The Rate and Predictors of Allergic Fungal Rhinosinusitis Recurrence Post-sinus Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objectives Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is the persistent inflammation of the mucosal lining of the paranasal sinuses (PNS). By definition, the inflammatory process persists beyond 12 weeks. One of its subtypes is allergic fungal rhinosinusitis (AFRS), which has a high risk of recurrence, leading to revision surgery. This study aimed to establish the predictive factors for the recurrence of AFRS in post-sinus surgery patients. Methods This single-center retrospective study was conducted in Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The charts of patients with AFRS who underwent surgery in our rhinology clinic between 2000 and 2020 were reviewed. Results Among the 116 patients included in this study, approximately half (53%) were female, with a median age of 24.5 years. Thirty-nine (33.6%) patients had recurrence post-sinus surgery, with 33.3% occurring within six months of follow-up. The results showed that patients with coexisting bronchial asthma were three times more likely to experience recurrence (adjusted odds ratio {AOR}, 3.43; confidence interval {CI}, 1.35-8.71), patients with uncorrected deviated nasal septum (DNS) were three times more likely to experience symptoms again following surgery (AOR, 3.70; CI, 1.14-12.02), and patients who presented with concomitant sinus headaches are 66% less likely to experience recurrence (AOR, 0.34; CI, 0.13-0.86). Conclusion The results showed that 33.62% of patients experienced recurrence following surgery. Bronchial asthma and DNS were strongly associated with recurrence; however, their presence does not always imply the need for additional surgery.

Does physical therapy impact clinical outcomes after lumbar decompression surgery?

Objectives

The objectives of our study were to (1) determine if physical therapy (PT) impacts patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) after lumbar decompression surgery and (2) determine if PT impacts postsurgical readmissions or reoperations after lumbar decompression surgery.

Methods

Patients >18 years of age who underwent primary one- or two-level lumbar decompression at our institution were identified. Patient demographics, surgical characteristics, surgical outcomes (all-cause 90 days readmissions and 90 days surgical readmissions), and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) were compared between the groups. Multivariate linear regression was utilized to determine the individual predictors of 90 days readmissions and PROMs at the 1-year postoperative point. Alpha was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Of the 1003 patients included, 421 attended PT postoperatively. On univariate analysis, PT attendance did not significantly impact 90-day surgical reoperations (P = 0.225). Although bivariate analysis suggests that attendance of PT is associated with worse improvement in physical function (P = 0.041), increased preoperative Visual Analogue Scale leg pain (0 = 0.004), and disability (P = 0.006), as measured by the Oswestry Disability Index, our multivariate analysis, which accounts for confounding variables found there was no difference in PROM improvement and PT was not an independent predictor of 90-day all-cause readmissions (P = 0.06). Instead, Charlson Comorbidity Index (P = 0.025) and discharge to a skilled nursing facility (P = 0.013) independently predicted greater 90-day all-cause readmissions.

Conclusions

Postoperative lumbar decompression PT attendance does not significantly affect clinical improvement, as measured by PROMs or surgical outcomes including all-cause 90 days readmissions and 90-day surgical readmissions.

The impact of rivastigmine on post-surgical delirium and cognitive impairment; a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Delirium is an acute and transient disorder of brain function that often occurs in post-surgical patients. Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor drug that has been proposed as an adjuvant drug in recent years, still, despite significant theoretical evidence, few clinical studies have been performed on its impact on delirium.

AIM

Due to the widespread use of cholinesterase inhibitors in pediatric and adult surgery, the present study aims to investigate the impact of Rivastigmine as a cholinesterase inhibitor on delirium after radical surgery.

METHODS

In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, a hundred recruited patients were randomly assigned to either Rivastigmine (n = 50) or placebo (n = 50) groups, and we measured post-operative impact on delirium, by Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) score, and cognitive impairment, by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Our univariate and multivariate logistical regression models assessed this hypothesized impact.

RESULTS

Treatment with Rivastigmine was significantly associated with reduced day one post-op delirium, as measured by CAM score (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.11 to 0.97, p = 0.05), and cognitive impairment, as measured by MMSE (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.59, p = 0.0022). These associations became stronger after controlling for age, blood loss, and post-op blood sodium levels: Delirium (OR = 0.23, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.92, p = 0.05), cognitive impairment (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.42, p = 0.000178).

CONCLUSION

The significant result of our randomized clinical trial is that pre-op Rivastigmine treatment may be associated with a substantial drop in patients experiencing post-op delirium and post-op cognitive impairment.

Effectiveness of patient education on total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to examine the contents and methods of patient educational interventions about total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and their effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain and enhancing range of motion (ROM) in the literature.

