Intraoperative Blood Product Transfusion Research Articles

Preoperative embolization of jugular paraganglioma tumors using particles is safe and effective.

Jugular paragangliomas represent a surgical challenge due to their vascularity and proximity to vital neurovascular structures. Preoperative embolization aids in reducing intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements, and improves surgical visualization. Several embolization agents have been used. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PVA in pre-operative embolization of jugular paragangliomas. A retrospective review of all patients who underwent jugular paraganglioma resection with pre-operative embolization between 2000 and 2020 was performed. Pre-operative data including baseline patient and tumor characteristics were documented. Outcomes of preoperative embolization including extent of devascularization and post-embolization complications were recorded. Early and long-term postoperative outcomes were reported. Twenty-nine patients met study criteria with a median age of 38 years. Average tumor size was 3.4±1.8 cm. The most commonly encountered arterial feeder was the ascending pharyngeal artery followed by the posterior auricular artery. More than 50% reduction in tumor blush was achieved in 25 patients (86.2%). None of the patients experienced new or worsening cranial neuropathy following embolization. Gross total or Near total resection was achieved in 13 patients (44.8%). A STR or NTR was chosen in these patients to preserve cranial nerve function or large vessel integrity. Average intraoperative estimated blood loss was 888 ml, 9 patients (31%) required intra-operative transfusion of blood products. Extent of resection and post-operative complications did not correlate with extent of devascularization. Pre-operative embolization of jugular paraganglioma tumors with PVA particles is an effective strategy with a high safety profile.

The Road to Transfusion-free Craniosynostosis Repair in Children Less Than 24 Months Old: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

Introduction:Pediatric craniofacial reconstruction has historically resulted in extensive blood loss necessitating transfusion. This single-center quality improvement initiative evaluates the impact of perioperative practice changes on the allogeneic transfusion rate for children 24 months and younger of age undergoing craniofacial reconstruction.Methods:At project initiation, an appointed core group of anesthesiologists provided all intraoperative anesthetic care for patients undergoing craniofacial reconstruction. Standardized anesthetic guidelines established consistency between providers. Using the Plan-do-check-act methodology, practice changes had been implemented and studied over a 5-year period. Improvement initiatives included developing a temperature-management protocol, using a postoperative transfusion protocol, administering intraoperative tranexamic acid, and a preincisional injection of 0.25% lidocaine with epinephrine. For each year of the project, we acquired data for intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic transfusion rates.Results:A cohort of 119 pediatric patients, ages 4–24 months, underwent anterior or posterior vault reconstruction for craniosynostosis at a tertiary children’s hospital between March 2013 and November 2018. Intraoperative and postoperative transfusion of allogeneic blood products in this cohort decreased from 100% preintervention to 22.7% postintervention.Conclusions:Interdepartmental collaboration and practice modifications using sequential Plan-do-check-act cycles resulted in a bundle of care that leads to a sustainable decrease in the rate of intraoperative and postoperative allogeneic blood transfusions in patients less than 24 months of age undergoing craniosynostosis repair. This bundle decreases the risk of transfusion-related morbidity for these patients. Other institutions looking to achieve similar outcomes can implement this project.

Intraoperative Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy During Liver Transplantation: A Meta-Analysis.

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is frequently used to treat recipients with renal failure before or after liver transplantation (LT), though evidence supporting its use during surgery remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a quantitative meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of intraoperative continuous renal replacement therapy (IORRT) in recipients with pretransplant severe renal dysfunction. We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane database for trials focusing on LT recipients supported with or without IORRT. Outcomes assessed were mortality, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative data, and predefined postoperative outcomes. Seven trials with 1051 recipients were eligible. Preoperatively, the IORRT group recipients had higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores (weighted mean difference [WMD], 6.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.51-9.87), Charlson scores (WMD, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.09-0.80), acute liver failure (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95% CI, 1.27-2.61), serum creatinine (WMD, 71.33 μmol/L; 95% CI, 1.98-140.69 μmol/L), total bilirubin level (WMD, 5.05 μmol/L; 95% CI, 1.75-8.35 μmol/L), intensive care unit admission (OR, 3.53; 95% CI, 1.23-10.13), vasoactive therapy (OR, 3.80; 95% CI, 2.64-5.46), ventilator care (OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.18-5.35), and renal replacement therapy (RRT) (OR, 29.37; 95% CI, 7.66-112.54) compared with control patients. IORRT patients also required more intraoperative blood product transfusion and had more post-LT RRT (OR, 25.67; 95% CI, 4.92-133.85). However, there were no significant differences in short-term mortality (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 0.82-5.44) between the groups. In addition, worse longterm mortality was seen in the IORRT group. In conclusion, IORRT is feasible and safe and may help sicker recipients tolerate the LT procedure to achieve short-term clinical outcomes comparable with less ill patients without IORRT. More high-quality evidence is needed to verify our conclusion in the future.

