Preoperative Clearance Research Articles

Routine preoperative assessment for cataract surgery is a source of frustration for primary care providers

BackgroundCataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in older adults in the United States and is generally considered to be extremely low-risk. As of 2019, routine preoperative evaluation within 30 days of surgery is no longer mandated by the United States of America (USA) Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for ambulatory surgery centers, but it is unclear how primary care providers perceive this change.MethodsWe performed a qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with six primary care providers to explore primary care providers’ perspectives on routine preoperative assessment for cataract surgery.ResultsPrimary care providers commented on the large number of referrals they receive for preoperative assessment before cataract procedures. The analysis revealed an overarching sentiment of resentment over the time, effort, and resources expended on these assessments. Themes included the lack of awareness of the updated regulations that no longer require a history and physical to be completed within 30 days and the perception of a universal lack of medical necessity to perform preoperative assessment for cataract surgery. Providers also commented on the strain on limited resources and the burden on patients. The relationship between specialties and professional roles emerged as another important theme.ConclusionsReferrals for preoperative clearance for cataract surgery continue to burden providers, patients, and the health system, and represent an opportunity to streamline care in this patient population.

Assessment of the Potential Role of Preoperative Dental Clearance in Total Joint Arthroplasty Optimization: A Pilot Study.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a serious complication after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. This pilot study primarily aimed to investigate if preoperative dental screenings would impact the rate of PJI following TJA when compared to historical controls. Secondarily, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of dental pathology in patients undergoing TJA. Charts from 103 consecutive patients undergoing primary or revision total hip arthroplasty (THA, rTHA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA, rTKA) by a single surgeon at a single academic institution over a two-year period were reviewed and selected for inclusion. All patients were referred to a dentist for preoperative clearance using a standardized form. The rate of dental pathology before surgery, details of the dental intervention required, and any dental work performed within six months postoperatively were evaluated. The demographic and comorbidity composition of our patient population was also collected. Finally, rates of PJI following each type of TJA were obtained for demographic- and comorbidity-matched historical controls from similar study designs to examine the potential impact of preoperative dental intervention. Of the 103 patients, 31 (30.1%) were found to have preoperative dental pathology. Twenty-eight of these 31 patients (90.3%) required dental intervention prior to surgery. Based on demographic- and comorbidity-matched historical data, we expected two (95% CI (0, 6)) PJI cases for the THA group, 0 (95% CI (0, 2)) PJI cases for the TKA group, two (95% CI (0, 5)) PJI cases for the rTHA group, and two (95% CI (0, 5)) PJI cases for the rTKA group. However, in our study, there were no PJIs after any TJA up to the latest follow-up, which was unlikely for THA, rTHA, and rTKA groups given the calculated Poisson probabilities (9.39%, 15.11%, and 11.26%, respectively). Finding 0 cases was likely for the TKA group given the calculated Poisson probability of 72.61%. This pilot study demonstrated that preoperative dental screening, which aims to decrease the chance of PJI due to bacteremia, may have an impact on the rate of PJI following THA, rTKA, and rTHA but not TKA based on Poisson probabilities calculated from demographic- and comorbidity-matched historical controls that lacked preoperative dental screening. For THA, rTKA, and rTHA, the Poisson probabilities of observing 0 cases of PJI postoperatively, as was the case in our study, were unlikely, suggesting that some variable in our cohort was decreasing the PJI rate for these groups. However, in the case of TKA, the Poisson probability of observing 0 cases was likely and matched the results of our study, suggesting that no variable in our cohort was affecting the PJI rate for this group. We cannot draw direct conclusions from this retrospective observational study, but the preliminary findings prompt further investigation through an appropriately controlled, blinded, multi-centered, and powered prospective randomized controlled trial.

Optimizing outpatient neurosurgery: evaluating ambulatory surgery and same-day discharge following intracranial tumor surgery and endoscopic third ventriculostomy.

Outpatient surgery and same-day discharge are developing fields that align with the evolving needs of modern healthcare, presenting a notable advantage by reducing patient susceptibility to nosocomial infections, thromboembolic complications, and medical errors. When paired with enhanced recovery after surgery protocols, they hold promise in safely transitioning certain patients undergoing cranial surgery to outpatient care. This study aimed to evaluate discharge on the same day of surgery after intracranial tumor resection and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and to investigate potential associations with anesthesia methods, complications, and readmission rates. A retrospective analysis of patients scheduled for planned discharge on the same day of surgery between August 2020 and October 2023 was conducted. Data included patient demographic characteristics, preoperative clinical deficits, diagnosis, findings on preoperative and postoperative MRI, lesion characteristics, complications, and readmission rates. A total of 202 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 56.8 years and 117 (57.9%) patients were female. Patients were admitted the evening before surgery to obtain preoperative clearance and undergo MRI. The most common diagnoses were metastasis (23.3%), meningioma (20.8%), glioblastoma (12.4%), and low-grade glioma (10.4%). Craniotomy (46.5%), stereotactic needle biopsy (35.1), and ETV (6.9%) were the most common procedures performed. Thirteen (6.4%) patients underwent awake craniotomy, and 189 (93.6%) surgical procedures were conducted under general anesthesia. Complications occurred in 1.5% of patients, with no permanent complications observed during a mean follow-up of 9.3 months. In total, 179 (88.6%) patients were successfully discharged on the same day of surgery. The median length of hospitalization was 26.8 hours, with the median length of postoperative stay being 7 hours. Twenty-three (11.4%) patients were deemed ineligible for discharge on postoperative day 0 and instead discharged on postoperative day 1. The reasons for these delays included further clinical monitoring (n = 12), social factors (n = 4), and patient preference (n = 7). Age was positively correlated with length of hospitalization (p = 0.006). In total, 6.4% of patients were readmitted within 1-30 days after discharge, with 2.5% readmitted to the department of neurosurgery. This study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of discharge on the same day of surgery, with a high success rate and low complication rates. Early discharge did not increase morbidity or readmission rates. Implementation of clear discharge protocols and thorough patient education are crucial for successful same-day discharge programs in neurosurgery.

