Patient Comorbidities Research Articles

Proteinuria Assessment and Therapeutic Implementation in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients-A Clinical Audit on KDIGO ("Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes") Guidelines.

Background/Objectives: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major health problem with a rising prevalence due to comorbidities like diabetes and hypertension. The aim of this research was to audit the assessment and therapeutic management of proteinuria in CKD patients at the Cantonal Hospital Baselland (KSBL) in Switzerland and determine associations between patient comorbidities, rehospitalisation, death, and the quality of therapeutic management. Methods: We analysed data from 427 adults with CKD (eGFR < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2) hospitalised on the internal medicine ward in 2022. Results: The mean age was 85 years (range: 79-89), 45.9% were female, and the median eGFR was 32.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 (range: 25-40). Proteinuria assessment was performed in 120 (28.1%) patients (the ProtU group), and a corresponding treatment was prescribed in 59%. The ProtU group had a higher quota of patients with diabetes (44.1% vs. 33%, p = 0.048) and obesity (21.2% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.039) when compared to the group without proteinuria assessment (the Ustix group). Twelve-month survival was not significantly different between the groups (HR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.488-1.154; p-value = 0.191). However, survival was significantly better in patients who received an antiproteinuric treatment compared to those who did not (HR: 0.30; 95% CI: 0.121-0.0761; p = 0.011). Conclusions: Improvements need to be made in managing CKD at the KSBL in accordance with the guidelines.

SP5.5 - Is Cardio Pulmonary Exercise Testing a Predictor of Success in Colorectal Resections? An Evaluation of Two Years Practice in a University Hospital Colorectal Unit

Abstract Aims Cardio pulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has a well establish evidence basis in risk stratification of post operative morbidity. Frail and comorbid patients are at higher risk of complications. These patients may also have impaired aerobic fitness. Changes in UK population demographics mean that colorectal resections are now widely performed in patients with extensive comorbidity and poor aerobic fitness. In this group of patients, return to normal function at home is a key measure of operative success. The aim of this study was to investigate whether CPET performance can predict "days alive at home at 30 days after surgery" (DAH30) in patients undergoing colorectal resection. Methods Approval for evaluation granted by local audit team. All Colorectal resection conducted between January 2020 and January 2022 were analysed. Patients who did not undergo CPET were excluded. Electronic records and notes were screened to establish whether readmission, complications (Clavien-Dindo &amp;gt;1) or mortality occurred in the 30 days post operatively. Data was captured in a database and analysed in JASP. Results Only preliminary results are available at time of writing. Full results will be available at time of presentation. We collected data on a total of 454 patients. 85% underwent CPET testing with median age of 69 years. Risk of major complication was twice as high in the poor CPET group (RR 1.97). Those in good CPET group were twice as likely to be home at 30 days (RR 1.93). Conclusions Preliminary results suggest cardiopulmonary exercise test is an effective means of predicting DAH30.

ThP6.17 - ‘If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen’: an audit into surgical ward documentation and clinicians expectations in a district general hospital

Abstract Introduction &amp; Aims There are guidelines published by the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) on adult surgical ward round documentation. Locally, documentation is done on pre populated sheets containing blood results, antibiotics and VTE prophylaxis. We aimed to assess documentation in our unit against the RCS guidelines. Methodology We audited documentation for surgical inpatients over 1 week, looking at daily ward rounds (DWR), and initial consultant post take ward round (PTWR). Through an online survey, we established the minimum standards of documentation expected by doctors of varying seniority on a ward round within our unit. Results 21 DWR and 21 PTWR entries were reviewed; 90% (n=19) contained the date and 95% (n=20) the name of the reviewing consultant. Time of review was documented in 29% (n=6) and 35% (n=7) respectively. 33% (n=4) DWR entries documented examination findings, compared to 8 40% (n=8) PTWR entries. 45% (n=10) PTWR contained the presenting complaint. 26 doctors completed the online survey; 100% thought date, time and examination findings were important. More senior doctors highlighted that drain status was a key part of ward round documentation. Conclusions Within our unit, there is poor adherence with the RCS ward round documentation guidelines. Juniors suggested this is because ward rounds are too fast paced, often on complex and comorbid patients. We plan to address our findings with an improved surgical admission proforma and an electronic handover to ensure all team members are up to date with patients’ admission details.

