Predictors Of Operative Mortality Research Articles

Impact of Preoperative Atrial Fibrillation on In-Hospital Outcomes of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Perioperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and excess healthcare costs. The objective of our study was to assess if preoperative AF in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting is a predictor of operative mortality, postoperative stroke, and need for postoperative dialysis by interrogating a large registry database. We included all isolated procedures performed between February 1996 and March 2019. We used a generalized linear mixed model to assess the effect of preoperative AF on mortality stroke and the need for postoperative dialysis after adjusting for the relevant confounders derived from EuroSCORE 2. Confounders considered included age, gender, neurological dysfunction, renal dysfunction, recent myocardial infarction, pulmonary disease, unstable angina, NYHA class, pulmonary hypertension, diabetes on insulin and peripheral vascular disease, and urgency of the operation. We treated the hospital and operating consultant as random effect variables. We also performed LV function subgroup analyses to assess the effect of preoperative AF on the outcomes of interest. The incidence of pre-existent AF in the cohort of patients we analyzed (N=356,040 patients) was 3.5% (N=12,664). In the unadjusted baseline characteristics, preoperative AF patients had more associated comorbidities. After adjustment, preoperative AF remained a significant predictor of increased mortality (odds ratio [OR]: 1.63, confidence interval [CI] 1.48-1.79, p < 0.001), stroke (OR: 1.33, CI 1.16-1.54, p = 0.001), and need for renal dialysis (OR:1.61, CI 1.46-1.78, p < 0.001). Preoperative AF was a significant predictor of adverse outcomes in patients with moderate and good LV function but not in patients with poor LV function (EF <30%). Our study suggests that preoperative AF is associated with an increased risk for perioperative mortality and stroke in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Reoperative Aortic Arch Surgery under Mild Systemic Hypothermia: Two-Center Experience.

Background The aim of the study was to assess the indications, surgical strategies, and outcomes after reoperative aortic arch surgery performed generally under mild hypothermia. Methods Ninety consecutive patients (60 males, mean age, 55 ± 16 years) underwent open reoperative aortic arch surgery after previous cardiac aortic surgery. The indications included chronic-progressive arch aneurysm (55.5%), chronic aortic dissection (17.8%), contained arch rupture (16.7%), and graft infection (10%). The reoperation was performed through a repeat sternotomy (96%) or clamshell thoracotomy (4%) using antegrade cerebral perfusion under mild systemic hypothermia (28.9 ± 2.5°C) in all except three patients. Results The surgery comprised hemiarch or total arch replacement in 41 (46%) and 49 (54%) patients, respectively. The distal extension included classic or frozen elephant trunk technique, each in 12 patients, and total descending aorta replacement in 4 patients. Operative mortality was 6 (6.7%) among all patients, with age identified as the only independent predictor of operative mortality ( p = 0.05). Permanent and transient neurologic deficits occurred in 1% and 9% of the patients, respectively. Estimated survival at 8 years was 59 ± 8% with advanced heart failure predictive for late mortality ( p = 0.014). Freedom from second reoperation or intervention on the aorta was 78 ± 6% at 8 years, with most of these events occurring downstream in patients with chronic degenerative aneurysms. Conclusion Aortic arch reoperations performed using antegrade cerebral perfusion under mild systemic hypothermia offer favorable operative outcomes with an exceptionally low rate of neurologic morbidity without any difference between hemiarch and complex arch procedures.

Mortality, morbidity, and failure to rescue in hepatopancreatoduodenectomy: An analysis of patients registered in the National Clinical Database in Japan.

The high operative mortality rate after hepatopancreatoduodenectomy (HPD) is still a major issue. The present study explored why operative mortality differs significantly due to hospital volume. Surgical case data were extracted from the National Clinical Database (NCD) in Japan from 2011 to 2014. Surgical procedures were categorized as major (≥2 sections) and minor (<2 sections) hepatectomy. Hospitals were categorized according to the certification system by the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS) based on the number of major hepato-biliary-pancreatic surgeries performed per year. The FTR rate was defined as death in a patient with at least one postoperative complication. A total of 422 patients who underwent HPD were analyzed. The operative mortality rates in board-certified A training institutions, board-certified B training institutions, and non-certified institution were 7.2%, 11.6%, and 21.4%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed that certified A institutions, major hepatectomy, and blood transfusion were the predictors of operative mortality. Failure to rescue rates were lowest in certified A institutions (9.3%, 17.0%, and 33.3% in certified A, certified B, and non-certified, respectively). To reduce operative mortality after HPD, further centralization of this procedure is desirable. Future studies should clarify specific ways to improve the failure-to-rescue rates in certified institutions.

