Immediate postoperative care on high dependency unit or ward following microvascular free tissue transfer: lessons learnt from a change in practice imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in sudden changes to the established practice of using the high dependency unit (HDU) for the first night of postoperative care following microvascular free tissue transfer. Patients were managed instead on the head and neck ward. This retrospective case-note review aimed to report outcomes in consecutive patients treated before and during the pandemic, and to reflect on the implications of ward-based rather than HDU care. A total of 235 patients had free tissue transfer between 3 January 2019 and 25 February 2021: 125 before (lockdown 23 March 2020), and 110 during the pandemic (52 ward-managed and 58 HDU-managed). There were subtle case-mix differences during the pandemic, with 92% of ward-treated patients having oral cancers compared with 64% of HDU patients, and 73% of ward patients having a tracheostomy compared with 40% of HDU patients. Ward patients were less likely to receive electrolyte replacement (45% HDU vs 0% ward) and inotropes (12% HDU vs 2% ward). There were fewer returns to theatre for evacuation of a haematoma or re-anastomosis during the pandemic than there were before it. Other than fewer haematoma complications during the pandemic, the nature of complications was similar. In conclusion, the dramatic changes imposed by the pandemic have shown that the ward is a safe place for patients to be cared for immediately postoperatively, and it alleviates the bed pressures experienced in HDU. Careful case selection and clear criteria are required to identify patients who need the HDU.

PLEURAL ENDOMETRIOSIS: BLOODY PLEURAL EFFUSION IN A 28-YEAR-OLD FEMALE WITH PRIMARY INFERTILITY (CASE REPORT)

Background. Endometriosis is defined as presence of endometrial glands outside the uterine cavity and it most commonly involves the structures within the pelvic cavity. Thoracic endometriosis syndrome usually presents as pneumothorax, hemoptysis, hemothorax or pulmonary nodules. Endometriosis presenting as hemorrhagic pleural effusion is rarely reported. Objectives. The aim of the study was to describe pleural endometriosis presenting as hemorrhagic pleural effusion and to insist on the role of medical thoracoscopy in making the diagnosis with the help of a case report. Methods. A case report of pleural endometriosis as a non-resolving hemorrhagic pleural effusion is presented. Results. A 28-years old female on treatment for her primary infertility presented with non-resolving bloody pleural effusion and she was on empirical anti-tubercular drugs for the last four months. Medical thoracoscopy revealed flat brownish grey plaques over the diaphragmatic pleura and the histology of pleural tissue revealed pleural endometriosis. She was initiated on gonadotropin releasing hormone-leuprolide and there was some clinico-radiological improvement. Conclusions. Thoracic endometriosis should be considered as one of the differentials for pleural effusion in female patient especially on treatment for infertility. Medical thoracoscopy should be the investigation of choice for evaluating pleural effusions before initiating empirical treatments.

