Open Abdominal Surgery Research Articles

Postoperative Myocardial Injury and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Patients Undergoing Vascular Surgery: A Subanalysis of the Platelet Reactivity and Postoperative Myocardial Injury after Major Vascular Surgery (PROMISE) Study

BackgroundPostoperative myocardial injury (PMI) is associated with morbidity and mortality, but the aetiology remains unclear. We studied whether PMI is associated with perioperative systemic inflammation. ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers (Interleukin 6[IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP]) and PMI, detected by elevated cardiac troponin (cTn), in patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic surgery. MethodsThis prospective, single-centre, observational, cohort study included 54 patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic surgery between March 2018 and April 2021. Patients were routinely treated with aspirin. IL-6 and CRP were measured pre-operatively, directly after surgery, 24h and 48h post-operative. The primary outcome was cTn release assessed by a fifth generation high-sensitive cTn assay. Multivariable generalized linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between inflammatory biomarkers and cTn concentrations. ResultsFifteen patients (27.8%) developed PMI. IL-6 directly and 24h post-operatively was associated with elevated cTn concentrations (1.28 [1.07-1.54], p=0.009)) and 1.75 [1.18-2.59], p=0.006, respectively). Also, CRP directly and 24h post-operatively was associated with elevated cTn concentrations (1.25 [1.06-1.47], p=0.009)) and 1.61 [1.1-2.33], p=0.013, respectively). No association was found between IL-6 or CRP and cTn concentrations when measured at 48h post-surgery. ConclusionBiomarkers of inflammation are associated with elevated post-operative cTn concentrations in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic surgery.

The impact of anemia and blood transfusion on mortality after open abdominal surgery in the elderly

BackgroundMajor abdominal surgery is associated with considerable mortality in the elderly. Anemia has been linked to increased mortality in other types of surgery, such as hip and cardiac surgery. This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative anemia on mortality in the elderly undergoing major abdominal surgery, and how allogeneic red cell blood transfusion influences mortality in these patients.Materials and methodsWe conducted a single-center, register-based retrospective study on patients, who were aged beyond 60 years and underwent one of 81 open abdominal surgical procedures. Patients operated on during the period from January 1, 2000, to May 31, 2013, were consecutively identified in the Danish National Patient Registry. Plasma hemoglobin was measured within 30 days prior to surgery and the primary endpoint was 30-day postoperative mortality. Information about patient transfusions from the hospital blood bank was available from 1998 to 2010.ResultsA total of 3199 patients were included of whom 85% underwent emergency surgery. The total mortality after 30 days was 20%. The median preoperative hemoglobin value of survivors was 7.7 mmol/L vs 6.9 mmol/L in those who died. The difference in hemoglobin values, between those who survived or died, decreased from the pre- to the post-operative phase. The 30-day postoperative mortality was 28%, 20%, and 12% in patients with a preoperative hemoglobin level in the lower, median, and upper quartile respectively. Transfusion therapy was associated with higher postoperative mortality, except in patients with very low hemoglobin values.ConclusionPreoperative anemia has a clear association with surgically related mortality. The distribution of hemoglobin values in patients with a fatal outcome differs significantly from that of survivors. Red cell transfusion is associated with increased mortality, except in patients with very low hemoglobin values which supports recent guidelines suggesting a restrictive transfusion strategy.

Impact of Previous Open Abdominal Surgery on Open Abdominal Aortic Repair: A Study from the NSQIP Database