Delayed elective total shoulder arthroplasty: causes and eventual outcomes.

The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors for delays in planned total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and determine the perioperative outcomes of TSAs that experienced a delay. The American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried from 2006 to 2019 for primary TSA. Delayed TSA was defined as surgery that occurred greater than one day after hospital admission. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and post-operative complications were collected and compared; the incidence of delayed TSA was analyzed. The delayed patients were older, had a higher BMI, a higher rate of recent prior major surgery, and more comorbidities. Delayed patients had higher rates of postoperative complications, return to the OR, and 30-day readmission. Between 2006 and 2019, the rate of delayed TSA decreased. Surgeons should take care to ensure that patients with comorbidities undergo thorough preoperative clearance to prevent same-day cancellations and postoperative complications.

Routine Preoperative Dental Clearance for Total Joint Arthroplasty: Is There a Benefit?

Background Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) place significant psychological and financial burdens on patients and healthcare systems. One measure to reduce the risk of PJIs is preoperative dental screening, for which there is no current consensus recommendation. This study aims to determine whether there is a difference in the rate of PJI and microorganism profile in patients who did and did not obtain preoperative dental clearance. Methodology A retrospective review was conducted among patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty from 2017 to 2021. A cohort of 8,654 patients who underwent routine dental clearance was matched with a cohort of patients who did not. Surgeons who changed their dental clearance protocol were also identified, and the rates of PJIs were compared before and after. Results No statistically significant difference was seen in the rate of PJIs between patients who did and did not undergo routine preoperative dental clearance. No statistically significant difference was seen in the rate of PJIs before and after for surgeons who changed their dental clearance protocol. The microorganism profile between the groups was also found to be without differences. Conclusions Eliminating dental clearance from routine preoperative clearance does not appear to increase the rates of acute PJIs following elective total joint arthroplasty (TJA) or to change the organism profile of the infections that did occur. It may be reasonable to not require routine preoperative dental clearance or to practice selective dental clearance in patients undergoing elective TJA, especially given the increased financial cost and delay in care experienced by patients.

Institutional Experience With Surgical and Injectable Procedures at a Department Resident Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Clinic

