Postoperative Morbidity In Patients Research Articles

Significant relationship between preoperative serum concentration of anti-heat shock protein 70 antibody and postoperative morbidity in patients with esophageal cancer

Background Heat shock protein 70 is a molecular chaperone important in host responses to stress, including infection, injury, oxidative damage, hypoxia, and thermal stress. This study analyzed the correlation between preoperative serum concentrations of anti-HPS70 antibody and postoperative morbidity in patients with esophageal cancer.

Prolonged steep Trendelenburg positioning increases the risk of postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing robotic surgery for presumed gynecologic malignancy

Objectives: Although robotic surgery has advanced minimally invasive therapeutic options for women with gynecologic cancers, its use often requires steep Trendelenburg positioning (≥30°). The aim of this study was to determine the risk of postoperative complications in gynecologic oncology patients undergoing robotic surgery in prolonged steep Trendelenburg position (PSTP).

Effect of neoadjuvant systemic therapy prior to radical prostatectomy in high-risk prostate cancer on surgical morbidity: Contemporary results utilizing the Clavien System.

66 Background: There is limited evidence definingthe morbidity of radical prostatectomy (RP) with curative intent for patients with high risk prostate cancer. Multimodality treatment for men with high risk prostate cancer using neoadjuvant systemic therapy followed by surgery is being increasingly explored. Methods: We analyzed 215 consecutive patients with high risk and very high risk prostate cancer who underwent robotic or open RP with extended pelvic lymph node dissection previously untreated or received neoadjuvant systemic therapy between 2006 and 2010 at a single tertiary care academic center. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of complications. Results: Baseline characteristics were similar between patients who underwent neoadjuvant systemic therapy followed by RP versus RP alone except for PSA (PSA< or equal to 4 ng/ml: 75.4% vs. 15.5%, p<0.001) and preoperative hemoglobin (13.8 g/dl vs. 14.4 g/dl, p=0.003), respectively. Twenty nine percent of patients (63 of 215 patients) experienced a complication of any grade ≤90 d after surgery 6% experienced Grade ≥3, with no significant difference between either cohort (p=0.50). On multivariate analysis, estimated blood loss [Odds Ratio (OR) 1.10; 95% CI, 1.0 to 1.2, p=0.03), length of stay (OR 1.75; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.4, p=0.001) and preoperative hemoglobin (OR 0.71; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.94, p=0.02) were independent predictors of the occurrence of any grade complication. Considering grade 3 or 4 complications, procedure time (OR 2.20; 95% CI 1.0 to 4.8, p=0.05) and estimated blood loss (OR 1.39; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.96, p=0.06) were significant predictors of major complications. Conclusions: Postoperative morbidity in patients with high risk prostate cancer following RP with or without the use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy is comparable to contemporary RP series of low to intermediate risk disease reporting outcomes in a similar fashion. Use of neoadjuvant systemic therapy prior to RP was safe and did not appear to increase the risk of having a perioperative complication.

Post surgery morbidity in patients with complicated hepatic hydatidosis

Hepatic echinococcosis (HE) surgery is common in southern's Chile hospitals; however, related publications are scarce and with conflicting results, especially with regard to postoperative morbidity (POM), due to the diversity in it severity. The aim of this study is to determine POM in patients undergoing surgery for complicated HE (CHE). Case series part of a prospective cohort. Patients undergoing surgery for CHH in hospitals Hernán Henríquez Aravena hospital and Clínica Mayor of Temuco, between 2000 and 2012 were included. The main outcome variable was development of POM using the Clavien scale. Other variables of interest were hospital stay, mortality and recurrence. Descriptive statistics were applied and incidence of POM was determined. 73 patients with a median age of 41 years and 58.9% female were studied. The median ultrasound diameter cysts were 15.0 cm. The average surgical time was 125.4 ± 26.3 min. The surgical procedure used most often was the pericystectomy (84.9%); and 84.9% of cases was performed concomitantly some other surgical procedure. The incidence of POM was 19.2%, 78.6% of whose cases were Grade I or II Clavien. The aetiology was 10.9% of medical complications and 8.2% of surgical complications. 1.4% of mortality was recorded; and with a median follow up of 97 months, no recurrence was verified. POM in a cohort of patients with CHE is lower than the published and low severity. Subgroups with higher POM were: patients with coexistence of more than one complication, those with colangiohydatidosis and patients with liver abscess of hydatid origin.

