Parecoxib prevents early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty: A double-blind, randomized clinical consort study.

PubMed

Zhu, Yang-Zi; Yao, Rui; Zhang, Zhe; Xu, Hui; Wang, Li-Wei

2016-07-01

Trial design neuroinflammation and postoperative pain after surgery are increasingly reported in association with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD). Parecoxib, a selective cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 inhibitor, is used for postoperative analgesia for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. This study aimed to evaluate parecoxib's effects on POCD in elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. Around 134 elderly patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were randomly divided into parecoxib (group P) and control (group C) groups, and treated with parecoxib sodium and saline, respectively, shortly after induction of general anesthesia and 12-h postsurgery, respectively. Perioperative plasma IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and C-reactive protein (CRP) 1evels were measured. Postoperative pain was assessed following surgery. Neuropsychological tests were performed before surgery, and 1 week and 3 months postoperation. POCD incidence in group P was significantly lower compared with that of group C at 1 week after surgery (16.7% vs 33.9%; P < 0.05); no significant difference was found between groups C and P at 3-month follow-up (9.7% vs 6.7%). Compared with group C values, visual analog pain scale (VAS) scores at 3, 6, and 12 hours after surgery were significantly lower in group P(P < 0.05). Plasma IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were lower in group P than in group C after the operation (P < 0.05). No significant difference in the plasma CRP level was found between groups P and C. Parecoxib sodium decreases POCD incidence after total knee arthroplasty in elderly patients and may explain how this drug suppresses inflammation and acute postoperative pain caused by surgical trauma.

[Clinical significance of ropivacaine local infiltration for postoperative analgesia after total laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in elderly patients].

PubMed

Huang, Zhengjie; Xie, Yongjin; You, Jun; Xu, Lin; Chen, Yueda; Chen, Baisheng; Wei, Bin; Luo, Qi

2014-07-22

To explore the analgesic effects and postoperative recovery of ropivacaine incision infiltration in elderly patients after total laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. The clinical data were obtained prospectively from 61 elderly patients ( ≥ 65y) undergoing traditional total laparoscopic radical gastrectomy under standard general anesthesia at our department during January 2012 and September 2013. After surgery, they were randomly double-blindly divided into 3 groups: local infiltration of ropivacaine group (0.5% ropivacaine incision infiltration, 40 ml, n = 22), local infiltration of sodium chloride group (0.9% sodium chloride injection incision infiltration, 40 ml, n = 20) and control group (no analgesic, n = 19). The intensity of postoperative pain was evaluated by numeric rating scale (NRS). And 10 mg of morphine was administered intramuscularly as rescue medication when NRS exceeded 4.NRS, cases on remedy analgesia and associated side effects were observed and recorded after 6 h postoperatively. A comparative study was made for postoperative first ambulation time, intestinal function recovery time, complication incidence, postoperative hospital stay and medical expenses among three groups. Significant postoperative difference existed in NRS at 6, 12, 24, 48 h among ropivacaine, sodium and control groups respectively (6 h: 2.65 ± 0.25 vs 5.47 ± 0.12 vs 5.63 ± 0.27, 12 h: 2.42 ± 0.34 vs 5.82 ± 0.63 vs 5.67 ± 0.49, 24 h: 2.27 ± 0.83 vs 3.95 ± 0.51 vs 3.84 ± 0.60, 48 h: 2.05 ± 0.90 vs 3.75 ± 0.72 vs 3.74 ± 0.56, P < 0.05) . The patients with ropivacaine local infiltration had a lower rate of remedy analgesia than those with sodium chloride injection incision infiltration or without analgesic (both P < 0.05). There was no obvious adverse effect of ropivacaine infiltration at 48 h postoperatively. Both postoperative first ambulation and peristalsis recovery time were shorter (P < 0.05) in ropivacaine group ((53 ± 9) and (80 ± 6) h) than sodium group ((91

Extended Length of Stay in Elderly Patients After Lumbar Decompression and Fusion Surgery is May Not be Attributable to Baseline Illness Severity or Postoperative Complications.

PubMed

Adogwa, Owoicho; Desai, Shyam A; Vuong, Victoria D; Lilly, Daniel T; Ouyang, Bichun; Davison, Mark; Khalid, Syed; Bagley, Carlos A; Cheng, Joseph

2018-05-31

Hospital leaders are seeking ways to improve resource utilization and minimize long postoperative hospital stays. Common explanations for extended stay are baseline patient illness, postoperative complications, or physician practice differences. However, the degree extended length of stay (LOS) represents illness severity or postoperative complications remains unknown. The aim is to investigate the influence of postoperative complications and patient comorbidities on extended length of stay after lumbar spine surgery in elderly patients. In this retrospective cohort study from 2008-2014, we analyzed data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program for elderly patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. Patient demographics, comorbidities, LOS, and complications were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds-ratio for risk-adjusted LOS. The primary outcome was the degree extended LOS represented patient illness or postoperative complications. Of 9,482 cases, 1,909 (20.13%) had extended LOS. A minority of extended LOS patients had a history of relevant comorbidities-diabetes (21.76%), COPD (8.17%), CHF (0.94%), MI (0%), acute renal failure (0.47%), and stroke (2.23%). 93% of patients with normal LOS had no complication, 5.19% had one complication, and 1.69% had greater than one complication. Among extended LOS patients, 73.65% had no complications, 18.96% had one complication, and 7.39% had greater than one complication (p<0.000). Our study suggests much of the variation in LOS for elderly lumbar spine surgery patients is not attributable to baseline patient illness or postoperative complications and therefore, most likely represents differences in practice style or surgeon preference. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Clinical evaluation of influence of aspirin on post-operative bleeding after tooth extraction in the elderly].

PubMed

Wang, Wen-ying; Cui, Nian-hui; Wang, En-bo; Zhang, Wei

2013-05-01

To investigate the feasibility of continuation of aspirin before tooth extraction in the elderly. The patients enrolled in this study were the elderly requiring a single non-impacted tooth extraction. 300 elderly outpatients used lidocaine local infiltration anesthesia, 200 patients without using aspirin before tooth extraction served as control group I, 100 patients with prolong use of aspirin before tooth extraction as observation group I. 300 elderly outpatients used compound articaine local infiltration anesthesia, 200 patients without using aspirin before tooth extraction served as control group II, 100 patients with prolong use of aspirin before tooth extraction as observation group II.Bleedings at 5, 10, 30 min, 24 h after tooth extraction were observed and the relationship between postoperative bleeding and intake of aspirin was analyzed. There was no significant difference at 5, 10, 30 min, 24 h in postoperative bleeding after extraction between control group I and observation group. The incidence of bleeding of observation group II after tooth extraction at 5 min was higher than that of control group II and there was no significant difference at 10, 30 min, 24 h between the two groups. Continuation of aspirin have no influence on postoperative bleeding. Therefore we suggest that there was no indication to discontinue aspirin for the elderly before a single non-impacted tooth extraction.

Effect of parecoxib sodium pretreatment combined with dexmedetomidine on early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after shoulder arthroscopy: A randomized double blinded controlled trial.

PubMed

Lu, Jian; Chen, Gang; Zhou, Hongmei; Zhou, Qinghe; Zhu, Zhipeng; Wu, Cheng

2017-09-01

To evaluate effect of parecoxib sodium pretreatment combined with dexmedetomidine on early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after shoulder arthroscopy. Randomized, double-blind study. University-affiliated teaching hospital. One hundred and fifty-two elderly patients scheduled for shoulder arthroscopy. At 15min before the induction of anesthesia, 152 patients received intravenously parecoxib sodium 40mg and dexmedetomidine at a dose of 0.5μg/kg over 15min, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.5μg/kg/h until the end of surgery. Then all patients who received postoperative patient-controlled intravenous analgesia were divided 2 groups: sufentanil(0.04μg/kg/h, S group), sufentanil (0.04μg/kg/h) plus dexmedetomidine(0.06μg/kg/h) (SD group). The mini-mental status examination score in SD group was significantly higher than S group at 1, 2 and 7days after surgery. The incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction during 7days after surgery in S and SD groups was respectively 17.1% and 6.7%. Compared with the S group, the visual analogue scale scores at rest and upon movement were significantly lower at 6, 14, 24, 36 and 48h after surgery in SD group; analgesia pump liquid amount during 24h after surgery and number of rescue analgesia during 48h after surgery were significantly lower in SD group. Jugular venous oxygen partial pressure and jugular venous oxygen saturation values in SD group were significantly higher than S group at postoperative 24h. The occurrence of nausea and vomiting within 48h after surgery in SD group were significantly lower than S group. We found no complications including respiratory depression and sinus bradycardia within 48h after surgery in all patients. Parecoxib sodium pretreatment combined with dexmedetomidine could reduce the incidence of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients. This might be related to the improvement of postoperative analgesia effect and cerebral oxygen

The effect of lower limb rehabilitation gymnastics on postoperative rehabilitation in elderly patients with femoral shaft fracture: A retrospective case-control study.

PubMed

Yang, Si-Dong; Ning, Sheng-Hua; Zhang, Li-Hong; Zhang, Ying-Ze; Ding, Wen-Yuan; Yang, Da-Long

2016-08-01

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of lower limb rehabilitation gymnastics on postoperative rehabilitation in elderly patients with femoral shaft fracture after undergoing intramedullary nail fixation surgery.We collected medical records of elderly patients aged ≥ 60 years with femoral shaft fracture between 03/2010 and 03/2015 in Longyao County Hospital. Totally, 160 patients were identified and divided into the intervention group (n = 80) and the control group (n = 80). During the postoperative period, the intervention group received lower limb rehabilitation gymnastics treatment for 3 months, but the control group did not. All patients were routinely asked to return hospital for a check in the 1st postoperative week, as well as the 2nd week, the 1st month, and the 3rd month, after surgery. The clinical rehabilitation effect was evaluated by checking lower limb action ability, detecting the lower limb deep venous thrombosis (DVT), scoring muscle strength of quadriceps and visual analog scale (VAS) score, and performing satisfaction survey.At the 1st week and 2nd week after surgery, the clinical rehabilitation effect in the intervention group was better regarding lower limb action ability, lower limb DVT, muscle strength of quadriceps, VAS score, and patient satisfaction, as compared with the control group. However, there was no significant difference at the 1st month and the 3rd month after surgery when comparing the intervention group to the control group.In the early postoperative stage, lower limb rehabilitation gymnastics can effectively improve the recovery of lower limb function, beneficial to reducing postoperative complications such as lower limb DVT and muscle atrophy, and increasing patient satisfaction rate.

