Intraoperative Air Research Articles

Is It Necessary to Endoscopically Evaluate the Anastomosis in Robotic or Laparoscopic Surgical Procedures for Colorectal Cancer?

Background: In the surgical treatment of colorectal cancers, disease-free survival and life expectancy are inversely proportional to the increase in complications. We evaluated the superiority of colonoscopy and air and water tests in detecting anastomotic leaks in sigmoid and rectosigmoid junction colon cancers. Methods: Data of patients who underwent robotic/laparoscopic surgical procedures for sigmoid and rectosigmoid junctional colon cancers at a single center between January 2018 and February 24 were retrospectively evaluated. The anastomoses were evaluated by intraoperative colonoscopy (IOC) and intraoperative air leak test (IALT), and two groups were formed. Intraoperative leaks, intraoperative repair techniques, and postoperative anastomotic leaks were evaluated. Results: In our study, there were 125 patients in the IOC group and 148 patients in the IALT group, totaling 273 patients. Leakage was detected in 7 patients (4.7%) in the IALT group and 14 patients (11.2%) in the IOC group (P = .06). In the IALT group, 5 of 7 patients were repaired primary, and the anastomosis was reconstructed in 2 patients. In the IOC group, 10 of 14 patients were repaired primary, 2 patients underwent reanastomosis, and 2 patients needed colostomy. Of these 15 patients with postoperative leakage, 4 had intraoperative leakage (2 patients in the IALT group and 2 patients in the IOC group), and all of them underwent primary repair. Conclusion: In the anastomotic evaluation of sigmoid colon and rectosigmoid junction tumors, we found that IOC detected more leaks than IALT, but in these leaks, reanastomosis and/or diversion ostomy was superior to primary repair.

Right-to-left-shunts in patients scheduled for neurosurgical intervention in semi-sitting position – a literature review based on two case scenarios

BackgroundNeurosurgery performed in the semi-sitting position provides advantages for certain procedures. However, this approach is associated with potential complications, particularly venous air embolism. Due to typically negative venous pressure at the wound site, air can be drawn into the veins. This risk is especially high in patients presenting with an intra- or extracardiac right-to-left-shunt. Transoesophageal echocardiography can be used to detect a patent foramen ovale or other possible pulmonary-systemic shunt before placing the patient in the sitting position.Case presentationIn this report, we present two young patients undergoing scheduled microsurgical vestibular schwannoma removal in a semi-sitting position who were diagnosed with congenital heart defects during routine perioperative assessment to detect possible intracardiac right-to-left shunts, using pre- and intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and additionally conducting an agitated saline bubble study under Valsalva manoeuvre. Patient A was diagnosed with a persistent left superior vena cava and Patient B with an unroofed coronary sinus (UCS). These findings confronted the anesthesiological and surgical teams with difficult individual decisions regarding further perioperative management.ConclusionsPerioperative transesophageal echocardiography is a diagnostic tool to both detect intraoperative position-related air embolisms and to rule out intracardiac right-to-left shunts, e.g. a patent foramen ovale, in order to decide for or against a (semi-)sitting position. Depending on the surgical circumstances a semi-sitting positioning of patients presenting with an intracardiac right-to-left-shunt, e.g. a PFO, can be feasible in individual cases if there is an implemented therapeutic algorithm to immediately terminate significant venous air entry. However, since certain other intra- or extracardiac right-to-left-shunts, such as here presented PLSVC or UCS, are rare, there is no definitive way of estimating the amount of entered air through detected shunts or anomalous vessels. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid a (semi-)sitting position in favour of a lateral or prone position for a patient undergoing intracranial surgery, once the perioperative TEE shows air bubbles in the left atrium or ventricle whose origins cannot be defined solely through TEE for certain in order to ensure patient safety by minimizing the risk of intraoperative paradoxical air embolisms.

