Reducing the neurosurgical waiting list burden: is it a futile endeavour?

BACKGROUND

Cancellation of elective operations during the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in the number of patients waiting for treatment. In neurosurgery, treatment for spinal diseases, in particular, has been disproportionately delayed. We aim to describe the waiting list burden at our institution and forecast the time and theatre capacity required to return to pre-pandemic levels.

METHODS

A retrospective evaluation of the waiting list records (both cranial and spinal), from January 2015-October 2022, inclusive, was conducted at a high-volume neurosciences centre. The average monthly decrease in the waiting list was calculated for the months since the waiting list was noted to fall consistently during or after the pandemic, as applicable. Five different scenarios were modelled to identify the time required to reduce the waiting list to the pre-pandemic level of December 2019. Data collection and analyses were performed on Excel (Microsoft).

RESULTS

At the pre-pandemic threshold (December 2019), 782 patients were on the waiting list. Between January 2015-January 2020, inclusive, an average of 673 patients were on the waiting list but this has doubled over the subsequent months to a peak of 1388 patients in December 2021. Between December 2021-October 2022, on average, the waiting list reduced by 18 per month. At the current rate of change, the waiting list would fall to the pre-pandemic level by October 2024, an interval of 24 months. A seven-day service would require 18 months to clear the backlog. Doubling or tripling the current rate of change would require 12 months and 8 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-existing, pandemic-related, and new NHS-wide challenges continue to have negative influences on reducing the backlog. Proposals for surgical hubs to tackle this carry the risks of removing staff from hospitals which cannot avoid emergency/urgent operating thereby further reducing those institutions' capacity to undertake elective work.

[Security protocols adapted to COVID-19 in elective surgery thru 2021]

BACKGROUND

Medical personnel are among the populations with the most infections and morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate patient and health personnel safety in anesthetic procedures of elective surgeries during COVID-19 pandemic in a 3rd level care Hospital in Puebla, Mexico.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Descriptive, prospective, analytical study in a 3rd level care unit of the Mexican Social Security Institute in Puebla, Mexico. Elective surgeries from all shifts and any specialty, whose staff signed informed consent, were included. The modified surgical safety checklist for COVID 19, from the World Federation of Societies of Anesthesiologists, was applied.

RESULTS

170 surgeries were evaluated, the predominant specialties were oncosurgery (39.41%), urology (25.29%) and general surgery (14.71%). The most used anesthetic technique was general anesthesia (47.05%); 10.12% accomplished safe intubation/extubation protocols, presence of essential personnel in 6.34%. The use of personal protective equipment decreased during the stages of the pandemic, the use of face masks by medical personnel/patients is the most frequent (100%).

CONCLUSIONS

Security measures have decreased. Adequate security protocols must be continued to avoid new infections. Basic protection measures, the use of personal protective equipment and other protection strategies must persist.

[Risk Factors Associated with the Refusal of Surgery Vouchers: The Case of Central Portugal]

INTRODUCTION

In Portugal, the rate of refusals regarding transfer between hospitals through surgery vouchers is high, which makes it difficult to meet maximum waiting times for elective surgeries. The objectives of this study are to examine how many vouchers were issued and refused between the third quarter of 2016 and the fourth quarter of 2019 and the risk factors associated with their refusal, in Central Portugal Material and Methods: Data was obtained in the database of cancelled vouchers and the waiting list for surgery on the 31st December 2019. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate risk factors.

RESULTS

The number of issued vouchers increased after 2018 and the rate of refusals has been above 55% since the 3rd quarter of 2018. Refusal was more likely for individuals aged 55 years or above (OR = 1.136; CI = 1.041 - 1.240; OR = 1.095; CI = 1.005 - 1.194; OR = 1.098; CI = 1.002 - 1.203, for the age bands 55 - 64, 65 - 74 and 75 - 84, respectively), for inpatient surgery when compared to ambulatory (OR = 2.498; CI = 2.343 - 2.663) and for Orthopaedics when compared to General Surgery (OR = 1.123; CI = 1.037 - 1.217). The odds of refusal also varied across hospitals (for example OR = 3.853; CI = 3.610 - 4.113; OR = 3.600; CI = 3.171 - 4.087; OR = 2.751; CI =3.383 - 3.175 e OR = 1.337; CI = 1.092 - 1.637, for hospitals identified as HO_2, HO_7, HO_4 and HO_6, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this study, we have confirmed that the number of issued surgery vouchers increased after the administrative reduction of maximum waiting times in 2018 and that the rate of transfer refusals has been increasing since 2016 and has remained above 55% from the third trimester of 2018 onwards. Some of the factors for which we obtained a positive association with refusal are age, inpatient surgery (compared to ambulatory) and Orthopaedics (compared to General Surgery).

