1
|
Failure in Medical Practice: Human Error, System Failure, or Case Severity? Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122495. [PMID: 36554018 PMCID: PMC9778633 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The success rate in medical practice will probably never reach 100%. Success rates depend on many factors. Defining the success rate is both a technical and a philosophical issue. In opposition to the concept of success, medical failure should also be discussed. Its causality is multifactorial and extremely complex. Its actual rate and its real impact are unknown. In medical practice, failure depends not only on the human factor but also on the medical system and has at its center a very important variable-the patient. To combat errors, capturing, tracking, and analyzing them at an institutional level are important. Barriers such as the fear of consequences or a specific work climate or culture can affect this process. Although important data regarding medical errors and their consequences can be extracted by analyzing patient outcomes or using quality indicators, patient stories (clinical cases) seem to have the greatest impact on our subconscious as medical doctors and nurses and these may generate the corresponding and necessary reactions. Every clinical case has its own story. In this study, three different cases are presented to illustrate how human error, the limits of the system, and the particularities of the patient's condition (severity of the disease), alone or in combination, may lead to tragic outcomes There is a need to talk openly and in a balanced way about failure, regardless of its cause, to look at things as they are, without hiding the inconvenient truth. The common goal is not to find culprits but to find solutions and create a culture of safety.
Collapse
|
2
|
Koca O, Demir B, Derin S, Turna ZH. A case report of Wernicke Korsakoff syndrome in a patient with cholangiocellular carcinoma: An underestimated cause of encephalopathy in cancer patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31904. [PMID: 36482648 PMCID: PMC9726370 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Wernicke's encephalopathy, a disorder caused by thiamin deficiency, is characterized by a classical triad of encephalopathy, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Although alcoholism is the most common predisposing factor, it can also be associated with nonalcoholic states (hyperemesis gravidarum, intestinal obstruction, bariatric surgery, and others). This work presents a case of nonalcoholic Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome diagnosed in a cholangiocellular carcinoma patient and literature review. CASE REPORT A 65-year-old male patient with a history of cholangiocellular carcinoma (Klatskin tumor) was treated with radiotherapy at the operation site after Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. During follow-up, the patient developed gastric outlet obstruction and was diagnosed with peritoneal carcinomatosis after a palliative gastrojejunostomy. As the patient could not tolerate oral nutrition during hospitalization, total parenteral nutrition was administered. After 10 days of admission, the patient showed decreased response to verbal stimuli as well as bilateral horizontal nystagmus, lethargy, and disorientation. Furthermore, the patient displayed confabulation. Clinical and imaging findings were consistent with Wernicke's encephalopathy. Therefore, treatment with intravenous thiamin replacement was initiated. The patient's encephalopathy regressed on the second day after treatment, and he recovered the place-person-time orientation. In the following month, the abnormal imaging findings were almost entirely resolved. CONCLUSION In order to prevent irreversible brain damage induced by chronic thiamin deficiency, thiamin replacement therapy with parenteral nutrition solutions should be included as a treatment for hospitalized cancer patients unable to receive enteral nutrition for a long time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oguzhan Koca
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilal Demir
- Department of Radiology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sumeyra Derin
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Hande Turna
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