While endovascular aneurysm repair has become a first-line strategy in many centers, open surgical repair (OSR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is still the best option for certain patients. A significant number of patients who are offered OSR for AAA have been previously submitted to other open abdominal surgeries (PAS). It is unclear, however, how this may impact their outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if there is an association between PAS and outcomes of OSR of AAA. This is a retrospective cohort study based on clinical data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database, including all patients undergoing elective OSR for AAA between 2011 and 2017. Excluded were patients with missing data on prior abdominal surgery, supramesenteric clamping, or urgent repairs. Patients with prior abdominal surgery (PAS) and patients without prior abdominal surgeries (nonPAS) were compared. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative mortality. Secondary outcomes were operating time, ischemic colitis, postoperative complications, and lengths of hospital stay. Of the 2034 patients included, 27% had previous open abdominal surgery and 73% did not. Overall, the median age was 71(interquartile range 65-76), 72% of patients were male, 44% were smokers, and the average body mass index was 27kg/m2. Univariate analysis showed no difference in postoperative 30-day mortality (4.0% PAS vs. 4.1% nonPAS, P=0.91) or overall postoperative complication rates (33% PAS vs. 29% nonPAS, P=0.07). Previous open abdominal surgery was significantly associated with longer operating times (P=0.032) and an almost doubled rate of ischemic colitis (4.7% PAS vs. 2.6% nonPAS, P=0.02). Postoperative intensive care unit and hospitalization were also significantly longer in patients with prior abdominal surgery (P=0.005 and P=0.014, respectively). Finally, there were significantly less patients discharged home, as opposed to institutionalized care (75.7% PAS down from 82.4% nonPAS, P=0.001). Despite these initial univariate analysis results, on multivariate analysis, PAS actually did not prove to be a statistically significant independent risk factor for 30-day mortality, ischemic colitis, or longer operating times. This study suggests that patients who have undergone PAS may have some disadvantages in OSR of AAA. However, these negative trends do not go so far as to statistically significantly identify PAS as an independent risk factor for 30-day mortality, ischemic colitis, or longer operating times. As such, we suggest that a history of previous open abdominal surgery, in and of its own, should not exclude patients from consideration for open aortic abdominal aneurysm repair.

Self-resolving, benign subcutaneous emphysema after bilateral open inguinal hernioplasty: a case report

Subcutaneous emphysema after surgery is commonly seen after thoracic or laparoscopic procedures but very rarely as a post-operative complication in open abdominal inguinal surgeries. Typically, if subcutaneous emphysema or abdominal crepitus is present after open abdominal surgeries it can mean grave underlying cause like hollow viscous perforation or gas gangrene which calls for prompt life-saving interventions. Here, we present a case of benign self-resolving post-operative subcutaneous emphysema after open bilateral inguinal hernioplasty with no apparent obvious underlying cause.

Management of incisional hernias in renal transplant patients

BackgroundIncisional hernia (IH) remains one of the most common complications following abdominal organ transplantation with no consensus on the optimal management. This study is a narrative review of the incidence, risk factors, diagnosis, and management of IH post-transplantation. MethodsA literature search using the EMBASE and MEDLINE from 1.1.2016 to 15.8.2002 was conducted. Included studies reported on IH after open abdominal organ transplantation. The outcomes included in our analysis were the incidence of IH, significant patient risk factors, the diagnostic approach used to detect IH, and proposed strategies for the management of IH. 54 publications that involved 9336 transplant patients who developed IH were included. ResultsThe incidence of IH ranged from 1.7 % to 43 % in liver transplant patients and was lower following kidney transplantation (1.1 %-7.0 %). Patient risk factors predisposing to IH were body mass index>30, age (>50), smoking history, previous open abdominal surgery, open surgical repair, a Mercedes or inverse T incision and surgical site infections. The most common diagnostic approach for IH is clinical examination, followed by US or CT imaging in cases of complex IH. Following IH repair, recurrence rates ranged from 0 to 76.9 %, and complication rates from 12 % - 52.9 %, the most common of which were surgical site occurrences (11.0–79.2 %) including infection (0 - 65.4 %) and seroma formation (0–8 %). Management of IH should include preoperative optimisation of patients through weight reduction, smoking cessation and adjustment of immunosuppression using a multidisciplinary (MDT) approach. Mesh repair, either open or laparoscopic, is the gold standard for the treatment of IH, resulting in a significantly lower recurrence rate than primary closure. There is no consensus on the type and positioning of mesh, and very limited studies have reported on other perioperative factors such as wound closure. ConclusionsPrehabilitation and MDT approach are important in ensuring good outcomes following IH repair. Further prospective studies and the establishment of a relevant registry are required to propose a consensus pathway for IH repair in the transplanted population.

Safe thoracoscopic repair of recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia after initial open abdominal repair.

The optimal surgical approach for recurrent congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains controversial. We compared the surgical outcomes of a thoracoscopic approach versus an open abdominal approach for recurrent CDH after initial abdominal open repair. The subjects of this comparative study were patients who underwent open abdominal or thoracoscopic surgery for recurrent CDH following an initial open abdominal repair. Among 166 patients with Bochdalek-type CDH, 15 underwent reoperation for recurrent CDH following an open abdominal repair. Seven patients underwent open abdominal surgery (group O) and eight underwent thoracoscopic surgery (group T). The operative duration was similar for the two groups, with less blood loss (17.2ml/kg vs. 1ml/kg, P = 0.001) and fewer intraoperative complications in the T group (n = 6 vs. n = 0 cases, P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the number of postoperative complications (n = 1 vs. n = 1, P = 1.0) or in the number of patients with a second CDH recurrence (n = 2 vs. n = 1, P = 0.569) between the two groups. Thoracoscopic surgery is preferable to the open surgical approach for recurrent CDH following an initial abdominal open repair.