The risk of intraoperative venous air embolism from neurosurgical procedures performed in the lounging position: an in-depth analysis of detection, management, and outcomes of 1000 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE The overall benefit of employing a sitting/semisitting position for neurosurgical procedures remains under criticism due to concerns for additional risk, especially the risk of intraoperative venous air embolism (VAE). The aim of this single-center cohort study was to evaluate the frequency and severity of VAEs and associated complications in patients undergoing neurosurgery in the lounging position. METHODS From 2010 to 2020, 1000 patients, including 172 patients with a patent foramen ovale, underwent surgery in the lounging position for different neurosurgical pathologies. All patients were monitored intraoperatively using continuous transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The anesthesia team documented any observed incidences of VAEs and scored their severity according to the Tuebingen classification system (TCS) for VAE (TCS-VAE). The patients’ clinical condition, radiological findings, and hospital course were subsequently analyzed to assess complications in a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. RESULTS In the cohort of 1000 patients, 5 underwent cervical spine surgery and 995 underwent suboccipital craniotomy. VAE was detected by TEE in 51.4% (95% CI 48.4%–54.5%) of patients, with synchronous changes in end-tidal CO2 (grade 2–5 TCS-VAE) noted in 10.2% (95% CI 8.3%–12.3%). None of the patients presented with hemodynamic instability (grade 5 TCS-VAE). Patients with high-grade VAEs were significantly older (p = 0.02) and had lower BMIs (p = 0.001) than the respective mean value of the cohort. VAE grade was not associated with any of the outcome measures such as Karnofsky Performance Scale score, duration of ventilation, length of intensive care unit stay, and length of hospital stay. Postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was diagnosed in 0.3% (95% CI 0.0%–0.7%, n = 3) of all cases, and ARDS was associated with perioperative VAE grade (p = 0.001). No patient suffered a new permanent neurological deficit due to a paradoxical VAE. CONCLUSIONS In this large cohort, the risk of an intraoperative VAE during neurosurgery in the lounging position was assessed, and contrary to the general perception in the field, no permanent sequelae or fatal adverse events attributable to VAEs were observed. Furthermore, the overall incidence of ARDS was very low. This study clearly establishes that experienced interdisciplinary teams can safely use the lounging position for neurosurgical procedures.

The safety and utility of the semi-sitting position for clipping of posterior circulation aneurysms

BackgroundThe semi-sitting position offers advantages for surgeries in the posterior cranial fossa. However, data on its safety and effectiveness for clipping aneurysms in the posterior cerebral circulation are limited. This retrospective cohort study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of using the semi-sitting position for these surgeries.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 17 patients with posterior cerebral circulation aneurysms who underwent surgical clipping in the semi-sitting position in the Department of Neurosurgery at Hannover Medical School over a 10-year period.ResultsThe mean age at surgery was 62 years (range, 31 to 75). Fourteen patients were admitted with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 3 patients had incidental aneurysmas. Fifteen patients had PICA aneurysms, and two had aneurysms of the vertebral artery and the superior cerebellar artery, respectively. The median diameter of the aneurysms was 5 mm (range 3–17 mm). Intraoperative venous air embolism (VAE) occurred in 4 patients, without affecting the surgical or clinical course. VAE was associated with a mild decrease of EtCO2 levels in 3 patients and in 2 patients a decrease of blood pressure occurred which was managed effectively. Surgical procedures proceeded as planned in all instances. There were no complications secondary to VAE. Two patients died secondary to respiratory problems (not related to VAE), and one patient was lost to follow-up. Eleven of fourteen patients were partially or completely independent (Barthel index between 60 and 100) at a median follow-up duration of 13.5 months (range, 3–103 months).ConclusionThe semi-sitting position is a safe and effective technique for the surgical clipping of aneurysms in the posterior cerebral circulation. The incidence of VAE is comparable to that seen in tumor surgery. However, it is crucial for the surgical and anesthesiological team to be familiar with potential complications and to react immediately in case of an occurrence of VAE.

Incidence of air leaks in patients undergoing robotic thoracic surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery.

Postoperative air leakage is the most common complication in surgery for malignant lung tumors, leading to extended hospital stays and substantial medical expenses. This study aimed to identify the incidence and characteristics of intraoperative and postoperative air leaks in both robotic-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS), as well as the causes of persistent air leakage following RATS. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent lung resection for malignant lung tumors at our institution from October 2018 to August 2022. We compared the incidence rates of intraoperative air leak, postoperative air leak, and persistent air leak between patients who underwent RATS and those who underwent VATS. Background factors were adjusted using propensity score matching. A subanalysis was performed to compare unexpected air leaks, defined as air leaks not observed intraoperatively but confirmed postoperatively. The study included 295 cases of RATS and 227 cases of VATS. In both the overall population and the matched group (187 cases each for RATS and VATS), RATS demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of persistent air leaks compared to VATS (11% vs 3%, p < 0.01; 9% vs 3%, p = 0.02, respectively). RATS also had a significantly higher incidence of unexpected air leaks compared with VATS (29% vs 18%, p = 0.05). Although there was no statistically significant difference in hospital stays, RATS showed a higher incidence of postoperative persistent air leaks and unexpected postoperative air leaks than VATS.

