The impact of obesity on surgical outcomes in patients undergoing emergency laparotomy for high-risk abdominal emergencies

Debunking the "Obesity Paradox": Obesity is Associated With Adverse Outcomes in Emergency General Surgery

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is increasingly prevalent both nationwide and in the emergency general surgery (EGS) population. While previous studies have shown that obesity may be protective against mortality following EGS procedures, the association between body mass index (BMI) and postoperative outcomes, as well as intraoperative decision-making, remains understudied.

METHODS

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program 2015-2019 database was used to identify all adult patients undergoing an open abdominal or abdominal wall procedure for EGS conditions. Our outcomes included 30-d postoperative mortality, composite 30-d morbidity, delayed fascial closure, reoperation, operative time, and hospital length of stay (LOS). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the association between BMI and each outcome of interest while adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, laboratory tests, preoperative and intraoperative variables.

RESULTS

We identified 78,578 patients, of which 3121 (4%) were categorized as underweight, 23,661 (30.1%) as normal weight, 22,072 (28.1%) as overweight, 14,287 (18.2%) with class I obesity, 7370 (9.4%) with class II obesity, and 8067 (10.3%) with class III obesity. Class III obesity was identified as a risk factor for 30-d postoperative morbidity (adjusted odds ratio 1.14, 95% CI, 1.03-1.26, P < 0.01). An increase in obesity class was also associated with a stepwise increase in the risk of undergoing delayed fascial closure, experiencing a prolonged operative time, and having an extended LOS.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity class was associated with an increase in delayed fascial closure, longer operative time, higher reoperation rates, and extended hospital LOS. Further studies are needed to explore how a patient's BMI impacts intraoperative factors, influences surgical decision-making, and contributes to hospital costs.

Association of High BMI With Morbidity and Mortality in Common Emergency General Surgery Procedures

INTRODUCTION

Emergency general surgery (EGS) patients are at increased risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. Obesity is a risk factor for poor outcomes in this population. Our study aimed to explore the association of body mass index (BMI) with postoperative outcomes in patients requiring common EGS procedures.

METHODS

A retrospective review of the 2018-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database identified patients undergoing four common EGS procedures: large bowel resection, small bowel resection, cholecystectomy, and appendectomy. Patients were classified by BMI: normal weight (18.5-24.9 kg/m2), obesity classes I (30-34.9 kg/m2), II (35-39.9 kg/m2), III (40-49.9 kg/m2), and IV (≥50 kg/m2). Main outcomes of interest were major adverse event (MAE) and mortality.

RESULTS

From 2018 to 2020, a total of 82,540 patients underwent one of four common EGS procedures. On unadjusted analysis, obesity class IV had higher mortality rates compared to classes I-III (6.2% vs 3.1%, P < 0.001). Patients in obesity classes I-III had lower odds of MAE and death relative to those of normal weight. Compared to other patients with obesity, those in obesity class IV were at increased risk of MAE (odds ratio 1.27; 95% confidence interval 1.13-1.44) and death (odds ratio 1.69; 95% confidence interval 1.34-2.13).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with varying degrees of obesity have different risk profiles following common EGS procedures. While patients in lower obesity classes had reduced odds of adverse outcomes, those with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 were particularly at greater risk for postoperative morbidity and mortality. This vulnerable population warrants further investigation and increased vigilance to ensure high-quality care.

Sustained improved emergency laparotomy outcomes over 3 years after a transdisciplinary perioperative care pathway-A 1:1 propensity score matched study

BACKGROUND

Emergency laparotomy is associated with high morbidity and significant global health burden. This study aims to compare postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent emergency laparotomy before and after implementation of a emergency laparotomy pathway.

METHODS

This is a single-center study of all patients who presented with an acute abdomen and/or conditions requiring emergency laparotomy during pre-emergency laparotomy pathway (retrospective cohort from January 2016 to December 2018) and after the emergency laparotomy pathway (prospective cohort from January 2019 to December 2021). Patients who underwent emergency laparotomy for trauma or vascular surgery were excluded. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to address for confounding factors.