Evaluation of Medicare Reimbursement and Surgical Patterns for Male and Female Colorectal Surgeons

IntroductionThere are documented differences in salary for male and female surgeons. Understanding the differences in the clinical practice, composition of male and female surgeons may provide a better understanding of reimbursement differences. We aim to evaluate the differences of Medicare reimbursement for different categories of clinical practice for male and female colorectal surgeons. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study compared Medicare claims made by male and female board-certified colorectal surgeons from the Medicare Provider Utilization and Payment Data between 2013 and 2017. Medicare claims were categorized by surgeon gender. Submitted claims were evaluated based on the following seven procedure categories: open abdominal surgery, laparoscopic abdominal surgery, anorectal surgery, diagnostic endoscopy, therapeutic endoscopy, and inpatient/outpatient services. The main outcomes were number of charges submitted by clinical activity category and procedural code variation billed through Medicare. Secondary outcome was category of procedure activity that each surgeon cohort had participated in. ResultsA total of 62,866 claims were reviewed, of which 10,058 (16.0%) were made by female surgeons and 52,808 (84.0%) were made by male surgeons. On average, male surgeons submitted more claims per year, a greater variety of claims per year, and higher revenue generating claims than female surgeons (P < 0.001). ConclusionsMale and female colorectal surgeons may participate in different categories of clinical activities that result in male surgeons performing more and higher relative value units-generating activity than female surgeons.

Prognostic value of extended cardiac risk assessment before elective open abdominal aortic surgery.

Major vascular surgery is associated with ahigh perioperative risk and significant mortality. Despite advances in risk stratification, monitoring, and management of perioperative complications, cardiac complications are still common. Stress echocardiography is well established in coronary artery disease diagnostics; however, its prognostic value before high-risk aortic surgery is unknown. This prospective, single-center study compared the outcome of patients undergoing extended cardiac risk assessment before open abdominal aortic surgery with the outcome of patients who had received standard preoperative assessment. The study included patients undergoing elective open abdominal aortic surgery. Patients who underwent standard preoperative assessment before the start of adedicated protocol were compared with patients who had extended cardiac risk assessment, including dobutamine stress echocardiography, as part of astepwise interdisciplinary cardiovascular team approach. The combined primary endpoint was cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, emergency coronary revascularization, and life-threatening arrhythmia within 30days. The secondary endpoint was acute renal failure and severe bleeding. In total, 77patients (mean age 68.1 ± 8.1years, 70% male) were included: 39underwent standard and 38underwent cardiac risk assessment. The combined primary endpoint was reached significantly more often in patients before than after implementation of the extended cardiac stratification procedure (15% vs. 0%, p = 0.025). The combined secondary endpoint did not differ between the groups. Patients with extended cardiac risk assessment undergoing elective open abdominal aortic surgery had better 30-day outcomes than did those who had standard preoperative assessment.

Continuous Serratus - Intercostal Plane Block for Perioperative Analgesia in Upper Abdominal Surgeries: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

Acute pain management after open abdominal surgeries is an essential goal in perioperative management.. Recently, serratus-intercostal plane block (SIPB) was suggested as an analgesic technique for upper abdominal surgeries. This prospective, randomized, controlled study included sixty adult patients scheduled for open upper abdominal surgeries. Patients were allocated into two equal groups: SIPB group (S group, n = 30) and control group (the C group, n = 30). In the S group, SIPB was performed in the midaxillary line at the eighth rib level followed by continuous infusion of local anaesthetic for the first postoperative day. In the C group, no block was done. The primary objective of the study was to control postoperative pain on the first postoperative day as assessed by the numerical rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included perioperative hemodynamics, total postoperative analgesic consumption, number of analgesic requests, and incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. The mean postoperative NRS reported in group S was statistically lower than that in group C (2.4±0.7, 3.9±0.31, P < 0.001). The postoperative morphine consumption was lower in the S group than in the C group [(0 (0-4), 3 (1-4), respectively, P < 0.001]. The incidence of PONV was significantly lower in the S group than in the C group (16.7% and 40%, P < 0.045). SIPB was associated with a better analgesic profile compared with the control group after upper abdominal surgeries. Further studies are recommended to determine block safety in special patient groups, including bariatric and laparoscopic surgeries.

