Rate Of Postoperative Pulmonary Complications Research Articles

Introduction of laparoscopic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy as hybrid procedure and comparison with open esophagectomy. A propensity-matched retrospective study.

Esophagectomy is associated with increased rate of postoperative complications, making it one of the procedures with the highest impact on patients' quality of life. Hybrid Ivor Lewis esophagectomy (HMIE) has been introduced in our clinic with the aim to reduce postoperative morbidity, without compromising on oncological outcomes. We conducted this survey to evaluate the perioperative morbidity of the new method during the introduction phase compared to open esophagectomy in two similarly matched groups of patients. This study included the first 17 patients who underwent HMIE for esophageal cancer at a high-volume tertiary center. After generating propensity scores using the variables age, body mass index, pulmonary comorbidities, cardiac comorbidities, histologic type, and neoadjuvant treatment, 17 patients in the hybrid group were matched with 17 patients in the open group. Surgical outcomes, oncological outcomes, and postoperative complications according to the guidelines of the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group were compared between the two groups. Surgical and oncological outcomes were comparable between the two approaches. The rate of postoperative complications, including surgical, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary complications, were similar in the two groups. Our hypothesis that laparoscopy could reduce postoperative complications was not confirmed. HMIE is a safe procedure, resulting in radical oncological resection and similar morbidity with open esophagectomy. Surgeons, who are proficient in open approach and laparoscopic anti-reflux and gastric surgery, can safely adopt the hybrid approach without significant learning curve associated morbidity.

Epidemiology, ventilation management and outcome in patients receiving intensive care after non–thoracic surgery – Insights from the LAS VEGAS study

Introduction and objectivesInformation about epidemiology, ventilation management and outcome in postoperative intensive care unit (ICU) patients remains scarce. The objective was to test whether postoperative ventilation differs from that in the operation room. Material and methodsThis was a substudy of the worldwide observational LAS VEGAS study, including patients undergoing non–thoracic surgeries. Of 146 study sites participating in the LAS VEGAS study, 117 (80%) sites reported on the postoperative ICU course, including ventilation and complications. The coprimary outcomes were two key elements of ventilator management, i.e., tidal volume (VT) and positive end–expiratory pressure (PEEP). Secondary outcomes included the proportion of patients receiving low VT ventilation (LTVV, defined as ventilation with a median VT < 8.0 ml/kg PBW), and the proportion of patients developing postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC), including ARDS, pneumothorax, pneumonia and need for escalation of ventilatory support, ICU and hospital length of stay, and mortality at day 28. ResultsOf 653 patients who were admitted to the ICU after surgery, 274 (42%) patients received invasive postoperative ventilation. Median postoperative VT was 8.4 [7.3–9.8] ml/kg predicted body weight (PBW), PEEP was 5 [5–5] cm H2O, statistically significant but not meaningfully different from median intraoperative VT (8.1 [7.3–8.9] ml/kg PBW; P < 0.001) and PEEP (4 [2–5] cm H2O; P < 0.001). The proportion of patients receiving LTVV after surgery was 41%. The PPC rate was 10%. Length of stay in ICU and hospital was independent of development of a PPC, but hospital mortality was higher in patients who developed a PPC (24 versus 4%; P < 0.001). ConclusionsIn this observational study of patients undergoing non–thoracic surgeries, postoperative ventilation was not meaningfully different from that in the operating room. Like in the operating room, there is room for improved use of LTVV. Development of PPC is associated with mortality.

Intraoperative Ventilatory Pressures During Robotic Assisted vs Open Radical Cystectomy

ObjectiveTo investigate whether Robotic assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is associated with increased postoperative pulmonary complications compared to open radical cystectomy (ORC). RARC poses challenges for ventilation with positioning and abdominal insufflation. Conventionally protective mechanical ventilation may be challenging, especially in patients with obesity or pulmonary comorbidities. Given the proven benefits of RARC compared to ORC, the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications merits further investigation. Materials and methodsAdult patients consented for research who underwent RARC and ORC for invasive bladder cancer from 2013-2018 were identified for retrospective chart review. Perioperative and patient variables were looked at along with postoperative course and outcomes. Results328 patients who underwent ORC and 108 patients who underwent RARC were identified. Despite findings of higher peak airway pressures throughout surgery, patients who underwent RARC did not have a higher rate of pulmonary complications than patients who underwent ORC. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who underwent ORC had a higher rate of postoperative pulmonary complications. Patients who underwent RARC had a less intraoperative fluid administration, fewer ICU admissions, and decreased length of hospital stay. ConclusionDespite mechanical ventilation challenges, RARC was not associated with increased post-operative pulmonary complications compared to ORC. This was also found in patients with BMI>30 or with diagnosis or high suspicion of OSA. These findings suggest ventilation at higher pressures does not increase risk for ventilator induced lung injury in patients undergoing RARC, even in conventionally higher risk patients.

