Increase In Postoperative Complications Research Articles

Postoperative Complications and Mortality after Thoracic Surgery of COVID-19 Omicron Hospital Infections: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

BackgroundPostoperative complications and mortality of Omicron hospital infection, who have undergone thoracic surgery, are scarce. MethodsBased on real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction results in-hospital using nasal or pharyngeal swab samples, the patients who had undergone thoracic surgery were categorized into two groups: G1 (Omicron hospital infection) group and G2 (non- Omicron hospital infection) group. The occurrence of postoperative complications was assessed using the Clavien–Dindo classification. Both groups were compared using propensity score matching (PSM) to evaluate the occurrence of complications and mortality. The trail was enrolled in the clinical trail (NCT06040606). Results119 patients (G1, 53 and G2, 66) were included. The occurrence of postoperative complications was significantly higher in G1 group than G2 group (37.7% vs. 10.6%, respectively) (P < 0.001) and the mortality also increased (7.5% vs. 0). The logistic regression analysis identified Omicron hospital infection as the risk factors for postoperative complications (95% CI, 3.989 to 33.858). The PSM analysis indicated significant increase in postoperative complications and mortality in the G1 vs. G2 group (P < 0.01, NA). But, there was no significant difference in the occurrences of grade ≥3 complications and mortality between lung surgery and upper gastrointestinal operation, as the PSM analysis. ConclusionThe occurrences of complications and mortality significantly increased in thoracic surgery recipients with Omicron hospital infection.

Double reverse traction repositor assisted closed reduction and internal fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation for treatment of lateral tibial plateau fractures among the elderly.

In elderly tibial plateau fractures (TPFs), the lateral condyles are involved frequently. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and double reverse traction repositor (DRTR) assisted closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) in elderly patients with lateral TPFs. From January 2015 to July 2020, we retrospectively reviewed 68 patients treated surgically at our trauma center for lateral TPFs (Schatzker type I-III). 31 patients were eventually assigned to the DRTR assisted CRIF group, whereas 37 patients were assigned to the ORIF group. The primary outcomes included surgical details, radiological assessment, follow-up knee function, and complications. The DRTR assisted CRIF group experienced a 43.6mL decrease in intraoperative blood loss (161.3ml vs 204.9ml, p = 0.033), and the operation duration was 32.1min shorter than the ORIF group (83.8min vs 115.9min, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of widening of the tibia plateau (WTP), depth of articular depression (DAD), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA) immediately after surgery and at the last follow-up. No differences in malreduction (p = 0.566) or reduction loss (p = 0.623) were observed between the groups, and Lysholm and HSS scores were similar between the two groups (83.6 ± 15.8 vs 83.4 ± 5.1, p = 0.934; 89.3 ± 7.8 vs 86.9 ± 6.2, p = 0.172; respectively). However, ORIF was associated with a greater increase in postoperative complications than DRTR assisted CRIF (3.2% vs 27%, p = 0.008). Both types of internal fixation provide good radiological outcomes and knee function in the treatment of lateral TPFs in the elderly. However, DRTR assisted CRIF has the advantage of a shorter duration of surgery, less blood loss, and fewer postoperative complications, and appears to be a better treatment option for elderly patients with lateral TPFs.

Postoperative Telemedicine Use: Satisfaction and Safety After Benign Gynecologic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial [ID 2683391

INTRODUCTION: Telemedicine for postoperative care can be appropriate after minimally invasive surgery, but few studies have examined this option in gynecologic surgery. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to determine whether virtual, compared to in-person postoperative care, after minimally invasive gynecologic procedures would increase patient satisfaction without negative safety concerns. METHODS: Patients were randomized to a telemedicine or in-person visit 2 weeks postoperatively. Eligible participants included women undergoing elective, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery. All participants completed the PSQ-18 form with addendum questions at their 6-week postoperative visit. Chart review was performed to assess frequency of postoperative adverse events. The Wilcoxon rank sum and Fisher exact test were used. RESULTS: Of 51 participants enrolled, 29 were randomized to standard (in-person) visits versus 22 randomized to intervention (telehealth). There was no statistical difference in the overall satisfaction with the postoperative care received between the intervention and the standard groups (93.8% agree or strongly agree versus 95.7%; P=1). There was no increase in postoperative complications in the intervention arm of the study, with an overall complication rate of 12.5% in all cases. CONCLUSION: It is reasonable to use telemedicine as an option for postoperative care based on shared decision-making with appropriate patients. A virtual postoperative visit is a safe option for patients who may not be able to travel to the office. Future study is ongoing to confirm statistical significance.