Periprocedural clinical outcomes of revision hip arthroplasty: a multi-centric comparison of current strategies based on the NSQIP.

Recent projections suggest a substantial rise in demand for revision total hip arthroplasties, emphasizing the need for optimized perioperative care. Various revision techniques, such as isolated acetabular or femoral component revisions and total replacements, have garnered attention. Further research is needed to establish the most effective strategies for improving clinical outcomes. This retrospective analysis utilized data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) Participant Use File from 2016 to 2021. The study aimed to compare clinical characteristics and 30-day outcomes among patients undergoing combined acetabular and femoral (A + F) revision, acetabulum-only (A) revision, and femoral side-only (F) revision surgeries. The analysis of 18,888 patients revealed crucial differences in preoperative and postoperative outcomes among various revision strategies. Specifically, there were notable variations in patient demographics, comorbidities, and emergency procedures. Postoperative data showed distinct rates of mortality, complications, and readmissions across the groups. Notably, femoral component revisions were associated with increased risks of mortality, transfusion, and urinary tract infections, underscoring the need for careful evaluation and consideration when opting for this revision approach. The study's significance lies in its extensive patient cohort and multifaceted evaluation of revision strategies. Although consensus is lacking on single-component revisions, targeting the acetabulum component appears relatively safer. Continued research and individualized evaluations are crucial for refining revision strategies and optimizing outcomes in THA revisions.

FP3.5 - Colonoscopy post diverticulitis – Compliance with ACPGBI guidance in a single centre audit

Abstract Introduction For decades the management of acute diverticulitis (AD) has included endoscopic evaluation to exclude malignancy. In complicated AD, the incidence of colonic neoplasia is between 7.8%-10.9% (1-5) so interval colonoscopy remains mandatory. However, in uncomplicated AD, the incidence is low, 1.6%-1.9% (1-5), therefore the routine colonoscopy may be unnecessary in this group. This audit aims to assess our single-centre compliance with the ACPGBI guidance of colonoscopy post-diverticulitis. Methods A retrospective single-centre audit enrolled 120 patients with CT-confirmed diverticulitis over 18 months. Patient identification involved on-call handover sheets or PACS reports containing "diverticulitis" or "complicated diverticular disease." Patient scans were reviewed, and their management was studied. Results Number Number Uncomplicated Surgery 0 (Hinchey 1A+1B) No surgery 90 (75%) Colonoscopy 71 (59%) No colonoscopy 19 (16%) Surgery 15 (12.5%) Complicated (Hinchey 2 or greater) No surgery 15 (12.5%) Colonoscopy 11 (9.2%) No colonoscopy 4 (3.3%) Total 120 3.3% of complicated diverticulitis did not undergo colonoscopy due to patient choice, comorbidities or frailty. Among the 82 patients who underwent colonoscopy, there was no detection of CRC, resulting in a 0% detection rate. Conclusion In this 120-patient cohort, the incidence of colorectal cancer was 0%, which is in keeping with the published data. 78.9% of patients with uncomplicated diverticulitis underwent colonoscopy, which may have been unnecessary. The use of faecal immunochemical testing may be beneficial as an adjunct to avoid endoscopy in this group, whilst taking into consideration individual risk factors such as age, clinical suspicion of malignancy or concerning features on imaging.

Apalutamide for non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC): real world data of a multicenter study

PurposeApalutamide plus androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) improved outcomes in patients with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC). Nevertheless real-world data are limited. The aim of this multicenter study was to generate real-world data from nmCRPC patients treated with ADT plus apalutamide.MethodsIn this observational cohort based investigator initiated trial data of nmCRPC patients receiving apalutamide plus ADT were collected focusing on patient demographic data, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) declines, safety profile including dose modification/discontinuation as well as subsequent therapy and metastasis-free survival (MFS).ResultsData from a total of 31 nmCRPC patients were documented. Compared to the Phase III study Spartan real-world patients are older, showed a higher ECOG-PS and more aggressive tumors. In the cohort PSA decreased about 98.1%, 74% of patients showed a PSA decrease over 90% and 54.8% reached a PSA-level < 0.2ng/ml. Apalutamide was well tolerated in real world patients: adverse events occurred in 67.7% but were in the majority mild (≥ grade 3: 6.5%). Dose reduction was necessary in 38.7% and 32.2% discontinued apalutamide treatment. MFS was 43 months and majority of patients were subsequently treated with abiraterone.ConclusionIn real world more comorbid nmCRPC patients with a higher ECOG-PS and more aggressive tumors are treated with apalutamide plus ADT. Nevertheless efficacy results as well as side effects are similar in real-world compared to Spartan trial showing also a rapid, durable and deep PSA response with a median MFS of 43 months.