Long-term prognosis in patients with end-stage renal disease after coronary artery bypass grafting.

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is beneficial in selected patients with ESRD. This study investigates the survival outcomes and prognostic factors in ESRD patients who underwent CABG.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for 149 patients with ESRD who underwent isolated CABG between 2006 and 2015.ResultsMean age was 59.4±8.7 years and 106 patients (71.1%) were male. Operative mortality occurred in 20 patients (13.4%). Overall survival was 81.1%±3.2% at 1 year, 41.5%±4.3% at 5 years and 19.2%±4.2% at 10 years. Median survival was 4.3 years. Multivariable analysis identified age [P=0.001, odds ratio (OR): 1.15 per 1-year increase, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.25], preoperative left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P=0.020, OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89–0.99) and non-elective status of operation (P=0.049, OR: 3.34, 95% CI: 1.00–11.1) as predictors of operative mortality. Cox regression analysis identified age [P<0.001, hazard ratio (HR): 1.05 per 1-year increase, 95% CI: 1.03–1.08], New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV status (P=0.010, HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.15–2.67) and the use of a left internal mammary artery (LIMA) to left anterior descending artery (LIMA-LAD) graft (P=0.029, HR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.19–0.92) as factors influencing long-term survival.ConclusionsCABG is associated with high operative mortality and poor long-term survival in ESRD patients. Age and NYHA class influenced late survival. LIMA-LAD grafting conferred a long-term survival advantage.

Pneumonectomy for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Predictors of Operative Mortality and Survival

外科手术是目前根治非小细胞肺癌（non-small cell lung cancer, NSCLC）的最有效方式。全肺切除作为一种术式被应用于临床中。对于中央型肺癌，袖式肺叶切除术因其术后肺功能丧失少、术后并发症及死亡率低逐渐取代全肺切除术成为主流。然而为保证肿瘤学效果，当其他术式无法完全切除时，全肺切除术式仍是必要的。全肺切除术后主要发生心肺并发症，充分了解全肺切除术后相关并发症能帮助临床医师及时做出诊断，并进一步采取相关措施降低术后并发症对患者的不良影响。充分了解预后相关危险因素可帮助临床医师提前采取措施尽可能规避风险，从而改善患者预后。

Usefulness of pre- and intraoperative risk scores in nonagenarian surgical patients.

Preoperative assessment at extreme ages would identify patients at a high risk of developing postoperative complications. The objective of this study was to compare the usefulness of different risk scales in a series of nonagenarian surgical patients. A total of 244 surgical nonagenarians, 148 women (60.7%), median age 91years (IQR: 90-93), were analysed. The following scales were evaluated: preoperative status (ASA-PS, Charlson Comorbidity Index, Lee Index, Reiss Index, and surgical mortality probability model-S-MPM); intraoperative status (Surgical Apgar Score and SASA score), and, as output variables, surgical outcomes (morbidity measured by the Comprehensive Complication Index-CCI, and death). Univariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were performed. Area under ROC curves (AUROC) were evaluated to define the best predictors of poor outcomes. Operative mortality was 27.0%, and 73.4% presented some type of postoperative complication. Operative mortality was associated with the ASA-PS score (p < 0.001), Reiss Index (p < 0.001), Lee Index (p = 0.010), S-MPM (p < 0.001), Surgical Apgar Score (p < 0.001), SASA score (p < 0.001), and emergency surgery (p < 0.001). Postoperative complications were related to the ASA-PS score (p = 0.001), Reiss Index (p < 0.001), Lee Index (p < 0.001), S-MPM (p < 0.001), Surgical Apgar Score (p < 0.001) and SASA score (p < 0.001). The best predictors of operative mortality and complications were the SASA and Surgical Apgar Score (AUROCs > 0.88). As in the general population, the Surgical Apgar Score and SASA score are the best predictors of operative mortality and morbidity in nonagenarian patients. These risk scales should be considered in the perioperative management of these patients.