Prognostic Value of Preoperative Peak Expiratory Flow to Predict Postoperative Pulmonary Complications in Surgical Lung Cancer Patients.

ObjectivesCough impairment may lead to excessive accumulation of pulmonary secretions and increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). Peak expiratory flow (PEF) is a sensitive indicator of cough ability. We aimed to investigate the correlation between PEF and PPCs for lung cancer patients undergoing lobectomy or segmental resection for improved risk assessment.MethodsThis retrospective study assessed 560 patients with non-small cell lung cancer admitted for surgery between January 2014 to June 2016. The measurements of PEF were performed before surgery and the clinical outcomes were recorded, including PPCs, postoperative hospital stay, hospitalization costs, and other variables.ResultsPreoperative PEF was significantly lower in PPCs group compared to non-PPCs group (294.2 ± 95.7 vs. 363.0 ± 105.6 L/min, P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that high PEF (OR=0.991, 95%CI: 0.988-0.993, P < 0.001) was an independent protective factor for PPCs. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, a PEF value of 250 L/min was selected as the optimal cutoff value in female patients, and 320 L/min in male patients. Patients with PEF under cutoff value of either sex had higher PPCs rate and unfavorable clinical outcomes.ConclusionsPreoperative PEF was found to be a significant predictor of PPCs for surgical lung cancer patients. It may be beneficial to consider the cutoff value of PEF in perioperative risk assessment.

Active cycle of breathing technique may reduce pulmonary complications after esophagectomy: A randomized clinical trial.

BackgroundThe purpose of the study was to determine whether the active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) has an impact on postoperative pulmonary complication (PPC) after esophagectomy.MethodsIn this prospective randomized trial, patients who were candidates for esophagectomy were randomized into groups, wherein they received either ACBT (n = 146) or conventional chest physiotherapy (control group, n = 145) on postoperative days (POD) 1–3. The primary outcome was PPC. The secondary outcomes included the incidence of anastomotic leakage (AL), efficacy of airway clearance, and postoperative hospital length of stay (LOS).ResultsAfter esophagectomy, the PPC rate was significantly lower in the ACBT group (15.2%) than in the control group (31.0%) (p = 0.001). The incidences of AL were 5.5% and 12.4% in the ACBT and control groups, respectively (p = 0.042). Mean hospital LOS was 12.3 days for the ACBT group and 16.8 days for the control group (p = 0.008). ACBT significantly increased the mean sputum wet weight (g) on POD 1–3 when compared with conventional therapy (POD 1 9.08 vs. 6.47, POD 2 16.86 vs. 10.92, POD 3 24.65 vs. 13.52, all p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis revealed that ACBT decreased the rates of PPC (odds ratio [OR] 0.403, p = 0.003), AL (OR 0.379，p = 0.038)，arrhythmia (OR 0.397, p = 0.028), and bronchoscopy aspiration (OR 0.362, p = 0.016).ConclusionACBT is an effective airway clearance technique that significantly reduces the incidence of PPC after esophagectomy. ACBT could also significantly reduce both AL and LOS.

Short Term Perioperative Outcomes among Patients with Concurrent Asymptomatic and Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Introduction: Previous studies report high rates of postoperative morbidity and mortality among COVID-19 patients. With routine preoperative screening, we are identifying an increasing number of patients with asymptomatic and mild COVID-19. Our objective was to determine the risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality among patients with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective study of patients with asymptomatic or mild SARS-CoV-2 infection (severity definitions developed by Chinese CDC), diagnosed within 8 days of surgery from March 2020 to February 2021. Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes included pulmonary and thromboembolic complications. Results: Study cohort consisted of 54 patients. Median age was 50y (interquartile range [IQR] 37.5-62.5y), median BMI was 28.8 kg/m2 (IQR 23.5-31.3kg/m2), and 67.3% had no comorbidities. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected preoperatively in 75%, and 26.7% had lung infiltrates seen on admission imaging. Before admission, 92.3% of patients were asymptomatic, and 7.7% had mild COVID-19 symptoms. Of the procedures, 40.3% were general surgery and 21.2% orthopaedic, the remaining 38.5% were subspecialties. General anesthesia was used in 86.5% of cases and laparoscopy was used in 25%. Overall mortality was 0%. Overall rates of postoperative pulmonary and thromboembolic complications were 9.6% and 1.9%, respectively. New COVID-19 symptoms developed in 19.2% of patients postoperatively. [Formula presented] Conclusion: Postoperative complications and overall mortality appear low in patients with asymptomatic and mild COVID-19 diagnosed in the perioperative period. This suggests surgery can still be considered in these cases when the risks involved with nonoperative management may exceed the risk associated with asymptomatic and mild COVID-19.

