Preoperative Sepsis Research Articles

Significant morbidity is associated with proximal fecal diversion among high-risk patients who undergo colectomy: A NSQIP analysis

BackgroundThe value of proximal fecal diversion for patients undergoing colectomies is an ongoing debate. Previous studies have shown a benefit in decreased anastomotic leak rates and mitigation of the morbidity of a leak, especially in high-risk populations. However, more recent data suggests increased morbidity with fecal diversion, creating a complication with an unknown degree of anastomotic leak reduction. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact on morbidity of a diverting loop ileostomy (DLI) in patients with a high risk of anastomotic leak. MethodsThe ACS-NSQIP database was queried (via CPT code) for adult patients (age ≥18 years) who underwent a colectomy only or colectomy with ileostomy (CWI) between Jan 2013 and Dec 2016. We compared thirty-day outcomes between a 3:1 propensity-matched colectomy only group to patients who had a CWI. We used risk factors for anastomotic leak as a basis of our propensity match which included preoperative smoking, steroid use, preoperative weight loss, preoperative transfusion, hypoalbuminemia, and leukocytosis; intraoperative match variables included indication for surgery, wound class, duration of operation, primary CPT code, elective vs. emergent, and inpatient vs. outpatient surgery. ResultsWe identified 39,588 patients from the NSQIP database who had a colectomy only or a CWI. The colectomy only group was older (age 63 vs 52 years p < 0.001), overweight (BMI 34 vs 26.7, p < 0.001), more likely to be diabetic (16% vs 9.5%, p < 0.001) and hypertensive (49.3% vs 31.4%). However, the CWI group had higher steroid use (36.8% vs 10%, p < 0.001), preoperative sepsis (13.2% vs 2.5%, p < 0.001), smoking rate (25.7% vs 15.4%, p < 0.001), and preoperative weight loss (12.5% vs 4.9%, p < 0.001). Our propensity analysis matched 2274 colectomy only patients and 758 CWI patients. Baseline demographics were similar between groups. While the mortality rate was similar between groups (1.5% vs 1.8%, p = 0.8), CWI patients had longer length of stay (median 8 vs 7 days, p < 0.001), higher renal injury rates (3.2% vs 0.9%, p < 0.001), higher readmission rates (18.8% vs 11%, p < 0.001) and higher overall NSQIP morbidity (44.5% vs 37.6%, p = 0.001). The anastomotic leak rate was 3.8% in the CWI group and 5.1% in the colectomy only group (p = 0.09). ConclusionsSignificant thirty-day morbidity exists with a diverting ileostomy among high-risk colectomy patients with minimal benefit in anastomotic leak rates.

Five-year outcomes following complex reconstructive surgery for infective endocarditis involving the intervalvular fibrous body.

Destruction of the intervalvular fibrous body (IFB) due to infective endocarditis (IE) warrants a complex operation involving radical debridement of all infected tissue, followed by double valve replacement (aortic and mitral valve replacement) with patch reconstruction of the IFB. This study assesses the 5-year outcomes in patients undergoing this complex procedure for treatment of double valve IE with IFB involvement. A total of 127 consecutive patients underwent double valve replacement with reconstruction of the IFB for active complex IE between January 1999 and December 2018. Primary outcomes were 3-year and 5-year survival, as well as 5-year freedom from reoperation. Patients' mean age was 65.3 ± 12.9 years. Preoperative cardiogenic shock and sepsis were present in 17.3% and 18.9%, respectively. The majority of patients (81.3%) had undergone previous cardiac surgery. Overall, 30-day and 90-day mortality rates were 28.3% and 37.0%, respectively. The 3- and 5-year survival rates for all patients were 45.3 ± 5.1% and 41.8 ± 5.8%, and for those who survived the first 90 postoperative days 75.8 ± 6.1% and 70.0 ± 8.0%, respectively. The overall 5-year freedom from reoperation was 85.1 ± 5.7%. Preoperative predictors for 30-day mortality were Staphylococcus aureus [odds ratio (OR) 1.65; P = 0.04] and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <35% (OR 12.06; P = 0.03), for 90-day mortality acute kidney injury requiring dialysis (OR 6.2; P = 0.02) and LVEF <35% (OR 9.66; P = 0.03) and for long-term mortality cardiogenic shock (hazard ratio 2.46; P = 0.01). Double valve replacement with reconstruction of the IFB in patients with complex IE is a challenging operation associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in the first 90 days after surgery. Survival and freedom from reoperation rates are acceptable thereafter, particularly considering the severity of disease and complex surgery.

Postoperative Pressure Ulcers After Geriatric Hip Fracture Surgery Are Predicted by Defined Preoperative Comorbidities and Postoperative Complications.

