Life-threatening Postoperative Complication Research Articles

Postoperative hemorrhages in vestibular schwannoma surgery pontine hemorrhage. Clinical case report

Vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma) is a benign tumor that develops from Schwann cells and can be life-threatening. Nowadays, surgical treatment is the method of choice in the management of patients with this type of tumor. We present a clinical case report of 71 y.o. patient with vestibular schwannoma (Koos grade IV, Samii grade 4B) with severe compression of the pons and the left cerebellar hemisphere. Microsurgical removal of the tumor was performed via the retrosigmoid approach. Starting from postoperative day 1, signs of respiratory distress developed. Control multislice spiral computed tomography (MSCT) of the brain revealed the area of hemorrhage in the left regions of the pons. On postoperative day 24 the patient's condition rapidly worsened progressing to coma with pronounced arterial hypotonia and cardiac arrest. Hemorrhage in the brain stem structures is a rare and life-threatening postoperative complication in vestibular schwannoma surgery. The incidence of postoperative hemorrhage is 2–11% of cases. Vascular complications are the leading cause of mortality. The key predisposing factors are older age, large and giant size of the tumor, tumor invasion into the pia mater of the brainstem, and vascularization of the tumor stroma. Comprehensive assessment of the tumor blood supply status, the state of the brainstem, intra- and postoperative clinical and neurophysiological monitoring, careful and thorough dissection of the tumor capsule and strict control of blood pressure in the postoperative period are the basis for the prevention of these complications.

Transmediastinale migratie van een Kirschner-pin na fixatie van een proximale humerusfractuur: een casus

Transmediastinal migration of a Kirschner pin after fixation of a proximal humeral fracture: a case report Fractures of the proximal humerus are common lesions in the elderly population. In some cases, they are surgically stabilized via a minimally invasive technique, namely percutaneous osteosynthesis with fixation pins. Intrathoracic migration of these pins or wire is a rare complication after percutaneous osteosynthesis of a proximal humeral fracture. In this article, the authors describe an extremely rare transmediastinal migration of a Kirschner pin from the humeral head. The purpose of this case report is to call for awareness and to open a debate in which appropriate prevention can be freely discussed. The consideration of a conservative management, the choice of alternative osteosynthesis techniques, the use of a sling bandage to restrict the shoulder movement, the use of fixation pins with a threaded tip, bending of the external free end of the pin and an appropriate time to remove the pin are possible recommendations from the literature. Furthermore, it is important to provide additional information and awareness to health care providers in rehabilitation centers, geriatricians and orthopedists concerning the possibility of such a life-threatening postoperative complication. Thus, specific policies for clinical and radiographic monitoring of the position of fixation pins should be developed in hospitals and rehabilitation centers with the aim of prevention, early detection and prompt action when this life-threatening complication is suspected.

Clinical and history features of patients with recurrent deep endometriosis: A retrospective study

Aim. To identify clinical and history features of patients with recurrent deep endometriosis (RDE). Materials and methods. A retrospective study of clinical and history data of 200 patients with DE undergoing surgical treatment at the Department of General Surgery of the Kulakov National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology in 2020–2021. Group 1 included 80 patients with RDE, group 2 included 120 patients with newly diagnosed DE. All patients underwent surgical treatment followed by immunohistochemical examination and DE confirmation. Results. An association was found between the young age of the patient at the time of the first surgery and the type of endometriosis. It was found that women with a history of endometriosis surgery in early reproductive years (29.22±5.3 years) are at risk of recurrent endometriosis. Two or more surgeries were reported in 33.7% of RDE patients. In 90.2% of patients, endometriosis recurred with clinical manifestations; in 9.8%, it was asymptomatic and diagnosed on pelvic ultrasound. The group of RDE patients showed a longer period of infertility (5.432±3.53 years) than the group with newly diagnosed DE (2.953±1.29 years). It was found that the surgeries performed in RDE patients were longer, more complex, and associated with more blood loss. Intestinal resection, ureterolysis, adhesiolysis, and salpingectomy were significantly more common in the RDE group than in patients without a history of endometriosis surgery. Conclusion. In most cases, RDE is clinically manifested, rarely asymptomatic and diagnosed by visualization methods. Patients with a history of surgery at a younger age are at risk of RDE, and their surgical interventions are more complicated with more blood loss. Currently, surgical treatment of DE is the optimal method; however, it has serious disadvantages with severe and even life-threatening postoperative complications.