Abstract Goals/Purpose Over the past several decades, the number of aesthetic procedures in plastic surgery has risen drastically in the United States. To meet this public demand, it is important to ensure plastic surgery residents are well-equipped to incorporate aesthetics into their future practice. Given the elective nature of aesthetic surgery, many patients opt to personally select their surgeon from qualified private practitioners. Patients’ tendency to avoid academic institutions, coupled with relatively high postoperative expectations, has historically led to limited hands-on experience for residents. Recent literature has documented graduating plastic surgery residents have felt deficient in performing aesthetic procedures, particularly those of the face. In a recent survey, 30% of department chairs/division chiefs acknowledged difficulties with and inadequacies of aesthetic surgery training at their institutions and recommending the need for more effective training models. The objective was to review the volume and outcomes of our resident aesthetic clinic. Methods/Technique The Resident Aesthetic Surgery Clinic at the Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery at NYU Langone Health sees patients 5 days per week and provides a total of 6 months of training experience for residents. Patients presenting to the clinic are first evaluated by senior residents, who perform the entire consultation. Patients are staffed with the attending present that day who provides feedback, oversight, and supervision and helps the residents refine their clinical skills of indicating a patient for surgery, pre-operative planning, and post-surgical follow-up visits. Dedicated clinic front office staff streamline the process by assisting with surgical quotes, preoperative clearance, and operating room scheduling. The resident aesthetic clinic does not engage in any formal advertising, but rather relies on word-of-mouth and direct referrals for patient recruitment. Patients are billed on a fee-for-service basis and insurance is not accepted. The revenue generated is used to offset operational costs of the clinic and operating rooms, as well as contribute to the salary of staff supporting the clinic. The remaining operational costs of the clinic are subsidized by the department. We conducted a retrospective review of all surgical and injectable procedures completed by the NYU Resident Aesthetic Surgery Clinic in 2021. Patients were excluded from the study if outcome information was missing. Participating residents were surveyed before and after their rotation in the clinic to assess their confidence performing aesthetic procedures which was rated on a scale of 1 to 5. Procedures were defined similar to how procedures are recorded for resident case logs for the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).1 Bilateral procedures (e.g., bilateral breast augmentation) were counted as two separate procedures (left and right). Blepharoplasty was not only separated by laterality, but also by upper and lower lids. In contrast, an operation was defined as a single trip to the operating room or office visit in which the patient received at least one procedure. Complications were categorized as either minor, moderate, or major. Minor complications were treated with non-operative management. Moderate complications required a small intervention such as seroma aspiration, while major complications necessitated return to the operating room. Complication and revision rates were calculated by summing the number of complications and revisions, respectively, and dividing by the total number of procedures. Data analyzed using IBM SPSS software and the ggplot2 package in R. A chi-squared test assessed for significant deviation in frequencies of procedures across yearly quarters. Mann-Whitney tests evaluated significance between pre- and post-rotation confidence ratings among residents. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Complication and revision rates were calculated with respect to the total number of procedures. The complication rate, revision rate, and surgeon fees were compared to data from other institutions available in the literature. Surgeon fees were also compared to national averages according to the 2020 ASPS Plastic Surgery Statistics Report and 2021 Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank Statistics. Results/Complications In 2021, 144/379 consultations led to an operation (38.0% conversion rate), resulting in 420 distinct surgical procedures. The majority (53.3%) of procedures involved the head and neck. Complication and revision rates were 5.5% and 1.0%, respectively, with surgeon fees consistently below national average. Residents reported being significantly more confident performing face lifts, rhinoplasties, and aesthetic surgery in general following their clinic rotation. Analyzing our injectable experience, 223/233 consultations led to an injection (95.7% conversion rate) for 142 patients. Neurotoxin was most commonly injected into the upper face, while fillers were most commonly injected into the midface. Only 2 complications from fillers (0.9% complication rate) and one touch-up (0.4% touch-up rate) occurred. Procedural fees were substantially less than national averages and comparable to other academic settings. Conclusion These data represent the largest annual reported study of plastic surgery resident aesthetic surgical and injectable procedures and outcomes, demonstrating the high volume and productivity of the NYU Resident Aesthetic Surgery Clinic. These results further support resident aesthetic clinics as a robust training modality.

MP72-15 PREOPERATIVE MEDICAL CLEARANCE: UNVEILING PRIMARY CARE NEEDS AT A PUBLIC URBAN MEDICAL CENTER USING UROLOGIC CASE CANCELATION RATES

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023MP72-15 PREOPERATIVE MEDICAL CLEARANCE: UNVEILING PRIMARY CARE NEEDS AT A PUBLIC URBAN MEDICAL CENTER USING UROLOGIC CASE CANCELATION RATES Lauren Fink, Matthew Bruha, Frederick Okoye, Lauren Namkoong, Brian McNeil, and Llewellyn Hyacinthe Lauren FinkLauren Fink More articles by this author , Matthew BruhaMatthew Bruha More articles by this author , Frederick OkoyeFrederick Okoye More articles by this author , Lauren NamkoongLauren Namkoong More articles by this author , Brian McNeilBrian McNeil More articles by this author , and Llewellyn HyacintheLlewellyn Hyacinthe More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003340.15AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Elective surgical case cancelations are a common problem in healthcare, causing patient and staff dissatisfaction, and a financial burden on institutions. Underserved communities have unmet primary care needs, and case cancelations in these populations may reflect chronic disease burdens. We evaluate the role of urologic consultation in improving overall health by identifying undiagnosed or undermanaged conditions during preoperative evaluation METHODS: All canceled elective urologic procedures from two surgeons at one urban center were retrospectively analyzed from 1/2015-12/2019. Chart reviews were performed to obtain reason(s) for cancelation, demographics, medical interventions performed, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score pre- and post-operatively. Age-adjusted odds ratio (OR) was calculated for the association between preoperative ASA and medical interventions RESULTS: 1780 total elective cases were scheduled in our review. 551 canceled elective cases were identified with a 30% overall cancelation rate. 250 of those canceled cases were due to >1 undiagnosed or under-managed medical condition(s), representing 14% of the overall cancelation rate. 91.2% of patients were over 60 years old and African American. Notes were available for 111 (44.4%) of the 250 total cases canceled due to undiagnosed or under-managed medical conditions. 83% of these patients received their intended procedures. 35.1% of cases received medication adjustments, most commonly for cardiology and diabetes. Preoperative ASA>3 was found to be significantly associated with medical interventions of any kind (OR 2.6923 [1.1188-6.4788] p=0.0271) CONCLUSIONS: Elective urologic case cancelations were frequent and often related to comorbid conditions. Most patients canceled for medical reasons received optimization and then underwent surgery. ASA scores>3 may assist urologists in underserved urban areas in identifying patients who require medical intervention before elective surgery. Urologic consultation and subsequent preoperative clearance seem to provide a safety net for patients to receive optimization of their medical conditions that otherwise might go unmanaged. Case cancellations can have economic effects, also. Procedure slots are difficult to fill in on short notice. This paired with a high cancelation rate prevents opportunities to generate revenue. Appropriate consultation can eliminate pitfalls by allowing patients to obtain preoperative clearance prior to scheduling their elective cases Source of Funding: SUNY Downstate Medical Center © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e1030 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Lauren Fink More articles by this author Matthew Bruha More articles by this author Frederick Okoye More articles by this author Lauren Namkoong More articles by this author Brian McNeil More articles by this author Llewellyn Hyacinthe More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Day of surgery cancellation in total shoulder arthroplasty: an analysis of surgical cancellation etiologies