A murine model of lung ischemia and reperfusion injury: tricks of the trade

BackgroundPulmonary ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) causes postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing lung transplantation, isolated lung perfusion, and cardiopulmonary bypass and may lead to potentially lethal pathologies such as respiratory shock. In-depth study of this pathology requires a reliable animal model. Mice are a popular species to develop experimental models because of their logistic advantages and the availability of knock outs. However, their small size warrants microsurgical techniques and a skilled surgeon. Materials and methodsWe developed a murine model of pulmonary anoxic IRI through hilar clamping using adult female Swiss mice. After left thoracotomy, we expose the pulmonary hilum keeping the ribs and the muscles of back and forepaw intact. A microvascular clamp is placed over the entire hilum, occluding bronchus, pulmonary artery, and vein. ResultsOur model proved to be simple, reliable, and reproducible, showing minimal preoperative and postoperative mortality. Histopathologic analysis indicated all characteristic features of pulmonary IRI, such as an early recruitment of lymphocytes followed by neutrophil influx. ConclusionsThis article presents a murine surgery model for pulmonary IRI based on a muscle-sparing thoracotomy. The minimal approach limits manipulation of lung tissue, minimizing mortality and non–IRI-induced injury.

Surgical Apgar Score and prediction of morbidity in women undergoing hysterectomy for malignancy

ObjectiveTo validate whether Surgical Apgar Score can predict post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing hysterectomies for malignancies. MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of consecutive hysterectomies performed for cancer at a single academic institution between 2008 and 2010. The Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) was derived as previously reported. Peri-operative complications were as outlined by the American Board for Obstetrics and Gynecology, and then further subdivided into intra-operative and post-operative events. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were utilized. ResultsA total of 632 patients were identified. Of our cohort, 64% underwent surgery for cancer arising in the uterus, followed by ovary at 28.6% and cervix at 4%. Median patient age was 60years old with a mean American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System (ASA) score of 2.5 and a median body mass index of 29. Average Surgical Apgar Score was 7.6. As SAS decreased, the risk of peri-operative complications increased (p<0.01). On univariate analysis SAS could predict for both intra-operative and post-operative complications. However, on multivariate analyses SAS could not independently predict for any post-operative complications (OR 1.02, CI 0.47–2.17). In a multivariable model incorporating age, ASA class, SAS <4, disease site, bowel resection and laparotomy, only ASA class and laparotomy were able to predict for postoperative complication events. ConclusionsLow Surgical Apgar Score significantly associates with morbidity in women undergoing hysterectomy for malignancy, but is unable to predict which patients will have postoperative complications. This renders the SAS less helpful for the creation of peri-operative metrics to guide post-operative care.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation in patients on statins undergoing isolated cardiac valve surgery: a meta-analysis

Introduction: The efficacy of perioperative statin therapy in decreasing postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing valve replacements and repairs is unknown. The aim of our study was to determine whether or not the literature supports the hypothesis that statins decrease postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF), and hence improve short-term postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing isolated cardiac valve surgery.Method: We conducted a meta-analysis of studies on postoperative outcomes associated with statin therapy following isolated valve replacement or repair. The data was taken from published studies on valvular heart surgery patients. Participants were patients who underwent either isolated cardiac valve replacement or repair. Patients in the intervention group received statins prior to their surgery. Three databases were searched: Ovid Healthstar, 1966 to April 2012; Ovid Medline, 1946 to 31 May 2012; and Embase, 1974 to 30 May 2012. The meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager® versio...

Concomitant fundoplication increases morbidity of gastrostomy tube placement

BackgroundFundoplication is often performed in conjunction with gastrostomy tube (GT) placement in children, but there is a great deal of variation in rates of and indications for this procedure. Little is known about the impact of fundoplication on peri-operative outcomes. This study examines a national cohort of pediatric patients to compare risk-adjusted surgical outcomes in patients undergoing GT placement with or without concomitant fundoplication. MethodsWe identified all patients undergoing GT placement in the 2012 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program – Pediatric. We evaluated demographics, comorbidities, complications, and length of stay for GT with fundoplication versus GT alone. We defined composite morbidity as a dichotomous variable for the presence of any complication. Logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of morbidity after adjusting for covariates. Results1289 GT patients were identified, and 148 (11.5%) underwent concurrent fundoplication. The fundoplication patients were more likely to be younger, have cardiac risk factors, and be on respiratory support. They also had higher rates of surgical site infection (7.4% vs 3.7%, p=0.03) and composite morbidity (16.9% vs 8.7%, p=0.001), and longer LOS (median 5 vs 3days, p=<0.0001) compared to GT only. After adjusting for covariates, fundoplication was a predictor of composite morbidity and increased LOS. ConclusionConcomitant fundoplication is an independent risk factor for 30-day post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing GT placement. These findings do not negate the value of fundoplication but underscore the importance of careful patient selection, and should be taken into consideration when discussing risks and benefits with families.