Impact of Reducing Water Fluoride on Dental Caries and Fluorosis

Guidance intended to reduce fluoride toothpaste ingestion in early childhood was introduced in Ireland in 2002. In 2007, water fluoride concentration was adjusted from 0.8-1.0 to 0.6-0.8 ppm. The objective of this study was to determine the difference in caries and fluorosis levels following introduction of these 2 policy measures. A before-and-after study compared caries and fluorosis in random samples of 8-y-olds in Dublin (n = 707) and Cork-Kerry (n = 1148) in 2017 with 8-y-olds in Dublin (n = 679) and Cork-Kerry (n = 565) in 2002. Dentinal caries experience (primary teeth, d_3vcmft(cde)) and fluorosis (permanent teeth, Dean's index of very mild or higher) were clinically measured. Lifetime exposure to community water fluoridation (CWF) was classified as "full CWF"/"no CWF." Effect of examination year on caries prevalence and severity and fluorosis prevalence was assessed using multivariate regression adjusting for other explanatory variables. There was little change in commencement of fluoride toothpaste use at ≤24 mo following introduction of toothbrushing guidance. Among children with full CWF, there was no statistically significant difference in caries prevalence or severity between 2017 and 2002. In 2017, caries prevalence was 55% in Dublin (full CWF) and 56% in Cork-Kerry (full CWF), and mean d_3vcmft(cde) among children with caries was 3.4 and 3.7, respectively. Caries severity was less in 2017 (mean 4.2) than 2002 (mean 4.9) among children with no CWF (P = 0.039). The difference in caries severity between children with full CWF and no CWF was less in 2017 than in 2002 (interaction P = 0.013), suggesting a reduced benefit for CWF in 2017. In 2017, fluorosis prevalence was 18% in Dublin (full CWF) and 12% in Cork-Kerry (full CWF). Fluorosis was predominantly "very mild" with no statistically significant difference between 2017 and 2002. CWF at 0.6 to 0.8 ppm is an effective caries-preventive measure. Results suggested low uptake of toothbrushing guidance, a reduced caries-preventive effect for CWF in primary teeth, and no reduction in fluorosis following introduction of the policy measures.

Investigation and management of prosthetic joint infection in knee replacement: A BASK Surgical Practice Guideline

BACKGROUND

The burden of knee replacement prosthetic joint infection (KR PJI) is increasing. KR PJI is difficult to treat, outcomes can be poor and it is financially expensive and limited evidence is available to guide treatment decisions.

AIM

To provide guidelines for surgeons and units treating KR PJI.

METHODS

Guideline formation by consensus process undertaken by BASK's Revision Knee Working Group, supported by outputs from UK-PJI meetings.

RESULTS

Improved outcomes should be achieved through provision of care by revision centres in a network model. Treatment of KR PJI should only be undertaken at specialist units with the required infrastructure and a regular infection MDT. This document outlines practice guidelines for units providing a KR PJI service and sets out: CONCLUSIONS: KR PJI patients treated within the NHS should be provided the best care possible. This report sets out guidance and support for surgeons and units to achieve this.

Economic impact of sudden cardiac arrest

Background

Each year, there are approximately 5,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs) in the state of Victoria, Australia (population 6.4 million, state healthcare budget AUD$2.9 billion / €1.8billion). Mortality from OHCA approaches ninety percent. High mortality rates and survivors not returning to work is likely to have an adverse effect on the Victorian economy but this has not been previously investigated.

Purpose

To model the economic impact of OHCA mortality and survivors not returning to work.

Methods

Data on all OHCAs transported by Ambulance Victoria from July 2017- June 2018 in Victoria, Australia was collected, including age, gender, survival to hospital, survival to discharge, and survival to 12 months. Cases were excluded if arrest was precipitated by trauma, exsanguination, overdose, terminal illness, hanging, SIDS, electrocution, sepsis, respiratory causes, drowning, or neurological causes. Pre-arrest employment status of patients was modelled using the Australian Bureau of Statistics Economic Security dataset, which provides contemporary employment rates for gender-matched five-year cohorts for Australians aged 15–79 years. For survivors to 12 months, pre-arrest and post-arrest work status were confirmed. Economic impact was then calculated to a five year horizon utilizing a Markov model with probabilistic sensitivity analysis.

Results

4,934 arrests meeting the inclusion criteria were transported by Ambulance Victoria in twelve months, of whom 4,639 were determined to be cardiac arrests without any exclusion criteria as a precipitant. 695 patients survived to hospital (15.0%), and 325 to discharge (7.0%). At 12 months, 303 patients were alive (6.5% of overall cases, 93.2% of those discharged from hospital). Economic modelling of age and gender-matched data indicated that 1516 patients (35%) would have been employed pre-cardiac arrest, but only 216 survivors (4.7%) would be employed at five years post-arrest. Using Markov modelling incorporating estimated earnings and the pre-determined value of a statistical life, the annual economic burden of cardiac arrest approximated AUD$4 billion (€2.5 billion) at a five-year horizon.