Досвід виконання розширених панкреатодуоденальних резекцій у хворих на злоякісні новоутворення панкреатобіліарної зони, ускладнені синдромом механічної жовтяниці

Despite the results of randomized trials, mortality and survival rates, clinical aspects of extended pancreaticoduodenal resection remain a subject of debate. Purpose - to determine the effect of the pancreaticoduodenal resection volume expanding on the results of surgical intervention. Materials and methods. The results of surgical treatment of 101 patients with malignant neoplasms of the pancreatobiliary zone, complicated by mechanical jaundice syndrome, were analyzed. Depending on the volume of lymph node dissection, patients were randomized into two cohorts. The main group included 33 (32.7%) patients who underwent an extended version of pancreatoduodenal resection; the comparison group included 68 (67.3%) patients who underwent standard pancreaticoduodenal resection. Results. Intraoperative blood loss in extended interventions somewhat exaggerated the volume of blood loss in standard ones, however, there was no statistically significant advantage (522±165) ml versus (468±124) ml (p>0.05). In patients after extended surgical interventions, the average debit of lymph through the drains was (512±26) ml/day, which was almost 46.2% higher than the average amount of lymph outflow through the drains in patients after standard ((236 ± 31) ml/day) and was statistically confirmed (p<0.05). Secretory diarrhea lasting more than 2 weeks, as a complication of extended pancreatoduodenal resection, occurred in 7 (21.2%) patients, and after the standard one - only in 3 (4.4%) (p<0.05). A life-threatening postoperative complication as failure of the pancreatodigestive anastomosis due to pancreatic necrosis of the pancreatic stump complicated the course of the postoperative period in 9 (13.2%) patients after standard interventions, while after extended interventions it was diagnosed in 4 (12.1%) patients. Mortality after standard pancreatoduodenal resection was 7.4% (5 patients), after extended resections - 6.1% (2 patients). Conclusions. On the one hand, the obtained results demonstrate more difficult conditions of extended pancreaticoduodenal resection performing, and, on the other hand, the absence of statistically significant differences with standard intervention in terms of the frequency of complications. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Risk factors and consequences of post-esophagectomy delirium: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Post-operative delirium (POD) is a state of mental and neurocognitive impairment characterized by disorientation and fluctuating levels of consciousness. POD in the context of esophageal surgery may herald serious and potentially life-threatening post-operative complications, or conversely be a symptom of severe underlying pathophysiologic disturbances. The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to explore risk factors associated with the development of POD and assess its impact on post-operative outcomes. A systematic literature search of the MedLine, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane CENTRAL databases and the clinicaltrials.gov registry was undertaken. A random-effects model was used for data synthesis with pooled outcomes expressed as Odds Ratios (OR), or standardized mean differences (WMD) with corresponding 95% Confidence Intervals. Seven studies incorporating 2449 patients (556 with POD and 1893 without POD) were identified. Patients experiencing POD were older (WMD 0.29 ± 0.13years, P < 0.001), with higher Charlson's Comorbidity Index (CCI; WMD 0.31 ± 0.23, P = 0.007) and were significantly more likely to be smokers (OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.07-1.77, P = 0.01). Additionally, POD was associated with blood transfusions (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.56-2.77, P < 0.001), and a significantly increased likelihood to develop anastomotic leak (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.25-3.29, P = 0.004). Finally, POD was associated with increased mortality (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.24-5.93, P = 0.01) and longer hospital stay (WMD 0.4 ± 0.24, P = 0.001). These findings highlight the clinical relevance and possible economic impact of POD after esophagectomy for malignant disease and emphasize the need of developing effective preventive strategies.

Postoperative Sigmoidoscopy and Biopsy After Elective Endovascular and Open Aortic Surgery for Preventing Mortality by Colonic Ischemia (PSB-Aorta-CI): Protocol for a Prospective Study.