ThP6.10 - Overview of Necrotising Soft Tissue Infections' Risks and Outcomes

Abstract Introduction Necrotising Soft Tissue Infections (NSTI) are severe life-threatening conditions, which are increasing in incidence. Associated with high mortality and morbidity, NSTI’s are a significant burden to health care services globally. Identifying themes, risk factors and underlying causation is therefore of interest. Methods A retrospective data cohort study examining clinical data for all histologically confirmed NSTI cases in a single centre between 2012 to 2022 was conducted. Results 73 confirmed NSTI cases were identified. Patient co-morbidities included the following:CasesDiabetic34Smoker16Post-op12IVDU8Trauma7Immunosuppressed6Bowel Perf5Cancer5 68 patients underwent urgent surgical debridement, with an average of 3.59 (Range 1-11) further surgical interventions required. Patients spent an average of 8.24 days (Range 1-42 days) in ICU, with a hospital stay of 44.02 days. (Range 7-180 days) 6(8%) patients died (5 within first week of presentation). Defunctioning stomas were performed in 24 patients during the admission and 32 patients underwent reconstructive surgery after recovery from the acute phase. An array of causative organisms were identified with no clear delineating trends.NumberAnaerobes36Streptococcus35Staphylococcus20E Coli + Coliforms20Enterococcus15 Conclusion NSTIs continue to increase in incidence and prevalence. The old surgical adage ‘You will see one NSTI in your lifetime is no longer true. Associated morbidity and mortality is significant and a focus on early recognition and prevention is vital. Further larger data sets are required to delineate clear trends and associated risk factors that can effect meaningful health care policy change.

Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder

Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder

Aortic arch registry of type a aortic dissection (AoArch) - rationale, design and definition criteria

BackgroundType A acute aortic dissection (TAAAD) is a deadly condition that demands immediate surgery, because it involves a critically. The mortality and morbidity associated with it are significant, and it is vital that the patient’s conditions and treatment strategies are fully understood to ensure the appropriate management of TAAAD. This study aims to ascertain whether hemiarch repair (HAR) versus extended arch repair (EAR) with or without descending aortic intervention results in better perioperative and late outcomes for patients with TAAAD.MethodsFour leading centers of cardiac surgery from two European countries have joined forces to create a groundbreaking multicenter observational registry (AoArch). This study was approved by the institutional review board (IRB 202201173). We conducted a retrospective review (NCT 0591263) of our prospectively maintained database for patients who underwent operative repair of DeBakey type I or type II dissection from January 1, 2005 to March 2024 (NCT 05927090). We will analyze how patient co-morbidities, referral conditions, and surgical strategies involving hemi-arch repair (HAR) and extended arch repair (EAR) impact early and late adverse events. We have developed a procedure urgency algorithm based on the severity of preoperative hemodynamic conditions and malperfusion due to TAAAD, and we will use it to assess the primary clinical outcomes: in-hospital mortality, late mortality, and reoperations on the aorta. We will define secondary outcomes as permanent neurologic deficit, the need for new dialysis, respiratory failure, a composite of major adverse events (myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents, the need for dialysis, or the need for tracheostomy), and a composite of major adverse pulmonary events (intubation over 48 h, pneumonia, reintubation, tracheostomy), and reoperation due to bleeding.DiscussionThis multicenter registry will definitively determine the prognostic significance of critical preoperative conditions and the efficacy of extended arch interventions and hemiarch repair in reducing the risk of early adverse events after surgery for TAAAD. This registry will provide insights into the long-term durability of different strategies of surgical repair for TAAAD.