The incidence of cardiovascular and other major complications after open abdominal aortic surgery.

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) and peripheral artery disease significantly increase the risk of perioperative complications. The study aimed to determine the incidence of myocardial injury after noncardiac surgery (MINS), its association with 30-day mortality, as well as predictors of postoperative acute kidney injury (pAKI) and bleeding independently associated with mortality (BIMS) in patients undergoing open vascular surgeries involving the abdominal aorta. We performed a retrospective cohort study using a sample of consecutive patients who underwent open abdominal aortic surgery due to infrarenal AAA and/or aortoiliac occlusive disease in a single tertiary center. In each patient, at least two postoperative troponin measurements were performed (on the first and second postoperative day). Creatinine and hemoglobin levels were measured preoperatively and at least twice postoperatively. The outcomes included MINS (primary outcome), pAKI, and BIMS (secondary outcomes). We assessed the associations between them and 30-day mortality and performed multivariable analysis to identify risk factors for these outcomes. The study group comprised 553 patients. The mean age was 67.6 years, and 82.5% of patients were male. The incidence of MINS, pAKI, and BIMS was 43.8%, 17.2%, and 45.8%, respectively. The 30-day mortality rate was higher in patients who developed MINS (12.0% vs. 2.3%; P <0.001), pAKI (32.6% vs. 1.1%; P <0.001), or BIMS (12.3% vs. 1.7%; P <0.001) compared to patients who did not develop these complications. This study demonstrated that MINS, pAKI, and BIMS are common complications after open aortic surgeries, and they are related to a substantial increase in the 30-day mortality rate.

Optimal positive end-expiratory pressure titration of intraoperative mechanical ventilation in different operative positions of female patients under general anesthesia

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of different titrated methods used to determine individual positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) for intraoperative mechanical ventilation in female patients undergoing general anesthesia in different operative positions, and provide reference ranges of optimal PEEP values based on the titration. MethodsA total of 123 female patients who underwent elective open abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were included in this study. After endotracheal intubation, patients' body position was adjusted to the supine position, Trendelenburg positions at 10° and 20° respectively. PEEP was titrated from 20 cmH2O to 4 cmH2O, decreasing by 2 cmH2O every 1 min. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT), hemodynamic and respiratory mechanics parameters were continuously monitored and recorded. Optimal PEEP values and reference ranges were respectively calculated based on optimal EIT parameters, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and lung dynamic compliance (Cdyn). ResultsEIT-guided optimal PEEP was found to have higher values than those of the MAP-guided and Cdyn-guided methods for all three body positions (P < 0.001), and it was observed to more significantly inhibit hemodynamics (P < 0.05). The variable coefficients of EIT-guided optimal PEEP values were smaller than those of the other two methods, and this technique could provide better ventilation uniformity for dorsal/ventral lung fields and better balance for pulmonary atelectasis/collapse. The 95% reference ranges of EIT-guided optimal PEEP values were 4.6–13.8 cmH2O, 7.0–15.0 cmH2O and 8.6–17.0 cmH2O for the supine position, Trendelenburg 10°, and Trendelenburg 20° positions, respectively. ConclusionEIT-guided optimal PEEP titration was found to be a superior method for lung protective ventilation in different operative positions under general anesthesia. The calculated reference ranges of PEEP values based on the EIT-guided method can be used as a reference for intraoperative mechanical ventilation.

Current status of laparoscopic emergency surgery in Korea: multicenter restrospective cohort study.

