Enhanced recovery after surgery protocols in patients undergoing liver transplantation: A retrospective comparative cohort study

Effects of accelerated rehabilitation surgical care on the surgical site wound infection and postoperative complications in patients of lung cancer: A meta-analysis

To comprehensively evaluate the effect of accelerated rehabilitation surgical care on perioperative wound infections and complications in patients undergoing lung cancer surgery. A comprehensive computerised search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of accelerated rehabilitative surgical care applied to patients undergoing lung cancer surgery was conducted using the Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases from inception to September 2023. The literature was screened and evaluated by two investigators, and data were extracted from the final included literature. Stata software (version 17.0) was used for data analysis. Overall, 21 RCTs involving 2187 patients were included, including 1093 cases in the accelerated rehabilitation surgical care group and 1094 cases in the conventional care group. The analyses revealed that patients with lung cancer surgery who implemented accelerated rehabilitation surgical care were significantly less likely to develop postoperative wound infections (odds ratio [OR] = 0.29, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.17-0.49, p < 0.001) and postoperative complications (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.20-0.34, p < 0.001) and shortened the hospital length of stay (standardised mean differences [SMD] = -1.93, 95% CI: -2.32 to -1.53, and p < 0.001) compared with conventional care. The effect of accelerated rehabilitation surgical care intervention in the perioperative period of lung cancer surgery patients is remarkable, as it can effectively reduce the incidence of wound infection and complications, shorten hospitalisation time and promote patient recovery.

The influence of delirium on mortality and length of ICU stay and analysis of risk factors for delirium after liver transplantation

Objective

To analyze the incidence, timing, risk factors and prognosis of delirium after liver transplantation (LT).

Methods

The clinical data of 321 patients undergoing LT in the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from January 2018 to December 2022 were collected to investigate the incidence, onset, and risk factors for post-LT delirium and the impact of delirium on LT recipients' prognosis by statistical analysis.

Results

The incidence of post-LT delirium was 19.3% (62/321), and the median interval between LT and onset of delirium was 20.1 h. Univariate analysis showed that pre-LT variables (Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, hospital stay, hepatic encephalopathy, infection, white blood cell (WBC) count, lymphocyte count, abnormal potassium, lactulose use), intraoperative variables (red blood cell transfusion, remimazolam use, dexmedetomidine use) and post-LT variables (hypernatraemia, acute rejection, reoperation, basiliximab use, tacrolimus concentration) were associated with post-LT delirium. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that MELD score at LT ≥22 [OR = 3.400, 95% CI:1.468-7.876, p = 0.004], pre-LT hepatic encephalopathy [OR = 3.224, 95% CI:1.664-6.244, p = 0.001], infection within 2 months prior to LT [OR = 2.238, 95% CI:1.151-4.351, p = 0.018], acute rejection [OR = 2.974, 95% CI:1.322-6.690, p = 0.008], and reoperation [OR = 11.919, 95% CI:2.938-48.350, p = 0.001] were independent risk factors for post-LT delirium. Post-LT delirium was reduced in LT recipients exposing to intraoperative remimazolam [OR = 0.287, 95% CI: 0.113-0.733, p = 0.009] or ≥ 25 μg of intraoperative dexmedetomidine [OR = 0.441, 95% CI 0.225-0.867, p = 0.018]. As for clinical outcomes, patients with delirium had a higher percentage of staying at the (ICU) ≥7 d after LT than those without delirium [OR = 2.559, 95% CI 1.418-4.617, p = 0.002].

Conclusion

The incidence of delirium was high and the onset of delirium was early after LT. Risk factors for post-LT delirium included high MELD score at LT, pre-LT hepatic encephalopathy and infections, acute rejection and reoperation. Intraoperative use of remimazolam or dexmedetomidine reduced post-LT delirium. Delirium had a negative impact on the length of ICU stay.

Comprehensive quality initiative leads to immediate postoperative extubation following liver transplant

BACKGROUND

Immediate postoperative extubation (IPE) can reduce perioperative complications and length of stay (LOS), however it is performed variably after liver transplant across institutions and has historically excluded high-risk recipients from consideration. In late 2012, we planned and implemented a single academic institution structured quality improvement (QI) initiative to standardize perioperative care of liver transplant recipients without exceptions. We hypothesized that such an approach would lead to a sustained increase in IPE after primary (PAC) and delayed abdominal closure (DAC).