The impact of preoperative glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) on postoperative complications after elective major abdominal surgery: a meta-analysis

Background

Diabetes is a risk factor for postoperative complications. Previous meta-analyses have shown that elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels are associated with postoperative complications in various surgical populations. However, this is the first meta-analysis to investigate the association between preoperative HbA1c levels and postoperative complications in patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery.

Methods

PRISMA guidelines were adhered to for this study. Six databases were searched up to April 1, 2020. Primary studies investigating the effect of HbA1c levels on postoperative complications after elective major abdominal surgery were included. Risk of bias and quality of evidence assessments were performed. Data were pooled using a random effects model. Meta-regression was performed to evaluate different HbA1c cut-off values.

Results

Twelve observational studies (25,036 patients) were included. Most studies received a ‘good’ and ‘moderate quality’ score using the NOS and GRADE, respectively. Patients with a high HbA1c had a greater risk of anastomotic leaks (odds ratio [OR]: 2.80, 95% CI [1.63, 4.83], P < 0.001), wound infections (OR: 1.21, 95% CI [1.08, 1.36], P = 0.001), major complications defined as Clavien-Dindo [CD] 3–5 (OR: 2.16, 95% CI [1.54, 3.01], P < 0.001), and overall complications defined as CD 1–5 (OR: 2.12, 95% CI [1.48, 3.04], P < 0.001).

Conclusions

An HbA1c between 6% and 7% is associated with higher risks of anastomotic leaks, wound infections, major complications, and overall postoperative complications. Therefore, guidelines with an HbA1c threshold > 7% may be putting pre-optimized patients at risk. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to explore causation before policy changes are made.

Contribution margin per hour of operating room to reallocate unutilized operating room time: a cost-effectiveness analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Contribution margin per hour (CMH) has been proposed in healthcare systems to increase the profitability of operating suites. The aim of our study is to propose a simple and reproducible model to calculate CMH and to increase cost-effectiveness.

METHODS

For the ten most commonly performed surgical procedures at our Institution, we prospectively collected their diagnosis-related group (DRG) reimbursement, variable costs and mean procedural time. We quantified the portion of total staffed operating room time to be reallocated with a minimal risk of overrun. Moreover, we calculated the total CMH with a random reallocation on a first come-first served basis. Finally, prioritizing procedures with higher CMH, we ran a simulation by calculating the total CMH.

RESULTS

Over a two-months period, we identified 14.5 hours of unutilized operating room to reallocate. In the case of a random "first come-first serve" basis, the total earnings were 87,117 United States dollars (USD). Conversely, with a reallocation which prioritized procedures with a high CMH, it was possible to earn 140,444 USD (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Surgical activity may be one of the most profitable activities for hospitals, but a cost-effective management requires a comprehension of its cost profile. Reallocation of unused operating room time according to CMH may represent a simple, reproducible and reliable tool for elective cases on a waiting list. In our experience, it helped improving the operating suite cost-effectiveness.

Effectiveness of Iron Supplementation With or Without Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents on Red Blood Cell Utilization in Patients With Preoperative Anaemia Undergoing Elective Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Patient Blood Management (PBM) is an evidence-based, multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach to optimizing the care of patients who might need a blood transfusion. This systematic review aimed to collect the best available evidence on the effectiveness of preoperative iron supplementation with or without erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) on red blood cell (RBC) utilization in all-cause anaemic patients scheduled for elective surgery. Five databases and two trial registries were screened. Primary outcomes were the number of patients and the number of RBC units transfused. Effect estimates were synthesized by conducting meta-analyses. GRADE (Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) was used to assess the certainty of evidence. We identified 29 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 2 non-RCTs comparing the effectiveness of preoperative iron monotherapy, or iron + ESAs, to control (no treatment, usual care, placebo). We found that: (1) IV and/or oral iron monotherapy may not result in a reduced number of units transfused and IV iron may not reduce the number of patients transfused (low-certainty evidence); (2) uncertainty exists whether the administration route of iron therapy (IV vs oral) differentially affects RBC utilization (very low-certainty evidence); (3) IV ferric carboxymaltose monotherapy may not result in a different number of patients transfused compared to IV iron sucrose monotherapy (low-certainty evidence); (4) oral iron + ESAs probably results in a reduced number of patients transfused and number of units transfused (moderate-certainty evidence); (5) IV iron + ESAs may result in a reduced number of patients transfused (low-certainty evidence); (6) oral and/or IV iron + ESAs probably results in a reduced number of RBC units transfused in transfused patients (moderate-certainty evidence); (7) uncertainty exists about the effect of oral and/or IV iron + ESAs on the number of patients requiring transfusion of multiple units (very low-certainty evidence). Effect estimates of different haematological parameters and length of stay were synthesized as secondary outcomes. In conclusion, in patients with anaemia of any cause scheduled for elective surgery, the preoperative administration of iron monotherapy may not result in a reduced number of patients or units transfused (low-certainty evidence). Iron supplementation in addition to ESAs probably results in a reduced RBC utilization (moderate-certainty evidence).