BackgroundCancellation of elective total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) is an expected occurrence. The typical cost of canceled elective surgeries is estimated to be $3000 per patient and can lead to hospital losses of nearly $1 million per year. With the growing interest of same-day TSA, understanding and minimizing unexpected same-day cancellation will reduce impact on patients, surgeons, and health care system. The purpose of the study is to identify the frequency and causes of unexpected same-day cancellations in TSA and determine which treatment path those patients take following their cancellation. MethodsA consecutive series of 1189 TSA (anatomic and reverse) patients operated at a single-academic institution across two tertiary care hospitals from 2010 to 2020 were reviewed. All patients who were scheduled for TSA and subsequently canceled were identified. The etiology of cancellation, time to rescheduling, date of actual TSA procedure, and subsequent work-up were recorded. Descriptive statistics of the canceled patient cohorts were analyzed. Univariate analysis, chi-square test, and analysis of variance were used to compare patients who canceled on the day of surgery (DOS) to prior to surgery. ResultsOf the 1189 TSA patients, 964 were TSA for primary glenohumeral osteoarthritis or cuff tear arthropathy. Ninety-eight (10.2%) TSA had cancellations, of which 49.0% were on the DOS. Most common causes of DOS cancellations were due to medical reasons (45.8%) and anesthesia-related complications (27.1%). Infection (40.9%) was the most frequent medical reasons for cancellations. Fifty-four percent of the anesthesia-related complication cancellations underwent additional diagnostic and therapeutic intervention, despite 100 % of those patients receiving preoperative clearance. DiscussionDOS cancellations in TSA are unavoidable, but there are modifiable factors that can minimize the risk of cancellation. Contrary to studies that attributed cancellations to inadequate cardiovascular-related medical clearance, our study found that the majority of these cancellations are due to infection-related issues. A higher proportion of patients with inadequate medical clearance will cancel prior to the DOS. Despite preoperative optimization, certain patient risk factors need additional diagnostic and therapeutic interventions prior to undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. Through coordination and planning, health care providers and patients can identify those factors and address these issues early on to avoid cancellation and ultimately proceed with a TSA.

Annals for Educators - November 2022

Annals for Educators - November 2022

The transition to outpatient shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review.

Transitioning shoulder arthroplasty (SA) from an inpatient to outpatient procedure is associated with increased patient satisfaction and potentially decreased costs; however, concerns exist about complications following same-day discharge. We hypothesized that outpatient SA would be associated with low rates of failed discharges, readmissions, and complications, rendering it a safe and effective option for SA. A systematic review of the outpatient SA literature identified 16 of 447 studies with level III and IV evidence that met the inclusion criteria with at least 90 days of follow-up. Data on patient demographic characteristics, preoperative and postoperative protocols, surgery characteristics, failed discharges, complications, and readmissions were collected and pooled for analysis. A total of 990 patients were included in our analysis. Many studies identified specific institutional protocols for determining eligibility for outpatient SA, including preoperative clearance from an anesthesiologist; identification of a perioperative caretaker; and exclusion of patients based on cardiac, pulmonary, or hematologic risk factors. Failed same-day discharge occurred in only 0.9% of patients (7 of 788), and 2.1% of patients (9 of 418) and 0.79% of patients (2 of 252) presented to an emergency department or urgent care facility for a perioperative concern. The readmission rate for periprosthetic fracture, arthrofibrosis, infection, subscapularis rupture, and anterior subluxation was 1.3% (7 of 529 patients). Complications occurred in 7.0% of patients (70 of 990), with 5.4% of patients (53 of 990) experiencing a surgical complication and 1.7% (17 of 990) having a medical complication. There were 28 total reoperations (2.9%, 28 of 955 patients). Outpatient SA is associated with low rates of failed discharges, readmissions, and complications. Additionally, the medical and surgical complications that occur after outpatient SA are unlikely to be prevented by the short inpatient stay characteristic of traditional SA. With careful screening measures to identify appropriate candidates for same-day discharge, outpatient SA represents a safe approach to prevent unnecessary hospitalizations and to decrease costs associated with SA.