BACKGROUND

Patient education has been provided to facilitate recovery after TKA; however, little is known about the contents and methods of the interventions and their effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain and enhancing ROM.

DESIGN

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

METHODS

Published studies from June 1998-June 2021 were identified from electronic databases. Two independent investigators assessed the quality of the studies by using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Meta-analyses with random-effects models were conducted to assess the effectiveness of the interventions using the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software. The study was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline.

RESULTS

Among 12 articles that met the inclusion criteria, three interventions provided education on pain management and mobility/exercises. The most common educational methods were the combinations of oral explanation, written materials, and audiovisual materials, group discussion, while four studies used information technology (IT) devices. The meta-analysis demonstrated that the educational interventions using IT devices were effective in improving pain and ROM, but not the interventions that did not use IT devices.

CONCLUSION

Structured education for pain management, communication and/or exercise support programs utilising diverse methods have been provided to patients undergoing TKA. Using IT devices could successfully enhance the effectiveness of educational interventions for patients undergoing TKA.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Integration of postoperative pain management and mobility/exercises with the use of IT devices should be actively considered in providing patient education in clinical nursing practice.

Persistent Postoperative Delirium Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Gallstones are the primary cause of symptomatic gallbladder disease and lead to a significant portion of hospitalizations related to gastrointestinal diseases. The gold standard treatment for gallbladder disease continues to be cholecystectomy, which is commonly done laparoscopically, and improves patients' quality of life. With any surgical intervention there are inherent risks, and in the setting of severe illness, the risk of potential complications increases immensely. Postoperative altered mental status, namely, delirium, may occur in the elderly and a high index of suspicion is required to recognize the clinical signs for swift diagnosis and management. This case involves a 61-year-old male who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and developed persistent delirium during the hospital course. This report aims to explore the multiple risk factors that lead to postoperative delirium and review the diagnostic and therapeutic strategies utilized in managing this patient.

The Relationship of Nurse and Physician Staffing in Intensive Care Units with Patient Outcomes in Postoperative Patients on Ventilators: An Analysis Using Korean National Health Insurance Data

This study examined the associations of nurse and physician staffing in intensive care units (ICUs) with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) incidence and in-hospital mortality in postoperative patients on ventilators. National Health Insurance claims data and death statistics were used to investigate the nurse staffing level and the presence or absence of a dedicated resident and specialist in each ICU. The participants were patients aged 20-85 who underwent any of 13 surgical procedures and were placed on a ventilator in the ICU after the procedure. Of 11,693 patients, 307 (2.6%) experienced HAP and 1280 (10.9%) died during hospitalization. Compared to hospitals with lower nurse-to-patient ratios, patients in hospitals with higher ratios had statistically significantly higher risks of HAP and in-hospital mortality. The presence of a dedicated resident in the ICU did not statistically significantly affect HAP incidence or in-hospital mortality. The presence of an ICU specialist was statistically significantly associated with in-hospital mortality but not HAP incidence. Our findings suggest that a higher level of nursing staff in the ICU is inversely associated with HAP incidence. The legal standards for nurse staffing in the ICU should be strengthened in order to improve the quality of care and patient safety.

Atrial Fibrillation Occurring During Acute Hospitalization: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Acute atrial fibrillation is defined as atrial fibrillation detected in the setting of acute care or acute illness; atrial fibrillation may be detected or managed for the first time during acute hospitalization for another condition. Atrial fibrillation after cardiothoracic surgery is a distinct type of acute atrial fibrillation. Acute atrial fibrillation is associated with high risk of long-term atrial fibrillation recurrence, warranting clinical attention during acute hospitalization and over long-term follow-up. A framework of substrates and triggers can be useful for evaluating and managing acute atrial fibrillation. Acute management requires a multipronged approach with interdisciplinary care collaboration, tailoring treatments to the patient's underlying substrate and acute condition. Key components of acute management include identification and treatment of triggers, selection and implementation of rate/rhythm control, and management of anticoagulation. Acute rate or rhythm control strategy should be individualized with consideration of the patient's capacity to tolerate rapid rates or atrioventricular dyssynchrony, and the patient's ability to tolerate the risk of the therapeutic strategy. Given the high risks of atrial fibrillation recurrence in patients with acute atrial fibrillation, clinical follow-up and heart rhythm monitoring are warranted. Long-term management is guided by patient substrate, with implications for intensity of heart rhythm monitoring, anticoagulation, and considerations for rhythm management strategies. Overall management of acute atrial fibrillation addresses substrates and triggers. The 3As of acute management are acute triggers, atrial fibrillation rate/rhythm management, and anticoagulation. The 2As and 2Ms of long-term management include monitoring of heart rhythm and modification of lifestyle and risk factors, in addition to considerations for atrial fibrillation rate/rhythm management and anticoagulation. Several gaps in knowledge related to acute atrial fibrillation exist and warrant future research.