The current study sought to determine the factors predictive of postoperative pressure ulcer development by analyzing extensive multicenter outcomes data from the 2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. The 2016 NSQIP Participant Use File and Hip Fracture Procedure Targeted file were used to identify the risk factors for the development of postoperative pressure ulcers after hip fracture surgery in a geriatric cohort. Multivariate regressions were performed to identify preoperative comorbidities and postoperative complications that are risk factors for developing postoperative pressure ulcers. Of 8,871 geriatric hip fracture patients included in the study cohort, 457 (5.15%) developed pressure ulcers. Multivariate regressions identified the following preoperative risk factors for developing a postoperative pressure ulcer (in order of decreasing relative risk): preoperative sepsis, elevated platelet count, insulin-dependent diabetes, and preexisting pressure ulcer. Multivariate regressions also identified the following postoperative complications as risk factors for developing a postoperative pressure ulcer: postoperative sepsis, postoperative pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and postoperative delirium. The identified preoperative factors and postoperative complications should help guide quality improvement programs.

A Simple Risk Score to Predict Clavien-Dindo Grade IV and V Complications After Non-elective Cholecystectomy

BackgroundNon-elective cholecystectomies can lead to severe postoperative complications and mortality. Existing risk prediction tools do not meet the need to reliably predict these complications. MethodsUsing the 2011–2016 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program datasets, we identified patients undergoing non-elective cholecystectomy with primary ICD 9/10 codes indicating the following diagnoses: symptomatic cholelithiasis, acute cholecystitis, choledocholithiasis, gallstone pancreatitis, and cholangitis. We randomly allocated patients to derivation and validation cohorts (80/20 split). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo grades IV and V) included unplanned intubation, prolonged mechanical ventilation, pulmonary embolism, acute renal failure requiring dialysis, stroke, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, septic shock, and mortality. Logistic regression using backward selection identified predictors of severe complications and a risk score was generated based on this model. ResultsOf 68,953 patients in the derivation cohort, 1.7% (N = 1157) suffered severe complications. The final multivariable risk score model included the following predictors: age (0–12 points), preoperative sepsis (5 points), planned open procedure (5 points), estimated glomerular filtration rate (0–13 points), and preoperative albumin level (0–8 points). The associated risk-score model yielded scores from 0 to 43 with 0.1–59.4% predicted probability of severe complications and had a C-statistic of 0.845 (95% CI 0.834, 0.857) in the derivation cohort and 0.870 (95% CI 0.851, 0.889) in the validation cohort. ConclusionA simple risk-score model predicts severe complications in patients undergoing unplanned cholecystectomy for common indications encountered in an acute care surgery service and identifies high-risk patients.

P394 Preoperative factors associated with prolonged postoperative in-hospital length of stay in patients with Crohn’s disease undergoing intestinal resection or strictureplasty

Abstract Background Postoperative complications might not be accurately registered, leading to weakness in registry data studies. Aim To investigate factors that influence postoperative in-hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) undergoing bowel surgery. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate LOS as a surrogate for postoperative outcome. Methods A multicentre retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with CD who underwent bowel surgery with either anastomosis or stricturoplasty. All timings of surgeries are regardless of the method of access to the abdominal cavities. Patients with stoma were excluded. Demographic data, preoperative medications, previous operations for CD, preoperative sepsis, and operation was recorded. The primary outcome was LOS while the secondary outcome variable was postoperative complications. Results 449 patients who underwent abdominal surgery for CD were included. 265/449 (59%) were female. Median age was 37 years (IQR =20), median LOS was seven days (IQR =6). Patients with longer LOS had higher rates of re-laparotomy/re-laparoscopy (45/228 (19.7%) vs. 9/219 (4.1%) p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, age (OR = 1.024 [CI 95% 1.007–1.041], p = 0.005), preoperative intra-abdominal abscess (OR =0.39 [CI 95% 0.185–0.821], p = 0.013), and previous laparotomy/laparoscopy (Or = 0.57 [CI 95% 0.334–0.918], p = 0.021) were associated with prolonged LOS. LOS correlated with postoperative complications after adjustment for age, gender, previous laparotomy/laparoscopy, and preoperative intra-abdominal abscesses (OR = 1.28 [CI 95% 1.199–1.366], p &amp;lt; 0.0001). Conclusion Age, preoperative intra-abdominal abscess, and previous laparotomy/laparoscopy significantly prolonged LOS. LOS correlated with postoperative complications and can, therefore, act as a surrogate for the postoperative outcome.

Management and outcomes of ruptured, perforated or fistulized tumors of mesenchymal origin.

