[The influence of rhinoplasty on the physical and mechanical properties of the skin of the external nose]

This article was designed to report the results of the measurement of the surface acoustic wave velocity in the skin of the external nose following rhinoplastic surgery based on the analysis of the postoperative conditions in 374 patients. The patients were divided into two groups, one comprised of 286 (86.5%) patients who underwent the newly developed rehabilitative treatment and the group of comparison composed of 88 (23.5%) patients who received a different treatment during the postoperative period. The analysis has demonstrated the significant reduction in the velocity of the surface acoustic waves in the skin of the external nose of the patients of the main study group within 1 and 6 months after the surgical intervention. The change was especially well apparent at the sites with the relatively thicker skin underlain by the subcutaneous adipose tissue. This result can be regarded as giving evidence of the effectiveness of the proposed physiotherapeutic treatment that allowed to achieve the rapid decrease of postoperative oedema and prevent the subsequent excessive cicatrization.

Determination of the Problems Experienced by Patients Post-Thyroidectomy

This descriptive, cross-sectional study investigated problems experienced by patients after undergoing a thyroidectomy. The study included 60 first-time, post-thyroidectomy patients diagnosed with benign thyroid disease from a university hospital's general surgery clinic in Ankara, Turkey. The data were collected in two stages: interviews with patients on the first day following surgery and postoperative follow-up telephone interviews in each of the first 4 weeks following surgery. The follow-ups revealed that patients principally experienced varying degrees of pain and difficulties in connection with work and recreation, communication, body image, and movement, for up to 4 weeks after surgery. These results showed that patients were particularly prone to problems on the first day and during the first week of the postoperative period; therefore, patients should be provided with follow-up telephone interviews to facilitate easier recovery and to help them overcome any problems experienced during the postoperative period.

Frequent respiratory events in postoperative patients aged 60 years and above

There is limited information on the occurrence of respiratory events in postoperative patients after discharge from the postanesthesia care unit. We studied the respiratory rate (RR) of 68 patients aged 60 years and above during the first 6 hours following elective surgery under general anesthesia to assess the frequency of respiratory events in the care unit and on the ward. RR was derived from the continuous RR counter RespiR8, measuring RR by quantifying the humidity of exhaled air. One-minute-averaged RRs were collected and analyzed to assess the frequency of postoperative bradypnea (RR 1–6 breaths/minute) and apnea (cessation of inspiratory flow ≥60 seconds). Values were median (interquartile range) or mean (SD). The median RR was 13 (10–15) breaths/minute. In the 6-hour postoperative period, 78% and 57% of patients experienced at least one bradypnea or apnea event, respectively. A median of ten (3.5–24) bradypnea and three (1–11) apnea events were detected per patient. The occurrence of respiratory events in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) was a predictor of events on the ward (bradypnea, r²=0.4, P<0.001; apnea, r²=0.2, P<0.001). Morphine consumption correlated weakly with respiratory events in the PACU, but not on the ward. Patients with apnea had significantly larger neck circumference than patients without (39.6 [0.7] versus 37.4 [0.8] cm, P<0.05). Bradypneic or apneic respiratory events are frequent in postoperative elderly patients and even occur relatively late after surgery. Continuous respiratory monitoring on the ward, especially in patients with risk factors, such as early occurrence of events, opioid use, and larger neck circumference, is likely warranted.

Patients' Opinions of OR Nurses and Environments in the Postoperative Period

PURPOSE

To determine patients' opinions of operating room (OR) nurses and environments in the postoperative period.

DESIGN

A descriptive study.

METHODS

The data were collected by using researcher developed forms that defined patients' opinions of OR nurses and environments and were given to the patients on the first postoperative day.

FINDING

The final sample consisted of a total of 208 patients who underwent surgery with regional anesthesia. Percentage measurements were used in the assessment of data. The majority (69.3%) of nurses did not introduce themselves to their patients and 61.3% failed to introduce the OR environments to their patients. Patients explored their (ORs) in the range of 62% and 90% and considered these locations to be calm and reliable environments where their needs were met and their communications with the staff were positive. The rate of patients who felt that their ORs were not cold was 35.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, most patients were not aware that OR nursing played an important role in a postive patient perception of the OR. Most OR nurses did not introduce themselves to patients while providing nursing care, and patients were not aware of who provided this service to them. In light of these findings, it is recommended that nurses introduce themselves to patients in the OR when beginning care of the patient. Moreover, special effort should be made regarding maintenance of normal body temperature of patients in the OR.

Driving After Microinvasive Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) are often advised to avoid driving for 6 weeks postoperation. This is based on patients having to maintain postoperative hip precautions and studies investigating brake reaction time (BRT) following THA using conventional techniques. The aim of this study was to assess patients' ability to drive in the early postoperative period following microinvasive THA by assessing BRT.

METHODS

Hundred consecutive patients undergoing SuperPATH^® THA in 2015 who drove automobiles preoperatively were included in this prospective cohort study. BRT was measured preoperatively and at day 1 or 2 postoperation using a driving simulator. A subset of 25 consecutive patients had repeat BRT testing at 2 weeks postoperation. Five BRT measures were taken at each time point. Differences in the patient's mean and best BRT at each time point were assessed using the paired t-test.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 50 men and 50 women with mean age 63 years (range 25-86). The mean preoperative BRT was 0.63 s (range 0.43-1.44), with a mean difference of -0.1 s (range -0.57 to 0.33, P < .0001) at day 1 or 2 postoperation. The 2-week mean and best BRTs were also better than paired preoperative readings with a mean improvement of 0.15 s (range -0.78 to -0.004, P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

BRT reaches preoperative values by day 2 following microinvasive THA. Patients may be suitable to drive earlier than the previously recommended 6 weeks postoperation.

A portal pressure cut-off of 15 versus a cut-off of 20 for prevention of small-for-size syndrome in liver transplantation: A comparative study

AIM

Portal hypertension has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of small-for-size syndrome (SFSS) in adult-to-adult living-donor liver transplantation (A-LDLT). The aim of our study is to compare the portal venous pressure (PVP) cut-off values of 15 mmHg and 20 mmHg in terms of prevention of SFSS in A-LDLT.

METHODS

Seventy-six patients underwent A-LDLT. A PVP <20 mmHg at the end of the operation was targeted using graft inflow modulation. Patients were divided into two groups: group A, final PVP <15 mmHg; and group B, final PVP 15-19 mmHg. Peak serum bilirubin and peak international normalized ratio in the first month after A-LDLT, as well as hepatic encephalopathy, SFSS, 90-day morbidity, and mortality were observed in both groups.

RESULTS

Final PVP was well controlled below 20 mmHg in all patients (group A, n = 39; group B, n = 37). Six patients suffered SFSS in group B (16.2%) compared to one patient (2.6%) in group A (P = 0.04). Nine patients died in group B (24.3%), four of whom died of SFSS, compared to three patients in group A (7.7%) (P = 0.047).

CONCLUSION

A PVP cut-off of 15 mmHg seems to be a more appropriate target level than a cut-off of 20 mmHg for prevention of postoperative SFSS in A-LDLT.