RESULTS

There were 888 patients (emergency laparotomy pathway, n = 428, and pre-emergency laparotomy pathway, n = 460) in the unmatched cohort. The mean age was 63.0 ± 15.4 years, and 43.8% had predicted mortality >10% using Portsmouth-Physiological and Operative Severity Score for the Enumeration of Mortality and Morbidity. The most common indication for emergency laparotomy was intestinal obstruction (30.5%). Overall incidence rates of major morbidity and 30-day mortality were 16.2% and 3.5%, respectively. There were 736 patients (n = 368 patients per arm) after propensity score matching. Demographic characteristics were comparable after propensity score matching. The emergency laparotomy pathway was associated with more patients assessed by geriatric medicine (odds ratio = 15.22; P < .001), reduced major morbidity (odds ratio = 0.63; P = .024), reduced intra-abdominal collection (odds ratio = 0.39; P = .006), and need for unplanned radiological and/or surgical intervention after index emergency laparotomy (odds ratio = 0.63; P = .024). Length of stay and 30-day mortality were comparable between the emergency laparotomy pathway and pre-emergency laparotomy pathway in both the unmatched and propensity score matched cohort.

CONCLUSION

Sustained improved postoperative outcomes were achieved 3 years postimplementation of the emergency laparotomy pathway .

Malnutrition in emergency general surgery: a survey of National Emergency Laparotomy Audit Leads

BACKGROUND

Patients who are malnourished and have emergency general surgery, such as a laparotomy, have worse outcomes than those who are not malnourished. It is paramount to identify these patients and minimise this risk. This study aimed to describe current practices in identifying malnutrition in patients undergoing a laparotomy, specifically focusing on screening, assessment, nutrition pathways and barriers encountered by clinicians.

METHODS

Following piloting and validity assessment, anaesthetic and surgical National Emergency Laparotomy Audit (NELA) Leads at hospitals across England and Wales were emailed an invitation to a survey. Responses were gathered using Qualtrics. Descriptive analysis and correlation with laparotomy volume and professional role were performed in SPSSv26. University of Sheffield ethical approval was obtained (UREC 046205). The results from the survey are reported according to the CHERRIES guidelines.

RESULTS

The survey was completed by 166/289 NELA Leads from 117/167 hospitals (57.4% and 70.1% response rates, respectively). Participants reported low rates of nutritional screening (42/166; 25.3%) and assessment (26/166; 15.7%) for malnutrition preoperatively. More than one third of respondents (40.1%) had no awareness of local screening tools; indeed, the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) was used by approximately half of respondents (56.6%). Contrary to guidelines, NELA Leads report albumin levels continue to be used to determine malnutrition risk (73.5%; 122/166). Postoperative nutrition pathways were common (71.7%; 119/166). Reported barriers to nutritional screening and assessment included a lack of time, training and education, organisational support and ownership. Participants indicated nutrition risk is inadequately identified and is an important missing data item from NELA. There was no significant correlation with hospital laparotomy volume in relation to screening or assessment for malnutrition, the use of nutritional support pathways or organisational barriers. There was interprofessional agreement across a number of domains, although some differences did exist.

CONCLUSIONS

Wide variation exists in the current practice of identifying malnutrition risk in NELA patients. Barriers include a lack of time, knowledge and ownership. Nutrition pathways that encompass the preoperative phase and incorporation of nutrition data in NELA may support improvements in care.

Surgical Outcomes in Different Age Cohorts Undergoing Abdominal Surgery: A Retrospective Study

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate and compare the surgical outcomes of younger and older patients after abdominal surgery and explore risk factors related to postoperative complications and in-hospital mortality in patients ≥65 years old.

DESIGN

A retrospective study on 540 adult patients who underwent abdominal surgery and stayed more than 48 hours in the hospital.

METHODS

The two groups of patients: younger than 65 years and ≥65 years old were compared related to postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, and mortality rates. The cohort of patients aged ≥65 years was selected to analyze risk factors for complications occurrence and in-hospital mortality.