Microbiology, Treatment, and Postoperative Outcomes of Gram-Negative Prosthetic Joint Infections-A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Gram-negative prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) represent 10% to 25% of all PJIs and are associated with worse outcomes than gram-positive infections. We sought to assess the microbiology, surgical treatment, and outcomes of patients with gram-negative PJIs. A systematic review using the PubMed and Embase databases was conducted. Our study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Included studies were assessed for quality using the STROBE checklist. The primary outcome of analysis was treatment failure. A total of 593 patients with gram-negative PJIs were included. Two-year survival free of treatment failure for hip and knee PJIs was 66% and 68% for acute infections, 39% and 78% for acute hematogenous infections, and 75% and 63% for chronic infections, respectively. Two-year survival free of treatment failure for acute infections treated with débridement, antibiotics, and implant retention was 65% and 67% for hip and knee PJIs, respectively. Exchange of the polyethylene during débridement, antibiotics, and implant retention was associated with higher treatment success (P = 0.045). Chronic PJIs treated with two-stage revision had a two-year treatment success rate of 87% and 65% for the hip and knee, respectively. Risk factors of treatment failure were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and C-reactive protein ≥30 mg/L in acute PJIs and female sex, knee infection, and previously revised implant in chronic PJIs. Acute PJIs caused by Pseudomonas spp. were associated with lower treatment failure rates. Gram-negative PJIs are associated with a high treatment failure rate. Patient comorbidities, preoperative biochemical tests, microorganism etiology, and PJI characteristics affected the treatment success rate.

Psychiatric Comorbidities and Quality of Life in Patients with Vestibular Migraine and Migraine without Vertigo: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Tertiary Clinic.

A total of 104 participants were divided into 3 groups: dVM patients (19 participants), MO patients (22 participants), and HCs (63 participants). The scores of the three questionnaires across the three groups were compared using analysis of variance, and linear regression was used to examine the associations between the questionnaire scores within each group. Compared to MO patients and HCs, dVM patients had significantly higher total scores on the HADS (p < 0.0001) and DHI (p < 0.0001) scales, and lower scores for all nine components of the SF-36, indicating poorer health. In the vestibular migraine group, the DHI score was strongly negatively correlated with the Physical Functioning subscale of the SF-36. Anxiety and depression are more prevalent in patients with definite vestibular migraine compared to patients with migraine without vertigo and healthy controls. The physical functioning of patients with definite vestibular migraine is highly affected by their dizziness, resulting in a lower quality of life. Timely screening for psychiatric comorbidity in vestibular migraine patients is essential to prevent psychiatric consequences.

Endovascular Treatment for Transplant Renal Artery Stenosis: 10 Years' Experience from a Single Center.

Transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) is a common post-renal transplant complication. Although endovascular treatment is widely used to treat TRAS, previous research has been limited by small sample sizes. This article aimed to present the clinical outcomes of endovascular treatment for TRAS in a large sample. Between January 2010 and December 2019, this study included patients with TRAS who were admitted to our center. All patients' clinical symptoms, comorbidities, imaging data, treatment, and follow-up results were reviewed retrospectively. Seventy two patients participated in this study. The median time between renal transplantation and TRAS was 5.25 months. Out of 72 patients, 55 (76.4%) received balloon dilatation in conjunction with stent deployment, 10 (13.9%) received drug-coated balloon dilatation alone, and 7 (9.7%) received balloon dilatation alone. The median follow-up period was 27 months. Primary patency rates were 100%, 81.8%, 74.5%, 64.6%, and 61.8% at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. A total of 23 patients were found to have restenosis during follow-up, with 6 (26.1%) requiring reintervention and none remaining restenosis after the second treatment. In the subgroup analysis of the three types of stenosis, patients with transplant renal stenosis at the anastomosis had a significantly higher rate of primary patency. Between endovascular treatments, the primary patency rate, postoperative creatinine clearance, and mean systolic blood pressure did not differ significantly. Endovascular treatment resulted in favorable short-term patency as well as effective relief of renal dysfunction and renal hypertension in TRAS patients.

Correlates of sleep-disordered breathing and Cheyne-Stokes respiration in patients with atrial fibrillation who have undergone pulmonary vein isolation.

