Rates Of Other Complications Research Articles

Mini-bandelette sous-urétrale versus bandelette transobturatrice : efficacité et morbidité

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of an ALTIS® mini-sling and a conventionnal suburethral sling TVT-ABBREVO® for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence. MethodsA single-center retrospective study included all female patients fitted with a conventional transobturator tape (TVT-ABBREVO®) or mini-sling (ALTIS®), during 2015, in Angers university hospital. The success rate was defined by no urine leakage during a cough test on clinical examination, improved quality of life defined by a PGI-I (Patient Global Impression of Improvement) score of 1 to 3, and no stress urinary incontinence on USP (Urinary Symptom Profile) questionnaire. Morbidity associated with slings and perioperative data were also recorded. ResultsNinety-two patients were included (39 in the ALTIS group and 53 in the ABBREVO group). The average follow-up was 13.55 months. The success rate was not significantly different in ALTIS group for the negative cough test (89.7% vs 94.3% in ABBREVO group, P=0.45), for the absence of urinary leakage reported on the USP questionnaire (87.2% vs 90.6% in ABBREVO group, P=0.61), or for the improvement of the quality of life with a PGI-I score between 1 and 3 (82.1% vs 86.8% in ABBREVO group, P=0.53). On the other hand, more patients were fully satisfied, with a PGI-I quality of life score of 1, in ABBREVO group than in ALTIS group (67.9% compared with 46.2%, P=0.03). Immediate postoperative pain was significantly less intense in ALTIS group than in ABBREVO group (average VAS score of 0.5 comparated with 1.3, P=0.01), but this difference had disappeared one week after surgery. The rates of other complications were similar in both groups. ConclusionThe functional results of the ALTIS and TVT-ABBREVO® slings appear similar in the treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.

PS01.135: PROGNOSTIC ANALYSIS OF TLE-CHEST SURGERY IN ESOPHAGEAL CANCER

Abstract Background Esophageal cancer was the ninth most common malignant tumor and ranked sixth for death globally, especially in developing country[1]. Standardized esophagectomy followed by chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy remains the curative treatment for esophageal cancer[2]. Ivor Lewis esophageal resection, including two-stage approach for carcinoma of the middle third of the esophagus, was proposed in 1946[3]. Meanwhile, to avoid the risk of anastomotic leakage in Ivor Lewis surgery, three-stage approach with cervical anastomosis was introduced by McKeown[4]. However, considering the less complications of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy and the increased incidence of distal esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, two-stage approach with intrathoracic anastomosis was gaining more attention. Recent years, thoracoscopic laparoscopic esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis (TLE-chest) has gradually become the mainstream approach of minimally invasive Ivor Lewis esophagectomy for the treatment of middle and lower esophageal cancers. In the previous study, we described the technique strategies of TLE-chest, which was featured with improved anastomosis layer by layer and embedding of the anastomosis with preserved mediastinal pleura[5]. In this study, we presented the perioperative data, complications and long-term survivals of TLE-chest in esophageal cancers. Methods The clinical data of 201 patients, who underwent TLE-chest for primary esophageal cancer in the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (FAHAMU) from November 2011 to December 2015, was analyzed retrospectively. Postoperative patients’ life quality by the European Organization into Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) quality of life questionnaire for esophageal cancer and overall survivals were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curve. The normal distribution of the measured data is expressed in terms of x ± s. Cox's hazard regression model was used for single factor and multi-factor analysis. Results Overall, 168 (83.6%) patients were males and 33 (16.4%) were females. The mean age of patients was 62.7 years old (range from 40 to 88). 150 (74.6%) patients’ tumors were located in the middle of esophagus, whereas 50 (24.9%) and 1 (0.5%) tumors were in the low and up. 194 (96.5%) esophageal tumors were confirmed as squamous carcinoma expect 7 (3.5%) adenocarcinomas. The mean of tumor size was 3.7 cm and the numbers of postoperative pathological TNM classification I, II, III and IV were 38 (18.9%), 72 (35.8%), 73 (36.3%) and 18 (9%) respectively. The average of total operation time was 293.9 min. Among them, the means of VATS and LS time were 156.9 min and 116.5 min respectively. The mean of intraoperative blood loss was 77.5 ml. The number of resected lymph nodes was 22.9 ± 9.7 (maximum: 58).7 (3.5%) patients suffered from anastomotic fistula, 5 (2.5%) patients occurred RRLN injury in lymph nodes dissection and 5 (2.5%) suffered chylothorax. Pulmonary complications were observed in 21 (10.4%) patients. Meanwhile, the rates of other complications containing anastomotic stenosis, bleeding and delayed gastric empty were 0.5% (1/201), 1.5% (3/201) and 0.5% (1/201) respectively. The score of quality of patients’ life was 85 ± 6.5. And at the 12 months, quality of life was improved by 4.1%. Until up to the 24 months, patients’ quality of life was recovered to 90 ± 7.5. The 1, 2 and 3 years overall survival of 100 patients was 94%, 79% and 74% respectively. Univariate analysis showed that the pT stage (P = 0.040), pN stage (P = 0.001), pTNM stage(P = 0.001) and Total operative time(P = 0.000) were associated with 3-year overall survival (3-OS). Further, multivariate analysis affirmed that the operative time (≥ 311 min), tumor size (≥ 3.5 cm) and pTNM stage were independent prognostic factors for 3-OS (P < 0.05). Conclusion TLE-chest surgery in esophageal cancer was safe and effective. And the total operative time, tumor size and TNM stage could be used as independent prognostic indicators in esophageal cancer patients after the TLE-chest. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.

