Modelling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cancer stage migration and excess mortality in Ireland

Background

Cancer treatment services were interrupted during the pandemic, which potentially increased the time to treatment initiation (TTI). This study aimed to model the impact of a hypothetical three- and six-month delay in TTI on stage of breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Ireland.

Methods

The distribution of cancer stage at diagnosis, net survival at one to five years post diagnosis, and projected cancer incidence for 2020 were obtained for breast cancer and NSCLC, from the National Cancer Registry Ireland. The primary outcome, the probability of an upward stage-shift from stage I to II and stage II to III, is presented with 95 % CIs.

Results

For breast cancer, the stage-shift probability after a hypothetical three-month and six-month delay was 0.13 (0.11, 0.15) and 0.25 (0.21, 0.27) in stage I and 0.09 (0.08, 0.11) and 0.17 (0.14, 0.21) in stage II. For NSCLC, the stage-shift probability after three-month and six-month delays was 0.51 (0.49, 0.53) and 0.76 (0.74, 0.78) in stage I and 0.27 (0.24, 0.30) and 0.47 (0.43, 0.51) in stage II.

Conclusions

The study provides potential evidence for an upward stage migration in those with breast cancer and NSCLC due to the pandemic. It is important to determine the longer-term impacts so that strategies are developed to mitigate adverse effects and improve health system preparedness for future unprecedented events.

The role of TyG index in predicting low left ventricular ejection fraction after acute coronary syndrome

AIMS

This study aimed to investigate whether triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index and other clinical and demographic parameters are associated with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event.

METHODS & RESULTS

This retrospective cohort study included patients hospitalized with a diagnosis of ACS. The TyG index was calculated using the formula: TyG = ln [fasting triglycerides (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. A total of 2,135 patients were included in the study (mean age: 57.49 ± 11.45 years, 78.64% male). Multivariable logistic regression revealed that mildly reduced or reduced LVEF was associated with immigrant population (p = 0.004), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.017), previous coronary artery disease (CAD) (p < 0.001), ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) (p < 0.001) and high (≥4.95) TyG index (p < 0.001). Reduced LVEF (≤40%) was independently associated with an immigrant status (p = 0.031), previous CAD (p = 0.001), peripheral artery disease (p = 0.038), renal diseases (p = 0.011), STEMI (p < 0.001) and high (≥5.10) TyG index (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The TyG index shows potential as an independent risk factor for low LVEF after ACS.However, its relatively low sensitivity and specificity suggest that it may have a supportive role in risk stratification. Further research is needed to confirm its utility as a reliable prognostic marker for heart failure in ACS patients.

Home-based prehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials

BACKGROUND

Prehabilitation aims to enhance preoperative functional capacity through exercise, nutrition, and psychological programs. Home-based prehabilitation represents an alternative to hospital prehabilitation, with the advantage of not utilising hospital resources. This review aims to evaluate adherence and clinical effectiveness of home-based prehabilitation.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase up to October 1, 2024 for randomised controlled trials comparing home-based prehabilitation with standard care. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes included protocol adherence, and 6-min walking test. We used risk ratios (RR) and mean differences to summarise the results. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 tool.

RESULTS

We included 29 randomised trials for a total of 3508 patients. Median adherence to home-based prehabilitation programs was 82%. Home-based prehabilitation reduced the proportion of patients with postoperative complications (508/1322 [38.4%] vs 578/1335 [43.3%], risk ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72-0.98, P=0.02, I2=44%, low certainty). After home-based prehabilitation, 6-min walking test performance was better compared with control (MD 28.2 m (95% CI 9.5-46.9; P<0.01, I2=48). Preoperative depression (MD -0.65, 95% CI -0.87 to -0.43; P<0.001, I2=0%), postoperative anxiety (MD -0.50, 95% CI -0.75 to -0.25; P<0.001, I2=0%, low certainty) and length of hospital stays (MD -0.32 days, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.03; P=0.03, I2=45%, low certainty) were lower with home-based prehabilitation.

CONCLUSIONS

Home-based prehabilitation reduced the proportion of patients with postoperative complications, but with low certainty of evidence. It also improved preoperative functional capacity, reduced hospital stays, depression and anxiety scores, with good adherence to the intervention.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL

PROSPERO (CRD42024591208).

Effect of Wound Irrigation with Povidone Iodine Versus Normal Saline on Superficial Incisional Surgical Site Infection Following Laparotomy for Peritonitis

Background

Peritonitis is a surgical emergency arising mostly from the perforation or rupture of an abdominal hollow viscus. Surgical operations for peritonitis are often attended by high morbidity and sometimes mortality in severe cases. Surgical site infection (SSI) is perhaps the most common post-operative morbidity following laparotomy for peritonitis.

Objective

To compare the rate of SSI in abdominal operations for peritonitis following wound irrigation with povidone iodine versus normal saline at a tertiary health institution in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, comparative hospital-based study over a year. Consecutive consenting adult patients were randomised into two groups in this study. The first group (A) used 500 mL of 1% povidone iodine for subcutaneous wound irrigation, while the second group (B) used 500 mL of normal saline for subcutaneous wound irrigation. Wound irrigation was done after an appropriate surgical procedure had been carried out based on the pathology. Wounds were assessed for SSI for up to 30 days after operation using the definition criteria by the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). SSI rates were compared between the two groups.

Result

Fifty-eight consecutive patients with generalised peritonitis over a one-year period were enrolled in this study, but 53 patients who completed the study were analysed. Thirty patients were males and 23 were females, and their mean age was 40.83 ± 17.96 years. Overall, 15 (28.3%) patients had incisional SSI. There were nine (34.6%) cases in the povidone group, while there were six (22.2%) in the saline group. This difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.32). Klebsiella species were the dominant organisms isolated from the infected wounds.

Conclusion

Wound irrigation with povidone iodine after laparotomy for peritonitis did not reduce the rate and severity of surgical site infection more when compared to normal saline. We suggest further studies with a large number of patients in a multi-centre study to explore further the effect of povidone iodine versus normal saline wound irrigation on SSI following laparotomy for peritonitis.

Hydatid Cyst of Thyroid Gland: A Case Report

Hydatid cysts in the thyroid gland are extremely rare, even in endemic areas. A 64-year-old male presented with a painless swelling on the left side of the thyroid swelling for 2 years. Ultrasonography revealed a large multiloculated anechoic lesion while fine needle aspiration cytology yielded clear watery to granular fluid containing hooklets, protoscolioces, laminated membrane, identifiable on both Giemsa stained and unstained slides. Further tests confirmed positive serology for Echinococcus, and computed tomography (CT) scan showed no such cysts in other organs. The patient was treated successfully with a lobectomy without signs of recurrence in 1 year. Although primary hydatid cysts of the thyroid are rare, even in endemic areas, they should be considered as a differential diagnosis when evaluating thyroid nodules in these regions. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can confirm the diagnosis. However, clinicians must take care to avoid anaphylactic reactions. The use of FNAC in hydatid disease is debatable as it may cause anaphylactic reaction, but in cases with doubtful diagnosis, it can serve as a confirmatory tool. The condition can be managed successfully with lobectomy.

Unveiling pathways; the experiences that impact a female surgeon's journey to consultancy, a qualitative interview study

BACKGROUND

Despite progress in gender equality, female surgeons face unique career challenges. This dissertation explores the factors influencing female surgeons' careers, with the aim of identifying female surgeons' positive experiences, but also the obstacles they encounter, and the strategies they use to overcome challenges.

METHODS

A qualitative research methodology was employed to understand the experiences of female surgeons working at a single healthcare facility in Western Australia. An interpretivist approach guided the study, focusing on the subjective experiences and perceptions of the participants. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with female consultant surgeons. Braun and Clark's thematic analysis was used to identify and interpret key themes within the interview data.

RESULTS

Some surgeons struggled with a lack of female mentorship. Participants experienced various forms of sexism, ranging from subtle biases to overt discrimination. Supportive family structures and effective time management are crucial for balancing professional and personal demands. Resilience and determination were essential for success. While some felt pressured to adopt traditionally masculine traits, others found value in maintaining traditionally feminine qualities, emphasizing the importance of authenticity.

CONCLUSION

Barriers persist for female surgeons, including subtle discrimination, challenges related to motherhood, and pressure to conform to male stereotypes. Although overt harassment is less common, subtle forms can still affect one's mental health and career progression. In order to foster a more inclusive environment for women, continued efforts are needed to address these challenges and enhance support for female surgeons.

AUGUR-AIM: Clinical validation of an artificial intelligence indocyanine green fluorescence angiography expert representer

AIM

Recent randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have demonstrated a reduction in the anastomotic leak rate when indocyanine green fluorescence angiography (ICGFA) is used versus when it is not in colorectal resections. We have previously demonstrated that an artificial intelligence (AI) model, AUGUR-AI, can digitally represent in real time where experienced ICGFA users would place their surgical stapler based on their interpretation of the fluorescence imagery. The aim of this study, called AUGUR-AIM, is to validate this method across multiple clinical sites with regard to generalizability, usability and accuracy while generating new algorithms for testing and determining the optimal mode of deployment for the software device.