56. BREAKING BARRIERS TO BREAST RECONSTRUCTION AMONG SOCIOECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED BREAST CANCER PATIENTS: LESSONS LEARNED AT A LARGE SAFETY-NET HOSPITAL

PURPOSE: Socioeconomic disparities remain widely prevalent among those who undergo breast reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to examine mastectomy and reconstruction modalities at a large safety-net hospital and determine the impact of socioeconomic factors on breast reconstruction enrollment, choice, and completion. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent mastectomies at a large safety-net hospital from 2016 to 2019 was completed. Surgical, medical, and demographic data were compared across varying socioeconomic factors. Eligibility for elective breast reconstruction at our institution includes a pre-operative hemoglobin A1c level less than 7%, body mass index less than 40 kg/m2, and non-smoking status for one month prior to surgery. RESULTS: Of the 645 patients included in this study, more patients of a racial minority had government-based insurance than Caucasian patients (89% vs. 82%; p=0.01). Those with government-based insurance had higher average hemoglobin A1c values (6.26 vs. 6.0; p=0.03), proportion of ASA scores greater than III (46% vs. 40%; p=0.01), and smokers (23% vs. 8%; p=0.02) than those with private insurance. Patients with government-based insurance underwent stage I breast reconstruction at rates lower than those with private insurance (57% vs. 69%; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Significantly higher number of socioeconomically disadvantaged patients failed to meet preoperative clearance criteria for breast reconstruction due to obesity, diabetes, smoking, and poor overall health. Concerted effort through multidisciplinary teams is needed to maximize eligibility of socioeconomically disadvantaged breast cancer patients for reconstruction.

Temporal sequence of bile duct clearance with simultaneous cholecystolithiasis or choledocholithiasis-Preoperative, intraoperative or postoperative?

Approximately 10% of patients with symptomatic cholecystolithiasis also have choledocholithiasis. The probability of this can be estimated on the basis of sonographic and laboratory chemistry parameters. If the probability is high, endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) or cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) should be performed and if the probability is low, cholecystectomy can be performed without further diagnostics. If the findings are equivocal, further work-up should be performed to detect or exclude choledocholithiasis by endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). If choledocholithiasis is detected, it can be treated by ERC preoperatively, intraoperatively or postoperatively or alternatively by laparoscopic cholangiography. Regarding the temporal sequence, there is no clear advantage of aspecific time point; however, considering the high availability of ERCP in German-speaking countries, preoperative clearance of choledocholithiasis seems reasonable. With respect to the time interval between clearance of choledocholithiasis and cholecystectomy, anumber of multicenter studies and ameta-analysis have shown that ashort time interval or a procedure during the same period of hospitalization is advantageous.

Anaesthetic considerations in posterior instrumentation of scoliosis due to spinal muscular atrophy: Case series of 56 operated patients.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a rare illness that often leads to severe kyphoscoliosis. This case series adds to the heretofore sparse information as regards the anaesthetic management of SMA scoliosis patients. This retrospective study reviewed the charts of 79 SMA patients (type II n=34 and type III n=45) presenting for possible scoliosis surgery during the time period 2007-2019. Special attention focused on preoperative assessment and clearance requirements, anaesthesia protocol and postoperative handling. Out of 79 patients, 17 did not receive clearance for the procedure mostly due to grave respiratory insufficiency. Out of 62 patients with clearance for both surgery and anaesthesia, 56 patients [44 females, 12males; age mean±SD (range) 22±7.3 (10-40) years] underwent the procedure. Their forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1s were mean±SD (range) 1.41±0.53 (0.61-2.65) L and 1.26±0.47 (0.52-2.27) L, respectively. Intubation difficulties and their resolution, e.g. with the help of fibreoptic technique and video laryngoscopy, are described. All 56 patients were extubated in the operating room postoperativley. Patients stayed at the postanaesthesia care unit for one (n=48) or two (n=8) nights. A considerable amount of the patients (19/56) developed hypokalaemia postoperatively. This analysis is one of the bigger series of its kind and adds insight into the preoperative clearance process, the anaesthetic protocol and some of the postoperative complications, e.g. the tendency for developing postoperative hypokalaemia which has not been reported previously.

No Difference in Blood Loss and Risk of Transfusion Between Patients Treated with One or Two Doses of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid After Simultaneous Bilateral TKA.