Pre-Operative Embolisation of Musculoskeletal Tumours - A Single Centre Experience.

Introduction:The management of musculoskeletal tumours is complex and requires a multi-disciplinary approach. Preoperative embolisation can be often employed to reduce intra-operative blood loss and complication rates from surgery. We report our experience with the safety, technical success and efficacy of pre-operative embolisation in musculoskeletal tumours.Materials and Methods:Thirteen consecutive patients who underwent pre-operative embolisation of a musculoskeletal tumour followed by surgical intervention at our institution from May 2012 to January 2016 were enrolled into the study. Patient demographics, tumour characteristics, embolisation techniques and type of surgery were recorded. Technical success of embolisation, amount of blood loss during surgery and transfusion requirements were estimated.Results:There were five female and eight male patients who underwent pre-operative embolisation during the study period. The age ranged between 16 to 68 years, and the median age was 54. Technical success was achieved in all patients. Mean intra-operative blood loss was 1403ml, with a range of 150ml to 6900ml. Eight patients (62%) required intra-operative blood products of packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma. No major complications occurred during embolisation.Conclusion:Pre-operative trans-arterial embolisation is feasible and safe for a variety of large and hypervascular musculoskeletal tumours. Our small series suggests that preoperative embolisation could contribute to the reduction of the intra-operative and post-operative blood product transfusion. It should be considered as a pre-operative adjunct for major tumour resections with a high risk of bleeding. The use of the haemoglobin gap complemented the assessment of perioperative blood loss.

Intra-operative blood transfusion significantly increases the risk of post-operative pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious and preventable complication after surgery. Blood transfusion is a common event during surgery. The aim of the present study was to identify whether intra-operative blood product transfusions increase the risk of symptomatic post-operative PE. A retrospective, single-center case-control study at Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University between 1 January 2013 and 31 December 2016 was performed. Adult hospitalized patients with confirmed symptomatic PE after surgery were defined as case group. Each patient was matched with two adult patients without symptomatic PE who underwent the same procedure on the same day or within one week. Perioperative data especially detailed blood transfusion was collected. Forward stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed. During the study period, altogether 188,512 procedures were included, and postoperative PE were confirmed in 40 (0.02%) patients. Twelve (30.0%) case patients and 16 (20.0%) control patients received intra-operative blood transfusion. Intra-operative blood transfusion was revealed as a significant predictor for symptomatic post-operative PE (OR 80.669, 95% CI: 3.312-1,964.641, P=0.007), along with female sex (OR 86.921, 95% CI: 4.242-1,781.124, P=0.004), older age (OR 1.078, 95% CI: 1.005-1.156, P=0.035), longer length of stay before surgery (OR 1.124, 95% CI: 1.040-1.214, P=0.003) and longer operation time (OR 1.013, 95% CI: 1.002-1.025, P=0.024). Intra-operative blood transfusion was associated with an increased risk of symptomatic post-operative PE. PE prophylaxis and selective screening should be considered in patients who had received intra-operative blood transfusion, especially in female patients.

Case Start Time Affects Intraoperative Transfusion Rates in Adult Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis

The goal of the study was to investigate the role time of day plays in perioperative outcomes. The authors examined intraoperative transfusion rates throughout the day in adult cardiac surgery patients. They hypothesized that the rate of transfusion changes with later case start times in scheduled cardiac surgery. Retrospective observational study. Single academic medical center. Adults undergoing cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass. None. The primary outcome was a composite variable of transfusion. The association between the time of day and the rate of transfusion was explored with a multivariate logistic regression to fit the effect of starting time as a cubic spline. There were 1,421 cases that met inclusion criteria. There were 1,220 cases that were matched for modeling. The estimated probability of a patient receiving a transfusion changed significantly with later case start times in the multivariable model after adjusting for initial hemoglobin, age, sex, height, ideal body weight, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, duration of cardiopulmonary bypass, aortic cross clamp time, attending surgeon, and attending anesthesiologist (p = 0.032, C-statistic = 0.807, n = 1220). The estimated probability of receiving an intraoperative red blood cell transfusion increased with later case start times in the multivariable model (p = 0.027, C-statistic = 0.902, n = 1220). There was no difference in the probability of transfusion for plasma, cryoprecipitate, or platelets. The observed rate of intraoperative blood product transfusion changed with later case start times in a multivariable model of scheduled cardiac surgery.