Intraoperative open lung condition and postoperative pulmonary complications. A secondary analysis of iPROVE and iPROVE-O2 trials.

The preventive role of an intraoperative recruitment maneuver plus open lung approach (RM+OLA) ventilation on postoperative pulmonary complications (PPC) remains unclear. We aimed at investigating whether an intraoperative open lung condition reduces the risk of developing a composite of PPCs. Post hoc analysis of two randomized controlled trials including patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Patients were classified according to the intraoperative lung condition as "open" (OL) or "non-open" (NOL) if PaO2 /FIO2 ratio was ≥ or <400mmHg, respectively. We used a multivariable logistic regression model that included potential confounders selected with directed acyclic graphs (DAG) using Dagitty software built with variables that were considered clinically relevant based on biological mechanism or evidence from previously published data. PPCs included severe acute respiratory failure, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and pneumonia. A total of 1480 patients were included in the final analysis, with 718 (49%) classified as OL. The rate of severe PPCs during the first seven postoperative days was 6.0% (7.9% in the NOL and 4.4% in the OL group, p=.007). OL was independently associated with a lower risk for severe PPCs during the first 7 and 30 postoperative days [odds ratio of 0.58 (95% CI 0.34-0.99, p=.04) and 0.56 (95% CI 0.34-0.94, p=.03), respectively]. An intraoperative open lung condition was associated with a reduced risk of developing severe PPCs in intermediate-to-high risk patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT02158923 (iPROVE), NCT02776046 (iPROVE-O2).

535 EVALUATION OF THORACOSCOPIC ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER FROM 650 CASES IN A SINGLE INSTITUTE

Abstract Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for esophageal cancer has been wide-spreading in worldwide since the first report in 1992. In Japan, we firstly introduced thoracoscopic esophagectomy as a MIS for esophageal cancer in 1994 and performed more than 650 cases over the last two decades. The aim of the present study is to evaluate an oncological feasibility and less invasiveness of this operation from short and long term results. Methods Thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed in almost all resectable thoracic esophageal cancer patient, briefly indication for this operation is cT1-T3 tumors and lymph node involvement within the regional lesion. We performed thoracoscopic esophagectomy with one lung ventilation in left lateral decubitus position (Group L) up to 2011. From 2012, prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy with bilateral ventilation and artificial pneumothorax (Group P) has been undergone. We analyzed the long-term outcome in all patients who received thoracoscopic esophagectomy with or without neoadjuvant treatment. Furthermore, we evaluated the less invasiveness from the results of short-term outcome and operation-related morbidity between Group L and Group P. Results The 5-year survival rates in no treatment before surgery cases were 61.9% overall, and 86.9%, 71.5%, 68.1%, 40.9%, 37.4% for pathological stages I, IIA, IIB, III and IVa, respectively (TNM classification 6th edition). 30 days mortality in this series was 0.6%. 5-year survival in cStage II and III with neoadjuvant chemotherapy was 65.7%. 3-year survival in salvage esophagectomy after failure of definitive chemoradiotherapy with R0 resection was 43.0%. Total amount of blood loss, rate of postoperative pulmonary complications and the postoperative inflammatory response were significantly lower in Group P than in Group L. Conclusion Thoracoscopic esophagectomy is safety and oncologically feasible. From the view point of less invasiveness benefits, prone esophagectomy has advantages than lateral decubitus procedure and this operation is recommended in almost all patients with a resectable esophageal cancer.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Day Surgery for Patients with Pulmonary Nodules: A Single-Center Clinical Experience of 200 Cases.