Safety and efficacy of new staple-line reinforcement in lung resection: a prospective study of 48 patients

PurposeTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of new staple-line reinforcement (SLR) in pulmonary resection through a prospective study and to compare the results of this study with historical control data in an exploratory study.MethodsThe subjects of this study were 48 patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy. The primary endpoint was air leakage from the staple line. The secondary endpoints were the location of air leakage, duration of air leakage, and postoperative pulmonary complications.ResultsThe incidence of intraoperative air leakage from the staple line was 6.3%. Three patients had prolonged air leakage as a postoperative pulmonary complication. No malfunction was found in patients who underwent SLR with the stapling device. When compared with the historical group, the SLR group had a significantly lower incidence of air leakage from the staple line (6.3% vs. 28.5%, P < 0.001) and significantly shorter indwelling chest drainage time (P = 0.049) and length of hospital stay (P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe use of SLR in pulmonary resection was safe and effective. When compared with conventional products, SLR could control intraoperative air leakage from the staple line and shorten time needed for indwelling chest drainage and the length of hospital stay.

Intraoperative vascular air embolism and intracardiac thrombosis complicating liver transplantation: a case report

BackgroundIntracardiac thrombus and vascular air embolism represent rare complications in the context of orthotopic liver transplantation. While isolated reports exist for intracardiac thrombus and vascular air embolism during orthotopic liver transplantation, this report presents the first documentation of their simultaneous occurrence in this surgical setting.Case presentationThis case report outlines the clinical course of a 60-year-old white female patient with end-stage liver disease complicated by portal hypertension, ascites, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The patient underwent orthotopic liver transplantation and encountered concurrent intraoperative complications involving intracardiac thrombus and vascular air embolism. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed the presence of air in the left ventricle and a thrombus in the right atrium and ventricle. Successful management ensued, incorporating hemodynamic support, anticoagulation, and thrombolytic therapy, culminating in the patient’s discharge after a week.ConclusionsThis report highlights the potential for simultaneous intraoperative complications during orthotopic liver transplantation, manifesting at any phase of the surgery. It underscores the critical importance of vigilant monitoring throughout orthotopic liver transplantation to promptly identify and effectively address these rare yet potentially catastrophic complications.

Can a stapling device with bioabsorbable polyglycolic acid felt reduce intraoperative air leak?

Currently, it is unknown whether polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt staplers can reduce the occurrence of intraoperative air leaks. We investigated whether staplers with bioabsorbable PGA felt reduced intraoperative air leakage compared to the conventional stapler in patients undergoing lung resection. From 2013 to 2021, 211 patients diagnosed with lung cancer or pulmonary metastasis underwent lung resection using only PGA felt (n=88) or conventional (n=123) staplers at Tokyo Rosai Hospital. One-to-one propensity score matching was used to compare intraoperative air leak rates, operation time, and intraoperative bleeding between the two groups. The PGA felt group required more staples than the conventional stapler group. The forced expiratory volume in one second percentage of predicted in the PGA felt stapler group was lower than that in the conventional stapler group. In the PGA felt stapler group, 56.8% of patients had undergone anatomic lung resection, whereas 29.3% of patients in the conventional stapler group had undergone wedge resection. In a propensity-matched analysis of 67 pairs, the occurrence of intraoperative air leaks was significantly lower in the PGA felt stapler group than in the conventional stapler group (16.4% vs. 56.7%, P<0.001). The operation time was significantly shorter and intraoperative bleeding was significantly lower in the PGA felt stapler group than in the conventional stapler group (P=0.001 and P=0.016, respectively). Pulmonary resection using staplers with a PGA felt could reduce the occurrence of intraoperative air leaks among patients undergoing lung resection.