Clinical Evaluation After Peripheral Nerve Repair With Caprolactone Neurotube

Background: Peripheral nerve injuries with substance loss are challenges to surgeons because direct suture repair may result in malfunction due to nerve suture tension. Autologous nerve grafts are alternatives for treating those lesions; however, harvesting grafts adds morbidity at donor sites. Synthetic substitutes are options to bridge the gaps in these situations. The caprolactone neurotubes are used to assist nerve regeneration, but the literature lacks studies that evaluate their results. Methods: This research was designed to clinically evaluate patients undergoing repair of peripheral nerves with that conduit. We described results of 12 case series consisting of operations with Neurolac®. All nerves severed were sensory and had small gaps (ie, less than 25 mm). Subjective and objective clinical evaluations were performed and registered. Results: Physical examination by monofilament testing and 2-point discrimination showed results rated as good or excellent. However, the patients had complaints regarding sensory changes. Conclusions: Synthetic bioabsorbable guides for nerve repair are promising. The caprolactone conduits were demonstrated to be a safe option treatment and with a simple technique. Although in our study there were some operative complications, they were in line with previous descriptions in the literature. This case series added information about the treatment prognosis, but a higher evidence level study is necessary for decision making.

Echocardiographic Evaluation of Pulmonary Pressures and Right Ventricular Function after Pediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Simple Approach for the Intensivist

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is diagnosed using cardiac catheterization and is defined as an elevation of mean pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) greater than 25 mmHg. Although invasive hemodynamics remains the gold standard and is mandatory for disease confirmation, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is an extremely useful non-invasive and widely available tool that allows for screening and follow-up, in particular, in the acute setting. TTE may be a valuable alternative, allowing for direct measurement and/or indirect assessment of PAP. Because of the complex geometric shape and pattern of contraction of the right ventricle (RV), as well as the inherent complexity of cardiac repair, no single view or measurement can provide definite information on RV function and PAP and/or pulmonary vascular resistance. In addition, specific training and expertise may be necessary to obtain the views and measurements required. Some simple measurements may be of help when rapid evaluation is mandatory and potentially life saving: the assessment of tricuspid and/or pulmonary valve regurgitant jet and the use of the Bernoulli equation allow for measurement of PAP. Measurements such as the analysis of the pulmonary Doppler wave flow, the septal curvature, or the eccentricity index, assessing ventricular interdependence, are useful for indirect assessment. A four-chamber view of the RV gives information on its size, hypertrophy, function (fractional area change), and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion as an evaluation of the longitudinal function. Based on these simple measurements, TTE can provide detection of PH, measurement or estimation of PAP, and assessment of cardiac function. TTE is also of importance in follow up of PH as well as providing an assessment of therapeutic strategies in the postoperative setting of cardiac surgery. However, PAP may be misleading as it is dependent on cardiac output and requires accurate measurements. In the presence of residual lesions, analyses of some Doppler measurements may be misleading and not reflect real PAP. Should the TTE evaluation reveal non-conclusive, invasive hemodynamics remains the gold standard.

Preparing Family Caregivers to Recognize Delirium Symptoms in Older Adults After Elective Hip or Knee Arthroplasty

OBJECTIVES

To test the feasibility of a telephone-based intervention that prepares family caregivers to recognize delirium symptoms and how to communicate their observations to healthcare providers.

DESIGN

Mixed-method, pre-post quasi-experimental design.

SETTING

A Midwest Veterans Affairs Medical Center and a nonprofit health system.

PARTICIPANTS

Forty-one family caregiver-older adult dyads provided consent; 34 completed the intervention.

INTERVENTION

Four telephone-based education modules using vignettes were completed during the 3 weeks before the older adult's hospital admission for elective hip or knee replacement. Each module required 20 to 30 minutes.

MEASUREMENTS

Interviews were conducted before the intervention and 2 weeks and 2 months after the older adult's hospitalization. A researcher completed the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and a family caregiver completed the Family Version of the Confusion Assessment Method (FAM-CAM) 2 days after surgery to assess the older adults for delirium symptoms.

RESULTS

Family caregivers' knowledge of delirium symptoms improved significantly from before the intervention to 2 weeks after the intervention and was maintained after the older adult's hospitalization. They also were able to recognize the presence and absence of delirium symptoms in the vignettes included in the intervention and in the older adult after surgery. In 94% of the cases, the family caregiver rating on the FAM-CAM approximately 2 days after the older adult's surgery agreed with the researcher rating on the CAM. Family caregivers expressed satisfaction with the intervention and stated that the information was helpful.

CONCLUSION

Delivery of a telephone-based intervention appears feasible. All family caregivers who began the program completed the four education modules. Future studies evaluating the effectiveness of the educational program should include a control group.

Initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy within 8 weeks of elective colorectal resection improves overall survival regardless of reoperation

AIM

Reoperation after elective colorectal resection may delay the start of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). The study investigated the dual impact of a reoperation and AC delay on overall survival (OS).

METHOD

The Hospital Episode Statistics database was analysed between 1997 and 2012. Patients were divided into colon and rectal cancer cohorts and data were analysed based on whether there was delay in receiving AC beyond 8 weeks and whether a patient suffered reoperation within 30 days. Multivariate regression analysis was undertaken to investigate the relationship between delay in giving AC and reoperation and their combined effect on OS.

RESULTS

Logistic regression showed reoperation, amongst other things, to be an independent predictor of AC delay, in both colon and rectal cancer (colon, odds ratio 2.31, P < 0.001; rectal, odds ratio 2.19, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in OS between patients who had no AC delay but suffered a reoperation and patients who had no AC delay and no reoperation. Patients who had AC delay but no reoperation, however, had significantly worse OS compared to those who had no AC delay and no reoperation [colon, hazard ratio (HR) 1.16, P < 0.001; rectal, HR 1.17, P < 0.001]. Individuals who had both AC delay and a reoperation also had worse OS compared with patients who had neither (colon, HR 1.33, P = 0.037; rectal, HR 1.38, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Delayed receipt of AC beyond 8 weeks after surgery is associated with significantly reduced OS regardless of reoperation status in both colon and rectal cancer patients.

Evaluation of the Swedish Web-Version of Quality of Recovery (SwQoR): Secondary Step in the Development of a Mobile Phone App to Measure Postoperative Recovery

BACKGROUND

The majority of all surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis (day surgery). The Recovery Assessment by Phone Points (RAPP) app is an app for the Swedish Web-version of Quality of Recovery (SwQoR), developed to assess and follow-up on postoperative recovery after day surgery.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this study are (1) to estimate the extent to which the paper and app versions of the SwQoR provide equivalent values; (2) to contribute evidence as to the feasibility and acceptability of a mobile phone Web-based app for measuring postoperative recovery after day surgery and enabling contact with a nurse; and (3) to contribute evidence as to the content validity of the SwQoR.

METHODS

Equivalence between the paper and app versions of the SwQoR was measured using a randomized crossover design, in which participants used both the paper and app version. Feasibility and acceptability was evaluated by a questionnaire containing 16 questions regarding the value of the app for follow-up care after day surgery. Content validity evaluation was based on responses by day surgery patients and the staff of the day surgery department.

