Perioperative rates of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism in normal weight vs obese and morbidly obese surgical patients in the era post venous thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines

Ensuring Safety While Achieving Beauty: An Evidence-Based Approach to Optimizing Mastectomy and Autologous Breast Reconstruction Outcomes in Patients with Obesity

BACKGROUND

Although obesity has previously been associated with poor outcomes after mastectomy and breast reconstruction, its impact across the WHO obesity classification spectrum and the differential effects of various optimization strategies on patient outcomes have yet to be delineated. We sought to examine the impact of WHO obesity classification on intraoperative surgical and medical complications, postoperative surgical and patient-reported outcomes of mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction, and delineate outcomes optimization strategies for obese patients.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a review of consecutive patients who underwent mastectomy and autologous breast reconstruction from 2016 to 2022. Primary outcomes were complication rates. Secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcomes and optimal management strategies.

RESULTS

We identified 1,640 mastectomies and reconstructions in 1,240 patients with mean follow-up of 24.2 ± 19.2 months. Patients with class II/III obesity had higher adjusted risk of wound dehiscence (odds ratio [OR] 3.20; p < 0.001), skin flap necrosis (OR 2.60; p < 0.001), deep venous thrombosis (OR 3.90; p < 0.033), and pulmonary embolism (OR 15.3; p = 0.001) than nonobese patients. Obese patients demonstrated significantly lower satisfaction with breasts (67.3 ± 27.7 vs 73.7 ± 24.0; p = 0.043) and psychological well-being (72.4 ± 27.0 vs 82.0 ± 20.8; p = 0.001) than nonobese patients. Unilateral delayed reconstructions were associated with independently shorter hospital stay (β -0.65; p = 0.002) and lower adjusted risk of 30-day readmission (OR 0.45; p = 0.031), skin flap necrosis (OR 0.14; p = 0.031), and pulmonary embolism (OR 0.07; p = 0.021).

CONCLUSIONS

Obese women should be closely monitored for adverse events and lower quality of life, offered measures to optimize thromboembolic prophylaxis, and advised on the risks and benefits of unilateral delayed reconstruction.

Method of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis is not a predictor of pulmonary embolus following elective bariatric surgery: a retrospective cohort study of 135,409 patients

BACKGROUND

Patients with obesity are at increased risk of pulmonary embolus (PE), a risk that increases perioperatively and is challenging to manage.

OBJECTIVE

An analysis of the Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) database was performed to determine predictors of PE in patients undergoing elective bariatric surgery.

SETTING

North American accredited bariatric surgery institutions included in the MBSAQIP database from 2020-2021.

METHODS

We extracted data from the MBSAQIP database (2020-2021) on patients who underwent elective Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Data were extracted on patient co-morbidities, race, prior history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and type of DVT prophylaxis. A multivariate logistic regression model was developed to determine predictors of PE and impact of PE on 30-day serious complications and mortality.

RESULTS

In the MBSAQIP database, a total of 135,409 patients underwent SG or RYGB from 2020 to 2021. PE was reported in 194 patients (.14%). Prior history of DVT (odds ratio [OR] = 3.28; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.85-5.83; P < .0001), Black race (OR = 3.03; 95% CI: 2.22-4.13; P < .0001), gastroesophageal reflux disease (OR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.11-2.04; P = .008), higher body mass index (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.01-1.20; P = .023), male sex (OR = 1.76; 95% CI: 1.26-2.45; P = .001), and older age (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.10-1.46; P = .001) were associated with increased odds of PE. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea, and hypertension were not significant predictors of PE (P > .05). Neither combined mechanical and pharmacologic DVT prophylaxis nor pharmacologic prophylaxis alone was a significant predictor of PE (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

Prior history of DVT is the strongest predictor of PE after bariatric surgery. African American race, male sex, and gastroesophageal reflux disease are additional risk factors. Method of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was not identified as significant predictor of PE. Further, studies on the evaluation and optimization of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis are required.

The impact of obesity on postoperative outcomes in colorectal cancer patients: a retrospective database study

PURPOSE

Obesity is an independent risk factor for worse outcomes in various surgical settings. Whether obesity is a prognostic factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC) is inconclusive. This study aimed to determine the impact of obesity on short-term postoperative outcomes in CRC patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

METHODS

Data of a total of 23,898 CRC patients aged ≥ 20 years and undergoing laparoscopic resection were extracted from the US National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database and analyzed. The study endpoints were in-hospital mortality, any postoperative complications, infection/sepsis, acute kidney injury (AKI), deep vein thrombosis (DVT)/pulmonary embolisms (PE), and extended hospital stay. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations between patients' obesity status (morbid obese: BMI >  = 40 kg/m²; obese: BMI 30-39.9 kg/m²) and the study outcomes.