Conclusion

The annual economic impact of cardiac arrest in Victoria, Australia is approximately AUD$4 billion (€2.5 billion) in a five-year horizon. As the annual Victorian state budget for all healthcare is AUD$2.93 billion (€1.8 billion), our data suggests that the economic impact of cardiac arrest is under-appreciated. Therefore, research in this area and providing state-of-the-art care for all cardiac arrest patients should be a healthcare priority.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): NHMRC/NHF Postgraduate Scholarship, RACP JJ Billings Scholarship

Urban green infrastructure size, quality and proximity and health outcomes in older populations

Background

A city's multi-functional network of green and blue spaces has an important role underpinning the health and wellbeing of its residents. Although evidence of positive links between nature and health is plentiful, little is known about which particular aspects of green and blue spaces are most influential, and how benefits might vary between social groups and age.

Methods

We used a green infrastructure (GI) approach combining a high-resolution spatial dataset of land-cover and function with area-level demographic and socio-economic data. A comprehensive characterisation of the Greater Manchester UK city region was generated. The GI attributes were used in step-wise multi-level regression analyses to test for associations between population chronic morbidity and the functional, physical and spatial components of GI across an urban socio-demographic gradient.

Results

Individual GI attributes were significantly associated with health in all socio-demographic contexts; even when associations between health and overall green cover were non-significant. For areas with having higher proportions of older people ('older neighbourhoods'), associations were found between health and land-cover diversity, informal greenery and patch size in high income areas. In lower income areas, health was predicted by proximity to public parks and recreation land.

Conclusions

A nuanced description of greenspace in terms of quality, cover type, diversity explains more variation in population health than a single metric such as percentage green cover. People in urban neighbourhoods that have older age populations and lower income are disproportionately healthy if their neighbourhoods contain accessible, good quality public greenspace. This has implications for strategies to decrease health inequalities and inform international initiatives, such as the World Health Organisation's Age-Friendly Cities programme.

Key messages

A nuanced description of green and blue space in terms of quality, cover type, diversity explains more variation in population health than a single metric such as percentage green cover. People in urban neighbourhoods that have older age populations and lower income are disproportionately healthy if their neighbourhoods contain accessible, good quality public greenspace.

How to promote physical activity during pregnancy : A systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Sedentary lifestyles and physical inactivity have been shown to increase during pregnancy and are a cause of obstetric comorbidity. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review of interventions aiming to promote physical activity during pregnancy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Databases were searched from January 2008 to September 2019. Selection criteria included randomized controlled trials evaluating the efficacy of interventions promoting physical activity during pregnancy.

RESULTS

In total, 256 articles were extracted from databases. 202 articles were excluded. Finally, 15 articles were included in the study. 5633 patients were included from various populations. Six studies rated physical activity (PA) as the primary outcome. Five studies suggested promoting physical activity through individual interviews which in two studies showed an increase in PA. Three studies evaluated an intervention based on group interviews and one of these reported a significant increase in PA. Two studies evaluated the use of a Smartphone application to promote physical activity but they did not conclude that they were effective because they were designed with low statistical power.

CONCLUSION

The practice of regular PA during pregnancy reduces obstetrical comorbidity. However, interventions seem to have a low impact on the promotion of PA during pregnancy. New intervention strategies need to assessed, such as the use of mobile health interventions.

The development and evaluation of a nationwide training program for oncology health professionals in the provision of genetic testing for ovarian cancer patients

BACKGROUND

BRCA1/2 mutation status has increasing relevance for ovarian cancer treatments, making traditional coordination of genetic testing by genetic services unsustainable. Consequently alternative models of genetic testing have been developed to improve testing at the initial diagnosis for all eligible women.