Patients with ruptured, perforated or fistulized (RPF) sarcomas commonly have issues such as sepsis and malnutrition and are usually unsuitable for oncologic resection in the emergency setting. We present our approach for managing a series of patients and the outcomes which were achieved with multidisciplinary care. We reviewed records of patients referred to the section of sarcoma surgical oncology. Clinicopathologic factors, preoperative and operative interventions as well as short-term oncologic outcomes were assessed. Sixteen patients were identified between 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2018. Median age was 42.8 years. Histologies were; Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (7), desmoid (4), spindle cell tumor (2), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (2), and nonseminomatous germ cell tumor (1). Five patients had preoperative sepsis, 8 received antimicrobials, and 50% required hospitalization with a median stay of 21 days. Total parenteral nutrition was administered to 5 (31.3%) patients. Median tumor size and estimated blood loss were 13.1 cm and 350 mL respectively. No perioperative mortality occurred. Two patients have expired at a median follow-up of 16.1 months. Preoperative optimization, including the use of percutaneous drains, and antibiotics to control sepsis, where necessary, can lead to eventual oncologic resection with acceptable morbidity and no short-term mortality for patients with RPF sarcomas.

Utilization and Outcomes of Local Anesthesia and Peripheral Nerve Block for Hybrid Lower Extremity Revascularization

Purpose: To investigate the utilization of local anesthesia or peripheral nerve block with monitored anesthesia care (LPMAC) and its impact on the perioperative outcomes of hybrid lower extremity revascularization (LER) compared with general anesthesia (GA). Materials and Methods: A search of the ACS-NSQIP database between 2005 and 2017 identified 9430 patients who underwent hybrid LER for peripheral artery disease. Excluding 449 ineligible cases left 8981 hybrid LER patients for analysis. The patients were dichotomized based on the anesthetic technique: 8631 (96.1%) GA and 350 (3.9%) LPMAC. The GA patients were matched 3:1 based on propensity scores to patients in the LPMAC group based on gender, age, race, functional status, transfer status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), dialysis status, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, emergent surgery, preoperative sepsis, indication, and type of open and endovascular procedure. Outcomes including complications, mortality, procedure time, and hospital length of stay were compared between the matched groups (801 GA vs 267 LPMAC). Results: Comparing the unmatched groups, those treated under LPMAC were older (72.7±9 vs 68±8.4 years, p<0.001) and had higher rates of COPD (24.3% vs 17%, p=0.001), dialysis dependence (8.1% vs 4.2%, p=0.002), preoperative sepsis (6.6% vs 4.2%, p=0.029), and ASA class ≥IV (29.1% vs 24.1%, p=0.036) than in the unmatched GA cohort. In the matched comparison, LPMAC was associated with lower overall morbidity (25.5% vs 32.3%, p=0.042) and shorter operating time (202.7±98 vs 217.7±102 minutes, p=0.034) compared with GA. The rate of myocardial infarction was lower (1.1% vs 2.4%) and ventilator use for >48 hours was less frequent (0.4% vs 2.6%) for LPMAC patients, though statistical significance was not reached. There was no difference in mortality or hospital length of stay. Conclusion: LPMAC is an infrequent anesthetic technique for hybrid LER and is primarily used for patients with a high burden of comorbidities. LPMAC is associated with reduced overall morbidity and operating time. Further studies are needed to identify which patients undergoing hybrid LER benefit most from LPMAC.

Use of neuraxial anesthesia for hybrid lower extremity revascularization is associated with reduced perioperative morbidity

ObjectiveRecent advances in endovascular technology have allowed complex peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to be treated with less invasive hybrid procedures under neuraxial anesthesia. This study investigates the perioperative outcomes of hybrid lower extremity revascularization (LER) performed under neuraxial anesthesia (NAA) vs general anesthesia (GA). We hypothesize that the use of NAA is associated with improved outcomes. MethodsThe 2005-2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program dataset was used to identify patients who underwent hybrid LER for PAD. Based on the primary anesthetic technique, patients were divided into two groups: GA and NAA, which included spinal or epidural anesthesia. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were compared. A group of patients treated under GA were matched (2:1) to patients in the NAA group based on gender, age, race, functional status, transfer status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, wound infection, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, emergent surgery, preoperative sepsis, indication, and type of hybrid procedure. Patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared. ResultsOf 9430 patients who underwent hybrid LER, only 452 (4.8%) received NAA. Patients who received NAA were older (mean age, 68 ± 8.4 vs 72.3 ± 9.2; P = .004) and were more likely to be white (70.9% vs 85.6%; P < .0001), have dependent functional status (7.6% vs 13.1%; P < .0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (24.3% vs 17.5%; P = .001), and a diagnosis of wound infection (15% vs 23.5%; P < .0001). After propensity matching, 904 patients in the GA group were compared with 452 patients in the NAA group with no difference in baseline characteristics. NAA was associated with reduced rate of more than 48 hours' ventilator requirement (2.4% vs 0.2%; P = .0014), bleeding requiring transfusion (17.5% vs 8%; P < .0001), and overall morbidity (29.3% vs 19%; P < .0001), as well as shorter length of hospital stay (6.8 ± 9.3 vs 5.3 ± 6.1 days; P = .0026) and total operating time (237.8 ± 109 vs 202.4 ± 113 minutes; P < .0001) compared with GA. ConclusionsNAA is an infrequently used anesthesia technique during hybrid LER and is primarily used for older patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. NAA is associated with decreased perioperative morbidity and length of hospital stay compared with GA and may be considered in this sicker patient population.

