National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit on Global Surgery. Prioritizing research for patients requiring surgery in low- and middle-income countries

Global Cancer Surgery: pragmatic solutions to improve cancer surgery outcomes worldwide

The first Lancet Oncology Commission on Global Cancer Surgery was published in 2015 and serves as a landmark paper in the field of cancer surgery. The Commission highlighted the burden of cancer and the importance of cancer surgery, while documenting the many inadequacies in the ability to deliver safe, timely, and affordable cancer surgical care. This Commission builds on the first Commission by focusing on solutions and actions to improve access to cancer surgery globally, developed by drawing upon the expertise from cancer surgery leaders across the world. We present solution frameworks in nine domains that can improve access to cancer surgery. These nine domains were refined to identify solutions specific to the six WHO regions. On the basis of these solutions, we developed eight actions to propel essential improvements in the global capacity for cancer surgery. Our initiatives are broad in scope, pragmatic, affordable, and contextually applicable, and aimed at cancer surgeons as well as leaders, administrators, elected officials, and health policy advocates. We envision that the solutions and actions contained within the Commission will address inequities and promote safe, timely, and affordable cancer surgery for every patient, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location.

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

BACKGROUND

Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres.

METHODS

This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low-middle-income countries.

RESULTS

In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of 'single-use' consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low-middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia.

CONCLUSION

This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high- and low-middle-income countries.

Use of Telemedicine for Postdischarge Assessment of the Surgical Wound: International Cohort Study, and Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether remote wound reviews using telemedicine can be safely upscaled, and if standardized assessment tools are needed.

BACKGROUND

Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most common complication of surgery worldwide, and frequently occurs after hospital discharge. Evidence to support implementation of telemedicine during postoperative recovery will be an essential component of pandemic recovery.

METHODS

The primary outcome of this study was SSI reported up to 30 days after surgery (SSI), comparing rates reported using telemedicine (telephone and/or video assessment) to those with in-person review. The first part of this study analyzed primary data from an international cohort study of adult patients undergoing abdominal surgery who were discharged from hospital before 30 days after surgery. The second part combined this data with the results of a systematic review to perform a meta-analysis of all available data conducted in accordance with PRIMSA guidelines (PROSPERO:192596).

RESULTS

The cohort study included 15,358 patients from 66 countries (8069 high, 4448 middle, 1744 low income). Of these, 6907 (45.0%) were followed up using telemedicine. The SSI rate reported using telemedicine was slightly lower than with in-person follow-up (13.4% vs 11.1%, P <0.001), which persisted after risk adjustment in a mixed-effects model (adjusted odds ratio: 0.73, 95% confidence interval: 0.63-0.84, P <0.001). This association was consistent across sensitivity and subgroup analyses, including a propensity-score matched model. In 9 eligible nonrandomized studies identified, a pooled mean of 64% of patients underwent telemedicine follow-up. Upon meta-analysis, the SSI rate reported was lower with telemedicine (odds ratio: 0.67, 0.47-0.94) than in-person (reference) follow-up ( I2 =0.45, P =0.12), although there a high risk of bias in included studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of telemedicine to assess the surgical wound postdischarge is feasible, but risks underreporting of SSI. Standardized tools for remote assessment of SSI must be evaluated and adopted as telemedicine is upscaled globally.

Impact of malnutrition on early outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Malnutrition represents a key priority for global health policy, yet the impact of nutritional state on cancer surgery worldwide remains poorly described. We aimed to analyse the effect of malnutrition on early postoperative outcomes following elective surgery for colorectal or gastric cancer.

METHODS

We did an international, multicentre, prospective cohort study of patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal or gastric cancer between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019. Patients were excluded if the primary pathology was benign, they presented with cancer recurrence, or if they underwent emergency surgery (within 72 h of hospital admission). Malnutrition was defined with the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition criteria. The primary outcome was death or a major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression and a three-way mediation analysis were done to establish the relationship between country income group, nutritional status, and 30-day postoperative outcomes.

FINDINGS

This study included 5709 patients (4593 with colorectal cancer and 1116 with gastric cancer) from 381 hospitals in 75 countries. The mean age was 64·8 years (SD 13·5) and 2432 (42·6%) patients were female . Severe malnutrition was present in 1899 (33·3%) of 5709 patients, with a disproportionate burden in upper-middle-income countries (504 [44·4%] of 1135) and low-income and lower-middle-income countries (601 [62·5%] of 962). After adjustment for patient and hospital risk factors, severe malnutrition was associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality across all country income groups (high income: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1·96 [95% CI 1·14-3·37], p=0·015; upper-middle income: 3·05 [1·45-6·42], p=0·003; low income and lower-middle income: 11·57 [5·87-22·80], p<0·0001). Severe malnutrition mediated an estimated 32% of early deaths in low-income and lower-middle-income countries (aOR 1·41 [95% CI 1·22-1·64]) and an estimated 40% of early deaths in upper-middle-income countries (1·18 [1·08-1·30]).

INTERPRETATION

Severe malnutrition is common in patients undergoing surgery for gastrointestinal cancers and is a risk factor for 30-day mortality following elective surgery for colorectal or gastric cancer. There is an urgent need to examine whether perioperative nutritional interventions can improve early outcomes following gastrointestinal cancer surgery worldwide.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit.

Surgery as a Global Health Need

Surgical care is now recognized as a fundamental component of universal health coverage. Unfortunately, most of the world is still without access to safe and timely surgical care, including 9 out of 10 people living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Additionally, even in LMICs with sustainable surgical programs, surgical outcomes continue to lag behind those in high-income countries. In this article, we will provide a brief history and introduction to global surgery, an overview of the existing literature on global surgical outcomes, and a discussion surrounding the challenges to building surgical capacity and improving surgical outcomes in LMICs. In addition, we will discuss the existing frameworks for building surgical care into national universal healthcare plans and initiatives striving improve surgical outcomes in LMICs.

Alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation or triclosan-coated sutures to reduce surgical site infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis of high-quality randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

WHO and the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommend alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation and triclosan-coated sutures to prevent surgical site infections (SSIs). Existing meta-analyses that include studies at high risk of bias, combined with the recent publication of large, randomised trials, justify an updated meta-analysis of high-quality randomised controlled trials (RCTs). We aimed to test the rates of SSI according to skin preparation solutions (ie, alcoholic chlorhexidine vs aqueous povidone-iodine) and types of sutures (ie, coated vs uncoated).

METHODS

In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Pubmed, and Cochrane Library databases, with no language restrictions, to identify high-quality RCTs testing either alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation (vs aqueous povidone-iodine) or triclosan-coated sutures (vs uncoated sutures), or both, published from database inception to Sept 1, 2021. Patients who received clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty surgery were included. We predefined the characteristics of a high-quality trial through an expert consensus process to develop an enhanced Cochrane risk of bias-2 tool specifically for RCTs with a primary outcome of SSI. Data were extracted from published reports. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. This systematic review and meta-analysis was prospectively registered in PROSPERO, CRD42021267220.

FINDINGS

Of 942 studies identified, 933 were excluded. Four high-quality RCTs (n=7467 patients) were included that tested alcoholic chlorhexidine. No significant difference in SSI rates was noted between alcoholic chlorhexidine and aqueous povidone-iodine (17·9% [667 of 3723 patients] vs 19·8% [740 of 3744 patients]; odds ratio 0·84 [95% CI 0·65-1·06]; p=0·21, I²=53·1%). Five high-quality RCTs were included that tested triclosan-coated sutures (n=8619 patients), with no significant difference noted between triclosan-coated and uncoated sutures (16·8% [733 of 4360 patients] vs 18·4% [784 of 4259 patients]; OR 0·90 [95% CI 0·74-1·09]; p=0·29, I²=36·4%).

INTERPRETATION

Contrary to previous meta-analyses, this study did not show a benefit from either alcoholic chlorhexidine skin preparation or triclosan-coated sutures, both of which are more expensive than other readily available alternatives. Global and national guidance should be reconsidered to remove recommendations for their routine use.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Global Health Research Unit.

Study protocol for a cluster randomised trial of sterile glove and instrument change at the time of wound closure to reduce surgical site infection in low- and middle-income countries (CHEETAH)

Background

Surgical site infection (SSI) represents a major burden for patients, doctors, and health systems around the world. The aim of this trial is to assess whether the practice of using separate sterile gloves and instruments to close wounds at the end of surgery compared to current routine hospital practice can reduce surgical site infection at 30-days post-surgery for patients undergoing clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty abdominal surgery.

Methods

This study protocol describes a pragmatic, international, multi-centre, 2-arm, cluster randomised controlled trial, with an internal pilot. Clusters are defined as hospitals within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) defined by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Official Development Assistance (ODA) list, where there are at least 4 eligible hospitals per country. Hospitals (clusters) must be in LMICs where glove and instrument change are not currently routine practice. Patients (adults and children) undergoing emergency or elective abdominal surgery for a clean-contaminated, contaminated, or dirty operation are eligible for inclusion. Before closing the abdominal wall, surgeons and the scrub nurse will change gloves and use separate, sterile instruments (intervention), versus no changing gloves or using separate, sterile instruments (standard practice, control). The primary outcome is SSI within 30 days after surgery, using the Centre for Disease Control (CDC) criteria. Secondary outcomes are SSI before point of hospital discharge, and readmission, reoperation, length of hospital stay, return to normal activities, and death up to 30-days after surgery. A 12-month internal pilot, including 12 clusters and approximately 600 participants, aims to assess adherence to allocation and follow-up of patients. The main trial is powered to detect a minimum reduction in the primary outcome from 16 to 12%. A total of 12,800 participants will be recruited from 64 clusters (hospitals) each including at least 200 participants.

Discussion

Change of gloves and sterile instruments prior to fascial closure in abdominal surgery is a low-cost, simple, intraoperative intervention which involves all members of the surgical and scrub team. If effective at reducing SSI, this practice could be readily implemented across all contexts. The findings of this trial will inform future guideline updates from international healthcare organisations, including the World Health Organization.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03980652. Registered on 9 July 2019

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06102-5.

A Qualitative Exploration of Nutrition Screening, Assessment and Oral Support Used in Patients Undergoing Cancer Surgery in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Preoperative undernutrition is a prognostic indicator for postoperative mortality and morbidity. Evidence suggests that treating undernutrition can improve surgical outcomes. This study explored the provision of nutritional screening, assessment and support on surgical cancer wards in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This was a qualitative study and participants took part in one focus group or one individual interview. Data were analysed thematically. There were 34 participants from Ghana, India, the Philippines and Zambia: 24 healthcare professionals (HCPs) and 10 patients. Results showed that knowledge levels and enthusiasm were high in HCPs. Barriers to adequate nutritional support were a lack of provision of ward and kitchen equipment, food and sustainable nutritional supplements. There was variation across countries towards nutritional screening and assessment which seemed to be driven by resources. Many hospitals where resources were scarce focused on the care of individual patients in favour of an integrated systems approach to identify and manage undernutrition. In conclusion, there is scope to improve the efficiency of nutritional management of surgical cancer patients in LMICs through the integration of nutrition assessment and support into routine hospital policies and procedures, moving from case management undertaken by interested personnel to a system-based approach including the whole multidisciplinary team.

Effect of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns on planned cancer surgery for 15 tumour types in 61 countries: an international, prospective, cohort study

BACKGROUND

Surgery is the main modality of cure for solid cancers and was prioritised to continue during COVID-19 outbreaks. This study aimed to identify immediate areas for system strengthening by comparing the delivery of elective cancer surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in periods of lockdown versus light restriction.

METHODS

This international, prospective, cohort study enrolled 20 006 adult (≥18 years) patients from 466 hospitals in 61 countries with 15 cancer types, who had a decision for curative surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and were followed up until the point of surgery or cessation of follow-up (Aug 31, 2020). Average national Oxford COVID-19 Stringency Index scores were calculated to define the government response to COVID-19 for each patient for the period they awaited surgery, and classified into light restrictions (index <20), moderate lockdowns (20-60), and full lockdowns (>60). The primary outcome was the non-operation rate (defined as the proportion of patients who did not undergo planned surgery). Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to explore the associations between lockdowns and non-operation. Intervals from diagnosis to surgery were compared across COVID-19 government response index groups. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04384926.