RESULTS

A total of 69 participants completed the evaluation of equivalence between the paper and app versions of the SwQoR. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the SwQoR was .89 (95% CI 0.83-0.93) and .13 to .90 for the items. Of the participants, 63 continued testing the app after discharge and completed the follow-up questionnaire. The median score was 69 (inter-quartile range, IQR 66-73), indicating a positive attitude toward using an app for follow-up after day surgery. A total of 18 patients and 12 staff members participated in the content validity evaluation. The item-level content validity index (I-CVI) for the staff group was in the 0.64 to 1.0 range, with a scale-level content validity index (S-CVI) of 0.88. For the patient group, I-CVI was in the range 0.30 to 0.92 and S-CVI was 0.67. The content validity evaluation of the SwQoR, together with three new items, led to a reduction from 34 to 24 items.

CONCLUSIONS

Day surgery patients had positive attitudes toward using the app for follow-up after surgery, and stated a preference for using the app again if they were admitted for a future day surgery procedure. Equivalence between the app and paper version of the SwQoR was found, but at the item level, the ICC was less than .7 for 9 items. In the content validity evaluation of the SwQoR, staff found more items relevant than the patients, and no items found relevant by either staff or patients were excluded when revising the SwQoR.

Changes in the bacterial microbiome of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis after endoscopic sinus surgery

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) improves symptoms for many chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients by enlarging the size of sinus ostia, improving mucociliary clearance, and facilitating access for topical therapies. However, the effect of surgery on the sinonasal microbiota remains poorly understood. This study examined changes in bacterial communities in CRS patients before and after surgery.

METHODS

Swab samples were taken from the middle meatus of 23 patients undergoing ESS. Follow-up swabs were taken in clinic (mean 120 days postsurgery). Symptom scores and antibiotic use were recorded. Bacterial communities were characterized using 16s ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene-targeted amplicon sequencing and bacterial abundance was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Coexisting asthma, aspirin sensitivity, antibiotic use, and presence of polyps were controlled for.

RESULTS

Unpredictable shifts in bacterial community composition were seen postoperatively. ESS was associated with increased bacterial richness. Many taxa had changes in average relative abundance and prevalence. Staphylococcus was the only dominant taxa to increase significantly in relative abundance (p = 0.002). Changes in bacterial communities were driven more by intersubject variability (p = 0.007) than other study factors. Finegoldia, a minority taxon, was associated with a reduction in abundance following ESS, increases in patients with higher symptoms scores, and reductions in patients with reduced total bacterial burden.

CONCLUSION

This study documented changes in bacterial composition and abundance in the middle meatus following ESS. The complexity of these changes reflects the variability between patients. Modern molecular techniques highlight the currently limited knowledge of the impact of therapies on the microbiology of CRS.

Assessing change in patient-reported quality of life after elective surgery: protocol for an observational comparison study

Despite their widespread use, the two main methods of assessing quality of life after surgery have never been directly compared. To support patient decision-making and study design, we aim to compare these two methods. The first of these methods is to assess quality of life before surgery and again after surgery using the same validated scale. The second is simply to ask patients whether or not they think their post-operative quality of life is better, worse, or the same. Our primary objective is to assess agreement between the two measures. Secondary objectives are to calculate the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and to describe the variation across surgical specialties. To accomplish these aims, we will administer surveys to patients undergoing elective surgery, both before surgery and again 30 days after surgery. This protocol follows detailed guidelines for observational study protocols.

Does epidural anaesthesia reduce the incidence of postoperative oxygen desaturation episodes in patients undergoing open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair?

BACKGROUND

Postoperative desaturation can lead to severe hypoxaemia and even tissue hypoxia, followed by cardiological and neurological complications. Opioid usage is the one of the most important risk factors of postoperative desaturation and hypoxemia. Epidural anaesthesia is recommended for vascular surgery for many reasons; the reduction or elimination of opioid doses is one reason. The aims of the study were to evaluate the incidence of desaturation episodes in patients after surgical procedures with abdominal aortic clamping, to determine whether the episodes in question lead to clinical symptoms of hypoxia and to determine whether epidural anaesthesia decreases the incidence of desaturation episodes.

METHODS

After abdominal aortic repair, 58 patients who did not have any respiratory disease, were classified as ASA II-III, and were aged from 46 to 80 years were observed in the ICU during spontaneous breathing with oxygen supplementation. Non-invasive O₂ saturation measurements were taken continuously, and all desaturation incidents (defined as O₂ saturation ≤ 93% for 4 min) were noted. Patients were divided into two equal groups: A - epidural blockade used after the operation for pain relief and B - intravenous opioids administered during the postoperative period. We evaluated and compared the desaturation frequency during the postoperative period.

RESULTS

Desaturation was observed among 26 (89%) patients in group A and 27 (93%) patients in group B. There were no statistical differences among the groups (P = 1.0). Severe hypoxemia (O₂ saturation ≤ 84%) was observed among 7 (24.1%) patients in group A and 10 patients in group B (34.5%) (P = 0.38). Clinical symptoms of hypoxia were similar in both groups (P = 1.0).

CONCLUSIONS

Epidural anaesthesia did not protect against postoperative desaturation. Though oxygen therapy was used, desaturation was observed in approximately 90% of patients.

Postoperative cerebral myiasis: A rare cause of wound dehiscence in developing countries

Background:

Cerebral myiasis is a rare parasitic disease, especially in postoperative neurological surgery.

Case Description:

We report a case of postoperative myiasis in a patient who underwent a craniotomy for resection of metastatic melanoma, evolving with wound dehiscence due to myiasis in the operative wound.

Conclusion:

Myiasis infestation should be a differential diagnosis of surgical wound dehiscence, particularly when the classic signs of inflammation are not present and computed tomography of the brain shows signs suggestive of this disease entity.

A randomized control study comparing the pharyngolaryngeal morbidity of laryngeal mask airway versus endotracheal tube

Introduction:

Endotracheal tube (ETT) has been associated with various pharyngolaryngeal morbidities (PLMs) following general anesthesia (GA). Laryngeal mask airway (LMA), currently the most commonly used supraglottic airway device, has several advantageous over the ETT but has been associated with varying results of PLM. The aim of our study was to compare the PLM between them and to know whether LMA is a better alternative.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred and seventy American Society of Anesthesiologists Grades 1 and 2 women scheduled for elective mastectomy were included in the study, 85 each in either group, E Group (intubated with ETT) and L Group (using LMA) on a random basis. All patients received GA with controlled ventilation using a muscle relaxant. PLMs such as hoarseness, pain on phonation, sore throat, and difficulty in swallowing were documented by an interview done postoperatively. Peroperative parameters such as intubation attempts, trauma during airway device insertion, and intraoperative incidents were also analyzed. A sample size of 85 patients in each group was calculated in order to achieve a study power of 0.8 and alpha level was taken as 0.05. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 using Chi-square test, Mann–Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact test were used as nonparametric tests. A two-tailed P< 0.05 was considered significant.

Results:

Patients in E Group had statistically significant increased incidence of a sore throat and voice complaints whereas L Group showed a statistically significant increase of swallowing problems. There was also a significant correlation between traumatic insertion and sore throat, pain on swallowing in the L Group, which could be due to direct trauma.