Sleep disordered breathing (SDB) is a common comorbidity in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Patients undergoing pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for AF have a high prevalence of SDB. In previous studies, some patients with AF had Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR). The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of SDB and the correlates of SDB severity and CSR in AF patients who have undergone PVI. The study was conducted using a single-center observational design. All participants underwent a home sleep apnea test (ApneaLink Air, ResMed, Australia), which could determine the severity of SDB as assessed by the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and the percentage of CSR (%CSR) pattern. 139 AF patients who underwent PVI were included in the study. Overall, 38 (27.3%) patients had no SDB (AHI < 5), 53 (38.1%) had mild SDB (5 ≤ AHI < 15), 33 (23.7%) had moderate SDB (15 ≤ AHI < 30), and 15 (10.8%) had severe SDB (AHI ≥ 30). Correlates of the increased AHI included male sex (β = 0.23, p = 0.004), age (β = 0.19, p = 0.020), high body mass index (β = 0.31, p < 0.001), and β blockers usage (β = 0.18, p = 0.024). Conversely, correlates with the %CSR rate included male sex (β = 0.18, p = 0.020), age (β = 0.19, p = 0.015), non-paroxysmal AF (β = 0.22, p = 0.008), and high glycohemoglobin A1c (β = 0.36, p < 0.001) and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (β = 0.24, p = 0.005) levels. SDB is prevalent in patients with AF who have undergone PVI; predisposing factors for SDB include male sex, older age, and obesity. CSR occurs in patients with AF who have undergone PVI; predisposing factors for CSR include male sex, older age, high left ventricular filling pressure, and abnormal blood glucose level.

Frailty indices predict mortality, complications and functional improvements in supratentorial meningioma patients over 80 years of age.

To assess whether the Modified 5 (mFI-5) and 11 (mFI-11) Factor Frailty Indices associate with postoperative mortality, complications, and functional benefit in supratentorial meningioma patients aged over 80 years. Baseline characteristics were collected from eight centers. Based on the patients' preoperative status and comorbidities, frailty was assessed by the mFI-5 and mFI-11. The collected scores were categorized as "robust (mFI=0)", "pre-frail (mFI=1)", "frail (mFI=2)", and "significantly frail (mFI≥3)". Outcome was assessed by the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS); functional benefit was defined as improved KPS score. Additionally, we evaluated the patients' functional independence (KPS≥70) after surgery. The study population consisted of 262 patients (median age 83 years) with a median preoperative KPS of 70 (range 20 to 100). The 90-day and 1-year mortality were 9.0% and 13.2%; we recorded surgery-associated complications in 111 (42.4%) patients. At last follow-up within the postoperative first year, 101 (38.5%) patients showed an improved KPS, and 183 (69.8%) either gained or maintained functional independence. "Severely frail" patients were at an increased risk of death at 90 days (OR 16.3 (CI95% 1.7-158.7)) and one year (OR 11.7 (CI95% 1.9-71.7)); nine (42.9%) of severely frail patients died within the first year after surgery. The "severely frail" cohort had increased odds of suffering from surgery-associated complications (OR 3.9 (CI 95%) 1.3-11.3)), but also had a high chance for postoperative functional improvements by KPS≥20 (OR 6.6 (CI95% 1.2-36.2)). The mFI-5 and mFI-11 associate with postoperative mortality, complications, and functional benefit. Even though "severely frail" patients had the highest risk morbidity and mortality, they had the highest chance for functional improvement.

Parathyroidectomy and the Development of New Depression Among Adults With Primary Hyperparathyroidism