Comparison of related complications: sentinel node biopsy versus elective neck dissection

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is considered a feasible neck staging tool in early oral squamous cell carcinoma. The aim of this study was to compare postoperative morbidity in patients who had undergone SNB and elective neck dissection (END). Seventy-three consecutive patients were included between the years 2005 and 2009. The patients were divided into two groups according to neck management: SNB and END groups. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to compare disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between the groups. Shoulder function, length of the surgical scar, and the degree of cervical lymphoedema were assessed. Neck haematoma and the presence of oro-cervical communication were also analyzed. Thirty-two patients underwent SNB and 41 underwent an END (levels I–III). Seven regional recurrences were recorded in the END group. Three neck recurrences occurred in the SNB group. No significant differences were found in DFS or OS between the groups. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in shoulder function and average scar length. However, differences in degree of lymphoedema were not statistically significant. Neck hematomas and oro-cervical communications occurred only in the END group. From this study, it can be concluded that SNB presents less postoperative morbidity than END.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing before liver surgery.

Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) assessed "poorer" fitness correlates with poorer outcomes in blinded studies. Whether this correlation will persist when CPET is utilized to stratify care as part of a multi-modal enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program is unclear. This study examined whether CPET variables were associated with postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing hepatectomy within an ERAS program. Data were prospectively collected on patients undergoing elective hepatectomy between October 2009 and April 2011. The relationships between CPET derived variables; postoperative complications and length of stay were investigated. Of 267 patients undergoing surgery, 197 had undergone standard cycle ergometer CPET. The relative oxygen uptake [VO2 (ml kg(-1) min(-1))] and ventilatory equivalent of CO2 (VE/VCO2) at the anaerobic threshold (AT) were not associated with complications or length of stay. Greater absolute oxygen uptake at AT [VO2 at AT (L min(-1) )] was associated with early hospital discharge [OR 2.16 (95% CI 1.18-3.96), P = 0.013] on multivariable analysis. When CPET is used to delineate perioperative management a low relative oxygen uptake [VO2 (ml kg(-1) min(-1) )] at the AT does not place patients at significantly higher risk of postoperative complications. This suggests CPET assessed "poor" fitness should not be used as a barrier to surgical intervention.

Risk factors of postoperative morbidity in patients with uncomplicated liver hydatid cyst

PurposeTo determine postoperative morbidity (POM) in patients undergoing surgery for uncomplicated hepatic echinococcosis (HE) and determine associations with the variable POM looking for possible risk factors for POM. MethodsNested case-control study. We included patients undergoing surgery for uncomplicated HE in two hospitals in Temuco between 2000 and 2012. The main outcome variable was development of POM. Other variables of interest were hospital stay, mortality and recurrence. Surgical techniques used were pericystectomy and liver resection. Descriptive statistics and analytical statistics were applied using T-test, ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis test to compare continuous variables; Chi2 and Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, and logistic regression models were used, estimating OR. Results126 patients, median age 41 years, 61% female. The incidence of POM was 10.3%, with 76.9% Clavien grade I or II. The etiology was 6.5% and 4.1% of medical and surgical complications, respectively. There was no mortality and with a median follow-up of 83 months, recurrence incidence was 0.8%. Association was found between cases and controls and the variables age, alkaline phosphatase, cyst location and hospital stay. Applying regression models age (p = 0.002 and OR 1.07) and cyst location (p = 0.003 and OR 3.94) were found to be risk factors. ConclusionsObserved POM is lower and of less severity than those previously published. Risk factors were determined.

Preoperative enteral immunonutrition in cancer patients undergoing major abdominal surgery: Results of a meta-analysis.

e14005 Background: Perioperative enteral immunonutrition is thought to reduce the acute phase response and postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. This meta analysis...