An Analysis of the Cost-Effectiveness of Spinal Versus General Anesthesia for Lumbar Spine Surgery in Various Hospital Settings.

Study Design:Retrospective chart review.Objective:To determine the relative cost-effectiveness of spinal anesthesia and general anesthesia for lumbar laminectomy and microdiscectomy surgery performed in an academic versus private practice hospital setting.Methods:The authors retrospectively reviewed charts of 188 consecutive patients who underwent lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy by a single surgeon from 2012 to 2016 at either an academic or a private practice hospital setting. Intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were recorded and direct variable costs were calculated.Results:At the academic institution, the direct cost of a lumbar laminectomy or microdiscectomy surgery under general anesthesia was determined to be 9.93% greater than with spinal anesthesia (P = .040). The greatest difference was seen with operating room costs, in which general anesthesia was associated with 18.74% greater costs than spinal anesthesia (P = .016). There was no significant difference in cost at the private practice hospital setting.Conclusions:We conclude that use of spinal anesthesia for lumbar laminectomy leads to less operating room, postanesthesia care unit, and anesthesia times, lower levels of postoperative pain, and no increased rate of other complications compared with general anesthesia at an academic institution as compared to a private practice setting. Spinal anesthesia is 9.93% less expensive than general anesthesia, indicating substantial cost-saving potential. With no sacrifice of patient outcomes and the added benefit of less pain and recovery time, Spinal anesthesia represents a more cost-effective alternative to general anesthesia in lumbar spine surgery in the academic hospital setting.

Suture Button versus Syndesmotic Screw for Syndesmotic Injuries

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Syndesmotic injuries are a common athletic injury and involved in approximately 13% of ankle fractures. Screw fixation (SS) has been the most common fixation treatment for syndesmotic injury, however syndesmosis malreduction has been reported to occur up to more than 50% in syndesmotic screw fixation. Recently, suture-button fixation (SB) technique has been developed to restore anatomic function of the syndesmosis, with potential advantages of allowing physiological movement of syndesmosis, anatomic healing, avoidance of implant removal and earlier rehabilitation. However, optimal surgical treatment is still controversial to date. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of SB and SS fixation techniques for syndesmotic injuries with a meta-analysis of the clinical studies comparing SB and SS fixation for syndesmosis injuries. Methods: The literature search was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines to identify cohort studies comparing SB and SS fixation for syndesmosis injuries. The level of evidence (LOE) was assessed based on the criteria by the Oxford-Centre for Evidence Based Medicine. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan, and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Ten clinical studies were identified comparing 222 patients with SB to 235 patients with SS fixation. Patients treated with SB had a higher postoperative AOFAS score at a mean of 17.2 months (90.9 vs 87.3, p = 0.002). SB resulted in a lower rate of implant failure (0.0% vs 27.1%, p < 0.0001), implant removal failure (4.0% vs 37.5%, p < 0.0001), and joint malreduction (0.8% vs 10.7%, p = 0.009). However, there was no significant difference in the rate of other complications with SB (4.2% vs 8.6%, p = 0.21). Conclusion: SB fixation results in improved functional outcomes, lower rates of implant failure, and joint malreduction. Based on the findings of this meta-analysis SB appears to be favorable to SS for treating syndesmotic injuries.