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic in a Brazilian High-Volume Aortic Center

Introduction

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic brought an unprecedented lack of control of what was to come. The intent of this document is to provide a balance of how much was ceased to be done for patients with aortic disease, to assess the mortality of these patients, and to show what happened to those who became COVID-19 positive during their hospitalization.

Methods

From April 1st to July 31st 2020, the worst period of the pandemic in São Paulo, Brazil, the Institute’s aortic surgical patients operated on were evaluated and those were compared with patients operated during the same period in 2019.

Results

In 2019, 88 surgeries were performed; most of them were elective (66 [75%]), 10 were urgent, and 12 were emergency surgeries. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we operated on only 31 patients, being 74.2% non-elective surgeries (P<0,001). There was a higher mortality for patients operated on during the pandemic surge of COVID-19 (P<0,001), but it was not specifically related to infected patients.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on surgical volume and outcome of patients with aortic disease, although it did not directly increase mortality.

[How to Resume Elective Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures during the COVID-19 Pandemic?]

This document was prepared by the College of Orthopedics of the Portuguese Medical Association with the aim of developing the guidelines on the resumption of elective surgical activity in Orthopedics during the COVID-19 pandemic. It sets the criteria that allow the prioritization of surgeries according to the severity of the clinical situation, based on existing and published classifications. Moreover, it provides an organizational model for patient preparation and describes the patient pathways in the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative periods. It also describes safety rules for elective surgery and a model for monitoring patients after discharge according to scientific evidence.

Planning and analysing 'Green' post-COVID-19 orthopaedic perioperative recovery pathway

The effect of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic on the National Health Service in the United Kingdom has been profound and unprecedented with suspension of most elective surgeries. As we are emerging from lockdown now, restarting elective surgical procedures in a safe and effective manner is an expected challenge. Many perioperative factors including patient prioritisation, risk assessment, health infrastructure and infection prevention strategies need to be considered for patient safety. The British Orthopaedic Association, along with the National Health Service, have provided recent guidelines for restarting non-urgent and orthopaedic care in the United Kingdom. In this article we review the current guidelines and literature to provide some clarity for clinical practice.

In-Hospital and Long-Term outcomes after Open-Heart Surgery in Turkish Octogenarians: a Single-Center Study

Objective

We aimed to analyze the early and long-term results of open-heart surgery in Turkish patients aged 80 years or older who were operated on at our center.

Methods

All patients aged 80 years or older who underwent surgery between January 2000 and December 2013 at a high-level heart center were included in the study. The in-hospital data of study patients were obtained from the electronic database and from the hospital files. Survival data were analyzed as a long-term outcome.

Results

A total of 245 patients aged 80-93 years were evaluated in the study. The patients were followed up 5.4±3.7 years after open-heart surgery. In-hospital mortality rates were 10% in elective cases and 15.1% overall. Age ≥85 years, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emergency surgery were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. The median survival time was found to be 4.4±0.3 years for all participants. The long-term survival of patients who underwent emergency cardiac surgery was significantly lower than that of elective patients (log-rank <0.001).

Conclusion

Octogenarians have satisfactory long-term outcomes after open-heart surgery when operated electively. On the other hand, patients operated under emergency conditions have worse in-hospital outcomes and long-term follow-up results.

Association of Preoperative Hemoglobin A1c with In-hospital Mortality Following Valvular Heart Surgery

Objective

To determine the association between the preoperative level of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and in-hospital mortality in patients who underwent valvular heart surgery in our center in a retrospective cohort.

Methods

In this retrospective consecutive cohort study, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were referred to our center for elective valvular surgery were enrolled and followed up. The endpoint of this study was in-hospital mortality. Based on the level of HbA1c, patients were dichotomized around a level of 7% into two groups: exposed patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% and unexposed patients with HbA1c < 7%. Then, the study variables were compared between the two groups.