RESULTS

In 23,898 CRC patients undergoing laparoscopic resection, the prevalence of obesity prevalence was 11.8%. After adjustment, the results revealed that morbid obesity was significantly associated with increased risk for in-hospital mortality (aOR = 2.06, 95%CI: 1.11-3.83), AKI (aOR = 1.78, 95%CI = 1.34-2.36), DVT/PE (aOR = 2.88, 95%CI = 1.70-4.88), and extended LOS (aOR = 1.21, 95%CI = 1.02-1.43), while non-morbid obesity was significantly associated with more DVT/PE (aOR = 2.12, 95%CI = 1.32-3.41) as compared with non-obesity.

CONCLUSION

In patients with CRC undergoing laparoscopic surgery, morbid obesity is strongly associated with worse postoperative outcomes, including increased in-hospital mortality, postoperative AKI and DVT/PE, and extended LOS. The findings of the present study highlight the importance of obesity status in risk stratification for laparoscopic CRC surgery.

Impact of preoperative patient education on the prevention of postoperative complications after major visceral surgery: the cluster randomized controlled PEDUCAT trial

Background

The prevention of postoperative complications is of prime importance after complex elective abdominal operations. Preoperative patient education may prevent postoperative complications and improve patients’ wellbeing, but evidence for its efficacy is poor. The aims of the PEDUCAT trial were (a) to assess the impact of preoperative patient education on postoperative complications and patient-reported outcomes in patients scheduled for elective complex visceral surgery and (b) to evaluate the feasibility of cluster randomization in this setting.

Methods

Adult patients (age ≥ 18 years) scheduled for elective major visceral surgery were randomly assigned in clusters to attend a preoperative education seminar or to the control group receiving the department’s standard care. Outcome measures were the postoperative complications pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, burst abdomen, and in-hospital fall, together with patient-reported outcomes (postoperative pain, anxiety and depression, patient satisfaction, quality of life), length of hospital stay (LOS), and postoperative mortality within 30 days after the index operation. Statistical analysis was primarily by intention to treat.

Results

In total 244 patients (60 clusters) were finally included (intervention group 138 patients; control group 106 patients). Allocation of hospital wards instead of individual patients facilitated study conduct and reduced confusion about group assignment. In the intervention and control groups respectively, pneumonia occurred in 7.4% versus 8.3% (p = 0.807), pulmonary embolism in 1.6% versus 1.0% (p = 0.707), burst abdomen in 4.2% versus 1.0% (p = 0.165), and in-hospital falls in 0.0% versus 4.2% of patients (p = 0.024). DVT did not occur in any of the patients. Mortality rates (1.4% versus 1.9%, p = 0.790) and LOS (14.2 (+/− 12.0) days versus 16.1 (+/− 15.0) days, p = 0.285) were also similar in the intervention and control groups.

Conclusions

Cluster randomization was feasible in the setting of preoperative patient education and reduced the risk of contamination effects. The results of this trial indicate good postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing major visceral surgery without superiority of preoperative patient education compared to standard patient care at a high-volume center. However, preoperative patient education is a helpful instrument not only for teaching patients but also for training the nursing staff.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Registry, DRKS00004226. Registered on 23 October 2012. Registered 8 days after the first enrollment.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-018-2676-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Perioperative management of the obese surgical patient

INTRODUCTION

The escalation in the prevalence of obesity throughout the world has led to an upsurge in the number of obese surgical patients to whom perioperative care needs to be delivered.

SOURCES OF DATA

After determining the scope of the review, the authors used PubMed with select phrases encompassing the words in the scope. Both preclinical and clinical reports were considered.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

There were no controversies regarding preoperative management and the intraoperative care of the obese surgical patient.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

Is there a healthy obese state that gives rise to the obesity paradox regarding postoperative complications?

GROWING POINTS

This review considers how to prepare for and manage the obese surgical patient through the entire spectrum, from preoperative assessment to possible postoperative intensive care.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

What results in an obese patient developing 'unhealthy' obesity?