Impact of Pre-procedural Cerebrovascular Events on Clinical Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation in Patients with Severe Aortic Stenosis.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an increasingly common treatment of symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (AS). Thus, it is reasonable to carefully investigate the impact of individual clinical factors on outcomes after TAVI. We aimed to investigate the impact of the previous cerebro-vascular events (CVEs) on outcomes of patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI. A total of 148 consecutive patients scheduled for TAVI were included and stratified as with and without a history of CVEs (stroke or transient ischemic attack). Frailty features were also assessed. The primary endpoint was a 12-month all-cause mortality. Seventeen (11.5%) patients had a history of CVEs (the CVE group). At 30 days and 12 months, all-cause mortality was higher in the CVE group [30-day: 5 (29.4%) vs. 7 (5.3%); p=0.005; 12-month: 9 (52.9%) vs. 13 (9.9%); p=0.001]. Similarly, at the longest available follow-up, mortality was higher in the CVE group [10 (58.8%) vs. 23 (17.6%); p=0.001]. Similar rates of other complications after TAVI were noted, apart from inhospital acute kidney injury (AKI) grade 3 [3 (17.6%) vs. 5 (3.8%); p=0.049] and blood transfusions [9 (52.9%) vs. 35 (26.7%); p=0.026]. Results of 5MWT and Katz index assessment indicated a greater level of frailty in the CVE group. There were no differences in subsequent events including CVEs, bleeding, myocardial infarction, and new-onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) at 12 months between the groups. We showed that a history of CVEs in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVI is associated with a higher long-term mortality.

A Novel 4-Rod Technique Offers Potential to Reduce Rod Breakage and Pseudarthrosis in Pedicle Subtraction Osteotomies for Adult Spinal Deformity Correction.

Pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) can be used to treat rigid sagittal plane deformities. Nonunions and rod breakages are known complications of PSO. To assess outcomes of 2 methods of posterior instrumentation for PSO, traditional 2 rods vs a novel 4-rod technique in which 2 additional rods span only the osteotomy level. This study was a retrospective, radiographic review of consecutive PSOs performed at 2 centers. The primary difference in technique between the centers was the use of 4 rods including 2 independent rods attached only to the vertebral levels immediately adjacent to the PSO (group 1, n =29 patients) vs the traditional 2-rod technique (group 2, n =20 patients). Demographics and preoperative to postoperative radiographic measurements were similar between the study groups, including the PSO wedge resection angle (P= .56). The rod breakage rate was 25% with 2 rods and 0% with 4 rods (P= .008), and the pseudarthrosis rate with 2 rods was 25% and with 4 rods was 3.4% (P= .035). The patient with pseudarthrosis from group 1 had an infection and developed pseudarthrosis only after instrumentation removal. Rates of other complications did not differ significantly between the study groups. This study provides a comparison between 2 techniques for rod placement across a PSO and suggests that the described novel 4-rod technique may help to reduce the rates of pseudarthrosis and rod failure. It will be important to confirm these findings in a prospectively designed study with multiple institutions in order to better control for potentially confounding factors.

Impact of previous cardiac surgery with sternotomy on clinical outcomes and quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic stenosis.

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has evolved as an effective treatment in patients with symptomatic severe aortic stenosis (AS) and increased operative risk. Data on the influence of previous sternotomy on the risk of TAVI are limited. We sought to investigate the effect of previous cardiac surgery with sternotomy on clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) after TAVI. The study included 148 consecutive patients with symptomatic severe AS, who underwent TAVI. Baseline charac-teristics, procedural and long-term clinical outcomes, and QoL assessment with the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire were compared between patients with and without previous sternotomy. Patients with previous sternotomy (23.0% of the population) were younger and more often male, had higher rate of previous myocardial infarction (MI; 26 [22.8%] vs. 22 [64.7%], p = 0.001), and lower median left ventricular ejection frac-tion (60.0% [50.0-65.0] vs. 50.0% [42.0-60.0], p = 0.004). Periprocedural risk measured with the Logistic Euroscore and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons scale was comparable in both groups. There were no differences in 30-day and 12-month all-cause mortality between the groups with and without sternotomy (10 [8.8%] vs. 2 [5.9%], p = 0.7; odds ratio [OR] adjusted for age/sex/previous MI, 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-3.29; for 12-month mortality adjusted OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.04-0.99). At the longest available follow-up, mortality was higher in patients without sternotomy (30 [26.3%] vs. 3 [8.8%], p = 0.03; adjusted OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.42). Similar rates of other complications after TAVI were noted. No differences in the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire at baseline and 12-month follow-up were confirmed. TAVI seems to be a safe and effective technique for the treatment of severe AS in patients with previous cardiac surgery.