Conclusions:

ETT was associated with an increased incidence of voice problems and sore throat whereas LMA had an increased incidence of dysphagia and odynophagia. Use of LMA changes the pharyngolaryngeal profile to a more acceptable one.

Effects of Intraoperative Hemodynamics on Incidence of Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients: A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common complication in the elderly. This retrospective study investigated the effect of intraoperative hemodynamics on the incidence of POD in elderly patients after major surgery to explore ways to reduce the incidence of POD.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Based on the incidence of POD, elderly patients (81±6 y) were assigned to a POD (n=137) or non-POD group (n=343) after elective surgery with total intravenous anesthesia. POD was diagnosed based on the guidelines of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), using the confusion assessment method. The hemodynamic parameters, such as mean arterial pressure, were monitored 10 min before anesthesia (baseline) and intraoperatively. The incidence of intraoperative hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, and bradycardia were calculated.

RESULTS

At 30 min and 60 min after the initiation of anesthesia and at the conclusion of surgery, the monitored hemodynamic parameter values of the POD group, but not those of the non-POD group, were significantly higher than at baseline. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that intraoperative hypertension and tachycardia were significantly associated with POD.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative hypertension and tachycardia were significantly associated with POD. Maintaining intraoperative stable hemodynamics may reduce the incidence of POD in elderly patients undergoing surgery.

Usefulness of chewing gum for recovering intestinal function after cesarean delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Chewing gum has been reported to enhance bowel function. However, the efficacy remains unclear for women undergoing cesarean delivery. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of chewing gum for recovering intestinal function following cesarean delivery in the early postoperative period. Electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library were searched to identify English language randomized controlled trials comparing chewing gum with other procedures for promoting the recovery of intestinal function after cesarean delivery. Two of the authors independently extracted data from the eligibility studies, and Review Manager Version 5.2 was used to pool the data. Finally, five randomized controlled trials involving 882 patients were included and all the trials were considered as at high risk of bias. The pooled findings showed that chewing gum after cesarean delivery can significantly shorten the time to first flatus [standardized mean difference (SMD) = -0.73; 95% confidence interval (CI) = -1.01 to -0.14; p < 0.001]; time to first hearing of normal intestinal sounds (SMD = -0.69; 95% CI = -1.20 to -0.17; p = 0.009; I² = 92%). Time to the first defecation (SMD = -0.53; 95% CI = -1.61 to -0.07; p = 0.07; I² = 92%) and length of hospital stay (SMD = -0.59; 95% CI = -1.18 to 0.00; p = 0.05; I² = 93%) were also reduced in the chewing gum group; however, these results were not statistically significant. The current evidence suggests that chewing gum has a positive effect on intestinal function recovery following cesarean delivery in the early postoperative period. However, more large-scale and high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Surgically resected skull base meningiomas demonstrate a divergent postoperative recurrence pattern compared with non-skull base meningiomas

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to identify the natural history and clinical predictors of postoperative recurrence of skull base and non-skull base meningiomas. METHODS The authors performed a retrospective hospital-based study of all patients with meningioma referred to their institution from September 1993 to January 2014. The cohort constituted both patients with a first-time presentation and those with evidence of recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curves were constructed for analysis of recurrence and differences were assessed using the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify potential predictors of recurrence. RESULTS Overall, 398 intracranial meningiomas were reviewed, including 269 (68%) non-skull base and 129 (32%) skull base meningiomas (median follow-up 30.2 months, interquartile range [IQR] 8.5-76 months). The 10-year recurrence-free survival rates for patients with gross-total resection (GTR) and subtotal resection (STR) were 90% and 43%, respectively. Skull base tumors were associated with a lower proliferation index (0.041 vs 0.062, p = 0.001), higher likelihood of WHO Grade I (85.3% vs 69.1%, p = 0.003), and younger patient age (55.2 vs 58.3 years, p = 0.01). Meningiomas in all locations demonstrated an average recurrence rate of 30% at 100 months of follow-up. Subsequently, the recurrence of skull base meningiomas plateaued whereas non-skull base lesions had an 80% recurrence rate at 230 months follow-up (p = 0.02). On univariate analysis, a prior history of recurrence (p < 0.001), initial WHO grade following resection (p < 0.001), and the inability to obtain GTR (p < 0.001) were predictors of future recurrence. On multivariate analysis a prior history of recurrence (p = 0.02) and an STR (p < 0.01) were independent predictors of a recurrence. Assessing only patients with primary presentations, STR and WHO Grades II and III were independent predictors of recurrence (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS Patients with skull base meningiomas present at a younger age and have less aggressive lesions overall. Extent of resection is a key predictor of recurrence and long-term follow-up of meningiomas is necessary, especially for non-skull base tumors. In skull base meningiomas, recurrence risk plateaus approximately 100 months after surgery, suggesting that for this specific cohort, follow-up after 100 months can be less frequent.

Factors Associated with Recovery of Renal Function following Radical Nephrectomy for Kidney Neoplasms

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Partial nephrectomy or radical nephrectomy is the standard of care for patients with kidney neoplasms, but surgery may result in loss of renal function. We sought to identify patient characteristics associated with renal functional recovery following radical nephrectomy.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

We performed a retrospective study among 572 patients with kidney neoplasms who underwent RN between 2006 and 2013. The primary endpoint was recovery of postoperative eGFR to the preoperative level. We plotted the trajectory of each patient's eGFR from their first postoperative visit up to 3 years after surgery. Cumulative incidence and competing risks regression estimated associations between patient and clinical characteristics and eGFR recovery, stratified by preoperative eGFR.

RESULTS

Median age was 61.5 years; 68% of patients were male, and 89% were white. Overall, eGFR increased over time following an initial postoperative decrease. Median postoperative follow-up among survivors was 10.8 (minimum, 0.03; maximum, 36.0) months; during follow-up, 263 patients achieved eGFR recovery. Median time to eGFR recovery was 25.3 months. Two-year cumulative incidence of eGFR recovery was 49% overall and 44% and 58% among those with preoperative eGFR≥60 and <60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), respectively (P<0.001). On multivariable analysis, younger age at surgery and female sex were significantly associated with a higher chance of eGFR recovery among patients with preoperative eGFR<60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2). Among patients with preoperative eGFR≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m(2), hypertension was significantly associated with a lower chance of eGFR recovery, whereas increased tumor size was significantly associated with a higher chance of eGFR recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, almost half of the patients in this study recovered to their preoperative eGFR by 2 years following surgery. Distributions of preoperative risk factors differed by preoperative eGFR, leading to distinct factors that were significantly associated with chance of eGFR recovery.

Evaluation of lung volumes, vital capacity and respiratory muscle strength after cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal surgery

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE

Studies have shown that physiopathological changes to the respiratory system can occur following thoracic and abdominal surgery. Laminectomy is considered to be a peripheral surgical procedure, but it is possible that thoracic spinal surgery exerts a greater influence on lung function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pulmonary volumes and maximum respiratory pressures of patients undergoing cervical, thoracic or lumbar spinal surgery.

