EuroSCORE II (geometric mean 2.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2 to 2.4) vs. 3.7 (CI 3.1 to 4.5); before inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) p < 0.001) in the transfemoral than in the transapical group, respectively. After 30 days, TF-TAVI patients had a higher incidence of any bleeding than TA-TAVI patients (TF-TAVI n = 146 vs. TA-TAVI n = 15; weighted hazard ratio (HR) 0.52 (0.29 to 0.95); p = 0.032). After 5 years, all-cause mortality did not differ between the two groups (TF-TAVI n = 162 vs. TA-TAVI n = 45; weighted HR 1.31, (0.92 to 1.88); p = 0.138). With regard to our data, we could demonstrate, despite a higher perioperative risk, the short- and long-term safety and efficacy of the transapical approach for TAVI therapies. Though at higher perioperative risk, transapically treated patients suffered from less bleeding or vascular complications than transfemorally treated patients. It is of utmost interest that 5-year mortality did not differ between the groups.

Short-Term and Long-Term Morbidity after Radical Cystectomy in Patients with NMIBC and Comparison with MIBC: Identifying Risk Factors for Severe Short-Term Complications

Introduction: RC represents a viable treatment option for certain NMIBC patients. However, studies investigating morbidity in the context of RC for NMIBC are scarce. The goal of the current study was to assess and compare morbidity after RC performed in patients with NMIBC and patients with MIBC and to identify risk factors for severe short-term complications. Methods: Medical records of 521 patients who underwent RC for bladder cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into patients with NMIBC and patients with MIBC. The groups were compared and risk factors for severe complications were identified. Results: RC for NMIBC was performed in 123 patients (23.6%). Histological upstaging was seen in 47 NMIBC patients (38.2%) and in 231 MIBC patients (58%, p < 0.001). OS was 29.8% and CSS was 15.5%. Both endpoints were higher for RC for MIBC (p < 0.001). More complications affecting the urinary diversion were seen with RC for NMIBC (p = 0.033) and more continent urinary diversions (p = 0.040) were performed in those patients. Obesity (p = 0.008), a higher ASA score (p = 0.004), and preoperative medical drug anticoagulation (p = 0.025) were risk factors for severe short-term morbidity after both, RC for NMIBC and for MIBC. Conclusion: Patients who underwent RC for NMIBC are exposed to a comparably high perioperative risk than patients with MIBC. RC seems to be a viable treatment option for certain NMIBC patients with a significant histological upstaging in both groups. In patients with obesity, a high ASA score, and with medical drug anticoagulation, the indication for surgery should be confirmed especially strict and possible treatment alternatives should be considered particularly thorough.

Characteristics and treatment strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma caused by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

In recent years, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) incidence has rapidly increased, and it is gradually becoming a major contributor to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer (HCC). The degree of liver fibrosis, diabetes mellitus (DM), obesity, age, and gender are the main risk factors for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression to HCC. Patients with NASH-related HCC are predominantly male, and almost all of them have at least one metabolic disorder (obesity, DM, dyslipidemia, hypertension, etc.). Most HCCs manifest as solitary tumor nodules and a significant number of NASH-related HCCs are non- cirrhotic. Case fatality rates are similar across patients with cirrhotic and noncirrhotic HCC, despite the fact that patients with noncirrhotic HCC tend to be older, have a single macronodular tumor, and have lower incidence of type 2 diabetes and liver transplantation. Controlling the risk factors for NASH might thereby minimize the likelihood of developing HCC. The BCLC staging system should be used as a guide to treat patients with NASH-related HCC. The long-term outcomes of NAFLD-related HCC treatment are similar to those for other HCCs of different etiologies. However, patients combined with metabolic syndrome are at high perioperative risk, so apporpriate preoperative preparation, especially cardiac examination, is essential to avoid this risk.

Bevacizumab in combination with octreotide rescues a patient with liver cirrhosis, GAVE syndrome and refractory hemorrhage - a case report.

Gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) syndrome is a rare but often challenging etiology of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).We report on a 60-year-old patient with liver cirrhosis, GAVE syndrome and recurrent and refractory GAVE-related UGIB. During a 5-month hospital stay, the patient required a total of 82 packed red blood cells (pRBCs) and 23 gastroscopies. All endoscopic approaches, including multiple argon plasma coagulation and band ligation sessions, remained unsuccessful. Antrectomy was waived because of the high perioperative mortality risk in Child-Pugh B liver cirrhosis. TIPS insertion also failed to control the bleeding. Only continuous intravenous octreotide infusion slowed the bleeding, but this forced the patient to be hospitalized. After 144 inpatient days, administration of subcutaneous octreotide allowed the patient to be discharged. However, the patient continued to require two pRBCs every 2-3 weeks. Based on recently published data, we treated the patient with bevacizumab (anti-VEGF antibody) off-label at a dose of 7.5 mg/kg body weight every three weeks in nine single doses over six months. Since the first administration, the patient has remained transfusion-free, has not required hospitalization, and leads an active life, working full-time. He remains on octreotide, which has been reduced but not yet discontinued. Additionally, no adverse events were observed.Thus, in patients with liver cirrhosis and refractory GAVE-related hemorrhage, bevacizumab combined with subcutaneous octreotide should be considered as an effective and durable pharmacological treatment option.