Gait analysis of individuals with specific low back pain undergoing surgery: case series report with one and six-month follow-up

INTRODUCTION

In addition to pain, specific low back pain is frequently accompanied by restricted range of motion (ROM) during gait.

PURPOSE

To compare the behavior of kinematic and spatiotemporal gait parameters, pain, functional status, and self-efficacy, in patients with a diagnosis of herniated disk or lumbar stenosis undergoing surgery, in the pre- and postoperative periods of 1 and 6 months (PO6).

METHODS

Seven participants and 11 control subjects were assessed. A kinematics system comprising 10 optoelectronic cameras was used to assess gait. The Roland-Morris questionnaire, pain intensity, and self-efficacy, over three periods, were used.

RESULTS

The ROM of the pelvis, hip, and knee of the hernia group presented an increase after surgery and the stenosis group presented a reduction of values in the hip. During the stance phase, the pelvis and hip ROM of both groups remained smaller than the control group. There was improvement in pain in individuals with hernia and stenosis (effect size = 0.6 and 0.8, respectively) in the three analyzed moments; for functional status there was improvement in the first postoperative period (ES = 0.4) compared to the preoperative in those individuals with hernia; and those with stenosis had improvement at PO6 when compared to the time before the surgery (ES = 0.2).

CONCLUSION

Surgical intervention modifies the spatiotemporal parameters, the ROM of the pelvis, hip, and knee in the total gait cycle, primarily in the sagittal plane, and causes alterations, particularly in the hip joint, in these individuals during the support phase.

Tamsulosin for prevention of postoperative urinary retention: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To determine if administration of tamsulosin before and/or after surgery is safe and effective in preventing postoperative urinary retention (POUR).

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing tamsulosin to control in patients undergoing surgery was conducted. The primary outcome was the incidence of POUR. Secondary outcomes included maximum urinary flow rate, surgery duration, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL) score, and incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI).

RESULTS

Twenty-three randomized controlled trials (N = 3,555) met inclusion criteria. All were qualitatively analyzed, but one was excluded from quantitative analysis due to lack of statistical data. The risk of POUR was significantly lower with tamsulosin compared with control (relative risk, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.38-0.67; P < 0.001). A significant increase in maximum urinary flow rate with use of tamsulosin versus control was also observed across 4 studies (difference in means, 2.76 mL/sec; 95% CI, 1.21-4.30; P < 0.001). No significant differences between tamsulosin and control were observed amongst the studies that reported mean duration of surgery (P = 0.932), IPSS (P = 0.133), QOL score (P = 0.166), and UTI incidence (P = 0.624).

CONCLUSION

Administration of tamsulosin before and/or after surgery significantly reduced the risk of POUR and improved maximum urinary flow rate compared to control; however, it had no significant impact on mean duration of surgery, IPSS, QOL score, or UTI incidence. Nonetheless, it may be reasonable for providers to consider administering tamsulosin before and/or after surgery to prevent POUR.

Immediate and Medium-Term Follow-Up of Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Undergoing Pharyngeal and Nasal Surgery: A Pilot Study

Objectives  To evaluate the evolution of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), comparing data from preoperative, immediate postoperative and late postoperative, in patients undergoing pharyngeal surgery associated with nasal surgery, and to compare the findings of arterial tonometry and type 1 polysomnography in the late postoperative period. Methods  Seventeen adults with moderate or severe OSA were included in the study. They underwent clinical evaluation, surgical intervention, and sleep study preoperatively, on the 1 ^st night after surgery, and after a minimum period of 3 months. The data for the three moments were compared. Results  The mean age was 38.1 ± 12.5 years old (22 to 59 years old), and 82.3% were male. Body mass index (BMI) ranged from 25.6 to 45.1 kg/m2 (mean = 33.1 ± 5.8 kg/m ² ). Fifteen patients (88.2%) were diagnosed with severe OSA. There was a progressive improvement, with a decrease in the indexes (AHI and RDI) and in the percentage of time with peripheral oxyhemoglobin saturation below 90% (tSpO < 90%), and an increase in nadir of SpO2. In the comparison between the 2 methods used in the late postoperative period - arterial tonometry and polysomnography - there was no difference in the indexes and in the tSpO < 90%. Discussion  There was a progressive and favorable impact of pharyngeal surgery on the improvement of polysomnographic and clinical respiratory parameters; however, many patients maintained residual OSA, suggesting the need for a new sleep study in the postoperative period. The arterial tonometry showed similar findings to polysomnography, which can be considered as an option in postoperative follow-up of patients.