Tranexamic acid (TXA) is often used to prevent excessive blood loss during bilateral TKA. Although it diminishes blood loss, TXA may have a potentially elevated thrombogenic risk with extra, unnecessary doses of TXA in this high-risk population. To date, the most efficacious dosing protocol in this setting has not yet been ascertained. We compared one versus two doses of intravenous TXA in the setting of same-day bilateral TKA in terms of (1) perioperative blood loss that occurred during the hospital stay, (2) transfusion usage during the hospital stay, and (3) major complications occurring within 30 days of surgery. Between August 2013 and October 2016, 309 patients underwent simultaneous bilateral TKA performed by one of five attending surgeons. During that time, indications for same-day bilateral TKA included bilateral knee pathology in which each knee was independently indicated for TKA and the patient preferred bilateral simultaneous TKAs versus staged bilateral surgeries. Patients who had cardiac disease or an American Society for Anesthesiologists physical classification score of greater than 2 were not generally indicated for bilateral simultaneous TKAs. After preoperative clearance from the primary physician and/or specialists as necessary, the decision for bilateral TKA was at the judgment of the operating surgeons. Input from anesthesia occurred at the time of the surgery as the procedure was performed in a sequential fashion allowing for the surgery to be restrained to a single limb if anesthesia identified concerns at the completion of the first TKA. The current retrospective, comparative series compared generally sequential groups in terms of TXA usage. Between August 2013 and July 2015, we used two TXA doses. Patients received 1 g of intravenous TXA as a bolus immediately after the last tourniquet release and were given a 1-g intravenous bolus 6 hours after the initial dose. A total of 167 patients were treated with this approach, of whom 96% (161) are fully analyzed here. Between August 2015 and October 2016, our approach changed to a single TXA dose. The dosing regimen change occurred as a group decision for change of practice and occurred mid-year to coincide with the fellowship year cycle. Patients received a 1-g bolus of intravenous TXA immediately after the final tourniquet release. A total of 105 patients were treated with this approach, of whom 89% (93) are fully analyzed here. An additional 37 patients were excluded because they did not receive any TXA because of a medical contraindication such as history of venous thromboembolism, history of thrombotic stroke, cardiac stent in the past 2 years, atrial fibrillation, or long-term anticoagulation therapy. We compared patients who received one versus two doses in terms of blood loss, transfusion usage, and 30-day major complications. The mean age was 65 years for patients receiving one dose and 67 years for patients receiving two doses (p = 0.17). The one-dose group comprised 67% (62 of 93) women and the two-dose group comprised 61% (98 of 161) women (p = 0.36). Blood loss was defined as change in the hemoglobin level (the last recorded value before discharge subtracted from the preoperative value). During the study period, the decision to transfuse was based on a hemoglobin level less than 8.0 g/dL or at higher levels for symptomatic patients, patients with cardiac disease, or at the discretion of the attending surgeon. We defined complications as major medical events that included cerebrovascular accidents, myocardial infarction, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism. With the numbers available, there was no difference in blood loss between patients treated with one and those treated with two doses of TXA (mean hemoglobin decrease -3.5 ± 1.2 g/dL versus -3.5 ± 1.0 g/dL, respectively; mean difference 0.03 g/dL [95% CI -0.2 to 0.3 g/dL]; p = 0.80). No patient in either group received a transfusion. There was no difference in the proportion of patients in either group who experienced a cerebrovascular accident (0% [0 of 93] versus 1% [1 of 161]; p > 0.99), deep vein thrombosis (1% [1 of 93] versus 0% [0 of 161]; p = 0.37), or pulmonary embolism (1% [1 of 93] versus 1% [1 of 161]; p > 0.99). No patient in either the one-dose or two-dose TXA groups experienced a myocardial infarction. The findings of this study suggest that a single dose of intravenous TXA may be adequate to control excessive blood loss and reduce blood transfusion in simultaneous bilateral TKA. Despite its short half-life, TXA still appears to be effective in this demanding procedure without requiring prolonged plasma concentrations obtained from multiple doses. Additional high-quality studies are still needed to determine the most appropriate dosing regimen. Level III, therapeutic study.

Sars-Cov-2 Induced Endotheliopathy and the Impact on Clinical Outcomes in Critically Ill Pediatric Patients

