Retrospective Analysis Of Surgical Patients Research Articles

Retrospective Analysis of Surgical Patients During SARS - CoV-2 (COVID - 19) Omicron Surge in a Teaching University Hospital

Omicron surge during SARS - CoV - 2 (COVID) pandemic, presented with different characteristics in comparison to earlier surges due to other Variants of Concern (VoC). Parameters like surgical outcome, including prolonged ICU stay, post operative pulmonary complication and mortality were analysed.Methods: Patient data who underwent both elective and emergency surgeries were collected from 1st January 2022 to 31st March 2022 during Omicron wave in Kingdom of Bahrain were collected and analysed. Relevant data of patient were collected along with vaccination details, including, type of vaccination, number of doses received and number of booster doses.Results: Of the 81 patients who underwent major surgery, 12 were COVID positive and 69 were negative. Patients who were admitted to ICU admission (OR = 0.91 95% CI = (0.26-3.12) P = 0.88) , patients who underwent post operative ventilation ( OR = 0.92 95% CI = (0.26 - 3.21) P=0.90) and mortality (OR = 0.47 95% CI = (0.056 - 4.09) P=0.50) were not significantly different between COVID positive and negative patients. Similarly, those who underwent emergency surgery, 46/419 patients were COVID positive. Patients who were admitted to ICU admission (OR = 1.68 95% CI = (0.70 - 4.03) P = 0.24) P = 0.88) , patients who underwent post operative ventilation ( OR = 1.84 95% CI = (0.72 - 4.73) P=0.20) and mortality (OR = 0.465 95% CI = (0.006 - 3.58) P=0.46) were not significantly different between COVID positive and negative patients.Conclusion: In conclusion, patients who underwent elective and emergency surgery during Omicron wave were not associated with significant post operative ICU admission, prolonged ventilation or mortality.

Bone Bruise Patterns Associated With Pediatric and Adult Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears Are Different

To describe differences in radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings between adult and pediatric patients with known primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. We performed a retrospective analysis of surgical patients with a history of ACL tears treated at our institution over a 7-year period. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on age (≤15 years and ≥21 years). Patients' radiographs and MRI studies were used to compare features including fracture incidence, bone bruise pattern, associated ligamentous injuries, and meniscal injuries between the 2 groups. Proportions of associated findings were analyzed using the 2-proportion z test. Within our cohorts of 52 sex-matched pediatric and adult patients, we found that pediatric patients were more likely to have radiographic evidence of fracture (P= .001) and MRI evidence of lateral femoral condylar bone bruising (P= .012). Adult patients had higher rates of medial femoral condylar bruising (P= .016) and medial proximal tibial bruising (P= .005), as well as popliteal fibular ligament injuries (P= .037), identified on MRI. In this study, we identified differences in bone bruise patterns between pediatric and adult patients with primary ACL tears. Pediatric patients were more likely to have radiographic evidence of fracture and MRI evidence of lateral femoral condylar bone bruising. Adult patients were more likely to show medial femoral condylar and medial proximal tibial bone bruising, as well as popliteal fibular ligament injuries. Level IV, prognostic case series.

Computed Tomography-Measured Psoas Muscle Density as a Predictive Factor for Hypophosphatemia Associated With Refeeding.

Initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN) after a period of starvation can be complicated by refeeding syndrome (RFS). RFS is associated with electrolyte abnormalities including hypomagnesemia, hyponatremia, and hypophosphatemia. Risk factors include recent weight loss, low body mass index, and electrolyte deficiencies; however, these associations are not strong. We hypothesized that a validated measure of nutrition risk, computed tomography (CT)-measured psoas muscle density, can be used to predict the development of hypophosphatemia associated with RFS. A retrospective analysis of surgical patients initiated on PN with an abdominal CT scan within the past 3 months was conducted. CT-measured psoas muscle density was assessed as a predictive variable for the development of electrolyte abnormalities. Daily electrolyte and clinical outcome measures were recorded. One hundred nine patients were stratified based on Hounsfield unit average calculation (HUAC). The lowest 25th percentile of patients had HUAC <25. Low HUAC was associated with a significant percent decrease in phosphate levels from baseline to PN day 3 (P < .01) and significant difference in serum phosphate value on PN day 3 (P < .01). The low muscle density quartile also experienced longer days on the mechanical ventilator (P = .01) compared with patients with a higher psoas muscle density. Psoas muscle density predicted the development of hypophosphatemia in patients initiated on PN. This measurement may aid in identifying patients at highest risk of experiencing RFS. Amean psoas HU <25 may prompt additional precautions, including additional phosphate replacement and slower initiation of PN.

Which Patients Are a Better Candidate of Laparoscopic Repair in Obturator Hernia Patients?