BOLCATO M, SANAVIO M, FASSINA G, RODRIGUEZ D, APRILE A. Organizational liability: new frontier of medical malpractice? Seventeen-year experience as a medico-legal observer. GAZZETTA MEDICA ITALIANA ARCHIVIO PER LE SCIENZE MEDICHE 2022. [DOI: 10.23736/s0393-3660.20.04461-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
4
|
WERNICKE ENCEPHALOPATHY IN A PATIENT WITH GASTRIC CANCER RECURRENCE AFTER UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL SURGERY: A CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE. Gastroenterol Nurs 2020; 43:463-469. [PMID: 33259433 DOI: 10.1097/sga.0000000000000549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|
5
|
Zhang Y, Zhou B, Wu L, Cao H, Xie G, Fang H. Short Bowel Syndrome in an Extremely Low Birth Weight Premature Infant with Wernicke Encephalopathy: A Case Report. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CASE REPORTS 2020; 21:e924830. [PMID: 33001867 PMCID: PMC7533949 DOI: 10.12659/ajcr.924830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Patient: Male, Newborn Final Diagnosis: Short bowel syndrome Symptoms: Short bowel Medication: — Clinical Procedure: — Specialty: Gastroenterology and Hepatology • Geriatrics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzhen Zhang
- International School of Nursing, Huangshan Vocational Technical College, Huangshan, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Bo Zhou
- International School of Nursing, Huangshan Vocational Technical College, Huangshan, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Lanyan Wu
- International School of Nursing, Huangshan Vocational Technical College, Huangshan, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Hong Cao
- International School of Nursing, Huangshan Vocational Technical College, Huangshan, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Guozhong Xie
- Department of Nursing, Huangshan Changren Hospital, Huangshan, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Hua Fang
- Department of Nursing, Huangshan Changren Hospital, Huangshan, Anhui, China (mainland)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Tsutsumi C, Abe T, Shinkawa T, Watanabe H, Nishihara K, Nakano T. Development of Wernicke's encephalopathy long after subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy: a case report. Surg Case Rep 2020; 6:220. [PMID: 32975701 PMCID: PMC7519016 DOI: 10.1186/s40792-020-00982-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is an acute neuropsychiatric disorder resulting from thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency, frequently associated with chronic alcoholism and total parenteral nutrition without thiamine. However, only a few reports have focused on the relationship between WE and subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (SSPPD). CASE PRESENTATION A 71-year-old woman underwent SSPPD for an adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater. Although there had been no evidence of recurrence, the patient was treated with antibiotics for cholangitis at 12 and 31 months, respectively, post-surgery. Thereafter, the patient presented with vomiting and disorientation 33 months after surgery. Although she was admitted and underwent closer inspection by a neurologist and a psychiatrist, the exact cause of these syndromes remained unknown. The psychiatrist measured thiamine concentration to examine the cause of disorientation. After 6 days, her level of consciousness worsened. Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed symmetrically multiple abnormal hyperintense signals on fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery and diffusion weighted image, compatible with WE. An administration of intravenous thiamine was immediately initiated. After 8 days of the measurement of the thiamine level, the patient's serum thiamine level was found to be 6 µg/mL (reference range, 24-66 µg/mL). Accordingly, the patient was diagnosed with WE. Shortly after starting the treatment, blood thiamine value reached above normal range with significant improvement of her confusional state. However, short-term memory and ataxia remained. CONCLUSIONS Development of WE after SSPPD is uncommon. However, to prevent an after-effect, the possibility of development of WE after SSPPD should be recognized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chikanori Tsutsumi
- Department of Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, 2-1-1 Bashaku, Kokurakita-Ku, Kitakyushu, 802-0077, Japan
| | - Toshiya Abe
- Department of Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, 2-1-1 Bashaku, Kokurakita-Ku, Kitakyushu, 802-0077, Japan.