METHOD

This is a prospective, observational, multicentre European study involving patients undergoing resectional colorectal surgery with ICGFA as part of their standard clinical care enrolled over a 1-year period. Video recordings of the ICGFA imagery will be computationally analysed both in real time and post hoc by AUGUR-AI, with the operating surgeon blinded to the results, testing developed algorithms iteratively versus the actual surgeon's ICGFA interpretation. AI-based interpretation of the fluorescence signal will be compared with the actual transection site selected by the operating surgeon and usability optimized.

CONCLUSION

AUGUR-AIM will validate the use of AUGUR-AI to interpret ICGFA imagery in real time to the level of an expert ICGFA user, building on our previous work to include a larger, more diverse patient and surgeon population. This could allow future progression to develop the AI model into a usable clinical tool that could provide decision support, including to new/infrequent ICGFA users, and documentary support of the decision made by experienced users.

The current state of pediatric gastroenterology in under-resourced nations

Background

Pediatric gastroenterology (GI) care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) faces substantial challenges due to limited healthcare infrastructure, inadequate resources, and a shortage of specialized healthcare professionals. These challenges lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, exacerbating the morbidity and mortality associated with pediatric GI diseases, which include both infectious conditions like diarrhea and chronic conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver diseases.

Aim

The aim of this review is to examine the current state of pediatric GI care in LMICs, identify the key challenges these regions face, and propose strategies to improve healthcare outcomes for children affected by GI disorders.

Methods

This review synthesizes existing literature from a range of LMICs, analyzing factors such as the economic burden of healthcare, barriers to access, the availability of diagnostic and therapeutic services, and the state of pediatric hepatology and endoscopy. Studies included in the review were sourced from countries in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, and other LMIC regions, focusing on pediatric GI disorders and healthcare delivery.

Results

Economic burden: Families in LMICs face significant economic barriers in accessing pediatric GI care, with treatment costs often exceeding household income, especially in private healthcare settings. Healthcare access: Limited access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, coupled with the shortage of trained pediatric gastroenterologists and necessary medical equipment, leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate care for conditions like Helicobacter pylori infections and chronic liver diseases. Sanitation and infectious diseases: Poor sanitation and lack of access to clean water contribute to the high prevalence of diarrheal diseases, which can be reduced through better hygiene practices and improved infrastructure. Training gaps: The shortage of trained healthcare workers, particularly pediatric specialists, hinders effective care delivery, with healthcare workers often overburdened due to workforce migration and low salaries. Hepatology and endoscopy: Pediatric hepatology, especially in the context of viral hepatitis, and the availability of pediatric GI endoscopy are severely limited in LMICs, further complicating the management of liver diseases and GI conditions in children.

Conclusion

Improving pediatric GI care in LMICs requires addressing systemic challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, limited financial resources, and a shortage of trained professionals. Prevention strategies like vaccination, sanitation improvements, and public health education campaigns are crucial for reducing the prevalence of pediatric GI diseases. In addition, enhancing access to specialized training, healthcare services, and diagnostic tools will improve outcomes for children in resource-limited settings. Continued international collaboration and investment in local healthcare systems are essential for creating sustainable solutions and bridging the gap in pediatric GI care.

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced delays in the care pathway for patients with glioma at a French institute

CONTEXT

Delays in cancer management have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neuro-oncology patients represent a real challenge as their disease can progress rapidly without appropriate care. However, data available for these patients over this period is scarce.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on therapeutic care within a specific population at a French institute. A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using electronic medical records. All patients who underwent surgery for glioma in a neurosurgery unit between January 1st, 2019 and December 31st, 2020 were included.

RESULTS

A total of 114 patients were operated for a glioma; 70 patients in 2019 (before the pandemic) and 44 in 2020 (during the pandemic). Among these patients, 89% were diagnosed with a high-grade glioma, including 81% with glioblastoma. The mean time between first symptoms and imaging process increased from 35days in 2019 to 40days in 2020. However, in the subsequent steps of the care pathway, timelines improved at each stage with a reduction up to four days. The time reduction was statistically significant for two specific stages of care: (i) the interval between the surgery and the histomolecular diagnosis, with a reduction of two days, and (ii) the period between the histomoleculardiagnosis and the consultation for results announcement, with a reduction of three days. In summary, on average, the first treatment was initiated 49 days post-surgery in 2019 and 36days post-surgery in 2020.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the COVID-19 outbreak positively impacted the therapeutic care pathway of patients with glioma at a French institute. Although the improvement can be measured in days, this acceleration of care was nonetheless crucial for the population studied.

Impact of Implementing a Multidisciplinary Enhanced Recovery Program on Hospital Stay for Patients Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidence-based, multidisciplinary approaches designed to minimize perioperative stress, accelerate patient recovery, and reduce healthcare resource utilization. Although well-established in colorectal and other major abdominal surgeries, evidence supporting their effectiveness in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) remains limited. This retrospective cohort study evaluated whether implementing an enhanced recovery program (ERP), specifically adapted for LRP, would reduce hospital length of stay (LOS) and maintain patient safety. Methods A total of 60 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three cohorts: a historical control group (pre-ERP, n=20), an implementation group (ERP compliance <70%, n=20), and a consolidated group (ERP compliance >70%, n=20). Primary outcome measures included hospital LOS, while secondary outcomes encompassed postoperative complications graded by Clavien-Dindo classification, protocol compliance rates, readmissions, and reoperations. Results Median hospital LOS significantly decreased following ERP implementation, from five days in the historical group to three days (p<0.001) in the implementation cohort, and further declined to two days (p<0.001) in the consolidated cohort. Higher ERP compliance (>70%) was strongly associated with shorter hospitalization. Importantly, ERP implementation did not increase the incidence of severe postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grades III-V), readmissions, or reoperations. Conclusions Implementing a structured ERP for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy significantly reduced hospital LOS without negatively impacting patient safety. Higher compliance with ERP elements was strongly correlated with enhanced patient outcomes. These findings highlight the clinical benefits of ERP adoption and underscore the importance of multidisciplinary adherence for optimizing surgical recovery and healthcare efficiency.

A retrospective study comparing the effectiveness of carbapenems and tazobactam/piperacillin as an empirical treatment for patients infected with Bacteroides fragilis

BACKGROUND

Bacteroides fragilis is one of the most frequently isolated pathogenic anaerobic bacteria. Infections caused by B. fragilis are commonly treated with carbapenems or tazobactam/piperacillin. However, there is no evidence for the optimal antibiotic choice against infections caused by B. fragilis as an empirical therapy owing to its varied antibiotic resistance mechanisms. Hence, we compared the effectiveness of carbapenems and tazobactam/piperacillin as an antibiotic therapy in patients infected with B. fragilis.

METHODS

We investigated mortality, clinical and antimicrobial efficacy, and the percentage of patients who switched to broad-spectrum antibiotics, such as carbapenems or tazobactam/piperacillin, due to the aggravated symptoms of infection in patients receiving carbapenems or tazobactam/piperacillin from 2019 to 2024.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were included in the study; 24 patients received carbapenems and 36 received tazobactam-piperacillin as an empirical treatment against B. fragilis infections. None of the patients in either group died. Compared to carbapenem treatment, tazobactam/piperacillin treatment significantly improved inflammatory markers, including body temperature and C-reactive protein (45.8 % vs. 72.2 %, p = 0.039 and 37.5 % vs. 63.4 %, p = 0.045, respectively; carbapenem vs. tazobactam/piperacillin). The percentage of patients switching from carbapenems to tazobactam/piperacillin or vice versa was significantly lower in the tazobactam/piperacillin group than in the carbapenem group (41.7 % vs. 11.1 %, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that tazobactam/piperacillin can be used as the first-line empirical treatment for patients infected with B. fragilis.

Management of severe and fulminant Clostridioides difficile infection in adults

Clostridioides difficile (formerly known as Clostridium difficile) is a significant cause of healthcare-associated infection with symptoms ranging from diarrhoea and abdominal pain to pseudomembranous colitis and toxic megacolon. Severe disease can pose a significant morbidity and mortality risk and is to be considered a medical emergency. The emergence of a new C. difficile ribotype with an estimated mortality rate of 20% (ribotype 995) has prompted a re-review of the evidence and guidelines around managing severe C. difficile infections (CDI). International guidance on the management of CDI varies regarding first-line antibiotic choice. Metronidazole is no longer favoured as first line due to concerns around resistance, and vancomycin and fidaxomicin are now recommended as first line options. Antibiotic therapy should be used in conjunction with good supportive measures and early consideration of surgical management. Faecal microbiota transplant can be utilized in recurrent CDI and may be useful in severe disease. Severe CDI is a significant ongoing threat to public health, and further research into effective management is essential to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.

Development of a contrast-enhanced ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound system for coagulation of liver parenchyma

BACKGROUND

The liver is the most common organ injured in blunt abdominal trauma and makes up roughly 5% of all trauma admissions. Current treatments are invasive and resource intensive, which may delay care. We aim to develop and validate a contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)-guided noninvasive tool to treat liver lacerations at the bedside.

