Postoperative Intensive Care Unit Length Research Articles

Comparison of the effectiveness of nurse-led preoperative counseling and postoperative follow-up care vs standard care for patients with gastric cancer.

Radical gastrectomy is generally prefered for gastric cancer but has postoperative complications. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the effectiveness of three different models of preoperative counseling and postoperative follow-up care in patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. In retrospective medical record analyses, patients received nurse-led preoperative counseling and postoperative follow-up care (NC cohort, n = 105) or surgeon-led preoperative counseling and surgeon-led follow-up (SC cohort, n = 140), or did not receive counseling and aftercare (RC cohort, n = 160). Patients had a postoperative intensive care unit (PICU) stay of 24 (26-22) h/patient and postoperative pain of 6 (6-5)/ patient. The frequencies of nausea, vomiting, medical intensive care unit admission(s), dizziness, length of PICU stay, and intensity of postoperative pain were lower among patients in the NC cohort, followed by those in the SC and RC cohorts. A higher number of patients in the RC cohort died when compared to the NC (25 [16%) vs 2 [2%], p = 0.0458) and the SC (25 [16%] vs 11 [8%], p = 0.0001) cohorts in follow-up. Patients who undergo radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer require healthcare professional-led preoperative counseling and postoperative aftercare. Nurse-led preoperative counseling and postoperative aftercare, could improve outcome measures in patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Perioperative Care for Children With Syndromic Craniofacial Synostosis Undergoing Le Fort III Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

To present characteristics, surgical variables, complications, and postoperative care in pediatric patients with craniofacial synostosis undergoing Le Fort III osteotomy. Craniofacial synostoses are a group of genetic syndromes that result in premature fusion of cranial and facial sutures, leading to craniofacial deformities and associated complications. Midface advancement through Le Fort III osteotomy is the most frequent surgical option for these conditions. Retrospective monocentric cohort study including patients with syndromic craniofacial synostosis who underwent Le Fort III osteotomy between 2009 and 2022 in a specialized referral center. Data collection encompassed surgical time, blood loss, intraoperative transfusions, fluid balance, and postoperative parameters such as duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay. Twenty-six children were included in the analysis. The median surgical time was 345 minutes (300-360), with an estimated blood loss of 15 (9.9-24) mL/kg. Patients required a median transfusion of 12.63 (7.1-24.5) mL/kg of packed red blood cells and 19.82 (11.1-33) mL/kg of fresh frozen plasma. Intraoperative fluid balance was + 12.5 (0.8-22.8) mL/kg, with a median infusion of 30.4 (23.9-38.7) mL/kg of crystalloids. All patients were transferred to the ICU after surgery to ensure a safe environment for extubation. The median duration of mechanical ventilation in the ICU was 30 (20.25-45) hours, and postoperative ICU length of stay was 2 (2-4) days, and complications were infrequent, with only one extubation failure recorded. Le Fort III osteotomy in craniofacial synostosis patients may be characterized by a complex perioperative course. A multidisciplinary approach in the care of these patients allows for minimizing complications in the perioperative phase. Further research is needed to enhance perioperative management in this unique patient population.

Abstract 18653: Long Term Outcomes in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Undergoing Cardiac Surgery: A Propensity Analysis

INTRODUCTION The burden of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease and valvular disease, is greater in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than in the general population. There is a paucity of robust data on short- and long-term outcomes after cardiac surgery in patients with SLE. AIM To evaluate early (<30 days) and late post-operative morbidity and mortality in patients diagnosed with SLE who underwent valve repair or replacement with or without coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) compared to non-SLE patients. METHODS This retrospective propensity matched comparative effectiveness study examined outcomes of patients who underwent valve repair or replacement with or without CABG, from 1/2000-1/2021. Outcomes in non-SLE and SLE surgical population were compared using 2:1 propensity score matching, accounting for baseline patient and procedural characteristics. Primary end points were 30-day and time-related mortality. Additional outcomes included occurrence of stroke, dialysis, blood transfusions, surgical re-exploration, and duration of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay. RESULTS A total of 275,827 patient-years of follow-up information was available; median follow-up for death was 4.3 years. After matching, 265 patients with SLE were compared to 529 without SLE. Both cohorts demonstrated similar in-hospital mortality (2.8% SLE vs. 1.5% Non-SLE, P =.25), one-year survival (90% SLE vs. 89% Non-SLE) and 5-year survival (76% SLE vs. 71% Non-SLE). Length of post-operative ICU stay was shorter in the SLE cohort ( P =.007). CONCLUSION In patients with SLE selected to undergo cardiovascular surgery, in-hospital, 1 and 5-year morbidity and mortality were similar to the general operative population. A jeopardy for a diagnosis of SLE was not present.