Is the frozen elephant trunk technique justified for chronic type A aortic dissection in Marfan syndrome?

Chronic type A aortic dissection (cTAAD) in Marfan syndrome (MFS) is rare. Surgical experience is limited and the role of frozen elephant trunk (FET) technique remains undefined. We seek to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the total arch replacement (TAR) and FET technique for cTAAD in MFS. The clinical data of sixty-eight patients with MFS undergoing FET and TAR for cTAAD were analyzed. Mean age was 35.8±9.7 years and thirty-nine were male (57.4%). Operative mortality was 10.3% (7/68). Stroke occurred in one (1.5%), re-exploration for bleeding in five (7.3%), low cardiac output in four (5.9%), and acute renal failure in two (2.9%). Follow-up was complete in 100% (61/61) at mean 7.3±4.0 years. The false lumen was obliterated in 73.5% across FET and 50.0% in unstented descending aorta (DAo). Distal dilation occurred in twenty patients, six of whom underwent thoracoabdominal aortic replacement, one abdominal aortic replacement and one thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). Late death occurred in five. At ten years, 59.8% were free from distal aortic dilation, and the incidences were 23.2% for death, 14.4% for distal reoperation, and 62.4% for reoperation-free survival. Predictors for operative mortality were extra-anatomic bypass [odds ratio (OR), 229.592; P=0.036], preoperative maximal size (DMax) of aortic sinuses (mm) (OR, 1.134; P=0.032) and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time (minute) (OR, 1.061; P=0.041). Risk factors for aortic dilatation included patent false lumen at diaphragmatic hiatus [hazard ratio (HR), 5.374; P=0.008], preoperative DMax (mm) of proximal DAo (HR, 1.068; P=0.001) and renal arteries (HR, 1.102; P=0.005) which also predicted distal reoperation (HR, 1.149; P=0.001). The time from onset to operation (day) (HR, 1.002; P=0.004) and CPB time (minute) (HR, 1.032; P=0.036) predicted late death. This study shows that the TAR and FET technique is a safe and durable approach to cTAAD in patients with MFS. The operation should be performed as early as possible to optimize clinical outcomes.

Cardiac tumors prevalence and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cardiac tumors and their associated outcomes are poorly characterized. This study sought to comprehensively assess the epidemiology and natural history of primary and secondary malignant cardiac tumors (PMCT and SMCT), a well as establish predictors of mortality. A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify articles reporting on PMCTs and SMCTs. The prevalence of important cardiac tumor (CT) subtypes was evaluated and further stratified based on the continental region. Outcomes of interest included short- and long-term mortality and utilization of heart transplantation (HTX). A random effect model was adopted, and a meta-regression was performed to determine predictors of the prevalence of CTs as well as predictors of operative mortality. Of the 1,226 retrieved articles, 74 were included in our study (n=8,849 patients). The mean follow-up was 2.27 years, mean age was 42.9 years, and 55% of the patients were females. There was a total number of 7,484 benign primary cardiac tumors (PCTs) (5,140 were myxoma), 862 (9.7%) malignant PCTs, and 355 secondary cardiac tumors. The prevalence of PMCTs among PCTs was 10.83% [95%CI=09.11; 12.83%] with a trend towards being lower in South America compared to other continents (Prevalence=5.80%). The prevalence of HTX among all patients was 2.45% [1.36; 4.38%]. The pooled short-term mortality was 5.90% [4.70; 7.39%] and the incidence of late mortality in all CTs, benign CT and PMCTs was 2.55% [1.76; 3.72%], 0.79% [0.46; 1.37%] and 14.77% [9.32; 23.40%], respectively. On meta-regression, the annual volume of cardiac tumor cases per center was the only predictor of lower early mortality (Beta=-0.14±0.03, P<0.0001). PMCTs represent the minority of PCT (~10%) and have a higher prevalence in Europe and North America. Survival is higher in benign pathology and is significantly improved by treatment in specialized high-volume centers. Approximately 2% of patients with CTs undergo heart transplantation.