Scoping Review of Education for Women About Return to Driving After Abdominal Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To conduct a scoping review to examine the evidence on education provided to women about when to return to driving after abdominal surgery and to assess variation in this education by type of abdominal surgery and source of education.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Scopus, and CINAHL for peer-reviewed articles. We searched the publications of professional associations, clinical guidelines, driver's licensing agencies, and clinical trial registries for gray literature. Searches generated 2,908 peer-reviewed titles and abstracts and 20 documents in the gray literature.

STUDY SELECTION

We included articles and documents published in English in which authors reported education, advice, counseling, or recommendations about return to driving after abdominal surgery for women ages 16 to 50 years.

DATA EXTRACTION

We identified 16 peer-reviewed articles and eight documents in the gray literature. We extracted data including the title, authors, country of origin, study design, study purpose, sample size, type of abdominal surgery, education about return to driving, source of evidence to support the education, source of education, outcomes, and relevance to the review question.

DATA SYNTHESIS

We found that recommendations about when to return to driving after abdominal surgery ranged from 1 to 10 weeks after surgery, and 6 weeks after surgery was the most common. Recommended times were shorter for laparoscopic surgeries and longer for nonlaparoscopic surgeries, including cesarean. Most recommendations were provided by health care providers, and some recommendations were provided in leaflets. Evidence to support these recommendations was limited, and they were based on common sense, traditional practice, perceptions of insurance policies, a women's comfort level, or her ability to deploy the emergency brake.

CONCLUSION

Education provided to women about return to driving after abdominal surgery varies substantially and has a weak evidence base.

Clinical Outcomes After Aggressive Active Early Motion and Modified Kleinert Regimens: Comparison of 2 Consecutive Cohorts

BACKGROUND

Modern multistrand repairs can withstand forces present in active flexion exercises, and this may improve the outcomes of flexor tendon repairs. We developed a simple home-based exercise regimen with free wrist and intrinsic minus splint aimed at facilitating the gliding of the flexor tendons and compared the outcomes with the modified Kleinert regimen used previously in the same institution.

METHODS

We searched the hospital database to identify flexor tendon repair performed before and after the new regimen was implemented and invited all patients to participate. The primary outcome was total active range of motion, and secondary outcomes were Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; grip strength; globally perceived function; and the quality of life.

RESULTS

The active range of motion was comparable between the groups (mean difference = 14; 95% confidence interval [CI], -8 to 36; P = .22). Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; grip strength; global perceived function; and health-related quality of life were also comparable between the groups. There was 1 (5.3%) rupture in the modified Kleinert group and 4 (15.4%) in the early active motion group (relative risk = 0.3; 95% CI, 0.04-2.5; P = .3).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing active gliding with a free wrist and intrinsic minus splint did not improve the clinical outcomes after flexor tendon injury at a mean of 38-month follow-up.

Timing of Early Postoperative MRI following Primary Glioblastoma Surgery-A Retrospective Study of Contrast Enhancements in 311 Patients

An early postoperative MRI is recommended following Glioblastoma surgery. This retrospective, observational study aimed to investigate the timing of an early postoperative MRI among 311 patients. The patterns of the contrast enhancement (thin linear, thick linear, nodular, and diffuse) and time from surgery to the early postoperative MRI were recorded. The primary endpoint was the frequencies of the different contrast enhancements within and beyond the 48-h from surgery. The time dependence of the resection status and the clinical parameters were analysed as well. The frequency of the thin linear contrast enhancements significantly increased from 99/183 (50.8%) within 48-h post-surgery to 56/81 (69.1%) beyond 48-h post-surgery. Similarly, MRI scans with no contrast enhancements significantly declined from 41/183 (22.4%) within 48-h post-surgery to 7/81 (8.6%) beyond 48-h post-surgery. No significant differences were found for the other types of contrast enhancements and the results were robust in relation to the choice of categorisation of the postoperative periods. Both the resection status and the clinical parameters were not statistically different in patients with an MRI performed before and after 48 h. The findings suggest that surgically induced contrast enhancements are less frequent when an early postoperative MRI is performed earlier than 48-h, supporting the recommendation of a 48-h window for an early postoperative MRI.