Diversifying cardiac intensive care unit models: Successful example of an operating surgeon-led unit

ObjectiveThe intensivist-led cardiovascular intensive care unit model is the standard of care in cardiac surgery. This study examines whether a cardiovascular intensive care unit model that uses operating cardiac surgeons, cardiothoracic surgery residents, and advanced practice providers is associated with comparable outcomes. MethodsThis is a single-institution review of the first 400 cardiac surgery patients admitted to an operating surgeon-led cardiovascular intensive care unit from 2020 to 2022. Inclusion criteria are elective status and operations managed by both cardiovascular intensive care unit models (aortic operations, valve operations, coronary operations, septal myectomy). Patients from the surgeon-led cardiovascular intensive care unit were exact matched by operation type and 1:1 propensity score matched with controls from the traditional cardiovascular intensive care unit using a logistic regression model that included age, sex, preoperative mortality risk, incision type, and use of cardiopulmonary bypass and circulatory arrest. Primary outcome was total postoperative length of stay. Secondary outcomes included postoperative intensive care unit length of stay, 30-day mortality, 30-day Society of Thoracic Surgeons–defined morbidity (permanent stroke, renal failure, cardiac reoperation, prolonged intubation, deep sternal infection), packed red cell transfusions, and vasopressor use. Outcomes between the 2 groups were compared using chi-square, Fisher exact test, or 2-sample t test as appropriate. ResultsA total of 400 patients from the surgeon-led cardiovascular intensive care unit (mean age 61.2 ± 12.8 years, 131 female patients [33%], 346 patients [86.5%] with European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation II <2%) and their matched controls were included. The most common operations across both units were coronary artery bypass grafting (n = 318, 39.8%) and mitral valve repair or replacement (n = 238, 29.8%). Approximately half of the operations were performed via sternotomy (n = 462, 57.8%). There were 3 (0.2%) in-hospital deaths, and 47 patients (5.9%) had a 30-day complication. The total length of stay was significantly shorter for the surgeon-led cardiovascular intensive care unit patients (6.3 vs 7.0 days, P = .028), and intensive care unit length of stay trended in the same direction (2.5 vs 2.9 days, P = .16). Intensive care unit readmission rates, 30-day mortality, and 30-day morbidity were not significantly different between cardiovascular intensive care unit models. The surgeon-led cardiovascular intensive care unit was associated with fewer postoperative red blood cell transfusions in the cardiovascular intensive care unit (P = .002) and decreased vasopressor use (P = .001). ConclusionsIn its first 2 years, the surgeon-led cardiovascular intensive care unit demonstrated comparable outcomes to the traditional cardiovascular intensive care unit with significant improvements in total length of stay, postoperative transfusions in the cardiovascular intensive care unit, and vasopressor use. This early success exemplifies how an operating surgeon-led cardiovascular intensive care unit can provide similar outcomes to the standard-of-care model for patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Encouraging results of blood conservation in neonatal open-heart surgery

ObjectiveTo report early outcomes of blood conservation in neonatal open-heart surgery. MethodsNinety-nine patients undergoing neonatal open-heart surgery during the implementation of a blood conservation program between May 2021 and February 2023 were reviewed. Patients either received traditional blood management (blood prime, n = 43) or received blood conservation strategies (clear prime, n = 56). Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared between groups. ResultsThere was no difference in body weight (median, 3.2 kg vs 3.3 kg; P = .83), age at surgery (median, 5 days vs 5 days; P = .37), distribution of The Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery Congenital Heart Surgery Mortality Categories categories or duration of cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients in the clear prime group had higher preoperative hematocrit (median, 41% vs 38%; P < .01), shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation time (median, 48 hours vs 92 hours; P = .02) and postoperative intensive care unit length of stay (median, 6 days vs 9 days; P < .01) than patients in the blood prime group. Fourteen patients (25%) in the clear prime group, including 1 Norwood patient, were discharged without any transfusion. Among patients within the clear prime group, hospitalizations without blood exposure were associated with higher preoperative hematocrit (median, 43% vs 40%; P = .02), shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation times (median, 22 hours vs 66 hours; P = .01) and shorter postoperative hospital stays (median, 10 days vs 15 days; P = .02). ConclusionsBloodless surgery is possible in a significant proportion of neonates undergoing open-heart surgery, including the Norwood operation, even in the early stages of experience. Early clinical results are favorable but long-term follow-up and continued efforts are warranted to prove safety and reproducibility.