Evolution of the Norwood operation outcomes in patients with late presentation

ObjectivesWe present the evolution of Norwood operation outcomes and practice pattern changes over 15 years from a single institution in Saudi Arabia. We intended to identify time trends in patient selection, procedural details, and outcome predictors over time. MethodsPatients who underwent a Norwood operation (n = 145) between 2003 and 2018 with the use of a Blalock–Taussig shunt (BT group; n = 72), right ventricle to pulmonary artery shunt (Sano group; n = 66), or a primary cavopulmonary shunt (CPS group; n = 7) were included. The study outcomes were operative mortality, long-term survival, and multistate transition to CPS, Fontan, and death. ResultsMedian age was 29 days. Predictors of operative mortality were lower weight (P = .026), and longer bypass time (P = .014), whereas age, and type of shunt were not. Predictors of improved long-term survival were greater weight at operation (P = .0016), later era (P = .006), and shorter bypass time (P = .001). The multistate model revealed that patients with lower weight were more likely to undergo Sano versus BT (P < .001), and if BT was chosen in such patients, they were more likely to die (P = .027). The likelihood of receiving Sano shunt was 3-fold greater in the recent era (P = .003). ConclusionsImproved outcomes of the Norwood operation are evident in the recent era and with Sano shunt, especially in patients of smaller weight. Late presentation or older age is not a contraindication to Norwood operation. The incorporation of a primary CPS at stage one operation is feasible in selected patients.

Comparison of Risk Scores for the Prediction of Outcomes after Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

We compared the performance of four existing risk models and a newly developed risk score for type A acute aortic dissection surgery. In 327 consecutives with type A aortic dissection surgery patients during 2003/03-2017/03 at our centre, operative mortality occurred in 65 (19.9%). Independent predictors of operative mortality were critical pre-operative state and malperfusion syndrome, and a novel additive “CritMal” Score was constructed from this. C-statistics (95% confidence interval) for operative mortality were EuroSCORE 0.60 (0.52-0.67), EuroSCORE II 0.64 (0.57-0.72), Rampoldi 0.68 (0.59-0.76), Leontyev 0.56 (0.48-0.64), and CritMal 0.72 (0.64-0.80) respectively. This is the first study externally assessing surgical scores for aortic dissection surgery, with modest accuracy for all and moderate for CritMal. There is room for improvement of these risk models, and further refinements and external validation are warranted for clinical application.

Age Criteria As Operative Mortality Predictor After Modified Blalock-Taussig Shunt

Background: Modified Blalock-Taussig shunt (MBTS) is considered as a simple procedure but has a considerable operative mortality rate. Patient’s characteristics who underwent MBTS in Indonesia is quite different than other country. There was no predictor of operative mortality has been identified in Indonesian.Objectives: To compare mortality rate based on age criteria and to identify mortality and morbidity predictors after MBTS procedure.Methods: A retrospectively cohort study was conducted on 400 patients who underwent MBTS at National cardiovascular center Harapan Kita (NCCHK) between January 2013 and december 2017.Results: There were 32,1% death at age ≤ 28 days, 19,9% at age 29-365 days, 3,6% at age 366-1825 days and 8% at age &gt; 1825 days. Body weight &lt; 3 kg, haematocrite level &gt; 45% before procedure and activated partial thromboplastine time level (aPTT) &lt; 60 seconds were operative mortality predictors. Postoperative morbidity rate was 32,9%. Packed red cell transfusion (PRC) more than 6 ml/kg, mechanical ventilator use before procedure, prostaglandin E1 use before procedure, aPTT level less than 60 seconds after procedure were identified as postoperative morbidity predictors.Conclusion: Operative mortality rate significantly different among age criteria but it was not proven as an operative mortality predictors. Body weight &lt; 3 kg increase mortality rate and haematocrite level higher than 45% and aPTT level less than 60 seconds decrease mortality rate. Postoperative morbidity predictors were PRC transfusion more than 6ml/kg, mechanical ventilator use before procedure, prostaglandine E1 use and aPTT level less than 60 seconds.