A Novel Fluorescence-Based Leak Test Method for Rectal Anastomoses Using Aerosolized Indocyanine Green.

The intraoperative air leak test is commonly performed during rectal surgery to evaluate anastomotic integrity. However, its drawbacks include occasional difficulties in visualizing the exact point of the leak while maintaining the pelvis under saline, the need for repeat testing to identify the leak point, and a lack of continuous visualization of the leak point. To evaluate the feasibility and clinical applicability of using aerosolized indocyanine green, a fluorescent tracer, for detecting rectal anastomotic leakage. Animal preclinical study. Animal laboratory at Kagawa University. Six healthy adult female beagles were included. An anastomotic leakage model with a single air leak point was created in each dog. Indocyanine green was aerosolized using a nebulizer kit with a stream of carbon dioxide flowing at 1.5 to 2.0 L/min. The aerosol was administered into the rectum transanally, and laparoscopic observations were performed. Air leak points were observed using a near-infrared fluorescence laparoscope, after which the presence of corresponding indocyanine green fluorescence was verified. Aerosolized indocyanine green was visualized laparoscopically at all anastomosis sites but not elsewhere. The median time from the administration of the aerosol to its visualization was 4.5 seconds. Pathological examinations were performed 4 weeks postsurgery in all dogs, and no histological abnormalities related to aerosolized indocyanine green administration were observed at the anastomosis sites. The leak points were surgically created and did not occur naturally. Visualization of air leaks at the sites of rectal anastomosis was laparoscopically achievable by administering aerosolized indocyanine green transanally into the rectum in our canine model. This novel fluorescent leak test could be a valid alternative to established methods.

Symptomatic Diastasis Rectus Abdominis in Children: Review of Current Management Options and Presentation of a Novel Minimally Invasive Epifascial Repair Technique

Several surgical techniques are available for an adult patient collective with diastasis recti. Only few research papers addresses the treatment options of diastasis of the rectus abdominis in children. In this case series, we present a new technique of epifascial repair as a novel possibility in successfully repairing defects of the anterior abdominal wall using minimally invasive surgery. In this case series, we present an epifascial repair technique for patients with a diastasis recti with a dehiscence cranial of the umbilicus. Four pediatric patients with symptomatic rectus diastasis were treated with this new surgical technique. All procedures were conducted successfully, and no recurrence was observed in the follow up. All patients showed clinical regression of the rectus diastasis without any postoperative abdominal wall protrusion and good improvement of the symptoms. Intraoperative intraperitoneal air loss, postoperative scar keloid, thermal lesions due to Ultracision and one seroma/hematoma after the removal of the drain were minor complications observed during the follow-up.

Improvement of operating room air quality and sustained reduction of surgical site infections in an orthopedic specialty hospital

Surgical site infection (SSI) rates can be impacted by air quality, and a high-efficiency particulate air and ultraviolet air recirculation system (HUAIRS) has been shown to improve operating room air quality. This study examined the impact of HUAIRS devices on SSI rates when used at an orthopedic specialty hospital. HUAIRS devices were used intraoperatively at the facility. Total particle counts before and after HUAIRS implementation were compared. SSI rates for nervous system procedures or for all procedures at the facility were also compared for the 2.5-year periods before and after implementing HUAIRS devices. Over 30,000 consecutive procedures were performed from 2017 to 2022. The overall SSI rate at the facility was 0.45% before implementing HUAIRS devices compared to 0.22% (P<0.001) after. The SSI rate following nervous system procedures was 2.06% before implementing HUAIRS devices versus 0.29% (P<.001) after. Total particle counts were also significantly lower after implementing HUAIRS devices. Implementation of HUAIRS devices at an orthopedic specialty hospital is associated with significant reductions in SSI rates and intraoperative air contamination levels. These data support the need to further investigate intraoperative air quality interventions for the reduction in SSI rates.

Reducing Post-Operative Alveolo-Pleural Fistula by Applying PGA-Sheets (Neoveil) after Major Lung Resection: A Historical Case-Control Study.