Simultaneous Free Flap Breast Reconstruction Combined With Contralateral Mastopexy or Breast Reduction: A Propensity-Matched National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Study on Postoperative Outcomes.

Simultaneous free flap breast reconstruction combined with contralateral mastopexy or breast reduction can increase patient satisfaction and minimize the need for a second procedure. Surgeon concerns of increases in operative time, postoperative complications, and final breast symmetry may decrease the likelihood of these procedures being done concurrently. This study analyzed postoperative outcomes of simultaneous contralateral mastopexy or breast reduction with free flap breast reconstruction. By using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2010-2020), we analyzed 2 patient cohorts undergoing (A) free flap breast reconstruction only and (B) free flap breast reconstruction combined with contralateral mastopexy or breast reduction. The preoperative variables assessed included demographic data, comorbidities, and perioperative data. Using a neighbor matching algorithm, we performed a 1:1 propensity score matching of 602 free flap breast reconstruction patients and 621 with concurrent contralateral operation patients. Bivariate analysis for postoperative surgical and medical complications was performed for outcomes in the propensity-matched cohort. We identified 11,308 cases who underwent microsurgical free flap breast reconstruction from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from the beginning of 2010 to the end of 2020. A total of 621 patients underwent a free flap breast reconstruction combined with contralateral mastopexy or breast reduction. After propensity score matching, there were no significant differences in patient characteristics, perioperative variables or postoperative medical complications between the 2 cohorts. Simultaneous free flap breast reconstruction combined with contralateral mastopexy or breast reduction can be performed safely and effectively without an increase in postoperative complication rates. This can improve surgeon competence in offering this combination of procedures as an option to breast cancer survivors, leading to better patient outcomes in terms of symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing results, reduced costs, and elimination of the need for a second operation.

Retrospective analysis of acute appendicitis in COVID-19 pandemic – A clinical study of 100 cases

Acute appendicitis is a very common abdominal emergency condition. The incidence varies from 5.7 to57 patient /lakh population per year in the world wide survey. It is frequent in both sexes, But highest in children &amp; adolescences. Presentation of this condition is some time so confusing that it should be distinguished from other acute abdominal conditions in proper time and appropriate measures should be taken to treat the patients to avoid unwanted complications, this complication is probably more complicated in COVID-19 pandemic period. This study is designed to compare acute appendicitis cases in relation to clinical features, gradation of disease &amp; post operative complications before COVID-19 (June 2019-March 2020) and during COVID-19 pandemic period (April 2020-October 2021). METHOD-Cases of the study were divided into 2-groups.Group-A (65 cases) in pre- pandemic period and Group-B (35 cases) in pandemic period. The study is based on the clinico-radiological features, laboratories investigations and gradation of disease. Gradation: Grade-I (probably appendicitis), Grade-II (definite appendicitis), Grade-III (perforation of appendices), Grade-IV (appendicular abscess), Grade-V (complicated appendicitis/ appendicular lump). Out of 100 enrolled cases 65 belongs to pre pandemic and 35 in pandemic period. It was found that increase in post-operative complications, were more in higher grade groups during pandemic periods. The COVID-19 pandemic has great impact on diagnosis, treatment and increased complications in post operative period of acute appendicitis, probably due to late presentation in emergency department. Pandemic directly or indirectly affect the outcome of a disease process and management.