Predictors of Operative Mortality in Cardiac Surgery Patients with Prolonged Ventilation

Suarez-Pierre, Alejandro MD; Fraser, Charles D. MD; Zhou, Xun MD; Lui, Cecillia MD; Crawford, Todd C. MD; Whitman, Glenn J. MD, FACS; Higgins, Robert S. MD; Lawton, Jennifer S. MD Author Information

Hyponatremia Predicts Poor Outcomes in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Heart Operation

Preoperative hyponatremia adversely affects outcomes of cardiothoracic operation. However, in patients with chronic kidney disease, the association of sodium levels on postoperative events has never been evaluated. We investigated the impact of preoperative hyponatremia on outcomes after cardiac operation in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease. Primary end points were operative mortality and acute kidney injury that required dialysis. Secondary end points were major infection and long-term survival. The study is observational and includes all patients with stage III to IV chronic kidney disease (non-dialysis) undergoing cardiac operation between February 2000 and January 2016. Patients were stratified into two groups by preoperative sodium levels: sodium less than 135 mEq/L and sodium of 135 mEq/L or more. There were 1,008 patients (mean estimated glomerular filtration rate [GFR]: 43 ± 14 mL • min-1 • 1.73m-2) with 92 patients (9%) in the low-sodium group. Patients with low sodium had higher operative mortality (p= 0.0004), need for new dialysis (p= 0.0008), and infection (p= 0.002). Predictors of operative mortality were European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation(EuroSCORE) (hazard ratio [HR] 1.03. 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02 to 1.05, p < 0.0001), decreasing values of sodium (HR 1.14. 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.2, p= 0.0002), and decreasing values of GFR (HR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.003 to 1.03, p= 0.007). Sodium less than 135 mEq/L was independently associated with increased need for dialysis (HR 1.3, 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.7, p= 0.0008). By linear regression, decreasing values of preoperative sodium were proportionate to the incidence of operative mortality (p < 0.0001) and need for dialysis (p < 0.0001). Preoperative hyponatremia is a predictor of increased mortality and other adverse events in patients with non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease undergoing cardiac operation. These findings are similar to those in hyponatremic patients without kidney disease.

Regional Practice Patterns and Outcomes of Surgery for Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

The surgical management of acute type A aortic dissection is evolving, and many aortic centers of excellence are reporting superior outcomes. We hypothesize that similar trends exist in a multiinstitutional regional consortium. Records for 884 consecutive patients who underwent aortic operations (2003 to 2015) for acute type A aortic dissection were extracted from a regional The Society of Thoracic Surgeons database. Patients were stratified into three equal operative eras. Differences in outcomes and risk factors for morbidity and mortality were determined. Surgical procedures for type A aortic dissection are increasing in extent and complexity. Aortic root repair was performed in 16% of early era cases compared with 67% currently (p < 0.0001). Similarly, aortic arch repair increased from 27% to 37% cases (p < 0.0001). Cerebral perfusion is currently used in 85% of circulatory arrest cases, most frequently antegrade (57%). Total circulatory arrest times increased (29 minutes vs 31 minutes vs 36 minutes; p= 0.005), but times without cerebral perfusion were stable (12 minutes vs 6 minutes; p=0.68). Although the operative mortality rate remained stable at 18.9% during the 3 operative eras, there were significant decreases in pneumonia and reoperations (p< 0.05). Predictors of operative mortality and major morbidity are age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; p < 0.0001), previous stroke (OR, 2.09; p= 0.03), and elevated creatinine (OR, 1.31; p= 0.01). Importantly, the extent of aortic operation did not increase risk for morbidity or mortality. Operative morbidity and mortality remain significant for type A aortic dissection, but lower than historical outcomes. The extent of aortic surgery has increased, resulting in adaptive cerebral protection changes in contemporary "real-world" practice.