Beyond post-operative readmissions: analysis of the impact of unplanned readmissions during primary treatment of advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer on long-term oncology outcome

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have assessed post-operative readmissions in advanced ovarian cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate all unplanned readmissions during the primary treatment period of advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, and the impact of readmission on progression-free survival.

METHODS

This was a single institution retrospective study from January 2008 to October 2018. Χ²/Fisher's exact and t-test, or Kruskal-Wallis test were used. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the effect of covariates in progression-free survival analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 484 patients (279 primary cytoreductive surgery, 205 neoadjuvant chemotherapy) were analyzed. In total, 272 of 484 (56%; 37% primary cytoreductive surgery, 32% neoadjuvant chemotherapy, p=0.29) patients were readmitted during the primary treatment period. Overall, 42.3% of the readmissions were surgery related, 47.8% were chemotherapy related, and 59.6% were cancer related but not related to surgery or chemotherapy, and each readmission could qualify for more than one reason. Readmitted patients had a higher rate of chronic kidney disease (4.1% vs 1.0%, p=0.038). Post-operative, chemotherapy, and cancer-related readmissions were similar between the two groups. However, the percentage of inpatient treatment days due to unplanned readmission was twice as high for primary cytoreductive surgery at 2.2% vs 1.3% for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p<0.001). Despite longer readmissions in the primary cytoreductive surgery group, Cox regression analysis demonstrated that readmissions did not affect progression-free survival (HR=1.22, 95% CI 0.98 to 1.51; p=0.08). Primary cytoreductive surgery, higher modified Frailty Index, grade 3 disease, and optimal cytoreduction were associated with longer progression-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, 35% of the women with advanced ovarian cancer had at least one unplanned readmission during the entire treatment time. Patients treated by primary cytoreductive surgery spent more days during readmission than those with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Readmissions did not affect progression-free survival and may not be valuable as a quality metric.

Effect of Acupoint Therapies on Postoperative Sleep Quality: A Narrative Review

Several studies have reported that sleep quality often decreases in patients after surgery, especially in elderly patients, which seriously affects postoperative prognosis and outcomes, inducing diseases such as postoperative delirium, long-term chronic pain, and potentially fatal cardiovascular events. With the popularization of comfortable medicine, medical workers pay more attention to the postoperative sleep quality of patients. The causes underlying the decrease in postoperative sleep quality may include postoperative pain, the severity of surgical trauma and stress, perioperative anxiety and depression, and postoperative complications. Patients with insomnia often use acupoint therapies as a safe and effective alternative to drugs. Acupoint therapies are among the oldest medical therapies of Traditional Chinese Medicine and are gradually gaining recognition among medical workers worldwide. Various types of acupoint stimulation methods such as transcutaneous electrical acupoint simulation (TEAS), acupressure, acupuncture, and electroacupuncture can change the brain's local electrical activity, inhibit the central nervous system, and achieve deep sedation through stimulating the related acupoints, which provides a novel idea and basis for improvement in factors affecting postoperative sleep quality. This review explores the mechanism of acupoint therapies from several aspects of affecting the sleep quality of patients after surgery and its clinical results. We found that acupoint therapies effectively improve sleep quality and alleviate the postoperative complications of patients, and we emphasize the importance of acupoint therapies to guide future research and clinical practice. Large-scale, multicenter studies are needed to determine the optimal duration, frequency, and timing of acupoint stimulation for improving postoperative sleep quality.

Clinical validation and comparison of the Comprehensive Complication Index and Clavien-Dindo classification in predicting post-operative outcomes after cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer

OBJECTIVE

The Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) is an instrument used to measure cumulative post-operative complications. Our study aimed to validate the CCI after cytoreductive surgery for primary advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer, and to compare its diagnostic performance with the Clavien-Dindo classification.

METHODS

This prospective cohort study classified post-operative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification and the CCI. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between both classifications with intensive care unit admission, prolonged length of hospital stay (defined as stays longer than the 75th percentile of all stays in this study), 30-day readmission, and time to initiating chemotherapy after surgery >42 days. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUC) were used to assess the discriminative performance of each classification.