Prognosis of Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients.

BackgroundSpontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious infectious complication in patients with liver cirrhosis. However, information about prognosis of SBP in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is limited. We investigated the clinical course of SBP in HCC patients.MethodsThis study enrolled patients diagnosed with SBP between 2005 and 2017. Medical records of patients were reviewed and clinical course was compared between the non-HCC and HCC groups.ResultsIn total, 123 SBP cases including 49 HCC cases were enrolled. Men were predominant (48/74, 64.9% vs. 34/49, 69.4%; P = 0.697); median age was 58 years in both non-HCC and HCC groups (P = 0.887). The most common etiology was alcohol (32/74, 43.2%) in non-HCC group and hepatitis B (30/49, 61.2%) in HCC group (P = 0.009). Antibiotic resistance rate was higher in non-HCC than in HCC group (29.7% vs. 12.2%; P = 0.028); in-hospital mortality did not differ between the groups (25/74, 33.8% vs. 13/49, 26.5%; P = 0.431). Development rate of hepatorenal syndrome did not differ between non-HCC and HCC group (14/74, 18.9% vs. 10/49, 20.4%; P = 1.000), but hepatic encephalopathy was less common in HCC group (26/74, 35.2% vs. 9/49, 18.3%; P = 0.008). The most important predictor of in-hospital mortality in patients with HCC was white blood cell count above 11,570 cells/mm3 (odds ratio, 6.629; 95% confidence interval, 1.652–26.590; P = 0.008).ConclusionPrognosis of SBP in HCC patients is relatively less severe. This result may be related with reduced antibiotics resistance and lower development rates of other complications, such as hepatic encephalopathy. Degree of systemic inflammation may be the most important factor for in-hospital mortality.

Impact of Operating Room Environment on Postoperative Central Nervous System Infection in a Resource-Limited Neurosurgical Center in South Asia.

Postoperative central nervous system infections (PCNSIs) are serious complications following neurosurgical intervention. We previously investigated the incidence and causative pathogens of PCNSIs at a resource-limited, neurosurgical center in south Asia. This follow-up study was conducted to analyze differences in PCNSIs at the same institution following only one apparent change: the operating room air filtration system. This was a retrospective study of all neurosurgical cases performed between December 1, 2013, and March 31, 2016 at our center. Providers, patient demographic data, case types, perioperative care, rate of PCNSI, and rates of other complications were reviewed. These results were then compared with the findings of our previous study of neurosurgical cases between June 1, 2012, and June 30,2013. All 623 neurosurgical operative cases over the study period were reviewed. Four patients (0.6%) had a PCNSI, and no patients had a positive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture. In the previous study, among 363 cases, 71 patients (19.6%) had a PCNSI and 7 (1.9%) had a positive CSF culture (all Gram-negative organisms). The differences in both parameters are statistically significant (P < 0.001). Between the 2 studies, there was no change in treatment providers, case types, case durations, antibiotic administration practices, and patient demographics. The rates of PCNSI and positive CSF culture were significantly lower in our present cohort compared with the cohort in our previous study. The sole apparent change involves the air filtration system inside the neurosurgical operating rooms; this environmental change occurred during the 5 months between the 2 studies. This study demonstrates the impact of environmental factors in reducing infections.

Nimotuzumab combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy benefits patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

BackgroundThe potential benefits and possible risks associated with combined nimotuzumab and concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) have yet to be determined.MethodsThe databases PubMed, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang were systematically searched through February 2017 for studies comparing combined nimotuzumab and chemoradiotherapy versus chemoradiotherapy alone in the treatment of NPC. Primary outcomes were complete and partial responses, and the secondary outcome was adverse reactions. The random-effect model was used to pool relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsNine randomized control trials and six cohort studies were included in the final analysis (n=1,015 patients). Compared with chemoradiotherapy alone, chemoradiotherapy combined with nimotuzumab was associated with an increased response rate (RR =1.11, 95% CI: 1.01–1.22). Combined treatment further reduced the occurrence rate of erythropenia (RR =0.11, 95% CI: 0.05–0.28) and neutropenia (RR =0.12, 95% CI: 0.05–0.27). The differences in the rates of other complications were not significant.ConclusionNimotuzumab combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy is more effective in patients with advanced NPC than chemoradiotherapy alone. Patients receiving combination therapy did not have a higher rate of adverse reactions. Nimotuzumab can thus be recommended as an adjunct therapy in patients with advanced NPC.