FINDINGS

Patients ≥65 years old had poorer outcomes after abdominal surgery than younger patients. Pre-existence of comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification greater than two, emergency admission, and low preoperative serum albumin levels were risk factors for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly patients. Other risk factors for in-hospital mortality were the age ≥75 years, obesity, postoperative serum albumin level less than 30 g/L, presence of anemia before and after surgery, and occurrence of postoperative complications. Logistic regression revealed as independent risk factors for the postoperative complications the American Society of Anesthesiologists' physical status classification greater than two (odds ratio [OR]: 3.05, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.63-5.67, P = .0004) and preoperative serum albumin levels lower than 30 g/L (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.08-4.17, P = .02), while for in-hospital postoperative mortality, independent risk factors were postoperative anemia (OR: 4.13; 95% CI: 1.22-13.97, P = .02) and obesity (OR: 7.65, 95% CI: 2.59-22.57, P = .0002).

CONCLUSIONS

Optimizing the preoperative conditions of older patients will improve their postoperative outcomes, especially for patients ≥75 years old, with obesity, comorbidities, anemia, severe nutritional risk, and emergency admission.

High Body Mass Index is Associated With Increased Risk of Complications After Emergency Ventral Hernia Repair

INTRODUCTION

Emergency general surgery is a risk factor for postoperative morbidity and mortality. Patients with obesity are at greater risk for complications following ventral hernia repair (VHR). Our study aimed to determine the association of obesity with postoperative outcomes in patients requiring emergency VHR.

METHODS

Our retrospective study used the 2016-2020 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database to identify patients undergoing emergency VHR. Patients were classified by body mass index (BMI): normal weight 18.5-24.9 kg/m2, overweight 25-29.9 kg/m2, obesity 30-39.9 kg/m2, morbid obesity 40-49.9 kg/m2, and super morbid obesity (SMO) ≥50 kg/m2. The primary outcome of interest was surgical site infection (SSI).

RESULTS

From 2016 to 2020, a total 11,593 patients underwent emergency VHR. Patients with higher BMI had increased incidences of postoperative complications. Compared to other patients with obesity, SMO patients had higher rates of SSI (11.5% versus 5.5%, P < 0.001), prolonged ventilatory support (4.0% versus 1.5%, P < 0.001), length of stay ≥4 d (52.7% versus 42.2%, P < 0.001), reoperation (6.4% versus 3.4%, P < 0.001), and readmission (11.3% versus 7.2%, P < 0.001). Super morbid obesity (SMO) patients had increased odds of SSI (odds ratio [OR] 5.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.47-8.88), prolonged ventilatory support (OR 1.92, 95% CI 1.07-3.45), and reoperation (OR 1.97, 95% CI 1.26-3.09) compared to normal weight patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BMI ≥50 kg/m2 undergoing emergency VHR have increased overall incidences of SSIs, prolonged mechanical ventilation, reoperation, and readmission, and this remains significant when compared to other patients with obesity. This population is at significant risk for postoperative morbidity, and increased vigilance in perioperative management is imperative to ensure safe, high-quality care.

Association of body mass index with post-liver transplant outcomes

BACKGROUND

Patients with obesity have inferior outcomes after general surgery procedures, but studies evaluating post-liver transplant (LT) outcomes have been limited by small sample sizes or lack of granularity of outcomes. We evaluated the relationship between obesity and post-LT outcomes, including those observed in other populations to be obesity-related.

METHODS

Included were 1357 LT recipients prospectively enrolled in the ambulatory pre-LT setting at 8 U.S.

CENTERS

Recipient were categorized by body mass index (BMI, kg/m2 ): non-obese (BMI < 30), class 1 obesity (BMI 30-<35), and classes 2-3 obesity (BMI ≥ 35). Post-transplant complications were compared by BMI using Chi-square and rank-sum testing, logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier curves, and Cox regression.