Intraoperative Infusion of Dexmedetomidine for Prevention of Postoperative Delirium and Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients Undergoing Major Elective Noncardiac Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PubMed

Deiner, Stacie; Luo, Xiaodong; Lin, Hung-Mo; Sessler, Daniel I; Saager, Leif; Sieber, Frederick E; Lee, Hochang B; Sano, Mary; Jankowski, Christopher; Bergese, Sergio D; Candiotti, Keith; Flaherty, Joseph H; Arora, Harendra; Shander, Aryeh; Rock, Peter

2017-08-16

Postoperative delirium occurs in 10% to 60% of elderly patients having major surgery and is associated with longer hospital stays, increased hospital costs, and 1-year mortality. Emerging literature suggests that dexmedetomidine sedation in critical care units is associated with reduced incidence of delirium. However, intraoperative use of dexmedetomidine for prevention of delirium has not been well studied. To evaluate whether an intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine reduces postoperative delirium. This study was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial that randomly assigned patients to dexmedetomidine or saline placebo infused during surgery and for 2 hours in the recovery room. Patients were assessed daily for postoperative delirium (primary outcome) and secondarily for postoperative cognitive decline. Participants were elderly (>68 years) patients undergoing major elective noncardiac surgery. The study dates were February 2008 to May 2014. Dexmedetomidine infusion (0.5 µg/kg/h) during surgery and up to 2 hours in the recovery room. The primary hypothesis tested was that intraoperative dexmedetomidine administration would reduce postoperative delirium. Secondarily, the study examined the correlation between dexmedetomidine use and postoperative cognitive change. In total, 404 patients were randomized; 390 completed in-hospital delirium assessments (median [interquartile range] age, 74.0 [71.0-78.0] years; 51.3% [200 of 390] female). There was no difference in postoperative delirium between the dexmedetomidine and placebo groups (12.2% [23 of 189] vs 11.4% [23 of 201], P = .94). After adjustment for age and educational level, there was no difference in the postoperative cognitive performance between treatment groups at 3 months and 6 months. Adverse events were comparably distributed in the treatment groups. Intraoperative dexmedetomidine does not prevent postoperative delirium. The reduction in delirium previously demonstrated

Perioperative psychological and music interventions in elderly patients undergoing spinal anesthesia: effect on anxiety, heart rate variability, and postoperative pain.

PubMed

Wang, Yisha; Dong, Youjing; Li, Yang

2014-07-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of perioperative psychological and music interventions in elderly patients undergoing elective surgery on anxiety, post-operative pain, and changes in heart rate variability (HRV) to ascertain if perioperative psychological and music interventions can affect overall anxiety levels. Fourty elderly patients undergoing elective surgery were randomized to two groups; one group received psychological and music intervention, and the other was the control. The intervention group underwent psychological intervention and listening to music for 30 min before surgery. The mean change in HRV as determined by low frequency (LF) power measurements. After the intervention, the ratio of mean LF to high frequency (HF) power decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to before the intervention (p<0.05). In the control group, mean LF measurements and the ratio of LF:HF did not change significantly. In the intervention group, mean HF power was significantly higher after the procedure than before (p<0.01). Moreover, the mean self-rating anxiety score of the intervention group decreased after the procedure compared to before (p<0.05). The mean visual analogue score of the intervention group 6 hours after surgery was significantly lower than that of the control group (p<0.01). Perioperative psychological and music interventions can reduce anxiety and postoperative pain in elderly patients.

Risk factors associated with outcomes of hip fracture surgery in elderly patients.

PubMed

Kim, Byung Hoon; Lee, Sangseok; Yoo, Byunghoon; Lee, Woo Yong; Lim, Yunhee; Kim, Mun-Cheol; Yon, Jun Heum; Kim, Kye-Min

2015-12-01

Hip fracture surgery on elderly patients is associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to identify the risk factors related to the postoperative mortality and complications following hip fracture surgery on elderly patients. In this retrospective study, the medical records of elderly patients (aged 65 years or older) who underwent hip fracture surgery from January 2011 to June 2014 were reviewed. A total of 464 patients were involved. Demographic data of the patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, preoperative comorbidities, type and duration of anesthesia and type of surgery were collected. Factors related to postoperative mortality and complications; as well as to intensive care unit admission were analyzed using logistic regression. The incidence of postoperative mortality, cardiovascular complications, respiratory complications and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were 1.7, 4.7, 19.6 and 7.1%, respectively. Postoperative mortality was associated with preoperative respiratory comorbidities, postoperative cardiovascular complications (P < 0.05). Postoperative cardiovascular complications were related to frequent intraoperative hypotension (P <0.05). Postoperative respiratory complications were related to age, preoperative renal failure, neurological comorbidities, and bedridden state (P < 0.05). ICU admission was associated with the time from injury to operation, preoperative neurological comorbidities and frequent intraoperative hypotension (P < 0.05). Adequate treatment of respiratory comorbidities and prevention of cardiovascular complications might be the critical factors in reducing postoperative mortality in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery.

Postoperative fever after hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients over 70 years of age with displaced femoral neck fracture: Necessity of routine workup?

PubMed

Yoo, Je-Hyun; Kim, Ki-Tae; Kim, Tae-Young; Hwang, Ji-Hyo; Chang, Jun-Dong

2017-02-01

Displaced femoral neck fracture in elderly patients has been treated with hemiarthroplasty as the treatment of choice. Fever following HA is common in these elderly patients. The aim of this study was to determine which post-HA fever workup could be beneficial in this group of patients. A total of 272 consecutive patients aged ≥70 years undergoing HA for displaced femoral neck fracture were retrospectively investigated. Postoperative fever (POF) was defined as any recorded body temperature ≥38°C in the early postoperative period. POF in each patient was characterized by the maximum temperature, the day of the first fever, and frequency of fever, stratified as either single or multiple fever spikes. Medical records were reviewed to identify positive fever workups and febrile complications. Of 272 patients, 135 (49.6%) developed POF. A total of 428 routine diagnostic tests were performed in all patients with POF, of which only 57 tests (13.3%) were positive. Urinalysis showed the highest positive rate (21.9%), followed by urine culture (14.3%), chest x-ray (12.6%), and blood culture (1.1%). The most common febrile complication was pneumonia (12.6%), followed by urinary tract infection (8.1%). On multivariate logistic regression for positive workups, only fever after postoperative day (POD) 2 was a risk factor for positive chest x-ray (OR 3.86, p=0.016) and urine culture (OR 5.04, p=0.019). Moreover, fever after POD 2 (OR 6.93, p<0.0001) and multiple fever spikes (OR 2.92, p=0.026) were independent predictors of infectious febrile complications. Routine workup for POF following hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fracture is not warranted. However, for fever after POD 2 and multiple fever spikes, chest x-ray and urinalysis would be necessary to rule out the two most common febrile complications such as pneumonia and urinary tract infection. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Postoperative plasma 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α levels are associated with delirium and cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients after hip fracture surgery.

PubMed

Zheng, Yuan-Bo; Ruan, Guo-Mo; Fu, Jia-Xing; Su, Zhong-Liang; Cheng, Peng; Lu, Jian-Zuo

2016-04-01

Oxidative stress may be involved in occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD) and cognitive dysfunction (POCD). 8-iso-Prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α), an isoprostane derived from arachidonic acid via lipid peroxidation, is considered a gold standard for measuring oxidative stress. The present study aimed to investigate the ability of postoperative plasma 8-iso-PGF2α levels to predict POD and POCD in elderly patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Postoperative plasma 8-iso-PGF2α levels of 182 patients were measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We assessed the relationships between plasma 8-iso-PGF2α levels and the risk of POD and POCD using a multivariate analysis. Plasma 8-iso-PGF2α levels and age were identified as the independent predictors for POD and POCD. Based on areas under receiver operating characteristic curve, the predictive values of 8-iso-PGF2α were obviously higher than those of age for POD and POCD. In a combined logistic-regression model, 8-iso-PGF2α significantly enhanced the areas under curve of age for prediction of POD and POCD. Postoperative plasma 8-iso-PGF2α levels may have the potential to predict POD and POCD in elder patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effect of pre-emptive analgesia by continuous femoral nerve block on early postoperative cognitive function following total knee arthroplasty in elderly patients

PubMed Central

Deng, Li-Qin; Hou, Lei-Na; Song, Feng-Xiang; Zhu, Han-Yue; Zhao, Hai-Ying; Chen, Gang; Li, Jing-Jing

2017-01-01

To the best of our knowledge, the effect of pre-emptively blocking pain transmission on acute postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has not yet been assessed. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of pre-emptive analgesia via a continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) on postoperative pain and early cognitive function following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery in elderly patients. CFNB was performed prior to TKA surgery in the pre-emptive analgesia group (n=30) and following TKA surgery in the control group (n=30). POCD was defined as a two-point reduction in the postoperative score compared with the preoperative score in the mini-mental state examination. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the intensity of pain at rest and during exercise. The intraoperative dose of remifentanil in the pre-emptive analgesia group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.01). In the preemptive analgesia group, VAS scores at three days post-surgery were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The incidence of POCD on the third postoperative day was slightly lower in the pre-emptive analgesia group compared with the control group. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that pre-emptive analgesia by CFNB may promote the recovery of early cognitive function following TKA in elderly patients. PMID:28413514

Effect of pre-emptive analgesia by continuous femoral nerve block on early postoperative cognitive function following total knee arthroplasty in elderly patients.