Results

Two hundred twenty-four diabetic patients who were candidates for valvular surgery were enrolled; 106 patients (47.3%) had HbA1c < 7%, and 118 patients (52.6%) had HbA1c ≥ 7%. The duration of diabetes was higher in patients with HbA1c ≥ 7% (P=0.007). Thirteen (5.8%) patients died during hospital admission, of which nine patients were in the high HbA1c group. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding in-hospital mortality (P=0.899). Both the unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models showed that HbA1c was not a predictor for in-hospital mortality (P=0.227 and P=0.388, respectively)

Conclusion

This study showed no association between preoperative HbA1c levels and in-hospital mortality in candidates for valvular heart surgery.

ERAS® Program in a Portuguese Hospital: Results from Elective Colorectal Surgery after One Year of Implementation

INTRODUCTION

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® program comprises the implementation of various perioperative measures that reduce surgical stress and ultimately improve patient recovery and outcome. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the first-year compliance and clinical outcomes after implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® program in elective colorectal surgery in our hospital.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An analysis was performed on the 210 patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery from May 2016 to December 2017. The group of patients that underwent surgery after the protocol implementation (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® group) was compared to a conventional care control group (pre- Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® group). Differences between the two groups were adjusted using Propensity Score matching. The main outcomes were length of stay, return of bowel function, complications and mortality. The evolution of compliance with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® principles was also analyzed.

RESULTS

After propensity score matching, 112 patients were included in the present study: 56 patients formed the pre-Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® group and 56 the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® group. The overall adherence to the protocol increased from 35.7% to 80.8%. There was a decrease in length of stay, time to return of bowel function and medical complications.

DISCUSSION

The Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® program is safe and seems to shorten length of stay and improve patient recovery and clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the implementation of the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery® program was possible in Hospital Beatriz Ângelo, with a positive impact in the immediate postoperative recovery of colorectal patients.

Chylous Ascites Developing after Open Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in a Patient with Marfan Syndrome

Chylous ascites is the pathologic accumulation of chylous fluid in the peritoneal cavity, caused by lymphomas, metastatic malignancies, and abdominal surgeries, rarely due to surgical trauma of the cisterna chyli or its major branches. A 24-year-old man with history of Marfan syndrome presented to our hospital with abdominal distention, abdominal pain, fluid in the incision region, and weakness. He had underwent an elective open aneurysm repair surgery nine days before for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography revealed massive fluid collection in the abdominal cavity, which was drained surgically. He was diagnosed with chylous ascites and was discharged after conservative treatment.

Prognostic Value of Coronary Dominance in Patients Undergoing Elective Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

Objective

To evaluate the clinical impact of coronary dominance type in terms of early and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

A total of 844 consecutive patients who underwent elective CABG were divided into two groups based on preoperative angiographic views as left dominant (LD) and right dominant or co-dominant (RD+CD). The measured outcomes were postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, long-term mortality, and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE).

Results

RD+CD was present in 87.9% (n=742) and LD in 12.1% (n=102) of patients. Postoperative complications, 30-day mortality, and 30-day readmissions were similar in both groups. The median duration of follow-up was 3.4 years. LD was not an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89-2.45, P=0.12), but it was an independent predictor of MACCE in the long term (adjusted HR 2.18, 95% CI 1.39-3.42, P=0.001).

Conclusion

In patients undergoing elective surgical revascularization, left coronary dominance is associated with increased MACCE risk in the long term. Therefore, the assessment of coronary dominance type should be an integral part of outpatient management after CABG.

[Obtaining Informed Consent for Anesthesia in Elective Surgery at a Tertiary-Care Hospital: Practices and Ethical-Legal Context]

INTRODUCTION

Informed consent is an active process of the doctor-patient relationship, based on ethical and legal principles. The anesthetic act has inherent risks, which should be subject of specific consent. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of implementation of written specific informed consent for anesthesia in the context of elective surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An observational prospective study, at a tertiary university hospital, in 230 patients aged 60 years or older, undergoing elective surgery between May and July 2017. Eligible patients who consented to participate were interviewed clinically on the day before surgery. In the postoperative period, the anesthetic technique and the existence of the written informed consent for the anesthetic and surgical procedures were assessed. Patients who were unable to give informed consent or those admitted in the Intensive Care Unit after surgery were excluded.