Effects of antecolic versus retrocolic duodenojejunostomy on delayed gastric emptying after pyloric preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy in patients with periampullary tumors

Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the most frequent complications after pyloric preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of antecolic versus retrocolic reconstruction of gastroentric anastomosis on DGE after PPPD. 30 patients with diagnosis of operable periampullary malignancies who candidate for PPPD, randomized in two equal groups. Gastroentric reconstruction were done in two methods: antecolic and retrocolic. All data were collected by the same person who was completely blinded to the type of the procedure. Duration of the surgery, volume of bleeding and total volume of intraoperative blood product transfusion, time to nasogastric tube (NGT) removal, time to solid fluid toleration, volume of NGT secretions, need for NGT reinsertion, daily nausea after NGT extraction, fistula or leakage, gastric leakage, biliary leakage, postoperative abdominal or gastrointestinal bleeding requiring another operation, wound infection, intra-abdominal abscess, and any other systemic complications were measured and then analysed with SPSS software. According to the results, there was no significant differences between antecolic and retrocolic groups in terms of DGE (p=0.75). Also, there were no significant differences between two groups in terms of duration of operation, volume of bleeding, blood product requirement, volume of NGT secretions, time to NGT removal, number of NGT re-insertion, time to tolerate solid foods, number of days of vomiting after NGT removal, total hospital stay. The route of gastroentric (antecolic and retrocolic) reconstruction has no impact on DGE after PPPD.

Effect of Autotransfusion Using Intraoperative Predonated Autologous Blood on Coagulopathy during Thoracic Aortic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Intraoperative predonated autologous blood transfusion is thought to replenish platelets and coagulation factors and ameliorate coagulopathy. This study aimed to evaluate whether intraoperative predonated autotransfusion improves coagulopathy during thoracic aortic surgery.Methods: Patients who underwent thoracic aortic surgery were randomized into two groups as follows: those who received intraoperative predonated blood (group A: n = 31) and those who did not receive (group N: n = 22). In group A, autologous blood was retransfused immediately after cessation of cardiopulmonary bypass (c-CPB).Results: The mean intraoperative allogenic blood or blood product transfusion requirements were significantly lesser in group A than in group N (packed red blood cells [RBCs]: 6.3 ± 5.1 vs. 9.1 ± 4.3 units, p = 0.04; fresh frozen plasma [FFP]: 3.0 ± 4.1 vs. 6.1 ± 5.7 units, p = 0.03). After c-CPB, hemoglobin (Hb) level, platelet count, and coagulopathy became significantly worse than those at the start of surgery in both the groups. However, the values significantly improved 30 min after c-CPB only in group A. Renal function was significantly worse in group N.Conclusions: Intraoperative predonated autotransfusion significantly improved coagulopathy, with reduced allogeneic blood transfusion volume during thoracic aortic surgery. Furthermore, reduction of allogeneic blood transfusion may reduce the adverse effects on renal function.

Incidence and Epidemiology of Perioperative Transfusion-Related Pulmonary Complications in Pediatric Noncardiac Surgical Patients: A Single-Center, 5-Year Experience.

Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) and transfusion-associated circulatory overload (TACO) are the leading causes of transfusion-related fatalities. While these transfusion-related pulmonary complications (TRPCs) have been well detailed in adults, their burden in pediatric subsets remains poorly defined. We sought to delineate the incidence and epidemiology of pediatric TRPCs after intraoperative blood product transfusion. In this retrospective cohort study, we evaluated all consecutive pediatric patients receiving intraoperative blood product transfusions during noncardiac surgeries between January 2010 and December 2014. Exclusion criteria were cyanotic heart disease, preoperative respiratory insufficiency, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status VI. Medical records were electronically screened to identify those with evidence of hypoxemia, and in whom a chest x-ray was obtained within 24 hours of surgery. Records were then manually reviewed by 2 physicians to determine whether they met diagnostic criteria for TACO or TRALI. Disagreements were adjudicated by a third senior physician. Of 19,288 unique pediatric surgical patients, 411 were eligible for inclusion. The incidence of TRPCs was 3.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2-5.9). TACO occurred in 3.4% (95% CI, 2.0-5.6) of patients, TRALI was identified in 1.2% (95% CI, 0.5-2.8), and 1.0% (95% CI, 0.4-2.5) had evidence for both TRALI and TACO. Incidence was not different between males (3.4%) and females (3.8%; P = .815). Although a trend toward an increased incidence of TRPCs was observed in younger patients, this did not reach statistical significance (P = .109). Incidence was comparable across subsets of transfusion volume (P = .184) and surgical specialties (P = .088). Among the 15 patients experiencing TRPCs, red blood cells were administered to 13 subjects, plasma to 3, platelets to 3, cryoprecipitate to 2, and autologous blood to 3. Three patients with TRCPs were transfused mixed blood components. TRPCs occurred in 3.6% of transfused pediatric surgical patients, with the majority of cases attributable to TACO, congruent with adult literature. The frequency of TRPCs was comparable between genders and across surgical procedures and transfusion volumes. The observed trend toward increased TRPCs in younger children warrants further consideration in future investigations. Red blood cell administration was the associated component for the majority of TRPCs, although platelets demonstrated the highest risk per component transfused. Mitigation of perioperative risk associated with TRPCs in pediatric patients is reliant on further multiinstitutional studies powered to examine patterns and predictors of this highly morbid entity.

Neurosurgical applications of viscoelastic hemostatic assays.

Patients taking antithrombotic agents are very common in neurosurgical practice. The perioperative management of these patients can be extremely challenging especially as newer agents, with poorly defined laboratory monitoring and reversal strategies, become more prevalent. This is especially true with emergent cases in which rapid reversal of anticoagulation is required and the patient's exact medical history is not available. With an aging patient population and the associated increase in diseases such as atrial fibrillation, it is expected that the use of these agents will continue to rise in coming years. Furthermore, thromboembolic complications such as deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction are common complications of major surgery. These trends, in conjunction with a growing understanding of the hemostatic process and its contribution to the pathophysiology of disease, stress the importance of the complete evaluation of a patient's hemostatic profile in guiding management decisions. Viscoelastic hemostatic assays (VHAs), such as thromboelastography and rotational thromboelastometry, are global assessments of coagulation that account for the cellular and plasma components of coagulation. This FDA-approved technology has been available for decades and has been widely used in cardiac surgery and liver transplantation. Although VHAs were cumbersome in the past, advances in software and design have made them more accurate, reliable, and accessible to the neurosurgeon. VHAs have demonstrated utility in guiding intraoperative blood product transfusion, identifying coagulopathy in trauma, and managing postoperative thromboprophylaxis. The first half of this review aims to evaluate and assess VHAs, while the latter half seeks to appraise the evidence supporting their use in neurosurgical populations.

Association between intraoperative blood product transfusions and acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery.

Association between intraoperative blood product transfusions and acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery.

Too Cold to Clot? Does Intraoperative Hypothermia Contribute to Bleeding After Aortic Surgery?

We determined the impact of intraoperative hypothermia on postoperative bleeding after thoracic aortic surgery. We retrospectively analyzed 98 consecutive patients who underwent aortic surgery with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest between 2010 and 2014. We evaluated lowest temperature, absolute decrease in temperature, and rewarming rate. Univariate and multivariate regression were used to determine relationships between temperature, clinical characteristics, and measures of postoperative bleeding. The mean age of patients was 60.5 ± 15.1 years, with 64.3% male and 60% Caucasian. The lowest temperatures recorded were 13.5 ± 4.6°C at the bypass circuit. Change in hematocrit was associated with ethnicity, preoperative hematocrit, and rewarming rate. Chest tube output was associated with body mass index, preoperative platelet count, prior cardiac surgery, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) duration, intraoperative blood product transfusion, lowest surface temperature, and change in surface temperature. Postoperative packed red blood cell transfusion was associated with ejection fraction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), platelet count, partial thromboplastin time, CPB duration, and lowest blood temperature. Fresh frozen plasma transfusion correlated with COPD, CPB duration, and final blood temperature. Platelet transfusion correlated with body mass index and preoperative platelet count. Unplanned reoperation for bleeding was associated with final temperature and change in temperature. We found no consistent associations between intraoperative temperature and indicators of bleeding. Intraoperative cooling strategies should be based on optimal end-organ protection rather than fear of postoperative bleeding; rewarming strategies may ameliorate the risk of coagulopathy.