Postoperative outcomes after total sevoflurane inhalation sedation using a disposable delivery system (Sedaconda-ACD) in cardiac surgery.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted our team to develop new solutions for performing cardiac surgery without intravenous anesthetics due to a shortage of these drugs. We utilized an anesthetic conserving device (Sedaconda-ACD) to administer total inhaled anesthesia because specific vaporizers were unavailable for administering inhaled agents during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in our center. We documented our experience and postoperative cardiovascular outcomes. The primary outcome was the peak level of troponin, with secondary outcomes encompassing other cardiovascular complications. A single-center retrospective study was conducted. We performed a multivariate analysis with a propensity score. This investigation took place at a large university referral center. Adult patients (age ≥ 18) who underwent elective cardiac surgery with CPB between June 2020 to March 2021. During the inclusion period, two anesthesia protocols for the maintenance of anesthesia coexisted-total inhaled anesthesia with Sedaconda-ACD and our classic protocol with intravenous drugs during and after CPB. Troponin peak level recorded after surgery (highest level recorded within 48 h following the surgery). Out of the 654 included patients, 454 were analyzed after matching (intravenous group = 297 and inhaled group = 157). No significant difference was found between the groups in postoperative troponin peak levels (723 ng/l vs. 993 ng/l-p = 0.2). Total inhaled anesthesia was associated with a decreased requirement for inotropic medications (OR = 0.53, 95% CI 0.29-0.99, p = 0.04). In our cohort, the Sedaconda-ACD device enabled us to achieve anesthesia without intravenous agents, and we did not observe any increase in postoperative complications. Total inhaled anesthesia with sevoflurane was not associated with a lower incidence of myocardial injury assessed by the postoperative troponin peak level. However, in our cohort, the use of inotropic drugs was lower.

The application of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol after distal gastrectomy for patients with gastric cancer: a prospective randomized clinical trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and efficacy of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in patients undergoing distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer (GC). MethodsPatients were randomly assigned to the ERAS group (EG) and the conventional care group (CG) by stratified randomization according to age and sex. The primary endpoint was adjusted postoperative hospital stay, calculated using discharge criteria developed to evaluate recovery. Nutritional data and quality of life (QoL) (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer [EORTC] C30 and STO22) during the perioperative period were also analyzed. ResultsWe enrolled 198 eligible patients with GC for the study between June 2017 and January 2019. A total of 147 patients were finally enrolled in this study (full analysis set) and were assigned to EG (n = 71) and CG (n = 76). First flatus was faster significantly in EG (3.6 ± 1.5 vs 4.1 ± 1.2 days, P = .019). EG showed a faster start of the sips and soft diet than CG (1.3 ± 0.7 vs 3.1 ± 0.4 days, P < .001; 2.4 ± 0.9 vs 5.2 ± 0.7 days, P < .001) according to the protocol. The recorded hospital stay was not significantly different; however, adjusted hospital stay was significantly shorter in EG than in CG (6.5 ± 3.1 vs 7.8 ± 2.1 days, P = .005). There was no difference in morbidity, and no mortality occurred in both groups. EG did not show significant superiority in nutritional outcome and QoL improvement, except for pain scale in EORTC-STO22. ConclusionThe application of the ERAS protocol could reduce the adjusted hospital stay without an increase in postoperative complications. There was no significant difference in long-term nutritional outcome and QoL of the 2 groups.

The Sonopet iQ® Ultrasonic Bone Aspirator in Craniofacial Surgery: A Scoping Review and Qualitative Analysis

Background: The Sonopet iQ® Ultrasonic Aspirator is a surgical tool used for the fragmentation and emulsification of bone and soft tissue. Ultrasonic vibrations emulsify bone with cited benefits of decreased damage to surrounding soft tissue and minimal heat dispersion. Despite these potential benefits, there is a paucity of published articles on the safety and efficacy of the Sonopet® in the setting of craniofacial surgery. Methods: In accordance with PRISMA guidelines, MEDLINE and Pubmed were searched for articles that studied use of the Sonopet® for osteotomies in the craniofacial setting. Studies exclusively investigating soft tissue aspiration were excluded. Results: Out of 61 articles discovered, 22 met inclusion criteria and discussed a total of 816 patients. Of the 22 articles, there were 8 retrospective chart reviews, 7 case series, 5 cadaver models, and 2 case reports. Studies spanned multiple disciplines including otolaryngology, ophthalmology, craniofacial surgery, neurosurgery, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Despite its frequent use in orthognathic and cranial vault remodeling surgery, only 4 studies described its use in these fields. The most commonly cited benefits of the Sonopet® were enhanced ergonomics and safety, discussed in 20 of the included studies. Eighteen studies claimed the Sonopet® was safer to use in surgically tight spaces compared to traditional drills. Four studies found decreased bone dust generation by the Sonopet® compared to conventional cutting devices. No studies reported an increase in postoperative complications due to the device. The most commonly cited disadvantage was the cost of the device, however, the majority of authors believed the benefits of the device outweighed the increase in cost. Conclusions: There is a dearth of research investigating the use of the Sonopet® in craniofacial surgery. Available studies emphasize the ergonomic and safety benefits of the Sonopet® and encourage expanded use of the device despite its cost.