RESULTS

Classes 2-3 obesity was associated with higher adjusted odds than non-obesity of venous thrombosis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.06, 95% CI 1.01-4.23, p = .047] and wound dehiscence (aOR 2.45, 95% CI 1.19-5.06, p = .02). Compared with non-obese recipients, post-LT hospital stay was significantly longer for recipients with classes 2-3 obesity [p = .01; median (Q1-Q3) 9 (6-14) vs. 8 (6-12) days) or class 1 obesity [p = .002; 9 (6-14) vs. 8 (6-11) days].  Likelihood of ICU readmission, infection, discharge to a non-home facility, rejection, 30-day readmission, and 1-year readmission were similar across BMI categories (all p > .05).

CONCLUSION

Compared to non-obese recipients, obese recipients had similar post-LT survival but longer hospital stay and higher likelihood of wound dehiscence and venous thrombosis. These findings underscore that obesity alone should not preclude LT, but recipients with obesity should be monitored for obesity-related complications such as wound dehiscence and venous thrombosis.

Quantification of Surgical Workflow during Robotic Proctectomy

Aim

Assessments of surgical workflow offer insight regarding procedure variability, case complexity and surgeon proficiency. We utilize an objective method to evaluate step-by-step workflow and step transitions during robotic proctectomy (RP).

Methods

We annotated 31 RPs using a procedure-specific annotation card. Using Spearman's correlation, we measured strength of association of step time and step visit frequency with console time (CT) and total operative time (TOT).

Results

Across 31 RPs, a mean (± standard deviation) of 49.0 (± 20.3) steps occurred per procedure. Mean CT and TOT were 213 (± 90) and 283 (± 108) minutes. Posterior mesorectal dissection required most visits (8.7 ± 5.0), while anastomosis required most time (18.0 [± 8.5] minutes). Inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) ligation required least visits (1.0 ± 0.0) and lowest duration (0.9 [± 0.5] minutes). Strong correlations were seen with CT and step times for IMV dissection and ligation (ρ = 0.60 for both), lateral-to-medial splenic flexure mobilization (SFM) (ρ = 0.63), left rectal dissection (ρ = 0.64) and mesorectal division (ρ = 0.71). CT correlated strongly with medial-to-lateral and supracolic SFM visit frequency (ρ = 0.75 and ρ = 0.65). There were strong correlations with TOT and initial exposure time (ρ = 0.60), as well as visit frequency for medial-to-lateral (ρ = 0.67) and supracolic SFM (ρ = 0.65). Descending colon mobilization was nodal, rectal mobilization convergent and rectal transection divergent.

Conclusion

This study correlates individual surgical steps with CT and TOT through standardized annotation. It provides an objective approach to quantify workflow.

The surgical patient of yesterday, today, and tomorrow-a time-trend analysis based on a cohort of 8.7 million surgical patients

BACKGROUND

Global healthcare delivery is challenged by the aging population and the increase in obesity and type 2 diabetes. The extent to which such trends affect the cohort of patients the authors surgically operate on remains to be elucidated. Comprising of 8.7 million surgical patients, the American College of Surgeons (ACS) National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database can be analyzed to investigate the echo of general population dynamics and forecast future trends.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The authors reviewed the ACS-NSQIP database (2008-2020) in its entirety, extracting patient age, BMI, and diabetes prevalence. Based on these data, the authors forecasted future trends up to 2030 using a drift model.

RESULTS

During the review period, median age increased by 3 years, and median BMI by 0.9 kg/m2. The proportion of patients with overweight, obesity class I, and class II rates increased. The prevalence of diabetes rose between 2008 (14.9%) and 2020 (15.3%). The authors forecast the median age in 2030 to reach 61.5 years and median BMI to climb to 29.8 kg/m2. Concerningly, in 2030, eight of ten surgical patients are projected to have a BMI above normal. Diabetes prevalence is projected to rise to 15.6% over the next decade.

CONCLUSION

General population trends echo in the field of surgery, with the surgical cohort aging at an alarmingly rapid rate and increasingly suffering from obesity and diabetes. These trends show no sign of abating without dedicated efforts and call for urgent measures and fundamental re-structuring for improved future surgical care.