DESIGN AND SETTING

Prospective study in a tertiary-level university hospital.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients undergoing laminectomy due to diagnoses of tumors or herniated discs were evaluated. Vital capacity, tidal volume, minute ventilation and maximum respiratory pressures were evaluated preoperatively and on the first and second postoperative days. Possible associations between the respiratory variables and the duration of the operation, surgical diagnosis and smoking status were investigated.

RESULTS

Vital capacity and maximum inspiratory pressure presented reductions on the first postoperative day (20.9% and 91.6%, respectively) for thoracic surgery (P = 0.01), and maximum expiratory pressure showed reductions on the first postoperative day in cervical surgery patients (15.3%; P = 0.004). The incidence of pulmonary complications was 3.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

There were reductions in vital capacity and maximum respiratory pressures during the postoperative period in patients undergoing laminectomy. Surgery in the thoracic region was associated with greater reductions in vital capacity and maximum inspiratory pressure, compared with cervical and lumbar surgery. Thus, surgical manipulation of the thoracic region appears to have more influence on pulmonary function and respiratory muscle action.

Postoperative atrial fibrillation in non-cardiac and cardiac surgery: an overview

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common perioperative cardiac arrhythmia. A major risk factor for POAF is advanced age, both in non-cardiac and cardiac surgery. Following non-cardiac surgery, it is important to correct reversible conditions such as electrolytes imbalances to prevent the occurrence of POAF. Management of POAF consists of rate control and therapeutic anticoagulation if POAF persists for > 48 h and CHADS2 score > 2. After cardiac surgery, POAF affects a larger amount of patients. In addition to age, valve surgery carries the greatest risk for new AF. Rate control is the mainstay therapy in these patients. Prediction, prevention, and management of POAF should be further studied.

Bupivacaine versus lignocaine as the choice of locall anesthetic agent for impacted third molar surgery a review

One of the most important goal in minor surgical procedures is to achieve proper and sufficient anesthesia and analgesia preoperatively, intraoperatively and in the immediate postoperative period. Several local anesthetic agents have been cited in the literature and studied. Bupivacaine is one of the most common long-acting anesthetic agents being used for surgical removal of impacted third molars. Lignocaine is one of the commonest short-acting anesthetic agents being used for the same procedure. In this review article, the analgesic and anesthetic abilities of the bupivacaine versus lignocaine have been reviewed while surgical removal of impacted third molars.

Outcome comparison between thoracic endovascular and open repair for type B aortic dissection: A population-based longitudinal study

BACKGROUND

Management of diseases of the descending thoracic aorta is trending from open surgery toward thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), because TEVAR is reportedly associated with less perioperative mortality. However, comparisons between TEVAR and open surgery, adjusting for patient comorbidities, have not been well studied. In this nationwide population-based study, we compared the outcomes between TEVAR and open surgery in type B aortic dissection.

METHODS

From 2003 to 2009, data on patients with type B aortic dissection who underwent either open surgery or TEVAR were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Survival, length of stay, and complications were compared between TEVAR and open repair. To minimize possible bias, we performed an additional analysis after matching patients by age, sex, and propensity score.

RESULTS

A total of 1661 patients were identified, of whom 1542 underwent open repair and 119 TEVAR. Patients in the TEVAR group were older (63.0 ± 15.4 years vs. 58.1 ± 13.1 years; p = 0.001), included more males, and had more preoperative comorbidities. Thirty-day mortality in the TEVAR group was significantly lower than that in the open repair group (4.2% vs. 17.8%; p < 0.001). The midterm survival rates in the unmatched cohort between the open surgery and TEVAR groups at 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 4 years were 76%, 73%, 71%, and 68% vs. 92%, 86%, 82%, and 79%, respectively. The length of stay in the TEVAR group was shorter than that in the open repair group (p = 0.001). The TEVAR group had less respiratory failure (p = 0.022) and fewer wound complications than the open repair group (p = 0.008). The matched cohort showed similar results.

CONCLUSION

TEVAR for type B aortic dissection repair has less perioperative mortality, a shorter length of hospitalization, a higher midterm survival rate, less postoperative respiratory failure, and fewer wound complications than open surgery.

Remote ischemic preconditioning and incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation

OBJECTIVES

Although remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) has shown favorable effects on ischemia-reperfusion injury, much remains unknown of its mechanisms and clinical significance. We hypothesized that RIPC would reduce the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. In addition, we investigated whether RIPC could induce alterations of circulating microRNA in blood plasma.

DESIGN

This is a single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial. 92 adult patients referred for first-time isolated CABG surgery were randomly assigned to either RIPC (n = 45) or control (n = 47). The RIPC-stimulus comprised three 5-min cycles of upper arm ischemia, induced by inflating a blood pressure cuff to 200 mmHg, with an intervening 5 min reperfusion. Heart rhythm was assessed by telemetry. MicroRNA expression was assessed in plasma by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Of the 92 patients included in the study, 27 patients developed POAF (29%). 17 of these patients belonged to the RIPC group (38%), and 10 to the control group (21%). There were no significant alterations of microRNA expression.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not observe a reduced incidence of POAF by RIPC before CABG surgery. Larger multi-center studies may be necessary to further clarify this issue.

Patient stress in intensive care: comparison between a coronary care unit and a general postoperative unit

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate and compare stressors identified by patients of a coronary intensive care unit with those perceived by patients of a general postoperative intensive care unit.

METHODS

This cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted in the coronary intensive care and general postoperative intensive care units of a private hospital. In total, 60 patients participated in the study, 30 in each intensive care unit. The stressor scale was used in the intensive care units to identify the stressors. The mean score of each item of the scale was calculated followed by the total stress score. The differences between groups were considered significant when p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The mean ages of patients were 55.63 ± 13.58 years in the coronary intensive care unit and 53.60 ± 17.47 years in the general postoperative intensive care unit. For patients in the coronary intensive care unit, the main stressors were "being in pain", "being unable to fulfill family roles" and "being bored". For patients in the general postoperative intensive care unit, the main stressors were "being in pain", "being unable to fulfill family roles" and "not being able to communicate". The mean total stress scores were 104.20 ± 30.95 in the coronary intensive care unit and 116.66 ± 23.72 (p = 0.085) in the general postoperative intensive care unit. When each stressor was compared separately, significant differences were noted only between three items. "Having nurses constantly doing things around your bed" was more stressful to the patients in the general postoperative intensive care unit than to those in the coronary intensive care unit (p = 0.013). Conversely, "hearing unfamiliar sounds and noises" and "hearing people talk about you" were the most stressful items for the patients in the coronary intensive care unit (p = 0.046 and 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The perception of major stressors and the total stress score were similar between patients in the coronary intensive care and general postoperative intensive care units.

Acute Back Pain Following Surgery under Spinal Anesthesia

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors having a role in the occurrence of acute back pain following spinal anesthesia.

METHODS

Six hundred and forty-nine patients who underwent surgery under spinal anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients' age, sex, BMI, ASA physical status, educational status, history of back pain, spinal needle radius, spinal interspace level of intervention, method of approach for spinal anesthesia, position during spinal anesthesia, angle of puncture with respect to the spinal ligaments, magnitude of pain during intervention, number of lumbar punctures, number of bony contacts, amount of bupivacaine administered intrathecally, type of surgical procedure, surgical position, duration of the surgery, and duration of anesthesia parameters were recorded. Patients were inquired for existence and magnitude of back pain on the 1st day and the 4th week postoperatively. Multivariate analysis is performed via logistic regression model to parameters that are found to be significant in univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Assessment of the data from the postoperative 1st day showed 29.3% of the patients suffered back pain. Postspinal acute back pain was related to the number of bony contacts (P = 0.016), history of back pain (P = 0.0001), spinal needle radius (P = 0.022), and duration of the surgery (P = 0.037).