| | - Tomohiko Shinkawa
- Department of Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, 2-1-1 Bashaku, Kokurakita-Ku, Kitakyushu, 802-0077, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Watanabe
- Department of Radiology, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Kazuyoshi Nishihara
- Department of Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, 2-1-1 Bashaku, Kokurakita-Ku, Kitakyushu, 802-0077, Japan
| | - Toru Nakano
- Department of Surgery, Kitakyushu Municipal Medical Center, 2-1-1 Bashaku, Kokurakita-Ku, Kitakyushu, 802-0077, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fedeli P, Justin Davies R, Cirocchi R, Popivanov G, Bruzzone P, Giustozzi M. Total parenteral nutrition-induced Wernicke's encephalopathy after oncologic gastrointestinal surgery. Open Med (Wars) 2020; 15:709-713. [PMID: 33336027 PMCID: PMC7712225 DOI: 10.1515/med-2020-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Carl Wernicke described the disease bearing his name in 1881 and reported three cases characterized by the presence of mental confusion, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. Wernicke's disease is mainly observed in alcoholic patients, due to decreased vitamin intake as a consequence of an unbalanced diet, and a reduction of absorption due to the effects of alcohol. Likewise, inadequate vitamin intake is prevalent in older patients. Wernicke's encephalopathy due to inappropriate total parenteral nutrition (TPN) occurs infrequently; recently, there is an increase in the literature concerning Wernicke's encephalopathy in patients after general and bariatric surgeries. We present two cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy after oncologic gastrointestinal surgery by failure to administer vitamin B1 during TPN; to our knowledge, these are the first two cases of Wernicke's encephalopathy after colorectal surgery for cancer. In our opinion, timely diagnosis and treatment are mandatory to avoid nonfunctional recovery and consequent malpractice legal actions as well as an increase in the health-care costs correlated with the prolonged hospital stay and with the nonfunctional recovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Richard Justin Davies
- Department of General Surgery, Cambridge Colorectal Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Roberto Cirocchi
- Department of Surgical Science, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Georgi Popivanov
- Department of Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Paolo Bruzzone
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia Generale e Specialistica “Paride Stefanini”, Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Giustozzi
- Department of Medicine, Internal Vascular and Emergency Medicine and Stroke Unit, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Half a million bariatric procedures are performed annually worldwide. Our aim was to review the signs and symptoms of Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) after bariatric surgery. We included 118 WE cases. Descriptions involved gastric bypass (52%), but also newer procedures like the gastric sleeve. Bariatric WE patients were younger (median = 33 years) than those in a recent meta-analysis of medical procedures (mean = 39.5 years), and often presented with vomiting (87.3%), ataxia (84.7%), altered mental status (76.3%), and eye movement disorder (73.7%). Younger age seemed to protect against mental alterations and higher BMI against eye movement disorders. The WE treatment was often insufficient, specifically ignoring low parenteral thiamine levels (77.2%). In case of suspicion, thiamine levels should be tested and treated adequately with parenteral thiamine supplementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erik Oudman
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Korsakoff Center Slingedael, Lelie Care Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan W Wijnia
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Korsakoff Center Slingedael, Lelie Care Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam van Dam
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Korsakoff Center Slingedael, Lelie Care Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laser Ulas Biter
- Department of Bariatric Surgery, Franciscus Gasthuis, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Postma
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Korsakoff Center Slingedael, Lelie Care Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Monden K, Sadamori H, Hioki M, Ohno S, Rikimaru M, Saneto H, Ueki T, Yabushita K, Sakaguchi K, Takakura N. Wernicke’s Encephalopathy after Pancreaticoduodenectomy: A Case Report. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1159/000499035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Wernicke’s encephalopathy (WE) is caused by thiamine deficiency and classically appears as changes in mental status, oculomotor manifestations, and gait ataxia. WE is mostly found in patients with chronic alcoholism and malnutrition, and has rarely been reported following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Case Presentation: A 77-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital complaining of loss of appetite and weakness of the lower extremities. No abnormalities were found on blood examination. One year earlier, she had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy for bile duct cancer, and pancreatic fistula developed as a postoperative complication. On hospital day 8, her level of consciousness deteriorated, and she experienced difficulty bending the lower limbs and walking. Computed tomography and upper gastrointestinal series showed dilatation of the residual stomach and stenosis of the gastrojejunostomy. Laboratory test results were normal except for blood gas analysis, which revealed severe lactic acidosis. A diagnosis of WE was suspected due to lactic acidosis secondary to thiamine deficiency. Definitive diagnosis was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Intravenous infusion of high-dose thiamine (1,200 mg/day) was commenced, leading to improvement of her neurological condition. Conclusions: Physicians should recognize that pancreaticoduodenectomy, when complicated by gastrojejunostomy stenosis resulting in pancreatic fistula, can lead to WE. In this case, blood gas analysis was helpful in arriving at the correct diagnosis. A high degree of suspicion should be maintained if any of the classical features of WE are observed following pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Collapse
|