BackgroundWe reviewed our experience with 200 patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic day surgery (VATDS) at the Day Surgery Center at West China Hospital to identify the safety and feasibility of VATDS and assess the value of novel management in patients with pulmonary nodules.MethodsBetween June 2019 and December 2020, 200 patients with pulmonary nodules underwent VATDS at the Day Surgery Center at West China Hospital. The medical records of these 200 patients were reviewed for age, sex, preoperative history, operative and pathological findings, amount of daily chest tube drainage, procedure method and duration, length of stay (LOS), visual analog scale (VAS), and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs).ResultsThere were 45 male and 155 female patients with a median age of 43 years (range 18 to 58 years). A total of 158 (79.00%) patients were diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, 35 (17.50%) were diagnosed with chronic inflammation with fibrous hyperplasia, and seven (3.50%) were diagnosed with granulomatous inflammation with necrosis. The mean LOS of the 200 patients was 1.25±0.95 days, and 187 (93.50%) patients were discharged within 24 hours as planned. Thirteen patients were transferred to the thoracic surgery ward for further treatment because of PPCs. The median VAS was 3 points (range 1 to 7 points), and the rate of PPCs was 11.50%.ConclusionTwo hundred patients underwent VATDS with an acceptable 24-hour discharge rate. However, selection of patients for VATDS is required, and the implementation of VATDS on a larger scale requires further discussion.

Individualized positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) during one-lung ventilation for prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing thoracic surgery: A meta-analysis.

Background:Positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is an important part of the lung protection strategies for one-lung ventilation (OLV). However, a fixed PEEP value is not suitable for all patients. Our objective was to determine the prevention of individualized PEEP on postoperative complications in patients undergoing one-lung ventilation.Method:We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane and performed a meta-analysis to compare the effect of individual PEEP vs fixed PEEP during single lung ventilation on postoperative pulmonary complications. Our primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative pulmonary complications during follow-up. Secondary outcomes included the partial pressure of arterial oxygen and oxygenation index during one-lung ventilation.Result:Eight studies examining 849 patients were included in this review. The rate of postoperative pulmonary complications was reduced in the individualized PEEP group with a risk ratio of 0.52 (95% CI:0.37–0.73; P = .0001). The partial pressure of arterial oxygen during the OLV in the individualized PEEP group was higher with a mean difference 34.20 mm Hg (95% CI: 8.92–59.48; P = .0004). Similarly, the individualized PEEP group had a higher oxygenation index, MD: 49.07mmHg, (95% CI: 27.21–70.92; P < .0001).Conclusions:Individualized PEEP setting during one-lung ventilation in patients undergoing thoracic surgery was associated with fewer postoperative pulmonary complications and better perioperative oxygenation.

Elective foot and ankle surgery following the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic is safe: A report of 30-day morbidity and mortality

IntroductionThe safety of resuming elective surgical services remains unclear following several surges of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. Multiple studies have reported high rates of post-operative mortality and pulmonary complications. 30-day outcomes on an initial cohort of patients undergoing elective foot and ankle surgery at 3 central London hospitals are presented. Materials and methodsThis study is a retrospective review of the first 63 patients undergoing surgery following the first UK surge via a modified treatment pathway, based on published national guidelines, designed to minimise the risks to patients and staff associated with COVID-19. Results90% of patients were ASA 1 or 2, with an average age of 46. All tested negative for COVID-19 pre-operatively and all but one underwent a general anaesthetic. 10 patients required one night hospital stays and 1 was admitted for four nights. 52 were day case procedures. 2 complications were identified, not relating to COVID-19 infection. No 30-day mortalities or pulmonary complications were recorded. ConclusionsWith a community prevalence of COVID-19 of between 1 in 1500 and 1 in 1700, elective foot and ankle surgery was safe following the first surge of the pandemic in the UK. This data can guide elective service planning in countries with pandemic curves behind the UK’s or in the event of further surges in national cases.