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 591 patients from 2013 to 2018 who underwent liver transplant after initiative implementation. We evaluated trends in incidence of IPE versus delayed extubation (DE), and reintubation, LOS, and mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 476/591 (80.5%) recipients underwent PAC (278 IPE, 198 DE) and 115/591 (19.5%) experienced DAC (39 IPE, 76 DE). When comparing data from 2013 to data from 2018, the incidence of IPE increased from 9/67 (13.4%) to 78/90 (86.7%) after PAC and from 1/12 (8.3%) to 16/23 (69.6%) after DAC. For the same years, the incidence of IPE after PAC for recipients with MELD scores ≥30 increased from 0/19 (0%) to 12/17 (70.6%), for recipients who underwent simultaneous liver-kidney transplant increased from 1/8 (12.5%) to 4/5 (80.0%), and for recipients who received massive transfusion (>10 units of packed red blood cells) increased from 0/17 (0%) to 10/13 (76.9%). Reintubation for respiratory considerations <48 h after IPE occurred in 3/278 (1.1%) after PAC and 1/39 (2.6%) after DAC. IPE was associated with decreased intensive care unit (HR of discharge: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.58, 2.33; P < 0.001) and hospital LOS (HR of discharge: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.76; P < 0.001) but demonstrated no association with mortality.

CONCLUSION

A structured QI initiative led to sustained high rates of IPE and reduced LOS in all liver transplant recipients, including those classified as high risk.

Clinically ill patients' experiences of early mobilisation after liver transplantation: a qualitative study using Pender's health promotion model

The aim of this study is to explore the factors influencing early mobilisation behaviours and patients' needs in critically ill patients after liver transplantation (LT). This interview study used phenomenological research, and Pender's health promotion model (HPM) was used to construct the interview guide. With the use of purposeful sampling, a total of 19 critically ill patients who experienced early mobilisation after LT were recruited at three tertiary hospitals in Beijing from August to November 2022. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using Colaizzi's seven-step method. Nine themes were categorised into the three domains of Pender's HPM. The first domain was individual characteristics and experiences: (1) symptoms of end-stage liver disease limiting premobility behaviours and (2) previous treatment experience affecting understanding of early mobilisation after LT. The second domain was behaviour-specific cognition and affect: (3) coexistence of benefits and concerns in early mobilisation after LT, (4) barriers to early mobilisation after LT, (5) high self-efficacy in early mobilisation after LT, (6) individual differences in early mobilisation and (7) support and encouragement from family, wardmates and medical staff. The final domain was behavioural outcomes: (8) the need for sufficient staff, a quiet environment, safety, goals, guidance and family participation and (9) a strong willingness to comply with early mobilisation plans. The three areas and nine themes extracted in this study are helpful for the long-term development of early mobilisation in patients after LT.

Enhanced recovery after surgery is feasible and safe in liver transplantation: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

The principles of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) are being applied to still more advanced procedures. Liver transplantation offers a unique opportunity for a multimodal approach including donor care as well. Our objective was to determine if ERAS was applicable and safe in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

METHODS

A national single centre retrospective study showing the implementation of ERAS from 2013 to 2019 with the proceeding 2 years serving as baseline. The primary endpoints were mortality, length of stay (LOS) in the ward and intensive care unit stay. Secondary endpoints were complications estimated by Dindo-Clavien classification, comprehensive complication index (CCI®) and re-admissions.

RESULTS

A total of 334 patients were included. LOS was significantly reduced from a median of 22.5 days at introduction to 14 days at 2019. Cold ischaemia time was reduced from a mean of 10.7 to 6.0 h and the use of blood products (erythrocytes, plasma and thrombocytes) from a median of 28 to 6 units. Complications were reduced in severity. Mortality and readmission rates were not affected.

CONCLUSION

ERAS principles are safe and recommended in patients undergoing OLT resulting in reduced severity of complications and LOS without affecting re-admissions or mortality.

Enhanced recovery after surgery in liver transplantation: Challenges and feasibility

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) started a revolution that changed age-old surgical stereotypical practices regarding the overall management of the surgical patient. In the last decade, ERAS has gained significant acceptance in the community of general surgery, in addition to several other surgical specialties, as the evidence of its advantages continues to grow. One of the last remaining fields, given its significant complexity and intricate nature, is liver transplantation (LT).

AIM

To investigate the existing efforts at implementing ERAS in LT.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the existing studies that evaluate ERAS in orthotopic LT, with a multimodal approach and focusing on measurable clinical primary endpoints, namely length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

All studies demonstrated a considerable decrease in length of hospital stay, with no readmission or negative impact of the ERAS protocol applied to the postoperative course.

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS is a well-validated multimodal approach for almost all types of surgical procedures, and its future in selected LT patients seems promising, as the preliminary results advocate for the safety and efficacy of ERAS in the field of LT.

The Global States and Hotspots of ERAS Research From 2000 to 2020: A Bibliometric and Visualized Study

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol has been implemented in surgeries for more than 20 years, this study investigated the global states and hotspots of ERAS research.

Methods

Based on the Web of Science database, a bibliometric and visualized study of original ERAS research from 2000 to 2020 was performed, including the trends of publications and citations; distribution of countries, authors, institutions, sources; study design, level of evidence, served surgeries and surgical disciplines. Hotspots were revealed by research interests and keywords.