Alveolo-pleural fistula remains a serious post-operative complication in lung cancer patients after surgery, which is associated with prolonged hospital stay and higher healthcare costs. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a polyglycol acid (PGA)-sheet known as Neoveil in preventing post-operative air-leak in cases of detected intra-operative air-leak after lung resection. Between 11/2021 and 7/2022, a total of 329 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were surgically treated in two institutions. Major lung resections were performed in 251 cases. Among them, 44 patients with significant intra-operative air-leak at surgery were treated by reinforcing staple lines with Neoveil (study group). On the other hand, a historical group (selected by propensity score matched analysis) consisting of 44 lung cancer patients with significant intra-operative air leak treated by methods other than the application of sealant patches were considered as the control group. The presence of prolonged air-leak (primary endpoint), pleural drainage duration, hospital stay, and post-operative complication rates were evaluated. The results showed that prolonged air-leak (>5 days after surgery) was not observed in study group, while this event occurred in four patients (9.1%) in the control group. Additionally, a substantial reduction (despite not statistically significant) in the chest tube removal was noted in the study group with respect to the control group (3.5 vs. 4.5, p = 0.189). In addition, a significant decrease in hospital stay (4 vs. 6 days, p = 0.045) and a reduction in post-operative complications (2 vs. 10, p = 0.015) were observed in the study group when compared with the control group. Therefore, in cases associated with intra-operative air-leak after major lung resection, Neoveil was considered a safer and more effective aerostatic tool and represents a viable option during surgical procedures.

Clinical and Economic Burden Associated with Prolonged Air Leaks Among Patients Undergoing Thoracic Resection: A Retrospective Database Analysis.

Prophylactic use of lung sealants among patients undergoing thoracic resection has been reported for the management of intraoperative air leaks and is associated with a lower incidence of prolonged air leak (PAL) and a shorter length of stay (LOS). This study estimated the incremental economic and clinical burden of PAL among patients with lung sealants used during thoracic resection in the United States. This retrospective analysis examined hospital data (Premier Healthcare Database) for adults (age ≥18 years) with inpatient thoracic resection between October 2015 - March 2021 (first admission=index) and lung sealant used during their procedure. Follow-up extended through 90 days post-discharge. Patients were grouped by presence/absence of PAL (ie, diagnosis of post-procedural air leak or post-procedural pneumothorax with associated LOS exceeding 5 days). Outcomes included intensive care unit (ICU) days, total index hospital costs, all-cause 30-, 60-, and 90-day readmission, discharge status, and in-hospital mortality. Generalized linear models quantified associations between PAL and outcomes, accounting for hospital-level clustering, and patient, procedure, and hospital/provider characteristics. Among the 9727 patients included for study (51.0% female, 83.9% white, mean age 66 years), 12.5% had PAL, which was associated with significant incremental increases in ICU days (0.93 days, p<0.001) and total hospital cost ($11,119, p<0.001). PAL also decreased the likelihood of discharge to home (from 91.3% to 88.1%, p<0.001) and increased the risk of readmission within 30, 60, and 90 days by up to 34.0% (from 9.3% to 12.6%;11.7% to 15.4%;13.6% to 17.2%, respectively), all p<0.01. Absolute risk of mortality was low, but two times higher in patients with PAL versus those without PAL (2.4% vs 1.1%, p=0.001). This analysis demonstrates that despite the prophylactic use of lung sealants, PAL continues to put a burden on the healthcare system, highlighting an unmet need for improved sealant technology.

Intraoperative air embolism diagnosis and treatment using hyperbaric oxygen therapy after craniotomy: illustrative case.

This report describes the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the acute management of an intraoperative air embolism encountered during a neurosurgical procedure. Furthermore, the authors highlight the concomitant diagnosis of tension pneumocephalus requiring evacuation prior to hyperbaric therapy. A 68-year-old male developed acute ST-segment elevation and hypotension during elective disconnection of a posterior fossa dural arteriovenous fistula. The semi-sitting position had been used to minimize cerebellar retraction, raising the concern for acute air embolism. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography was utilized to establish the diagnosis of air embolism. The patient was stabilized on vasopressor therapy, and immediate postoperative computed tomography revealed air bubbles in the left atrium along with tension pneumocephalus. He underwent urgent evacuation for the tension pneumocephalus followed by hyperbaric oxygen therapy to manage the hemodynamically significant air embolism. The patient was eventually extubated and went on to fully recover; a delayed angiogram revealed complete cure of the dural arteriovenous fistula. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy should be considered for an intracardiac air embolism resulting in hemodynamic instability. In the postoperative neurosurgical setting, care should be taken to exclude pneumocephalus requiring operative intervention prior to hyperbaric therapy. A multidisciplinary management approach facilitated expeditious diagnosis and management for the patient.