Effect of intraoperative blood loss on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

Background We aimed to investigate the impact of intraoperative blood loss on postoperative pulmonary complications in patients who underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy for nonsmall cell lung cancer. Methods Data of a total of 409 patients (227 males, 182 females; median age: 62 years; range, 20 to 86 years) who underwent lung resection for Stage I-IIIa non-small cell lung cancer in our clinic between July 2017 and April 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to confirm the threshold value of intraoperative blood loss for the prediction of postoperative pulmonary complications. Propensity score matching was performed to compare between high-intraoperative blood loss and low-intraoperative blood loss groups. A post-matching conditional logistic regression was conducted to determine the independent risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications. Results Of the patients, 86 (21.03%) developed postoperative pulmonary complications. In the propensity score matching analysis, intraoperative blood loss was shown to be a predictive factor of postoperative pulmonary complications (3.992; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.54-10.35; p=0.004). The rate of postoperative pulmonary complications in high-intraoperative blood loss group was significantly higher than that the low-intraoperative blood loss group (37.5% vs. 13.9%, respectively; p=0.003). The postoperative length of stay and duration of postoperative antibiotic use were significantly prolonged in the high-intraoperative blood loss group. Conclusion Intraoperative blood loss serves as a significant risk factor for postoperative pulmonary complications after lung resection for non-small cell lung cancer. Surgeons should strive to reduce intraoperative blood loss for better surgical outcomes.

Surgery in the era of COVID-19: implications for laparoscopy and natural-orifice endoscopic surgery: a narrative review

Controversy exists regarding the use of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) during the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Several surgical societies have issued recommendations regarding precaution measures during MIS, nonetheless these recommendations were conflicting with respect to the use of laparoscopy with little or no inference to natural-orifice endoscopic surgery. A comprehensive literature search was performed to explore the available evidence pertinent to the novel coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission dynamics in MIS, and benefits of MIS procedures in patients with transmissible viral diseases. According to the current evidence, SARS-CoV-2 has a multi-route transmission, including fecal-oral transmission. Evidence on airborne transmission in the operative setting are however limited. In addition to nasopharyngeal screening, it would seem prudent to perform routine fecal testing for SARS-CoV-2 in patients undergoing positive-pressure transanal minimally invasive procedures. This is particularly relevant to regions with high level of epidemicity. In patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, conventional laparoscopic and robotic approaches, and atmospheric transanal surgery with high volume smoke evacuation may be safer alternatives. Considering the high rates of postoperative pulmonary complications and mortality associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, use of laparoscopy is advised in suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients who require abdominal surgery, particularly older patients and those with comorbidities. Laparoscopy may decrease the probability of postoperative disease exacerbation, and provide earlier recovery, less morbidity and mortality, and shorter hospital stay with subsequent decreased risk of in-hospital secondary transmission. High index of suspicion in postoperative patients with fever or respiratory symptoms is necessary to timely diagnose COVID-19. Chest computed tomography scan has a higher sensitivity compared to real-time PCR and can potentially be used to assist in the diagnosis, particularly in elderly patients.

Intraoperative protective ventilation in patients undergoing major neurosurgical interventions: a randomized clinical trial

BackgroundPost-operative pulmonary complications (PPC) can develop in up to 13% of patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures and may adversely affect clinical outcome. The use of intraoperative lung protective ventilation (LPV) strategies, usually including the use of a low Vt, low PEEP and low plateau pressure, seem to reduce the risk of PPC and are strongly recommended in almost all surgical procedures. Nonetheless, feasibility of LPV strategies in neurosurgical patients are still debated because the use of low Vt during LPV might result in hypercapnia with detrimental effects on cerebrovascular physiology. Aim of our study was to determine whether LPV strategies would be feasible compared with a control group in adult patients undergoing cranial or spinal surgery.MethodsThis single-centre, pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted at the University Hospital “Maggiore della Carità” (Novara, Italy). Adult patients undergoing major cerebral or spinal neurosurgical interventions with risk index for pulmonary post-operative complications > 2 and not expected to need post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) admission were considered eligible. Patients were randomly assigned to either LPV (Vt = 6 ml/kg of ideal body weight (IBW), respiratory rate initially set at 16 breaths/min, PEEP at 5 cmH2O and application of a recruitment manoeuvre (RM) immediately after intubation and at every disconnection from the ventilator) or control treatment (Vt = 10 ml/kg of IBW, respiratory rate initially set at 6–8 breaths/min, no PEEP and no RM). Primary outcomes of the study were intraoperative adverse events, the level of cerebral tension at dura opening and the intraoperative control of PaCO2. Secondary outcomes were the rate of pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications, the number of unplanned ICU admissions, ICU and hospital lengths of stay and mortality.ResultsA total of 60 patients, 30 for each group, were randomized. During brain surgery, the number of episodes of intraoperative hypercapnia and grade of cerebral tension were similar between patients randomized to receive control or LPV strategies. No difference in the rate of intraoperative adverse events was found between groups. The rate of postoperative pulmonary and extrapulmonary complications and major clinical outcomes were similar between groups.ConclusionsLPV strategies in patients undergoing major neurosurgical intervention are feasible. Larger clinical trials are needed to assess their role in postoperative clinical outcome improvements.Trial registrationregistered on the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (www.anzctr.org.au), registration number ACTRN12615000707561.