Analysis of Variables Influencing Short-Term Complications in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Emergency General Surgery (EGS): A Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Emergency general surgery (EGS) encompasses a wide range of acute surgical conditions that pose significant risks to patient life and well-being. Understanding the factors that contribute to short-term complications in geriatric patients undergoing EGS is crucial for improving patient outcomes. This retrospective single-center cohort study aimed to evaluate the impact of various variables on short-term complications in geriatric patients undergoing EGS.

METHODS

A total of 212 patients aged 65 and above who underwent emergency abdominal surgery between 2017 and 2018 were included in the study. The analysis focused on several variables, including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), beta-blocker use, open abdomen treatment, blood transfusions, anticoagulant therapy, and vasopressor use. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess the association between these variables and short-term complications.

RESULTS

Among the analyzed variables, blood transfusions and vasopressor use demonstrated a statistically significant association with short-term complications. Patients who received blood transfusions had a significantly higher risk of complications, with an odds ratio (OR) of 3.01 (95% confidence interval, CI: 1.28-7.06, p-value = 0.011). Similarly, the use of vasopressors was strongly correlated with increased short-term complications, with an OR of 14.61 (95% CI: 4.86-43.89, p-value < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

These findings emphasize the importance of minimizing blood transfusions and careful consideration of vasopressor use in geriatric patients undergoing EGS to reduce the risk of short-term complications. Further research is warranted to explore additional factors and optimize perioperative management strategies to improve outcomes in this vulnerable patient population.

Effect of obesity on perioperative outcomes following gastrointestinal surgery: meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Obesity can pose perioperative challenges related to obesity-associated co-morbidities and technical factors. However, the true impact of obesity on postoperative outcomes is not well established and reports are conflicting. The aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effect of obesity on perioperative outcomes for general surgery procedures in distinct obesity subtypes.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed for studies reporting postoperative outcomes in relation to BMI in upper gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary and colorectal based on an electronic search using the Cochrane Library, Science Direct, PubMed and Embase up to January 2022. The primary outcome was the incidence of 30-day postoperative mortality among patients with obesity undergoing general surgical procedures in comparison to patients with normal range BMI.

RESULTS

Sixty-two studies, including 1 886 326 patients, were eligible for inclusion. Overall, patients with obesity (including class I/II/II) had lower 30-day mortality rates in comparison to patients with a normal BMI (odds ratio (OR) 0.75, 95 per cent c.i. 0.66 to 0.86, P < 0.0001, I2 = 71 per cent); this was also observed specifically in emergency general surgery (OR 0.83, 95 per cent c.i. 0.79 to 0.87, P < 0.0000001, I2 = 7 per cent). Compared with normal BMI, obesity was positively associated with an increased risk of 30-day postoperative morbidity (OR 1.11, 95 per cent c.i. 1.04 to 1.19, P = 0.002, I2 = 85 per cent). However, there was no significant difference in postoperative morbidity rates between the cohorts of patients with a normal BMI and class I/II obesity (OR 0.98, 95 per cent c.i. 0.92 to 1.04, P = 0.542, I2 = 92 per cent). Overall, the cohort with obesity had a higher rate of postoperative wound infections compared with the non-obese group (OR 1.40, 95 per cent c.i. 1.24 to 1.59, P < 0.0001, I2 = 82 per cent).

CONCLUSION

These data suggest a possible 'obesity paradox' and challenge the assumption that patients with obesity have higher postoperative mortality compared with patients with normal range BMI. Increased BMI alone is not associated with increased perioperative mortality in general surgery, highlighting the importance of more accurate body composition assessment, such as computed tomography anthropometrics, to support perioperative risk stratification and decision-making.

REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022337442 (PROSPERO https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/).