Laparoscopic surgery is a choice in several emergency settings. However, there has been no nationwide study or survey that has compared the clinical use of laparoscopic emergency surgery (LES) versus open abdominal emergency surgery (OES) in Korea. Therefore, we examined the state of LES across multiple centers in Korea and further compared this data with the global state based on published reports. Data of 2,122 patients who received abdominal emergency surgery between 2014 and 2019 in three hospitals in Korea were collected and retrospectively analyzed. Several clinical factors were investigated and analyzed. Of the patients, 1,280 (60.3%) were in the OES group and 842 (39.7%) were in the LES group. The most commonly operated organ in OES was the small bowel (25.8%), whereas that for LES was the appendix. In appendectomy and cholecystectomy, 93.7% and 88.0% were in the LES group. In small bowel surgery, gastric surgery, and large bowel surgery, 89.4%, 92.0%, and 79.1% were in the OES group. The severity-related factors of patient status demonstrated statistically significant limiting factors of selection between LES and OES. Although our study has several limitations, compared to the LES data from other countries, the general LES state was similar in appendectomies, cholecystectomies, and small bowel surgeries. However, in gastric and colorectal surgeries, the LES state was different from those of other countries. This study demonstrated the LES state and limiting factors of selection between LES and OES in various operated organs. Further studies are required to analyze these differences and the various limiting factors.

Serum kisspeptin is higher in hypertensive than non-hypertensive female subjects and positively correlated with systolic blood pressure.

Kisspeptin has a major role in reproductive regulation. Furthermore, it is also involved in metabolic and cardiovascular regulation as well as is a potent vasoconstrictor. This study aimed to: 1) determine correlations between serum kisspeptin levels with obesity/metabolic parameters; 2) compare parameters between non-hypertensive ([non-HT] N.=15) and hypertensive ([HT] N.=15) female subjects; and 3) determine correlations between leptin, systolic blood pressure (SBP) or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with obesity and metabolic factors. Clinical parameters and fasting blood and adipose tissue samples were collected from women undergoing open abdominal surgery. Serum kisspeptin was not correlated with obesity parameters but was positively correlated with only SBP (P<0.05). Serum kisspeptin, SBP, DBP, body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, plasma glucose, plasma insulin, the homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and height of visceral adipocytes (VA) were higher but the Quantitative Insulin Sensitivity Check Index (QUICKI) was lower in hypertensive compared to non-hypertensive female subjects (P<0.05). Leptin was positively correlated with obesity and metabolic paramters including area, width, and perimeter of subcutaneous adipocytes, and area, width, height, and perimeter of VA (P<0.05) but was negatively correlated the QUICKI (P<0.001). SBP had positive correlations with insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and kisspeptin, but had a negative correlation with QUICKI (P<0.05). DBP had positive correlations with body weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, insulin, glucose, HOMA-IR, and width of VA (P<0.05), but had a negative correlation with the QUICKI (P<0.05). Kisspeptin, obesity especially visceral adiposity, and insulin resistance might contribute to increased blood pressure. Further studies are required to reveal the underlying mechanism of kisspeptin on metabolic and cardiovascular regulation.

Association between intraoperative starch use and postoperative kidney dysfunction in patients undergoing major gastro-intestinal surgery: A propensity score-matched analysis.

The impact of intraoperative starch-based fluid therapy on postoperative kidney dysfunction in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery is uncertain. Low molecular weight starch is expected to cause less postoperative kidney dysfunction. This retrospective study evaluated the impact of intraoperative 6% hydroxyethyl starch on postoperative renal dysfunction. The primary outcome of this study was postoperative acute kidney injury as per KDIGO definition within 72 hours of surgery. This study analysed data from 461 patients with a median (interquartile range) age of 45 (33-58) years, and 48.2% of all patients were female. The proportion (95% confidence interval) of patients who developed acute kidney injury was 0.18 (0.14-0.21); 62.9% of patients had acute kidney injury stage I, 32% had acute kidney injury stage II, and the rest were acute kidney injury stage III. In the propensity score-matched sample, the average treatment effect of intraoperative colloid use on postoperative serum creatinine at day 3 (p = 0.32), duration of postoperative intensive care unit stay (p = 0.97), duration of hospital stay (p = 0.37), postoperative worst international normalised ratio (p = 0.92), and postoperative transfusion requirement (p = 0.40) were not statistically significant. Intraoperative use of low molecular weight hydroxyethyl starch use was not associated with postoperative kidney dysfunction and coagulopathy in adult patients undergoing major open abdominal surgery.

Comparative evaluation of isoflurane and desflurane for postoperative cognitive decline in elderly patients: A prospective observational pilot study.