FINDINGS

Of eligible patients awaiting surgery, 2003 (10·0%) of 20 006 did not receive surgery after a median follow-up of 23 weeks (IQR 16-30), all of whom had a COVID-19-related reason given for non-operation. Light restrictions were associated with a 0·6% non-operation rate (26 of 4521), moderate lockdowns with a 5·5% rate (201 of 3646; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0·81, 95% CI 0·77-0·84; p<0·0001), and full lockdowns with a 15·0% rate (1775 of 11 827; HR 0·51, 0·50-0·53; p<0·0001). In sensitivity analyses, including adjustment for SARS-CoV-2 case notification rates, moderate lockdowns (HR 0·84, 95% CI 0·80-0·88; p<0·001), and full lockdowns (0·57, 0·54-0·60; p<0·001), remained independently associated with non-operation. Surgery beyond 12 weeks from diagnosis in patients without neoadjuvant therapy increased during lockdowns (374 [9·1%] of 4521 in light restrictions, 317 [10·4%] of 3646 in moderate lockdowns, 2001 [23·8%] of 11 827 in full lockdowns), although there were no differences in resectability rates observed with longer delays.

INTERPRETATION

Cancer surgery systems worldwide were fragile to lockdowns, with one in seven patients who were in regions with full lockdowns not undergoing planned surgery and experiencing longer preoperative delays. Although short-term oncological outcomes were not compromised in those selected for surgery, delays and non-operations might lead to long-term reductions in survival. During current and future periods of societal restriction, the resilience of elective surgery systems requires strengthening, which might include protected elective surgical pathways and long-term investment in surge capacity for acute care during public health emergencies to protect elective staff and services.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit, Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, Medtronic, Sarcoma UK, The Urology Foundation, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research.

Feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of Telephone Administration of an adapted wound heaLing QuestiONnaire for assessment for surgical site infection following abdominal surgery in low and middle-income countries (TALON): protocol for a study within a trial (SWAT)

Background

Surgical site infection is the most common complication of abdominal surgery, with a global impact on patients and health systems. There are no tools to identify wound infection that are validated for use in the global setting. The overall aim of the study described in this protocol is to evaluate the feasibility and validity of a remote, digital pathway for wound assessment after hospital discharge for patients in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

A multi-centre, international, mixed-methods study within a trial, conducted in two stages (TALON-1 and TALON-2). TALON-1 will adapt and translate a universal reporter outcome measurement tool (Bluebelle Wound Healing Questionnaire, WHQ) for use in global surgical research (SWAT store registration: 126) that can be delivered over the telephone. TALON-2 will evaluate a remote wound assessment pathway (including trial retention) and validate the diagnostic accuracy of this adapted WHQ through a prospective cohort study embedded within two global surgery trials. Embedded community engagement and involvement activities will be used to optimise delivery and ensure culturally attuned conduct. TALON-1 and TALON-2 are designed and will be reported in accordance with best practice guidelines for adaptation and validation of outcome measures, and diagnostic test accuracy studies.

Discussion

Methods to identify surgical site infection after surgery for patients after hospital discharge have the potential to improve patient safety, trial retention, and research efficiency. TALON represents a large, pragmatic, international study co-designed and delivered with LMIC researchers and patients to address an important research gap in global surgery trial methodology.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-021-05398-z.

Identifying knowledge needed to improve surgical care in Southern Africa using a theory of change approach

Surgical healthcare has been prioritised in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a regional intergovernmental entity promoting equitable and sustainable economic growth and socioeconomic development. However, challenges remain in translating political prioritisation into effective and equitable surgical healthcare. The AfroSurg Collaborative (AfroSurg) includes clinicians, public health professionals and social scientists from six SADC countries; it was created to identify context-specific, critical areas where research is needed to inform evidence-grounded policy and implementation. In January 2020, 38 AfroSurg members participated in a theory of change (ToC) workshop to agree on a vision: ‘An African-led, regional network to enable evidence-based, context-specific, safe surgical care, which is accessible, timely, and affordable for all, capturing the spirit of Ubuntu[1]’ and to identify necessary policy and service-delivery knowledge needs to achieve this vision. A unified ToC map was created, and a Delphi survey was conducted to rank the top five priority knowledge needs. In total, 45 knowledge needs were identified; the top five priority areas included (1) mapping of available surgical services, resources and providers; (2) quantifying the burden of surgical disease; (3) identifying the appropriate number of trainees; (4) identifying the type of information that should be collected to inform service planning; and (5) identifying effective strategies that encourage geographical retention of practitioners. Of the top five knowledge needs, four were policy-related, suggesting a dearth of much-needed information to develop regional, evidenced-based surgical policies. The findings from this workshop provide a roadmap to drive locally led research and create a collaborative network for implementing research and interventions. This process could inform discussions in other low-resource settings and enable more evidenced-based surgical policy and service delivery across the SADC countries and beyond.

Anastomotic leak following oesophagectomy: research priorities from an international Delphi consensus study

BACKGROUND

The Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) is an international collaborative group set up to study anastomotic leak outcomes after oesophagectomy for cancer. This Delphi study aimed to prioritize future research areas of unmet clinical need in RCTs to reduce anastomotic leaks.

METHODS

A modified Delphi process was overseen by the OGAA committee, national leads, and engaged clinicians from high-income countries (HICs) and low/middle-income countries (LMICs). A three-stage iterative process was used to prioritize research topics, including a scoping systematic review (stage 1), and two rounds of anonymous electronic voting (stages 2 and 3) addressing research priority and ability to recruit. Stratified analyses were performed by country income.

RESULTS

In stage 1, the steering committee proposed research topics across six domains: preoperative optimization, surgical oncology, technical approach, anastomotic technique, enhanced recovery and nutrition, and management of leaks. In stages 2 and stage 3, 192 and 171 respondents respectively participated in online voting. Prioritized research topics include prehabilitation, anastomotic technique, and timing of surgery after neoadjuvant chemo(radio)therapy. Stratified analyses by country income demonstrated no significant differences in research priorities between HICs and LMICs. However, for ability to recruit, there were significant differences between LMICs and HICs for themes related to the technical approach (minimally invasive, width of gastric tube, ischaemic preconditioning) and location of the anastomosis.