Endovascular aortic repair is considered the standard procedure in treating patients diagnosed with pathologies of the abdominal aorta with suitable anatomy. Open surgery remains an option mostly for patients not suitable for endovascular surgery. Colonic ischemia is an important and life-threatening postoperative complication of these procedures. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical value and safety of performing a planned sigmoidoscopy and biopsy for detection of colonic ischemia in patients undergoing elective aortic surgery. We also aim to develop prediction scores which could identify patients at risk for colonic ischemia and facilitate their timely treatment. The trial is designed as a prospective study. The decision for aortic surgery and eligibility for these procedures will be ascertained according to current guidelines. Afterward, screening of the patient for the remaining inclusion and exclusion criteria will occur. If eligibility for study inclusion is confirmed, the patient will be informed about the aims of the study and all study-specific procedures (sigmoidoscopy and biopsy) and asked to provide informed consent. The primary end point is the proportion of patients diagnosed endoscopically with subclinical and clinically relevant colonic ischemia among all patients undergoing aortic surgery. Patient recruitment started on June 2021. The final patient is expected to be treated by the end of June 2023. Institutional Review Board review has been completed at the University of Halle (Saale; reference #052-2021). this shows that sigmoidoscopy can be performed safely and is effective for the timely diagnosis of colonic ischemia in these patients, this could result in its routine implementation in both elective and emergency settings. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00025587; https://www.drks.de/drks_web/navigate.do?navigationId =trial.HTML&TRIAL_ID=DRKS00025587. DERR1-10.2196/39071.

New understanding of gut microbiota and colorectal anastomosis leak: A collaborative review of the current concepts

Anastomotic leak (AL) is a life-threatening postoperative complication following colorectal surgery, which has not decreased over time. Until now, no specific risk factors or surgical technique could be targeted to improve anastomotic healing. In the past decade, gut microbiota dysbiosis has been recognized to contribute to AL, but the exact effects are still vague. In this context, interpretation of the mechanisms underlying how the gut microbiota contributes to AL is significant for improving patients' outcomes. This review concentrates on novel findings to explain how the gut microbiota of patients with AL are altered, how the AL-specific pathogen colonizes and is enriched on the anastomosis site, and how these pathogens conduct their tissue breakdown effects. We build up a framework between the gut microbiota and AL on three levels. Firstly, factors that shape the gut microbiota profiles in patients who developed AL after colorectal surgery include preoperative intervention and surgical factors. Secondly, AL-specific pathogenic or collagenase bacteria adhere to the intestinal mucosa and defend against host clearance, including the interaction between bacterial adhesion and host extracellular matrix (ECM), the biofilm formation, and the weakened host commercial bacterial resistance. Thirdly, we interpret the potential mechanisms of pathogen-induced poor anastomotic healing.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Harmonic Scalpel Versus Conventional Techniques of Appendiceal Stump Closure in Laparoscopic Appendicectomy.

Acute appendicitis is one of the most commonly encountered surgical emergencies worldwide. The laparoscopic approach for managing acute appendicitis is gaining popularity over open appendicectomy in the current surgical practice. The advantages of laparoscopic appendectomy are early recovery, fewer wound complications, less pain and better cosmesis. One of the most critical steps in laparoscopic appendicectomy is a secure appendicular stump closure. Life-threatening postoperative complications are often encountered following the breakdown of appendicular stump closure. There are several methods to achieve appendicular stump closure such as intra-corporeal knotting, endoloops, external corporeal knotting and pushing knot inside, endoscopic linear cutting stapler (endo GIA), and endoclips. A meta-analysis on the technique of appendicular stump closure in laparoscopic appendicectomy failed to demonstrate the superiority of one method over the other. In the last few years, many authors have evaluated the outcome of sutureless appendicectomy performed using devices like a harmonic scalpel. This systematic review and meta-analysis is aimed to summarise the current evidence regarding the utility and safety of harmonic scalpel in sutureless appendicectomy.This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted as per the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A systematic, detailed search was carried out by the authors in the electronic database, including Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, Google scholar and clinical trial registry. Studies were selected and compared based on outcomes such as operative time, hospital stay, postoperative paralytic ileus, wound infection, and total complications. Statistical analysis was performed using the random effect model, fixed-effect model, pooled risk ratio, pooled mean difference and I2 heterogeneity.Four comparative studies with a total of 642 patients (376 male and 266 females) were included in the analysis. There were 359 patients in the conventional technique of appendicular stump closure group and 283 patients in the harmonic scalpel for appendicular stump closure group. Pooled analysis of the outcome measure of total complications showed that the use of harmonic scalpel for closure of appendiceal stump does not result in an increased incidence of complications as compared to the conventional technology of appendiceal stump closure. Pooled analysis of the outcome measure of mean operative time revealed a statistically significant reduction in the operative time in the patients where harmonic scalpel has been used for the management of appendiceal stump as compared to conventional methods (pooled mean difference of -12.96 with 95% CI -15.42, -10.50). Appendiceal stump closure during laparoscopic appendectomy by harmonic scalpel (HS) is comparable with the conventional techniques in terms of hospital stay, wound infection, postoperative paralytic ileus, and total complications. The use of a harmonic scalpel for closure of appendicular stump is associated with a reduction of the mean operative time of laparoscopic appendicectomy.