CONCLUSION

Contrary to the common belief, it is demonstrated in this study that number of lumbar punctures, method of approach and position of the spinal anesthesia, age, sex, surgical position, and the type of the surgery did not correlate with occurrence of acute back pain following spinal anesthesia.

Attacking Postoperative Metastases using Perioperative Oncolytic Viruses and Viral Vaccines

Surgical resection of solid primary malignancies is a mainstay of therapy for cancer patients. Despite being the most effective treatment for these tumors, cancer surgery has been associated with impaired metastatic clearance due to immunosuppression. In preclinical surgery models and human cancer patients, we and others have demonstrated a profound suppression of both natural killer (NK) and T cell function in the postoperative period and this plays a major role in the enhanced development of metastases following surgery. Oncolytic viruses (OV) were originally designed to selectively infect and replicate in tumors, with the primary objective of directly lysing cancer cells. It is becoming increasingly clear, however, that OV infection results in a profound inflammatory reaction within the tumor, initiating innate and adaptive immune responses against it that is critical for its therapeutic benefit. This anti-tumor immunity appears to be mediated predominantly by NK and cytotoxic T cells. In preclinical models, we found that preoperative OV prevents postoperative NK cell dysfunction and attenuates tumor dissemination. Due to theoretical safety concerns of administering live virus prior to surgery in cancer patients, we characterized safe, attenuated versions of OV, and viral vaccines that could stimulate NK cells and reduce metastases when administered in the perioperative period. In cancer patients, we observed that in vivo infusion with oncolytic vaccinia virus and ex vivo stimulation with viral vaccines promote NK cell activation. These preclinical studies provide a novel and clinically relevant setting for OV therapy. Our challenge is to identify safe and promising OV therapies that will activate NK and T cells in the perioperative period preventing the establishment of micrometastatic disease in cancer patients.

The effect of formalizing enhanced recovery after esophagectomy with a protocol

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) pathways aim to accelerate functional return and discharge from hospital. They have proven effective in many forms of surgery, most notably colorectal. However, experience in esophagectomy has been limited. A recent study reported significant reductions in pulmonary complications, mortality, and length of stay following the introduction of an ERAS protocol alone, without the introduction of any clinical changes. We instituted a similar change 16 months ago, introducing a protocol to provide a formal framework, for our existing postoperative care. This retrospective analysis compared outcome following esophagectomy for the 16 months before and 20 months after this change. Data were collected from prospectively maintained secure web-based multidisciplinary databases. Complication severity was classified using the Clavien-Dindo scale. Operative mortality was defined as death within 30 days of surgery, or at any point during the same hospital admission. Lower respiratory tract infection was defined as clinical evidence of infection, with or without radiological signs. Respiratory complications included lower respiratory tract infection, pleural effusion (irrespective of drainage), pulmonary collapse, and pneumothorax. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v21. One hundred thirty-two patients underwent esophagectomy (55 protocol group; 77 before). All were performed open. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, operation, use of neoadjuvant therapy, cell type, stage, tumor site, or American Society of Anesthesiologists grade. Median length of stay was 14.0 days (protocol) compared with 12.0 before (interquartile range 9-19 and 9.5-15.5, respectively; P = 0.073, Mann-Whitney U-test). Readmission within 30 days of discharge occurred in five (9.26%) and six (8.19%; P = 1.000, Fisher's exact test). There were four in-hospital deaths (3.03%): one (1.82%) and three (3.90%), respectively (P = 0.641). There were no differences in the severity of complications (P = non-significant; Pearson's chi-squared). There were no differences in the type of complications occurring in either group. The protocol was completed successfully by 26 (47.3%). No baseline factors were predictive of this. In contrast to previous studies, we did not demonstrate any improvement in outcome by formalizing our existing pathway using a written protocol. Consequently, improvements in short-term outcome from esophagectomy within ERAS would seem to be primarily due to improvements in components of perioperative care. Consequently, we would recommend that centers introducing new (or reviewing existing) ERAS pathways for esophagectomy focus on optimizing clinical aspects of such standardized pathways.

Incidence and risk factors for impaired mobility in older cardiac surgery patients during the early postoperative period

AIM

Mobility issues in the early postoperative period result in poor functional outcomes and diminished quality of life for patients of advanced age. We determined the incidence of and risk factors for mobility issues in the early postoperative period in patients receiving open heart cardiac surgery.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was carried out on 396 patients receiving open heart coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG), valve replacements and combination CABG-valve replacements in a tertiary care hospital. Data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory values, medications, anesthesia and postoperative care were abstracted. Mobility issues were considered present if they were documented in the medical chart. All pre- and intraoperative variables were entered into logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean age was 66.4 ± 11.9 years. In a subset of patients aged 75 years and older, the mean age was 79.8 ± 3.7 years. Mobility issues affected 36.9% of individuals from the total sample, and 47.6% of older patients. Increased age was a weak predictor in the total sample (OR 1.03), but was the only predictor in older adults (OR 1.1). The strongest predictors in the total sample were preoperative COPD (OR 2.7), congestive heart failure (CHF; OR 2.1), renal disease (OR 1.9), and pre-existing physical impairment (OR 1.8). Older patients with mobility issues were more likely to be discharged to acute care facilities, and had higher rates of mortality 3 years after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Over one-third of cardiac surgery patients experienced early postoperative mobility issues. Older patients and those with COPD, CHF, renal disease or pre-existing physical impairments might benefit from preoperative consultation with physical therapists.

Adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy after prostatectomy: AUA/ASTRO Guideline

PURPOSE

The purpose of this guideline is to provide a clinical framework for the use of radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy as adjuvant or salvage therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review using the PubMed®, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted to identify peer-reviewed publications relevant to the use of radiotherapy after prostatectomy. The review yielded 294 articles; these publications were used to create the evidence-based guideline statements. Additional guidance is provided as Clinical Principles when insufficient evidence existed.

RESULTS

Guideline statements are provided for patient counseling, the use of radiotherapy in the adjuvant and salvage contexts, defining biochemical recurrence, and conducting a re-staging evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians should offer adjuvant radiotherapy to patients with adverse pathologic findings at prostatectomy (i.e., seminal vesicle invasion, positive surgical margins, extraprostatic extension) and should offer salvage radiotherapy to patients with prostatic specific antigen or local recurrence after prostatectomy in whom there is no evidence of distant metastatic disease. The offer of radiotherapy should be made in the context of a thoughtful discussion of possible short- and long-term side effects of radiotherapy as well as the potential benefits of preventing recurrence. The decision to administer radiotherapy should be made by the patient and the multi-disciplinary treatment team with full consideration of the patient's history, values, preferences, quality of life, and functional status. Please visit the ASTRO and AUA websites (http://www.redjournal.org/webfiles/images/journals/rob/RAP%20Guideline.pdf and http://www.auanet.org/education/guidelines/radiation-after-prostatectomy.cfm) to view this guideline in its entirety, including the full literature review.