CONCLUSION

Several areas of research priority are consistent across LMICs and HICs, but discrepancies in ability to recruit by country income will inform future study design.

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Martinez S, Sebastián Tomás JC, Trullenque Juan R, Gegúndez Simón A, Maté P, Prieto-Nieto MI, Rubio-Perez I, Urbieta A, Vicario Bravo M, Abelló D, Frasson M, Garcia-Granero A, Abad Gurumeta A, Abad-Motos A, Lucena-de Pablo E, Nozal B, Ripollés-Melchor J, Salvachúa R, Ferrero E, Garcia-Sancho Tellez L, Ortega Vázquez I, Picardo AL, Rojo López JA, Zorrilla Matilla LP, Cagigas Fernandez C, Castanedo Bezanilla S, Estevez Tesouro J, Fernandez-Diaz MJ, García Cardo J, Gomez Ruiz M, Gonzalez-Tolaretxipi E, Jimeno Fraile J, Poch C, Rodriguez-Aguirre M, Troche Pesqueira N, Trugeda-Carrera MS, de la Torre J, Blanco-Colino R, Espin-Basany E, Espinosa-Bravo M, Morales Comas C, Reyes Afonso E, Rivero Déniz J, Siso Raber C, Verdaguer Tremolosa M, Chandrasinghe P, Kumarage S, Wijekoon Arachchilage N, Senanayake KJ, Abdalla Ahmed Elkamel A, A. Adam M, Saleh M, Blomme N, Thorell A, Wogensen F, Älgå A, Ansarei D, Celebioglu F, Heinius G, Nigard L, Pieniowski E, Ahlqvist S, Björklund I, Cengiz Y, Frånberg A, Håkansson M, Adamo K, Franklin O, Sund M, Wiberg R, Andersson Y, Chabok A, Nikberg M, Kugelberg A, Canonica C, Christoforidis D, Fasolini F, Gaffuri P, Giuliani M, Meani F, Popeskou SG, Pozza S, Wandschneider W, Peterer L, Widmer LW, Zimmermann B, Bakoleas P, Chanousi I, Charalampidou L, Grochola LF, Heid F, Ntaoulas S, Outos M, Peros G, Podolska-Skoczek H, Reinisch KB, Zielasek C, Clerc D, Demartines N, Gilgien J, Kefleyesus A, St-Amour P, Toussaint A, Alhimyar M, Alsaid B, Alyafi A, Alkhaledi A, Kouz B, Omarain A, Al-Sabbagh Y, Alkhatib H, Sara S, Alhaj A, Danial A, Kadoura L, Maa Albared S, Monawar Y, Nahas L, Abd B, Saad A, Wakkaf H, Bouaziz H, Bouzaiene H, Ghalleb M, Akaydin E, Akbaba AC, Atakul O, Baltaci E, Besli S, Burgu G, Cenal U, de Muijnck C, Demirkaya HC, Dogruoz A, Gezer ZI, Gündogdu Y, Kara M, Korkmaz HK, Kurtoglu GK, Ozben V, Ozmen BB, Pektas AM, Sel EK, Yenidünya N, Bengur FB, Oral BM, Yozgatli TK, Abdullayev S, Gunes ME, Sahbaz NA, Banaz T, Kargici K, Kuyumcu OF, Yanikoglu E, Yesilsancak M, Yilmaz D, Aktas MK, Rencuzogullari A, Isik A, Leventoglu S, Yalçinkaya A, Yüksel O, Kalayci MU, Kara Y, Sarici IS, Akin A, Alemdag GN, Arslan E, Baki BE, Bodur MS, Calik A, Candas Altinbas B, Cihanyurdu I, Erkul O, Gül B, Guner A, Köse B, Semiz A, Sevim S, Tayar S, Tomas K, Tüfek OY, Türkyilmaz S, Ulusahin M, Usta A, Yildirim R, Güler SA, Tatar OC, Varol E, Kirimtay B, Uysal M, Yildiz A, Kose E, Ciftci AB, Çolak E, Eraslan H, Kucuk GO, Yemez K, Lule H, Bienfait M, Lule H, Bua E, Doe M, Okalany N, Birindelli A, Basarab M, Bielosludtsev O, Freigofer M, Kolhanova K, Perepelytsia K, Romanukha K, Savenkov D, Siryi S, Tereshchenko M, Viacheslav N, Volovetskyi A, Kebkalo A, Tryliskyy Y, Tyselskiy V, Bruce E, Chow BL, Iddles E, McGuckin S, Newall N, Ramsay G, Sharma P, Stewart C, Wong J, Badran A, Bath M, Belais F, Butt E, Joshi K, Kapur M, Shaw M, Townson A, Williams CYK, Gray T, Greig R, Husain M, Murray E, Mustafa A, Asif A, Gokul A, Shah M, Akitikori MT, Charalabopoulos A, Davidson S, McNally S, Rupani S, Juma F, Mills SC, Muirhead L, Sellars K, Walsh U, Warren O, Chambers A, Hunt R, Teasdale E, Boyce S, Cornwall H, Tol I, Argyriou EO, Eardley N, Povey M, Aithie JMS, Irfan A, McGuigan MC, Starr R, Warren CR, Archibald J, Kirby G, Kisyov I, Khoo CK, Lee R, Photiou D, Davis R, Prasad U, Yang PZ, Bird J, Leung E, Summerour V, Currow C, Kiam J, Tan GJS, Muthusami A, Pegba-Otemolu I, Urbonas T, Nunoo-Mensah J, Smolskas E, Boddy A, Gravante G, Hunter D, Andrew D, Koh A, Thompson A, Adams L, Clements HA, De Silva K, Ekpete O, Haque S, Henderson S, Ibrahim B, Jayasinghe T, Livie J, Mailley K, Nair G, Tan D, Baggaley C, Dawidziuk A, Szyszka B, Barter C, Gandhi N, Hassell K, Hitchin S, Kelsall J, Nagy E, Nessa A, Whisker L, Yanni F, Ali M, Arora D, Hediwattege S, Kumarasinghe N, Rathore M, Tennakoon A, Ali Ahmad SM, Bajomo O, Nadira F, Celentano V, Bhangu A, Glasbey J, Griffiths E, Karri RS, Mak JKC, Nepogodiev D, Pipe M, Bhatti MI, Rabie M, Boyle C, Hamilton D, Mihuna A, Ng JCK, Nicholson G, Oliwa A, Pearson R, Rose A, Yong SQ, Boereboom C, Hanna M, Walter C, Greensmith TS, Mitchell R, Monaghan E, Crawford J, Moug S, Blackwell J, Boyd-Carson H, Herrod P, Al-Allaf O, Beattie M, Bullock C, Burman S, Clark G, Flamey N, Flannery O, Harding A, Kodiatt B, Lawday S, Mahapatra S, Mukundu Nagesh N, Ng M, Rye D, Yoong A, Clark L, Deans C, Edirisooriya M, Fairfield CJ, Harrison EM, Carrington EV, Wong TLE, Yusuf B, Chamberlain C, Duke K, Kmiotek E, Botes A, Condie N, Schrire T, Shah R, Thomas-Jones I, Yates C, Anthony N, Matthews E, Sahnan K, Tankel J, Tucker S, Winter Beatty J, Ziprin P, Duggan W, Kantartzi A, Sridhar S, Khaw RA, Srivastava P, Underwood C, Alves do Canto Brum H, Chopra S, Davis L, Hughes R, Tulley J, Alberts J, Athisayaraj T, Olugbemi M, Ahmad K, Chan C, Chapman G, Fleming