Efficacy of sternocleidomastoid muscle flap in reducing anastomotic mediastinal/pleural cavity leak.

Anastomotic mediastinal/pleural cavity leak (AMPCL) is a life-threatening postoperative complication after esophagectomy. The objective of this study was to find a safe and effective surgical method to reduce the incidence of AMPCL. A total of 223 patients who underwent surgery in Fujian Medical University Union Hospital from May 2020 to October 2021 were enrolled in this study. Data for preoperative and postoperative test indices, postoperative complications, perioperative treatment were collected. After using 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to match two cohort (caliper = 0.1), the relationship between various factors and the incidence of AMPCL were analyzed. 209 patients were included for further analysis in the end. There were 95 patients in the sternocleidomastoid muscle flap embedding group (intervention group) and 114 in the routine operation group (control group). There was a significant difference in mean age between two groups. Gender, age, body mass index, diabetes, American society of anesthesiologists score, preoperative neoadjuvant therapy, pathological stage were included in performing 1:1 PSM, and there were no significant differences between two groups. Median operative time was significantly less in intervention group. Anastomotic leak (AL) did not present significant difference between two groups (8 [8.6] vs. 13 [14.0], p = 0.247), however, the AMPCL in intervention group was significantly lower than control group (0 [0] vs. 6 [6.5], p = 0.029). The sternocleidomastoid muscle flap embedding could significantly reduce the incidence of AMPCL. This additional procedure is safe, and effective without increase in the occurrence of postoperative complications and hospital expenses.

Analysis of external pressure on the left calf in the Lloyd-Davies position during colorectal surgery.

Well-leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) is a potentially life-threatening postoperative complication related to the Lloyd-Davies surgical position, which can place increased external pressure on the calf region. We conducted this study to analyze external pressure changes, by applying a leg holder system to the left calf region of patients placed in the Lloyd-Davies position during laparoscopic surgery. The study participants were 50 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in the Lloyd-Davies position. We assessed the maximum external pressure (MEP) on the left calf region using a pressure-distribution measurement system. Intraoperative measurements were taken continuously, and the MEP was evaluated with the patient horizontal and every 30min during surgery in the head and right-down tilt position. The intraoperative MEP increased gradually when the patient was in the head and right-down tilt position and decreased when the patient was returned to the horizontal position. The MEP was higher in patients aged < 60years, those who were obese, and those with a thick calf circumference. Both body mass index (BMI) and the maximum left calf circumference (MLCC) were found to correlate with the MEP. In addition to a high BMI, which is a well-known risk factor for WLCS, a high MLCC should be considered another risk factor, especially for patients under 60years.

Aprepitant for the Prevention of Post-Operative Nausea and Vomiting in Refractory or High-Risk Patients

&#x0D; No studies were found that evaluated the clinical effectiveness of aprepitant for the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients with a history of post-operative nausea and vomiting refractory to conventional antiemetic prophylaxis that met the criteria for this review.&#x0D; In patients with the potential for life-threatening post-operative medical complications due to emesis, limited evidence of variable quality was identified for the clinical effectiveness of aprepitant. The studies varied by population, the combination of interventions and comparators and the outcomes measured, and the findings were mixed.&#x0D; No studies were found that evaluated the cost-effectiveness of aprepitant for the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients with a history of post-operative nausea and vomiting refractory to conventional antiemetic prophylaxis that met the criteria for this review.&#x0D; No studies were found that evaluated the cost-effectiveness of aprepitant for the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients with the potential for life-threatening post-operative medical complications due to emesis that met the criteria for this review.&#x0D; No evidence-based guidelines were found regarding the use of aprepitant for the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients with a history of post-operative nausea and vomiting refractory to conventional antiemetic prophylaxis that met the criteria for this review.&#x0D; No evidence-based guidelines were found regarding the use of aprepitant for the prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting in patients with the potential for life-threatening post-operative medical complications due to emesis that met the criteria for this review.&#x0D;