O088 Is it possible to predict which patients need prolonged intensive care support after elective oesophageal surgery?

Abstract Introduction Oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer is associated with post-operative complications and physiological instability, with cardio-respiratory disturbance in up to 30% of patients. Oesophagectomy patients are regularly admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for the first 24 hours after surgery. Increased demand for ICU beds has sparked interest in identifying patients who could be managed in lower intensity environments. We examined pre-operative features potentially associated with increased complication risk. Methods Data from 526 patients who underwent elective oesophagectomy 07/01/2015 - 10/12/2019 was reviewed with basic demographic data available for 485. From 211 patients, data relating to past medical history, American Society of Anesthesiology score (ASA), prescription drug history, and pre-operative blood tests was retrospectively analysed [SPSS v.28; IBM, Chicago] to identify features associated with prolonged ICU stay. Results Median length of post-operative ICU stay was 31 hours. 327 (67.4%) remained on ICU &amp;lt;48 hours, and 158 (32.6%) ≥48 hours. Age &amp;gt;70, ASA ≥3, and female sex were associated with stay ≥48 hours (p=0.044; p=0.036; p&amp;lt;0.001). Increased pre-operative white cell count and serum urea were associated with prolonged ICU stay (p=0.002; p=0.007), as was lower sodium and albumin (p=0.002; p=0.02). Conclusion Predicting which patients are more likely to require prolonged ICU support after oesophagectomy may allow others to be admitted to lower dependency beds. The associations identified could be used in future multivariate analysis to derive a pre-operative scoring system.

Remote ischemic preconditioning and clinical outcomes after pediatric cardiac surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundThe benefit of remote ischemia preconditioning (RIPreC) in pediatric cardiac surgery is unclear. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the effectiveness of RIPreC in reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay after pediatric cardiac surgery.MethodsWe searched PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library from inception to December 31, 2022. Randomized controlled trials comparing RIPreC versus control in children undergoing cardiac surgery were included. The risk of bias of included studies was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (RoB 2) tool. The outcomes of interest were postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay. We conducted random-effects meta-analysis to calculate weighted mean difference (WMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the outcomes of interest. We performed sensitivity analysis to examine the influence of intraoperative propofol use.ResultsThirteen trials enrolling 1,352 children were included. Meta-analyses of all trials showed that RIPreC did not reduce postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation (WMD -5.35 h, 95% CI -12.12–1.42) but reduced postoperative ICU length of stay (WMD -11.48 h, 95% CI -20.96– -2.01). When only trials using propofol-free anesthesia were included, both mechanical ventilation duration (WMD -2.16 h, 95% CI -3.87– -0.45) and ICU length of stay (WMD -7.41 h, 95% CI -14.77– -0.05) were reduced by RIPreC. The overall quality of evidence was moderate to low.ConclusionsThe effects of RIPreC on clinical outcomes after pediatric cardiac surgery were inconsistent, but both postoperative mechanical ventilation duration and ICU length of stay were reduced in the subgroup of children not exposed to propofol. These results suggested a possible interaction effect of propofol. More studies with adequate sample size and without intraoperative propofol use are needed to define the role of RIPreC in pediatric cardiac surgery.

Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation can reduce perioperative mortality in acute aortic dissection patients with hypoxemia.