H, Fox B, Grewar J, Hulse K, Rutherford D, Sinead M, Smith S, Speake D, Vaughan-Shaw PG, Christodoulides N, Kudhail S, Welch M, Husaini SM, Lambracos S, Anyanwu C, Suresh R, Thomas JS, Gleeson E, Platoff R, Saif A, Enumah Z, Etchill E, Gabre-Kidan A, Bernstein M, Carrano FM, Connors J, Lynn P, Melis M, Newman E, Foster DS, Perrone K, Titan A, Weiser TG, Ahmad S, Bafford ACM, Dal Molin M, Hanna N, Zafar SN, Hemmila M, Napolitano L, Wong JJ, Chandler J, Wood L, Wren S, Ottesen T, You L, Yu K, Arciénega Yañez MDP, Ferreira Fernandes M, González D, Cubas S, González MC, Zubiaurre V, Demolin R, Giroff N, Sciuto P, Campos M, Rodríguez Cantera G, Wagner G, Deepika G, Maimbo M, Simuchimba E, Bulaya A, Chibuye C, Chirengendure B, Kabale MR, Kabongo K, Linyama D, Munthali J, Mweso O, Pikiti F, Otieno J, Chan E, Lai LT, Blackman B, Richards S, Subramaniam S, Karim R, Kok N, Lee YD, Ali S, Sinha A, Corrigan R, Barnes N, Wong F, Dennis G, Jedamzik J, Phillips E, Piette W, Van hentenryck M, Koco H, Lawani S, Kassa MW, Santos Bezerra T, Gribnev P, Dimitrov D, Krastev P, Oum S, Bonghaseh DT, Al Farsi M, Alsharqawi N, Agarwal A, Acevedo V, Castillo Barbosa AC, Giron F, Leon Rodriguez JP, Kucan D, Rosko D, Barsic N, Župan D, Hegazi A, Truncíková V, Fryba V, Mohamed M, Sultan A, Nagi A, Rashad Temerik A, Elshawy ME, Mahmoud MI, Omar S, Anwar M, Rageh T, Elmokadem A, Gaballa K, Teppo S, Turunen A, Pengermä P, Ballouhey Q, Bergeat D, Weyl A, Hain E, Gyedu A, Yenli E, Osei-Poku D, Rompou VA, Zoikas A, Gaitanidis A, Koukis G, Perivoliotis K, Tavlas P, Galanos-Demiris K, Zografos G, Karavokyros I, Xanthopoulou G, Iordanidou E, Ayau F, Garcia A, Damján P, Wason D, B L A, Rangganata E, Kamath P, O'Connor DB, Pinto M, Perrone F, Tropeano FP, Troilo F, Bossi D, Scala D, Pulitanò L, Carella M, Pietrabissa A, Gori A, Giraudo G, De Simone V, Russo AA, Braccio B, Al-Taher R, Athamneh S, Parker A, Sawiee A, Kattia A, Salem M, Tababa O, Shaeeb Z, Syminas V, Jurgaitis J, Damuleviciene G, Svagzdys S, Poskus T, Razafimanjato NNM, Chieng Loo L, Tiong IC, Wan Muhmad WF, Vijeyan H, Li Ying T, Grech G, Arrangoiz R, Jimenez Ley VB, Arizpe D, Jimenez Ley VB, Lagunes Lara E, Castro López EV, Eaazim J, Gordinou de Gouberville M, Bastiaenen V, Rottier S, Nahab F, Ji MY, Seyoji M, Nwachukwu C, Emeghara O, Muhammed SE, Idowu A, Sowemimo O, Ogundoyin O, Akande O, Lott A, Nadeem M, Laghari AA, Loya A, Mushtaq H, Abdullah MT, Abuhilal B, Atawneh M, Hamdan H, Alhabil B, Srour A, Mousa I, Da Silva Medina L, Sacdalan MD, Lapitan MC, Sacdalan MD, Sacdalan MD, Bartosiak K, Ferreira P, Francisco V, Lemos R, Frutuoso L, Fernandes S, Fonseca T, Pereira J, Rachadell J, Torre A, Madeira Martins F, Carvalho AC, Rodrigues Ferreira J, Ribeiro da Silva B, Devesa H, Vieira A, Mónica I, Amaro M, Sousa D, Reia M, Louro J, Martins A, Dominguez J, Santos I, Freitas Oliveira NM, Pereira JC, Silva-Vaz P, Freire L, Escrevente R, Negoita VM, Shakhmatov D, Nezerwa Y, Radulovic R, Moore R, Obery G, Viljoen F, Mendes T, Suarez A, Moncada E, Fernandez-Hevia M, Curtis Martínez C, Gil Garcia JM, González Zunzarren M, Idris T, Eklöv K, Grahn O, Amin L, Blomqvist M, Ajani C, Kraus R, Seeger N, Willemin M, Rayya F, Ayash M, Msouti R, Kannas I, Abazid E, Esper A, Slim S, Kavcar AS, Aytac E, Dural AC, Ilker A, Eray IC, Kurnaz E, Altiner S, Tepe MD, Sahin C, Savli E, Innocent A, Babirye L, Diachenko A, Hordoskiy V, Curry H, Chau CYC, Robertson H, Mahmoud A, Lennon H, Loi L, Kirkham E, McCann C, Watts D, Gurung B, Wilson M, Tribedi T, Garofalo E, Zahra B, MacDonald S, Daniels I, Ng N, Khosla S, Olivier J, Yue SYP, Suresh G, Wellington J, Lorejo E, Mossaad M, Tryliskyy Y, Crutcher M, Alimi M, Baiu I, Abdou H, Conway A, Peck C, Wagner G, Perdomo Perez MA, Trostchansky I, Zulu S, Nakazwe M, Knight SR, Drake TM, Nepogodiev D, Fitzgerald JE, Ademuyiwa A, Alexander P, Ingabire JA, Al-Saqqa SW, Biccard BM, Borda-Luque G, Borowski DW, Burger S, Chu K, Clarke D, Costas-Chavarri A, Davies J, Donaldson R, Ede C, Garden OJ, Ghosh D, Glasbey J, Kingham TP, Salem HK, Anyomih TTK, Koto MZ, Lapitan MC, Lawani I, Lesetedi C, Aguilera-Arevalo ML, Mabedi C, Maimbo M, Magill L, Makinde Alakaloko F, Makupe A, Martin J, Ramos-De la Medina A, Monahan M, Moore R, Msosa V, Mulira S, Mutabazi AZ, Muller E, Musowoyo J, Adisa AO, Olory-Togbe JL, Pius R, Qureshi AU, Rayne S, Roberts T, Sacdalan MD, Shaw CA, Smart N, Smith M, Spence R, Van Straten S, Tabiri S, Tayler V, Weiser TG, Windsor J, Yorke J, Yepez R, Lilford R, Morton D, Bhangu A, Sundar S, Harrison EM, Runigamugabo E, Verjee A, Chen J, Daya L, El Aroussi N, Farina V, Gnintedeme Olivier T, Gonzales Nacarino M, Hammani A, Honjo S, Jacobs R, Kimura H, Litvin A, Nkoronko M, Nour I, Oscullo Yepez JJ, Pagano G, Pata F, Pin Hung W, Raj A, Romani Pozo A, Rommaneh M, Sassamela Fabiano SC, Shiroma Gago CM, Shu Yip S, Srinivas A, Sung CY, Tai A, Valle Aranda YC, Venturini S, Vervoort D, Wilguens Lartigue J. Global variation in postoperative mortality and complications after cancer surgery: a multicentre, prospective cohort study in 82 countries