Preoperative aerobic fitness and perioperative outcomes in patients undergoing cystectomy before and after implementation of a national lockdown

BackgroundLower fitness is a predictor of adverse outcomes after radical cystectomy. Lockdown measures during the COVID-19 pandemic affected daily physical activity. We hypothesised that lockdown during the pandemic was associated with a reduction in preoperative aerobic fitness and an increase in postoperative complications in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. MethodsWe reviewed routine preoperative cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) data collected prior to the pandemic (September 2018 to March 2020) and after lockdown (March 2020 to July 2021) in patients undergoing radical cystectomy. Differences in CPET variables, Postoperative Morbidity Survey (POMS) data, and length of hospital stay were compared. ResultsWe identified 267 patients (85 pre-lockdown and 83 during lockdown) who underwent CPET and radical cystectomy. Patients undergoing radical cystectomy throughout lockdown had lower ventilatory anaerobic threshold (9.0 [7.9–10.9] vs 10.3 [9.1–12.3] ml kg−1 min−1; P=0.0002), peak oxygen uptake (15.5 [12.9–19.1] vs 17.5 [14.4–21.0] ml kg−1 min−1; P=0.015), and higher ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (34.7 [31.4–38.5] vs 33.4 [30.5–36.5]; P=0.030) compared with pre-lockdown. Changes were more pronounced in males and those aged >65 yr. Patients undergoing radical cystectomy throughout lockdown had a higher proportion of day 5 POMS-defined morbidity (89% vs 75%, odds ratio [OR] 2.698, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.143–6.653; P=0.019), specifically related to pulmonary complications (30% vs 13%, OR 2.900, 95% CI 1.368–6.194; P=0.007) and pain (27% vs 9%, OR 3.471, 95% CI 1.427–7.960; P=0.004), compared with pre-lockdown on univariate analysis. ConclusionsLockdown measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with a reduction in fitness and an increase in postoperative morbidity among patients undergoing radical cystectomy.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Transpedicular Fixation for Managing Thoracic and Lumbar Tuberculous Spine Disease

Background: Tuberculous spine disease, particularly in the thoracic and lumbar regions, poses a significant health challenge in Pakistan, necessitating effective surgical interventions. Transpedicular fixation has emerged as a promising treatment option, yet there is a paucity of comprehensive studies evaluating its efficacy within this demographic. Objective: The study aimed to systematically assess the effectiveness of transpedicular fixation for treating thoracic and lumbar tuberculous spine disease in Pakistan by analyzing preoperative conditions, surgical details, and postoperative outcomes. Methods: This retrospective cohort study involved 78 patients from the Neurosurgical Ward of Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, who underwent transpedicular fixation from January 2021 to December 2022. Demographics, preoperative clinical data, radiological findings, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26, employing Chi-square and t-tests to evaluate outcome significance. Results: The patient cohort comprised 53.85% males, with a mean age of 36.3 years. The lumbar region was the most affected (45%), followed by the thoracic (38%) and thoracolumbar (17%). Postoperative outcomes indicated an improvement in radiological stability from 48.72% preoperatively to 73.08% postoperatively (p=0.001), a non-significant increase in complications (12.82% to 19.23%, p=0.231), and a slight rise in patient satisfaction (84.62% to 88.46%, p=0.453). Conclusion: Transpedicular fixation is effective in improving radiological stability and maintaining high patient satisfaction in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar tuberculous spine disease in Pakistan. The procedure's safety profile is acceptable, though the slight increase in postoperative complications warrants attention.

Radical resection benefits patients suffering pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with liver oligometastases.