PurposeObturator hernia is a difficult disease to diagnose. If a surgical treatment is delayed in obturator hernia, a bowel resection may be required due to strangulation. The surgical treatment of this disease is to use a classical laparotomy. Recently, the laparoscopic approach has been reported and reviewed for efficiency. We checked the indicators that determine the most appropriate surgical method according to the patient’s condition.MethodsIn the study, a single-institution, retrospective analysis of surgical patients undergoing an obturator hernia surgery between 2003 and 2018 was performed. The patients were divided into a laparoscopic group (5 patients underwent laparoscopic repair; no intestinal resection) and an open group (13 patients who underwent open repair; 10 with and 3 without intestinal resection). The outcomes were compared between the groups. We analyzed the relevant factors that could predict the proper method of surgery.ResultsA total 18 patients were included in the study. All patients were female, with body mass index (BMI) of under 21 kg/m2. Of the various factors, only the WBC and CRP counts were the factors that had shown significant differences between the two groups. It is noted that patients with open surgery had a higher WBC counts (10406 versus 6520/μl; p=0.011) and CRP counts (7.84 vs. 0.32 mg/dl; p=0.027).ConclusionObturator hernia can be treated with a laparoscopic surgery. The choice of surgical treatment can be considered in advance through the review of the patient’s WBC count or CRP count.

Predictors of Change in Code Status from Time of Admission to Death in Critically Ill Surgical Patients

Racial and gender disparities in end-of-life decision-making practices have not been well described in surgical patients. We performed an eight-year retrospective analysis of surgical patients within the Cerner Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Outcomes database. ICU patients with documented admission code status, and death or ICU discharge code status, respectively, were included. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess change in code status. Of 468,000 ICU patients, 97,968 (20.9%) were surgical, 63,567 (95%) survived, and 3,343 (5%) died during their hospitalization. Of those, 50,915 (80.1%) and 2,625 (78.5%) had complete code status data on admission and discharge or death, respectively. Women were less likely than men to remain full code at ICU discharge and death (n = 20,940, 95.6% and n = 141, 11.9% vs n = 29,320, 97.4% and n = 233, 16.3%, P < 0.001). Compared with whites, blacks and other minorities had a 0.46 odds (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-0.64, P < 0.001) and 0.54 odds (95% CI: 0.34-0.85, P = 0.01) of changing from full code status before death, respectively. Before ICU discharge, blacks and other minorities had a 0.56 odds of changing from full code status when compared with whites (95% CI: 0.40-0.79, P < 0.001 vs 95% CI: 0.36-0.87, P = 0.01, respectively). Women were more likely to be discharged or die after a change in code status from full code (odds ratio 1.27, 95% CI: 1.06-1.07, P < 0.001; odds ratio 1.39, 95% CI: 1.09-1.79, P = 0.009). Men and minorities are more likely to be discharged from the ICU or die with a full code status designation.

Application of electronic medical record-derived analytics in critical care: Rothman Index predicts mortality and readmissions in surgical intensive care unit patients.

The Rothman Index (RI) is an objective measurement of a patient's overall condition, automatically generated from 26 variables including vital signs, laboratory data, cardiac rhythms, and nursing assessments. The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of RI scores in predicting surgical ICU (SICU) readmission rates and mortality. We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis of surgical patients who were transferred from the SICU to the surgical floor from December 2014 to December 2016. Data included demographics, length of stay (LOS), mortality, and RI at multiple pretransfer and post-transfer time points. A total of 1,445 SICU patients were transferred to the surgical floor; 79 patients (5.5%) were readmitted within 48 hours of transfer. Mean age was 52 years, and 67% were male. Compared to controls, patients readmitted to the SICU within 48 hours experienced higher LOS (29 vs. 11 days, p < 0.05) as well as higher mortality (2.5% vs. 0.6%, p < 0.05). Patients requiring readmission also had a lower RI at 72, 48, and 24 hours before transfer as well as at 24 and 48 hours after transfer (p < 0.05 for all). Rothman Index scores were categorized into higher-risk (<40), medium-risk (40-65), and lower-risk groups (>65); RI scores at 24 hours before transfer were inversely proportional to overall mortality (RI < 40 = 2.5%, RI 40-65 = 0.3%, and RI > 65 = 0%; p < 0.05) and SICU readmission rates (RI < 40 = 9%, RI 40-65 = 5.2%, and RI > 65 = 2.8%; p < 0.05). Patients transferred with RI scores greater than 83 did not require SICU readmission within 48 hours. Surgical ICU patients requiring readmission within 48 hours of transfer have a significantly higher mortality and longer LOS compared to those who do not. Patients requiring readmission also have significantly lower pretransfer and post-transfer RI scores compared to those who do not. Rothman Index scores may be used as a clinical tool for evaluating patients before transfer from the SICU. Prospective studies are warranted to further validate use of this technology. Retrospective database review, level III.