Results

Within the field of original ERAS research, there was a rising trend in annual publications and citations. The USA was the greatest contributor. Kehlet, H, University of Copenhagen were the most influential author and institution, respectively. British Journal of Surgery and Annals of Surgery were the most cited journals. Though there were more prospective designs, more than half of the studies presented level IV evidence and had fewer citations and citation densities compared to that of level II and level III. ERAS protocol was overwhelmingly implemented in colorectal surgeries. Most studies focused on elements of ERAS, the top three research interests were “length of stay,” “pain management,” and “complications.” In recent years, bariatric surgery, compliance with ERAS, and feasibility in the elderly were new hotspots.

Conclusion

Revealing the global states and hotspots can help researchers better understand the trends in ERAS research. The USA was the greatest contributor to ERAS research. Kehlet, H, was the most influential author in the field. Bariatric surgery, compliance with ERAS, and feasibility in the elderly represent the new trend of ERAS research. Most of the ERAS research had a low evidence levels, studies with high-level evidence are still required in this field.

Textbook outcome among patients undergoing enhanced recovery after liver transplantation stratified by risk. A single-center retrospective observational cohort study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Liver transplantation (LT) is one of the most complex surgical procedures. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) aims to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. When patients achieve all desirable outcomes after a procedure, they are considered to have experienced a textbook outcome (TO).

METHODS

Two cohorts of patients undergoing low (n = 101) or medium risk (n = 15) LT were identified. The remaining patients (n = 65) were grouped separately. The ERAS protocol included pre-, intra-, and post-operative steps. TO was defined as the absence of complications, prolonged length of hospital stays, readmission and mortality during the first 90 days.

RESULTS

One third of patients who underwent ERAS after LT experienced a TO. On multivariable analysis, age (OR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01-1.09]; P = .02), and having hepatocellular carcinoma (OR, 2.83 [95% CI, 1.37-6.03]; P = .005) were individually associated with a greater probability of achieving a TO. Belonging to the cohorts of medium risk or outside the selection criteria was associated with a lower probability of achieving a TO (OR, 0.46 [96% CI, 0.22-0.93]; P = .03). Patients less likely to experience TO required more hospital resources. Patients who achieved TO were more likely to remain free of chronic kidney disease (achieved TO, 83.8% [82.7-85.6]; failed TO, 67.9% [66.9-70.2]; P < .05). Tacrolimus dose and trough levels were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

A novel finding of our study is that short and medium-term kidney function is better preserved in patients who experience a TO. Better kidney function of patients who achieve TO is not due to lower tacrolimus dosage.

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs improve short-term outcomes after liver transplantation - A systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review aimed to investigate the available quality of evidence (QOE) of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) for liver transplantation (LT) on short-term outcomes, grade recommendations and identify relevant components for ERAS protocols. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted on short-term outcomes after LT when applying comprehensive ERAS protocols (>1 ERAS component) versus control groups (CRD42021210374), following the GRADE approach for grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. Endpoints were morbidity, mortality, length of stay and readmission rates after ERAS for LT. Of 858 screened articles, two randomized controlled trials, 2 prospective and 1 retrospective cohort studies were included (2002 - 2020). Frequent ERAS components were early extubation and postoperative antibiotic, fluid and nutrition management. Overall complications were reduced in ERAS versus control cohorts (OR 0.4 (CI 0.2, 0.7), with no significant differences in mortality and hospital readmission rates. Intensive care unit and hospital length of stay were shorter in ERAS groups (percentage decrease, 55% and 29%, respectively). QOE for individual outcomes was rated moderate to low. ERAS protocols in LT are related to improved short-term outcomes after liver transplantation (Quality of Evidence; Moderate to low | Grade of Recommendation; Strong), but currently lack standardization. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Textbook Outcome Following Liver Transplantation

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome (TBO) is a patient-oriented composite criterion achieved when all desired main health outcomes are realized. The aim was to assess the incidence and the independent factors associated with TBO following LT.

METHODS

This bicentric study included all patients who underwent their first elective liver-only LT between 2011 and 2015. TBO occurred when all the following criteria were fulfilled: no mortality within 90 days, no major complications within 90 days, no reintervention within 90 days (liver graft biopsy, radiological, endoscopic or surgical interventions, or retransplantation), no prolonged intensive care unit stay, and no prolonged hospital stay. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with TBO and to assess whether TBO is an independent factor associated with patient and graft survival.

RESULTS

The study population included 530 patients. TBO occurred in 176/530 (33%) patients. Independent factors associated with TBO included the balance of risk score, the use of an intraoperative temporary portacaval shunt, and duration of the operation. TBO was identified as an independent factor associated with graft survival but not patient survival.

CONCLUSIONS

TBO might be implemented in the patient-doctor decision-making regarding whether to proceed with LT and in the reporting of patient-level hospital performance related to LT.