METHODS

Two 1.8-MHz high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) elements were coupled to a C1-6 diagnostic ultrasound probe and a Logiq E10 scanner (GE HealthCare, Waukesha, WI) using a custom enclosure for coregistered imaging and ablation. A phantom was created from polyacrylamide gel combined with thermochromic ink whose color changes above biological ablative temperatures (60°C). The HIFU wave was focused approximately 0.5 cm below the surface using a 50% duty cycle generating 11.9 MPa for 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 seconds. Experiments were repeated on ex vivo chicken livers in a water bath. Finally, the livers of four live swine underwent up to six CEUS-guided treatments using parameters optimized from in vitro work.

RESULTS

Treatment of the phantom between 20 and 60 seconds produced ablation sizes from 0.016 to 0.4 cm 3 . The relationship between time and size was exponential ( R2 = 0.992). Ablation areas were also well visualized on with ultrasound imaging. The ex vivo liver ablation size at 20 seconds was 0.37 cm 3 , at 30 seconds was 0.66 cm 3 , and at 100 seconds was 5.0 cm 3 . For the in vivo swine experiments, the average ablation area measured 2.0 × 0.75 cm with a maximum of 3.5 × 1.5 cm. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was used with the contrast agent Definity (Lantheus Medical Imaging, North Billerica, MA) for identification of lacerations and immediate postoperative evaluation of therapy.

CONCLUSION

These experiments demonstrate the feasibility of CEUS-guided transdermal HIFU ablation and the time-dependent size of ablation. This work warrants future investigations into using ultrasound to detect active bleeding and HIFU to coagulate grades III and IV liver laceration.

Comparative Efficacy of Various Exercise Types on Cancer-Related Fatigue for Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

This study compares the effectiveness of 7 types of guideline-recommended first-line exercises for cancer-related fatigue (CRF).

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted utilizing public databases, including Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Randomized clinical trials examining the effects of aerobic exercise, resistance exercise, stretching exercise, combined aerobic and resistance exercise, Yoga, Qigong, or Tai Chi on CRF in various cancer types were included. A Bayesian network meta-analysis was used to synthesize the data. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were used to detect the effect modifiers and to confirm the robustness, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 33 clinical trials were included in this analysis. Overall, both resistance (SMD, -1.72; 95% CI, -2.81 to -0.63) and Yoga (SMD, -1.27; 95% CI, -1.38 to -1.16) reduced the fatigue severity significantly better than standard care, but there was no significant decrease for other exercise types. For cancer survivors with an age over 55 years, only Yoga showed statistically significant improvement in CRF (SMD, -1.27; 95% CI, -1.38 to -1.16). For patients with an age less than 55 years, both resistance (SMD, -1.75; 95% CI, -2.91 to -0.58) and Yoga (SMD, -1.66; 95% CI, -2.81 to -0.51) reduced the fatigue severity compared to standard care.

CONCLUSION

Both resistance exercise and yoga showed significant benefits in alleviating CRF compared to standard care. Yoga was particularly effective for cancer survivors over 55 years of age, while resistance exercise and yoga were comparably effective for those under 55 years.

Root-cause analysis of mortality after pancreatic resection in a nationwide cohort

BACKGROUND

This study evaluates leading causes of in-hospital mortality after pancreatic resection nationwide to determine areas for improvement.

METHODS

This observational cohort study included all in-hospital mortality after pancreatic resection in the Netherlands (2014-2019). Each fatality was considered to be caused by local complications (i.e. directly related to surgery, located in surgical area) or systemic complications (e.g. cardiac or pulmonary). A blinded Expert Committee reviewed the postoperative course leading to death and identified potential quality improvement measures.

RESULTS

Out of 5345 patients undergoing pancreatic resection, 149 patients (2.8 %) died in-hospital. Local complications caused death in 126 patients (85 %) and systemic complications in 23 patients (15 %). Concerning local complications, the common leading causes of death were postoperative pancreatic fistula (n = 41) and thrombosis of vascular reconstructions (n = 23). Systemic cardiac (n = 8) and pulmonary (n = 7) complications caused death frequently. Potential areas for improvement were failure to rescue (n = 89; 60 %), prevention of complications (n = 34, 23 %) and patient selection (n = 14; 9 %).

CONCLUSION

Local complications often caused death after pancreatic resection, mainly pancreatic fistula and vascular reconstruction failure. Failure to rescue was considered the most important area for improvement to decrease in-hospital mortality further.

A comparative analysis of trauma-related mortality in South Korea using classification models

BACKGROUND

Reducing mortality among severe trauma patients requires the establishment of an effective emergency transportation system and the rapid transfer of patients to appropriate medical facilities. Machine learning offers significant potential to enhance the efficiency and quality of these emergency medical services.

METHODS

A retrospective secondary analysis was conducted using region-specific trauma survey data. The analysis focused on socio-economic characteristics, mechanisms of injury, injury severity, and variables indicating the effectiveness of the emergency medical system in optimizing machine learning algorithms for predicting severe patient transportation decisions.

RESULTS

Among the 8,769 patients with severe trauma, 7.2 % died in the hospital, with an average age of 50.06 years. The average injury severity score was 8.44, and the average time from accident reporting to arrival at the emergency medical facility was 55.39 min. The trend showed that as the level of the emergency medical institution increased, the patient transport time increased, while the mortality rate decreased. Additionally, XGBoost showed the best performance in mortality classification using a dataset sampled with SMOTE-ENN. Although the difference was minimal, undersampling slightly outperformed oversampling in the classification of emergency patients.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of emergency patients is influenced not only by transport time but also by the resources and staff levels of specialized emergency medical centers, which in turn affect survival rates. Furthermore, given the superior performance of composite sampling methods in analyzing imbalanced datasets, the importance of considering such imbalanced datasets in the analysis is evident.

Implementing sustainable practices to reduce wastage and costs in adenotonsillectomy

BACKGROUND

Surgical waste presents significant environmental and economic challenges in healthcare. Adenotonsillectomy, a common otolaryngological procedure, contributes to this issue. There is limited research on sustainability measures in adenotonsillectomy, and no studies have specifically identified waste reduction strategies for this operation in a general ENT unit. This study aimed to identify sustainable practices for waste reduction in adenotonsillectomy surgeries and quantify the extent of waste reduction in terms of weight and cost.

METHODS

The items opened and waste produced during adenotonsillectomies in a single institution were documented, including weights and costs. After reviewing the actual materials used by otolaryngologists and identifying potentially avoidable waste, a low-waste setup was designed. Waste weight and costs were evaluated post-implementation and compared with baseline values.

RESULTS

Several steps to reduce wastage in adenotonsillectomy surgeries were identified, including the elimination of surgical drapes and gowns. This resulted in a waste reduction of over 60%, with an average reduction in weight per case of 1.114 kg. The estimated reduction over 1 year for 294 cases was 327.52 kg. The mean reduction in material costs per case was $41.67, with an extrapolated annual savings of $12 250.98 for 294 cases.

CONCLUSION

Implementing sustainable practices in adenotonsillectomy surgeries can significantly reduce waste and healthcare facility cost, providing both environmental and economic benefits.

Comparison of acute pancreatitis and acute on chronic pancreatitis: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Acute on chronic pancreatitis (ACP) shares a similar clinical presentation with acute pancreatitis (AP) and is often diagnosed and treated in the same way. However, these two conditions may have distinct clinical risk profiles and prognoses. There is currently limited evidence available regarding the specific characteristics of ACP.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included all adult patients admitted with a diagnosis of AP or ACP between 2017 and 2019 at two tertiary referral centers. The primary outcome was disease severity as defined by the Atlanta classification. Secondary outcomes included the presence of local and systemic complications, organ failure, ICU admission, and mortality. Differences in outcomes between ACP and AP were compared using multivariate logistic regression models, with results presented as odds ratios (ORs).

RESULTS

We included 1163 patients, 90% of whom had AP and 10% had ACP. ACP patients were predominantly male (81 vs. 46%; P  < 0.001), whereas AP patients were older (mean age 62.6 vs. 56.5 years, P  < 0.001). ACP patients had lower amylase and lipase levels ( P  < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed no difference in the risk of moderate or severe pancreatitis (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.66-1.98; P  = 0.615). ACP patients had a higher risk of local complications (predominantly pseudocysts) (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.00-2.92; P  = 0.049) and a lower risk of organ failure ( P  = 0.019) and ICU admission ( P  = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms previous observations that ACP has a more favorable in-hospital prognosis than AP and extends these findings to a modern European setting.

Imaging for older patients with head impact at baseline conscious state

OBJECTIVE

To describe CT brain (CTB) and neurosurgical management among head injured patients aged ≥ 85 years and minimal or no change in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using radiology and administrative data from two tertiary referral hospitals.

RESULTS

There were 3833 patients included and 40% were taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. Acute intracranial abnormalities were detected in 225 (5.9%) patients, and 5 (0.13%) underwent neurosurgical procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

Among older patients with head trauma, CTB could be targeted to individuals likely to be considered for neurosurgical intervention.

Appropriate surgical management in skin and soft tissue infections

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To present standards and recent technical innovations in the surgical management of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI).