Early postoperative fever workup in children: utilization and utility

BackgroundEarly postoperative fever is common. Adult data indicate that workup is unnecessary in the early postoperative period, but comparable data in children is limited. The objectives are to determine the incidence of fever and the utilization and yield of tests ordered in children. MethodsSingle-institution, retrospective analysis of surgical patients undergoing an elective inpatient/observational surgery between 2011 and 2015 was performed. Early fever was defined >38.0°C within two days post-procedure. Encounters were queried for all blood cultures (BC), urinalysis (UA), urine cultures (UC), chest radiographs (CXR), and respiratory viral panels (RVP) obtained. ResultsWe identified 6943 patients, of whom 30.6% developed fever. UA was positive in 19.8% of patients tested. UC was positive in 15.7% of patients and 92.0% had a urinary catheter during surgery. BC was positive in 0.69% of patients, all with a central venous catheter. CXRs were considered infectious in 3.0% of patients tested. Patients with PICU stay and/or fever ≥38.9°C were more likely to undergo BC and UC, but no more likely to have a positive result compared those without PICU stay and/or fever <38.9°. ConclusionEarly postoperative fever is common in pediatric surgical populations and rarely associated with an infectious source. Workup should be applied selectively. Level of evidenceLevel IV.

Minor Postoperative Increases of Creatinine Are Associated with Higher Mortality and Longer Hospital Length of Stay in Surgical Patients.

Surgical patients frequently experience postoperative increases in creatinine levels. The authors hypothesized that even small increases in postoperative creatinine levels are associated with adverse outcomes. The authors examined the association of postoperative changes from preoperative baseline creatinine with all-cause in-hospital mortality and hospital length of stay (HLOS) in a retrospective analysis of surgical patients at a single tertiary care center between January 2006 and June 2012. The data of 39,369 surgical patients (noncardiac surgery n = 37,345; cardiac surgery n = 2,024) were analyzed. Acute kidney injury (AKI)-by definition of the Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome group-was associated with a five-fold higher mortality (odds ratio [OR], 4.8; 95% CI, 4.1 to 5.7; P < 0.001) and a longer HLOS of 5 days (P < 0.001) after adjusting for age, sex, comorbidities, congestive heart failure, preoperative hemoglobin, preoperative creatinine, exposure to radiocontrast agent, type of surgery, and surgical AKI risk factors. Importantly, even minor creatinine increases (Δcreatinine 25 to 49% above baseline but < 0.3 mg/dl) not meeting AKI criteria were associated with a two-fold increased risk of death (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.3 to 2.4; P < 0.001) and 2 days longer HLOS (P < 0.001). This was more pronounced in noncardiac surgery patients. Patients with minor creatinine increases had a five-fold risk of death (OR, 5.4; 95% CI, 1.5 to 20.3; P < 0.05) and a 3-day longer HLOS (P < 0.01) when undergoing noncardiac surgery. Even minor postoperative increases in creatinine levels are associated with adverse outcomes. These results emphasize the importance to find effective therapeutic approaches to prevent or treat even mild forms of postoperative kidney dysfunction to improve surgical outcomes.

Risk Factors for Postoperative Urinary Tract Infection and Urinary Retention in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Colorectal Cancer

The aim of this study was to analyze risk factors for postoperative urinary tract infection (UTI) and urinary retention (UR) in patients with colorectal cancer. Using Nationwide Inpatient Sample 2006-2009, a retrospective analysis of surgical patients with colorectal cancer was conducted. Patients were stratified into groups, with or without UTI/UR. The LASSO algorithm for logistic regression identified independent risk factors. A total of 93,931 surgical patients with colorectal cancer were identified. The incidences of UTI and UR were 5.91 and 2.52 per cent, respectively. Overall in-hospital mortality was 2.68 per cent. The UTI group demonstrated significantly higher in-hospital mortality rates compared with those without. Both UTI and UR groups were associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased hospital charge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed age older than 60 years, females, anemia, congestive heart failure, coagulopathy, diabetes with chronic complications, fluid and electrolyte, paralysis, pulmonary circulation disorders, renal failure, and weight loss were independent risk factors of UTI. Age older than 60 years, male gender, rectal and rectosigmoid cancers, and postoperative anastomotic leakage and ileus were independent risk factors for UR. Postoperative UTI increases in-house mortality. Postoperative UTI/UR in patients with colorectal cancer increases length of stay and hospital charges. Knowledge of these specific risk factors for UTI and UR is needed to counsel patients and prevent these complications in this high-risk population.