RESULTS

A total of 300 patients were included in the analysis. Most patients (n=255, 85%) underwent interval cytoreductive surgery. Complete cytoreduction was achieved in 235 (78%) patients. Overall, 30-day post-operative complications classified by the Clavien-Dindo classification occurred in 147 (49%) patients. Severe complications (grade ≥3a) occurred in 51 (17%) patients. Approximately 30% (n=82) had multiple complications. The CCI showed an excellent correlation with the Clavien-Dindo classification (r=0.906, p<0.001). In comparison with the Clavien-Dindo classification, the proportion of patients classified with severe complications increased from 17% to 30% when stratified with the CCI, and 20% of patients were diagnosed with a CCI score that correlated with a higher Clavien-Dindo classification grade. On regression analysis, both Clavien-Dindo classification and CCI had associations with intensive care unit admission, prolonged length of hospital stay, 30-day readmission, and time to chemotherapy >42 days (all p<0.05). AUC demonstrated that CCI (0.842, 95% CI 0.792 to 0.893) and Clavien-Dindo classification (0.813, 95% CI 0.762 to 0.864, p<0.001) had a good diagnostic performance for prolonged length of hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

Both the Clavien-Dindo classification and CCI showed significant associations with all surgical outcomes. However, the cumulative complications score of the CCI demonstrated a more superior discriminative performance than the Clavien-Dindo classification for prolonged length of hospital stay in advanced-stage epithelial ovarian cancer.

Patient-reported symptoms at discharge and risk of complications after gynecologic surgery

OBJECTIVE

Current gaps in knowledge limit clinicians from fully implementing patient-reported outcomes in routine post-operative care.

METHODS

This prospective study assessed symptoms via the gynecologic module of the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-PeriOp-GYN) in patients who underwent open laparotomy.

RESULTS

At discharge, patient-reported moderate to severe (≥4 on a 0-10 scale) abdominal bloating or abdominal cramping, combined with length of stay of ≥4 days, were found to be associated with a higher risk of 30-day post-operative grade II-IV complications by the Clavien-Dindo system (all p values <0.01). Also, length of stay of ≥4 days and moderate to severe urinary urgency at discharge were found to be associated with the need for re-admission (all p values <0.01).

CONCLUSION

This study defined the clinically meaningful symptoms that related to the risk of developing important complications after discharge from major open gynecological surgery.These findings support the integration of assessment of patient-reported outcomes into patient-centered post-operative care.

Incidence of radiographic pulmonary abnormalities after posterior spinal fusion surgery for pediatric scoliosis

Background and Aims

Pulmonary complications are the most common non-neurologic complications following surgical correction of scoliosis. These can affect postoperative recovery by increasing the length of stay and/or the need for ventilatory support. The aim of this retrospective study is to determine the incidence of radiographic abnormalities reported in chest radiography after posterior spinal fusion surgery for the treatment of scoliosis in children.

Material and Methods

A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent posterior spinal fusion surgery in our center between January 2016 and December 2019 was attempted. Radiographic data including chest and spine radiographs were reviewed on the national integrated medical imaging system using medical record numbers for all patients in the 7 postoperative days.

Results

Seventy-six (45.5%) of the 167 patients developed radiographic abnormalities in the postoperative period. There was evidence of atelectasis in 50 (29.9%) patients, pleural effusion in 50 (29.9%) patients, pulmonary consolidation in 8 (4.8%) patients, pneumothorax in 6 (3.6%) patients, subcutaneous emphysema in 5 (3%) patients, and rib fracture in 1 (0.6%) patient. Four (2.4%) patients were noted to have an intercostal tube inserted postoperatively, three for treating pneumothorax, and one for pleural effusion.

Conclusion

A large number of radiographic pulmonary abnormalities were encountered in children following surgical treatment of pediatric scoliosis. Although not all radiographic findings may be clinically significant, early recognition may guide clinical management. The incidence of air leak (pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema) was significant and could influence local protocol formulation with regards to obtaining immediate postoperative chest radiograph and intervention if clinically necessary.

[Comparative analysis of the effectiveness of SF-MPQ-2 and VAS for assessing the severity of pain syndrome in dental patients in the postoperative period]

OBJECTIVE

Conducting a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for assessing the severity of pain syndrome in dental patients in the postoperative period in dynamics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 51 patients who received dental surgical treatment. Two groups of patients were formed, depending on the type of surgery and the degree of trauma of the operation. Group 1 - low degree of injury - 28 patients; group 2 - high degree of injury - 23 patients. Patients independently filled out questionnaires at four stages of the study: before surgery, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days after surgery as part of scheduled visits.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

In patients of group 2, the severity of pain symptoms was higher than in patients of group 1 in terms of pain symptoms on SF-MPQ-2 at all stages of the study, except the day before surgery. At the same time, there were no differences with the indicators of the VAS scale at any of the stages of the study. The most informative indicators of SF-MPQ-2 are the total indicator MPQ-Sum and the constant pain indicator MPQ-Const, which were significantly higher in group 2 on the 1st day after surgery, taking into account the correction for gender and age. The highest level of coincidence of indicators on VAS and the total score on MPQ-Sum was revealed on the 5th day of the operation, regardless of the degree of trauma of the operation.