RECENT FINDINGS

SSTI are a frequent cause of presentation in the acute care setting. They can range from simple and uncomplicated to severe and necrotizing infections. Surgical management plays an important role in the treatment of uncomplicated SSTI. Recent evidence indicates that a subgroup of patients (e.g. immunocompromised patients) profits from a postoperative course of antibiotic treatment of 5-7 days. In diabetic foot infections (DFI), repeated debridement to remove necrotic tissue and control infection can prevent minor and major amputation. In necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI), early and aggressive surgical debridement is paramount. Recent advancements have explored skin-sparing techniques in selective cases.

SUMMARY

The management of SSTIs requires a combination of surgical and antimicrobial strategies tailored to the type and severity of the infection. Further clinical research is necessary in order to define more accurately those collectives in severe SSTI who profit from a less aggressive surgical approach.

Nomogram for prediction of severe postoperative complications in elective hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery after COVID-19 breakthrough infection: A large multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Currently, there is a deficiency in a strong risk prediction framework for precisely evaluating the likelihood of severe postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery subsequent to experiencing breakthrough infection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aimed to find factors predicting postoperative complications and construct an innovative nomogram to pinpoint patients who were susceptible to developing severe complications following breakthrough infection of COVID-19 after undergoing elective hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients who underwent elective hepato-pancreato-biliary surgeries between January 3 and April 1, 2023 from four hospitals in China. All of these patients had experienced breakthrough infection of COVID-19 prior to their surgeries. Additionally, two groups of patients without preoperative COVID-19 infection were included as comparative controls. Surgical complications were meticulously documented and evaluated using the comprehensive complication index (CCI), which ranged from 0 (uneventful course) to 100 (death). A CCI value of 20.9 was identified as the threshold for defining severe complications.

RESULTS

Among 2636 patients who were included in this study, 873 were included in the reference group I, 941 in the reference group II, 389 in the internal cohort, and 433 in the external validation cohort. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that completing a full course of COVID-19 vaccination > 6 months before surgery, undergoing surgery within 4 weeks of diagnosis of COVID-19 breakthrough infection, operation duration of 4 h or longer, cancer-related surgery, and major surgical procedures were significantly linked to a CCI > 20.9. A nomogram model was constructed utilizing CCI > 20.9 in the training cohort [area under the curve (AUC): 0.919, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.881-0.957], the internal validation cohort (AUC: 0.910, 95% CI: 0.847-0.973), and the external validation cohort (AUC: 0.841, 95% CI: 0.799-0.883). The calibration curve for the probability of CCI > 20.9 demonstrated good agreement between the predictions made by the nomogram and the actual observations.

CONCLUSIONS

The developed model holds significant potential in aiding clinicians with clinical decision-making and risk stratification for patients who have experienced breakthrough infection of COVID-19 prior to undergoing elective hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery.

Achieving textbook outcomes with robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy: a single-center experience with 150 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND

With published randomized data, minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) has become increasingly popular. However, substantial variability in techniques and outcomes still exists.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of 150 consecutive robotic-assisted MIEs (RAMIEs) from a prospectively maintained database from 2020 to 2024 at a single comprehensive cancer center. This study aimed to evaluate the textbook outcome rates after RAMIE.

RESULTS

A total of 150 consecutive patients underwent RAMIE from 2020 to 2024. Tumor location included the esophagus in 18 patients, type 1 gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) in 52 patients, type 2 GEJ in 71 patients, and type 3 GEJ in 9 patients. Most patients had clinical stage T3 tumors. Neoadjuvant therapy was used in 85% of the patients. A complete pathologic response was observed in 27% of patients. The median number of lymph nodes retrieved was 21. Anastomotic leak occurred in 2 patients, none of whom required reoperation. The median hospital stay duration was 7 days. The 30- and 90-day mortality rates were 0.7% and 1.3%, respectively. In addition, the 90-day stricture rate after endoscopic dilation was 0.7%. Of note, 90% of patients had a textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

This single-center experience highlights that the combination of a robotic platform and a side-to-side stapled anastomotic technique helps achieve exceptional postoperative outcomes for MIE, with a textbook outcome rate of 90%. With the increasing worldwide adoption of MIE, this seems to be an appropriate time to standardize operative techniques to optimize postoperative outcomes.

Rate of Retained Surgical Foreign Bodies in Texas Medicare Beneficiaries: Post-Pandemic Analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify the difference between the rates of retained surgical foreign bodies (RSBs) in Texas Medicare beneficiaries before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, 2017-2019 and 2020-2022, respectively, by county and by the Human Health Service Commission (HHSC) region.

BACKGROUND

Retained surgical foreign bodies (RSBs) are items left in patients' bodies after surgical interventions (e.g., sponges, surgical instruments, etc.). Studies have shown an association between an increased risk of RSBs and unexpected intraoperative events, procedure duration, incorrect surgical counts, and variations in personnel on surgical teams. However, the existing literature has not focused on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 or the COVID-19 pandemic on RSB rates.

METHODS

Data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Datasets from 2020-2023 were used, along with Texas Hospital Data from the Texas Department of State and Health Services, to categorize the mean rates of RSBs before and after the COVID-19 pandemic by Texas HHSC regions and counties.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found between the pandemic-era and HHSC regions. However, the differences between Texas counties before and after the COVID-19 pandemic were statistically significant for both Colorado and Victoria. All other Texas counties showed no significant changes before and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Given the importance of reducing RSBs, follow-up studies that review specific surgical policies before and after the COVID-19 pandemic should be conducted.

Management of secondary fistulas following bariatric surgery using endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure

Obesity significantly impacts individuals' quality of life. Bariatric surgery, including vertical sleeve gastrectomy and gastric bypass, is effective for long-term weight loss but has increased post-bariatric complications like fistulas. We treated three patients with post-bariatric complications. Cases included a gastropleural fistula secondary to vertical sleeve gastrectomy and an esophagojejunal fistula secondary to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (EVAC) was used, applying continuous negative pressure via a polyurethane sponge connected to suction. The EVAC technique effectively managed complex post-bariatric fistulas, facilitating closure and improving outcomes. Patient selection and technical expertise are crucial for optimizing EVAC results. This innovative approach offers a promising solution for post-bariatric complications, enhancing recovery and quality of life.

Relationship between perceived stress and health literacy on family satisfaction among family members of critically ill patients: A multicenter exploratory study

BACKGROUND

Intensive care unit (ICU) admission is often a stressful experience that can negatively influence family satisfaction (FS) with patient care, communication, and decision-making. Health literacy (HL) is associated with the patient's ability to obtain, process, and understand health-related information. Few studies have explored the influence of perceived stress and HL on FS simultaneously.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of perceived stress and HL with FS among family members of ICU patients.

DESIGN

A multicenter exploratory cross-sectional study.

METHODS

An exploratory, cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in three ICUs from different hospitals in Chile. Family members of ICU patients with ≥48 h of stay and respiratory support were eligible. The Family Satisfaction in the Intensive Care Unit-24 questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale were used. HL was evaluated using three screening questions. Multiple beta regressions were fit to explore the association between perceived stress, HL, and FS.

RESULTS

A total of 101 family members with 63.4% identified as at risk of low HL were included. Multiple beta regression revealed that low HL was not associated with FS. Conversely, FS was negatively associated with perceived stress, being admitted to the ICU of the central or southern region, and having a close personal relationship with a healthcare provider but positively associated with the number of communications with ICU staff.

CONCLUSIONS

While perceived stress can be detrimental to FS, HL seems not to impact FS levels among family members of ICU patients. Further studies are required to explore the influence of HL on FS.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE CLINICAL PRACTICE

This study advances the knowledge regarding variables affecting FS in the ICU. Evaluating the family members' emotional status may help ICU healthcare providers in the allocation of resources to support family members and to properly assess their satisfaction.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Family members of ICU patients participated in this study.

Postoperative Outcomes in Surgical Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE

Patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) who require surgical procedures are likely to experience higher postoperative mortality and morbidity. Our objective was to evaluate the perioperative course of patients infected with SARS-COV-2 undergoing surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, outcomes, and the effect of the presence of symptoms.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

METHODS

We analyzed the records of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgical procedures from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients with ongoing infection at the time of surgery and those who had recently recovered were included. The primary outcome measure was 30-day in-hospital mortality after surgery. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay in ICU, postoperative length of stay, and complications.

FINDINGS

Data from 102 patients were analyzed. Twenty-four patients (23.5%) died postoperatively in the hospital within 30 days. Forty-four patients required ICU admission (average stay 13 days). The median postoperative length of stay was 8 days (interquartile range, 3.75 to 19.25 days). Pulmonary, thromboembolic, and surgical complications were noted in 29 (28.4%), 14 (13.7%), and 18 (17.6%), respectively. Patients aged 41 to 60 years experienced higher rates of pulmonary and thromboembolic complications. Comparison of asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients revealed significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality (9 [15%] vs 15 [35.7%], P = .019), ICU admission (17 [28.3%] vs 27 [64.3%], P < .001), length of stay in ICU (3 [2 to 11.5] vs 18 [7 to 27], P = .001), postoperative length of stay (6 [3 to 10.75] vs 12 [5 to 25.25], P = .016) and pulmonary complication rates (11 [18.3%] vs 18 [42.9%], P = .008) in the symptomatic patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptomatic SARS-COV-2 patients undergoing surgical procedures experience significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, longer ICU and hospital stay, and pulmonary complications.