Whether patients suffering liver oligometastases from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (LOPDA) should undergo surgical treatment remains controversial. PubMed and Embase databases were systematically reviewed until 2023 June. Survival data were collected from the Kaplan-Meier curves. Safety and survival were evaluated using primary outcomes such as 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year survival rates, and 30-day mortality and morbidity. A subgroup meta-analysis was conducted to compare survival rates post-synchronous resection and resection post-neoadjuvant chemotherapy in LOPDA. Our analysis of 15 studies involving 1,818 patients (surgical group, 648 and nonsurgical group, 1,170) indicates that radical hepatectomy for LOPDA notably improved 1-year (odds ratio [OR], 3.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.45-4.28; P < 0.001), 3-year (OR, 5.74; 95% CI, 3.36-8.90; P < 0.001), and 5-year (OR, 4.89; 95% CI, 2.56-9.35; P < 0.001) overall survival (OS) rates. A separate analysis of 6 studies with 750 patients demonstrated the safety of LOPDA surgery, with no increase in postoperative complications (P = 0.26 for overall morbidity and P = 0.99 for mortality) compared to the patients with no metastatic disease from the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (NMPDA) group. The NMPDA group showed superior 1-year and 3-year OS rates, but not 5-year OS rates compared to the LOPDA group. Surgical treatment apparently offers a survival advantage to LOPDA by comparing with nonsurgical groups in 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates. Radical resection for LOPDA is a safe treatment without more postoperative complications than NMPDA.

The Effect of Obesity on Hemiarthroplasty and Total Hip Arthroplasty for Femoral Neck Fractures.

Obesity is a well-recognized global epidemic that can lead to longer operative times as well as a greater technical demand. Despite this, the available literature evaluating the impact of obesity on hip hemiarthroplasty (HA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) when treating fractures about the femoral neck is scarce. Between 2015 and 2018, we retrospectively reviewed all patients that had a HA or THA performed as treatment for an isolated fracture of the femoral neck. Patients were classified as obese and nonobese depending on current body mass index (BMI) when the index procedure was performed. Preoperative and postoperative variable were obtained from the electronic medical record. A total of 157 patients underwent hip HA or THA for an isolated fracture of the femoral neck. In those patients undergoing HA, obesity was associated with an increase in operative times (P = 0.021) and was associated with a nonsignificant increase in total operating room time (P = 0.088) and duration of anesthesia (P = 0.14). In those patients undergoing THA, obesity was associated with longer operative times (P = 0.043), total operating room time (P = 0.032), and duration of anesthesia (P = 0.045). There were no significant differences in complication rates postoperatively between obese and non-obese patients undergoing either procedure. The treatment of isolated fractures of the femoral neck with HA or THA leads to an increase in operative time without an increase in postoperative complications in obese patients.

Post-operative complications following dose adaptation of intra-operative electron beam radiation therapy in locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer.

The benefit of intra-operative radiotherapy (IORT) in the treatment of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) or locally recurrent rectal cancer (LRRC) lie in its ability to provide high-dose of radiation to limited at-risk volume, thereby eliminating microscopic disease and decreasing toxicity. A comparative study between high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy, named intra-operative brachytherapy (IOBT), and intra-operative electron radiotherapy (IOERT) was performed showing favorable LRFS after IOBT, possibly due to a higher surface dose that is inherent in IOBT technique. The IOERT technique in Catharina Hospital Eindhoven was adapted to increase the surface dose, aiming to improve local control. Post-operative complications due to an increased radiation dose remain the matter of concern. This retrospective study was performed to compare complication rates before and after adapted IOERT dose. All patients undergoing surgery with IOERT for LARC or LRRC from September 2019 until July 2023, were considered. Patients selected until August 31, 2021 were included in control cohort (n = 108), and those chosen from September 1, 2021 onwards were included in intervention cohort (n = 92). Perioperative and (major) post-operative complications were classified retrospectively, during admission, at 30 days, and at 90 days. In LARC patients, a decrease in post-operative complications was observed (p = 0.009). 19% of LARC patients experienced major post-operative surgical complications, i.e., Clavien-Dindo grade 3b-5, regardless of treatment group. No difference in major 90-day complications was noted (p = 0.142). In LRRC patients, the use of induction chemotherapy decreased from 78% to 29% (p < 0.001), which complicated comparison. However, no difference in major post-operative complications was observed at 30 days (p = 0.222) or 90 days (p = 0.977) after surgery. Increased surface dose of IOERT does not seem to lead to an increase in post-operative complications. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of dose adaptation in IOERT to improve local oncological control rates. Routine evaluation of CTCAE scores in follow-up will help uncover possible long-term radiation-induced toxicity.