Hypoxemia is a common critical respiratory complication in patients with acute aortic dissection (AAD) before operation and results in adverse outcomes. This study aimed to identify the optimal oxygenation treatment for AAD patients with hypoxemia in the emergency department (ED). This was a retrospective, observational, cohort study. We retrospectively collected data from 187 adult patients with AAD and hypoxemia who had been admitted to our ED. All patients were divided into nasal cannula group (n=91), Venturi mask group (n=60), and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) group (n=36). The primary outcome was overall mortality in ED; the secondary outcomes were preoperative intubation rate and postoperative mortality, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, and length of intubation. Among all patients, those who received NIPPV treatment showed the lowest ED intubation rate (2.78%, P=0.004), shortest postoperative length of ICU stay (median 2.31, P<0.001), postoperative length of intubation (median 25.10, P<0.001), and post-operative length of hospital stay (median 21.00, P<0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the highest 3-day survival (log-rank 7.387, P=0.03) and 5-day survival (log-rank 14.710, P=0.001) in the NIPPV group. After adjustment, NIPPV therapy was independently associated with the reduced 3-day [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.102, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.013-0.791, P=0.03] and 5-day (adjusted HR 0.057, 95% CI: 0.008-0.427, P=0.005) mortality in ED. Early utilization of NIPPV in AAD patients with hypoxemia in the ED can effectively decrease pre-operative intubation rate and perioperative mortality, and improve postoperative outcomes.

Effect of early hypoglycaemia on hospitalization outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of early postoperative hypoglycaemia on hospitalization outcomes including major cardiovascular complications and in-hospital mortality among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). MethodsData from an observational study of 9583 patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) who underwent CABG were analyzed. Hypoglycaemia was defined as a nadir blood glucose level <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L). One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify 251-balanced pairs of patients to compare outcomes. ResultsA total of 306 (3.2%) patients experienced hypoglycaemia, of whom, 133 had diabetes, 173 hadn’t diabetes. Patients who were hypoglycaemia had higher incidences of compositeoutcomes than those without hypoglycaemia (12.1% versus 6.0%, P < 0.0001). Postoperative length of ICU stay was longer in patients with hypoglycaemia [2.8 (0.8–21.0) versus 2.0 (0.25–36.0) days, P < 0.0001]. After PSM, the compositeoutcomes and length of ICU stay remained significantly increased for the patients with hypoglycaemia [compositeoutcomes: odd ratio (OR) 2.78, 95% CI, 1.30–5.88, P = 0.01; length of ICU stay: OR 1.60, 95% CI, 1.14–2.26, P = 0.007]. ConclusionPostoperative hypoglycaemia was an independent associated factor of adverse composite outcomes and a lengthened ICU stay after CABG. Hypoglycaemia should be avoided for both postoperative patients with and without diabetes.

Initial results from an enhanced recovery program for pediatric cardiac surgical patients.

Over recent years, a number of enhanced recovery programs have appeared in first, adult colorectal surgery, and subsequently many other adult surgical specialties. Increasing interest in this approach to perioperative management in children culminated in the recent development of the first enhanced recovery pathway for pediatric intestinal surgery, endorsed by Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Society (ERAS®). In parallel, there has been increasing interest in the refinement of perioperative management of selected pediatric cardiac surgical patients, invariably referred to as "fast track" management. Initiatives have largely focused on duration of postoperative ventilation rather than on a much wider range of perioperative interventions to optimize recovery and ensure timely discharge after surgery. In our institution, a "Level 1" pediatric cardiac surgical center, we assembled a multidisciplinary team to design a comprehensive enhanced recovery pathway, based on ERAS® methodology, for selected cardiac surgical patients. After a lengthy period of planning, staff education, and preparation, we implemented the pathway at the end of November 2019. We conducted a prospective audit of the perioperative management and outcomes of the first 88 patients managed according to this enhanced recovery pathway over a 25-month period in our institution. The mean age of the patients was 5.8years (range 0.5-17.9), and the mean weight was 22.4kg (range 6.6-57.2). Sixty-eight of the 88 patients were cardiopulmonary bypass cases. A total of 54% of patients received all four defined intraoperative anesthetic interventions (intravenous paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, antiemetic if aged more than 4years, and use of a local anesthetic technique). A total of 89% of patients met the target extubation time of 6h after administration of protamine. Median postoperative intensive care unit length of stay was 23.5h (range 15.2-89.5). When compared to a historic control group, this represented a 22% reduction in median intensive care unit stay, although the total hospital length of stay remained unchanged. A total of 83% of patients met the target hospital discharge target of the fifth postoperative day. These preliminary results suggest that enhanced recovery pathway implementation for selected pediatric cardiac surgical patients is feasible, with acceptable outcomes. They suggest areas for further development and the potential for wider implementation.