METHODS

A training module to enable mainstreamed genetic testing by oncology healthcare professionals was developed by genetic health professionals. Oncology healthcare professionals completed questionnaires before and 12 months post-training to assess perceived skills, competence and barriers to their coordinating genetic testing for women with high-grade non-mucinous epithelial ovarian cancer. Genetic health professionals were surveyed 12 months post-training to assess perceived barriers to implementation of mainstreaming.

RESULTS

185 oncology healthcare professionals were trained in 42 workshops at 35 Australasian hospitals. Of the 273 tests ordered by oncology healthcare professionals post-training, 241 (93.1%) met national testing guidelines. The number of tests ordered by genetic health professionals reduced significantly (z = 45.0, p = 0.008). Oncology healthcare professionals' perceived barriers to mainstreamed testing decreased from baseline to follow-up (t = 2.39, p = 0.023), particularly perceived skills, knowledge and attitudes. However, only 58% reported either 'always' or 'nearly always' having ordered BRCA testing for eligible patients at 12 months, suggesting oncology healthcare professionals' perceived barriers were not systematically addressed through training.

CONCLUSIONS

Oncology healthcare professionals have demonstrated a willingness to be involved in the provision of genetic testing in a mainstreaming model. If oncology services are to hold responsibility for coordinating genetic testing, their readiness will require understanding of barriers not addressed by training alone to inform future intervention design.

A277 DISCREPANCIES IN EUS-FNA CYTOPATHOLOGY AND SURGICAL SPECIMEN PATHOLOGY FOR HIGH RISK PANCREATIC MUCINOUS CYSTIC LESIONS: A CASE SERIES

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is the primary method of sampling pancreatic cystic lesions with reported specificity near 100% for diagnosing malignancy. Discrepant positive malignant cytopathology with final surgical pathology of pancreatic cystic lesions has not previously been described.

Aims

To present a case series and review the literature regarding the implications of positive malignant cytology with discrepant surgical pathology for high risk pancreatic mucinous cystic lesions.

Methods

Patient demographics, clinical history, procedure details, pathology evaluations and follow-up were collected. A thorough literature review was performed.

Results

Three patients with high-risk pancreatic cystic lesions on cross-sectional imaging underwent EUS-FNA evaluation. None of these patients had a history of pancreatitis. Cytology was reported as positive for adenocarcinoma in all patients by separate gastrointestinal cytopathologists. All patients underwent surgical resection. The pathology for all resected specimens were reported as intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm. The resected cysts for two patients demonstrated foci of high-grade dysplasia and the third noted low grade dysplasia. All surgical pathology underwent consensus review by three separate gastrointestinal pathologists. None of the patients were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. All patients have been followed post-operatively with surveillance magnetic resonance imaging with no evidence of recurrence to date (median follow-up time 239 days, range 133 – 447 days).

Conclusions

This phenomenon sheds light on the potential for variable interpretations of EUS-FNA cytopathology and surgical resection pathology for high risk pancreatic cystic neoplasms. EUS-FNA may identify foci of adenocarcinoma that is not seen on surgical pathology specimens. Further research is required to examine the long-term outcomes of these patients.

Funding Agencies

None

A73 PHARYNGEAL VARICES AS A COMPLICATION OF PORTAL HYPERTENSION: A CASE SERIES

Background

One of the complications of portal hypertension, with or without the presence of cirrhosis, is the development of varices along the length of the gastrointestinal tract. The commonest sites are along the esophagus or in the stomach. Ectopic varices in the small and large bowels can also be observed, but ectopic varices in the pharynx are extremely uncommon.

Aims

To present a case series and review the literature regarding pharyngeal varcies.

Methods

-

Results

Three elderly female patients presented for esophagogastric varices surveillance gastroscopy were diagnosed with pharyngeal varices. One patient has hepatitis C cirrhosis, while the other two non-cirrhotic patients have myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). None of the patients had thromboses of the portal vein or its tributaries. All three patient have concomitant esophageal varices, but only one required band ligation of her esophageal varices. All patients are asymptotic except for mild dysphagia. No patient has bled from their pharyngeal varices to date. Two patients have had prophylactic treatment of their portal hypertension with non-selective beta blocker (NSBB), while the third one has not received NSBB prophylaxis because of her age.