Background: Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory illness caused by the SARS-COV-2 virus. Patients with COVID-19 infection can present with thrombosis in the setting of inflammation (thromboinflammation), presumably from endothelial dysfunction, or “endotheliopathy”.Yu et al demonstrated in vitro that the spike protein subunit of SARS-COV2 acts as a potent activator of the alternative complement pathway (AP), one of three complement pathways within the innate immune system. Satyam et alreported the deposition of complement components on lung tissue of patients who succumbed to COVID-19, consistent with activation of classical and alternate pathways. These studies suggest complement dysregulation potentially causing endotheliopathy in COVID-19 patients.Thrombomodulin (TM) is an endothelial glycoprotein that plays two crucial roles in maintaining a healthy endothelium - as a natural anticoagulant and a negative regulator of complement. TM shed into the circulation due to endothelial injury can be measured in the plasma as soluble TM (sTM). Goshua et al showed elevated sTM in an adult cohort of patients with COVID-19. However, it is yet to be demonstrated if there is any correlation between endothelial injury and AP activation in COVID-19, or if either play a role in clinical outcome in the pediatric population.Objective: To 1) assess endothelial injury and AP activation in a cohort of critically ill pediatric patients with COVID-19 by measuring sTM and Ba (an AP activation product); 2) determine the correlation between endothelial injury and AP activation; and 3) analyze the utility of sTM and Ba in predicting pediatric clinical outcomes.Methods:We collected plasma samples of patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 between Dec 2, 2020 and Jan 22, 2021 at Texas Children's Hospital. For controls, we collected plasma samples from pediatric patients undergoing preoperative clearance, all at their baseline state of health.sTM levels and Ba levels were measured in plasma samples using commercially available TM and Ba ELISA kits. sTM greater than 7.6 ng/ml (based on the assay range in adults) and Ba greater than 1080 ng/ml (based on data from adult healthy controls) were considered elevated.Data regarding demographics, length of ICU stay, clinical indicators of end organ damage- mechanical ventilation, dialysis, use of vasopressors, ECMO, mortality were obtained retrospectively via chart review. Inclusion criteria included all patients with a positive SARS-COV2 PCR admitted to the ICU. Exclusion criteria was age greater than 21 years, pregnant female, patients with known inflammatory or complement-mediated disorders.Statistical analysis: For sTM and Ba levels between control and COVID-19 patients, mean +/- standard deviation was calculated and significance determined with an unpaired t-test. Fischer exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum and Pearson product-moment correlation tests were used for statistical analysis of clinical outcomes as appropriate. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:A total of 38 control patients and 33 COVID-19 patients were enrolled. Ba and sTM levels were both significantly higher in the COVID-19 pediatric patients compared to the controls (Fig. 1). Within the COVID-19 patient cohort, 61% (n=20) had elevated sTM and 42% (n=14) had elevated Ba levels. There was a moderately positive correlation between sTM and plasma Ba levels in the COVID-19 cohort (Fig. 2).Within the COVID-19 patients' cohort, though higher Ba levels were not associated with an increased rate of intubation, they were associated with an increased duration of mechanical ventilation (p=.039) for those intubated (Table 1). Elevated sTM was associated with increased vasopressor use (p=.011). Although other clinical outcome variables did not reach statistical significance likely owing to small numbers, overall trend indicated worse outcomes in patients with elevated sTM.Conclusions:Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that SARS-COV-2 activates AP and causes endothelial injury in children. The positive correlation between sTM and Ba suggest interplay between inflammation, coagulation and endotheliopathy supporting thromboinflammation in COVID-19. Higher sTM and Ba levels indicated worse clinical outcomes in children, but larger studies are needed to confirm our findings. [Display omitted] DisclosuresSartain: Alexon Pharamaceuticals: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Racial Disparities in Access to Diagnostic Laparoscopy for Endometriosis: Diagnostic Delay, ED Visits, and Pre-Operative Indications

<h3>Study Objective</h3> To explore racial differences in diagnostic delay, rates of ED visits, and indications for laparoscopy in diagnosis of endometriosis. <h3>Design</h3> Retrospective chart review. <h3>Setting</h3> Academic tertiary hospital system. <h3>Patients or Participants</h3> Women ages 14-50 receiving a primary surgical diagnosis of endometriosis, 01/2017–12/2020. <h3>Interventions</h3> N/A. <h3>Measurements and Main Results</h3> Diagnostic delay was defined as months between initial presentation for pelvic pain and diagnostic laparoscopy. ED visits for pelvic pain within 5 years preceding laparoscopy were identified via chart review. Indications for laparoscopy were determined from operative and pre-operative notes. Perioperative risk was assessed using ASA physical status classification and need for pre-operative medical clearance. 124 patients met inclusion criteria: 65 (52%) White, 16 (13%) Black, 31 (25%) Latina, 10 (8%) Asian. 1 patient identified as multi-racial. 1 patient declined to identify race. Median delay was 13.6 months (IQR 5.5-43.9) for White patients, 15.2 (IQR 7.2-7.6) for Black patients, 39.4 (IQR 13.7-58.1) for Latina patients, and 48.1 (IQR 2.8-75.6) for Asian patients. Latina patients had a significantly longer delay compared to their White counterparts (Mann-Whitney test, p=0.01). Non-white patients were more likely to have at least 1 ED encounter for pelvic pain prior to laparoscopy: 75% of Black, 50% of Latina, and 50% of Asian patients, compared to 28% of White patients (Chi-squared test, p=0.003). Non-white patients were more likely to have an additional indication for laparoscopy (fibroids, sterilization, abnormal imaging, etc.): 69% of Black patients, 47% of Latina patients, and 70% of Asian patients, compared to 37% of White patients (p=0.05). There was no significant association between race and ASA class (p=0.18) or pre-operative clearance (p=0.76). <h3>Conclusion</h3> Non-white patients may experience barriers to diagnostic laparoscopy for endometriosis, including a greater clinical threshold (e.g., acuity of pain symptoms, additional medical indications) for proceeding with laparoscopy.