Impact of early surgical correction or palliation of congenital heart defects in infants with symptomatic viral respiratory tract infections in the current era

ObjectiveThis study investigates the influence of timing of surgery among infants with congenital heart disease and active respiratory tract infections in a contemporary Western Canadian cohort. MethodsThis was a retrospective matched cohort study of infants aged 1 week to 6 months undergoing surgical repair of congenital heart disease between 2014 and 2017. Case patients had active respiratory tract infections preoperatively and were matched to control patients based on primary heart lesion. The primary outcome was time to extubation. ResultsWe identified 20 cases (median age, 3.4 months [range, 2.4-4.3 months]) that were matched to 40 controls (1:2 ratio). In case patients, surgery occurred at a median of 1 day after the positive viral testing. There were no statistically significant differences between cases and controls in time to extubation (59 vs 34 hours [P = .12]), postoperative vasoactive scores at 24 hours (0 vs 0 [P = .53]), 48 hours (0 vs 0 [P = .23]), maximum vasoactive score in postoperative period (5 vs 5.5 [P = .54]), or time to hospital discharge (13 vs 12 days [P = .39]). Case patients had increased duration of total respiratory support (including noninvasive ventilation, 3.5 vs 2 days [P = .02]) and postoperative intensive care unit length of stay (5.5 vs 3 days [P = .01]). ConclusionsCardiac surgery on infants with congenital heart disease during an acute viral respiratory tract infection may yield a clinically relevant prolongation in time to extubation.

Postoperative intensive care unit stay after minimally invasive esophagectomy shows large hospital variation. Results from the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit

IntroductionThe value of routine intensive care unit (ICU) admission after minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has been questioned. This study aimed to investigate Dutch hospital variation regarding length of direct postoperative ICU stay, and the impact of this hospital variation on short-term surgical outcomes. Materials and methodsPatients registered in the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) undergoing curative MIE were included. Length of direct postoperative ICU stay was dichotomized around the national median into short ICU stay ( ≤ 1 day) and long ICU stay ( > 1 day). A case-mix corrected funnel plot based on multivariable logistic regression analyses investigated hospital variation. The impact of this hospital variation on short-term surgical outcomes was investigated using multilevel multivariable logistic regression analyses. ResultsBetween 2017 and 2019, 2110 patients from 16 hospitals were included. Median length of postoperative ICU stay was 1 day [hospital variation: 0–4]. The percentage of short ICU stay ranged from 0 to 91% among hospitals. Corrected for case-mix, 7 hospitals had statistically significantly higher short ICU stay rates and 6 hospitals had lower rates. ICU readmission, in-hospital/30-day mortality, failure to rescue, postoperative pneumonia, cardiac complications and anastomotic leakage were not associated with hospital variation in length of ICU stay. Total length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in hospitals with relatively short ICU stay. ConclusionThis study showed significant hospital variation in postoperative length of ICU stay after MIE. Short ICU stay was associated with shorter overall hospital admission and did not negatively impact short-term surgical outcomes. More selected use of ICU resources could result in a national significant cost reduction.

Derivation and Validation of a Clinical Model to Predict Intensive Care Unit Length of Stay After Cardiac Surgery.

BackgroundAcross the globe, elective surgeries have been postponed to limit infectious exposure and preserve hospital capacity for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). However, the ramp down in cardiac surgery volumes may result in unintended harm to patients who are at high risk of mortality if their conditions are left untreated. To help optimize triage decisions, we derived and ambispectively validated a clinical score to predict intensive care unit length of stay after cardiac surgery.Methods and ResultsFollowing ethics approval, we derived and performed multicenter valida tion of clinical models to predict the likelihood of short (≤2 days) and prolonged intensive care unit length of stay (≥7 days) in patients aged ≥18 years, who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting and/or aortic, mitral, and tricuspid value surgery in Ontario, Canada. Multivariable logistic regression with backward variable selection was used, along with clinical judgment, in the modeling process. For the model that predicted short intensive care unit stay, the c‐statistic was 0.78 in the derivation cohort and 0.71 in the validation cohort. For the model that predicted prolonged stay, c‐statistic was 0.85 in the derivation and 0.78 in the validation cohort. The models, together termed the CardiOttawa LOS Score, demonstrated a high degree of accuracy during prospective testing.ConclusionsClinical judgment alone has been shown to be inaccurate in predicting postoperative intensive care unit length of stay. The CardiOttawa LOS Score performed well in prospective validation and will complement the clinician's gestalt in making more efficient resource allocation during the COVID‐19 period and beyond.