Are factor Xa inhibitors effective thromboprophylaxis following hip fracture surgery?: A large national database study

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Factor Xa inhibitors (XaI) for thromboprophylaxis following hip fracture surgery in a large cohort of patients, and compare XaI against warfarin and enoxaparin. MethodsPatients undergoing hip fracture surgery from 2007 to 2015 were identified in a large claims database. Patients prescribed warfarin, XaI, or enoxaparin within 2 weeks of surgery were identified and grouped into cohorts. Medical comorbidities and complication incidences, including deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and bleeding complications were calculated. Chi-square analysis was performed and adjusted residuals calculated to determine significant differences. ResultsDVT rates were significantly different between groups at thirty days only (5.03% warfarin, 2.91% XaI, 3.48% enoxaparin, p=0.047). PE rates were significantly different at all time points; enoxaparin had the lowest rates. There were no differences in the rates of other complications. DiscussionXaI are an option for thromboprophylaxis in hip fracture patients, although their possible decreased effectiveness against PE compared to enoxaparin should be considered. ConclusionsThis study compares the effectiveness of Factor Xa inhibitors to warfarin and enoxaparin for hip fracture patients, using a large national database. In this study, Factor Xa inhibitors had similar effectiveness for DVT prophylaxis compared to these agents.

Effect of diabetes mellitus on clinical outcomes and quality of life after transcatheter aortic valve implantation for severe aortic valve stenosis

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus (DM) is considered a marker of poor prognosis after cardiac surgery. We sought to investigate the effect of DM on clinical outcomes and quality of life (QoL) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). MethodsA total of 148 consecutive patients with symptomatic, severe aortic stenosis who underwent TAVI were included. Baseline characteristics, procedural and long-term clinical outcomes, and the results of frailty and QoL assessment with EQ-5D-3L questionnaire were compared between patients with and without DM. ResultsDM was present in 48 of 148 (32.4%) patients. No differences in periprocedural risk (Logistic Euroscore and Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) scale) between groups were observed. There were no differences in 30-day and 12-month all-cause mortality between groups [DM(−) vs. DM(+): 7 (7.0%) vs. 5 (10.4%), p = 0.53 and 12 (12.0%) vs. 10 (20.8%), p = 0.16, respectively]. No influence of DM presence on the risk of death was confirmed after adjustment for age and gender (for 30-day mortality, age/gender-adjusted OR 1.55, 95%CI 0.47–5.17; for 12-month mortality, age/gender-adjusted OR 2.05, 95%CI 0.79–5.32). Similarly, at the longest available follow-up, mortality did not differ between groups [14 (29.2%) vs. 19 (19.0%), p = 0.16; age/gender-adjusted OR 1.81, 95%CI 0.80–4.08]. Similar rates of other complications after TAVI were noted. Frailty measured with the 5-meter walking test was more frequently reported in patients with DM [11 (22.9%) vs. 10 (10.0%), p = 0.035]. No differences in QoL parameters at baseline and 12 months were noted. ConclusionsPatients with DM undergoing TAVI demonstrated similar mortality, complication rates, and QoL outcomes compared to patients without DM.

Platinum agents and mitomycin C-specific complications in cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Introduction: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been found to prolong survival in patients with peritoneal disease but is associated with significant morbidity. We evaluate the perioperative complications and the association with the chemotherapy agent used for HIPEC.Methods: Retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database of CRS–HIPEC cases between April 2001 and February 2016 was performed. Patients were stratified by the chemotherapy used, and perioperative complications were compared.Results: Out of 214 CRS–HIPEC cases, 113 procedures used Mitomycin-C(MMC), 92 used cisplatin, 8 used oxaliplatin and the HIPEC regimen for one procedure was not recorded and excluded. 94 patients (44%) suffered low-grade complications (grade I–II), and 49 patients (23%) suffered high-grade complications (grade III–V). The frequency of low-grade complications for the cisplain, oxaliplatin and MMC groups were 49%, 50% and 40%, respectively, whereas that of high-grade complications were 24%, 50% and 20%, respectively. HIPEC with platinum agents was associated with a higher rate of acute renal impairment (ARI) compared to MMC (32% and 62% for cisplatin and oxaliplatin vs. 5.6% for MMC), whereas grade IV ARI requiring dialysis occurred only in the cisplatin group (5.6%). HIPEC with oxaliplatin was associated with higher rates of post-operative bleeding (25% vs. 1.1% and 0.88%). Rates of other complications did not differ significantly between the groups receiving different HIPEC regimens.Conclusions: The overall complication rates do not significantly differ after HIPEC with MMC and platinum based agents. Renal impairment tends to be more common and of greater severity when a platinum agent is used, whereas oxaliplatin is associated with significant post-operative bleeding.