A Nomogram for Predicting Intraoperative Hemodynamic Instability in Patients With Pheochromocytoma.

PurposeSurgical removal of pheochromocytoma (PCC), including open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted adrenalectomy, is the cornerstone of therapy, which is associated with high risk of intraoperative and postoperative life-threatening complications due to intraoperative hemodynamic instability (IHD). This study aims to develop and validate a nomogram based on clinical characteristics as well as computed tomography (CT) features for the prediction of IHD in pheochromocytoma surgery.MethodsThe data from 112 patients with pheochromocytoma were collected at a single center between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2019. Clinical and radiological features were selected with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis to predict IHD then constitute a nomogram. The performance of the nomogram was assessed in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.ResultsAge, tumor shape, Mayo Adhesive Probability score, laterality, necrosis, body mass index, and surgical technique were identified as risk predictors of the presence of IHD. The nomogram was then developed using these seven variables. The model showed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.773 (95% CI, 0.683–0.862) and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.739 (95% CI, 0.642–0.837). The calibration plot suggested good agreement between predicted and actual probabilities. Besides, calibration was tested with the Hosmer–Lemeshow test (P = 0.961). The decision curve showed the clinical effectiveness of the nomogram.ConclusionsOur nomogram based on clinical and CT parameters could facilitate the treatment strategy according to assessment of the risk of IHD in patients with pheochromocytoma.

Is it possible to minimize the risk of immediate complications of pancreatoduodenal resection in patients with pathology of the pancreatic head, complicated with the syndrome of obstructive jaundice?

Is it possible to minimize the risk of immediate complications of pancreatoduodenal resection in patients with pathology of the pancreatic head, complicated with the syndrome of obstructive jaundice?

Деякі особливості ведення хворих із вогнищевими захворюваннями біліопанкреатодуодеальної зони, ускладненими механічною жовтяницею

The aim of the current research was to compare the early results of pancreatoduodenal resection performing in patients with focal diseases of the biliopancreatoduodenal area complicated by obstructive jaundice syndrome, depending on the type of preoperative preparation. The results of surgical treatment of 272 patients who had been underwent pancreatoduodenal resection for focal diseases of the biliopancreatoduodenal zone complicated by the development of obstructive jaundice syndrome were analyzed. Patients, depending on the type of preoperative preparation, were randomized into two groups: the main group included 112 patients, who were prepared for surgery and predicted the course of the perioperative period in accordance with the original algorithm; and a comparison group (160 patients), in which the preparation was carried out only in a conservative way. Due to the original algorithm of detoxification with the use of biliary decompression in patients of the main group, the level of total bilirubin on the eve of pancreatoduodenal resection was 112.3 ± 2.7 μmol / L, while in the comparison group, where the preparation of patients for radical surgery was carried out without biliary drainage – 198.3 ± 3.3 μmol / L. The activity of alkaline phosphatase on the eve of PDR was 104.8 ± 1.3 U / L in the main group, and 270.8 ± 1.9 U / L in the comparison group (p &lt;0.05). On the eve of PDR, the activity of γ-glutamyltransferase decreased insignificantly – to 529 ± 29 U / L in the comparison group and to 485 ± 33 U / L in the main group (p &lt;0.05). The number of cases of life-threatening postoperative complications in the main group was 42 (37.5%), and in the comparison group – 102 (63.8%). Postoperative mortality in the main group was 6.3%, and in the comparison group – 11.9%.