Pediatric thoracoscopic lung resections: a comprehensive analysis of congenital lesion cases

Background Congenital lung lesions in pediatric patients may be managed conservatively or by video assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study aimed to determine the complications after VATS for congenital lung lesions in children. Methods All children undergoing a lung resection between January 2009 and June 2022 were retrospectively identified. Children undergoing a primary open lobectomy or a resection other than a congenital lung lesion were excluded. Both early (<30 days) and late postoperative pulmonary complications were determined. The primary endpoint was postoperative complications within 30 days. Results In total, 56 patients were included, with a median age of 13 months (IQR 9-37). A VATS lobectomy were performed in 46 patients (82%), an extralobar sequestration in 8 patients (14%), an wedge resection in 1 patient and a segment resection in 1 patient. During the COVID pandemic, fewer resections were performed with an increase in symptomatic patients. A conversion to open occurred in 6 patients (11%), of which a preoperative lung infection was associated with an increased risk thereof(p = 0.004). The median follow-up was 22 months (IQR 7-57) and all patients were alive. A postoperative complication (Clavien Dindo ≥3) occurred in 9 patients and complications without the need of intervention in 6 patients. During follow-up a pneumonia occurred in 11 patients. Conclusion There seems to be a shift towards delayed surgery with an increase in symptomatic congenital lung malformations, which might lead to an increase in postoperative complications

For Surgically Treated Geriatric Acetabular Fractures, Longer Duration between Admission and Surgery Is Associated with an Increase in Post-operative Complications: A Study Using the National Trauma Data Bank.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether time from hospital admission to surgery is associated with inpatient complications and mortality for geriatric patients undergoing surgical treatment of acetabular fractures. This was a retrospective cohort study using the National Trauma Data Bank from 2016 to 2018 of patients presenting to level I through IV trauma centers in the United States. All patients aged 60 years or older with acetabular fractures requiring surgical treatment were included. The main outcome measurements were inpatient mortality and complication rates. There were 6,036 patients who met inclusion criteria. The median age was 69 years (interquartile range 64-76 years). The odds of a complication increased by 7% for each additional day between hospital admission and surgery (multivariable regression OR 1.07, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.10; P < 0.001). Complications were also associated with patient age (OR 1.05, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.06; P < 0.001) and mCCI ≥ 5 (OR 2.52, 95% CI = 1.4 to 4.2; P = 0.001). Inpatient mortality was not associated with time to surgery (OR 0.97, 95% CI = 0.92 to 1.02; P = 0.30), but was associated with patient age (OR 1.07, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.10; P < 0.001; P < 0.001) and mCCI ≥ 5 (OR 4.62, 95% CI = 2.31 to 8.50; P < 0.001). In this database study, time from hospital admission to surgery was associated with a notable increase in inpatient complications but not inpatient mortality after adjusting for potentially confounding variables while age and mCCI were associated with both mortality and complications. Additional research is needed to determine the relationship between time to surgery with longer term mortality and complications and to assess causality. Prognostic Level III.