Results of treatment of acute arterial thrombosis in patients with severe course of coronavirus infection COVID-19

Acute arterial thrombosis against the background of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 is an unfavorable complication. The survival prognosis in this category of patients is much worse than in the rest of the patient population. The aim of the work is to compare the immediate results of various methods of treating acute arterial insufficiency in patients with the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19, complicated by the development of acute arterial thrombosis of various localizations. 42 clinical cases of treatment of acute arterial pathology in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection were analyzed. The severity of the underlying disease was not considered as a criterion for exclusion from the study. Surgical treatment by open intra-arterial thrombectomy under local anesthesia was used in 9 patients. Endovascular balloon angioplasty of arteries followed by selective catheter-guided thrombolysis with alteplase was performed in 17 patients. Sixteen patients received systemic transvenous thrombolysis with the recombinant human tissue plasminogen activator alteplase at a dose of 100 mg. The development of arterial thrombosis against the background of the coronavirus infection is accompanied by a high risk of death in the absence of timely and active specialized care. In the study group, 18 patients (43 %) with acute arterial thrombosis associated with COVID-19 deceased; of these, eight patients underwent open thrombectomy, eight patients had systemic transvenous thrombolysis with alteplase, and two patients underwent endovascular balloon angioplasty with selective catheter-guided thrombolysis with alteplase. A favorable outcome of the disease was noted in 24 patients (57 %); of these, fifteen patients underwent endovascular balloon angioplasty with selective catheter-guided thrombolysis with alteplase, and 8 patients had systemic thrombolysis with alteplase. Optimal treatment results were achieved in the group of patients using minimally invasive endovascular treatment methods in combination with tissue plasminogen activator. In the group of non-transportable patients with grade 3 respiratory failure and high perioperative risks, positive results were achieved exclusively through the use of systemic transvenous thrombolysis. These data allow us to consider justified the use of options for systemic thrombolysis and selective catheter thrombolysis in combination with endovascular reconstruction as an alternative to «open» surgical methods for thevtreatment of acute arterial insufficiency against the background of COVID-19.

Transcatheter mitral valve replacement in native mitral valve with severe mitral annular calcification: Skirting the Sapien 3 to reduce the risk of paravalvular leaks

Mitral annular calcification (MAC) may represent a significant challenge for heart surgeons with an extremely high perioperative risk during mitral valve (MV) surgery. The risk is further increased when patients fail to be eligible for any percutaneous treatment, particularly because circumferential calcifications involving the anterior leaflet suggest a critical obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The objective of this study was to evaluate residual mitral regurgitation (MR) after surgical mitral valve replacement using a Sapien 3 Ultra (Edwards Lifesciences, CA, USA) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) prosthesis, reinforced with a pericardial skirt, in high-risk selected patients with severe MAC. Since 2020, five high-risk patients (mean age 70 years; 63-76; four women) with severe mitral disease in the context of severe MAC (computed tomography-based mean MAC Score 8.2 ± 1.1) were operated on after we adopted this novel technique. The operations were performed under general anesthesia, using a transapical TAVI delivery system to position the Sapien 3 in the mitral position under direct vision. To reinforce and avoid paravalvular leakages, a pericardial skirt was previously sewn around the prosthesis, securing it to the annulus and perivalvular atrial surface. Sapien 3 Ultra implantation was successful without residual MR in all five patients (mild paravalvular leak in one case). Four patients had a 29-mm valve implanted, while one had a 26-mm valve implanted. Predilatation of the native annulus was never performed. Perfusion and clamping times were 134 ± 53 mins and 108 ± 43 mins, respectively. The presence of the pericardial skirt reduced the risk of leakage between the prosthesis and the rigid calcium surface, with final mean and maximal gradients of the TAVI prosthesis of 4.1 and 10.8 mmHg, respectively. There were no left ventricular outflow tract obstructions (mean LVOT gradient of 8 ± 1 mmHg). All patients were discharged, and neither mortality nor prosthetic dysfunction, nor residual mitral regurgitation was recorded. During follow-up, the last patient treated (MAC Score 10, severe calcification of the mitro-aortic junction) returned to our attention with a significant recurrent jet originating from the anterolateral commissure, currently medically treated, given the prohibitive redo risk. Direct open surgical implantation of the Sapien 3 valve can be safely done in patients with severe MAC in dedicated centers. Reinforcing the TAVI prosthesis by sewing a pericardial skirt led to satisfactory perioperative and early postoperative results, reducing paravalvular leakages. Complex anatomies have a CERTAIN risk of recurrence.