BACKGROUND

80% of individuals with cancer will require a surgical procedure, yet little comparative data exist on early outcomes in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared postoperative outcomes in breast, colorectal, and gastric cancer surgery in hospitals worldwide, focusing on the effect of disease stage and complications on postoperative mortality.

METHODS

This was a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of consecutive adult patients undergoing surgery for primary breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer requiring a skin incision done under general or neuraxial anaesthesia. The primary outcome was death or major complication within 30 days of surgery. Multilevel logistic regression determined relationships within three-level nested models of patients within hospitals and countries. Hospital-level infrastructure effects were explored with three-way mediation analyses. This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03471494.

FINDINGS

Between April 1, 2018, and Jan 31, 2019, we enrolled 15 958 patients from 428 hospitals in 82 countries (high income 9106 patients, 31 countries; upper-middle income 2721 patients, 23 countries; or lower-middle income 4131 patients, 28 countries). Patients in LMICs presented with more advanced disease compared with patients in high-income countries. 30-day mortality was higher for gastric cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (adjusted odds ratio 3·72, 95% CI 1·70-8·16) and for colorectal cancer in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (4·59, 2·39-8·80) and upper-middle-income countries (2·06, 1·11-3·83). No difference in 30-day mortality was seen in breast cancer. The proportion of patients who died after a major complication was greatest in low-income or lower-middle-income countries (6·15, 3·26-11·59) and upper-middle-income countries (3·89, 2·08-7·29). Postoperative death after complications was partly explained by patient factors (60%) and partly by hospital or country (40%). The absence of consistently available postoperative care facilities was associated with seven to 10 more deaths per 100 major complications in LMICs. Cancer stage alone explained little of the early variation in mortality or postoperative complications.

INTERPRETATION

Higher levels of mortality after cancer surgery in LMICs was not fully explained by later presentation of disease. The capacity to rescue patients from surgical complications is a tangible opportunity for meaningful intervention. Early death after cancer surgery might be reduced by policies focusing on strengthening perioperative care systems to detect and intervene in common complications.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research Global Health Research Unit.

Developing Research Potential and Building Partnerships: A Report of the Fundamentals of Surgical Research Course at the College of Surgeons of East, Central, and Southern Africa

BACKGROUND

Approximately a decade after the inaugural Fundamentals of Surgical Research Course (FSRC) at the West African College of Surgeons meeting (2008), the Association for Academic Surgery expanded the course offering to the annual meeting of the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa (COSECSA). After the second annual offering of the course in 2019, participants were surveyed to assess the impact of the course.

METHODS

A survey was distributed to the attendees of the 2019 second COSECSA FSRC course, held in December 2019 in Kampala, Uganda. Approximately 80 people attended at least a portion of the full-day course. Forty-nine participants completed the voluntary survey questionnaire distributed to assess each session of the course at course completion.

