Required Catheter Removal Research Articles

SILICONE CUFFED DUAL LUMEN CATHETERS FOR HEMODIALYSIS VASCULAR ACCESS

We present our two years experience using the Permcath catheter, Quinton Instrument.The percutaneous introduction was performed by a nephrologist under ultrasonic real-time guidance, always in internal right jugular vein. This catheter was placed in a total of 81 patients for plasmapheresis (7 pts) and ESRD pts: first choice (21 pts), fistula maturation (43 pts), exhausted vascular access (10 pts). In the 21 first choice patients the median life of the catheter was 5 months: 7 patients dead with the functioning catheter, one patient was transplanted. In remaining 13 patients the mean survival of functioning catheter was 11 months. In the fistula's maturation group the median permanence of the functioning catheter was 3 months. In the exhausted vascular access group the mean life of catheter was 6 months: 6 patients dead and one patient was transplanted with still functioning catheter. The 3 catheters still in use are functioning from a mean of 7 months. The blood flow was 300–350 ml/min in all cases and the recirculation calculated by the DOQI guidelines never was over 10%. Insertion complications, one hemotorax and 8 cases (9% for 90 insertions) of subcutaneous hemorragic soffusion. We observed 14 episodes of catheter failure starting treatment over 5050 treatments (0.3/treatment). Urokinase instillation completely recovered the normal function in 11 cases In 3 cases the substitution of catheter was needed. Five patients (6%) experienced episodes of fever and gram-positive bacteriemia requiring catheter removal (without further complications). In our clinical experience Permcath catheters is an efficient and safety intermediate-duration vascular access for hemodialysis, prolonged apheresis treatment and to allow maturation of A-V fistulas, and it is a good long-term access in patients with exhausted vascular access.

Outpatient CAPD catheter salvage for persistent exit-site/tunnel infection

Partial replantation (i.e. replacement of the extraperitoneal portion of the catheter with creation of a new subcutaneous tunnel) has been suggested to avoid catheter removal in patients with persistent exit-site/tunnel infection (ESTI). However, published experience with this technique is limited. Partial replantation was performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia for seven patients with persistent ESTI of >3 months duration. All patients resumed CAPD immediately following surgery. One patient had dialysate leakage less than 1 week after surgery that required catheter removal. The other patients had no complications and mean catheter survival following surgery was 7. 7 months (range 3.5-13 months). There was no recurrence of ESTI after surgery, although two patients presented with exit-site infection unrelated to the initial episode (i.e. different organism, long latency). Three other patients presented with episodes of peritonitis unrelated to surgery (i.e. delay >1 month) or ESTI (i.e. different organism). Partial replantation allows significant prolongation of catheter survival without major complications or interruption of CAPD. This novel procedure appears to be an appropriate alternative to catheter removal for the management of persistent ESTI. However, further studies are needed to prospectively compare partial replantation with catheter removal.

Rapid diagnosis of central-venous-catheter-related bloodstream infection without catheter removal

Current methods for the diagnosis of bloodstream infection related to central venous catheters (CVC) are slow and in many cases require catheter removal. Since most CVC that are removed on suspicion of causing infection prove not to be infected, removal of catheters unnecessarily exposes patients to the risks associated with reinsertion. The gram stain and acridine-orange leucocyte cytospin test (AOLC) is rapid (30 min), inexpensive, and requires only 100 microL catheter blood (treated with edetic acid) and the use of light and ultraviolet microscopy. We assessed the gram stain and AOLC test in suspected cases of catheter-related bloodstream infection, in comparison with two methods requiring catheter removal (tip roll and tip flush), and a third technique, done in situ (endoluminal brush) in conjunction with quantitative peripheral-blood cultures. 128 cases of suspected catheter-related bloodstream infection were assessed in 124 adult surgical patients (median duration of CVC placement was 16 days). In 112 (88%) cases CVC blood was obtainable. Catheter-related bloodstream infection was diagnosed in 50 cases (culture of the same organism from the catheter, in significant numbers, and from peripheral-blood culture). The sensitivity of the gram stain and AOLC test was 96% and the specificity was 92%, with a positive predictive value of 91% and a negative predictive value of 97%. By comparison, the tip-roll, tip-flush, and endoluminal-brush methods had sensitivities of 90%, 95%, and 92%, and specificities of 55%, 76%, and 98%, respectively. The gram stain and AOLC test is a simple, and rapid method for the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection. This diagnostic method compares favourably with other diagnostic methods, particularly those that require the removal of the catheter, and can permit early targeted antimicrobial therapy.