Postoperative acute kidney injury following intraoperative blood product transfusions during cardiac surgery.

This study explored the nature of the association between intraoperative usage of red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma, cryoprecipitate or platelet transfusions and acute kidney injury. A total of 1175 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between 2008 and 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. We assessed the association between: (1) preoperative patient characteristics and acute kidney injury, (2) intraoperative blood product usage and acute kidney injury, (3) acute kidney injury and 30-day mortality or re-hospitalization. In our cohort of 1175 patients, 288 patients (24.5%) developed acute kidney injury. This included 162 (13.8%), 69 (5.9%) and 57 (4.9%) developing stage 1, stage 2 or stage 3 acute kidney injury, respectively. Increased red blood cell, fresh frozen plasma or platelet transfusions increased the odds of developing acute kidney injury. Specifically, every unit of red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma or platelets transfused was associated with an increase in the covariate-adjusted odds ratio of developing ⩾ stage 2 kidney injury of 1.18, 1.19 and 1.04, respectively. Intraoperative blood product transfusions were independently associated with an increased odds of developing acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery. Further randomized studies are needed to better define intraoperative transfusion criteria.

Anesthetic and Perioperative Management of Nontransplant Surgery in Patients After Liver Transplant.

We aimed to document the anesthetic management and metabolic, hemodynamic, and clinical outcomes of liver-graft recipients who subsequently undergo nontransplant surgical procedures. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 96 liver-graft recipients who underwent 144 nontransplant surgeries between October 1998 and April 2016 at Başkent University Hospital. The median patient age at the time of nontransplant surgery was 32 years, and 35% were female (n = 33). The median time between transplant and nontransplant surgery was 1231 days. The most frequent types of nontransplant surgery were abdominal (22%), orthopedic (16%), and urologic (13%). Seventy patients had an American Society of Anesthesiologists status of 2 (49%); the status was 3 in 71 patients (49%) and 4 in 3 patients (2%). Of the 144 procedures, 23 were emergent (16%) and 48% were abdominal. General anesthesia was used in 69%, regional anesthesia in 19%, and sedoanalgesia in 11%. Twenty-five patients required intraoperative blood-product transfusion (17%). Intraoperative hemodynamic instability developed in 17% of patients, and hypoxemia developed in 2%. Eleven patients remained intubated at the end of surgery (8%). Of the 144 procedures, 19 (13%) required transfer to the intensive care unit, 108 (75%) transferred to the ward, and the remaining 17 (12%) were discharged on the same day. Eight patients developed respiratory failure (6%), 7 had renal dysfunction (5%), 4 had coagulation abnormalities (3%), and 10 had infectious complications (7%) in the early postoperative period. The median hospital stay was 4 days, and 5 patients (4%) developed rejection during hospitalization. Five patients died of respiratory or infectious complications (4%). Most liver-graft recipients who undergo nontransplant surgery are given general anesthesia, transferred to the ward after the procedure, and discharged without major complications. We suggest that orthotopic liver transplant recipients may undergo nontransplant surgery without any postoperative graft dysfunction.

Predicting the Need for Intra-operative Large Volume Blood Transfusions During Thoraco-abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

Thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm (TAAA) repair is a complex procedure performed in patients at high cardiovascular risk. High volume intra-operative bleeding is often recorded, and the amount of intra-operative blood product transfusion is associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study was to identify pre-operative predictors of intra-operative large volume blood transfusions (LVBT) to stratify patients pre-operatively. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of all patients who underwent open TAAA surgery at San Raffaele Scientific Institute from January 2009 to December 2015. Intra-operative red blood cell (RBC) transfusions were administered to maintain a hematocrit of at least 30%. A LVBT was defined as a transfusion of at least four RBC units, corresponding to 1000mL. The study population included 428 patients: 260 (61%) received fewer than 4 RBC units, and 168 (39%) were transfused with at least 4 RBC units. In patients who underwent LVBT, higher mortality was observed after surgery (p=.003), longer intensive care unit admission (p=.004), and longer mechanical ventilation compared with less transfused patients (p=.0002). The patients who received fewer units were administered a higher dose of heparin during the surgical operation compared with patients of the LVBT group: 3400±1100 vs. 2900±1300 IU (international units) (p=.0004). Pre-operative chronic renal failure (OR 1.8), the pre-operative haemoglobin value (OR 0.8), and the need for urgent or emergent surgery (OR 3.15) were independent predictors of LVBT on multivariate analysis. The identification of patients at risk of intra-operative LVBT during TAAA surgery is critical as these patients experience a worse outcome. Nevertheless, only few independent predictors are available for clinical practice.

A BMI >35 does not protect patients undergoing cardiac bypass surgery from red blood cell transfusion

The effect of obesity on allogeneic intraoperative blood product transfusion in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) is poorly understood. We analyzed the influence of obesity on the risk of intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion among 45,200 consecutive non-reoperative CABG procedures from a multi-institutional perfusion database. A body mass index (BMI) in obese I category was associated with a 9.9% decrease in transfusion risk (p<0.05). Compared to patients with a normal BMI, obese I and obese III patients do not have any change in the relative risk of RBC transfusion. Overweight and mild obesity have a protective role in reducing intraoperative blood transfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) surgery. However, logistic regression analysis showed that much of the observed reduction in transfusion rates for obese patients can be accounted for by other known confounds. The lack of a linear effect of increasing BMI on blood transfusion risk is a novel finding and warrants further investigation.

Allogeneic Blood Product Usage in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) with minimalized Extracorporeal Circulation System (MECC) Versus Standard On-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting.

Aim:Intraoperative allogeneic blood product transfusion (ABPT) in cardiac surgery is associated with worse overall outcome, including mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the ABPTs in minimalized extracorporeal cardiopulmonary (MECCTM) compared with standard open system on-pump coronary revascularization.Methods:Data of 156 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization between September 2008 and September 2010 were reviewed. 83 patients were operated by the MECC technique and 73 were treated by standard extracorporeal circulation (sECC). ABPT and overall early postoperative complications were analyzed.Results:Operative mortality and morbidity were similar in both groups. ABPT in the MECC group was significantly lower than in the sECC group both intraoperatively (7.2 vs. 60.3% of patients p<0.001) and during the first five postoperative days (19.3 vs. 57.5%; p<0.001). “Skin to skin”- (214 ± 45 vs. 232 ± 45 min; p=0.012), cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) - (82 ± 25 vs. 95 ± 26 min; p=0.014), and X-clamp- times (50 ± 16 vs. 56 ± 17 min; p=0.024) were significantly lower in the MECC group than in the sECC group. Length of ICU (intensive care unit) - and hospital stay were also significantly lower in the MECC group vs. the sECC group (26.7 ± 20.2 vs. 54.5 ± 68.9 h; p<0.001, and 12.0 ± 4.1 vs. 14.5 ± 4.6 days; p<0.001).Conclusion:Application of MECC as on-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) results in significantly lower ABPT as well as shorter ICU and in-hospital stay. In order to achieve these benefits of MECC autologous retrograde priming, Bispectral index (BIS) monitoring, intraoperative cell salvage, meticulous hemostasis and strict peri- and postoperative volume management are crucial.

Comparison of supramesenteric aortic cross-clamping with supraceliac aortic cross-clamping for aortic reconstruction