RESULTS

Ten different countries were represented among the attendees. Of the 49 evaluations, 35 respondents were male and six were female. Eight respondents did not identify a gender. Surgical residents comprised 19 of the 49 attendees, and one of the 49 attendees was a medical student. Thirty-five respondents indicated that their views of surgical research had changed after attending the course.

CONCLUSIONS

The second annual FSRC at COSECSA confirmed significant interest in building research skills and partnerships in sub-Saharan Africa. A wide variety of learners attended the course, and a majority of the sessions received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Multiple conference attendees expressed interest in serving as faculty for the course moving forward, highlighting a viable path for sustainability as the Association for Academic Surgery develops an international research education platform.

Identifying a Basket of Surgical Procedures to Standardize Global Surgical Metrics: An International Delphi Study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to define a globally applicable list of surgical procedures, or "basket", which could represent a health system's capacity to provide surgical care and standardize global surgical measurement.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Six indicators have been proposed to assess access to safe, affordable, timely surgical and anesthesia care, with a focus on laparotomy, caesarean section, and treatment of open fracture. However, comparability, particularly for these procedures, has been limited by a lack of definitional clarity and their overly broad scope.

METHODS

We conducted a three round international expert Delphi exercise between April and June 2019 using REDCap to identify a set of procedures representative of surgical capacity. To be included, procedures had to be important for treating common conditions, well-defined, and impactful (i.e. well-recognized clinical or functional benefit). Procedures were eliminated or prioritized in each round, and those noted as "extremely" or "very important" by ≥ 50% of respondents in round 3 were included in the final "basket".

RESULTS

Altogether 331 respondents from 78 countries participated in the Delphi process. A final basket of 32 procedures representing diseases categories in trauma, cancer, congenital anomalies, maternal/reproductive health, aging, and infection were identified as important for inclusion to assess surgical capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

This surgical basket could allow a more standardized assessment of a country's surgical system. Further testing and refinement will likely be needed, but this basket can be used immediately to guide ongoing monitoring and evaluation of global surgery capacities to improve and strengthen surgery and anesthesia care.

Risk factors of early mortality after neonatal surgery in Tunisia

BACKGROUND

Research concerning factors of death after neonatal surgery is scarce. Insight into mortality might improve perioperative care. This study aimed to identify predictive factors of mortality after neonatal surgery in a low income country (LIC).

METHODS

Charts of all newborn patients who underwent surgical procedures under general anesthesia during the neonatal period in our department of pediatric surgery between January 2010 and December 2017 were reviewed. We used univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate perioperative variables potentially predictive of early postoperative mortality.

RESULTS

One hundred eighty-two cases were included in the study: 41 newborns (28.6%) were premature (<37 weeks of gestation) and 52 (22.5%) weighed less than 2.5 kg. The most commonly diagnosed conditions were esophageal atresia (24%) and bowel obstruction (19%). Forty-four patients (24%) died during hospitalization. The highest rate of mortality was observed for congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Univariate analysis showed that perinatal predictive variables of mortality were prematurity, low birth weight, the necessity of preoperative intubation, and duration of surgery more than 2 h. Logistic regression showed three independent risk factors, which are the duration of surgery, low birth weight and the necessity of preoperative intubation.

CONCLUSION

The overall mortality in infants undergoing neonatal surgery is still high in LICs. Knowledge of independent risk factors of early mortality may help clinicians to more adequately manage the high-risk population.

TYPE OF THE STUDY

Clinical research paper.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III.

Day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Tanzania

INTRODUCTION

The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery has promoted the case for safe, affordable surgical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In 2017, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC) in Tanzania introduced a day case laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) service, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We aimed to evaluate this novel service in terms of safety, feasibility and acceptability by patients and staff.

METHODS

This study used mixed methods and was split into two stages. In stage 1, we reviewed records of all laparoscopic cholecystectomies (LCs) comparing day cases and admissions. These patients were followed up with a telephone questionnaire to investigate complication rates and receive service feedback. Stage 2 consisted of semi-structured interviews with staff exploring the challenges KCMC faced in implementing DCLC.

RESULTS

147 laparoscopic cholecystectomies were completed: 109 were planned for DCLC, 82 (75.2%) of which were successful, whilst 27 (24.8%) patients were admitted. No variables significantly predicted unplanned admission, the commonest causes for which were pain and nausea. In the DCLC group there was 1 readmission. 62 patients answered the follow up questionnaire, 60 (97%) of which were satisfied with the service. Stage 2 interviews suggested staff to be motivated for DCLC but revealed poor organisation of the day case pathway.

CONCLUSION

High rates of DCLC combined with low rates of complications and readmission suggests DCLC is feasible at KCMC. However, staff interviews alluded to administrative problems preventing KCMC from reaching its full DCLC potential. A dedicated day case surgery unit would address most of these problems.

Study protocol for a multicenter prospective cohort study on esophagogastric anastomoses and anastomotic leak (the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit/OGAA)

Esophagectomy is a mainstay in curative treatment for esophageal cancer; however, the reported techniques and outcomes can vary greatly. Thirty-day mortality of patients with an intact anastomosis is 2-3% as compared to 17-35% in patients who have an anastomotic leak. The subsequent management of leaks postesophagectomy has great global variability with little consensus on a gold standard of practice. The aim of this multicentre prospective audit is to analyze current techniques of esophagogastric anastomosis to determine the effect on the anastomotic leak rate. Leak rates and leak management will be assessed to determine their impact on patient outcomes. A 12-month international multicentre prospective audit started in April 2018 and is coordinated by a team from the West Midlands Research Collaborative. This will include patients undergoing esophagectomy over 9 months and encompassing a 90-day follow-up period. A pilot data collection period occurred at four UK centers in 2017 to trial the data collection form. The audit standards will include anastomotic leak and the conduit necrosis rate should be less than 13% and major postoperative morbidity (Clavien-Dindo Grade III or more) should be less than 35%. The 30-day mortality rate should be less than 5% and the 90-day mortality rate should be less than 8%. This will be a trainee-led international audit of esophagectomy practice. Key support will be given by consultant colleagues and anesthetists. Individualized unit data will be distributed to the respective contributing sites. An overall anonymized report will be made available to contributing units. Results of the audit will be published in peer-reviewed journals with all collaborators fully acknowledged. The key information and results from the audit will be disseminated at relevant scientific meetings.