Conclusions

Pharyngeal varices are extremely rare. To date, there are three case reports in the literature, however, we have been able to identify three cases in our practice. The previous two cases reported possible left-sided portal hypertension with splenic vein thrombosis, leading to the development of collateral vessels including a gastrocaval shunt, which by some contiguous route connects to the brachiocephalic vein; and a third case was a complication of neck dissection surgery. In our case series, none of our patients had splenic vein thrombosis. However, none of them has had a careful CT angiogram to delineate the portal vein tributaries and the collateral vessels, which may further help to define their pathogenesis. It is unclear whether NSBB would be effective as primary prophylaxis against their bleeding, The plan is to continue to monitor these patients to learn about the natural history of these pharyngeal varices.

Funding Agencies

None

A272 THE CANADIAN DIRECT OBSERVATION OF PROCEDURAL SKILLS (CANDOPS) TOOL FOR ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY: A MULTI-CENTRE PROSPECTIVE STUDY

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that many graduating trainees may not have all of the skills needed to independently practice endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) safely and effectively. As a part of competency-based learning curriculum development, it is essential to provide formative feedback to trainees and ensure they acquire the knowledge and skills for independent practice.

Aims

To assess the performance of advanced endoscopy trainees across Canada using the Canadian Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (CanDOPS) ERCP assessment tool. Procedural items evaluated include both technical (cannulation, sphincterotomy, stone extraction, tissue sampling, and stent placement) and non-technical (leadership, communication and teamwork, judgment and decision making) skills.

Methods

We conducted a prospective national multi-centre prospective study. Advanced endoscopy trainees with at least two years of gastroenterology training or five years of general surgery in North America and minimal experience performing ERCPs (less than 100 ERCP procedures) were invited to participate. The CanDOPS tool was used to measure every fifth ERCP performed by trainees over a 12-month fellowship training period. ERCPs were evaluated by experienced staff endoscopists at each study site under standard clinical protocol. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analyses were used to generate learning curves.

Results

The data from five Canadian sites and 11 trainees participated in the study. A total of 261ERCP evaluations were completed. Median number of evaluations by site and trainee was 49 (IQR 31–76) and 15 (IQR 11–45). Median number of cases trainees performed prior to their ERCP training was 50 (IQR 25–400). There was a significant improvement in almost all scores over time, including selective cannulation, sphincterotomy, biliary stenting and all non-technical skills (P<0.01). CUSUM analyses using acceptable and unacceptable failure rates of 20% and 50% demonstrated trainees achieved competency for most measures in their final month of their training. Competency in tissue sampling was not achieved within a one-year training period.

Conclusions

This is the first ERCP performance evaluation tool that examines multiple technical and non-technical aspects of the procedure. Although trainee ERCP skills do improve during their training period, there exists a notable variability in time to competency for the different skills measured using the CanDOPS tool. Large prospective research is required to determine if competency is achieved using more stringent definitions of ERCP competency and to determine factors associated with reaching competency.

Funding Agencies

None

A2 THE BOWEL CLEANSING NATIONAL INITIATIVE (BCLEAN): PREDICTORS OF INADEQUATE BOWEL PREPARATION

Background

Adequate bowel cleansing before colonoscopy is, in theory, a simple concept but the high rate of inadequate or incomplete bowel cleanliness and its consequences have been the subject of many studies, guidelines, and meta- analyses. The complexity resides in all the pre-endoscopic factors surrounding preparation intake that may? influence quality of the bowel preparation.