Contemporary Mitral Valve Surgery for Septuagenarians and Octogenarians

Background: The increasing prevalence of degenerative and functional mitral valve disease as the population ages alongside introduction of percutaneous mitral valve interventions mandates revision of outcomes of mitral valve surgery (MVS) in elderly and high risk patients. We compared the characteristics and outcomes of octogenarians and septuagenarians undergoing MVS. Methods: All patients over 70 years of age having isolated MVS at Auckland City Hospital during 2005-2012 were studied and divided into 70-79 and &gt;80 years age-groups for analysis. Results: There were 20 octogenarians and 81 septuagenarians studied. Apart from median age (82.0 vs. 74.0 years, P&lt;0.001) and previous stroke (15.0% vs. 1.2%, P=0.024) respectively, there were no significant differences in pre-operative characteristics. Octogenarians however had significantly higher median EuroSCORE (4.5% vs. 3.4%, P=0.010) and STS Score (5.6 vs. 2.8%, P=0.002). Despite this, octogenarians had numerically but not statistically significantly less operative mortality (0.0% vs. 7.4%, P=0.340). One, three and five-year survivals were 100.0%, 80.0% and 70.0% for octogenarians and 91.4%, 86.4% and 73.8% septuagenarians. There was also no difference in composite and individual post-operative complications including stroke (P=0.358-1.000). The only independent predictor of operative mortality was cardiopulmonary bypass time odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.04, P=0.044. Conclusion: Although octogenarians were older with higher risk scores, they did not have increased mortality and morbidity from MVS. MVS remains a safe procedure in selected octogenarians, and other factors beyond age and risk scores such as frailty would be important in deciding the modality of mitral valve intervention in elderly patients.

Open repair of descending thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms in patients with preoperative renal failure.

To evaluate surgical outcomes in open repair of thoracoabdominal aortic (TAAA) and descending thoracic aortic aneurysms (DTA) in patients with preoperative renal failure (PRF). Our database was examined for all patients undergoing open TAAA/DTA repair. Patients with a creatinine greater than or equal to 1.5 gm/dl or on haemodialysis were defined as having PRF and were compared to those having normal preoperative renal function. Logistic and Cox regression analysis were used to identify independent determinants of in-hospital outcomes and long-term survival. From 1997 to 2015, 711 patients underwent open TAAA/DTA repair. Two hundred and two were categorized as having PRF, of which, 22 where on preoperative haemodialysis. PRF patients had significantly worse comorbidities; smoking (95.5% vs 69.0%; P < 0.001), chronic pulmonary disease (65.8% vs 29.7%; P < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (44.1% vs 19.4%; P < 0.001) and diabetes (16.3% vs 6.7%; vs P < 0.001). Operative mortality (OM) was seven-times higher in patients with PRF (14.2 vs 2.2%; P < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that PRF was a predictor of OM [odds ratio (OR): 4.91; confidence interval (CI): 2.01-11.97; P < 0.001] and major adverse events (OR: 2.05; CI: 1.21-3.46; P = 0.007). Kaplan-Meier 5-years survival was significantly lower in PRF patients (45.0% vs 69.8%; P < 0.001). PRF predicts higher OM and major adverse events incidence following open TAAA/DTA repair. Long-term survival is negatively impacted. Strategies for improving preoperative and intraoperative renal function may lead to better outcomes.

Hospital outcome and predictors of operative mortality in redo MVR adult population

Hospital outcome and predictors of operative mortality in redo MVR adult population

Association between the participation of board-certified surgeons in gastroenterological surgery and operative mortality after eight gastroenterological procedures.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between the participation of board-certified surgeons in gastroenterological surgery (BCS-Gs) and the surgical outcomes of gastroenterological surgery. Data from the National Clinical Database on patients who underwent eight major gastroenterological procedures were analyzed retrospectively. First, the ratio of cases in which BCS-G were involved to the total cases was calculated for each procedure, and the impact of BCS-G involvement on surgical outcome was assessed by comparing mortality rates in the group with BCS-G involvement vs. the group without BCS-G involvement. Second, the differences in the observed/expected ratio were assessed among four hospital categories according to the available BCS-G number. Finally, the impact of the hospital BCS-G number on mortality was evaluated. The ratio of BCS-G involvement ranged from 59.0% for acute diffuse peritonitis to 89.1% for hepatectomy, and the mortality rate was significantly lower for three procedures when BCS-Gs participated as the operator or assistant. The observed/expected ratio of hospitals with four or more BCS-Gs was less than 1.0 for all the procedures assessed. A multivariable logistic regression model showed that the hospital BCS-G number was a predictor of operative mortality. BCS-Gs contribute to favorable outcomes of gastroenterological surgery in Japan. The hospital BCS-G number is a surrogate marker of operative mortality.