Effect of Body Mass Index on Outcomes After Surgery for Perforated Diverticulitis

BackgroundDespite the increased adoption of minimally invasive techniques in colorectal surgery, an open resection with ostomy creation remains an accepted operation for perforated diverticulitis. In the United States, there is an increase in the rates of both morbid obesity and diverticular disease. Therefore, we wanted to explore whether outcomes for morbidly obese patients with diverticulitis are worse than nonmorbidly obese patients after open colectomy for diverticulitis. Materials and methodsUsing the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2015, we identified adults with emergent admission for diverticulitis (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, code 562.11) with evidence of preoperative sepsis and intraoperative contaminated/dirty wound classification, in which a resection with ostomy (Current Procedural Terminology codes 44141, 44143, or 44144) was performed. We excluded cases with age >90 y, ventilator dependence, evidence of disseminated cancer and missing sex, race, body mass index, functional status, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, length of stay (LOS), or operative time data. Morbid obesity was defined as body mass index >35 kg/m2. Risk variables of interest included age, sex, race, medical comorbidities, requirement for preoperative transfusion, preoperative sepsis, and operative time. Outcomes of interest included LOS, 30-d postoperative complications, and mortality. Univariate and propensity scores with postmatching analyses were performed. ResultsA total of 2019 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria, of which 413 (20.5%) were morbidly obese. Morbidly obese patients tended to be younger (mean 57.2 versus 62.6 y) and female (54.5% versus 45.5%). Morbidly obese patients also had higher rates of insulin-dependent diabetes (8.0% versus 4.2%), hypertension (60.1% versus 51.3%), renal failure (3.4% versus 1.5%), and higher American Society of Anesthesiologists class (class 4: 23.5% versus 19.6% and class 5: 1.45% versus 0.87%). Morbidly obese patient had no increase in 30-d mortality or LOS, but they had higher rates of superficial wound infection (9.0% versus 5.8%; P = 0.0259), deep wound infection (4.4% versus 1.9%; P = 0.0073), acute renal failure (4.8% versus 2.4%; P = 0.0189), postoperative septic shock (17.7% versus 12.1%; P = 0.0040), and return to the operating room (11.1% versus 6.4%; P = 0.0015). We identified 397 morbidly obese patients well matched by propensity score to 397 nonmorbidly obese patients. Conditional logistic regression showed no difference in LOS (median 12.9 versus 12.4 d; P = 0.4648) and no increased risk of 30-d mortality (P = 0.947), but morbid obesity was an independent predictor for return to the operating room (adjusted odds ratio: 27.09 [95% confidence interval: 2.68-274.20]; P = 0.005). ConclusionsThis analysis of a large national clinical database demonstrates that morbidly obese patients presenting with perforated diverticulitis undergoing a Hartmann's procedure do not have increased mortality or LOS compared with nonobese patients. After adjusting for the effects of morbid obesity, morbidly obese patients had increased risk of return to operating room. Despite literature describing the many perioperative risks of obesity, our analysis showed only increased reoperation for obese patients with diverticulitis.

Morbidity and mortality associated with ventral skull base surgery: analysis of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.