A series of experiences with TissuePatch™ for alveolar air leak after pulmonary resection.

Prolonged air leak after pulmonary resection strongly influences chest tube duration and hospitalization. This prospective study aimed to report a series of experiences with a synthetic sealant (TissuePatch™) and compare them with a combination covering method (polyglycolic acid sheet + fibrin glue) for air leaks after pulmonary surgery. We included 51 patients (age: 20-89years) who underwent lung resection. Patients who presented with alveolar air leak during the intraoperative water sealing test were randomly assigned to the TissuePatch™ or combination covering method groups. The chest tube was removed when there was no air leak over a period of 6h, and no active bleeding under continuous monitoring using a digital drainage system. The chest tube duration was assessed, and various perioperative factors (such as the index of prolonged air leak score) were evaluated. Twenty (39.2%) patients developed intraoperative air leak; ten patients received TissuePatch™; and one patient who was receiving TissuePatch™ switched to the combination covering method because of broken TissuePatch™. The chest tube duration, index of prolonged air leak score, prolonged air leak, other complications, and postoperative hospitalization in both groups were similar. No TissuePatch™-related adverse events were reported. Results from the use of TissuePatch™ were almost similar to those associated with the use of combination covering method in preventing prolonged postoperative air leak after pulmonary resection. Randomized, double-arm studies are required to confirm the efficacy of TissuePatch™ observed during this study.

Efficacy of air leak test in detection of anastomotic leaks after rectal excision: a retrospective case-controlled study.

Although its efficacy is uncertain, an intraoperative air leak test (ALT) is commonly used to detect mechanical defects following bowel anastomosis. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ALT to detect anastomotic leakage (AL) following rectal excision. We reviewed our database for patients with rectal cancers who had undergone curative surgery between January 2012 and January 2018. Patients were grouped according to whether or not an ALT was performed. Propensity score analyses were performed to compare outcomes for groups in a 1:1 case-matched cohort. In total, 1,191 patients underwent rectal excision; 438 (219 in each group) formed the case-matched cohort for analysis. The protective stoma rate was 16.0% and 14.6% in the ALT and the no-ALT groups, respectively (P = 0.791). In the ALT group, 2 patients (0.9%) showed a positive result and were treated with rectal tube drainage, resulting in no leakage. There was no significant difference in postoperative AL rate between the groups (ALT group: 4.6% vs. no-ALT group: 4.1%, P > 0.999). ALT played a minimal role in detecting AL following rectal excision. Further studies are warranted to validate our results and clarify whether AL can be prevented with ALT or alternative methods.

The impacts of corrected left ventricular ejection time combined with dobutamine on hepatocellular carcinoma patients

To evaluate the clinical effect of corrected left ventricular ejection time (LVETc) combined with dobutamine on the intraoperative management of patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Sixty-eight patients with elective proposed pancreaticoduodenectomy, aged 61–78 years, body mass index 19–26 kg/m2, and ASA classification II or III, were divided into two groups (n = 34) using the random number table method: the esophageal ultrasound group (S group) and the esophageal ultrasound combined with dobutamine group (D group). In both groups, an esophageal ultrasound probe was placed after induction of anesthesia, and the left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and stroke volume (SV) were measured via a long-axis section of gastric fundus to guide fluid infusion. Nitroglycerin or a combination of dobutamine and nitroglycerine were pumped intravenously from the beginning of surgery to the completion of hemostasis after partial hepatectomy, in groups S or D, respectively. Central Venous Pressure (CVP), heart rate HR, and mean arterial pressure MAP were recorded at entry (T0), immediately after induction (T1), at the beginning of the operation (T2), during hilar occlusion (T3), after partial hepatectomy (T4), and after the operation (T5). SV and LVETc were recorded between T1 and T5. At T0 and T5, blood samples from radial artery and central vein were taken to determine the concentration of blood lactic acid, and the oxygen supply index (DO2I) and oxygen uptake rate (O2ERe) were calculated by blood gas analysis. The operation time, hilar occlusion time, intraoperative urine volume, intraoperative crystalloid and colloid infusion, intraoperative blood loss and blood transfusion, and the occurrence of cardiac gas emboli during the operation were also recorded. Adverse events of cardiovascular, pulmonary, and renal function during and after operation were registered. Sixty-four patients were included in the final analysis. Compared with group S, group D had lower CVP values at T2–T3 and higher SV values at T2–T5, reduced intraoperative blood loss, significantly increased intraoperative urine output, a smaller total dose of nitroglycerin use, and lower incidences of intraoperative hypotension and cardiac gas emboli (P < 0.05). Esophageal ultrasound detection of LVETc combined with dobutamine ensures hemodynamic stability in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy while reducing the incidence of intraoperative hypotension and air embolism.