Axillary Versus Femoral Arterial Cannulation During Repair of Type A Aortic Dissection?: An Old Problem Seeking New Solutions.

The goal of this study was to compare early postoperative outcomes and actuarial-free survival between patients who underwent repair of acute Type A aortic dissection with axillary or femoral artery cannulation. A total of 305 patients from five academic medical centers underwent acute Type A aortic dissection repair via axillary (n = 107) or femoral (n = 198) artery cannulation between January 2000 and December 2010. Major morbidity, operative mortality, and 5-year actuarial survival were compared between groups. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine predictors of operative mortality, and Cox regression hazard ratios were calculated to determine predictors of long-term mortality. Operative mortality was not influenced by cannulation site (16% for axillary cannulation vs. 19% for femoral cannulation, p = 0.64). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, hemodynamic instability (p < 0.001) and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (>200 min; p = 0.05) emerged as independent predictors of operative mortality. Stroke rates were comparable between the two techniques (14% for axillary and 17% for femoral cannulation, p = 0.52). Five-year actuarial survival was comparable between the groups (55.1% for axillary and 65.7% for femoral cannulation, p = 0.36). In Cox regression analysis, predictors of long-term mortality were: age (p < 0.001), stroke (p < 0.001), prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass time (p = 0.001), hemodynamic instability (p = 0.002), and renal failure (p = 0.001). The outcomes of femoral versus axillary arterial cannulation in patients with acute Type A aortic dissection are comparable. The choice of arterial cannulation site should be individualized based on different patient risk profiles.

Contemporary outcomes of open complex abdominal aortic aneurysm repair

The recent commercial availability of fenestrated stent grafts is likely to result in increasing endovascular repair of complex (juxtarenal and suprarenal) abdominal aortic aneurysms (cAAAs). Whereas most studies providing benchmarking for outcomes after open repair have been from high-volume centers, we sought to evaluate outcomes after elective open cAAA repair vs infrarenal AAA repair at a regional level. We used the Vascular Study Group of New England registry, which recorded 1875 open AAA repairs in New England from 2003 to 2011. Data from 14 hospitals performing both AAA and cAAA repair were used to assess the impact of clinical and technical factors on outcomes of cAAA repair. There were 443 patients who had elective cAAA repair as defined by use of a suprarenal (n= 340; 77%) or supraceliac (n= 103; 23%) clamp, with median survival follow-up of 35months (interquartile range, 47months). Compared with AAA repair, patients undergoing cAAA repair were more likely to be female; to have hypertension, congestive heart failure, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and to have a higher baseline creatinine concentration. cAAA cases were repaired through a retroperitoneal incision in 40% of cases, with hypothermic renal perfusion use in 15%, mannitol in 73%, and renal bypass in 13%, with wide variability in the application of these adjuncts. Complex aneurysm repair vs routine AAA repair was associated with a higher independent risk of 30-day mortality (3.6% vs 1.2%; P= .002), respiratory complications (19% vs 10%; P< .001), and renal complications (21% vs 8.7%; P< .001). Among all patients, the only independent clinical or technical predictors of 30-day mortality were preoperative coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-5.4; P= .02) and amount of intraoperative blood transfusion (OR,2.8; 95% CI, 1.3-6.2; P= .01). In the subgroup undergoing cAAA repair, there were no predictors of operative mortality. Renal or visceral ischemia time was the only technical factor during cAAA repair that independently predicted cardiac (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03; P= .04), respiratory (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.04; P< .001), and renal (OR,1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.05; P< .001) complications. Long-term survival for cAAA patients was 91%± 1% at 1year and 71%± 3% at 5years and not different from that of patients undergoing infrarenal AAA repair. Risk-adjusted predictors of late mortality after cAAA repair included age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04-1.11; P< .001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.2-3.0; P= .008), and preoperative creatinine concentration (per mg/dL; HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.05-2.9; P= .03). These data highlight excellent operative outcomes for open cAAA repair across the New England region despite significant variation in operative conduct across hospitals. Patients tolerating cAAA repair have durable long-term survival.