Magnetic resonance imaging after translabyrinthine complete excision of vestibular schwannomas

The objective of this study is to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 2 years following complete vestibular schwannoma (VS) excision using a translabyrinthine approach is sufficient to detect recurrent tumor. The study is set in a tertiary referral skull base unit. A service evaluation of a prospective database identified patients who underwent complete translabyrinthine VS excision with prospectively recorded MRI results at 2 and 5 years following surgery. The main outcome measures were evidence of tumor recurrence on MRI at 2 and 5 years after surgery. Of 314 patients in the study, all patients where MRI was reported to show no recurrence at 2 years (97%) also had no signs of recurrence on MRI at 5 years. All eight patients with MRI suspicious of recurrence (linear enhancement of internal auditory canal [IAC]) at 2 years had no progression on MRI at 5 to 15 years. One patient had evidence of definite recurrence (nodular enhancement of IAC) at 2 years, who went on to have radiosurgery at 8 years. Where patients have MRI with no linear enhancement of the IAC at 2 years, no further imaging is required. Where linear enhancement is seen, no change in enhancement at 5 years is reassuring and no further imaging is required.

Postoperative acute anisocoria and old traumatic brain injury

Anisocoria is an uncommon entity in general postoperative intensive care. We present a case of a 45-year-old man suffering from severe acute pancreatitis with a past history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), who developed hypertension, bradycardia and anisocoria soon after re-exploration surgery under general anaesthesia. Computed tomography showed no new lesion. Measures directed towards reducing intracranial pressure resulted in amelioration in about 12h. The possible role of old TBI in the causation of anisocoria during general anaesthesia and resuscitation has been explored in this report.

Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in rectal cancer operated for cure

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the Western world. Apart from surgery - which remains the mainstay of treatment for resectable primary tumours - postoperative (i.e., adjuvant) chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) based regimens is now the standard treatment in Dukes' C (TNM stage III) colon tumours i.e. tumours with metastases in the regional lymph nodes but no distant metastases. In contrast, the evidence for recommendations of adjuvant therapy in rectal cancer is sparse. In Europe it is generally acknowledged that locally advanced rectal tumours receive preoperative (i.e., neoadjuvant) downstaging by radiotherapy (or chemoradiotion), whereas in the US postoperative chemoradiotion is considered the treatment of choice in all Dukes' C rectal cancers. Overall, no universal consensus exists on the adjuvant treatment of surgically resectable rectal carcinoma; moreover, no formal systematic review and meta-analysis has been so far performed on this subject.

OBJECTIVES

We undertook a systematic review of the scientific literature from 1975 until March 2011 in order to quantitatively summarize the available evidence regarding the impact of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy on the survival of patients with surgically resectable rectal cancer. The outcomes of interest were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).

SEARCH METHODS

CCCG standard search strategy in defined databases with the following supplementary search. 1. Rect* or colorect* - 2. Cancer or carcinom* or adenocarc* or neoplasm* or tumour - 3. Adjuv* - 4. Chemother* - 5. Postoper*

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCT) comparing patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer who received no adjuvant chemotherapy with those receiving any postoperative chemotherapy regimen.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors extracted data and a third author performed an independent search for verification. The main outcome measure was the hazard ratio (HR) between the risk of event between the treatment arm (adjuvant chemotherapy) and the control arm (no adjuvant chemotherapy). The survival data were either entered directly in RevMan or extrapolated from Kaplan-Meier plots and then entered in RevMan. Due to expected clinical heterogeneity a random effects model was used for creating the pooled estimates of treatment efficacy.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of 21 eligible RCTs were identified and used for meta-analysis purposes. Overall, 16,215 patients with colorectal cancer were enrolled, 9,785 being affected with rectal carcinoma. Considering patients with rectal cancer only, 4,854 cases were randomized to receive potentially curative surgery of the primary tumour plus adjuvant chemotherapy and 4,367 to receive surgery plus observation. The mean number of patients enrolled was 466 (range: 54-1,243 cases). 11 RCTs had been performed in Western countries and 10 in Japan. All trials used fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (no modern drugs - such as oxaliplatin, irinotecan or biological agents - were tested).Overall survival (OS) data were available in 21 RCTs and the data available for meta-analysis regarded 9,221 patients: of these, 4854 patients were randomized to adjuvant chemotherapy (treatment arm) and 4,367 patients did not receive adjuvant chemotherapy (control arm). The meta-analysis of these RCTs showed a significant reduction in the risk of death (17%) among patients undergoing postoperative chemotherapy as compared to those undergoing observation (HR=0.83, CI: 0.76-0.91). Between-study heterogeneity was moderate (I-squared=30%) but significant (P=0.09) at the 10% alpha level.Disease-free survival (DFS) data were reported in 20 RCTs, and the data suitable for meta-analysis included 8,530 patients. Of these, 4,515 patients were randomized to postoperative chemotherapy (treatment arm) and 4,015 patients received no postoperative chemotherapy (control arm). The meta-analysis of these RCTs showed a reduction in the risk of disease recurrence (25%) among patients undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy as compared to those undergoing observation (HR=0.75, CI: 0.68-0.83). Between-study heterogeneity was moderate (I-squared=41%) but significant (P=0.03).While analyzing both OS and DFS data, sensitivity analyses did not find any difference in treatment effect based on trial sample size or geographical region (Western vs Japanese). Available data were insufficient to investigate on the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy separately in different TNM stages in terms of both OS and DFS. No plausible source of heterogeneity was formally identified, although variability in treatment regimens and TNM stages of enrolled patients might have played a significant role in the difference of reported results.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The results of this meta-analysis support the use of 5-FU based postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for patients undergoing apparently radical surgery for non-metastatic rectal carcinoma. Available data do not allow us to define whether the efficacy of this treatment is highest in one specific TNM stage. The implementation of modern anti-cancer agents in the adjuvant setting is warranted to improve the results shown by this meta-analysis. Randomized trials of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients receiving preoperative neoadjuvant therapy are also needed in order to define the role of postoperative chemotherapy in the multimodal treatment of resectable rectal cancer.

Effects of dexmedetomidine added to caudal ropivacaine in paediatric lower abdominal surgeries

Purpose:

The objectives of this study were to compare the effects of caudal dexmedetomidine combined with ropivacaine to provide postoperative analgesia in children and also to establish its safety in the paediatric population.

Methods:

In a randomised, prospective, parallel group, double-blinded study, 60 children were recruited and allocated into two groups: Group RD (n=30) received 0.25% ropivacaine 1 ml/kg with dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg, making the volume to 0.5 ml and Group R (n=30) received 0.25% ropivacaine 1 ml/kg + 0.5 ml normal saline. Induction of anaesthesia was achieved with 50% N₂O and 8% sevoflurane in oxygen in spontaneous ventilation. An appropriate-sized LMA was then inserted and a caudal block performed in all patients. Behaviour during emergence was rated with a 4-point scale, sedation with Ramsay's sedation scale, and pain assessed with face, legs, activity, cry, consolability (FLACC) pain score.