Aims

To identify preendoscopic variables associated with inadequate bowel preparation

Methods

In this randomized trial conducted in adult outpatients in 10 Canadian hospitals, all early morning (AM) colonoscopies were scheduled between 7h30AM and 10h30AM and patients were randomized to PEG low volume or high- volume split-dose or high- volume day before. Later colonoscopies (PM) were scheduled between 10h30AM and 16h30PM and patients were randomized to PEG low-volume or high- volume split-dose or low- volume same day. A secondary random allocation assigned patients to a clear fluid or low residue diet. Inadequate bowel preparation was identified on the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale with a total score <6 with any of the 3 colonic segments subscores <2). All preendoscopic variables such as patients related factors, diet and type of bowel preparation were evaluated between groups with chi-square, Fisher’s exact or t-test where appropriate. All variables found to be significantly associated with a clean preparation on univariable analysis at the P=0.15 level were used to construct a multivariable model. Because of stratified randomization by time with possible resulting differing confounders, AM and PM patients were analysed separately.

Results

Over 29 months, 1726 patients were stratified in the AM group and 1750 patients in the PM group. 16.9% had inadequate bowel preparation in the AM group and 9.8% in the PM group. Pre-endoscopic variables associated with an inadequate bowel cleanliness in AM colonoscopy were a non screening indication (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.04–1.78), a Charlson score>0 (OR 1.36, 95% 1.03–1.80) and a low residue diet (OR 1.53, 95%CI 1.17–2.01). Amongst PM colonoscopies, variables associated with an inadequate bowel cleanliness were increased age (OR 1.03, 95% 1.01–1.04), a non screening indication (OR 1.90 95%CI 1.35–2.70); a Charlson score>0 (OR 1.63, 95%CI 1.15–2.32), and a low residue diet (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.01; 1.98).

Conclusions

In this large randomized trial, amongst patients undergoing an AM colonoscopy, pre- endoscopic factors associated with an inadequate bowel preparation were a non screening indication, comorbidities and a low residue diet. Amongst PM colonoscopy patients, in addition to these variables, an increased age was also associated with an inadequate bowel preparation.

Funding Agencies

received arm-length funding from Pendopharm Inc.

A275 REVISITING THE DIAGNOSTIC YIELD OF ERCP BRUSH CYTOLOGY FOR INDETERMINATE BILIARY STRICTURES

Background

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) brush cytology is the most frequently used tool for sampling indeterminate biliary strictures. Previous studies have demonstrated that the diagnostic yield of brush cytology for malignant biliary strictures is 60%. With improved diagnostic tools, sampling techniques and specimen processing, the yield of ERCP brush cytology may be higher.

Aims

To assess the diagnostic yield of ERCP brush cytology in patients with indeterminate biliary strictures and to determine factors associated with positive diagnosis.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of all patients who underwent ERCP with brush cytology at University Health Network (UHN) from October 2016 to September 2019. The cytological samples were taken as follows: the cytology brush is introduced into the stricture ten times under direct fluoroscopy guidance. The brush was cut and placed into a methanol based buffered solution (CytoLyt®). Residual sample was then flushed out of the catheter with the solution and into the sample container. Patient demographic, clinical, procedural and pathological data was collected by chart review. All patients were followed for a minimum of three months after their index ERCP. Post-ERCP sampling via repeat ERCP brushings, endoscopic ultrasound fine needle biopsy, percutaneous biopsy or surgical resection was recorded.

Results

A total of 97 patients underwent ERCP with brush cytology during the study period (43 females, median age 69 years). Fifty-nine patients (84%) were diagnosed with malignancy via ERCP brush cytology. Using follow up sampling, surgical resection and clinical follow up as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 84%, 100%, 100%, and 71% respectively. Patient demographics, degree of cholestasis or stricture location had no significant impact on these outcomes.

Conclusions

This study shows a high diagnostic yield for ERCP with brush cytology for patients with indeterminate biliary strictures. Large prospective studies using updated tools, techniques and specimen handling processes are needed to confirm our observations.

Funding Agencies

None