Prophylactic antibiotic use in trauma patients with non-operative facial fractures: A prospective AAST multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Craniofacial trauma affects approximately 3 million individuals in the United States annually. Historically, low overall data quality and inadequate sample size have limited the development of clinical practice guidelines for prophylactic antibiotic use in facial fractures. We sought to examine the current use patterns and effects of prophylactic antibiotics in non-operative facial fractures.

METHODS

A prospective analysis of adult patients with nonoperative facial fractures was conducted across 19 centers from January 2022 to December 2023. Kruskal-Wallis H , Mann-Whitney U , Pearson's χ 2 , Fisher's exact tests, and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between antibiotic duration (no antibiotics, ≤24 hours, and >24 hours) and facial fracture-associated infectious complications.

RESULTS

Among 1,835 patients, 1,168 (63.7%) received no antibiotics and 667 (36.4%) received antibiotics (≤24 hours, n = 264 (14.4%); >24 hours, n = 403 (22.0%). Nineteen (1.0%) patients developed infectious complications (0.7% in the no antibiotic group vs. 1.7% with antibiotics). Most patients (99.0%) did not develop an infection despite the majority (63.7%) receiving no antibiotics. Injuries were predominately closed fractures (86.3%), without mucosal disruption (83.9%) or foreign bodies (97.7%). Antibiotic administration had a statistically significant association with the occurrence of infectious complications ( p = 0.050). However, no significant association was seen between antibiotic duration and infectious complications following multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for confounders (≤24 hours: adjusted odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-5.14; p = 0.766; >24 hours: adjusted odds ratio, 1.32; 95% confidence interval, 0.37-4.69; p = 0.668).

CONCLUSION

Despite most patients not receiving antibiotics, infection rates remained low. This indicates prophylactic antibiotic use does not reduce the risk of fracture-associated infections for most injury patterns. While a randomized trial is optimal to validate these data, at this time, there is no evidence to support presumptive antibiotics for closed non-operative facial fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level II.

Lung ultrasound on first postoperative day predicts out-of-hospital pulmonary complications following video-assisted thoracic surgery: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The integration of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols into the peri-operative management of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has facilitated rapid patient recovery, enabling discharge within 48 h. However, postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) postdischarge pose significant concerns for patient welfare. Despite the established utility of lung ultrasound (LUS) in diagnosing the causes of dyspnoea, the effectiveness of quantitative LUS in predicting PPCs after VATS remains uncertain.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether quantitative LUS performed 24 h after surgery can identify patients with a higher risk of developing PPCs within 30 days after discharge from hospital.

DESIGN

Single-centre prospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary care medical centre.

PATIENTS

Adults scheduled for elective VATS under general anaesthesia from November 2022 to January 2023.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

This primary aim was to verify the association between lung ultrasound score (LUSS) on postoperative day 1 (POD1) and PPCs. The secondary aim was to identify other relevant peri-operative factors closely related to PPCs and establish a model capable of predicting the risk of PPCs in patients undergoing fast-track VATS.

RESULTS

Of the 200 recruited patients, 182 completed the LUS examination and 30-day follow-up. Of these, 66 (36.2%) developed various types of PPCs. These patients had a higher LUSS on POD 1 ( P  < 0.001), and more subpleural consolidation areas compared to those without PPCs ( P  < 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analysis identified the optimal LUSS cut-off value at 6 points for predicting the occurrence of PPCs, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.838 (95% CI, 0.768 to 0.909). Patients with PPCs had higher rates of immune system diseases and ARISCAT score, longer hospital stay and procalcitonin levels, increased frequency of lobar resection, longer durations of surgical and mechanical ventilation, and greater incidence of unplanned hospital readmissions within 30 days postdischarge, compared with those without PPCs (all P  < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the comorbidity of immune system disease, along with postoperative 24 h LUSS, were independent risk factor for PPCs within 30 days after VATS.

CONCLUSION

LUSS on POD 1 emerged as an independent risk factor for PPCs in fast-track VATS patients and reliably predicted the occurrence of PPCs within 30 days of hospital discharge.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials. gov No. ChiCTR2200065865.

Risk factors of failure to achieve textbook outcome in patients after pancreatoduodenectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) represents one of the most technically demanding surgical procedures, characterized by extensive surgical trauma and high perioperative morbidity. Single outcome measures are insufficient to comprehensively assess the surgical quality of PD. Textbook outcome (TO), as an integrated evaluation system incorporating multiple clinical parameters, offers an objective, reliable, and comprehensive assessment of surgical performance. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify risk factors associated with failure to achieve textbook outcome (non-TO) following pancreatoduodenectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched international databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library) and Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Weipu Chinese Journals Service Platform, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed) for studies on risk factors of failure to achieve textbook outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy from inception to 31 December 2024. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects or fixed-effects models. Heterogeneity testing, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias assessment were conducted.

RESULTS

Ten studies involving 5238 patients were included in this meta-analysis. Among the 18 factors evaluated, five were significantly associated with failure to achieve textbook outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy: preoperative biliary drainage (OR = 2.09, 95%CI [1.30-3.36], P = 0.002), smaller tumor size (OR = 1.36, 95%CI [1.02-1.81], P = 0.04), soft pancreatic texture (OR = 2.25, 95%CI [1.01-5.02], P = 0.05), small pancreatic duct diameter (OR = 2.30, 95%CI [1.62-3.28], P < 0.00001), and increased intraoperative blood loss (OR = 4.14, 95%CI [1.16-14.83], P = 0.03). The remaining 13 factors showed no significant association with failure to achieve textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis identified preoperative biliary drainage, tumor morphological characteristics (including size and texture), pancreatic duct diameter, and intraoperative blood loss as key factors affecting the achievement of textbook outcome after pancreatoduodenectomy. These findings may help surgeons identify high-risk patients for failure to achieve textbook outcome, enabling personalized surgical strategies and optimized perioperative management to improve textbook outcome rates.

Shared medical decision making

Involving the patient in medical decision-making is called shared medical decision-making (SMD). While the concept of SMD is nothing new, implementation has been slow to develop within current clinical practice, although there is growing interest in this topic in the scientific literature. SMD requires full agreement with the patient, who becomes an actor in their own care, and whose goals sometimes differ from those of the doctor. In a systematic review, it was reported that 75% of surgeons were in favor of SMD, while only 54% of patients favored it. The tools that support SMD can be extremely variable; they are not merely a document of information but must offer guidance to help the patients clarify their choices. They must allow for quality time for discussion, even though the time spent on SMD is perceived as a hindrance to its widespread adoption. The objectives of this work are to specify the essential steps in setting up SMD, and the assessment tools and applications for SMD in digestive surgery.

The COVID-19 pandemic and Urology - reflecting on successful initiatives and lessons in Australia

OBJECTIVES

To summarise the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on urological practice globally with a focus on Australian initiatives, as the pandemic resulted in radical changes in healthcare infrastructure and policies.

METHODS

We conducted a literature review of the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (EMBASE) and Web of Science medical databases. The key terms used to conduct our search algorithm comprised of 'COVID', 'wait list or wait time or delay', 'urology', 'surgery' and 'outcomes', and generated 231 articles. Abstracts were reviewed for relevance and 40 studies selected for full-text review. Society position statements and government level press release statements were identified through citation tracking and additionally included.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION

The halt on elective surgical services during the pandemic was deemed necessary to curb infection rates and conserve healthcare resources. However, it resulted in extended wait times and large surgical backlogs with major downstream effects. Australia fared favourably with regards to infection rates compared to international populations consequent upon strict border control, vaccine mandates, and stringent lockdowns. However, similar trends were noted in both oncological and non-oncological urology service reduction, resulting in significant concerns regarding the long-term sequelae of delayed surgery and missed appointments upon patient clinical outcome. Initiatives including collaborative partnerships between public and private hospital sectors, government-funded programmes and adoption of telehealth were successfully established as part of Australia's efforts to stabilise our healthcare system in response to the pandemic.

CONCLUSION

Australia's pandemic efforts have highlighted the escalating imbalance between increasing demand from a growing and ageing population on an already over-burdened system with finite resources. The additional strain of managing post-COVID-19 pandemic fallout in this context provides further challenges for clinicians and healthcare administrators alike. Collaboration by all stakeholders must continue in order to seek innovative solutions to maximise efficiency of healthcare service utilisation, so that quality universal healthcare provision may continue in the future.

Combination of radiomic and clinical characteristics to predict mortality in patients with colorectal perforation

PURPOSE

We aim to construct and verify a model combining radiomic and clinical data to predict early mortality in patients with colorectal perforation in a two-center study.

METHODS

Data from 147 patients at Xiaogan Central Hospital (2014-2024) and 52 patients at Southern Hospital of Southern Medical University (2021-2023) were collected for model training and validation. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with mortality. Radiomic characteristics from CT scans were extracted via least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression to construct an imaging score. A nomogram was developed by integrating the findings from the multivariate analysis. Predictive performance was evaluated via the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), and clinical utility was assessed via decision curve analysis (DCA).