Masquelet Technique: Visualization of Cement Spacer Utilizing Methylene Blue

Masquelet Technique: Visualization of Cement Spacer Utilizing Methylene Blue

A Novel Patellar Tendon Reconstruction Technique Using Semitendinosus Allograft

A Novel Patellar Tendon Reconstruction Technique Using Semitendinosus Allograft

Reevaluating Thrombocytosis as a Risk Factor in Free Flap Surgery

Introduction Thrombocytosis, defined as a platelet count &gt;400,000, has been implicated as a risk factor in free flap failure. Despite proposed mechanisms of pedicle thrombosis, recent studies have suggested that thrombocytosis has no effect on free tissue transfer viability. Risk factors that may compromise successful free tissue transfer should be understood and elucidated, with particular attention to thrombocytosis and its conflicting evidence in the literature. We hypothesize that thrombocytosis has no bearing on free flap success or the rates of pedicle thrombosis. Methods Our institution performed a retrospective chart review on all patients who underwent free flap reconstruction over the past 6 years. Patient demographics, medical history, type and location of free tissue transfer, preoperative platelets, postoperative platelets, and flap outcomes and complications (wound dehiscence, infection, hematoma, seroma, and need for blood transfusion) were recorded. Independent t test, Mann-Whitney U tests, χ 2 test, and Fisher exact tests were used to determine P values to compare flap outcomes in patients with thrombocytosis (platelet count &gt;400,000) and those with platelet counts less than 400,000. Results In our 502-patient cohort, 71 were found to have a platelet count &gt;400,000 (35 preoperatively and 36 postoperatively) and 431 patients had platelet counts &lt;400,000. There were 42 reconstructive failures (flap success rate of 91.6%) and 111 returns to the operating room (OR). For patients with postoperative thrombocytosis, 24 flaps returned to the OR (44.4%), whereas in patients without thrombocytosis, 87 flaps returned to the OR (19.4%; P &lt; 0.001). In patients with postoperative thrombocytosis, 10 OR returns were due to pedicle venous thrombosis (18.5%), in comparison to 10 returns for venous thrombosis in those with normal platelets (2.2%; P &lt; 0.001). There was a small difference in free flap success rates between those with postoperative thrombocytosis and normal platelets, 88.7% versus 92.11%; however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.71). The thrombocytosis group had a higher incidence of overall postoperative complications (P = 0.002). Conclusions Thrombocytosis has historically been cited as a risk factor for free flap reconstruction failure with recent conflicting evidence in the literature. In patients with postoperative thrombocytosis, we found an increased risk of venous thrombosis; however, this did not result in increased flap failure. There was an increase in postoperative complications, which corresponds with National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data reported in the literature. We suspect that thrombocytosis is not a harbinger of free flap failure but rather a marker for overall inflammation, which may confer a higher rate of venous thrombosis requiring reoperation and postoperative complications.

Neurosurgical patients' morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic: An integrated review

Objective: To assess mortality among neurosurgical patients during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Methods: This study entails an integrative literature review conducted by querying predefined descriptors in databases including Science Direct, PubMed®, and the Biblioteca virtual em saúde. Results: A total of 777 articles were identified. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 14 studies were selected to constitute the foundation of this review. A disparity emerged across studies concerning alterations in mortality rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. While the majority of articles (n = 6) reported an increase in mortality, four studies observed no change in mortality rates when comparing the pandemic period with the pre/post-pandemic period. Regarding the number of neurosurgical procedures, a variable decline was observed across studies, ranging between 11.5% and 43%. The majority of articles documented a rise in postoperative complications during the pandemic. Conclusion: A significant impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the surgical context was observed, as there was a notable reduction in the number of surgeries performed, leading to an increase in postoperative complications and potentially the mortality rate.

Dispensability of nasogastric tube after perforated peptic ulcer surgery: a randomized controlled trial

Introduction Every year, approximately 4 million individuals are affected by peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Among patients with PUD, the lifetime occurrence of perforation stands at ∼5%. Associated with this complication is a mortality rate spanning from 1.3 to 30%. Whether the surgery was done open or laparoscopic, the postoperative plan of management remained dogmatic for many years, especially regarding the presence of a nasogastric (NG) tube. Patients and methods This prospective, single-center, randomized controlled study of patients with perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) presented to Kasr Alainy Emergency Hospital was conducted to assess the dispensability of NG tube postoperatively in perforated peptic ulcer patients. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups, group A (NG tube control group): 40 patients and group B [Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) group]: 34 patients. Results The study revealed a significant decrease in hospital stay by approximately 2 days for patients in the ERAS group, compared with those receiving standard care. This reduction in hospital stay was observed without any increase in postoperative complications among the ERAS group. However, this may be clinically nonsignificant due to a limited number of patients in our study. Conclusion The routine use of NG decompression and delayed oral feeding appears to be unnecessary. These practices contribute to prolonged hospital stays without yielding any beneficial effects on morbidity and mortality rates.