Approximately 16%-62% of patients undergoing non cardiac surgeries develop postoperative cognitive dysfunction. We compared the incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in older adults aged 60-80 years who underwent open abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia using isoflurane or desflurane and correlated it with the serum concentration of interleukin 1, interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor alpha, amyloid β and S100 on postoperative day 3. Forty American Association of Anesthesiologists Physical Classification I or II patients were included after acquiring institutional ethics committee approval, registering in the Clinical Trials Registry - India, and informed written consent. They underwent open abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia and epidurals between 2017 and 2019. Patients with substance abuse or any disorder affecting cognition were excluded. Postoperative cognitive dysfunction was assessed by Stroop test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Trail making test - B, Porteus Maze test, PGI memory scale, mini-mental state examination, and Bender Gestalt test the day before surgery and on the third postoperative day along with blood samples. Thirty-seven percent of the patients developed postoperative cognitive dysfunction. The risk was similar to isoflurane in comparison with desflurane (risk ratio: 0.65, 95% confidence interval: 0.30, 1.40). A significant percentage increase in reaction time for Porteus Maze test and Trail making test - B was noted with isoflurane (6.69 (4.20-8.94) and 8.01 (2.08-12.5), respectively) in comparison with desflurane group (13.01 (9.09-17.33), p = 0.003 and 11.62 (7.5-17.5), p = 0.017, respectively). Isoflurane and desflurane had a similar impact on the elderly for developing postoperative cognitive dysfunction and no correlation with any of the biomarkers used in the study on postoperative day 3.

A Comparative Study between the Effect of Addition of MgSO4 or Dexamethasone to Bupivacaine on the Prolongation of Ultrasound-Guided Quadratus Lumboram Block in Open Abdominal Surgeries

Abstract Background Operations rate increased those days and postoperative pain control. The goal of postoperative pain management is provision of comfort, early mobilization and improved respiratory function without causing inadequate sedation and respiratory compromise, which can be achieved through using regional anethesia. Aim of the Work The aim of this study was to assess the analgesic effect of addition dexamethasone or magnesium with bupivacaine in ultrasound-guided QLB to prolong it’s duration in patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries in the early postoperative period regarding pain relief, provision of comfort, and improved respiratory functions. Patients and Methods After approval of anesthesiology department scientific and ethical committees in Ain Shams University Hospitals, patients undergoing open abdominal surgeries were included in the study, and were divided into three groups (n = 22; each); group M, D and group C. In Group A, patients (n = 22) received 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% plus 5 ml of 10% MgSO. In group B, patients (n = 22) received 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% plus 8 mg dexamethasone (2 ml) plus 3 ml 0.9% NaCl. In group C (control), patients (n = 22) received 20 ml bupivacaine plus 5 ml 0.9% NaCl. Results The thesis proved that the addition of either magnesium sulfate or dexamethasone to bupivacaine 0.25% in ultrasound guided QLB for open abdominal surgeries hastened the onset, prolonged the duration of sensory block, increased post-operative analgesia and decreased rescue analgesia needed without increasing the risk of adverse effects, with Dexamethasone showed better results. Conclusion The addition of either 500 mg magnesium sulfate or 8 mg dexamethasone to 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% in ultrasound guided quadratus lumborum block for open abdominal surgery prolonged the duration of analgesia significantly and decreased the postoperative analgesic requirement. Hence, this study suggests that either magnesium or dexamethasone may be a useful alternative as an adjuvant to long-acting local anesthetics for quadratus lumborum nerve block with Dexamethasone showed better results.

FTP3.14 Comparing thoracic epidural anaesthesia to rectus sheath catheter induced analgesia in reducing postoperative pain following major abdominal surgery. A systematic review

Abstract Aims Effective analgesia is mandatory for achieving optimum post operative recovery. The aim of this study is to compare between thoracic epidural analgesia and rectus sheath catheter analgesia in reducing pain score after open major abdominal surgery. Methods Standard medical electronic databases were searched with the support of a local librarian. Relevant published randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing thoracic epidural analgesia and rectus sheath catheter analgesia after open major abdominal surgery, were shortlisted according to the inclusion criteria. Result Four RCTs on 351 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery were included in this meta-analysis. There were 176 patients in the thoracic epidural group (TEA) and 175 patients in the rectus sheath catheter group (RSC). In the random effect model analysis, there was no significant difference in VAS pain score in 24 hours at rest [SMD -0.46; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -1.21 to 0.29; z =1.20 P=0.23] and movement [SMD -0.64; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -1.69 to -0.14; z = 1.19 P= 0.23] between TEA and RSC. Similarly, there was no significant difference in pain score in 48 hours at rest [SMD -0.14; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -0.36 to 0.08; z = 1.29 P= 0.20] and movement [SMD -0.69; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) -2.03 to 0.64; z = 1.02 P= 0.31]. Conclusion There was no significant difference in pain score between TEA and RSC following major abdominal surgery and both approaches can be used safely according to the choice and expertise available. Acknowledgement This work was previously presented.