PubMed

Deng, Li-Qin; Hou, Lei-Na; Song, Feng-Xiang; Zhu, Han-Yue; Zhao, Hai-Ying; Chen, Gang; Li, Jing-Jing

2017-04-01

To the best of our knowledge, the effect of pre-emptively blocking pain transmission on acute postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has not yet been assessed. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of pre-emptive analgesia via a continuous femoral nerve block (CFNB) on postoperative pain and early cognitive function following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery in elderly patients. CFNB was performed prior to TKA surgery in the pre-emptive analgesia group (n=30) and following TKA surgery in the control group (n=30). POCD was defined as a two-point reduction in the postoperative score compared with the preoperative score in the mini-mental state examination. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the intensity of pain at rest and during exercise. The intraoperative dose of remifentanil in the pre-emptive analgesia group was significantly lower than in the control group (P<0.01). In the preemptive analgesia group, VAS scores at three days post-surgery were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). The incidence of POCD on the third postoperative day was slightly lower in the pre-emptive analgesia group compared with the control group. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that pre-emptive analgesia by CFNB may promote the recovery of early cognitive function following TKA in elderly patients.

Surgical Outcome and Hepatic Regeneration after Hepatic Resection for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Elderly Patients.

PubMed

Inoue, Yoshihiro; Tanaka, Ryo; Fujii, Kensuke; Kawaguchi, Nao; Ishii, Masatsugu; Masubuchi, Shinsuke; Yamamoto, Masashi; Hirokawa, Fumitoshi; Hayashi, Michihiro; Uchiyama, Kazuhisa

2018-05-14

The rising proportion of elderly patients (aged 80 yearsor above) in our population means that more elderly patients are undergoing hepatectomy. Five-hundred and thirty patients who underwent hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were retrospectively analyzed with respect to their preoperative status and perioperative results, including remnant liver regeneration. The remnant liver volume was postoperatively measured with multidetector CT on postoperative day 7 and 1, 2, 5, and 12 months after surgery. An elderly group (aged 80 or older) was compared with a non-elderly group (aged less than 80 years). Underlying diseases of the cardiovascular system were significantly more common in the elderly group (57.8%, p = 0.0008). The postoperative incidence of Clavien-Dindo Grade IIIa or higher complications was 20.0% in the elderly group and 24.3% in the non-elderly group, and this difference was not significant. As for regeneration of the remnant liver after resection, this was not morphologically delayed compared to the non-elderly group. In this study, we have demonstrated that safe, radical hepatectomy, similar to procedures performed on non-elderly patients, can be performed on patients with HCC aged 80 and older with sufficient perioperative care. © 2018 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Physical therapy in the postoperative of proximal femur fracture in elderly. Literature review

PubMed Central

Carneiro, Mariana Barquet; Alves, Débora Pinheiro Lédio; Mercadante, Marcelo Tomanik

2013-01-01

The proximal femoral fracture in the elderly is a serious public health problem. Surgical treatment of this fracture is used to reduce morbidity, together with postoperative physical therapy. The objective was to conduct a systematic review of physical therapy protocols in postoperative for fractures of the proximal femur in elderly. We selected randomized controlled trials in elderly in the past 10 years, in Portuguese and English. There were 14 articles in the literature. Physical therapy has an important role in functional recovery of the elderly. Level of Evidence I, Systematic Review RCTs (Study results were homogenous). PMID:24453665

Risk factors in surgical management of thoracic empyema in elderly patients.

PubMed

Hsieh, Ming-Ju; Liu, Yun-Hen; Chao, Yin-Kai; Lu, Ming-Shian; Liu, Hui-Ping; Wu, Yi-Cheng; Lu, Hung-I; Chu, Yen

2008-06-01

Although elderly patients with thoracic disease were considered to be poor candidates for thoracotomy before, recent advances in preoperative and postoperative care as well as surgical techniques have improved outcomes of thoracotomies in this patient group. The aim of this study was to investigate surgical risk factors and results in elderly patients (aged > or =70 years) with thoracic empyema. Seventy-one elderly patients with empyema thoracis were enrolled and evaluated from July 2000 to April 2003. The following characteristics and clinical data were analysed: age, sex, aetiology of empyema, comorbid diseases, preoperative conditions, postoperative days of intubation, length of hospital stay after surgery, complications and mortality. Surgical intervention, including total pneumonolysis and evacuation of the pleura empyema cavity, was carried out in all patients. Possible influent risk factors on the outcome were analysed. The sample group included 54 men and 17 women with an average age of 76.8 years. The causes of empyema included parapneumonic effusion (n = 43), lung abscess (n = 8), necrotizing pneumonitis (n = 8), malignancy (n = 5), cirrhosis (n = 2), oesophageal perforation (n = 2), post-traumatic empyema (n = 2) and post-thoracotomy complication (n = 1). The 30-day mortality rate was 11.3% and the in-hospital mortality rate was 18.3% (13 of 71). Mean follow up was 9.4 months and mean duration of postoperative hospitalization was 35.8 days. Analysis of risk factors showed that patients with necrotizing pneumonitis or abscess had the highest mortality rate (10 of 18, 62.6%). The second highest risk factor was preoperative intubation or ventilator-dependency (8 of 18, 44.4%). This study presents the clinical features and outcomes of 71 elderly patients with empyema thoracis who underwent surgical treatment. The 30-day surgical mortality rate was 11.3%. Significant risk factors in elderly patients with empyema thoracis were necrotizing pneumonitis, abscess

Effect of admission fascia iliaca compartment blocks on post-operative abbreviated mental test scores in elderly fractured neck of femur patients: a retrospective cohort study.

PubMed

Odor, Peter M; Chis Ster, Irina; Wilkinson, Iain; Sage, Frederic

2017-01-05

Post-operative cognitive impairment is common in elderly patients following surgery for hip fracture, with undertreated pain being an important etiological factor. Non-opioid based analgesic techniques, such as nerve blocks, may help reduce the risk of cognitive complications. The aim of this study was to investigate whether receiving a fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB) as part of a pre-operative analgesic regime increased the odds of high post-operative abbreviated mental test scores (AMTS) when compared with conventional analgesia without a nerve block. A retrospective data analysis of a cohort of 959 patients, aged ≥ 65 years with a diagnosis of hip fracture and admitted to a single hospital over a two-year period was performed. A standardized analgesic regime was used on all patients, and 541/959 (56.4%) of included patients received a FICB. Provision of the FICB was primarily determined by availability of an anesthetist, rather than by patient status and condition. Post-operative cognitive ordinal outcomes were defined by AMTS severity as high (score of ≥9/10), moderate, (score of 7-8) and low (score of ≤6). A multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis was performed on patient status and clinical care factors, including admission AMTS, age, gender, source of admission, time to surgery, type of anesthesia and ASA score. Admission FICB was associated with higher adjusted odds for a high AMTS (score of ≥9) relative to lower AMTS (score of ≤8) than conventional analgesia only (OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.27-2.54; p = 0.001). Increasing age, lower AMTS on admission to hospital, and being admitted from a residential or nursing home were associated with worse cognitive outcomes. Mode of anesthesia or surgery did not significantly influence post-operative AMTS. Post-operative AMTS is influenced by pre-operative analgesic regimes in elderly patients with hip fracture. Provision of a FICB to patients on arrival to hospital may improve early

[The geriatric perioperative unit, a high performance care department for elderly surgical patients].

PubMed

Papas, Anne; Caillard, Laurence; Nion, Nathalie

2011-01-01

For over a year Professor Marc Verny's geriatric department at Pitié-Salpêtrière hospital in Paris has had ten beds set aside for the perioperative care of elderly people. This geriatric perioperative unit (UPOG) offers patients the skills of a multidisciplinary team trained in the specificities of caring for elderly patients often suffering from polypathology. The team works closely together around a common goal: the rapid return of the patient's autonomy during the postoperative period, crucial for the future of elderly people. So far UPOG's results have been very positive, as more than 90% of patients regain their autonomy after a short and uncomplicated period of postoperative care.

A Multi-institutional Analysis of Trimodality Therapy for Esophageal Cancer in Elderly Patients.

PubMed

Lester, Scott C; Lin, Steven H; Chuong, Michael; Bhooshan, Neha; Liao, Zhongxing; Arnett, Andrea L; James, Sarah E; Evans, Jaden D; Spears, Grant M; Komaki, Ritsuko; Haddock, Michael G; Mehta, Minesh P; Hallemeier, Christopher L; Merrell, Kenneth W

2017-07-15

The therapeutic gains of neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (nCRT) followed by esophagectomy may be offset by increased incidences of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. This study aimed to determine the impact of age on the risks and benefits of trimodality therapy for esophageal cancer. We evaluated 571 patients treated with trimodality therapy at 3 high-volume tertiary cancer centers in the United States from 2007 to 2013. Two hundred two of 571 (35%) patients were 65 years or older at diagnosis and were classified as elderly. Toxicity and treatment parameters for the elderly cohort were compared with the younger cohort (ages 22-64) by the use of univariate (UVA) and multivariable (MVA) logistic analyses. Age was analyzed as a continuous hazard for cardiac and pulmonary toxicities. Survival was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Elderly patients had a higher risk for postoperative cardiac toxicities (UVA: odds ratio [OR] 2.2, P<.001; MVA: OR 2.07, P=.004) and pulmonary toxicities (UVA: OR 2.0, P<.001; MVA: OR 2.03, P<.001) and a higher 90-day postoperative mortality (5.4% vs 2.2%, P=.049). Of the elderly patients, 6.9% experienced acute respiratory distress syndrome compared with 3.8% of younger patients (P=.11). Cardiac toxicity was linearly associated with age, and the relative risk increased by 61% for every additional decade of age. There was no difference in postoperative gastrointestinal or wound adverse events or in length of hospital stay. Grade 3+ acute toxicities from nCRT were infrequent and were clinically similar regardless of age. Freedom from esophageal cancer and disease-free survival were similar, but overall survival was significantly shorter in the elderly cohort. Elderly patients experienced more postoperative cardiopulmonary toxicities and mortality than did younger patients after nCRT. Compared with contemporary outcomes for trimodality therapy, both cohorts had acceptable rates for adverse events and disease control. For

Risk factors and bacterial spectrum for pneumonia after abdominal surgery in elderly Chinese patients.