Ventral skull base (VSB) surgery has associated morbidity and mortality that is poorly defined. In this study we aim to identify factors associated with adverse events in VSB surgery. We queried the database of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for cases of VSB surgery during the period 2005-2014. Patients with complications, readmissions, reoperations, or mortality were compared to those without adverse events. Nine hundred patients were included; 253 (28.1%) had complications, underwent reoperation, were readmitted, or died. These patients were older (42.6% vs 32.8, p = 0.032) and had higher rates of congestive heart failure (CHF) (3.2% vs 0.2%, p < 0.0001), disseminated cancer (8.3% vs 4.6%, p = 0.032), and preoperative sepsis (8.7% vs 2.2%, p < 0.0001). Other comorbidities included long-term steroid use (13.4% vs 9.0%, p = 0.046) and higher rates of preoperative transfusion (2.4% vs 0%, p < 0.0001). The most common complication was bleeding (13.7%). Preoperative systemic sepsis (odds ratio [OR], 2.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0-6.6) and lower hematocrit (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.4-3.4) were more likely to be associated with a complication. Those with disseminated cancer (OR, 12.0; 95% CI, 2.9-50.5) were more likely to experience 30-day mortality. Black patients had lower rates of reoperation (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.1-0.8), whereas patients with CHF (OR, 12.6; 95% CI, 1.7-94.4) and hypertension (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-4.0) had higher rates of reoperation. Predictors of extended length of stay were Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2-4.1) and lower hematocrit (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5-3.6). VSB surgery can involve significant morbidity and mortality, and thus identifying risk factors allows for better prognostication and delivery of care in these patients.

Preoperative factors associated with prolonged postoperative in-hospital length of stay in patients with Crohn's disease undergoing intestinal resection or strictureplasty.

To investigate factors that influence postoperative in-hospital length of stay (LOS) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) undergoing bowel surgery. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate LOS as a surrogate for postoperative outcome. This is a multicentre retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with CD who underwent bowel surgery with either anastomosis or stricturoplasty. All timings of surgeries were included regardless of the method of access to the abdominal cavities. Patients with stoma were excluded. Demographic data, preoperative medications, previous operations for CD, preoperative sepsis, and operation were recorded. Primary outcome was LOS while secondary outcome variable was postoperative complications. A total of 449 patients who underwent abdominal surgery for CD were included. Of the 449 patients, 265 were female (59%). Median age was 37 years (IQR = 20), median LOS was 7 days (IQR = 6). Patients with longer LOS had higher rates of re-laparotomy/re-laparoscopy (45/228 (19.7%) versus 9/219 (4.1%) p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, age (OR = 1.024 [CI 95% 1.007-1.041], p = 0.005), preoperative intra-abdominal abscess (OR = 0.39 [CI 95% 0.185-0.821], p = 0.013), and previous laparotomy/laparoscopy (OR = 0.57 [CI 95% 0.334-0.918], p = 0.021) were associated with prolonged LOS. LOS correlated with postoperative complications after adjustment for age, gender, previous laparotomy/laparoscopy, and preoperative intra-abdominal abscesses (OR = 1.28 [CI 95% 1.199-1.366], p < 0.0001). Age, preoperative intra-abdominal abscess, and previous laparotomy/laparoscopy significantly prolonged LOS. LOS correlated with postoperative complications and can therefore be used in epidemiological or register-based studies as a surrogate for postoperative outcome.

Predictors of Morbidity and Mortality in Complex Paraesophageal Hernia Repair: A NSQIP Analysis

Paraesophageal hernia (PEH) repair is typically performed electively. Complex PEHs (obstructed or gangrenous) require more urgent repair and can have significant complications. Although elective repair is primarily laparoscopic, limited data are available on the use of laparoscopy for complex cases. Patients undergoing complex PEH repair were identified from the NSQIP database, and predictors of morbidity and mortality were compared for 2473 laparoscopic and 861 open repairs. Compared with the laparoscopic approach, emergent surgeries (36.7% vs 10.8%, P < 0.001) and preoperative sepsis (22.9% vs 7.4%, P < 0.001) were more common in the open group. Operative times were shorter for open repairs (152.6 vs 172.2 minutes, P = 0.03). However, open repair was associated with increased morbidity (28.2% vs 11%, P < 0.001) and mortality (5.2% vs 1.4%, P < 0.001), likely because of higher rates of preoperative comorbidities in the open group. On multivariable regression analysis, preoperative sepsis was associated with increased mortality and morbidity, whereas laparoscopic repair was associated with decreased morbidity. If laparoscopic repair can be safely completed, it is associated with decreased morbidity, despite longer operative times.

The Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System: Determining which predictor variables can be automatically obtained from the electronic health record

Introduction The Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System is a parsimonious, universal surgical risk calculator integrated into our local electronic health record. We determined how many of its eight preoperative risk predictor variables could be automatically obtained from the electronic health record. This has implications for the usability and adoption of Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System, serving as an example of use of electronic health record data for populating clinical decision support tools. Methods We quantified the availability and accuracy in the electronic health record of the eight Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System predictor variables (patient age, American Society of Anesthesiology physical status classification, functional health status, sepsis, work Relative Value Unit, in-/outpatient operation, surgeon specialty, emergency status) at the patient’s preoperative encounter of 5205 patients entered into the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Accuracy was determined by comparing the electronic health record data to the same patient’s National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data, used as the “gold standard.” Acceptable accuracy was defined as a Kappa statistic or Pearson correlation coefficient ≥0.8 when comparing electronic health record and National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data. Acceptable availability was defined as presence of the variable in the electronic health record at the preoperative encounter ≥95% of the time. Results Of the eight predictor variables, six had acceptable accuracy. Only preoperative sepsis and functional health status had Kappa statistics &lt;0.8. However, only patient age and surgeon specialty were ≥95% available in the electronic health record at the preoperative visit. Conclusions Processes need to be developed to populate more of the Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System preoperative predictor variables in the patient’s electronic health record prior to the preoperative visit to lessen the burden on the busy surgeon and encourage more widespread use of Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System.