The effect of blood transfusion on short-term, perioperative outcomes in elective spine surgery

Studies in various surgical procedures have shown that transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) increases the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Impact of blood transfusion in patients undergoing spine surgery is not well-described. We assessed the impact of intra and postoperative transfusion on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. We used the American College of Surgeons’ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to identify a retrospective cohort of 36,901 adult patients who underwent elective spine surgery between 2006 and 2011. Patients who received intra or postoperative transfusion (n=3262) were matched to those who did not using propensity scores. Logistic regression predicted adverse postoperative outcomes. We conducted sensitivity analysis in a subset of patients in whom the number of intraoperatively transfused units of RBC or whole blood was known. Upon matching, preoperative hematocrit, length of surgery, and percentage of spinal fusion surgery were not significantly different between transfused and non-transfused patients. After matching, transfusion remained adversely associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) in hospital (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3–2.9), postoperative complications (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4–1.9), and an increased 30day return to operation room (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.2). Transfusion of even one unit of blood intraoperatively was associated with prolonged LOS (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5–2.6) and minor complications (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3–4.3). Therefore, transfusion of RBC or whole blood, even a single unit, increased LOS and postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing elective spine surgery, independent of preoperative hematocrit level and patient comorbidities.

Does the dimension of the graft influence patient morbidity and root coverage outcomes? A randomized controlled clinical trial

Primary aim of this study was to evaluate if patient morbidity was improved by diminishing graft thickness and height; secondary objective was to evaluate if such graft modifications influence root coverage and aesthetic outcomes. 60 Miller class I and II gingival recessions (GR) (≥ 3 mm in depth) were treated with the coronally advanced flap plus extraoral de-epithelialized free gingival graft (FGG). In 30 randomly selected control GRs ("big graft group"), the FGG thickness was ≥ 2 mm and the height was equal to bone dehiscence (BD); in the other 30 test defects ("small graft group"), the thickness of the FGG was <2 mm and the height was 4 mm. The post-operative patient morbidity was assessed 1 week after the surgery. The clinical and aesthetic evaluations were performed 1 year after the surgery. Lower analgesic assumption, better post-operative course evaluations, better patient colour match scores and better periodontist aesthetic assessments were reported in the "small graft" group. No statistically significant differences were demonstrated between the two groups in terms of recession reduction, CRC and increase in KTH. Greater GT increase was obtained in the control-treated sites. Coronally advanced flap plus CTG of reduced thickness and height was associated with less patient morbidity, better aesthetic evaluations with no difference in RC outcomes.

Computer-assisted flapless implant surgery in edentulous elderly patients: a 2-year follow up.

The rehabilitation of edentulous mandibles with implant-supported overdentures is a state-of-the-art contemporary implant treatment. Computer-assisted flapless surgery is associated with decreased chairside treatment time, as well as significant reduction in patient postoperative morbidity and discomfort. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protocol of computer-guided surgery in the treatment of edentulous mandibles with overdentures supported by four intraforaminal implants and retained by Locator® attachments in elderly patients, both from a clinician's and a patient's perspective, as well as to assess the stability of the results in a 2-year period. 15 patients presenting edentulous mandibles and discomfort while wearing conventional overdentures were enrolled in the study. Careful presurgical and computer-assisted 3D treatment planning was performed. Patients were treated with four intraforaminal implants using a computer-assisted flapless approach. All patients were prosthetically rehabilitated with overdentures. Clinical parameters such as peri-implant probing depth (PPD), Plaque Index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were evaluated. Patients' perceptions regarding the outcome were assessed on visual analog scales (VAS). Out of 15 patients consecutively included in the study, only 10 patients could be treated with the designed protocol. A total of 40 Camlog implants were placed. No implant was lost over a 2-year period. BOP was negative in 82% of sites; mean PPD was 2.34 mm; 8 of the 40 implants showed the absence of keratinized tissue on the lingual or the vestibular aspect. The VAS score of 9.9 demonstrated the satisfaction of the patients. Within the limitations of this study, the data demonstrate that in a significant number of cases this protocol could not be used for anatomical or technical reasons. In the cases where it could be used, the computer-assisted protocol appeared suitable for treating elderly patients with mandibular edentulism and restoring them with an overdenture in a minimally invasive way. The possibility of placing implants outside the borders of the keratinized tissue is relevant.

Impact of age on 30-day postoperative outcome of surgery for ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms

ObjectiveTo assess in a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database, the impact of increased age on 30-day postoperative outcomes of surgery for intracranial aneurysms (ICAs).Methods721 adult patients who underwent...