RESULTS

Univariate analysis highlighted age, ASA classification, shock index, rad-score, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil (N) and lymphocyte (L) counts, sodium (Na+), creatinine (Cr), and procalcitonin (PCT) as significant prognostic indicators for mortality (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis confirmed age, ASA classification, PCT, and rad-score as independent prognostic factors. The radiomic combined with clinical characteristics nomogram (RCCCN) includes four variables: the patient's age, ASA classification, PCT level, and rad-score. The RCCCN model demonstrated excellent predictive performance for mortality risk in the validation cohort (AUC: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.84-0.99) with good calibration.

CONCLUSION

A nomogram combining radiomic features and clinical characteristics effectively predicts mortality in patients with colorectal perforation, providing a valuable tool for clinical decision-making and patient management.

Risk factors and prediction of intensive care unit readmission after oesophagectomy for cancer‡

OBJECTIVES

Intensive care unit (ICU) readmission has been proposed as a metric for quality of surgical care. The current study investigated potential factors and developed a prediction model for ICU readmission in patients following oesophagectomy for cancer.

METHODS

A total of 3028 patients from January 2019 to December 2022 were retrospectively collated as training cohort, with 829 patients from January 2023 to August 2023 enrolled for validation, respectively. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify potential factors after which a nomogram based on results from multivariable analysis was constructed and validated.

RESULTS

In the training cohort, the rate of ICU readmission was 3.6% (110/3028). Readmitted patients were associated with more reoperations, higher 90-day mortality and prolonged postoperative stay (all P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that older age ≥75 years, neoadjuvant therapy, preoperative albuminaemia, diffusing lung capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO)%, longer operative duration and retention of endotracheal intubation when entering ICU were independently associated with ICU readmission. Based on these results, a nomogram for predicting readmission was constructed and validated. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed the model in the training cohort was well calibrated (χ2 = 5.259, P = 0.73) and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.739 (95% confidence interval 0.691-0.787). Moreover, the application of the nomogram in the validation cohort showed an improved area under the receiver of 0.780 (95% confidence interval 0.703-0.857).

CONCLUSIONS

ICU readmission after oesophagectomy although uncommon (3.6%) was associated with prolonged hospitalization and significant mortality. A nomogram based on 6 variables may assist intensivists to early identifying patients at high risk of readmission.

Diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound and computed tomography for acute appendicitis: A single center retrospective study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) examination for acute appendicitis (AA). A total of 41 patients with suspected AA were enrolled in this study. CT scan was performed in 24 patients, and US was performed in 17 patients. Both CT scan and US were performed in 7 patients. The primary outcomes were the performance characteristics (sensitivity, specificity) of US and CT in the patients with suspected AA. The secondary outcomes included the diagnostic accuracy of CT and US. By using US, 6 patients (35%) were incorrectly diagnosed and 2 other patients (12%) had equivocal results. By using CT as the primary diagnostic tool, 4 patients (17%) were misdiagnosed and 8 patients (33%) had equivocal results. Even if the equivocal results of CT and US were excluded from the calculation, the sensitivity and specificity of CT was 88% and 71% respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of US was 73% and 50%, respectively. Although CT and US are believed to be reliable diagnostic tool to precisely diagnose AA. The rate of negative appendectomy still remains high. There is a need to develop a more accurate methods to diagnose AA, and therefore rate of negative appendectomy can be reduced.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mortality Rates From Non-Communicable Chronic Diseases in Taiwan: An Interventional Time Series Study

Objectives

To examine whether the likelihood of death from non-communicable diseases nationwide was heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Data on mortality caused by seven leading non-communicable chronic diseases from 2011 to 2022 were extracted from Taiwan's Death Registry. Monthly standardized mortality rates were analyzed using an intervention time series model.

Results

The monthly mortality rate showed a significant upward trend during the pandemic in the rate of mortality due to heart diseases, diabetes, and hypertension diseases (p < 0.001). The 2021 monthly rates of mortality caused by the three diseases showed a significant increase of 4.3%, 8.2%, and 13.4%, respectively, compared to the 2020 rates and continued until the end of the study period. No upward or downward post-intervention shift was observed for malignant tumors, renal disease, and liver diseases.

Conclusion

Adverse individual behaviors and reduced health services might have raised severe concerns for patients with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Health promotion and medical resource allocation are crucial for patients with disadvantaged health and sociodemographic factors and related metabolic conditions during the pandemic.

Small bowel obstruction outcomes according to compliance with the World Society of Emergency Surgery Bologna guidelines

BACKGROUND

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency associated with substantial morbidity, hospital length of stay (LOS), and healthcare cost. The World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Bologna guidelines provide evidence-informed recommendations for managing adhesive SBO, promoting timely surgical intervention (or non-operative management (NOM) when ischaemia, strangulation, or peritonitis are absent). However, guideline adoption and its impact on outcomes remain under studied. Compliance with the Bologna guidelines was evaluated to determine the impact of compliance on outcomes.

METHODS

SnapSBO, a prospective, multicentre, time-bound, observational cohort study, captured data on patients with adhesive SBO across diverse healthcare settings and patient populations. Patient care was categorized into: successful NOM, surgery after an unsuccessful appropriate trial of NOM (NOM-T), and direct to surgery (DTS). Compliance with diagnostic, therapeutic, and postoperative Bologna guideline recommendations was assessed as either complete or partial. Primary outcomes included adherence to the Bologna guidelines, LOS, complications, and the incidence of the composite metric 'optimal outcomes' (LOS ≤5 days, discharge without complications, and no readmission within 30 days).

RESULTS

Among 982 patients with adhesive SBO, successful NOM occurred in 561 (57.1%), 224 (22.8%) underwent NOM-T, and 197 (20.1%) proceeded DTS. The mean(s.d.) LOS was 5.3(9.0), 12.9(11.4), and 7.7(8.0) days respectively (P < 0.001). Optimal outcomes were achieved in 61.0%, 16.1%, and 37.6% respectively (P < 0.001) and full guideline compliance was observed in 17.2%, 10.1%, and 0.4% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Patients with adhesive SBO whose care was aligned with the Bologna guidelines had a shorter LOS and a greater incidence of optimal outcomes. Addressing evidence-to-practice gaps through implementation strategies that consider contextual factors will enhance guideline adoption and patient outcomes.

Innovative Approaches for the Treatment of Spinal Disorders: A Comprehensive Review

This comprehensive review explores the latest advancements in the management of spinal disorders, including minimally invasive surgical techniques, treatment of complex deformities, disc replacement technologies, and non-surgical approaches. The review highlights the potential of innovations such as robotic-assisted surgeries, regenerative medicine, and artificial intelligence to enhance precision, reduce recovery times, and improve patient outcomes. It also discusses the integration of wearable technologies and personalized medicine in tailoring treatments. Challenges such as high costs, accessibility issues, and limited long-term data are critically analyzed, alongside gaps in research, including a lack of diversity in study populations and insufficient economic evaluations. Future directions emphasize the need for multidisciplinary collaboration to develop durable, accessible, and personalized solutions to address the global burden of spinal disorders.

A Greener Vascular Surgery: A Survey of Current Green Practices

BACKGROUND

Climate change is an environmental emergency. With health care systems contributing to 5% of carbon emissions globally, environmental sustainability is an important consideration when delivering surgical services. This survey aimed to understand current green practices across vascular centers.

METHODS

A survey on routine sustainable practices and the feasibility of implementing greener practices was developed between the Vascular and Endovascular Research Network and the Vascular Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The survey was delivered using the Qualtrics online survey tool and distributed through mailing lists and social media. The survey was open to completion by all vascular health care professionals internationally. Responses were collected between June 2, 2023, and September 15, 2023.

RESULTS

A total of 115 vascular health care professionals across 14 different countries responded. Disposable theater materials were used in 85% (98/115) of respondents' centers. Most centers used electronic patient records (investigation requests [76%, 85/112], observation charts [81%; 91/112], prescriptions [74%; 83/112]). Paper recycling policies were available in 52% (58/112) of respondents' centers. All the respondents agreed that vascular surgery can be greener. 80% (92/115) of respondents reported environmental sustainability was never discussed in departmental meetings and 24% (28/115) reported their department engaged with management to implement more sustainable practices. Barriers to change included finance (77%, 89/115), competing priorities (84%, 97/115), and lack of engagement (82%, 94/115).

CONCLUSION

This survey identified areas where vascular services could be more environmentally friendly, including reducing the use of disposable materials and improving recycling. Vascular health professionals are largely supportive of implementing changes to reduce the carbon footprint.