Effectiveness of focused ultrasound for high risk human papillomavirus infection-related cervical lesions

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of focused ultrasound (FU) and interferon drug therapy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 1 (CIN1) and chronic cervicitis associated with high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection, as well as analyze the influencing factors. Methods A retrospective cohort study was performed from January 2017 to December 2019. A total of 592 patients were enrolled, of which 300 patients were treated with FU and 292 patients were treated with interferon drugs. Kaplan-Meier curves and a COX regression model were used to compare the curative effects of the two therapeutic methods using HR-HPV clearance as the main outcome. The relationship between age, HR-HPV infection type, pathological type, preoperative HR-HPV status and HR-HPV clearance were also analyzed. Results The median time for HR-HPV clearance was 6.00 months (95% CI: 5.24–6.76) in the FU group and 26.00 months (95% CI: 22.32–29.68) in the medication group. A significant difference was observed between the two groups (χ2 =198.902, p = 0.000). The HR-HPV clearance rate was 4.927 (95% CI 3.840–6.321; p = 0.000) times higher in the patients treated with FU than those treated with interferon drugs. In the FU group, no significant difference was observed in HR-HPV clearance rate between CIN1 and chronic cervicitis (χ2=0.660, p = 0.416), which was also insignificant between HR-HPV persistent and non-persistent infections (χ2=0.751, p = 0.386). Conclusion FU therapy can eliminate HR-HPV infections in a short period of time. Moreover, the treatment efficacy of FU was significantly superior to that of interferon drugs.

Preoperative Patient Optimization in Total Joint Arthroplasty-The Paradigm Shift from Preoperative Clearance: A Narrative Review.

Background: Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is one of the most common procedures performed in the United States. Outcomes of this elective procedure may be improved via preoperative optimization of modifiable risk factors. Purposes: We sought to summarize the literature on the clinical implications of preoperative risk factors in TJA and to develop recommendations regarding preoperative optimization of these risk factors. Methods: We searched PubMed in August 2019 with an update in September 2020 for English-language, peer-reviewed publications assessing the influence on outcomes in total hip and knee replacement of 7 preoperative risk factors-obesity, malnutrition, hypoalbuminemia, diabetes, anemia, smoking, and opioid use-and recommendations to mitigate them. Results: Sixty-nine studies were identified, including 3 randomized controlled trials, 8 prospective cohort studies, 42 retrospective studies, 6 systematic reviews, 3 narrative reviews, and 7 consensus guidelines. These studies described worse outcomes associated with these 7 risk factors, including increased rates of in-hospital complications, transfusions, periprosthetic joint infections, revisions, and deaths. Recommendations for strategies to screen and address these risk factors are provided. Conclusions: Risk factors can be optimized, with evidence suggesting the following thresholds prior to surgery: a body mass index <40 kg/m2, serum albumin ≥3.5 g/dL, hemoglobin A1C ≤7.5%, hemoglobin >12.0 g/dL in women and >13.0 g/dL in men, and smoking cessation and ≥50% decrease in opioid use by 4 weeks prior to surgery. Surgery should be delayed until these risk factors are adequately optimized.

Contemporary Incidence of Medical Inoperability in Clinical Stage I Endometrial Cancer.

Minimally invasive surgical (MIS) staging is the standard treatment approach for clinical stage I endometrial cancer. Historical rates of inoperability in endometrial cancer are approximately 10%. Given surgical and medical advancements against increasing population obesity, we aimed to describe a contemporary incidence of medical inoperability in clinical stage I endometrial cancer. Patients diagnosed with clinical stage I endometrial cancer of any histology from April 2014 to December 2018 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome, medical inoperability, was defined as (1) patients deemed inoperable by a gynecologic oncologist at initial consultation, (2) patients deemed inoperable during preoperative clearance, or (3) an aborted hysterectomy. Fisher's exact or χ2, and Student's t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test were used, as appropriate, for data analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was also employed. Overall, 767 patients were included, of which 4.6% (35/767) were determined to be inoperable. The inoperable group had a higher body mass index (52.7 vs. 33.9, p < 0.001), and increased rates of diabetes (62.8%, 22/35 vs. 27.1%, 199/732, p < 0.001), coronary artery disease (31.4%, 11/35 vs. 7.1%, 52/732, p < 0.001), and hypertension (94.3%, 33/35 vs. 70.2%, 514/732, p < 0.001). Of those with attempted surgical staging, hysterectomy was aborted intraoperatively in 0.68% (5/737). The overall complication rate was 11.6% (86/737). With maximal surgical effort and MIS, hysterectomy is possible in > 95% of patients with newly diagnosed endometrial cancer treated at a high-volume center. Complication rates were comparable to other trials evaluating the safety of MIS staging for endometrial cancer.

Cannabis Use: Change in Screening for Primary Care Preoperative Clearance

Patients are required to obtain preoperative screening 30 days before elective surgery with an emphasis on testing and screening tools to identify patients at risk for perioperative, intraoperative, and postoperative complications. Surgical complications are being reported in patients who have recently consumed cannabis before surgery. As cannabis use becomes more prevalent for both medicinal and recreational reasons, the lack of evidence-based guidelines for preoperative screening in the primary care setting and surgical setting is problematic. To prevent surgical complications, advanced practice registered nurses must obtain a thorough cannabis history with education on abstaining from use before elective surgery.