OERSKOVIA XANTHINEOLYTICA PERITONITIS: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW

OERSKOVIA XANTHINEOLYTICA PERITONITIS: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW

Efficacy of prolonged administration of intravenous erythromycin in an ambulatory setting as treatment of severe gastroparesis: one center's experience.

Intravenous erythromycin is a potent gastric prokinetic with demonstrated efficacy in the acute therapy of gastroparesis; long-term oral therapy has been limited by tolerance and modest efficacy. Our aim was to review our experience with prolonged administration of intravenous erythromycin in an ambulatory setting as therapy for severe gastroparesis, refractory to usual dietary and oral prokinetic regimens. We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with gastroparesis treated with intravenous erythromycin for at least 1 month. Information on demographics; origin of gastroparesis; dosage, duration, and route of administration; clinical outcome in the short- and longer-term; and complications were determined. Eleven patients received a total of 14 courses of intravenous erythromycin for a median of 6.5 months (range, 1 to 19 months) at a median dosage of 300 mg/day (range, 150 to 1,000 mg/day). One patient received no benefit, two had complete responses, and all others reported some benefit. Two had dramatic relapse on cessation of therapy and subsequently improved on its resumption. Parenteral nutrition could be discontinued in one of four patients. There were four episodes of line sepsis; two required catheter removal. A nonocclusive thrombus developed at the site of a central line in one patient. Secondary infections or antibiotic resistance were not encountered. Prolonged administration of intravenous erythromycin in an ambulatory setting is feasible, well tolerated, and effective in patients with severe gastroparesis.

Experience with tunneled femoral hemodialysis catheters.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use and complication rate of tunneled femoral hemodialysis catheters placed in patients with no remaining thoracic venous access sites. Over a 3-year period, 41 tunneled femoral vein catheters (35 right, six left) were placed in 21 patients (15 women, six men; 21-89 years old; mean, 52 years). Catheters ranged in length from 40 to 60 cm. Tips were positioned immediately above the iliac bifurcation, at the mid inferior vena cava (IVC), or at the junction of the IVC and right atrium. Catheters were exchanged through the existing tract if the flow rate decreased to less than 200 ml/min. Catheters were removed if an episode of bacteremia did not resolve with antibiotics or if the insertion site became infected. Technical success of placement was 100%. The 30-, 60-, and 180-day primary patency rates were 78%, 71%, and 55%, respectively. The 30-, 60-, and 180-day secondary patency rates were 95%, 83%, and 61%, respectively. Average time of function per intervention was 61 days. Infections requiring catheter removal occurred at a rate of 2.4 per 1000 catheter days. One episode of partial IVC thrombosis occurred after a catheter infection developed 78 days after initial catheter placement. No episodes of symptomatic pulmonary embolism occurred. Total length of follow-up was 2506 catheter days. Femoral vein catheters require more frequent interventions than do thoracic catheters and are more susceptible to infection. However, in patients with difficult central venous access, the common femoral vein may be successfully used for permanent tunneled hemodialysis access.

Interventional Radiology Placement of Twin Tesio Catheters for Dialysis Access: Review of 75 Patients

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of modern interventional radiology techniques and imaging guidance for placement of jugular vein twin Tesio hemodialysis catheters. Eighty-two sets (75 patients) of twin Tesio catheters were percutaneously placed in the right (n = 70) and left (n = 12) internal jugular veins with use of ultrasound (US) and fluoroscopic guidance. Immediate procedural and late complications were recorded. The efficacy of the Tesio system was also evaluated. With US and fluoroscopic guidance, the technical success for access and catheter placement was 100%. Measured dialysis blood flow rate of greater than 375 mL/min was obtained in 95% of the patients and recirculation averaged 4.6% +/- 5%. An inadvertent common carotid artery puncture occurred in one (0.6%) patient and prolonged exit site bleeding occurred in another five patients (3%). Each of these was successfully controlled with compression. More chronically, catheter thrombosis and exit site infection occurred each at the rate of 0.16 episodes per 100 catheter days. All thrombosis and exit site infections responded to local thrombolysis and antibiotic therapy, respectively. Bacteremia occurred in 20 patients and required catheter removal in five patients. There was no clinical evidence of upper extremity or superior central vein thrombosis. Placement of internal jugular, twin Tesio catheters with use of imaging and interventional techniques provides a safe and efficacious means of either short or long-term hemodialysis.