CONCLUSION

The use of SF-MPQ-2 with a detailed description of pain sensations is the most acceptable way to assess the degree of pain syndrome in operative surgery, especially during the period when the severity of pain symptoms is maximum (in the first days of the postoperative period).

Effect of Acupressure Applied After Cesarean Section Under Spinal Anesthesia Postpone the Duration of Taking Analgesics and on The Gastrointestinal System: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

Cesarean deliveries are one of the primary conditions associated with postoperative decreased motility of the gastrointestinal system and are characterized by acute pain and distention. The aim of the present study was to investigate the application of acupressure and the administration of analgesics for women who underwent cesarean section under spinal anesthesia could be delayed and how spontaneous gastrointestinal system motility could be achieved in the postoperative period.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial SETTING: Private Medipol Nisa Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey INTERVENTION: This trial was conducted with 112 primipara pregnant women who delivered via cesarean section under spinal anesthesia and were randomly assigned into the acupressure (n=52) and control (n=60) groups. The participants in the acupressure group (n=52) were treated for 20 minutes. The participants in the control group (n=60) were treated per the hospital protocol (analgesics for pain, flatulation and defecation, no pharmacological or non-pharmacological application was performed).

RESULTS

The time that elapsed for the administration of analgesics was significantly later in the acupressure group than in the control group (p <.001). The first occurrence of flatulation and defecation were significantly earlier in the acupressure group (19 and 23 hours, respectively) than in the control group (34 and 27 hours, respectively) (p <.001).

CONCLUSION

Acupressure is an easy, non-invasive method that postpones the administration of analgesics in the postoperative period and prevents flatulence and constipation caused by the decreased motility of GIS.

Effect of a single intraoperative dose of dexamethasone on glycaemic profile in postoperative patients - A double-blind randomised controlled study

Background and Aims

The effect of a single intraoperative dose of steroids on perioperative blood sugar levels is uncertain. We hypothesised that a single dose of dexamethasone would not unfavourably alter the glucose levels of non-diabetic patients. This study aimed to evaluate the post-operative glycaemic profile after a single dose of intraoperative dexamethasone in non-diabetic patients. The presence of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain, surgical site infection (SSI) and length of hospital stay were also evaluated.

Methods

This randomised, double-blind, controlled study was done by recruiting 150 non-diabetic adult patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I/II undergoing elective surgery. Patients in the study group were administered a single dose of dexamethasone (0.15 mg/kg). Blood glucose levels were assessed at various time points for up to 72 hours post-operatively using point-of-care testing. Secondary outcomes such as PONV, pain, fever and SSI were also documented. Data were compared and analysed using Student's t-test, Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney test and analysis of variance test.

Results

There was an earlier, higher and prolonged elevation in blood glucose levels in patients receiving dexamethasone. The mean (standard deviation) of fasting/postprandial blood sugars on the first, second and third postoperative days respectively was significantly higher in the study group 98.04 (21.89)/139.16 (20.59), 96.64 (19.20)/138.17 (18.05), 96.60 (17.40)/138.32 (15.10) mg/dl as compared to control group 86.9 6 (10.28)/128.95 (10.53), 88.81 (8.87)/131.97 (9.68), 88.16 (8.50)/130.88 (9.48) mg/dl. About 10.7% of the patients who received dexamethasone had blood glucose levels greater than 180 mg/dl. There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes.

Conclusion

Even a single dose of dexamethasone in non-diabetic adults causes significant and prolonged postoperative hyperglycaemia.

Evaluation of Rhomboid Intercostal and Subserratus Plane Block Under Direct Vision For Postoperative Analgesia in Thoracic Surgeries: A Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy of rhomboid intercostal and subserratus plane (RISS) block under the surgeon's direct vision for providing postoperative pain relief after thoracic surgeries.

METHODS

Forty patients who underwent thoracotomy were prospectively recruited and randomly assigned to group R (intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA)+continued RISS block; n = 20) and group C (IVPCA; n = 20). Numeric rating scale (NRS) at rest and cough, at post-anesthetic care unit, 1, 2, 6, 9, 12, 24, and 48 hours was used as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures were the amount of tramadol consumption, the number of patients required rescue analgesia, the occurrence of postoperative adverse effects, pulmonary functions, and the overall satisfaction with pain management.