General Anesthetic Care of Obese Patients Undergoing Surgery: A Review of Current Anesthetic Considerations and Recent Advances

Obesity has long been linked to adverse health effects over time. As the prevalence of obesity continues to rise, it is important to anticipate and minimize the complications that obesity brings in the anesthesia setting during surgery. Anesthetic departments must recognize the innumerable risks when managing patients with obesity undergoing surgery, including anatomical and physiological changes as well as comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and malignancies. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to analyze the current literature and evaluate the current and recent advances in anesthetic care of obese patients undergoing surgery, to better understand the specific challenges this patient population faces. A greater understanding of the differences between anesthetic care for obese patients can help to improve patient care and the specificity of treatment. The examination of the literature will focus on differing patient outcomes and safety precautions in obese patients as compared to the general population. Specifically highlighting the differences in pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative care, with the aim to identify issues and present possible solutions.

An Assessment of the Relationship Between BMI and Children Undergoing Surgical Procedures: A Retrospective Study

Background: While multiple studies have documented that obesity increases the risk of operative complications among adults, little data exist on how obesity impacts surgical outcomes among children. We aimed to determine if children with obesity have different postoperative outcomes than their peers. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of 875 patients aged between 2 and 18 years who underwent surgery during 2018. Patients were stratified, based on BMI percentile for age, as having less than healthy weight (<5th percentile), healthy weight (5th-84th percentile), excess weight (85th-94th percentile), or obesity (≥95th percentile). Demographic information and data on medical comorbidities and postoperative complications were collected. All analyses were conducted using chi-square or Kruskal-Wallis testing. Results: Eighty-two patients were excluded due to lack of BMI data and 56 were excluded as they had below healthy weight. Of the remaining 737 patients, 475 (64.4%) had healthy weight, 124 (16.8%) had excess weight, and 138 (18.70%) had obesity. Children with obesity had more tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy (p < 0.01) and vascular access (p = 0.04) procedures compared with peers. Additionally, patients with obesity were more likely to have a pre-existing history of liver disease (p < 0.01) and more frequently developed postoperative wound dehiscence (p < 0.01). No other complications occurred more frequently among children with obesity. Conclusions: Children with obesity required more tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy and vascular access procedures. Wound dehiscence was the only complication that was associated with obesity. This suggests that children with obesity are not inherently more prone to experience surgical complications and therefore elective procedures should likely not be deferred until preoperative weight loss is achieved.

Ventral Hernia Repair and Diabetes Mellitus - A Prospective, Observational and Comparative Study of Outcomes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and obesity are known to influence postoperative outcomes in surgical patients. This study aimed to analyze the divergence in outcomes between patients with and without DM who underwent ventral hernia repair, while also assessing the additional impact of obesity on postoperative complications, hospitalization, and costs. A prospective, non-interventional, observational study was conducted over five years (2018-2022) at the First Surgical Clinic of Craiova Emergency Clinical Hospital. The study included 216 patients, with 42 (19.44%) having DM, half of whom were also obese. There were no significant differences in age between patients with or without DM. However, diabetes and obesity were more prevalent in female patients. The mean duration of hospitalization was 10.7±8.6 days, with no significant differences observed between patients with or without DM or obesity. Statistical analysis revealed that patients with DM had a higher incidence of seroma formation, wound infection, and hematoma formation compared to patients without DM. However, there were no significant differences in mesh infection, hospitalization days, or costs between the two groups. Similarly, no significant differences were found between obese and non-obese patients in terms of complications, hospitalization days, or costs. In conclusion, this study highlights that DM is associated with an increased risk of specific complications in ventral hernia repair, including seroma formation, wound infection, and hematoma formation. However, the impact of obesity on these outcomes appears to be limited. Individualized preoperative optimization and targeted interventions are necessary to mitigate the risk of complications in patients with DM or obesity.

Obesity and mid-term outcomes following robotic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

As obese adults often suffer from gallbladder disease, more data on postoperative outcomes following robotic cholecystectomy(RC) is needed.

METHODS

RC candidates with a body mass index(BMI) > 30 kg/m² were included. Postoperative course was documented and analyzed. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine possible risk factors associated with complications.