A Retrospective Analysis of Hickman Line-Associated Complications in Patients with Solid Tumours Undergoing Infusional Chemotherapy

We present a retrospective analysis of Hickman line use and associated complications in patients with solid tumours undergoing treatment with infusional chemotherapy. One hundred and ten lines were inserted in 94 patients (55 females and 39 males, median age 51), of whom 107 were placed under radiological screening, the remainder by a surgical approach. Catheters were in situ for a total of 9670 days (median 101 days, range 1-278). Fifty-five complications occurred during the lifespan of 39 catheters (35.5%), giving an overall complication rate of 4.03/1000 catheter days. Early complications included pneumothorax (4%), arterial puncture (1%) and failure of placement (1%). Late complications included sepsis (superficial and systemic) (24.5%), venous thrombosis (9%), line displacement (10%) and catheter blockage (1%). Fifteen episodes of systemic sepsis occurred in 12 patients, giving an overall sepsis rate of 1.55/1000 catheter days, while complications requiring catheter removal occurred in 20 cases (18% of insertions, 2.07/1000 catheter days). We conclude that the use of Hickman catheters as a means of long-term venous access in infusional chemotherapy patients is generally safe, but is associated with significant morbidity.

The Effects of Catheter Revision and Mupirocin on Exit Site Infection/Peritonitis in CAPD Patients

Background: Exit site/tunnel infection causes considerable morbidity and technique failure in CAPD patients. We presently use a unique revision method for the treatment of refractory ESI/TI in CAPD patients and mupirocin prophylaxis for high risk patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 139 CAPD patients about the ESI/TI from October 1993 to February 1999 at Yeungnam University Hospital. At the beginning of the ESI. we usually started medications with rifampicin and ciprofloxacin and then changed the antibiotics according to the sensitivity test. If the ESI had persisted and there were TI symptoms (purulent discharge, abscess lesion around exit site). we performed catheter revision(external cuff shaving, disinfection around tunnel and new exit site on opposit direction) with a combination of proper antibiotics. We applied local mupirocin ointment at the exit site three times per week to the 34 patients who had the risk of ESI starting from October 1998. Results: The total follow-up was 2401 patient months(pt. mon). ESI occurred on 105 occasions in 36 out of 139 patients, and peritonitis occurred on 112 occasions in 67 out of 139 patients. The total number of incidences of ESI and peritonitis was 1 per 23.0 pt. mon and 1 per 2l.6 pt.mon. The most common organism responsible for ESI was Staphylococcus aureus (26 of 54 isolated cases, 48%), followed by the Methicillin resistant S. aureus(MRSA) (13 cases, 24%). Seven patients(5: MRSA. 2: Pseudomonas) had to be treated with a revision to control infection. Three patients experienced ESI relapse after revision. One of them improved with antibiotics, while another needed a second revision and the remaining required catheter removal due to persistent MRSA infection with re-insertion at the same time. But, there was no more ESI in these 3 patients who were received management to relapse (The mean duration: 14.0 months). The rates of ESI were significantly reduced after using mupirocin than before(1 per 12.7 vs 34.0 pt.mon, P

Catheter complications in AIDS patients treated for cytomegalovirus retinitis.

To describe the complications of central venous catheter use for intravenous therapy of cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in patients with AIDS. Retrospective review of 388 patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis treated with intravenous medications through an indwelling catheter. The catheter complication rate was 1.2 complications per person-year (0.33 complications per 100 catheter-days). Current injecting drug use increased the risk of infectious complications [hazard ratio (HR), 1.73; P=0.04] whereas former use did not (HR, 0.96; P=0.88). Subdermal port catheters increased the risk of bacteremia (HR, 1.78; P=0.05). Mortality for the first complication was 5.8%. Forty percent of patients required catheter removal, and 86.8% of these patients required reinsertion of another catheter. Catheter complications are a substantial problem in patients with CMV retinitis treated with daily intravenous therapy.

Complications of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. The role of catheter size and duration of support in a multivariate analysis of risk.