An Epidemiological Survey of Sepsis in a Tertiary Academic Hospital from Southwestern Romania

Background and Objectives: Sepsis is one of the major causes of death in modern society. This study is part of the FUSE (Functional Genomics in Severe Sepsis) project under the Human Functional Genomics Romania initiative. Our aim was to assess the epidemiology of sepsis in a tertiary academic hospital in southwestern Romania. Materials and methods: The study enrolled 184 patients with severe infections between May 2017 and November 2019, following the Sepsis-2 guidelines (SIRS criteria). Results: The present cohort of community-acquired severe infections shows respiratory and urinary tract as main sites of severe infection. The demographic and clinical characteristics of this Romanian study group are in line with those of other severe infection European cohorts. However, the predominance of confirmed Clostridium difficile cases represents a strong deviation, raising significant concerns for the communities to which the patients belong. Conclusions: Sepsis, with its complex pathophysiology and clinical presentation, remains one of the most daunting global health issues. In our cohort, the high number of Clostridium difficile cases prompts high vigilance and immediate intervention.

Temporal Patterns and Treatment Associations in Complications Following Hip Arthroplasty

Background and Objectives: Hip arthroplasty is commonly performed to enhance mobility and quality of life in patients with severe joint degeneration. However, post-surgery complications such as infections, dislocations, and mechanical failures remain prevalent and vary over time. This study examines the relationship between time intervals post-surgery and the occurrence of complications and explores the associations between specific treatment modalities and complications. It also investigates temporal patterns of infectious and mechanical complications to inform more effective post-surgery care. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on hip arthroplasty patients to analyze the occurrence and distribution of complications across medium-term (1-5 years) and long-term (≥6 years) intervals. Treatment modalities, including joint debridement, lavage, antibiotics, and mechanical interventions, were analyzed for their association with complications. Chi-Square tests were used, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A significant association was found between time intervals and complications (χ2 = 58.149, df = 19, p < 0.001). Infections were more prevalent in the medium-term, while mechanical complications such as dislocation, implant loosening, and periprosthetic fractures were more common in the long-term. Antibiotics were strongly linked to infectious complications (χ2 = 279.000, p < 0.001), and mechanical treatments were associated with fractures and dislocations. Conclusions: The study confirms that the timing of complications post-surgery plays a critical role in their occurrence. Specific complications become more prevalent at different intervals, emphasizing the need for tailored treatment strategies. Antibiotics for infections and mechanical interventions for fractures and dislocations should be adjusted based on timing. These findings highlight the importance of time-specific post-surgery care and suggest areas for further research on long-term strategies and risk factors.

Analyzing the use of specialized palliative care in intensive care unit patients in Germany: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Despite rising importance of integration of palliative medicine in treating life-threatening illnesses in intensive care units (ICU), the extent remains unknown. Using billing data, we analysed the frequency of specialized palliative care use in ICU patients in Germany.

METHODS

Billing data (2019 -2022) from the InEK was used in this cross-sectional study on all billed adult ICU cases. Data included case numbers, demographics, diagnoses, treatment procedures, ventilation (≥ 95 h), palliative care frequency.

RESULTS

61,591,299 adult cases were treated, 11.2% (6,912,316) requiring ICU and 499,262 (7.2%) needing long-term ventilation. 44.2% of all ICU cases and 36.2% of long-term ventilated patients were female (p < 0.0001). ICU mortality was 11.1%, long-term ventilation mortality was 38.8%; higher in men and patients aged ≥ 65 (p < 0.001). Leading diagnoses for ICU deaths: heart failure (6.9%), stroke (6.3%), sepsis (6.2%). 0.8% of ICU cases and 1.4% of long-term ventilated cases received specialized palliative care, with a higher proportion of females (p < 0.0001). Most palliative care patients were aged ≥ 65.

CONCLUSION

From 2019 to 2022, 11.2% of hospital cases required ICU-treatment. Despite suffering from life-threatening conditions and high mortality rates, less than 1% of all ICU cases and 1.4% of long-term ventilated cases received palliative care (differing sexes and ages). This highlights deficiencies in palliative care integration into ICUs to alleviate patients and their families suffering from complex needs. Implementing benchmarking could be beneficial in this process.

What the Radiologist Needs to Know About Sport Hernias: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature

Introduction: The sports hernia (SH) is one of the most important causes of groin pain syndrome (GPS). However, despite its importance in GPS etiopathogenesis, SH is one of the least understood and poorly defined clinical conditions in sports medicine. The aim of this systematic review is to clearly define SH from a radiological point of view and to clarify the relationship between the radiological presentation of SH and its clinical manifestation. Methods: The PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ISI, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and PEDro databases were consulted for systematic reviews on the role of SH in the onset of GPS. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were based on PICO tool. Results: After screening 560 articles, 81 studies were included and summarized in this systematic review. All studies were checked to identify any potential conflict of interest. The quality assessment of each individual study considered was performed in agreement with the Joanna Briggs Institute quantitative critical appraisal tools. Conclusions: The correct definition of SH is "weakness of the posterior wall of the inguinal canal", which, in response to a Valsalva maneuver, forms a bulging that compresses the nerves passing along the inguinal canal. Thus, from an anatomical point of view, SH represents a direct inguinal hernia "in fieri". Furthermore, an excessive dilation of the external inguinal ring represents an indirect sign of possible posterior inguinal canal wall weakness.

Associations between hysterectomy and pelvic floor disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Hysterectomy is the second most common surgery performed among women in the United States. The associations between hysterectomy and the risk of pelvic floor disorders remain unclear. The objective of this study is to systematically review the associations between hysterectomy and the likelihood of pelvic floor disorders.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic search of Medline and Embase from inception to October 11, 2024, was performed without language restrictions. The systematic review was registered in The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42023443210).

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Studies included randomized controlled studies and nonrandomized comparative studies (that reported adjusted analyses) of adult female individuals aged ≥18 years old who underwent a hysterectomy through any route for benign indications. At least 1 year of follow-up after hysterectomy was required. Studies of individuals undergoing concomitant surgery for pelvic floor disorders were excluded.

STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS

Twelve investigators independently screened each abstract and potentially eligible full-text article in duplicate. Data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and strength of evidence grading were conducted using standard instruments. Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models. Outcomes included pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence (nonspecific, mixed, and stress), overactive bladder, voiding dysfunction, fecal incontinence, and defecatory dysfunction. Results were stratified by time since hysterectomy (≤10 years vs >10 years).

RESULTS

We included 60 studies (8 randomized controlled trials, 20 cohort studies, and 32 case-control studies) with 3,567,848 participants. In the first 10 years, hysterectomy was associated with higher likelihood of (nonspecific) urinary incontinence (effect size 1.29, 95% confidence interval 1.11-1.47; 25 studies), stress urinary incontinence (effect size, 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.56; 14 studies), overactive bladder (effect size, 1.41; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-1.58; 16 studies), and mixed urinary incontinence (effect size, 1.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.40-1.85; 3 studies). Beyond 10 years, hysterectomy was associated with higher likelihood of pelvic organ prolapse (effect size, 1.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-1.78; 6 studies) and stress urinary incontinence (effect size, 2.40; 95% confidence interval, 2.17-2.63; 5 studies).

CONCLUSION

Hysterectomy is associated with a statistically significant higher likelihood of urinary incontinence of all types within 10 years, as well as pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence beyond 10 years after hysterectomy. It is important to discuss these risks at the time of counseling for hysterectomy with consideration of medical or nonhysterectomy treatment options if clinically acceptable.

Impact of COVID-19 on urgent gastrointestinal surgery outcomes: increased mortality in 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted healthcare systems. In France, non-urgent procedures were postponed, leading to a 52% decrease in elective surgical activity in public hospitals in Paris during the first wave. We aimed to assess the impact on gastro-intestinal emergency surgeries of health strategies implemented during this pandemic.

METHODS

This multicenter retrospective cohort study enrolled patients from sixteen public hospitals over five periods: March and April, 2018, and 2019 (pre-pandemic), 2020 (first wave), 2021 (third wave), and 2022 (post-pandemic). All adult patients requiring urgent gastrointestinal surgery admitted through the Emergency Department were included. Statistical tests were performed with the chi-square test, ANOVA test, Student test, Kruskall Wallis or Fisher exact test. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were performed to investigate the relationship between mortality at day 90 and the primary data recorded.

RESULTS

2692 patients' stay were included: 54% male, median age 48 [32;68], 12% ICU admission rate, median Charlson score 2 [0;5], and 6% mortality rate at day 90. The number of abdominal emergency cases decreased during the first wave (- 37% in 2020 compared to 2019). In the multivariate regression model, ICU admission, Charlson comorbidity score, and surgery in 2020 were independently associated with mortality at day 90 (as hospital length of stay, to a lower extent).

CONCLUSION

Undergoing emergency surgery during the first lockdown was an independent mortality risk factor, independent of the COVID-19 infectious status. Whatever major healthcare issue is ongoing, all efforts should be made to maintain healthcare access to all, including urgent surgical procedures.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Not applicable.

Antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis: unraveling the gut-heart axis and its impact on cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the major cause of morbidity and mortality amongst people of all ages across the world. Research suggests that the initiation and progression of CVDs are associated with antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis. Antibiotics are primarily intended to be used to treat bacterial infections, which can alter gut microbiota (GM) composition, by lowering the abundance of beneficial bacteria, like Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and increasing the profusion of Enterobacteriaceae, leading to harm on gut health. Additionally, it reduces short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and bile acid metabolism, increases trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) production, intestinal permeability allowing lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and TMAO into systemic circulation. SCFAs play a key role in lipid metabolism, inflammation, and strengthening of the intestinal barrier, and participate in CVDs through FFAR2 and FFAR3 receptors, whereas dysbiosis reduces SCFAs levels and worsens these effects. TMAO enhances oxidative stress, inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and cholesterol dysregulation, thus worsening CVDs. Furthermore, LPS develops systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and endothelial dysfunction by activating the NF-κB pathway. Dysbiosis also affects bile acid synthesis, disrupting lipid and glucose metabolism, further participating in the progression of CVDs. This article aims to explore the role of gut dysbiosis in various CVDs, including congenital heart disease, hypertension, valvular heart disease, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. Furthermore, this article aims to bridge the knowledge gap regarding the gut-heart axis by exploring how antibiotics alter the gut microbiota homeostasis, further contributing to the development of CVDs and therapeutic interventions that reduce cardiovascular risks and restore the gut microbiota homeostasis.

Epidemiological analysis of intra-abdominal infections in Italy from the Italian register of complicated intra-abdominal infections-the IRIS study: a prospective observational nationwide study

BACKGROUND

Intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) are common and severe surgical emergencies associated with high morbidity and mortality. In recent years, there has been a worldwide increase in antimicrobial resistance associated with intra-abdominal infections, responsible for a significant increase in mortality rates. To improve the quality of treatment, it is crucial to understand the underlying local epidemiology, clinical implications, and proper management of antimicrobial resistance, for both community- and hospital-acquired infections. The IRIS study (Italian Register of Complicated Intra-abdominal InfectionS) aims to investigate the epidemiology and initial management of complicated IAIs (cIAIs) in Italy.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This is a prospective, observational, nationwide (Italy), multicentre study. approved by the coordinating centre ethic committee (Local Research Ethics Committee of Pisa (Prot n 56478//2019). All consecutively hospitalized patients (older than 16 years of age) with diagnosis of cIAIs undergoing surgery, interventional drainage or conservative treatment have been included.

RESULTS

4530 patients included from 23 different Italian hospitals. Community Acquired infection represented the 70.9% of all the cases. Among appendicitis, we found that 98.2% of the cases were community acquired (CA) and 1.8% Healthcare-associated (HA) infections. We observed that CA represented the 94.2% and HA 5.8% of Gastro Duodenal perforation cases. The majority of HA infections were represented by colonic perforation and diverticulitis (28.3%) followed by small bowel occlusion (19%) and intestinal ischemia (18%). 27.8% of patients presented in septic shock. Microbiological Samples were collected from 3208 (70.8%) patients. Among 3041 intrabdominal sample 48.8% resulted positive. The major pathogens involved in intra-abdominal infections were found to be E.coli (45.6%). During hospital stay, empiric antimicrobial therapy was administered in 78.4% of patients. Amoxicillin/clavulanate was the most common antibiotic used (in 30.1% appendicitis, 30% bowel occlusion, 30.5% of cholecystitis, 51% complicated abdominal wall hernia, 55% small bowel perforation) followed by piperacillin/tazobactam (13.3% colonic perforation and diverticulitis, 22.6% cholecystitis, 24.2% intestinal ischemia, 28.6% pancreatitis). Empiric antifungal therapy was administered in 2.6% of patients with no sign of sepsis, 3.1% of patients with clinical sign of sepsis and 4.1% of patients with septic shock. Azoles was administered in 49.2% of patients that received empiric antifungal therapy. The overall mortality rate was 5.13% (235/4350). 16.5% of patients required ICU (748/4350). In accordance with mortality, it is important to highlight that 35.7% of small bowel perforation, 27.6% of colonic perforation and diverticulitis, 25.6% of intestinal ischemia and 24.6% of gastroduodenal complications required ICU.

CONCLUSION

Antibiotic stewardship programs and correct antimicrobial and antimycotic prescription campaigns are necessary to ulteriorly improve the adequacy of drug usage and reduce the resistances burden. This will help in improving the care and the cure of the next generations.

Indirect Impact of Pandemic on the Diagnosis of New Primary Melanoma: A Retrospective, Multicenter Study

Background/Objectives: The indirect impact of the pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of new primary melanoma has been carefully evaluated in recent years. The aim of the present study was to investigate if the indirect impact of the pandemic in Italy could be detectable also in the second year of the pandemic, as suggested by the characteristics of melanoma at diagnosis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 1640 diagnoses of cutaneous melanoma in pre-pandemic period and 1292 diagnoses in the pandemic period from 10 centers (from 1 March 2019 to 28 February 2022). Results: Our findings confirmed an indirect impact of the pandemic on characteristics of incident melanoma, also in the second year of the pandemic in Italy (Breslow thickness p < 0.0001, tumor stage p = 0.002, ulceration p = 0.04, SNLB p = 0.03), without statistically significant differences between centers. A statistically significant reduction in the time interval from diagnosis to surgical treatment was observed, but only in centers that had to modify their case mix to address the needs of treating COVID-19 patients (p = 0.0002). Conclusions: Our study confirmed the indirect impact of the pandemic on melanoma characteristics at the diagnosis in the second year of the pandemic in Italy. We also found no differences in melanoma characteristics between hospitals with different organization. Diagnostic delays may be related to a delayed access of the patient to the entire diagnostic pathway, and therefore, especially in the case of a pandemic, policies to support early diagnosis are crucial.

Comparative inpatient care of cancer vs. non-cancer patients in Switzerland during the national COVID-19 lockdown: a nationwide interrupted time series analysis

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic exerted unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems worldwide, leading governments and hospitals to postpone elective procedures to prioritize care for COVID-19 patients. Cancer patients, who often require frequent interactions with hospital services, may have been disproportionately affected by these disuptions in healthcare delivery. This study aimed to analyze and compare hospital care provided to cancer and non-cancer inpatients during the lockdown and post-lockdown periods in Switzerland.

METHODS

This study analyzed comprehensive adult acute care inpatient records from national administrative hospital data spanning 2017 to 2021. Using monthly patient-level data, comparative interrupted time series and difference-in-differences analysis were conducted to assess changes in hospital care between patients with and without an ICD-10 cancer diagnosis. Changes in admission volumes, hospital outcomes (length of stay, mortality), and cancer-specific treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and palliative care) during the lockdown and post-lockdown phases of the pandemic were analyzed.

RESULTS

Hospital admissions decreased substantially during the lockdown period. From March to May 2020, non-cancer patients experienced a reduction of 17'368 admissions (-18%) (95% CI [-24'333, -10'402]), compared with a reduction of 966 admissions (-9%) (95% CI [-1'636, -296]) for cancer patients. However, despite reduction in admissions, cancer inpatients received critical treatments at rates that were no lower for chemotherapy, and 6% (95% CI [1, 12]) and 15.2% (95% CI [10; 20]) higher for radiation therapy and palliative care, respectively, during the lockdown period compared to pre-pandemic levels. The mortality rate for both groups increased during the lockdown, but the rise was 22% (95% CI [8, 32]) smaller for cancer patients compared to non-cancer patients. The length of stay increased for both groups during the lockdown. However, the difference in length of stay between cancer and non-cancer patients vanished during the lockdown, with a higher length of stay of only 0.06 days (95% CI [-0.05, 0.18]) for cancer patients, compared to 0.40 days (95% CI [0.37, 0.43]) before the lockdown.

CONCLUSION

Swiss hospitals were able to maintain access to cancer services during the pandemic, mitigating the impact of the COVID-19 crisis for cancer population. These findings contribute to highlight the resilience of healthcare systems and understand decision-making processes during public health emergencies. However, long-term consequences of reduced care for cancer patients warrants further investigation.

Evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outcomes of conversion and revisional bariatric surgery: a Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) study

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare delivery worldwide, including bariatric surgery. While revisional procedures remained essential for weight recurrence and complications, practice patterns evolved during different phases of the pandemic.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on revisional bariatric procedures by comparing trends across pandemic (2020), vaccination rollout (2021), and postpandemic (2022) periods.

SETTING

Analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database, United States.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 72,189 bariatric surgeries (of which 55,854 conversions and 16,335 revisions) from 2020 to 2022. Outcomes included surgical volume, indications, complications, and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 609,240 bariatric procedures, 72,189 (11.8%) were revisional or conversion procedures, with conversions representing 9.2% (55,854) and revisions 2.7% (16,335). The combined proportion remained stable (12.1%, 12.1%, 11.5%, P < .001), but urgent revision rates were higher during the pandemic (3.1% versus 2.2% versus 1.8%, P < .001). Pandemic-era cases focused on severe complications (fistula, perforation, stricture), shifting postpandemic toward weight recurrence and reflux. Sleeve-to-bypass conversions increased from 41.2% to 53.6%. Serious complications were highest in 2020-2021 (6.6%, 6.4%) compared to 2022 (5.8%, P < .001), while mortality remained unchanged (.15%).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates distinct trends throughout pandemic periods, reflecting Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance on surgical urgency . While complication rates were slightly higher during the pandemic, procedures remained safe with stable mortality. Postpandemic shifts toward elective indications and increasing conversion procedures suggest adaptation to accumulated surgical needs.