Global variation in the long-term outcomes of ypT0 rectal cancers

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer mortality presents world-wide variation. In rectal cancers presenting a complete/nearly-complete tumor response (ypT0/ypTis) following neoadjuvant treatment, the features correlated to nodal metastases and relapses still need to be defined.

METHODS

An international cohort study enrolling ypT0/ypTis rectal cancers surgically treated from 2012 to 2017 was conducted. A propensity matching was used to balance nodal-positive and nodal-negative patients and statistical analyses were performed to investigate survivals, using a bootstrap model for internal validation. The features correlated with nodal metastasis were studied. Countries with participating centers were ranked using the World Bank (WBI), Human Development (HDI) and Global Gender Gap (GGG) indexes to compare survivals.

RESULTS

680 ypT0/ypTis from 52 European, Australian, Indian and American Institutions were analyzed. Mean follow-up was of 30.4 months. 96.5% were treated with total mesorectal excision, 7.2% were nodal-positive and 8.8% relapsed. Distal cancers (HR 0.71 95%CI: 0.56-0.91) and nodal metastasis and nodal metastasis (HR 3.85 95%CI:1.12-13.19) correlated with worse DFS, whereas a younger age was of borderline significance (HR 0.95 95%CI:0.91-0.99). The bootstrap analysis validated the model on 5000 repetitions. A short-course radiotherapy (OR 0.18 95%CI:0.09-0.37) correlated with the occurrence of nodal metastasis. Those countries classified in the low/medium-WBI, medium-HDI and lower-GGG ranks documented worse DFS curves (respectively p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p 0.0002). However, the clinical stages were similar and patients from medium-HDI countries received more adjuvant chemotherapy than the others (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Sub-groups at risk for relapses and nodal metastasis were identified. A global variation exists also when benchmarking a rectal cancer complete regression.

International Variation in Surgical Practices in Units Performing Oesophagectomy for Oesophageal Cancer: A Unit Survey from the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA)

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leaks are associated with significant risk of morbidity, mortality and treatment costs after oesophagectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate international variation in unit-level clinical practice and resource availability for the prevention and management of anastomotic leak following oesophagectomy.

METHOD

The Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) is an international research collaboration focussed on improving the care and outcomes of patients undergoing oesophagectomy. Any unit performing oesophagectomy worldwide can register to participate in OGAA studies. An online unit survey was developed and disseminated to lead surgeons at each unit registered to participate in OGAA. High-income country (HIC) and low/middle-income country (LMIC) were defined according to the World Bank whilst unit volume were defined as < 20 versus 20-59 versus ≥60 cases/year in the unit.

RESULTS

Responses were received from 141 units, a 77% (141/182) response rate. Median annual oesophagectomy caseload was reported to be 26 (inter-quartile range 12-50). Only 48% (68/141) and 22% (31/141) of units had an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program and ERAS nurse, respectively. HIC units had significantly higher rates of stapled anastomosis compared to LMIC units (66 vs 31%, p = 0.005). Routine post-operative contrast-swallow anastomotic assessment was performed in 52% (73/141) units. Stent placement and interventional radiology drainage for anastomotic leak management were more commonly available in HICs than LMICs (99 vs 59%, p < 0.001 and 99 vs 83%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This international survey highlighted variation in surgical technique and management of anastomotic leak based on case volume and country income level. Further research is needed to understand the impact of this variation on patient outcomes.

What is 'global surgery'? Defining the multidisciplinary interface between surgery, anaesthesia and public health

'Global surgery' is the term adopted to describe a rapidly developing multidisciplinary field aiming to provide improved and equitable surgical care across international health systems. Sitting at the interface between numerous clinical and non-clinical specialisms, it encompasses multiple aspects that surround the treatment of surgical disease and its equitable provision across health systems globally. From defining the role of, and need for, optimal surgical care through to identifying barriers and implementing improvement, global surgery has an expansive remit. Advocacy, education, research and clinical components can all involve surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and allied healthcare professionals working together with non-clinicians, including policy makers, epidemiologists and economists. Long neglected as a topic within the global and public health arenas, an increasing awareness of the extreme disparities internationally has driven greater engagement. Not necessarily restricted to specific diseases, populations or geographical regions, these disparities have led to a particular focus on surgical care in low-income and middle-income countries with the greatest burden and needs. This review considers the major factors defining the interface between surgery, anaesthesia and public health in these settings.

Feasibility study for a randomized clinical trial of bupivacaine, lidocaine with adrenaline, or placebo wound infiltration to reduce postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Background

Short‐term pain relief can be achieved by local anaesthetic infiltration of port sites at the end of laparoscopic surgery. This study aimed to assess feasibility of performing an RCT to evaluate short‐term postoperative analgesia after laparoscopic surgery in Nigeria using two local anaesthetics for port‐site infiltration versus saline placebo.

Methods

This was a placebo‐controlled, patient‐ and outcome assessor‐blinded, external feasibility RCT. Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic ultrasound‐proven gallstones were randomized into three groups: lidocaine with adrenaline (epinephrine), bupivacaine or saline control. The feasibility of recruitment, compliance with randomized treatment allocation, and completion of pain and nausea outcome measures were evaluated. Pain was assessed at 2, 6, 12 and 24 h after surgery using a 0–10‐point numerical rating scale (NRS) and a four‐point verbal rating scale. Nausea was assessed using NRS at the same time points. Clinical outcomes were assessed only in patients who received the correct randomized treatment allocation.

Results

Of 79 patients screened for eligibility, 69 were consented and randomized (23 per group). Overall, compliance with randomized treatment allocation was achieved in 64 patients (93 per cent). All pain and nausea assessments were completed in these 64 patients. On the NRS, most patients had moderate to severe pain at 2 h (39 of 64, 61 per cent), which gradually reduced. Only six patients (9 per cent) had moderate to severe pain at 24 h.

Conclusion

Recruitment, compliance with the randomized allocation, and completion of pain outcome measures were satisfactory. This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting a surgical RCT in a resource‐limited setting. Registration number: ISRCTN 17667918 (https://www.isrctn.com).