PubMed

Chen, Peng; A, Yongjun; Hu, Zongqiang; Cun, Dongyun; Liu, Feng; Li, Wen; Hu, Mingdao

2014-01-01

Postoperative pneumonia is a common complication of abdominal surgery in the elderly. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors and bacterial spectrum for pneumonia after abdominal surgery in elderly Chinese patients. We performed a case-control study in a total of 5431 patients aged 65 years and over who had undergone abdominal surgery at the 2nd affiliated hospital of Kunming medical college between June 2003 and June 2011. Postoperative pneumonia developed in 86 patients (1.58%). Gram-negative bacilli were the principal microorganisms (82.86%) isolated from patients. The most common organisms isolated were Klebsiella spp. (28.57%), Acinetobacter spp. (17.14%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.14%). Multivariate analysis confirmed the following to be independent risk factors for postoperative pneumonia in the elderly after abdominal surgery: age ≥70 (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.16-3.22, p=0.01), upper abdominal surgery (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.18-3.64, p=0.01) and duration of operation >3 h (OR 2.48, 95% CI 1.49-4.15, p=0.00). Identifying these risk factors may help achieve better prevention and treatment for postoperative pneumonia in elderly patients after abdominal surgery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Acute surgical treatment of perforated peptic ulcer in the elderly patients.

PubMed

Su, Yen-Hao; Yeh, Chi-Chuan; Lee, Chih-Yuan; Lin, Mong-Wei; Kuan, Chen-Hsiang; Lai, I-Rue; Chen, Chiung-Nien; Lin, Hong-Mau; Lee, Po-Huang; Lin, Ming-Tsan

2010-01-01

Emergency abdominal surgery is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, especially in the elderly patients, but prompt diagnoses and treatment should not be delayed. We conducted a retrospective review (1) to identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality among elderly patients admitted for emergent surgery of perforated peptic ulcers; and (2) to determine whether there were any differences between those who are 70-79 years old and those 80 years old and older. 94 patients who were older than 70 years old and underwent emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer between 2000 and 2004 in our institution were reviewed retrospectively. The following variables were followed: age, sex, comorbidity, previous medications, time from onset of symptoms/signs to surgery, time from arrival in emergent room to surgery, perioperative risks, operative findings, type of operation, morbidity, mortality and length of hospital stay. The age, morbidity, mortality and the length of intensive care unit stay were increased in Group 2 (>80 yrs) than Group 1 (70 to 79 yrs), but they did not achieve significant differences statistically. Time from symptoms/signs to emergency room over 24 hours, American Society of Anesthesiologist grade over IV and limited procedure showed significant contributions to postoperative morbidity on univariate analysis. Comorbidity, time from emergency room to operation room over 12 hours, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade over IV, peri-operative blood transfusion, postoperative morbidity and duration of ICU stays over 5 days were significant factors contributed to mortality on univariate analysis. Further analysis showed comorbidity, peri-operative blood transfusion, and postoperative morbidity were independent and predictive factors of mortality on multivariate model. Although perforated peptic ulcer in the elderly patients is associated with high morbidity and mortality, we should not delay the surgical intervention for patients with

Therapeutic experience of 289 elderly patients with biliary diseases

PubMed Central

Zhang, Zong-Ming; Liu, Zhuo; Liu, Li-Min; Zhang, Chong; Yu, Hong-Wei; Wan, Bai-Jiang; Deng, Hai; Zhu, Ming-Wen; Liu, Zi-Xu; Wei, Wen-Ping; Song, Meng-Meng; Zhao, Yue

2017-01-01

AIM To present clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies in elderly patients with biliary diseases. METHODS A total of 289 elderly patients with biliary diseases were enrolled in this study. The clinical data relating to these patients were collected in our hospital from June 2013 to May 2016. Patient age, disease type, coexisting diseases, laboratory examinations, surgical methods, postoperative complications and therapeutic outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS The average age of the 289 patients with biliary diseases was 73.9 ± 8.5 years (range, 60-102 years). One hundred and thirty-one patients (45.3%) had one of 10 different biliary diseases, such as gallbladder stones, common bile duct stones, and cholangiocarcinoma. The remaining patients (54.7%) had two types of biliary diseases. One hundred and seventy-nine patients underwent 9 different surgical treatments, including pancreaticoduodenectomy, radical resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma and laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Ten postoperative complications occurred with an incidence of 39.3% (68/173), and hypopotassemia showed the highest incidence (33.8%, 23/68). One hundred and sixteen patients underwent non-surgical treatments, including anti-infection, symptomatic and supportive treatments. The cure rate was 97.1% (168/173) in the surgical group and 87.1% (101/116) in the non-surgical group. The difference between these two groups was statistically significant (χ2 = 17.227, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Active treatment of coexisting diseases, management of indications and surgical opportunities, appropriate selection of surgical procedures, improvements in perioperative therapy, and timely management of postoperative complications are key factors in enhancing therapeutic efficacy in elderly patients with biliary diseases. PMID:28428722

Extended Length of Stay in Elderly Patients after Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion Is Not Attributable to Baseline Illness Severity or Postoperative Complications.

PubMed

Adogwa, Owoicho; Lilly, Daniel T; Vuong, Victoria D; Desai, Shyam A; Ouyang, Bichun; Khalid, Syed; Khanna, Ryan; Bagley, Carlos A; Cheng, Joseph

2018-04-22

Health care systems are increasing efforts to minimize postoperative hospital stays to improve resource use. Common explanations for extended postoperative stay are baseline patient sickness, postoperative complications, or physician practice differences. However, the degree to which extended length of stay (LOS) represents patient illness or postoperative complications remains unknown. The aim is to investigate the influence of postoperative complications and elderly patient comorbidities on extended LOS after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. This retrospective study was performed from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2014, on data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program. Patient demographics, comorbidities, LOS, and inpatient complications were recorded. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine the odds ratio for risk-adjusted extended LOS. The primary outcome was the degree extended LOS represented patient illness or postoperative complications. Of 4730 participants, 1351 (28.56%) had extended LOS. A minority of patients with extended LOS had a history of relevant comorbidities-diabetes (29.53%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (9.4%), congestive heart failure (1.04%), myocardial infarction (0.33%), acute renal failure (0.3%), and stroke (5.92%). Among patients with normal LOS, 96.8% had no complications, 2.7% had 1 complication, and 0.5% had greater than 1 complication. In patients with extended LOS, 79.4% had no complications, 14.5% had 1 complication, and 6.1% had greater than 1 complication (P < 0.0001). Our study suggests much of LOS variation after an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion is not attributable to baseline patient illness or complications and most likely represents differences in practice style or surgeon preference. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Association between Asymptomatic Urinary Tract Infection and Postoperative Spine Infection in Elderly Women : A Retrospective Analysis Study

PubMed Central

Lee, Seung-Eun; Park, Yong-Sook; Kim, Young-Baeg

2010-01-01

Objective The purpose of this study is to identify the relationship between asymptomatic urinary tract infection (aUTI) and postoperative spine infection. Methods A retrospective review was done in 355 women more than 65 years old who had undergone laminectomy and/or discectomy, and spinal fusion, between January 2004 and December 2008. Previously postulated risk factors (i.e., instrumentation, diabetes, prior corticosteroid therapy, previous spinal surgery, and smoking) were investigated. Furthermore, we added aUTI that was not previously considered. Results Among 355 patients, 42 met the criteria for aUTI (Bacteriuria ≥ 105 CFU/mL and no associated symptoms). A postoperative spine infection was evident in 15 of 355 patients. Of the previously described risk factors, multi-levels (p < 0.05), instrumentation (p < 0.05) and diabetes (p < 0.05) were proven risk factors, whereas aUTI (p > 0.05) was not statistically significant. However, aUTI with Foley catheterization was statistically significant when Foley catheterization was added as a variable to the all existing risk factors. Conclusion aUTI is not rare in elderly women admitted to the hospital for lumbar spine surgery. The results of this study suggest that aUTI with Foley catheterization may be considered a risk factor for postoperative spine infection in elderly women. Therefore, we would consider treating aUTI before operating on elderly women who will need Foley catheterization. PMID:20461166

Perception of barriers to postoperative pain management in elderly patients in Polish hospitals with and without a “Hospital Without Pain” Certificate – a multi-center study

PubMed Central

Dąbrowski, Sebastian; Basiński, Andrzej; Pilch, Dorota

2015-01-01

Introduction In 2005–2050, the global population of elderly people will increase by 12%. This will lead to increased demand for such healthcare services as hospital care or surgical interventions. Pain in elderly patients is a substantial problem. Insufficiently controlled postoperative pain continues to be a widespread phenomenon. Pain management in Poland is usually based on nursing care supervised by an anesthesiologist or surgeon. The aim of the study was to identify barriers to effective nurse-controlled analgesia in postoperative pain management in elderly patients in hospitals with and without a Hospital Without Pain certificate. Material and methods The study was conducted after the approval of the study protocol by the Independent Bioethics Committee for Scientific Research of the Medical University of Gdansk. The study project was multicenter and was conducted from July 2012 to December 2013. The research was questionnaire-based and used the Polish version of the Nurses’ Perceived Obstacles to Pain Assessment and Management Practices questionnaire. The project included 676 nurses from hospitals awarded the Hospital Without Pain Certificate and 926 respondents from hospitals without the certificate. Results After calculating the overall average result in particular groups, healthcare system-related problems were first among the barriers hindering pain management in elderly patients M = (C = 3.81, N/C = 3.87). Patient-related barriers were second (M = 3.77). Physician- and nurse-related barriers took the subsequent positions, with very similar scores M = (C = 3.47, N/C = 3.44) and M = (C = 3.46, N/C = 3.44), respectively. Conclusions The greatest barriers to pain management in elderly patients are related to the healthcare system. Nurses from Hospital Without Pain certified hospitals devoted significantly more time to relieving pain through non-pharmacological methods. PMID:27478463

Factors associated with and consequences of unplanned post-operative intubation in elderly vascular and general surgery patients.