Anti-TNF and Postoperative Complications in Abdominal Crohn's Disease Surgery.

Biological therapy with anti-Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α agents revolutionised the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease over the last decades. However, there may be an increased risk of postoperative complications in Crohn's disease (CD) patients treated with anti-TNF-α agents prior to abdominal surgery. To evaluate the effects of preoperative anti-TNF-α therapy on the incidence of complications after surgery. A critical assessment of the results of clinical trial outcomes and meta-analyses on the available data was conducted. Based on the outcomes of previous reports including meta-analyses, preoperative use of anti- TNF-α agents modestly increased the risk of overall complications and particularly infectious complications after abdominal surgery for CD. Nevertheless, previous studies have several limitations. The majority of them were retrospective research with heterogeneous outcome measures and single centre trials with relatively small sample size. In retrospective studies, the standard protocol for assessing various types of postoperative complications was not used. The most serious limitation of the previous studies was that multiple confounding factors such as malnutrition, use of corticosteroids, and preoperative sepsis were not taken into consideration. Among patients treated with preoperative anti-TNF-α therapy, the risk of overall complications and infectious complications may slightly increase after abdominal surgery for CD. Nevertheless, the previous reports reviewed in this study suffered from limitations. To rigorously evaluate the risk of anti-TNF-α therapy prior to surgery, large prospective studies with standardised criteria for assessing surgical complications and with proper adjustment for confounding variables are warranted.

Neuraxial Anesthesia for Hybrid Lower Extremity Revascularization Is Associated With Reduced Perioperative Morbidity

Recent advances in endovascular technology have allowed complex peripheral artery disease to be treated by less invasive hybrid procedures under neuraxial anesthesia. This study investigates the perioperative outcomes of hybrid lower extremity revascularization (LER) performed under neuraxial anesthesia (NAA) vs general anesthesia (GA). We hypothesize use of NAA is associated with improved outcomes. The 2005 to 2017 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients undergoing hybrid LER for peripheral artery disease. Based on the primary anesthesia technique, patients were divided into two groups, GA and NAA involving spinal or epidural nerve block. The characteristics of the two groups were compared. A group of patients treated under GA were matched (2:1) to patients in the NAA group on the basis of sex, age, race, functional status, transfer status, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, wound infection, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, emergent surgery, preoperative sepsis, indication, and type of open and endovascular procedure. Patient characteristics and 30-day outcomes were compared. Of 9430 patients undergoing hybrid LER, only 452 (4.8%) were performed under NAA. Patients treated under NAA were older (68 ± 8.4 years vs 72.3 ± 9.2 years; P = .004), more likely to be white (70.9% vs 85.6%; P < .0001), and more likely to have dependent functional status (7.6% vs 13.1%; P < .0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (24.3% vs 17.5%; P = .001), and wound infection (15% vs 23.5%; P < .0001). After propensity matching, the cohort comprised 452 patients in the NAA group and 904 patients in the GA group with no difference in baseline characteristics. NAA was associated with reduced rate of ventilator requirement for >48 hours (2.4% vs 0.2%; P = .0014), bleeding requiring transfusion (17.5% vs 8%; P < .0001), and overall morbidity (29.3% vs 19%; P < .0001) as well as with shorter length of hospital stay (6.8 ± 9.3 days vs 5.3 ± 6.1 days; P = .0026) and total operating time (237.8 ± 109 minutes vs 202.4 ± 113 minutes; P < .0001) compared with GA (Table). NAA is an infrequently used anesthesia technique in patients with significant comorbidities undergoing hybrid LER. NAA is associated with decreased perioperative morbidities and hospital length of stay compared with GA and should be preferentially used in this population of patients.TableComparison of baseline characteristics, perioperative details, and 30-day outcomes in patients undergoing hybrid lower extremity revascularization (LER) using general anesthesia (GA) compared with neuraxial anesthesia (NAA)VariablesGA (n = 904)NAA (n = 452)P valueNo.%No.%DemographicsSex Female33837.417338.3.8 Male56662.627961.7Race White77685.838785.6.98 Others12814.26514.4Age, years72.2 ± 9.972.3 ± 9.2.99ComorbiditiesFunctional Status Independent79688.139386.9.62 Dependent10811.95913.1Transfer from Home64871.732471.71 Others25628.312828.3Diabetes32736.217338.3.49COPD22424.811224.81Congestive heart failure283.1143.11Hypertension78286.537683.2.12Dialysis343.8184.96Wound infection18520.510623.5.23Sepsis485.3153.3.13Periprocedural detailsASA class ≤371078.533774.6.11 3<19421.511525.4Emergent surgery485.3214.6.69Indication Claudication17819.710623.5.12 Critical limb ischemia33537.114532.1 Not specified39143.320144.5Type of open procedure portion Iliofemoral endarterectomy5976630166.6.46 Popliteal/tibial endarterectomy212.330.7 Aortofemoral endarterectomy30.330.7 Infrainguinal bypass18920.99420.8 Suprainguinal bypass9410.45111.3Type of endovascular portion Aortoiliac5245826558.6.67 Femoral-popliteal25828.512728.1 Tibial394.3143.1 Multilevel839.24610.2ComplicationsSurgical site infection839.24610.2.62Pneumonia171.9102.2.84Unplanned intubation141.540.9.45On ventilator >48 hours222.410.2.0014Pulmonary embolism10.110.21Progressive renal insufficiency10.120.4.26Acute renal failure60.740.9.91Urinary tract infection9192.14CVA/stroke30.300.54Cardiac arrest40.420.41Myocardial infarction202.271.5.54Bleeding requiring transfusion15817.5368<.0001DVT/thrombophlebitis70.810.2.38Sepsis spectrum252.8143.1.86Return to operating room778.5408.8.92OutcomesOverall morbidity26529.38619<.000130-Day mortality192.171.5.62Total length of hospital stay, days6.8 ± 9.35.3 ± 6.1.0026Total operating time, minutes237.8 ± 109202.4 ± 113<.0001ASA, American Society of Anesthesiologists; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; CVA, cerebrovascular accident; DVT, deep venous thrombosis.Categorical variables are presented as number (%). Continuous variables are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Open table in a new tab