Evaluation of Prepectoral Breast Tissue Expander Reconstruction Intraoperative Fill: Air or Saline?

Staged implant-based breast reconstruction with immediate tissue expanders (TEs) is the most common method of breast reconstruction after mastectomy. TEs traditionally are filled with saline for expansion. Some surgeons have advocated initial intraoperative fill of the TE with air to avoid excess pressure on ischemic mastectomy skin flaps. The purpose of the study was to compare intraoperative air versus saline tissue fills. All patients who underwent prepectoral TE reconstruction after mastectomy from 2017 to 2019 were reviewed. The primary predictive variable was whether saline or air was used for initial tissue expansion. Outcome variables included mastectomy skin necrosis, nipple necrosis, infection, number of expansions, hematoma, and explantation. A total of 53 patients (88 TEs) were included in the study: 28 patients (44 TEs) who underwent initial intraoperative fill with air and 25 patients (44 TEs) who underwent an initial saline fill were assessed. There were no significant differences in complication rates between initial TE fill with saline versus air, including nipple necrosis, wound dehiscence, cellulitis, abscess, or TE removal ( P = 1.0). The number of postoperative TE fills in the initial air fill group was 3.2 compared to 2.7 in the initial saline fill group ( P = 0.27). Prepectoral TE initial fill with air has similar postoperative outcomes compared to initial saline fill. The authors found no benefit to initially filling prepectoral TEs with air intraoperatively. Given the additional effort of exchanging air for saline during the first postoperative fill, there was no clinical advantage of filling prepectoral TEs with air. Therapeutic, III.

Robotic free pericardial fat pledget technique for treating pulmonary air leak.

There is no clear evidence for the ideal technique for treating intraoperative air leak. A previous study showed that the VIO soft-coagulation system (VIO 300D system; Erbe Elektromedizin) is useful for minor air leaks, as the automatically adjusted voltage output does so without causing sparks or tissue carbonization, resulting in covering the pulmonary fistula with a fibrin membrane.1 Although suturing is required to treat deeper lung injuries, simple suturing of emphysematous lungs may induce further lung injury.

Usefulness of free pericardial fat pads as pledgets for air leaks in pulmonary resection.

Intraoperative control of air leaks is important for preventing prolonged air leaks after surgery. The usefulness of suturing free pericardial fat pads (FPFPs) as pledgets for repairing air leaks was investigated. A total of 111 patients who underwent anatomical lung resection and required suture repair for intraoperative air leaks were retrospectively reviewed. Mattress sutures were performed using polyglycolic acid (PGA) sheets (PGA group; n = 60) in the early period (April 2014 to March 2018) and FPFPs (FPFP group; n = 51) in the late period (April 2018 to March 2021) as pledgets. More patients had a history of smoking in the FPFP group than in the PGA group. The duration of air leakage was significantly shorter (mean 1.2 vs. 3.5days, p = 0.002) and prolonged air leakage (> 5days) was less frequently observed (23.3% vs. 5.9%, p = 0.016) in the FPFP group than in the PGA group. The FPFP group had fewer cases requiring pleurodesis and with recurrent air leaks than in the PGA group. In one case in the FPFP group, fat necrosis with fibrosis and fibrous adhesion to the visceral pleura was found on a pathological examination. Parenchymal repair using FPFPs as pledgets can reduce prolonged air leaks after surgery.