PubMed

Nafiu, Olubukola O; Ramachandran, Satya K; Ackwerh, Ray; Tremper, Kevin K; Campbell, Darrell A; Stanley, James C

2011-03-01

Unplanned post-operative intubation (UPI) may be associated with significant morbidity and/or mortality after surgery. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the incidence and predictors of UPI in elderly patients who underwent general and vascular surgical procedures. Data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant Use Data File was used to calculate the incidence of UPI in all elderly vascular and general surgery patients undergoing operations from 2005 to 2008. UPI was defined as a requirement for the placement of an endotracheal tube and mechanical or assisted ventilation because of the onset of respiratory or cardiac failure manifested by severe respiratory distress, hypoxia, hypercarbia or respiratory acidosis within 30 days of the index operation. Univariate factors associated with UPI were identified. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) for UPI after controlling for known clinically relevant cofactors. Incidence of UPI as well as morbidity and mortality associated with UPI. Among 115 692 patients, 3.3% required UPI. Univariate predictors of UPI were older age group, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, low pre-operative functional status as well as emergency operation. UPI was associated with an 18-fold increased risk of death as well as significantly increased hospital length of stay. Multivariate analysis identified several predictors of UPI with re-operation having the greatest odds for UPI (OR = 4.5; 95% confidence interval = 4.29-4.86, P < 0.001). Although the incidence of UPI in this elderly surgical cohort was low, it was associated with significant morbidity and mortality as well as prolonged hospital length of stay, underscoring the need for accurately identifying modifiable risk factors.

Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Acute Cholecystitis in Elderly Patients

PubMed Central

Filho, Euler de Medeiros Ázaro; Galvão, Thales Delmondes; Ettinger, João Eduardo Marques de Menezes; Silva Reis, Jadson Murilo; Lima, Marcos; Fahel, Edvaldo

2006-01-01

Background: Acute cholecystitis is the major complication of biliary lithiasis, for which laparoscopic treatment has been established as the standard therapy. With longer life expectancy, acute cholecystitis has often been seen in elderly patients (>65 years old) and is often accompanied by comorbity and severe complications. We sought to compare the outcome of laparoscopic treatment for acute cholecystitis with special focus on comparison between elderly and nonelderly patients. Method: This study was a prospective analysis of 190 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis or chronic acute cholecystitis, comparing elderly and nonelderly patients. Results: Of 190 patients, 39 (21%) were elderly (>65 years old) and 151 (79%) were not elderly (≤65 years), with conversion rates of 10.3% and 6.6% (P=0.49), respectively. The incidence of postoperative complications in elderly and nonelderly patients were the following, respectively: atelectasis 5.1% and 2.0% (P=0.27); respiratory infection 5.1% and 2.7% (P=0.6); bile leakage 5.1% and 2.0% (P=0.27), and intraabdominal abscess 1 case (0.7%) and no incidence (P=1). Conclusion: According to our data, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a safe and efficient procedure for the treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients older than 65 years of age. PMID:17575761

Implants for elderly patients.

PubMed

Schimmel, Martin; Müller, Frauke; Suter, Valérie; Buser, Daniel

2017-02-01

In the developed world, the large birth cohorts of the so-called baby boomer generation have arrived in medical and dental practices. Often, elderly patients are 'young-old' baby boomers in whom partial edentulism is the predominant indication for implant therapy. However, the generation 85+ years of age represents a new challenge for the dental profession, as their lives are frequently dominated by dependency, multimorbidity and frailty. In geriatric implant dentistry, treatment planning is highly individualized, as interindividual differences become more pronounced with age. Nevertheless, there are four typical indications for implant therapy: (i) avoidance of removable partial prostheses; (ii) preservation of existing removable partial prostheses; (iii) stabilization of Kennedy Class I removable partial prostheses; and (iv) stabilization of complete prostheses. From a surgical point of view, two very important aspects must be considered when planning implant surgery in elderly patients: first, the consistent strive to minimize morbidity; and, second, the fact that coexisting medical risk factors are significantly more common in elderly patients. Modern three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography imaging is often indicated in order to plan minimally invasive implant surgery. Computer-assisted implant surgery might allow flapless implant surgery, which offers a low level of postoperative morbidity and a minimal risk of postsurgical bleeding. Short and reduced-diameter implants are now utilized much more often than a decade ago. Two-stage surgical procedures should be avoided in elderly patients. Implant restorations for elderly patients should be designed so that they can be modified to become low-maintenance prostheses, or even be removed, as a strategy to facilitate oral hygiene and comfort in the final stage of life. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Nonelective colon cancer resections in elderly patients: results from the dutch surgical colorectal audit.

PubMed

Kolfschoten, N E; Wouters, M W J M; Gooiker, G A; Eddes, E H; Kievit, J; Tollenaar, R A E M; Marang-van de Mheen, P J

2012-01-01

The aim of the study was to assess which factors contribute to postoperative mortality, especially in elderly patients who undergo emergency colon cancer resections, using a nationwide population-based database. 6,161 patients (1,172 nonelective) who underwent a colon cancer resection in 2010 in the Netherlands were included. Risk factors for postoperative mortality were investigated using a multivariate logistic regression model for different age groups, elective and nonelective patients separately. For both elective and nonelective patients, mortality risk increased with increasing age. For nonelective elderly patients (80+ years), each additional risk factor increased the mortality risk. For a nonelective patient of 80+ years with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of III+ and a left hemicolectomy or extended resection, postoperative mortality rate was 41% compared with 7% in patients without additional risk factors. For elderly patients with two or more additional risk factors, a nonelective resection should be considered a high-risk procedure with a mortality risk of up to 41%. The results of this study could be used to adequately inform patient and family and should have consequences for composing an operative team. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Evaluation of preoperative geriatric assessment of elderly patients with colorectal carcinoma. A retrospective study.

PubMed

Indrakusuma, R; Dunker, M S; Peetoom, J J; Schreurs, W H

2015-01-01

Elderly patients with colorectal carcinoma are screened with the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) questionnaire to identify frail patients. These patients are more at risk for mortality and morbidity and are referred to the geriatric specialist for assessment (Dutch acronym: DOG). The DOG assessment aims to preoperatively optimize the patient in order to improve postoperative outcomes. This study evaluates if the DOG assessment influences postoperative outcome after colorectal surgery. Retrospective cohort and match-control study. Elderly patients who underwent elective resection between 01-01-2008 and 01-08-2013 in the Medical Centre Alkmaar were included. Patients with a positive ISAR score were referred to the geriatric specialists for DOG assessment (DOG patients). DOG assessment encompassed comprehensive geriatric assessment and interventions. Mortality, delirium and length of hospital stay. postoperative complications. Cohort ISAR- (2008-2010, no ISAR questionnaire) is compared with cohort ISAR+ (2011-2013, ISAR questionnaire). Match-control comparison: DOG patients are compared with matched controls from cohort ISAR-. Compared to their matched controls, DOG patients were older and had a higher prevalence of certain risk factors for postoperative delirium. In both comparisons, no statistical significant differences were found between the groups in mortality and postoperative delirium. Length of stay was significantly shorter in cohort ISAR+. While the DOG patients were significantly more at risk for postoperative complications, the DOG patients had comparable postoperative outcomes as their matched controls. We therefore conclude that the DOG assessment has a positive influence on the postoperative outcomes after colorectal surgery. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Surgical Treatment Assessment of Cervical Laminoplasty Using Quantitative Performance Evaluation in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Comparative Study in 505 Patients With Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy.

PubMed

Machino, Masaaki; Yukawa, Yasutsugu; Imagama, Shiro; Ito, Keigo; Katayama, Yoshito; Matsumoto, Tomohiro; Inoue, Taro; Ouchida, Jun; Tomita, Keisuke; Ishiguro, Naoki; Kato, Fumihiko

2016-05-01

A prospective cohort study. The purpose of this study was to compare surgical outcomes between non-elderly and elderly patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) who underwent laminoplasty. Since age at the time of surgery influences the surgical outcome, we designed a large-scale cohort study to examine the surgical outcome for CSM from a single operative procedure used exclusively in elderly patients. A total of 505 consecutive patients with CSM (311 men; 194 women) were prospectively enrolled. The mean age was 66.6 years (range, 41-91), and the average postoperative follow-up period was 26.5 ± 12.5 months. Patients were divided into three groups according to age: non-elderly (<65 yr, n = 201), young-old (65-74 yr, n = 186), and old-old (≥75 yr, n = 118). Pre- and postoperative neurological status was evaluated using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association scoring system for cervical myelopathy (JOA score) and quantifiable tests-the 10-s grip and release test (10-s G&R test) and the 10-s step test. Mean achieved JOA scores in non-elderly, young-old, and old-old groups were 3.1, 3.2, and 3.0, respectively, with no significant difference among three groups (P = 0.5735). Mean preoperative 10-s G&R test results were 17.3, 14.4, and 13.0, respectively, indicating a significant decrease with increasing age, whereas postoperative results significantly improved in all groups (21.0, 17.9, and 16.3, respectively). Similarly, the 10-s step test significantly decreased with age, with preoperative scores of 14.3, 11.5, and 8.6, respectively, whereas postoperative scores improved to 17.3, 14.9, and 12.5, respectively. The three groups showed no significant difference in the rate of postoperative complications. Elderly patients adequately recovered from laminoplasty in terms of achieved JOA score, the 10-s G&R test, and the 10-s step test. Therefore, laminoplasty for CSM is beneficial in elderly patients. 2.

Endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery in elderly patients with pituitary adenomas.

PubMed

Gondim, Jackson A; Almeida, João Paulo; de Albuquerque, Lucas Alverne F; Gomes, Erika; Schops, Michele; Mota, Jose Italo

2015-07-01

With the increase in the average life expectancy, medical care of elderly patients with symptomatic pituitary adenoma (PA) will continue to grow. Little information exists in the literature about the surgical treatment of these patients. The aim of this study was to present the results of a single pituitary center in the surgical treatment of PAs in patients > 70 years of age. In this retrospective study, 55 consecutive elderly patients (age ≥ 70 years) with nonfunctioning PAs underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery at the General Hospital of Fortaleza, Brazil, between May 2000 and December 2012. The clinical and radiological results in this group were compared with 2 groups of younger patients: < 60 years (n = 289) and 60-69 years old (n = 30). Fifty-five patients ≥ 70 years of age (average age 72.5 years, range 70-84 years) underwent endoscopic surgery for treatment of PAs. The mean follow-up period was 50 months (range 12-144 months). The most common symptoms were visual impairment in 38 (69%) patients, headache in 16 (29%) patients, and complete ophthalmoplegia in 6 (10.9%). Elderly patients presented a higher incidence of ophthalmoplegia (p = 0.032) and a lower frequency of pituitary apoplexy before surgery (p < 0.05). Tumors with cavernous sinus invasion were treated surgically less frequently than in younger patients. Although patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists score of 3 were more common in the elderly group (p < 0.05), no significant difference regarding surgical time, extent of resection, and hospitalization were observed. Elderly patients presented with more complications than patients < 60 years (32.7% vs 10%, p < 0.05). Complications observed in the elderly group included 5 CSF leaks (9%), 2 permanent diabetes insipidus cases (3.6%), 4 postoperative refractory hypertension cases (7.2%), 1 myocardial ischemia (1.8%), and 1 death (1.8%). Postoperative new anterior pituitary deficit was more common in the younger group (< 60

The safety and efficacy of the "inside-out" trans-obturator TVT in elderly versus younger stress-incontinent women: a prospective study of 353 consecutive patients.

PubMed

Groutz, Asnat; Cohen, Aviad; Gold, Ronen; Pauzner, David; Lessing, Joseph B; Gordon, David

2011-03-01

To analyze the safety and efficacy of the trans-obturator tension-free vaginal tape (TVT-O) in elderly versus younger stress-incontinent women. Ninety-seven consecutive elderly, aged 70 and older, and 256 younger women (mean age 75 and 55 years, respectively) who underwent TVT-O for urodynamically confirmed stress urinary incontinence (SUI) were prospectively enrolled. Concomitant pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair was performed in 90% of the elderly and 70% of the younger women. The surgical procedures, as well as all pre- and postoperative clinical and urodynamic evaluation, were performed in one university-affiliated medical center. Main outcome measures were operative complications, early and late postoperative morbidity, postoperative urodynamically confirmed SUI (symptomatic, or asymptomatic), persistent, or de novo overactive bladder (OAB) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Mean follow-up of the patients was 30 ± 17 months (range 3-58 months). Early and late postoperative morbidity was similar in both groups, except for significantly more cases of postoperative recurrent UTI's among elderly women (13.7% vs. 6.2%). The incidence of persistent urodynamically confirmed overt SUI was similar in both age groups (5%). However, asymptomatic urodynamic SUI was significantly more common among elderly patients (19% vs. 3.7%, P<0.05). The incidence of persistent OAB was similar in elderly and younger patients (68% and 62%, respectively), while de novo OAB was significantly more common in elderly patients (11.9% vs. 4.7%, P<0.05). TVT-O is safe and efficient for both elderly and younger stress-incontinent women. However, elderly patients are in increased risk for postoperative recurrent UTI's as well as de novo OAB. Copyright © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Intraoperative Sedation With Dexmedetomidine is Superior to Propofol for Elderly Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Study.

PubMed

Mei, Bin; Meng, Gaige; Xu, Guanghong; Cheng, Xinqi; Chen, Shishou; Zhang, Ye; Zhang, Ming; Liu, Xuesheng; Gu, Erwei

2018-03-09

Peripheral nerve block is a preferable method for elderly patients receiving hip arthroplasty. Sedation with dexmedetomidine may reduce postoperative delirium. The aim of this study was to investigate whether intraoperative sedation with dexmedetomidine, as a supplementary to peripheral nerve block for elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty, can decrease the prevalence of postoperative delirium. A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted with patients 65 years of age or older who underwent total hip arthroplasty between June 2016 and June 2017. The patients were randomly assigned to receive a lumbosacral plexus plus T12 paravertebral block supplemented with propofol or dexmedetomidine for sedation. Incidence of postoperative delirium was the primary endpoint and was determined with the Confusion Assessment Method, and incidence of postoperative cognitive dysfunction was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination. The time of ambulation, discharge time, and complications over a 30-day post-surgery period were also recorded. 296 patients were randomly assigned to two groups. The patients sedated with dexmedetomidine had lower incidences of postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive dysfunction and were out of bed and discharged sooner than the patients sedated with propofol. There was no difference in complications between the two groups. As a supplementary to peripheral nerve block, intraoperative sedation with dexmedetomidine could be associated with a lower incidence of POD, which may have benefits on reducing the incidence of early postoperative cognitive dysfunction and offering a better short-term recovery for elderly patients receiving hip arthroplasty.

The effect of Daikenchuto on postoperative intestinal motility in patients with right-side colon cancer.

PubMed

Yamada, Takeshi; Matsumoto, Satoshi; Matsuda, Michihiro Koizumi Akihisa; Shinji, Seiichi; Yokoyama, Yasuyuki; Takahashi, Goro; Iwai, Takuma; Takeda, Kouki; Ohta, Keiichiro; Uchida, Eiji

2017-07-01

Daikenchuto (DKT) has a stimulant effect on intestinal motility and reportedly has a positive effect on postoperative intestinal motility in patients with sigmoid colon cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of DKT in patients with right-side colon cancer. This retrospective study included 88 patients with right-side colon cancer. We orally administered 7.5 g of DKT in the DKT group and did not administer any DKT to patients in the no-DKT group. All patients ingested radiopaque markers 2 h before surgery, which were used to assess intestinal motility. The postoperative intestinal motility was radiologically assessed by counting the numbers of residual markers in the large and small intestines. The DKT and no-DKT groups showed no marked differences in the total number of residual markers or number of residual markers in the small intestine. However, in the elderly subgroup, the total number of residual markers in the DKT group was significantly less than in the no-DKT group. Although DKT had some small effect on the postoperative intestinal motility for most patients, it may have positive effects in elderly patients.

Head and neck reconstruction in the elderly patient: a safe procedure?

PubMed

Reiter, Maximilian; Baumeister, Philipp; Jacobi, Christian

2017-08-01

Demographic changes strongly affect industrialized countries. While free tissue transfer was initially believed to be beneficial only for younger patients, there is an increasing number of elderly patients requiring microvascular operations in our aging society. Medical and surgical risks for head and neck cancer patients over a certain age who undergo free tissue transfer has hardly been investigated. A retrospective mono-center cohort study was performed. All patients with the age 75 or higher undergoing microvascular operations were reviewed. Patient characteristics including the ASA-status, the ACE-27-score, flap survival and postoperative medical and surgical complications were evaluated. The Clavien-Dindo-classification system for postoperative complications was applied to assess the severity of the complications. A total of 31 patients with an average age of 78.8 years were included. 4 patients suffered from venous congestion and had to undergo revision surgery. All flaps could successfully be salvaged. Higher ASA-status and ACE-score were significantly associated with postoperative medical and surgical complications and a higher severity of the complications. However , neither age nor operating time had influence on the complication rate. Microvascular free tissue transfer can be performed with a high degree of security in selected elderly patients. However, serious medical complications remain a concern, correlating strongly with high ASA and ACE-score. Careful patient selection is mandatory to reduce complications to a minimum.

[Effects of parecoxib sodium analgesia on serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase and S-100β and postoperative cognitive function of elderly patients undergoing acute replacement of femoral head].

PubMed

Li, Jing-zhu; Li, Xiao-zheng; Wang, Xiao-min; Wang, Ming-shan; Yu, Hai-fang; Shi, Fei; Miao, Dan; Bi, Yan-lin

2013-07-16

To explore the effects of parecoxib sodium analgesia on serum concentrations of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and S-100β and postoperative cognitive function of elderly patients undergoing acute replacement of femoral head. After the approval of institutional review board and the provision of informed consent, 80 patients over 70 years old, undergoing acute replacement of femoral head under combined spinal and epidural anesthesia and midazolam sedation at Qingdao Municipal Hospital and Qingdao Hiser Medical Center from January 2011 to May 2012, were randomly assigned into control group (group C, n = 40) and parecoxib group (group P, n = 40). In group P, parecoxib sodium 20/40 mg (based on weight 50 kg) was administered via an intravenous injection after admission with 12 hours intervals for six times. In group C, morphine 2/4 mg was given initially. Additional morphine 2 mg was given to maintain the pain visual analog scale (VAS) of 3 points or less in both groups. Primary observation indices: (1) postoperative time and additional amount of morphine; (2) rate of postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) at 3 days, 1 week, 3 months and 6 months postoperation (T1-T4); (3) se rum levels of NSE and S-100β were measured at the timepoints of before analgesia (t0), before anesthesia (t1), end of surgery (t2) and 6 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours postoperation (t3-t5); (4) other serious complications. Compared with group C, the additional amount of morphine, postoperative time, rate of POD and POCD at T1-T4, the level of NSE at t2-t5 and S-100β at t1-t5 were lower in group P (P < 0.05). No other serious complications were observed. Parecoxib sodium analgesia reduces the rate of POD and POCD in elderly patients with neuroprotective effects.