Prophylactic corticosteroids for paediatric heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Prophylactic corticosteroids for paediatric heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.

Etiology and Risk Factors for Extubation Failure in Low Birth Weight Infants Undergoing Congenital Heart Surgery

The aim of the present study was to explore the etiology and risk factors of extubation failure (ExF) in low birth weight (LBW) infants undergoing congenital heart surgery. Retrospective, comparative study. A Cantonese cardiac center in China. The cases of all LBW infants undergoing congenital heart surgery admitted to the authors' neonatal intensive care unit from January 2010 to September 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. ExF was defined as reintubation within 72 hours after extubation. None. Demographic, preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative data were collected. The exclusion criteria were surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus and no extubation attempt. Risk factors for ExF were analyzed with univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Ninety-nine infants met the inclusion criteria; the study comprised 66 males and 33 females, including 60 premature infants. ExF occurred in 16 of 99 infants for various kinds of reasons. Infants with ExF had longer postoperative intensive care unit length of stay (LOS) (p < 0.001) and total hospital LOS (p = 0.022). The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified preoperative mechanical ventilation (odds ratio 9.3; 95% confidence interval 1.11-79.52; p = 0.040) and prolonged mechanical ventilation before the first attempted extubation (odds ratio 6.48; 95% confidence interval 1.20-35.17; p = 0.030) as risk factors for ExF. The prevalence of ExF is very high in LBW infants undergoing congenital cardiac surgery. ExF in LBW infants is associated with an increase in hospital LOS. Presumed reasons for failed extubation are diverse. Preoperative mechanical ventilation and prolonged mechanical ventilation before the first attempted extubation were independent risk factors for ExF.

Predictors of postoperative outcomes in infants with low birth weight undergoing congenital heart surgery: a retrospective observational study.

BackgroundDespite improvements in neonatal cardiac surgery and postoperative care, hospitalized death for infants with low birth weight remains high.ObjectiveThis study sought to identify predictors of postoperative outcomes in low-birth-weight infants undergoing congenital heart surgery and establish nomograms to predict postoperative intensive-care unit (ICU) stay.MethodsFrom June 2009 to June 2018, a retrospective review of 114 infants with low birth weight (≤2.5 kg) undergoing congenital heart surgery was conducted at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital. Purely surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus was excluded from this study. A total of 26 clinical variables were chosen for univariate, multivariate, and Cox regression analysis, and 14 variables were analyzed as predictors of postoperative outcomes. Nomograms were established to predict risk of postoperative cardiac ICU (CICU) stay, postoperative neonatal ICU (NICU) stay, and total ICU length of stay in infants with cardiac diseases.ResultsTwo variables were independent predictors in multiple logistic regression analysis of hospitalized death: operation weight and Society of Thoracic Surgeons–European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery (STAT) risk categories. Six variables were independent predictors in the Cox model of postoperative ICU length of stay, including sex, prematurity, birth weight, preoperative stay time in NICU, diagnostic classification, and STAT risk categories. We calculated concordance-index values to estimate the discriminative ability of models of risk of postoperative CICU stay, postoperative NICU stay, and total ICU length of stay, with values of 0.758 (95% CI 0.696–0.820), 0.604 (95% CI 0.525–0.682), and 0.716 (95% CI 0.657–0.776), which indicated the possibility of true-positive results.ConclusionOur findings might help clinicians predict postoperative outcomes and optimize therapeutic strategies.