RESULTS

Written informed consent for the surgical procedure was obtained for 225 (97.8%), while it was obtained in just 96 (41.7%) patients for the anesthetic act. There was a higher prevalence of stroke, anemia, and higher Charlson and physical American Society of Anesthesiologists scores in patients without written informed consent for the anesthetic act.

DISCUSSION

We identified a low implementation of written informed consent for anesthesia. This situation may have important implications in the context of disciplinary, civil or criminal liability.

CONCLUSION

Despite its importance, the practice of written informed consent for anesthesia in this institution is not yet implemented on a regular basis.

What is the influence of single-entry models on access to elective surgical procedures? A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Single-entry models (SEMs) for the management of patients awaiting elective surgical services are designed to increase access and flow through the system of care. We assessed scope of use and influence of SEMs on access (waiting times/throughput) and patient-centredness (patient/provider acceptability).

METHODS

Systematic review of articles published in 6 relevant electronic databases included studies from database inception to July 2016. Included studies needed to (1) report on the nature of the SEM; (2) specify elective service and (3) address at least 1 of 3 research questions related to (1) scope of use of SEMs; (2) influence on timeliness and access; (3) patient-centredness and acceptability. Article quality was assessed using a modified Downs and Black checklist.

RESULTS

11 studies from Canada, Australia and the UK were included with mostly weak observational design-2 simulations, 5 before-after, 2 descriptive and 2 cross-sectional studies. 9 studies showed a decrease in patient waiting times; 6 showed that more patients were meeting benchmark waiting times; and 5 demonstrated that waiting lists decreased using an SEM as compared with controls. Patient acceptability was examined in 6 studies, with high levels of satisfaction reported. Acceptability among general practitioners/surgeons was mixed, as reported in 1 study. Research varied widely in design, scope, reported outcomes and overall quality.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first review to assess the influence of SEMs on access to elective surgery for adults. This review demonstrates a potential ability for SEMs to improve timeliness and patient-centredness of elective services; however, the small number of low-quality studies available does not support firm conclusions about the effectiveness of SEMs to improve access. Further evaluation with higher quality designs and rigour is required.

Cervical lymph node metastasis in adenoid cystic carcinoma of the sinonasal tract, nasopharynx, lacrimal glands and external auditory canal: a collective international review

OBJECTIVE

To review reports of adenoid cystic carcinomas arising in the head and neck area outside of the major salivary glands, in order to enhance the care of patients with these unusual neoplasms.

METHODS

An international team of head and neck surgeons, pathologists, oncologists and radiation oncologists was assembled to explore the published experience and their own working experience of the diagnosis and treatment of adenoid cystic carcinomas arising in the vicinity of the sinonasal tract, nasopharynx, lacrimal glands and external auditory canal.

RESULTS

The behaviour of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising in head and neck sites exclusive of the major salivary glands parallels that of tumours with a similar histology arising in the major salivary glands - these are relentless, progressive tumours, associated with high rates of mortality. Of 774 patients reviewed, at least 41 (5.3 per cent) developed documented regional node metastases.

CONCLUSION

The relatively low overall incidence of nodal metastases in adenoid cystic carcinomas arising in the head and neck region outside of the major salivary glands suggests that routine elective regional lymph node dissection might not be indicated in most patients with these tumours.

The Burden of Surgical Cancellations and No-Shows: Quality management study from a large regional hospital in Oman

OBJECTIVES

The operating theatre (OT) is a vital facility that utilises a considerable portion of the hospital's budget; thus proper OT utilisation is essential. Surgical cancellation is a leading cause of OT underutilisation. This study aimed to report the rate and reasons for surgical cancellations and no-shows in a large regional hospital in Oman.

METHODS

This study took place as part of a retrospective quality management project at the Ibri Regional Hospital, Ibri, Oman. All elective surgical procedures scheduled between January and December 2014 were included. Cancelled procedures were reviewed to determine the reasons for cancellation.

RESULTS

A total of 4,814 elective procedures were scheduled during the study period; of these, 1,235 (26%) were cancelled. Patient no-shows were the most prevalent reason for surgical cancellation (63%), followed by surgical reasons (17%); in contrast, OT-associated reasons were responsible for only 2% of cancellations. According to speciality, general surgery had the highest percentage of total cancellations (65%), while ear, nose and throat had the highest rate of surgical cancellations among their scheduled cases (42%).

CONCLUSION

Ibri Regional Hospital had a higher surgical cancellation rate due to no-shows than those reported in the literature. Regular audits, quality management projects and the appointment of a dedicated procedure booking coordinator may enhance proper utilisation of the OT, potentially saving funds, conserving resources and alleviating the burden of cancellations.