Benefits of Laparoscopy in Elderly Patients Requiring Major Liver Resection.

PubMed

Cauchy, François; Fuks, David; Nomi, Takeo; Dokmak, Safi; Scatton, Olivier; Schwarz, Lilian; Barbier, Louise; Belghiti, Jacques; Soubrane, Olivier; Gayet, Brice

2016-02-01

Although recent reports have suggested the potential advantages of laparoscopy in patients undergoing major hepatectomy, the benefits of this approach in elderly patients remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the short-term outcomes of laparoscopic major hepatectomy (LMH) and open major hepatectomy (OMH) in elderly patients. All patients aged 55 years and older undergoing laparoscopic LMH between 2000 and 2013 at 2 centers were retrospectively analyzed and divided into 3 groups (group 1: 55 to 64 years old; group 2: 65 to 74 years old; and group 3: 75 years and older). Risk factors for postoperative complications were determined on multivariable analysis in the overall LMH population and in each LMH group. Outcomes of LMH patients were compared with those of patients of similar age undergoing OMH at another center after propensity score matching. Laparoscopic major hepatectomy was performed in 174 patients, including 72 (41.4%) in group 1, 67 (38.5%) in group 2, and 35 (20.1%) in group 3. On multivariable analysis, diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.349; 95% CI, 1.251-2.674; p = 0.047), American Society of Anesthesiologists status (OR = 2.881; 95% CI, 2.193-3.71; p = 0.017), cirrhosis (OR = 1.426; 95% CI, 1.092-2.025; p = 0.043), right-sided resection (OR = 2.001; 95% CI, 1.492-2.563; p = 0.037), conversion (OR = 1.950; 95% CI, 1.331-2.545; p = 0.024), and intraoperative transfusion (OR = 2.338, 95% CI, 1.738-2.701, p = 0.032) were associated with increased risk of postoperative complications in the whole LMH population. After propensity score matching, laparoscopy was associated with significantly decreased rates of pulmonary complications and shorter hospital stays in all groups, decreased rates of overall complications in group 2 and group 3, and decreased rates of postoperative confusion in group 3. The current study supports the benefits of laparoscopy in decreasing postoperative complications in elderly patients requiring major hepatectomy

Surgical complications associated with robotic urologic procedures in elderly patients.

PubMed

Cusano, Antonio; Haddock, Peter; Staff, Ilene; Jackson, Max; Abarzua-Cabezas, Fernando; Dorin, Ryan; Meraney, Anoop; Wagner, Joseph; Shichman, Steven; Kesler, Stuart

2015-02-01

Urologic malignancies are often diagnosed at an older age, and are increasingly managed utilizing robotic-assisted surgical techniques. As such, we assessed and compared peri-postoperative complication rates following robotic urologic surgery in elderly and younger patients. A retrospective analysis of IRB-approved databases and electronic medical records identified patients who underwent robotic-assisted urologic surgery between December 2003-September 2013. Patients were grouped according to surgical procedure (partial nephrectomy, radical cystectomy, radical prostatectomy) and age at surgery (≤ 74 or ≥ 75 years old). Associations between age, comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and patient outcomes were evaluated within each surgery type. 97.5% and 2.5% of patients were ≤ 74 or ≥ 75 years old, respectively. Cystectomies, partial nephrectomies and prostatectomies accounted for 3.5%, 9.5% and 87.1% of surgeries, respectively. Within cystectomy, nephrectomy and prostatectomy groups, 24.4%, 12.5% and 0.6% patients were ≥ 75 years old. Within each surgical type, elderly patients had significantly elevated CCI scores. Length of stay was significantly prolonged in elderly patients undergoing partial nephrectomy or prostatectomy. In elderly cystectomy, partial nephrectomy and prostatectomy patients, 36.7%, 14.3% and 5.9% suffered ≥ 1 Clavien grade 3-5 complication, respectively. Major complications were not significantly different between age groups. A qualitatively similar pattern was observed regarding Clavien grade 1-2 complications. The risks of robotic-assisted urologic surgery in elderly patients are not significantly elevated compared to younger patients.

Should general anaesthesia be avoided in the elderly?

PubMed Central

Strøm, C.; Rasmussen, L. S.; Sieber, F. E.

2016-01-01

Summary Surgery and anaesthesia exert comparatively greater adverse effects on the elderly than on the younger brain, manifest by the higher prevalence of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction. Postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction delay rehabilitation, and are associated with increases in morbidity and mortality among elderly surgical patients. We review the aetiology of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in the elderly with a particular focus on anaesthesia and sedation, discuss methods of diagnosing and monitoring postoperative cognitive decline, and describe the treatment strategies by which such decline may be prevented. PMID:24303859

Postoperative rehabilitation for chronic subdural hematoma in the elderly. An observational study focusing on balance, ambulation and discharge destination.

PubMed

Carlisi, Ettore; Feltroni, Lucia; Tinelli, Carmine; Verlotta, Mariarosaria; Gaetani, Paolo; Dalla Toffola, Elena

2017-02-01

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) can have a negative impact on autonomy of the elderly. Ambulatory and functional status may remain limited despite successful surgical evacuation. To evaluate the outcome of a postoperative assisted rehabilitation program. Single-institution short-term observational study. Inpatient (Neurosurgery Unit of a University Hospital). Thirty-five patients, aged 65 or older, who underwent burr-hole drainage for chronic subdural hematoma. Postoperatively all participants underwent a rehabilitation program, described in details, aimed at recovering standing position and gait as soon as possible. The program involved daily 30-minute individual sessions assisted by a physiotherapist, until discharge from hospital. The Markwalder's Grading Scale was used to assess the neurological status preoperatively and at discharge. The Trunk Control Test, the Standing Balance by Bohannon Scale and the Modified Rankin Scale were used to evaluate balance and general function (primary outcome) in the immediate postoperative and at discharge. We also recorded the rate of pre-CSDH walking patients who maintained ambulation at discharge and the discharge destination (secondary outcome). Total scores of Markwalder's Grading Scale, Trunk Control Test, Standing Balance by Bohannon Scale and Modified Rankin Scale improved (P<0.05), indicating a global favorable outcome, especially for balance. Excluding the patients who were dependent pre-CSDH, the others maintained gait function in 74.2% of cases. Only 45.7% of the patients were discharged home, the others being divided between inpatient medical settings and rehabilitation. The rehabilitation program was well tolerated by the patients. Our study showed a clear improvement in trunk control and standing balance and an overall favorable outcome for neurological and ambulatory status at discharge. Despite an assisted postoperative rehabilitation program, the residual impairment in general function was the main factor

Mini Nutritional Assessment and Mortality after Hip Fracture Surgery in the Elderly.

PubMed

van Wissen, J; van Stijn, M F M; Doodeman, H J; Houdijk, A P J

2016-01-01

Hip fracture surgery in elderly patients is associated with a poor postoperative outcome and a high mortality. Malnutrition is a frequent problem in elderly patients and may be associated with mortality after hip fracture surgery. The Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA) is a valuable tool to identify malnourished patients and those at risk for malnutrition. To evaluate the association between the preoperative MNA score and mortality after surgery for hip fractures in elderly patients. Patients with a hip fracture and an indication for surgery were included in our study. This study was part of a randomized trial on the effect of taurine on postoperative outcome in elderly hip fracture patients. The MNA was assessed on admission before surgery. Length of stay, postoperative complications and mortality were documented. The association of the MNA score on postoperative outcome and mortality was analyzed using Cox regression analysis. The one-year survival rate in 226 elderly hip fracture patients was 79%. In-hospital mortality rates and 1-year mortality were 27% and 46% in malnourished patients, 12% and 26% in patients at risk for malnutrition and 7% and 17% in well-nourished patients as assessed by MNA. Preoperative malnutrition measured by the MNA is associated with mortality in elderly hip fracture patients.

A novel nomogram accurately quantifies the risk of mortality in elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

PubMed

Kiran, Ravi P; Attaluri, Vikram; Hammel, Jeff; Church, James

2013-05-01

The ability to accurately predict postoperative mortality is expected to improve preoperative decisions for elderly patients considered for colorectal surgery. Patients undergoing colorectal surgery were identified from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (2005-2007) and stratified as elderly (>70 years) and nonelderly (<70 years). Univariate analysis of preoperative risk factors and 30-day mortality and morbidity were analyzed on 70% of the population. A nomogram for mortality was created and tested on the remaining 30%. Of 30,900 colorectal cases, 10,750 were elderly (>70 years). Mortality increased steadily with age (0.5% every 5 years) and at a faster rate (1.2% every 5 years) after 70 years, which defined "elderly" in this study. Elderly (mean age: 78.4 years) and nonelderly patients (52.8 years) had mortality of 7.6% versus 2.0% and a morbidity of 32.8% versus 25.7%, respectively. Elderly patients had greater preoperative comorbidities including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (10.5% vs 3.8%), diabetes (18.7% vs 11.1%), and renal insufficiency (1.7% vs 1.3%). A multivariate model for 30-day mortality and nomogram were created. Increasing age was associated with mortality [age >70 years: odds ratio (OR) = 2.0 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.7-2.4); >85 years: OR = 4.3 (95% CI: 3.3-5.5)]. The nomogram accurately predicted mortality, including very high-risk (>50% mortality) with a concordant index for this model of 0.89. Colorectal surgery in elderly patients is associated with significantly higher mortality. This novel nomogram that predicts postoperative mortality may facilitate preoperative treatment decisions.