Evaluation of anemia as a postoperative risk factor in the evolution of patients with gastric resection for malignancies

Introduction. Gastric cancer remains among the top three digestive diseases with the highest mortality rates in the world. Treatment of gastric cancer is multidisciplinary, gastric resection being essential for the best result. Anemia is one of the most common comorbidities present in patients diagnosed with gastric cancer. Materials and Methods. This is a retrospective analytical study over a period of 6 years (2014-2019). It is based on 114 consecutive gastric resections for cancer performed by a single team using exclusively resection and reconstruction stapling methods. The study aims to investigate a correlation between the presence of preoperative anemia and the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Results. Preoperative anemia was found in 70% of patients, with about half of these patients presenting with mild anemia. Most postoperative complications were grade I and II according to the Clavien Dindo scale. Anemia was correlated with an increase in infectious complications, anastomotic leaks and secondary peritoneal abscesses, pancreatic complications after multivisceral resection and length of hospital stay. Conclusions. Preoperative anemia is a risk factor that exposes the cancer patient to an increased incidence of life-threatening postoperative complications. In addition, it also extends the length of hospital stay and costs. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the identification and reduction of anemia before extensive gastric surgery in order to obtain the best possible therapeutic result.

Historical aspects of aseptics and antiseptics

Relevance. For many centuries, infectious complications have been one of the most pressing problems of surgical practice. In modern medicine, a wide range of aseptic and antiseptic methods is presented, which, without harm to the body, can destroy pathogenic microorganisms and prevent the development of purulent complications that significantly aggravate the patient's condition and increase the duration of treatment. However, this was not always the case. In the era of the formation of surgery, interventions in a significant majority of cases ended with the development of purulent and septic complications, which inevitably led to death.The purpose of this study was to study the main points that play a key role in the history of the formation of modern asepsis and antiseptics.Material and methods. In the course of the study, an analysis of domestic and foreign literature on the history of the development of aseptics and antiseptics was carried out. When compiling the work, the biographical method of historical research was used. Articles and historical sketches of the period of the described events were also used as materials.Results. The formation of the principles of asepsis and antisepsis is a long historical process in which many of the greatest minds of mankind have been involved. At the same time, like the development of any scientific worldview, the development of asepsis and antiseptics was based on previous knowledge, as well as on knowledge obtained, mainly empirically. From time immemorial, physicians have already had an idea of the antibacterial properties of a number of compounds. The first mentions of attempts to prevent contamination of wounds and their disinfection date back to the time of Hippocrates. In the Middle Ages, for the purpose of disinfecting wounds, cauterization with a red-hot iron and boiling oil was widely used. From the middle of the 18th century, the first antiseptics entered the practice of surgeons. From the middle of the 19th century, a significant contribution to the development of asepsis and antiseptics was made by the Russian surgeon N.I. Pirogov, and his follower N.V. Sklifosovsky. A breakthrough in the development of asepsis and antiseptics in the late 19th – early 20th centuries was the scientific discovery of the French scientist Louis Pasteur, who proved that the processes of fermentation and decay are caused by microorganisms. This discovery formed the basis of J. Lister's antiseptic method. At the end of the 19th century, E. von Bergmann developed the aseptic method. One of the last significant events in the history of antiseptics was A. Fleming antibiotics.Conclusions. Thanks to the work of great scientists and doctors, there are many life-threatening postoperative complications that claimed the lives of many people, if they did not remain in the past, then their incidence and intensity of manifestations have noticeably decreased, and asepsis and antiseptics have become an integral component of surgical practice.

Preoperative hyponatremia predicts complications in older patients undergoing digestive tract surgery: a propensity score matching analysis

Key summary pointsAimThis study aimed to investigate the association between preoperative hyponatremia and life-threatening postoperative complications (including death) among older patients undergoing digestive tract surgery.FindingsPreoperative hyponatremia was associated with an increased risk of life-threatening postoperative complications and mortality in older patients undergoing digestive tract surgery. Preoperative hyponatremia was also correlated with a higher risk of postoperative infectious complications.MessagePreoperative hyponatremia can predict the development of life-threatening postoperative complications and mortality in older patients undergoing digestive tract surgery.