1015 Elective Cancer Surgery In COVID-19 Free Surgical Pathways During The SARS-Cov-2 Pandemic: An International, Multi-Centre, Comparative Cohort Study

IntroductionThis study aimed to determine whether COVID-19 free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared to hospitals with no defined pathway.MethodThis international multi-centre cohort study included patients undergoing elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types, without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until 19 April 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19 free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theatre, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with COVID-19 patients). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications.ResultsOf 9171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2481 were operated in COVID-19 free surgical pathways. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19 free surgical pathways (2.2% versus 4.9%, OR: 0.62 [0.44-0.86]). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses and a propensity-score matched model. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19 free surgical pathways (2.1% versus 3.6%; OR 0.53 [0.36-0.76]).ConclusionsWithin available resources, dedicated COVID-19 free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks.

Enhanced Post-Operative Recovery with Continuous Peripheral Nerve Block After Lower Extremity Amputation

Despite progress in perioperative care standards, there has not been a significant risk reduction in morbidity and mortality rates of lower extremity amputations, an intermediate risk surgery performed on high risk patients. The single-shot peripheral nerve block has shown equivocal impact on postoperative course following lower extremity amputation. Hence, we assessed the potential of preemptive use of continuous catheter-based peripheral nerve block in lower extremity amputations for reduction in pulmonary complications, acute post-operative pain scores, and opioid use in post-operative period. A retrospective review of a quality improvement project initiated in 2018 was conducted to compare outcomes amongst general anesthesia in combination with a catheter-based peripheral nerve block (catheter group) and general anesthesia alone in patients receiving lower extremity amputation. The rate of postoperative pulmonary complications was identified as a primary endpoint. The secondary outcomes assessed were acute post-operative pain scores and opioid consumption up to 48 hours. Our analysis was adjusted for potential confounding variables inclusive of demographics, medical comorbidities, type of surgical procedure and smoking status. Ninety-six patients were included in the study (61 in the general anesthesia group, 35 in the catheter group). After adjusting for baseline demographics, comorbidities, surgical technique and smoking status, the odds of postoperative pulmonary complications were significantly lower with catheter-based peripheral nerve block in comparison to general anesthesia alone, OR 0.11 [95% CI, 0.01- 0.88] (P = 0.048). The decrease in acute pain scores was also observed in the catheter group when compared to general anesthesia alone, OR 0.72 [95% CI, 0.56 - 0.93] (P = 0.012). Similarly, the opioid consumption was also lower in the catheter group in comparison to general anesthesia alone, OR 0.97 [95% CI, 0.95 - 0.99] (P = 0.025). Preemptive use of continuous peripheral nerve block in patients undergoing lower extremity amputation reduces the incidence of pulmonary complications, acute postoperative pain scores and narcotic use in post-operative period.

The Association of Intraoperative driving pressure with postoperative pulmonary complications in open versus closed abdominal surgery patients \u2013 a posthoc propensity score\u2013weighted cohort analysis of the LAS VEGAS study

BackgroundIt is uncertain whether the association of the intraoperative driving pressure (ΔP) with postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) depends on the surgical approach during abdominal surgery. Our primary objective was to determine and compare the association of time–weighted average ΔP (ΔPTW) with PPCs. We also tested the association of ΔPTW with intraoperative adverse events.MethodsPosthoc retrospective propensity score–weighted cohort analysis of patients undergoing open or closed abdominal surgery in the ‘Local ASsessment of Ventilatory management during General Anaesthesia for Surgery’ (LAS VEGAS) study, that included patients in 146 hospitals across 29 countries. The primary endpoint was a composite of PPCs. The secondary endpoint was a composite of intraoperative adverse events.ResultsThe analysis included 1128 and 906 patients undergoing open or closed abdominal surgery, respectively. The PPC rate was 5%. ΔP was lower in open abdominal surgery patients, but ΔPTW was not different between groups. The association of ΔPTW with PPCs was significant in both groups and had a higher risk ratio in closed compared to open abdominal surgery patients (1.11 [95%CI 1.10 to 1.20], P < 0.001 versus 1.05 [95%CI 1.05 to 1.05], P < 0.001; risk difference 0.05 [95%CI 0.04 to 0.06], P < 0.001). The association of ΔPTW with intraoperative adverse events was also significant in both groups but had higher odds ratio in closed compared to open abdominal surgery patients (1.13 [95%CI 1.12– to 1.14], P < 0.001 versus 1.07 [95%CI 1.05 to 1.10], P < 0.001; risk difference 0.05 [95%CI 0.030.07], P < 0.001).ConclusionsΔP is associated with PPC and intraoperative adverse events in abdominal surgery, both in open and closed abdominal surgery.Trial registrationLAS VEGAS was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (trial identifier NCT01601223).