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms. Although parathyroidectomy has been associated with improvement of preexisting depression among adults with PHPT, the effect of parathyroidectomy on the development of new depression is unknown. To determine the effect of early parathyroidectomy on the incidence of new depression among adults with PHPT compared with nonoperative management. Analyzed data included observational national Veterans Affairs data from adults with a new diagnosis of PHPT from 2000 through 2019 using target trial emulation with cloning, a biostatistical method that uses observational data to emulate a randomized clinical trial. New depression rates were compared between those treated with early parathyroidectomy vs nonoperative management using an extended Cox model with time-varying inverse probability censoring weighting, adjusted for patient demographics, comorbidities, and depression risk factors. Eligible adults with a new biochemical diagnosis of PHPT, excluding those with past depression diagnoses, residing in an assisted living/nursing facility, or with Charlson Comorbidity Index score higher than 4 were included. These data were analyzed January 4, 2023, through June 15, 2023. Early parathyroidectomy (within 1 year of PHPT diagnosis) vs nonoperative management. New depression, including among subgroups according to patient age (65 years or older; younger than 65 years) and baseline serum calcium (11.3 mg/dL or higher; less than 11.3 mg/dL). The study team identified 40 231 adults with PHPT and no history of depression of whom 35896 were male (89%) and the mean (SD) age was 67 (11.3) years. A total of 3294 patients underwent early parathyroidectomy (8.2%). The weighted cumulative incidence of depression was 11% at 5 years and 18% at 10 years among patients who underwent parathyroidectomy, compared with 9% and 18%, respectively, among nonoperative patients. Those treated with early parathyroidectomy experienced no difference in the adjusted rate of new depression compared with nonoperative management (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.94-1.17). There was also no estimated effect of early parathyroidectomy on new depression in subgroup analyses based on patient age or serum calcium. In this study, there was no difference in the incidence of new depression among adults with PHPT treated with early parathyroidectomy vs nonoperative management, which is relevant to preoperative discussions about the benefits and risks of operative treatment.

Medially Based “Abdominal Rotation Advancement Flap”: A Promising Technique for Mastectomy Defect Reconstruction in “High-Risk Patients” Awaiting Adjuvant Radiotherapy

Abstract Background Extensive postmastectomy defects and soft-tissue defects often require some additional flap cover of reconstruction after excision. The reconstruction aim in this group should be a diligent and easy closure with a quality skin cover, early recovery, and brief stay in hospital so that the patients can receive early postoperative radiotherapy/chemotherapy. Medially based abdominal transposition flap is a type C fasciocutaneous flap based on medial perforating vessels. We present our experience in significant postmastectomy defects, especially in high-risk morbid patients. Materials and Methods This is a retrospective study conducted by the department of plastic surgery, from an analysis of the breast cancer database maintained by our hospital from 2019 to 2023. A total of 826 breast cancer patients underwent surgery, of which 547 were locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) patients and 138 (32.5%) LABC patients needed flap cover for mastectomy defect. Medially based abdominal transposition flap was used in 56 of 138 (40.5%) LABC patients for defect closure, and 42 of the 56 patients were stage IIIB patients. Upfront surgery was primarily done in 20 patients and 36 patients underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This analysis aimed to assess the operative duration, postoperative morbidity, hospital stay, and time taken to start adjuvant treatment by analyzing the medical records of patients who underwent this procedure. Results Fifty-six patients with breast cancer underwent surgical intervention, whereby 8 patients presented with tip and edge necrosis, and 3 patients were infected. The mean duration of operation was 58.852 minutes, and the average length of hospital stay was 5.39 days. It took 24.57 days for the patients to stabilize sufficiently for adjuvant therapy. The average age of the patients in the study was 48.73 years. Conclusion Our clinical experience has demonstrated that the medial abdominal transposition fasciocutaneous (MATF) flap represents a straightforward, reliable, and cost-effective method for managing extensive postmastectomy soft-tissue defects in a subset of patients with LABC. This group typically consists of high-risk and comorbid patients. The procedure holds considerable promise for developing countries with limited infrastructure and expertise, owing to its ease of execution and short learning curve. By its simplicity and affordability, the MATF flap offers a viable and sustainable solution for treating LABC-associated soft-tissue defects.

Impact of structured multicentre enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol implementation on length of stay after colorectal surgery.