RESULTS

NRS scores both at rest and during coughing were significantly lower in group R than the group C group at all time intervals (p < 0.001 in each). Tramadol consumption at 24 h and 48 h was significantly lower in the group R block than group C (p < 0.001 for each). None of the patients in group R require rescue analgesia. The incidence of nausea and vomiting was similar among the groups. Compared with group C, change in lung function from baseline levels was significantly less in group R (p = 0.047 and p = 0.04 for FEV1 and FVC, respectively). The satisfaction scores in group R were significantly higher than group C (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Continuous RISS block improved postoperative outcomes of thoracic surgery in terms of reduced postoperative pain scores, sparing opioid consumption, pulmonary function, and patient satisfaction.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04443556 (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04443556).

Investigation of the analgesic efficacy of ultrasound-guided thoracolumbar interfacial plane block in vertebral surgery: A prospective randomized clinical study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effect of thoracolumbar interfacial plane block (TLIP) on analgesic consumption and pain score in vertebral surgery.

METHODS

All patients (64 patients undergoing vertebral surgery) were randomly allocated as Group T (patients with block, n=32) and Group C (patients without block, n=32). After surgery, patient-controlled analgesia using tramadol was administered to all patients. Pain intensity was evaluated with visual analogue scale (VAS; recovery room at 1, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperative), and as rescue analgesia, morphine was administered to patients with VAS scores of >4. In this study, total tramadol consumption, the number of patients requiring morphine, VAS score, and Quality of Recovery-40 of all patients questionnaire was evaluated.

RESULTS

There were important differences between the 2 groups according to mean postoperative tramadol consumption (Group T and Group C; 180 mg [100-260] vs. 210 mg [100-300]; p=0.001) and the number of patients requiring additional analgesia (n=4; 12.5% vs. n=24; 75%, p=0.000). There were important differences between the 2 groups according to the postoperative VAS pain score (p=0.000).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-TLIP reduces analgesic consumption and pain severity after vertebral surgery. Therefore, it is an important regional analgesia technique. CLINICALTRIALSGOV GRANT NO: NCT04548076.

PCR-based diagnosis of respiratory virus in postsurgical septic patients: A preliminary study before SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

Respiratory viruses are part of the normal microbiota of the respiratory tract, which sometimes cause infection with/without respiratory insufficiency and the need for hospital or ICU admission. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of respiratory viruses in nontransplanted postoperative septic patients as well as lymphocyte count influence in their presence and its relationship to mortality. 223 nontransplanted postsurgical septic patients were recruited on the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid prior to the SARS-COV-2 pandemic. Patients were split into 2 groups according to the presence/absence of respiratory viruses. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent factors related to positive respiratory virus PCR test. Respiratory viruses were isolated in 28.7% of patients. 28-day mortality was not significantly different between virus-positive and virus-negative groups. Logistic regression analysis revealed that lymphocyte count ≤ 928/µl is independently associated with a positive PCR result [OR 3.76, 95% CI (1.71-8.26), P = .001] adjusted by platelet count over 128,500/µL [OR 4.27, 95% CI (1.92-9.50) P < .001] and the presence of hypertension [OR 2.69, 95% CI (1.13-6.36) P = .025] as confounding variables. Respiratory viruses' detection by using PCR in respiratory samples of nontransplanted postoperative septic patients is frequent. These preliminary results revealed that the presence of lymphopenia on sepsis diagnosis is independently associated to a positive virus result, which is not related to a higher 28-day mortality.

Do the Fluids Consumed by Surgical Patients in the Postoperative Period Affect Their Gastrointestinal Motility?: A Correlational Study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between gastrointestinal (GI) motility and oral fluid intake levels in the postoperative period.

DESIGN

This descriptive and correlational study was performed in an education and research hospital between June and September 2019.

METHODS

The sample in this study consisted of individuals aged 18 to 80 years who had undergone laparoscopic abdominal surgery. No sampling was performed, and all patients volunteering to take part were included.

FINDINGS

Patients were started on oral nutrition in a median of 6 hours (min: 6 max: 8) after surgery and received 500.00 mL (min: 100 max: 500) oral fluid on the first day after surgery, 600.00 mL (min: 200 max: 1200) on the second, and 725.00 mL (min: 652.47 max: 759.52) on the third. Median time to passage of flatus was 22.50 hours (min: 6 max: 36), and median time to stool production was 39.00 hours (min: 16 max: 70). A positive correlation was found between the amount of oral fluid consumption on the first day and time to passage of flatus, while a negative correlation was observed between the amount of fluid consumption on the second day and time to both flatus and stool production.

CONCLUSIONS

Time to flatus production increased in line with the amount of fluid consumed via the oral route on the first day postoperatively, while times to production of flatus and stool decreased as the amount of fluid consumed orally on the second day increased.