A postoperative comparison of high-flow nasal cannula therapy and conventional oxygen therapy for esophageal cancer patients.

Hypoxaemia in post-surgical patients of esophageal cancer (EC) is common in thoracic departments. However, few studies have investigated the role of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) compared with conventional oxygen therapy (COT). A retrospective study was implemented to enroll hypoxemic patients after esophagectomy who were treated by HFNC or COT immediately after extubation between January 2019 and December 2019. We compared the effect of HFNC or COT in patients regarding the vital signs and arterial blood gases, the incidence of anastomotic leakage, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs), sore throat/nose, and reintubation, length of stay, and sputum production. We also 3D reconstructed the postoperative chest CT, and compared the amount of lung volume loss caused by PPCs (pneumothorax, atelectasis, pulmonary consolidation and pleural effusion) between the two groups. Compared to patients in COT group, sore throat/nose in HFNC group was lower, the sputum production was higher, and the total hospital stay was shorter. Compared to COT, HFNC treatment decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) at day 1, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) at day 1-4, and heart rate (HR) at day 2-4, increased arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) at day 1-4, and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2%) at day 1-2. In addition, the rate of PPCs and anastomotic leakage in HFNC group were lower than those in COT group. Compared to COT, HFNC treatment significantly decreased the amount of lung volume loss caused by PPCs. HFNC can improve the hypoxemia of patients after esophagectomy, increase the flow of sputum, reduce the incidence of PPC and anastomotic leakage.

Risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications and prolonged hospital stay in pulmonary resection patients: a retrospective study

BackgroundPostoperative pulmonary complications are the main cause of morbidity and mortality after pulmonary resection. This study was undertaken to determine the risk factors associated with postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) and length of hospital stay (LOS) in pulmonary resection patients in a tertiary teaching hospital in Brazil. MethodsA retrospective data gathering from 196 patients who underwent pulmonary resection between 2012 and 2016 was conducted. Demographic and hospital admission data were collected from patients with complete medical records. Univariate analysis was performed, followed by Poisson’s regression for predicting the prevalence of postoperative pulmonary complications and length of hospital stay. ResultsThirty-nine patients (20%) displayed pulmonary complications in the postoperative period. The risk factors associated with an increased prevalence of postoperative pulmonary complications in a multivariate analysis were: American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status (ASA) ≥ 3 (PR 4.77, p = 0.03, 95% CI: 1.17 to 19.46), predicted diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide – corrected single breath (PR 0.98, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 0.96 to 0.99) and age of the patient (PR 1.04; p = 0.01; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.06). Those associated with an increased prevalence of prolonged hospital stay were: duration of surgical procedure longer than five hours (PR 6.94, p = 0.01, 95% CI: 1.66 to 12.23), male sex (PR 5.72, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 1.87 to 9.58), and presence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PR 11.92, p < 0.001, 95% CI: 7.42 to 16.42). ConclusionsThe rate of postoperative pulmonary complications in the study population is in line with the world average. Recognizing risk factors for the development of PPCs may help optimize allocation resources and preventive efforts.

In a Time of Pandemic: Predictors for Post-transplant Respiratory Complications

Introduction: Biliary atresia is commonly associated with malnutrition and failure to thrive. Very few studies have been published on the impact of preoperative malnutrition on post-transplant outcomes in these children. Material and Methods: 110 children underwent living donor liver transplantation from January 2003 to March 2013. Pre-transplant malnutrition was defined according to z scores for the weight for age and height for age as per who definition. Patients having both Z score of Results: 39 children out of 110 were having z score for the weight for age Conclusion: Preoperative malnutrition is associated with a high postoperative pulmonary complication rate in liver transplantation for biliary atresia.