The aim of this study was to assess the risk of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation and to identify clinical and procedural variables that would predict complications. We analysed 381 consecutive patients who were treated between 1977 and 1995 at our catheterization laboratory and/or medical intensive care unit. The complications considered relevant were limb ischaemia requiring catheter removal, vascular injury, bleeding requiring transfusion, embolic events, and infection. In eight patients the balloon could not be inserted. The rate of complications for the remaining 373 patients was 12.9%. Between 1977 and 1980, surgical insertion was performed using a 12 French catheter with a complication rate of 30.4% (seven of 23 patients). Percutaneous implantation, performed after 1981, had an overall complication rate of 11.7% (41 of 350 patients). Using thinner catheters for percutaneous placement was associated with a reduction in the rate of complications, from 20.7% (17 of 82 patients) for 12 French catheters to 9.9% (10 of 101 patients) for 10.5 French catheters (P = 0.04), and 8.4% (14 of 167 patients) for 9.5 French catheters (P = 0.006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified duration of counterpulsation > 48 h (odds ratio 3.6), catheter size (odds ratio 3.4 for 12 French catheters), peripheral vascular disease (odds ratio 2.7), and shock (odds ratio 2.0) as independent risk factors for counterpulsation-associated complications. When considering 9.5 French catheters only (167 patients, all after 1992), the sole remaining independent risk factor was duration of counterpulsation > 48 h (odds ratio 3.8). Those patients with 9.5 French catheters in whom counterpulsation did not exceed 48 h had a low complication rate of 3.9%. The rate of percutaneous intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation complications was thus significantly reduced by employing thinner catheters. It was at an acceptable level for 9.5 French catheters, where a long duration of counterpulsation emerged as the most significant factor associated with complications. Whether using even thinner catheters in combination with a sheathless implantation technique further minimizes the risk of counterpulsation remains to be seen.

Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy with Mitoxanthrone in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian carcinoma remains confined to the peritoneal cavity for the greater part of its natural history, so intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of chemotherapy could result in greater total drug exposure of the tumor and minimize systemic antiblastic drug side effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and toxic effects of intraperitoneal mitoxanthrone in patients affected by ovarian carcinoma with macroscopic absence of disease or minimal residual disease. Ten patients were enrolled (stage II and III) who had been previously treated with neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy (CDDP or CBDCA + CTX) and radical surgery resulting in macroscopic absence of disease or minimal residual disease (< 1 cm). Mitoxanthrone (25 mg/m2) was instilled in 2 liters of normal saline every four weeks for 2-4 cycles. A total of 26 courses was administered; two patients discontinued i.p. therapy, one for chemoperitonitis and another for bowel perforation requiring catheter removal. Of the 10 patients receiving i.p. chemotherapy, 7 are alive at 5 years from radical surgery, and 3 had relapses at 13, 14 and 57 months, respectively, from radical surgery. Intraperitoneal mitoxanthrone appears to be an effective second-line therapy in ovarian cancer; it is well tolerated as far as toxic effects are concerned, allowing cost reduction and improved patient compliance. For those cases requiring a limited number of peritoneal accesses traditional percutaneous systems have a more favorable cost/benefit ratio.

Rising incidence of Candida parapsilosis fungemia in patients with hematologic malignancies: clinical aspects, predisposing factors, and differential pathogenicity of the causative strains.

Over the years 1983-1994, Candida parapsilosis causes 35 or 138 fungemic episodes (24 of 69 candidemias in the last quadriennium) in patients with hematologic malignancies who were being treated at a large university hospital in Italy. The central venous catheter was usually the source of bloodstream invasion; in most cases, the resolution of fungemia in patients receiving antifungal therapy required catheter removal. In seven cases, C. parapsilosis fungemia evolved to five proven (two cases with endocarditis) and two probable deep-seated infections; three of these seven patients died of deep-seated infections. Deep seated infection was associated with the detection of a circulating mannoprotein antigen of C. parapsilosis but not with in vitro resistance to antifungal agents. Almost all fungal isolates produced slime in vitro, but only 34% were pathogenic in a model of bloodstream infection in neutropenic mice. The four isolates associated with endocarditis or persistent fungemia with multiorgan failure were among the most virulent in the model of infection. Overall, our findings highlight the role of C. parapsilosis as an agent of fungemia in patients with malignant hemopathies.