WTP5.11 Safety of Surgical Repair of Incisional Hernia in Patients with Morbid Obesity

Abstract Aims Incisional hernia (IH) is a common complication after open and minimal access abdominal surgery. The current practice guidelines recommend weight reduction to achieve a body mass index (BMI) &amp;lt; 35 Kg/M2 before surgical repair of ventral hernias. However, this could be challenging to achieve, especially in emergency presentations. This study aims to assess the safety of surgical repair of IH in patients with BMI ≥35 Kg/M2. Methods A retrospective comparative study has been conducted to include all patients who had surgical repair of IH on an elective and emergency basis in a UK District General Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups. Group I BMI &amp;lt; 35 Kg/M2 and Group II with BMI ≥35 Kg/M2. A comparison was made between the two groups according to demographics, comorbidities, hernia characteristics, operative data, and outcomes. Results The study included 239 patients, 181 in Group I and 58 in Group II. Severe obesity was associated with male patients, and they were younger than Group I, p= 0.001 and 0.013, respectively. 13.8% of Group I had DM compared to 29.3% in Group II, p= 0.007. There were no significant differences in hernia characteristics or mode of surgery between the two groups. However, Group II had more overall and wound-related complications, p= &amp;lt;0.001 each. There were no significant differences in 30-day and 90-day mortality, recurrence rate, or 90-day readmissions. Conclusions Surgical repair of IH in patients with morbid obesity is associated with more overall and wound-related complications.

Comparison of postoperative mobilization measurements by activPAL versus Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility scale after major abdominal surgery

BackgroundThe Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility scale is a validated tool for assessing patient mobility in the hospital. It has excellent inter-rater and test-retest reliabilities, but it is unknown how accurately Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility documentation reflects the patients’ mobility performance in the immediate postoperative period compared to objective measures such as accelerometers. MethodsIn this single-center observational study, consented adults undergoing open abdominal surgery wore a research-grade accelerometer, activPAL, starting immediately postoperatively until hospital discharge or up to 7 days. We collected the Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility scores documented by hospital staff via retrospective chart review and evaluated their accuracy in describing the type, frequency, and volume of postoperative out-of-bed mobilization using the activPAL as the criterion. ResultsWe analyzed data from 56 participants. The activPAL showed that participants spent 97.7% of their time lying in bed or sitting in a chair. Meanwhile, the Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility documentation of preambulatory activities (scores 1–5) was rare. The activPAL detected 4 times more out-of-bed mobilization than routine Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility documentation. Whereas the frequency of activPAL-measured out-of-bed mobilization increased steadily to a median of 9 sessions by postoperative day 6, the number of Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility documentation remained around twice daily. ActivPAL measurements demonstrated that Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility documentation of ambulatory sessions (scores 6–8) was accurate. ConclusionsWe found that routine Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility documentation did not accurately detect preambulatory activities or the overall frequency of out-of-bed mobility sessions, poorly reflecting the highly sedentary behaviors of the acute postoperative inpatients and highlighting the need to improve clinical documentation or use alternative methods to track postoperative mobilization.

Previous Abdominal Scars among Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in a Tertiary Care Centre.

Abdominal scars result from various open abdominal surgeries. Laparoscopic surgery in previous open abdominal surgery possesses various challenges to the surgeon like gaining access to the abdominal cavity, and difficulty in dissection due to dense adhesions from previous surgeries for various intraabdominal pathologies. This study aimed to find out the prevalence of previous abdominal scars among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a tertiary care centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a tertiary care centre from 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023 after taking ethical approval from the Institutional Review Committee. Palmer's point approach via Hassen open technique or direct optical entry was used for cases with previous abdominal scars to gain access to the abdominal cavity. Patients with symptomatic gallstone diseases were included in the study whereas patients with cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and previous cesarean scar were excluded. Convenience sampling method was used. The point estimate was calculated at a 95% Confidence Interval. Among 160 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, previous abdominal scars was found in 40 (25%) patients. The prevalence of previous abdominal scars contributing to intraoperative and post-operative difficulties among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy was found to be higher than in studies done in similar settings. laparoscopic cholecystectomy; open surgery; prevalence.