Optimum position of transthoracic intracardiac line following cardiac surgery.

The transthoracic intracardiac line placed in the right atrium provides a convenient access to the central venous system following cardiac surgery. However, it is associated with risks such as migration and bleeding. We conducted a retrospective study to determine whether position of transthoracic line with respect to site of exit from the chest makes a difference in the rate of complications. All infants receiving a transthoracic intracardiac line in the right atrium following cardiac surgery between June 2012 and December 2015 were part of the study. A 3.5-Fr double-lumen umbilical venous catheter was placed directly into the right atrium. The lines exited the thorax either above in the suprasternal notch (upper transthoracic line) or below the diaphragm across the abdominal wall (lower transthoracic line). Patients were analysed for complications such as catheter migration, bleeding upon removal, atrial thrombus, line occlusion, premature removal and failed removal. A total of 131 patients received a transthoracic intracardiac line during the study period. Of the total patients, 88 patients received the upper transthoracic line and 43 patients received the lower transthoracic line. The upper transthoracic line was associated with significantly lower incidence of catheter migration (1% vs 14%) and this held by multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for age and duration of the line (P = 0.003). There was no difference in the rate of other complications including bleeding. The upper transthoracic line is associated with significantly lower incidence of catheter migration and offers a more optimum position for central access following cardiac surgery.

Effect of liquid withdraw technique on the incidence of pneumothorax and tumor tissue amount of CT-guided cutting needle lung biopsy: An expanded retrospective study.

e20535 Background: CT-guided cutting needle lung biopsy is important for the diagnosis of lung cancer especially in the area of precision medicine. In ASCO 2015, we reported that “Liquid withdraw” technique (to inject small amount of liquid while withdraw of the needle) can prominently reduce incidence of pneumothorax when combined with co-axial technique in 38 cases. In this reported, we retrospectively studied 90 patients undergoing CT-guided cutting needle lung biopsy to investigate the role of this technique in reducing complications and promoting biopsy effectiveness. Methods: From Jan 1st, 2014 to Nov 30th, 2016, we retrospectively studied 92 CT-guided percutaneous lung biopsies using co-axial and liquid withdraw techniques in 90 patients. The pathologies and complications secondary to biopsy procedure were noted. Pneumothorax and bleeding was graded as mild (mild and very mild), moderate, and severe. Results: 88 cases were diagnosed out of 92 biopsies (95.7%), of which 60 cases were adenocarcinoma. Liquid withdraw technique assured adequate tissue for diagnosis and treatment planning of lung cancer. Among 71cases diagnosed as NSCLC, only 5 (7.0%) were diagnosed as NOS. Among 52 cases of adenocarcinoma who consented EGFR mutation test, only 1 case (1.9%) failed due to insufficient tissue. Among all the biopsies, when acquiring specimens 4-6 times per procedure, the incidence of pneumothorax was in 18 cases (19.6%), among which 13 cases (14.1%) were very mild pneumothorax (lung surface retraction of≤1 cm), mild and moderate pneumothorax accounted for just 4.3%. No severe pneumothorax occurred. 19 cases (20.7%) happened bleeding (18 cases were mild bleeding). No infection, tumor implantation or aeroembolism happened. Conclusions: Compared to lung biopsy without liquid withdraw, the incidence of pneumothorax was reduced from approximately 35% to 19.6%. The liquid withdraw technique also resulted in low rate of other complications and adequate tissue for diagnosis. Next, we are planning to conduct a prospective study to further evaluate the role of this technique in the precision diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer.

Incarcerated Medial Epicondyle Fractures With Elbow Dislocation: Risk Factors Associated With Morbidity.