Increased length of stay after surgery is associated with increased healthcare utilization and adverse patient outcomes. While enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have been shown to reduce length of stay after colorectal surgery in trial settings, their effectiveness in real-world settings is more uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of ERAS protocol implementation on length of stay after colorectal surgery, using real-world data. In 2012, ERAS protocols were introduced at 15 Ontario hospitals as part of the iERAS study. A cohort of patients undergoing colorectal surgery treated at these hospitals between 2008 and 2019 was created using health administrative data. Mean length of stay was computed for the intervals before and after ERAS implementation. Interrupted time series analyses were performed for predefined subgroups, namely all colorectal surgery, colorectal surgery without complications, right-sided colorectal surgery, and left-sided colorectal surgery. Sensitivity analyses were then conducted using adjusted length of stay, accounting for length of stay predictors, including: patient age, sex, marginalization, co-morbidities, and diagnosis; surgeon volume of cases, years in practice, and colorectal surgery expertise; hospital volume; and other contextual factors, including procedure type and timing, surgical approach, and in-hospital complications. A total of 32 612 patients underwent colorectal surgery during the study interval. ERAS implementation led to a decrease in length of stay of 1.05 days (13.7%). Larger decreases in length of stay were seen with more complex surgeries, with a level change of 1.17 days (15.6%) noted for the subgroup of patients undergoing left-sided colorectal surgery. The observed decreases in length of stay were durable for the length of the study interval in all analyses. When adjusting for predictors of length of stay, the effect of ERAS implementation on length of stay was larger (reduction of 1.46 days). Introducing formal ERAS protocols reduces length of stay after colorectal surgery significantly, independent of temporal trends toward decreasing length of stay. These effects are durable, demonstrating that ERAS protocol implementation is an effective hospital-level intervention to reduce length of stay after colorectal surgery.

Epicardial ablation of ventricular tachycardia with cardiac surgery only : Pro/Contra

During the ablation of ventricular arrhythmias (VA) complications can occur, albeit rather rarely, and their occurrence depends on various factors. On the one hand the patient's condition and comorbidities play a role, on the other hand the access site and the procedure itself can lead to complications which have to be addressed adequately. This article will discuss whether complex ablations with epicardial access should only be performed at centres with the appropriate expertise and a cardiac surgery department.

Determinants of Disease Progression in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Despite its severity, there has been a lack of adequate study on autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) in Ethiopia. This study assessed the clinical profile and determinant factors contributing to renal disease progression. A retrospective study was conducted on 114 patients for 6 years in Addis Ababa. Patients with ADPKD who had follow-up visits at two health centers were included. The mean age at diagnosis was 42.7 ± 12.7 years, with 43% reporting a positive family history of ADPKD. Approximately 22 patients (20%) developed end-stage renal disease, and 12 patients died. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate at the initial visit was 72.4 mL/min/1.73 m2. The key risk factors associated with disease progression included younger age at diagnosis [adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR): 0.92, 95% CI: 0.87-0.98; p = 0.007], male gender (aOR: 4.5, 95% CI: 1.3-15.95, p = 0.017), higher baseline systolic blood pressure (aOR: 1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.10, p = 0.026), and the presence of comorbidities (aOR: 3.95, 95% CI: 1.10-14.33, p = 0.037). The progression of renal disease in ADPKD patients significantly correlates with age at diagnosis, gender, presence of comorbidities, and higher baseline systolic blood pressure. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and management of hypertension and comorbidities in ADPKD patients to mitigate disease progression and improve treatment outcomes.

Impact of Migraine on the Tinnitus-Specific Health-Related Quality of Life and Psychiatric Comorbidities in Patients with Tinnitus.

To investigate the impact of migraine on the tinnitus-specific health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and psychiatric comorbidities in patients with tinnitus. This cross-sectional study included 227 consecutive patients with tinnitus as their primary complaint. Patients who were diagnosed as having comorbid migraine were asked whether their tinnitus exacerbated during attacks of migraine. All the patients completed three questionnaires: the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA) or its counterpart for the Elderly (HHIE), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Among the 227 tinnitus patients, 60 (26.4%) had comorbid migraine. There were no significant differences in the THI or HHIA/HHIE scores between patients with migraine and those without migraine (both p > 0.05). The HADS score was significantly higher in patients with migraine than those without migraine (p < 0.05).Out of the 60 tinnitus patients with comorbid migraine, 27 (45.0%) experienced exacerbation of tinnitus during migraine attacks. Patients whose tinnitus exacerbated during migraine attacks had significantly higher scores in THI, HHIA/HHIE, and HADS compared to those whose tinnitus did not change during migraine attacks (p < 0.05 for THI and HADS, p < 0.01 for HHIA/HHIE). The presence of migraine did not affect the tinnitus-specific HRQOL in tinnitus patients but had significant impacts on their psychiatric comorbidities. However, in patients who experienced exacerbation of tinnitus during migraine attacks, the presence of migraine had a significant impact on the tinnitus-specific HRQOL, hearing handicap, and psychiatric comorbidities.