Accuracy of National Surgery Quality Improvement Program Models in Predicting Postoperative Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Colectomy

The National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is the standard for assessment of acuity-adjusted outcomes in surgery. The validity of NSQIP has not been well established in colorectal surgery. Technical and process variables, which NSQIP may not consider, affect morbidity rate. A retrospective observational study was undertaken to determine the accuracy of NSQIP models in predicting morbidity for patients undergoing laparoscopic or open colectomy. NSQIP participant use files for 2005 to 2008 were obtained. Data were selected using Current Procedural Terminology coding for open or laparoscopic colectomy. NSQIP-generated predicted morbidities were used to create area under the receiver operator curves (AUROCs). AUROCs demonstrated an accurate predictive model if the value was above 0.8 and indicated a marginal predictor mode if below 0.7. The AUROC for the general NSQIP model was 0.817 (confidence interval [CI] = 0.815-0.819, p < 0.001). AUROC for the combined laparoscopic and open colectomy group was 0.703 (CI = 0.698-0.709, p value < 0.001). AUROCs for the individual laparoscopic and open colectomy groups were 0.627 (CI = 0.615-0.640, p < 0.001) and 0.701 (CI = 0.695-0.707, p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that although NSQIP-generated morbidities used to create AUROCs are accurate for patients in an overall surgical model, predictive models for morbidity are marginal for laparoscopic and open abdominal colectomies. NSQIP risk models tend to emphasize comorbidities rather than intraoperative details or technical aspects of colonic resections.

Laparoscopic trans- and retroperitoneal adrenal surgery for large tumors.

BACKGROUND:Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for tumors larger than 6 cm is currently a matter of controversial discussion because of difficult mobilization from surrounding organs and a possible risk of capsule rupture.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Data of consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic adrenalectomy between 1/1994 and 7/2012 were collected and analysed retrospectively. Intra- and postoperative morbidity in patients with tumors ≤6 cm (group 1, n = 227) were compared to patients with tumors >6 cm, (group 2, n = 52).RESULTS:Incidence of adrenocortical carcinoma was significantly higher in group 2 patients (6.3% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.039) whereas the incidence of aldosterone-producing adenoma was lower (2% vs. 25%, P = 0.001). Mean duration of surgery was longer (105 min vs. 88 min, P = 0.03) and the estimated blood loss was higher (470 mL vs. 150 mL) in group 2 patients. Intraoperative bleeding rate (5.7% vs. 0.8%, P = 0.041), and the conversion rate were significantly higher (5.7% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.011) in group 2. Also, postoperative complication rate was significantly higher in group 2 (11.5% vs. 3.0%, P = 0.022). However, only two major complications occurred, one in each group.CONCLUSION:Minimally invasive adrenal surgery can be performed by an experienced surgeon even in patients with large tumors (>6 cm) with an increased but still acceptable intra- and postoperative morbidity.

The nutritional risk is a independent factor for postoperative morbidity in surgery for colorectal cancer.

PurposeThe authors evaluate the prevalence of malnutrition and its effect on the postoperative morbidity of patients after surgery for colorectal cancer.MethodsThree hundred fifty-two patients were enrolled prospectively. Nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) score was calculated through interview with patient on admission. Clinical characteristics, tumor status and surgical procedure were recorded.ResultsThe prevalence of patients at nutritional risk was 28.1 per cent according to the NRS 2002. The rate of postoperative complication was 27%. There was a significant difference in postoperative complication rates between patients at nutritional risk and those not at risk (37.4% vs. 22.9%, P = 0.006). Nutritional risk was identified as an independent predictor of postoperative complications (odds ratio, 3.05; P = 0.045). Nutritional risk increased the rate of anastomotic leakage (P = 0.027) and wound infection (P = 0.01).ConclusionNRS may be a prognostic factor for postoperative complication after surgery for colorectal cancer. A large scaled prospective study is needed to confirm whether supplementing nutritional deficits reduces postoperative complication rates.

Innovation in Safety, and Safety in Innovation

Modern surgery’s heritage has been based on the introduction of innovative approaches to the way surgery was practiced, all in an attempt to improve patient outcomes. Innovations ranged widely from purely technical advances to simple changes in practice norms that resulted in safer surgery. These innovations in surgical safety had a profound impact on patient mortality and would transform the manner in which surgery, and medicine, would hence be approached. In 1867, for example, Joseph Lister introduced the use of a preoperative antibacterial preparation, at a time when surgical site and deep soft-tissue infections were common and often the cause of postoperative patient morbidity and mortality. 1 In the United States, William Stewart Halsted insisted on universal operative hand scrubbing as a patient safety maneuver to decrease postoperative infections. 2 These innovations were simple and are common sense by today’s standards, yet they effectively transformed the practice of surgery; they made it safer and allowed for the complexity of procedures to increase. The public’s perception of the surgeon changed as well, evolving from the experimental anatomist and radical thinker exemplified by John Hunter in the 18th century to the effective healer and possessor of special skill of modern times. 3