Refining the predictive variables in the \u201cSurgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System\u201d (SURPAS): a descriptive analysis

BackgroundThe Surgical Risk Preoperative Assessment System (SURPAS) is a parsimonious set of models providing accurate preoperative prediction of common adverse outcomes for individual patients. However, focus groups with surgeons and patients have developed a list of questions about and recommendations for how to further improve SURPAS’s usability and usefulness. Eight issues were systematically evaluated to improve SURPAS.MethodsThe eight issues were divided into three groups: concerns to be addressed through further analysis of the database; addition of features to the SURPAS tool; and the collection of additional outcomes. Standard multiple logistic regression analysis was performed using the 2005–2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Participant Use File (ACS NSQIP PUF) to refine models: substitution of the preoperative sepsis variable with a procedure-related risk variable; testing of an indicator variable for multiple concurrent procedure codes in complex operations; and addition of outcomes to increase clinical applicability. Automated risk documentation in the electronic health record and a patient handout and supporting documentation were developed. Long term functional outcomes were considered.ResultsModel discrimination and calibration improved when preoperative sepsis was replaced with a procedure-related risk variable. Addition of an indicator variable for multiple concurrent procedures did not significantly improve the models. Models were developed for a revised set of eleven adverse postoperative outcomes that separated bleeding/transfusion from the cardiac outcomes, UTI from the other infection outcomes, and added a predictive model for unplanned readmission. Automated documentation of risk assessment in the electronic health record, visual displays of risk for providers and patients and an “About” section describing the development of the tool were developed and implemented. Long term functional outcomes were considered to be beyond the scope of the current SURPAS tool.ConclusionRefinements to SURPAS were successful in improving the accuracy of the models, while reducing manual entry to five of the eight variables. Adding a predictor variable to indicate a complex operation with multiple current procedure codes did not improve the accuracy of the models. We developed graphical displays of risk for providers and patients, including a take-home handout and automated documentation of risk in the electronic health record. These improvements should facilitate easier implementation of SURPAS.