A propensity-matched comparison of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair and open surgical repair of pararenal and paravisceral aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveThis study investigated the outcomes of a current series of patients treated with fenestrated and branched endovascular aneurysm repair (F-BEVAR) or open surgical repair (OSR) for pararenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (pr-AAAs), including juxtarenal, suprarenal, and type IV thoracoabdominal aneurysms. This study compares the outcomes of these procedures from two high-volume centers without the bias induced by a learning curve. MethodsAll patients with pr-AAAs undergoing repair at two centers between January 2010 and June 2016 were included in a prospective database. Patients undergoing F-BEVAR and OSR were propensity matched for age, sex, anatomic criteria (aortic clamp site), coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, smoking, chronic kidney disease, aneurysm diameter, and previous aortic surgery. The primary end points were mortality and dialysis. Secondary end points included any myocardial ischemia, respiratory and early procedural complications, acute kidney injury (AKI) according to RIFLE criteria (Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage renal failure), spinal cord ischemia, a composite of these complications, and postoperative intensive care unit length of stay. During follow-up, all-cause survival and freedom from reintervention were compared, as was the patency of stented vessels and renal and visceral bypasses. Late renal function deterioration was evaluated. ResultsIn this period, 157 F-BEVAR patients and 119 OSR patients were operated on. After 1:1 propensity matching, the study cohort consisted of 102 F-BEVARs and 102 OSRs. In the matched population, an average of 2.5 vessels were treated per patient. Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant difference in 30-day mortality (2.9% vs 2.0%; P = .68), dialysis (4.9% vs 3.9%; P = 1), cardiac ischemic complications (3.8% vs 5.9%; P = .52), pulmonary complications (5.9% vs 5.9%; P = 1), or any complications (28.4% vs 30.4%; P = .63) in the F-BEVAR and OSR groups, respectively. AKI was significantly lower in the F-BEVAR group than in the OSR group (19.6% vs 52%; P < .001), as was severe AKI (>50% decrease in glomerular filtration rate, 6.9% vs 16.7%; P = .03). There was no spinal cord ischemia. The median intensive care unit length of stay was 1 day in both groups (P = .33). During follow-up, we found occlusions of five stented vessels and three surgical bypasses. Late renal function deterioration was comparable between the two groups. According to Kaplan-Meier estimates, all-cause survival at 24, 48, and 72 months was 85.6%, 66.8%, and 55.8% after F-BEVAR and 90.5%, 82.9%, and 68.5% after OSR (P = .04). Rates of freedom from reintervention were 97.6% vs 97.5% at 24 months, 90.1% vs 93.4% at 48 months, and 63.9% vs 93.4% at 72 months in the F-BEVAR and OSR groups (P = .05), respectively. Thus, both all-cause survival and freedom from reintervention were lower in the F-BEVAR group. ConclusionsThis propensity score analysis in patients with pr-AAA undergoing F-BEVAR or OSR suggests no difference in terms of 30-day mortality, dialysis, or organ-specific postoperative complications, with the exception of AKI. Postoperative AKI was significantly higher after OSR, although most patients had recovered before discharge. Our data suggest similar outcomes after F-BEVAR or OSR for pr-AAA.

Curative effect and prognosis comparison in treating children with bilateral Wilms tumor by retroperitoneal nephrectomy or transabdominal nephrectomy

Objective To explore the clinical application and efficacy in the treatment of children with bilate-ral Wilms tumor(BWT) by retroperitoneal nephrectomy or transabdominal nephrectomy. Methods Clinical data of 27 children with BWT in which 9 cases underwent retroperitoneal nephrectomy (study group) while 18 cases underwent transabdominal nephrectomy (control group) at Department of Pediatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from April 1997 to July 2014 were retrospectively analyzed.The perioperative clinical parameters and survival data were compared between the study group and the control group. Results The operation duration [(129.5±13.9) min], the length of intensive care unit (ICU) postoperatively [(6.3±3.1) d], hospital stay[(13.9±3.9) d] and the time to resuming an oral diet[(6.8±3.4) d] of the study group were markedly lower than those of the control group [(149.5±26.7) min, (9.7±3.8) d, (20.5±3.0) d, (11.5±3.1) d], and the diffe-rences were statistically significant (t=2.129, P=0.051; t=2.551, P=0.017; t=4.489, P<0.001; t=3.488, P=0.002). The estimated blood loss [(95.5±14.6) mL], postoperative renal recovery time [(22.3±3.1) d] and mean serum creatinine levels by follow-up [(67.0±21.3) μmol/L] of study group were lower than those of the control group [(105.9±23.1) mL, (24.7±4.5) d, (76.8±13.3) μmol/L], but the differences were not significant (t=1.231, 1.485, 1.474, P=0.243, 0.163, 0.154). There was a similar tendency that intraoperative adverse event rates [0(0/9 cases)] and postoperative urine leakage rates [11.1%(1/9 cases)] of the study group were lower than those of the control group [11.1%(2/18 cases), 16.7%(3/18 cases)], but the differences were not significant (P=0.103, 0.093). Study group revealed longer median survival time than that of the control group and cumulative survival hazard of study group was lower than that of the control group (28.5 months, 95%CI: 23.2-33.7 months vs 22.4 months, 95%CI: 12.6-32.1 months; χ2=0.469, P=0.494). Conclusions Retroperitoneal nephrectomy provides valuable benefits clinically, including shorter operative time, postoperative length of ICU and hospital stays, avoidance of bowel injuries, and less adhesions and shorter time to resuming an oral diet over the transabdominal counterpart, which can be considered a viable surgical option for treatment of BWT. Key words: Retroperitoneal nephrectomy; Transabdominal nephrectomy; Bilateral Wilms tumor; Child