Outcomes after pulmonary lobectomy in patients with history of head and neck carcinoma

BackgroundWe aimed to determine whether video assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was associated with better short-term outcomes compared to open approach and to determine factors affecting long term survival after lobectomy in patients with history of head and neck carcinoma (HNC). MethodsWe performed a retrospective monocentric analysis of consecutive standard lobectomies performed for lung cancer in patients with history of HNC between 2010 and 2017. Patients’ characteristics, surgical approach, lung tumor histology, in-hospital and 90-days morbi-mortality and long term survival were analyzed; VATS and open lobectomy groups were compared. ResultsAmong 85 patients, 52 underwent an open lobectomy and 33 a VATS lobectomy. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding age, preoperative characteristics, pathology and stage of lung cancer (All p = NS). In the VATS group, there was a significant decrease in proportion of in-hospital postoperative life-threatening complications requiring hospitalization in intensive care unit (12/52 vs. 1/33, p = 0.01). The 90-days postoperative comprehensive complication index was significantly increased in the open thoracotomy group (median (interquartile range):33.5 (0-53.5) vs. 8.7 (0-34.1), p = 0.018). Long term survival was not significantly different between the 2 groups - Log-rank test comparison, p = NS). Patients with squamous cell histology presented a significantly poorer survival (both Log-rank test comparison, p < 0.01). ConclusionsMinimally invasive approach improved in-hospital and 90-days outcomes compared to open surgery for lung cancer resection in patients with history of HNC. The poor long-term results in patients with squamous cell carcinoma highlight the need to improve therapeutic strategies for this subset of patients.

A Roadmap to Implementing Venous Thromboembolism Risk Stratification and Mitigation.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening postoperative complication that carries high morbidity and mortality for plastic surgery patients. In 2011, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommended the adoption of a VTE risk stratification and mitigation; however, successful implementation of VTE prophylaxis protocols has not been well described. To address and reduce the VTE burden at our academic center, a risk assessment protocol was implemented for patients undergoing outpatient plastic surgery procedures. All patients who received outpatient plastic surgery between August 2018 and July 2019 were eligible for the VTE modified Caprini risk assessment screening. Sampling of practice patterns was done by chart review from the first week of each month. The study was divided into 3 phases to assess the relationship of screening compliance rates with each protocol change. Compliance was defined as completion of VTE Caprini screening with documentation in patients' charts. Over the 12-month study period, 277 patients met the inclusion criteria. From August to November 2018 (phase 1), patients were screened at the initial clinic visit with an average compliance rate of 11.1%. In December 2018 (phase 2), patients were screened on the day of surgery, with an average compliance rate of 47.1%. From January to July 2019 (phase 3), surgeons recorded the numerical Caprini score into the patient's electronic medical record with a subsequent compliance rate of 61.3%. The overall compliance during the 12 months was 44.8%. The median calculated Caprini score for this population was 4 (range, 1-7). Standardization of VTE risk assessment is vital for patient safety and outcomes. Successful implementation and long-term protocol sustainability are not a simple goal. In this study, protocol compliance greatly improved after tailoring the guidelines to the specific institutional needs and workflow. These results reinforce the importance of continuous protocol review and modification to ensure optimal departmental buy-in and sustainability.

Prepancreatic common hepatic artery arising from superior mesenteric artery: an exceptional but important finding during pancreaticoduodenectomy.

The hepato-mesenteric trunk is an extremely rare condition in which the common hepatic artery (CHA) originates from the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Usually, CHA passes behind the head of the pancreas. A systematic review was performed to provide guidelines for the perioperative management of patients with this anatomical variation who underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). A case report was also included. A systematic search of the literature was conducted and the manuscript was structured following point-by-point the PRISMA guidelines. The risk of bias within individual studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist tools. Case report was structured according to the CARE guidelines. After an initial selection of 141 titles, 9 articles were included in the study (n = 10 patients). A postoperative surgical complication which required a reintervention occurred only one time. In four patients, CHA had a posterior position relative to pancreas, while in three cases, it was anterior. The remaining three patients had an intrapancreatic course. The CHA was resected in two patients, with an end-to-end reconstruction or using the splenic artery stump. In only three patients, a preoperative multidisciplinary presentation was performed and in four cases, the CHA variation was not described by radiologists in formal CT-scan reports. Although there are no definitive guidelines, improvements in the preoperative knowledge of such a rare anatomical variation may ensure better postoperative outcomes, avoiding intraoperative accidents and life-threatening postoperative complications.