Perioperative Outcomes and Predictors of Mortality After Surgery for Sigmoid Volvulus

BackgroundData on outcomes after surgery for sigmoid volvulus is limited. The aim of this study was to develop a model to predict need for emergent surgery and mortality after resection for sigmoid volvulus. MethodsThe NSQIP database was queried from 2012 to 2016 to identify patients undergoing segmental resection for sigmoid volvulus. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative variables were compared. Primary and secondary outcomes were emergent surgery and risk of mortality, respectively. Chi-square and Fischer's test for categorical variables and the Mann–Whitney test for continuous variables were used. Significant variables for each outcome were entered into a logistic regression model to predict the outcomes. Results2086 patients met inclusion criteria. Factors associated with emergency surgery included female gender, relative hematocrit elevation, relative leukocytosis, acute kidney injury, preoperative sepsis, prior functional independence, and bleeding disorders. Laparoscopic resection and mechanical bowel preparation were more commonly used in the nonemergent setting. Patients having emergent resection were more likely to suffer from postoperative superficial surgical site infection, pneumonia, cardiac arrest, septic shock, myocardial infarction, and receive perioperative transfusion. No difference was seen in ileus, readmission or reoperation rates in the emergent and nonemergent groups. Factors predictive of postoperative mortality included increased age, systemic sepsis, and emergent surgery. Independence before illness, higher albumin levels, and lower BMI were shown to be protective. ConclusionsEmergent resection is independently associated with poor postoperative outcomes and mortality. Predictors of need for emergent resection and mortality identified in this study can be used to aid in shared decision-making for patients with sigmoid volvulus.

Preoperative Evaluation of Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease

Preoperative Evaluation of Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease

Preoperative sepsis is a predictive factor for 30-day mortality after major lower limb amputation among patients with arteriosclerosis obliterans and diabetes

BackgroundWhile many patients with lower limb ischemia also have severe infections, few studies have investigated whether the presence of preoperative sepsis affects patient prognosis following lower limb amputation (LLA). Therefore, we investigated the factors (including sepsis as defined in SEPSIS-3) that contribute to the acute mortality rate in patients who underwent LLA due to arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) or diabetes mellitus (DM). MethodsIn this retrospective, single-center, 10-year chart review study, 122 adult patients who underwent LLA due to ASO and/or DM were identified from 56,438 surgery cases. Patient characteristics, including co-morbidities, surgical conditions, the presence/absence of sepsis, and acute physiological condition after surgery, were investigated in patients who died within 30 days of LLA and those who survived. Univariate analysis between groups was performed using the chi-square test. Comparisons of age and American Society of Anesthesiologists-Physical Status classification between groups were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test. Risk factors for 30-day mortality after LLA were examined using stepwise logistic regression (backward elimination). Statistical results were considered significant at P < 0.05. ResultsEight cases of mortality (6.6%) were found; we identified the causes as sepsis, myocardial infarction, fatal arrhythmia, and mesenteric artery occlusive disease in 5 (62.5%), 1 (12.5%), 1 (12.5%), and 1 (12.5%) cases, respectively. Using univariate analysis, we identified that age (≥74), delirium, sepsis, intensive care unit admission, non-DM (ASO only), hemodialysis, and acute kidney injury were significantly higher in the mortality group. In logistic regression analysis, non-DM (odds ratio [OR]: 35.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.8–432) and sepsis (OR: 80.7, 95% CI: 6.7–959) were potential risk factors for 30-day mortality. ConclusionsThis study suggests that cases resulting in amputation due to ASO pathology alone might have poor prognosis and that preoperative sepsis can increase perioperative mortality; hence, the decision to amputate must be considered before the development of sepsis.

Major Acute Cardiovascular Events After Transurethral Prostate Surgery: A Population-based Analysis

ObjectiveTo test the prevalence and predictors of major acute cardiovascular events (MACE) after transurethral prostate surgery (TPS). Material and methodsThe American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2011-2016) was queried for patients who underwent transurethral resection of the prostate, photoselective vaporization, or laser enucleation. MACE included: cerebrovascular events, cardiac arrest, myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis requiring therapy, and pulmonary embolism episodes occurred up to 30 days after discharge. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models tested MACE predictors and effect of MACE on perioperative mortality. Within covariates significant at univariable analyses a stepwise selection, based on Akaike Information Criterion values, was performed to fit the most appropriate multivariable model. ResultsOverall 44,939 patients were included in our analyses. Of these 365 (0.8%) had MACE within 30 days after surgery. The strongest MACE predictors were recent congestive heart failure (odds ratio [OR]: 2.1, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-3.7, P = .007), transfusions (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.5-4.1, P <.001) and preoperative Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome or sepsis (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.6-4.2, P <.001). Similarly, inpatient (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.6-2.5, P <.001) and nonelective (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1, P = .012) patients experienced higher MACE rates. Perioperative mortality rates were statistical significantly higher in MACE patients (OR: 13.1, 95% CI: 8.2-21.0, P <.001). ConclusionUp to 1% of patients undergoing transurethral prostate surgery experience MACE. MACE are burdened by high mortality rates (up to 14% in MACE patients). Proper patient selection and postoperative monitoring are necessary to reduce MACE incidence and mortality rates.