Anticoagulation without catheter removal in children with catheter-related central vein thrombosis

Catheter-related central venous thrombosis is a serious and common problem among children. The traditional management has been anticoagulation and early catheter removal. Unfortunately, many patients require a new catheter, which is associated with complications that include possible further thrombosis. Although others have used thrombolytic agents in attempts to avoid catheter removal, the authors of the present study believe that the associated complications occur too frequently and are too serious. They have had success with standard anticoagulation in a limited number of patients. Between February 1991 and April 1994, 17 patients (6 weeks to 19 years of age) were treated for catheter-related deep venous thrombosis. Eight patients underwent early catheter removal accompanied by anticoagulation; two of them had intrinsic catheter problems that necessitated removal, and one had hemophilia. Nine others received anticoagulation without catheter removal. Of these, one required catheter removal after 10 days heparin administration failed do diminish the thrombosis. Another patient responded well to anticoagulation but required catheter removal several weeks later because of catheter-site infection. The other seven patients responded well to anticoagulation, and their catheters were retained. For patients with a functional catheter essential to their care, anticoagulation may safely prevent catheter removal.

Catheter-Related Infections

I read article on Staphylococcus aureus cather-associated bacteremia by Malanoski et al 1 with interest, as my colleagues and I previously published an article about catheter-related infections. 2 It is my opinion that Malanoski and colleagues make a sweeping conclusion when they state that the results of this and other studies suggest that infected catheter should be promptly removed. Unfortunately, they have little data to support such a claim for long-term catheters such as Hickman, Broviac, and Groshong catheters. The authors analyzed follow-up from 11 Hickman catheter-related episodes of S aureus sepsis. These data were not reported or analyzed separately from overall group, possibly because of very small number of incidents involved. Our much larger study included 54 episodes of S aureus —related (Hickman or Broviac catheter) sepsis. 2 There were no deaths in our group, and only 30 (56%) patients required catheter removal. Even

Peritoneoscopic Placement of Swan Neck Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters

Peritoneoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheters, although accomplished in only about 10% of dialysis centers, is a nonsurgical technique that fulfills requirements for safety and dependability. Over a 40-month period, 136 catheters were placed with the peritoneoscope, 135 of which were double-cuffed, Swan neck curled catheters, with a uniform radiopaque stripe. Patients were followed longitudinally for outcome. Catheters were placed in 44 diabetic patients, 1 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patient, and 18 morbidly obese patients. No complications occurred as a direct result of placement. Catheters were used, on average, nine days after placement (many on days 1 to 4) usually with 1.5 to 2 L exchanges. With 1183 patient-months’ experience, complications were few: 28 patients experienced catheter-related infections, and there were five leaks that resolved with supine, low-volume dialysis for several days. Leakage did not correlate with time of usage after placement. Of ten outflow/mechanical problems that required catheter removal, nine involved catheter migration, probably due to lack of attention during placement to orientation of the radiopaque stripe. One was due to a preperitoneal placement early in this institution's experience with the peritoneoscope. Five of the migrated catheters were removed and then successfully replaced with the peritoneoscope at the same sitting. Four patients requested surgical removal and replacement. Sixteen catheters were removed because of catheter-related infections: five refractory Staphylococcus aureus, six Pseudomonas aeruginosa, two fungal, two Serratia species, and one Mycobacterium chelonei. Actuarial life table analysis showed that at the end of the 40-month follow-up, 62% of the catheters were expected to survive. Because more than 50% survived, median catheter survival could not be calculated. The adverse responses were removal because of infection or catheter migration. Peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation with the peritoneoscope represents a safe and dependable method for catheter placement. Literature review and comparison indicate that catheter-related complications are fewer and catheter longevity is better with peritoneoscopic placement than with surgical placement. Our experience with prompt postplacement utilization suggests the need for further evaluation of catheter break-in procedure with the peritoneoscope.

Fusarium Peritonitis in a Child on Peritoneal Dialysis: Case Report and Review of the Literature

To review various aspects of the management of peritonitis due to Fusarium, a soil mold which infrequently causes infections in humans. A case of Fusarium peritonitis in a child on chronic peritoneal dialysis (PD) is presented. The child developed Fusarium peritonitis 2 weeks after an episode of bacterial peritonitis. His Tenckhoff catheter was removed, and he was maintained on hemodialysis while receiving intravenous amphotericin. Following 2 weeks of treatment with amphotericin, he was successfully returned to PD. A literature review of all previously reported cases of Fusarium peritonitis was then conducted to determine features common to infections caused by Fusarium. Emphasis was also placed on unique characteristics of the organism that may affect patient management, as well as patient characteristics that may increase the risk for infection by Fusarium. Fusarium may cause infection in immunosuppressed individuals, such as cancer patients or patients on chronic PD. The organism has a propensity to attach to foreign bodies such as intravascular and intraperitoneal catheters. Therefore, successful treatment of infections caused by Fusarium may require catheter removal in addition to systemic antifungal therapy. This report presents the first known case of Fusarium peritonitis in a child. In view of the difficulties posed by this unusual organism, optimal therapy of Fusarium peritonitis should consist of immediate catheter removal and treatment with systemic antifungal drugs.