Early Postoperative Pulmonary Complications After Heart Transplantation

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the types, incidence, and risk factors for early postoperative pulmonary complications in heart transplant recipients. MethodsWe retrospectively collected data from the records of consecutive heart transplantations from January 2003 to December 2013. A total of 83 patients underwent heart transplantation. The data collected for each case were demographic features, duration of mechanical ventilation, respiratory problems that developed during the intensive care unit (ICU) stay, and early postoperative mortality (<30 d). ResultsOf the 72 patients considered, 52 (72.2%) were male. The overall mean age at the time of transplantation was 32.1 ± 16.6 years. Twenty-five patients (34.7%) developed early postoperative respiratory complications. The most frequent problem was pleural effusion (n = 19; 26.4%), followed by atelectasis (n = 6; 8.3%), acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 5; 6.9%), pulmonary edema (n = 4; 5.6%), and pneumonia (n = 3; 4.2%). Postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation (44.2 ± 59.2 h vs 123.8 ± 190.8 h; P = .005) and the length of postoperative ICU stay (10.1 ± 5.8 h vs 19.8 ± 28.9 h; P = .03) were longer among patients who had respiratory problems. Postoperative length of stay in the hospital (22.3 ± 12.5 d vs 30.3 ± 38.3 d; P = .75) was similar in the 2 groups. The overall mortality rate was 12.5% (n = 9). The patients who had respiratory problems did not show higher mortality than those who did not have respiratory problems (16.0% vs 10.6%; P = .71). ConclusionsRespiratory complications were relatively common in our cohort of heart transplant recipients. However, these complications were mostly self-limiting and did not result in worse mortality.

Prior Sternotomy Increases the Mortality and Morbidity of Adult Heart Transplantation

BackgroundThis study investigated the effect of prior sternotomy (PS) on the postoperative mortality and morbidity after orthotopic heart transplantation (HTx). MethodsOf 704 adults who underwent HTx from December 1988 to June 2012 at a single institution, 345 had no PS (NPS group) and 359 had ≥1 PS (PS group). Survival, intraoperative use of blood products, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays, frequency of reoperation for bleeding, dialysis, and >48-hour ventilation were examined. ResultsThe NPS and PS groups had similar 60-day survival rates (97.1 ± 0.9% vs 95.3 ± 1.1%; P = .20). However, the 1-year survival was higher in the NPS group (94.7 ± 1.2% vs 89.7 ± 1.6%; hazard ratio [HR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.12–3.49; P = .016). The PS group had longer pump time and more intraoperative blood use (P < .0001 for both). Postoperatively, the PS group had longer ICU and hospital stays, and higher frequencies of reoperation for bleeding and >48-hour ventilation (P < .05 for all comparisons). Patients with 1 PS (1PS group) had a higher 60-day survival rate than those with ≥2 PS (2+PS group; 96.7 ± 1.1% vs 91.1 ± 3.0%; HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.04–7.01; P = .033). The 2+PS group had longer pump time and higher frequency of postoperative dialysis (P < .05 for both). Patients with prior VAD had lower 60-day (91.1 ± 3.0% vs 97.1 ± 0.9%; P = .010) and 1-year (87.4 ± 3.6% vs 94.7 ± 1.2%; P = .012) survival rates than NPS group patients. Patients with prior CABG had a lower 1-year survival than NPS group patients (89.0 ± 2.3% vs 94.7 ± 1.2%; P = .018). ConclusionThe PS group had lower 1-year survival and higher intraoperative blood use, postoperative length of ICU and hospital stays, and frequency of reoperation for bleeding than the NPS group. Prior sternotomy increases morbidity and mortality after HTx.