Incarcerated medial epicondyle fractures in association with elbow trauma are rare and an absolute indication for intervention. Because of the infrequent nature, outcomes following this injury are not well documented. We studied a large cohort of these injuries to determine factors associated with functional outcomes. It was hypothesized that a greater duration between initial presentation and time of surgery would lead to poorer outcomes. A total of 32 patients aged 18 and under who underwent surgical treatment for an incarcerated medical epicondyle fracture at a level-1 pediatric trauma center from 2003 to 2015 were identified. All patients had a confirmed diagnosis of an incarcerated medial epicondyle at surgery. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to determine the patient demographics, mechanism of injury, preoperative neurological symptoms, time of primary presentation, time of elbow reduction, and time to surgical intervention. Postoperative outcomes, including pain, range of motion, and ulnar nerve symptoms, were also collected. The Roberts outcome score was determined for each subject. A radiographically confirmed elbow dislocation was identified in 25 subjects. The mean age at injury was 13.2 years (range, 7.3 to 17.8 y). Initial presentation was at a referring institution in 30 patients (94%). First closed reduction attempt of the ulnohumeral joint occurred in the emergency room in 24 subjects (75%); of these 7 subjects (22%) had a first reduction attempted in the emergency room at our institution, 2 patients experienced first elbow reduction during surgical intervention. The median time from first presentation to surgery was 21.9 hours (interquartile range, 15 to 40). Fourteen subjects displayed preoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. Of these, 9 subsequently reported postoperative ulnar nerve symptoms. There was no effect of time to surgical intervention on the Roberts outcome scores at follow-up, nerve symptoms, symptomatic hardware, or need for second surgery to remove hardware. There were 16 subjects with excellent outcomes, 13 with good outcomes, 3 with fair outcomes, and 0 with poor outcomes (based on the Roberts criteria). Incarcerated medial epicondyle fractures are commonly associated with ulnar nerve symptoms; however, they are not associated with a significant rate of other complications. There was no increased risk of complications in subjects who had a longer duration between initial presentation and surgery. This suggests that, while the presence of an incarcerated medial epicondyle fracture is certainly an indication for timely operative intervention; the injury in isolation does not need to be considered emergent. Other factors including neurovascular status and ability to achieve joint reduction may still necessitate emergency operative care. Level IV-therapeutic study, case series.

Randomized clinical trial of duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy versus handsewn closure after distal pancreatectomy.

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a major cause of morbidity after distal pancreatectomy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy of the pancreatic stump decreased clinical POPF formation compared with handsewn closure after distal pancreatectomy. This multicentre RCT was performed between April 2012 and June 2014. Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy were assigned randomly to either duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy or handsewn closure. The primary endpoint was the incidence of clinical POPF. Secondary endpoints were rates of other complications and length of hospital stay. Some 80 patients were randomized, and 73 patients were evaluated in an intention-to-treat analysis: 36 in the pancreaticogastrostomy group and 37 in the handsewn closure group. The duration of operation was significantly longer in the pancreaticogastrostomy group than in the handsewn closure group (mean 268 versus 197 min respectively; P < 0·001). The incidence of clinical POPF did not differ between groups (7 of 36 versus 7 of 37; odds ratio (OR) 1·03, 95 per cent c.i. 0·32 to 3·10; P = 1·000). The rate of intra-abdominal fluid collection was significantly lower in the pancreaticogastrostomy group (6 of 36 versus 21 of 37; OR 0·15, 0·05 to 0·45; P < 0·001). There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of other complications or length of hospital stay. Duct-to-mucosa pancreaticogastrostomy did not reduce the incidence of clinical POPF compared with handsewn closure of the pancreatic stump after distal pancreatectomy. Registration number UMIN000007426 (http://www.umin.ac.jp).