Long-term central venous access in patients with sickle cell disease. Incidence of thrombotic and infectious complications.

Central venous access devices (CVAD) have been used with increasing frequency in recent years among pediatric patients. We retrospectively reviewed our experience in 25 children and young adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) over a 4 1/2 year period in an attempt to define occurrence rates of perioperative complications, thrombosis requiring catheter removal, and infectious episodes. The setting was a university-associated tertiary children's hospital. Patients were 25 children and young adults (ages 8 months to 23 years) with SCD who required CVAD placement between February 1987 and April 1992. A total of 31 catheters (totally implantable ports and partially implanted catheters) were placed for 17,444 patient catheter days. Rates of significant perioperative complications, thrombotic events requiring catheter removal, and infectious episodes were recorded. No perioperative complications were noted. Five episodes of catheter occlusion requiring replacement occurred in two patients (0.29 per 1,000 catheter patient days, involving 8% of patients and 16% of catheters). Fifteen episodes of catheter-associated bacteremia occurred in eight patients (0.86 per 1,000 catheter patient days involving 32% of patients and 26% of catheters). Three catheters required removal because of infection unresponsive to antibiotic therapy. The occurrence of thrombosis requiring catheter removal and infection in our population of patients with SCD was comparable to that reported in patients with malignant disease, cystic fibrosis and acquired immune deficiency syndrome. CVAD represents an effective, reliable, and reasonably safe means of establishing and maintaining venous access for a selective group of children and young adults with SCD who have limited peripheral venous access and require intravenous therapies.

Percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation for hemodialysis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the percutaneous translumbar approach for long-term hemodialysis catheter access. Seventeen double-lumen hemodialysis catheters were placed percutaneously from the right flank to the inferior vena cava in 12 patients. Catheter placement was successful in all patients. Adequate flow rates were obtained. Seven episodes of thrombosis-related access failure occurred (0.33 episodes/100 days at risk). Two catheters were removed and five catheters were managed with urokinase infusion. Six episodes of infection occurred (0.28 episodes/100 days at risk). Four required catheter removal. Two catheters were removed after defects developed in the catheter. Five catheters were removed electively because catheter hemodialysis was discontinued. Four catheters remained in place. Cumulative patency was 52% at 6 months and 17% at 12 months. Translumbar inferior vena cava hemodialysis catheters represent a valuable alternative in cases in which traditional catheter sites have failed.

Influence of Thoracic Epidural Analgesia on Outcome after Resection for Esophageal Cancer

Comment: This is a retrospective study of 75 patients receiving thoracic epidural analgesia after thoracoabdominal esophagogastrectomy for esophageal cancer. Respiratory complications (pneumonia, persistent atelectasis, increasing respiratory support) occurred in 29.6% of the nonepidural group but in only 13.3% of patients receiving an epidural. The primary flaw in this study is the use of a historical control group. Patients who underwent the same opeation in the ten years before the study group are compared with patients having surgery between 1985 and 1990. All subjects in the control group received elective postoperative mechanical ventilation, whereas only 6.6% of the study patients needed to remain intubated after surgery. Perhaps some of the control group could have been managed without mechanical ventilation had other methods of adequate pain relief been used (i.e., patient-controlled anesthesia or intercostal nerve blocks). To compare two such differently managed groups with respect to incidence of respiratory complications introduces many confounding variables and makes the result less meaningful. Additionally, no baseline measurement of cardiopulmonary function is presented, and pain relief is not objectively assessed. These drawbacks were noted by the authors, but they felt that the benefit of thoracic epidural analgesia was “marked and easily apparent,” and it would have been unethical to withhold it from patients. The only complication noted from the use of an epidural catheter was leakage around the insertion site, requiring catheter removal in five patients. Further management of these patients is not discussed, i.e., was the epidural replaced? Of note, intraoperative hypotension was not a problem, despite the infusion of 10–20 cc of 0.5% bupivacaine plus 100 meg of fentanyl during the surgery. In summary, although the numbers are impressive with regard to decreased respiratory complications, to recommend the routine incorporation of this technique based solely on this study is premature.