Results:

The duration of postoperative analgesia recorded a median of 5.5 hours in Group R compared with 14.5 hours in Group RD, with a P value of <0.001. Group R patients achieved a statistically significant higher FLACC score compared with Group RD patients. The difference between the means of mean sedation score, emergence behaviour score, mean emergence time was statistically highly significant (P<0.001). The peri-operative haemodynamics were stable among both the groups.

Conclusion:

Caudal dexmedetomidine (2 μg/kg) with 0.25% ropivacaine (1 ml/kg) for paediatric lower abdominal surgeries achieved significant postoperative pain relief that resulted in a better quality of sleep and a prolonged duration of arousable sedation and produced less incidence of emergence agitation following sevoflurane anaesthesia.

Interventions for treating peripartum cardiomyopathy to improve outcomes for women and babies

BACKGROUND

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM or PCMO) is a rare disease of unknown etiology, characterised by an acute onset of heart failure in women in the late stage of pregnancy or in the early months postpartum.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of any intervention for the care of women and/or their babies with a diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (27 July 2010) and the reference lists of identified studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials of any intervention for treating peripartum cardiomyopathy. Such interventions include: drugs; cardiac monitoring and treatment; haemodynamic monitoring and treatments; supportive therapies and heart transplant.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed the studies for inclusion, assessed risk of bias and carried out data extraction. Data entry was checked.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified and included one pilot study, involving 20 women, undertaken in South Africa. Women were diagnosed postnatally and included in the study within 24 hours of diagnosis.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There are insufficient data to draw any firm conclusions. Treatment with bromocriptine appears promising, although women would be unable to breastfeed due to suppression of lactation.

Coronary revascularization alone or with mitral valve repair: outcomes in patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation

We sought to evaluate retrospectively the outcomes of patients at our hospital who had moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation and who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) alone or with concomitant mitral valve repair (CABG+MVr).A total of 83 patients had a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and moderate mitral regurgitation: 28 patients underwent CABG+MVr, and 55 underwent CABG alone. Changes in mitral regurgitation, functional class, and left ventricular ejection fraction were compared in both groups.The mean follow-up was 5.1 +/- 3.6 years (range, 0.1-15.1 yr). Reduction of 2 mitral-regurgitation grades was found in 85% of CABG+MVr patients versus 14% of CABG-only patients (P < 0.0001) at 1 year, and in 56% versus 14% at 5 years, respectively (P = 0.1), as well as improvements in left ventricular ejection fraction and functional class. One- and 5-year survival rates were similar in the CABG+MVr and CABG-only groups: 96% +/- 3% versus 96% +/- 4%, and 87% +/- 5% versus 81% +/- 8%, respectively (P = NS). Propensity analysis showed similar results. Recurrent (3+ or 4+) mitral regurgitation was found in 22% and 47% at late follow-up, respectively.In patients with moderate ischemic mitral regurgitation, either surgical approach led to an improvement in functional class. Early and intermediate-term mortality rates were low with either CABG or CABG+MVr. However, an increased rate of late recurrent mitral regurgitation in the CABG+MVr group was observed.

Outcomes and risk factors in 1,609 carotid endarterectomies

Severe carotid stenosis is typically treated with carotid endarterectomy (CEA), but there is debate about the safety of this procedure in patients with occlusion of the contralateral artery, previous CEA in the same artery, and other risk factors. To evaluate the association of these factors with outcomes in standard CEA with Dacron patch angioplasty, we examined the records of 1,609 consecutive isolated CEAs performed at our institution over a 10-year period on 1,400 patients (851 men and 549 women; mean age, 69.5 yr) with symptomatic or high-grade asymptomatic carotid lesions. Twenty-three patients (1.4%) had perioperative strokes, of which 2 were fatal. The overall same-admission mortality was 0.2% (4 patients). Same-admission stroke/death was more likely in patients with any history of tobacco use (odds ratio [OR], 4.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-13.6), contralat-eral occlusion (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.2-9.1), angina with a Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification of 2 or greater (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4-7.6), or transient ischemic attack within the 6 weeks before surgery (OR, 2.4; 95% CI, 1.05-5.3). A total of 9 patients (0.6%) died within 30 days of CEA; our multivariate analysis did not reveal any significant predictors of 30-day mortality. We conclude that standard CEA with patch angioplasty is associated with low rates of death and morbidity for most patients, but patients with any history of tobacco use, substantial angina, contralateral occlusion, or preoperative transient ischemic attack may have an elevated risk of adverse outcomes.

Multislice computed tomography accurately detects stenosis in coronary artery bypass conduits

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of multislice computed tomography in detecting graft stenosis or occlusion after coronary artery bypass grafting, using coronary angiography as the standard. From January 2005 through May 2006, 25 patients (19 men and 6 women; mean age, 54 +/- 11.3 years) underwent diagnostic investigation of their bypass grafts by multislice computed tomography within 1 month of coronary angiography. The mean time elapsed after coronary artery bypass grafting was 6.2 years. In these 25 patients, we examined 65 bypass conduits (24 arterial and 41 venous) and 171 graft segments (the shaft, proximal anastomosis, and distal anastomosis). Compared with coronary angiography, the segment-based sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of multislice computed tomography in the evaluation of stenosis were 89%, 100%, 100%, and 99%, respectively. The patency rate for multislice computed tomography was 85% (55/65: 3 arterial and 7 venous grafts were occluded), with 100% sensitivity and specificity. From these data, we conclude that multislice computed tomography can accurately evaluate the patency and stenosis of bypass grafts during outpatient follow-up.

Modulation of postoperative immune and inflammatory response by immune-enhancing enteral diet in gastrointestinal cancer patients

AIM: To evaluate if the administration of an enteral diet supplemented with glutamine, arginine and ω-3 fatty acids modulates inflammatory and immune responses after surgery.

METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind, clinical trial was performed. Forty-eight patients with gastrointestinal cancer were randomized into two groups, one group was given an isocaloric and isonitrogenous standard diet and the other was fed with the supplemented diet with glutamine, arginine and ω-3 fatty acids. Feedings were started within 48 h after operation, and continued until day 8. All variables were measured before operation and on postoperative day 1 and 8. Immune responses were determined by phagocytosis ability, respiratory burst of polymorphonuclear cells, total lymphocytes lymphocyte subsets, nitric oxide, cytokines concentration, and inflammatory responses by plasma levels of C-reactive protein, prostaglandin E2 level.

RESULTS: Tolerance of both formula diets was excellent. There were significant differences in the immunological and inflammatory responses between the two groups. In supplemented group, phagocytosis and respiratory burst after surgery was higher and C-reactive protein level was lower (P < 0.01) than in the standard group. The supplemented group had higher levels of nitric oxide, total lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, T-helper cells, and NK cells. Postoperative levels of IL-6 and TNF-α were lower in the supplemented group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: It was clearly established in this trial that early postoperative enteral feeding is safe in patients who have undergone major operations for gastrointestinal cancer. Supplementation of enteral nutrition with glutamine, arginine, and ω-3 fatty acids positively modulated postsurgical immunosuppressive and inflammatory responses.