RESULTS

617 patients with a BMI of 35.9 ± 6.4 kg/m² were included of which 65 had complicated gallbladders (gangrenous, fistulated, or abscessed). Eight cases were converted to open. Sixty-five(10.5%) patients revisited the emergency department within 30 days, and 35(5.7%) were readmitted to the hospital. Average follow-up time was 35 months. Fifty(9.1%) patients experienced complications, eight(1.5%) underwent reoperation. Postoperative complications were associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease[p < 0.001, Odds-Ratio(OR):8.418, 95%-Confidence-interval(CI):4.029-17.585], BMI(p < 0.024, OR:1.045, 95%-CI:[1.006-1.086]), class-III obesity (p < 0.021, OR:2.221, 95%-CI:[1.126-4.379], and complicated gallbladders (p < 0.001, OR:3.659, 95%CI:[1.665-8.041]).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to establish a link between higher obesity classes and postoperative complications following RC.

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), and Frailty: Is There any Room for Good Outcome in the Elderly Undergoing Emergency Surgery?

Background

Patients with MetS or SIRS experience higher rates of mortality and morbidity, across both cardiac and noncardiac surgery. Frailty assessment has acquired increasing importance in recent years as it predisposes elderly patients to a worse outcome. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of MetS, SIRS, and with or without frailty on elderly patients undergoing emergency surgical procedures.

Methods

We analyzed data of all patients with nonmalignant diseases requiring an emergency surgical procedure from January 2017 to December 2020. The occurrence of MetS was identified using modified definition criteria used by the NCEP-ATP III Expert Panel: obesity, hypertension, diabetes, or if medication for high triglycerides or for low HDL cholesterol was taken. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) was evaluated according to the original consensus study (Sepsis-1). The frailty profile was investigated by the 5-modified Frailty Index (5-mFI) and the Emergency Surgery Frailty Index (EmSFI). Postoperative complications have been reported and categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo (C-D) classification system. Morbidity and mortality have been mainly considered as the 30-day standard period definition.

Results

Of the 2,318 patients included in this study, 1,010 (43.6%) fulfilled the criteria for MetS (MetsG group). Both 5-Items score and EmsFI showed greater fragility in patients with MetS. All patients with MetS showed more frequently a CACI index greater than 6. The occurrence of SIRS was higher in MetSG. LOS was longer in patients with MetS (MetSG 11.4 ± 12 days vs. n-MetSG 10.5 ± 10.2 days, p = 0.046). MetSG has a significantly higher rate of morbidity (353 (35.%) vs. 385 (29.4%), p = 0.005). The mortality rate in patients with MetS (98/1010, 10%) was similar to that in patients without it (129/1308, 10%). Considering patients with MetS who developed SIRS and those who had frailty or both, the occurrence of these conditions was associated with a higher rate of morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion

Impact of MetS and SIRS on elderly surgical patient outcomes has yet to be fully elucidated. The present study showed a 43.6% incidence of MetS in the elderly population. In conclusion, age per se should be not considered anymore as the main variable to estimate patient outcomes, while MetS and Frailty should have always a pivotal role.

Taking antithrombic therapy during emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis does not affect the postoperative outcomes: a propensity score matched study

BACKGROUND

Continuing antithrombic therapy (ATT) during surgery increases the risk of bleeding. However, it is difficult to discontinue the ATT in emergency surgery. Therefore, safety of emergency laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) for acute cholecystitis (AC) is still unclear. We aimed to clarify the affect of ATT during emergency LC for AC.

METHODS

Patients with AC were classified into ATT group (n = 30) and non-ATT group (n = 120). Postoperative outcomes were compared after propensity score matching (n = 22).

RESULTS

Higher level of c-reactive protein level and shorter activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) was observed in ATT group than in non-ATT group after matching. No significant difference was found between other patient characteristics and perioperative results. Blood loss over 100 mL was observed in 8 patients. Multivariate analyze showed that APTT was an independent risk factor for bleeding over 100 mL (P = 0.039), while ACT and APT was not.

CONCLUSIONS

Taking ATT does not affect the blood loss or complications during emergency LC for AC. Controlling intraoperative bleeding is essential for a safe postoperative outcome.