Supraceliac aortic cross-clamping (SCXC) is routinely used during open aortic reconstruction (OAR) of pararenal aortic disease when suprarenal control is not feasible. On occasion, however, aortic control may be obtained at the supramesenteric level by supramesenteric cross-clamping (SMXC) between the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac axis. The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between patients who had SMXC vs SCXC during OAR for both aneurysmal and occlusive diseases. A retrospective chart review identified 69 patients who underwent elective OAR requiring SMXC (n= 18) or SCXC (n= 51). All patients with thoracoabdominal aneurysms and those who had inframesenteric (suprarenal and infrarenal) aortic control were excluded. Propensity score-based matching was performed to adjust for confounding factors in a 1:1 ratio to compare outcomes. Late survival was estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods. Propensity score-based matching was performed at a 1:1 ratio; 18 SMXC cases were matched with 18 SCXC cases. The average age was 66.7years, and men constituted 72%. Baseline characteristics were matched, except for the incidence of peripheral vascular occlusive disease (72.2% in the SMXC group vs 33.3% in the SCXC group; P= .04). A majority (80.6%) of patients underwent OAR for aneurysmal disease (72.2% in the SMXC group, 88.9% in the SCXC group). Intraoperatively, there were no differences in operative times (325minutes for SMXC vs 298minutes for SCXC; P=.48), but the SMXC group had a longer renal ischemia time (40minutes vs 28minutes; P= .03). There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss (2.4L vs 1.6L; P= .2) or blood product transfusion requirements (packed red blood cells, 2.2 units vs 1.6 units [P= .5]; Cell Saver, 1.3L vs 0.7L [P= .09]). Overall complication rates did not differ significantly (27.8% for SMXC vs 44.4% for SCXC; P= .24). Thirty-day mortality rates did not differ between the two groups (0% for SMXC vs 5.6% for SCXC; P= 1). In this study, there were no differences in early morbidity or mortality between SMXC and SCXC during aortic reconstruction. SMXC, however, can be performed safely and effectively in properly selected patients. A larger, multicenter prospective study would help elucidate the potential benefits.

Explaining the excess morbidity of emergency general surgery: packed red blood cell and fresh frozen plasma transfusion practices are associated with major complications in nonmassively transfused patients

BackgroundIntraoperative blood product transfusions carry risk but are often necessary in emergency general surgery (EGS). MethodsWe queried the American College of Surgery-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database for EGS patients (2008 to 2012) at 2 tertiary academic hospitals. Outcomes included rates of high packed red blood cell (pRBC) use (estimated blood loss:pRBC < 350:1) and high fresh frozen plasma (FFP) use (FFP:pRBC >1:1.5). Patients were then stratified by exposure to high blood product use. Stepwise logistic regression was performed. ResultsOf 992 patients, 33% underwent EGS. Estimated blood loss was similar between EGS and non-EGS (282 vs 250 cc, P = .288). EGS patients were more often exposed to high pRBC use (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 2.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11 to 3.66) and high-FFP use (OR = 2.75, 95% CI: = 1.10 to 6.84). High blood product use was independently associated with major nonbleeding complications (high pRBC: OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.91; high FFP: OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.15 to 4.02). ConclusionsDespite similar blood loss, EGS patients received higher rates of intraoperative blood product transfusion, which was independently associated with major complication.

Perioperative Characteristics of Siblings Undergoing Liver or Kidney Transplant.

Reasons for chronic liver and kidney failure may vary; sometimes more than 1 family member may be affected, and may require a transplant. The aim of this study was to examine the similarities or differences between the perioperative characteristics of siblings undergoing liver or kidney transplant. The medical records of 6 pairs of siblings who underwent liver transplant and 4 pairs of siblings who underwent kidney transplant at Baskent University Hospital between 1989 and 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Collected data included demographic features; comorbidities; reasons for liver and kidney failure; perioperative laboratory values; intraoperative hemodynamic parameters; use and volume of crystalloids, colloids, blood products, cell saver system, and albumin; duration of anesthesia; urine output; and postoperative follow-up data. The mean age of the 6 sibling pairs who underwent liver transplant was 16.3 ± 12.2 years. All 12 patients had Child-Pugh grade B cirrhosis, with mean disease duration of 7.8 ± 3.9 years. There were no significant differences between siblings with respect to intraoperative blood product transfusion, crystalloid and colloid fluid replacements, hypotension frequency, blood gas analyses, urinary output, duration of anhepatic phase, inotropic agent administration, postoperative laboratory values, need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressors, occurrence of acute renal failure and infections, and duration intensive care unit stay (P > .05). The mean age of the 4 sibling pairs who underwent kidney transplant was 21.3 ± 6.4 years, with mean duration of renal insufficiency of 2.2 ± 1.6 years. There were no significant differences between siblings with respect to intraoperative crystalloid and colloid fluid administration, duration of anesthesia, intraoperative mannitol and furosemide administration, and postoperative laboratory values (P > .05). In conclusion, the 6 sibling pairs who underwent liver transplant and 4 sibling pairs who underwent kidney transplant in our cohort had similar perioperative characteristics.