Validation of effectiveness of keyhole clipping in nonfrail elderly patients with unruptured intracranial aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE Advanced age is known to be associated with a poor prognosis after surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs). Keyhole clipping techniques have been introduced for less invasive treatment of UIAs. In this study, the authors compared the complications and clinical and radiological outcomes after keyhole clipping between nonfrail elderly patients (≥ 70 years) and nonelderly patients. METHODS Keyhole clipping (either supraorbital or pterional) was performed to treat 260 cases of relatively small (≤ 10 mm) anterior circulation UIAs. There were 62 cases in the nonfrail elderly group (mean age 72.9 ± 2.6 years [± SD]) and 198 cases in the nonelderly group (mean age 59.5 ± 7.6 years). The authors evaluated mortality and morbidity (modified Rankin Scale score > 2 or Mini-Mental State Examination [MMSE] score < 24) at 3 months and 1 year after the operation, the general cognitive function by MMSE at 3 months and 1 year, anxiety and depression by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) at 3 months, and radiological abnormalities and recurrence at 1 year. RESULTS Basic characteristics including comorbidities, frailty, and BDI and HAM-D scores were not significantly different between the 2 groups, whereas the MMSE score was slightly but significantly lower in the elderly group. Aneurysm location, largest diameter, type of keyhole surgery, neck clipping rate, and hospitalization period were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The incidence of chronic subdural hematoma was not significantly higher in the elderly group than in the nonelderly group (8.1% vs 4.5%, p = 0.332); rates of other complications including stroke and epilepsy were not significantly different. Lacunar infarction occurred in 3.2% of the elderly group and 3.0% of the nonelderly group. No patient in the elderly group required re-treatment or demonstrated recurrence of clipped aneurysms. The MMSE score at 3 months significantly improved in the nonelderly group but did not change in the elderly group. The BDI and HAM-D scores at 3 months were significantly improved in both groups. No patient died in either group. The morbidity at 3 months and 1 year in the elderly group (1.6% and 4.8%, respectively) was not significantly different from that in the nonelderly group (2.0% and 1.5%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Keyhole clipping for nonfrail elderly patients with relatively small anterior circulation UIAs did not significantly increase the complication, mortality, or morbidity rate; hospitalization period; or aneurysm recurrence compared with nonelderly patients, and it was associated with improvement in anxiety and depression. Keyhole clipping to treat UIAs in the nonfrail elderly is an effective and long-lasting treatment.

Do Cerclage Cables Delay the Time to Bone Union in Patients with an Unstable Humeral Shaft Fracture Treated with Intramedullary Nails?

PurposeTo evaluate the time to bone union after open reduction and internal fixation with cerclage cables followed by intramedullary nailing (IMN) for unstable humeral shaft fractures.Materials and MethodsPatients with a humeral shaft fracture treated by IMN were enrolled. One group of patients was treated via open reduction and internal fixation with cables followed by IMN (cable group; n=32), while the other group was treated with a conventional closed IMN (non-cable group; n=64). The length of time to bone union and functional scores [Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores] were measured for all patients.ResultsNo significant differences were found in terms of age, gender, injury type, or smoking history between the two groups, except for the type of fracture. The cable group had significantly more complex types of fracture than the non-cable group (p<0.001). The mean time to bone union was 3.9 months in the cable group, while in the non-cable group, it was 4.4 months (p=0.041). The incidence of postoperative complications, such as non-union, delayed union, and radial nerve palsy, was similar between the two groups (p>0.05). No differences were identified in terms of DASH and UCLA scores (28.8 and 32.1 in the cable group and 26.4 and 32.6 in the non-cable group, respectively; p=0.335 and 0.264).ConclusionIn unstable humeral shaft fractures treated by IMN, open reduction and internal fixation with additional cerclage cables do not delay the length of time to bone union or increase the rate of other complications.

An Analysis of Complication Risk Factors in 641 Nipple Reconstructions

Nipple-areola reconstruction represents the completion of the breast restorative process and is associated with significant positive psychological implications. While factors such as medical comorbidities, smoking status, and radiation therapy have been shown to be associated with an increase in complications following breast reconstruction, their impact on nipple reconstruction remains largely unaddressed in the literature. An IRB-approved, retrospective review of 472 patients who underwent nipple reconstruction at Wake Forest University over a 15-year period was completed. Demographic and surgical characteristics were assessed including age, body mass index, medical comorbidities, smoking status, need for radiation, breast reconstruction type, and nipple flap used. Four hundred and seventy-two patients with 641 nipple reconstructions were included with an average follow-up of 56.5months. Radiation prior to nipple reconstruction was required in 146 breasts (22.8%). Overall, postoperative nipple projection problems occurred in 7.6% of reconstructions with a 4.1% rate of other complications, including nipple necrosis, tip loss, wound infection and wound breakdown. Implant-based reconstruction and radiation were associated with significantly more nipple projection problems (p=0.009 and 0.05, respectively). Higher rates of complications and nipple projection problems were seen with skate flap reconstruction compared to a star flap (p=0.046 and 0.001, respectively). Implant-based breast reconstruction and radiotherapy are associated with higher rates of nipple reconstruction problems. Identification of patient and surgical variables associated with increased risk of poor outcomes preoperatively could help in patient counseling and selection of the most appropriate method of breast and nipple reconstruction.