Sarcopenia is a predictor of outcomes in very elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery.

PubMed

Du, Yang; Karvellas, Constantine J; Baracos, Vickie; Williams, David C; Khadaroo, Rachel G

2014-09-01

With the increasing aging population, the number of very elderly patients (age ≥80 years) undergoing emergency operations is increasing. Evaluating patient-specific risk factors for postoperative morbidity and mortality in the acute care surgery setting is crucial to improving outcomes. We hypothesize that sarcopenia, a severe depletion of skeletal muscles, is a predictor of morbidity and mortality in very elderly patients undergoing emergency surgery. A total of 170 patients older than the age of 80 underwent emergency surgery between 2008 and 2010 at a tertiary care facility; 100 of these patients had abdominal computed tomography images within 30 days of the operation that were adequate for the assessment of sarcopenia. The impact of sarcopenia on the operative outcomes was evaluated using both univariate and multivariate analysis. The mean patient age was 84 years, with an in-hospital mortality of 18%. Sarcopenia was present in 73% of patients. More sarcopenic patients had postoperative complications (45% sarcopenic versus 15% nonsarcopenic, P = .005) and more died in hospital (23 vs 4%, P = .037). There were no differences in duration of stay or requirement for intensive care unit postoperatively. After we controlled for confounding factors, increasing skeletal muscle index (per incremental cm(2)/m(2)) was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality (odds ratio ∼0.834, 95% confidence interval 0.731-0.952, P = .007) in multivariate analysis. Sarcopenia was independently predictive of greater complication rates, discharge disposition, and in-hospital mortality in the very elderly emergency surgery population. Using sarcopenia as an objective tool to identify high-risk patients would be beneficial in developing tailored preventative strategies and potentially resource allocation in the future. Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Robotic Versus Laparoscopic Colorectal Cancer Surgery in Elderly Patients: A Propensity Score Match Analysis.

PubMed

de'Angelis, Nicola; Abdalla, Solafah; Bianchi, Giorgio; Memeo, Riccardo; Charpy, Cecile; Petrucciani, Niccolo; Sobhani, Iradj; Brunetti, Francesco

2018-05-31

Minimally invasive surgery in elderly patients with colorectal cancer remains controversial. The study aimed to compare the operative, postoperative, and oncologic outcomes of robotic (robotic colorectal resection surgery [RCRS]) versus laparoscopic colorectal resection surgery (LCRS) in elderly patients with colorectal cancer. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to compare patients aged 70 years and more undergoing elective RCRS or LCRS for colorectal cancer between 2010 and 2017. Overall, 160 patients underwent elective curative LCRS (n = 102) or RCRS (n = 58) for colorectal cancer. Before PSM, the mean preoperative Charlson score and the tumor size were significantly lower in the robotic group. After matching, 43 RCRSs were compared with 43 LCRSs. The RCRS group showed longer operative times (300.6 versus 214.5 min, P = .03) compared with LCRS, but all other operative variables were comparable between the two groups. No differences were found for postoperative morbidity, mortality, time to flatus, return to regular diet, and length of hospital stay. R0 resection was obtained in 95.3% of procedures. The overall and disease-free survival rates at 1, 2, and 3 years were similar between RCRS and LCRS patients. The presence of more than one comorbidity before surgery was significantly associated with the incidence of postoperative complications. In patients aged 70 years or more, robotic colorectal surgery showed operative and oncologic outcomes similar to those obtained by laparoscopy, despite longer operative times. Randomized trials are awaited to reliably assess the clinical and oncological noninferiority and the costs/benefits ratio of robotic colorectal surgery in elderly populations.

Intraoperative radiotherapy in elderly patients with breast cancer: Is there a clinical applicability? Review of the current evidence.

PubMed

Esposito, Emanuela; Compagna, Rita; Rinaldo, Massimo; Falivene, Sara; Ravo, Vincenzo; Amato, Bruno; Muto, Paolo; D'Aiuto, Massimiliano

2016-09-01

Screening and adjuvant postoperative therapies have increased survival amongst women with breast cancer, but these tools are seldom applied in elderly patients. Higher rates of local recurrence occur in those elderly patients who avoid radiotherapy. TARGIT-A and ELIOT trials has been reported to not to be inferior to external beam RT in suitable subgroups of patients. The TARGIT-Elderly trial has been launched in order to confirm the efficacy of intraoperative radiotherapy (IORT) in a well selected group of elderly patients who are more likely to decline radiation treatment. Current evidence of the medical literature on the clinical reliability and applicability of intraoperative radiotherapy amongst older women diagnosed with early breast cancer is after summarized. Literature databases were searched up to June 2015. Terms used to retrieve articles were 'breast cancer', 'elderly', 'intraoperative radiotherapy', 'IORT' and 'IOERT'. Elderly patients with pT1N0 tumours are regarded to be suitable for IORT according to ASTRO and GEC-ESTRO recommendations, respectively. In the light of the medical literature we can assume that patients benefit from postoperative radiation therapy, but we still do not know who can be spared from it. These issues emphasize the urgent need to develop and support clinical trials for this older population of breast cancer patients. Whether radiotherapy is beneficial in elderly still remains a matter of debate. IORT along with BCS in a selected subgroup of patients (>70years, pT1N0 tumours) could represent a valid option for a better local control. Copyright © 2016 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Sternal wrapping for the prevention of sternal morbidity in elderly osteoporotic patients undergoing median sternotomy.

PubMed

Kirbas, Ahmet; Celik, Sezai; Gurer, Onur; Yildiz, Yahya; Isik, Omer

2011-01-01

Osteoporosis, a major risk factor for sternum-related morbidity after median sternotomy, is quite prevalent among the elderly. In this prospective study, we investigated the potential of sternal protection by use of the "sternal wrapping method" in elderly osteoporotic patients who were undergoing median sternotomy.For this study, we chose 100 elderly osteoporotic patients who were scheduled to undergo median sternotomy. During surgery, we wrapped the sternal edges with polyvinyl chloride tubing in 50 patients (group 1) and omitted the sternal wrapping in the remaining 50 patients (group 2). We then compared the groups with regard to postoperative pain, bleeding, early and late sternum-related morbidity, sternal fractures, and duration of hospitalization.Sternal wrapping was associated with fewer sternal fractures, less chest pain, and shorter hospital stays. Overall sternal morbidity was significantly less common among patients with sternal wrapping (4% vs. 20%, P = 0.03); however, the difference in individual rates for early and late dehiscence or deep sternal infection did not reach statistical significance.Sternal wrapping using polyvinyl chloride tubes provides mechanical protection and, apparently, less postoperative chest pain and shorter hospitalizations. Probably, it reduces sternum-related complications, particularly in high-risk patients. Its benefits, however, should be confirmed in larger studies.

Sternal Wrapping for the Prevention of Sternal Morbidity in Elderly Osteoporotic Patients Undergoing Median Sternotomy

PubMed Central

Kirbas, Ahmet; Celik, Sezai; Gurer, Onur; Yildiz, Yahya; Isik, Omer

2011-01-01

Osteoporosis, a major risk factor for sternum-related morbidity after median sternotomy, is quite prevalent among the elderly. In this prospective study, we investigated the potential of sternal protection by use of the “sternal wrapping method” in elderly osteoporotic patients who were undergoing median sternotomy. For this study, we chose 100 elderly osteoporotic patients who were scheduled to undergo median sternotomy. During surgery, we wrapped the sternal edges with polyvinyl chloride tubing in 50 patients (group 1) and omitted the sternal wrapping in the remaining 50 patients (group 2). We then compared the groups with regard to postoperative pain, bleeding, early and late sternum-related morbidity, sternal fractures, and duration of hospitalization. Sternal wrapping was associated with fewer sternal fractures, less chest pain, and shorter hospital stays. Overall sternal morbidity was significantly less common among patients with sternal wrapping (4% vs 20%, P = 0.03); however, the difference in individual rates for early and late dehiscence or deep sternal infection did not reach statistical significance. Sternal wrapping using polyvinyl chloride tubes provides mechanical protection and, apparently, less postoperative chest pain and shorter hospitalizations. Probably, it reduces sternum-related complications, particularly in high-risk patients. Its benefits, however, should be confirmed in larger studies. PMID:21494519

[Treatment of hip fractures in elderly patients].

PubMed

Hack, Juliana; Bliemel, Christopher; Ruchholtz, Steffen; Bücking, Benjamin

2015-04-01

Hip fractures are among the most common fractures in elderly people. The annual number of femoral fractures is even expected to increase because of an aging society. Due to the high number of comorbidities, there are special challenges in treating geriatric hip fracture patients, which require a multidisciplinary management. This includes surgical treatment allowing full weight bearing in the immediate postoperative period, osteoporosis treatment and falls prevention as well as an early ortho-geriatric rehabilitation program. © Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York.

The Beneficial Effects of Cognitive Training With Simple Calculation and Reading Aloud (SCRA) in the Elderly Postoperative Population: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Kulason, Kay; Nouchi, Rui; Hoshikawa, Yasushi; Noda, Masafumi; Okada, Yoshinori; Kawashima, Ryuta

2018-01-01

Background: There has been little research conducted regarding cognitive treatments for the elderly postsurgical population. Patients aged ≥60 years have an increased risk of postoperative cognitive decline, a condition in which cognitive functions are negatively affected. This cognitive decline can lead to a decline in quality of life. In order to maintain a high quality of life, the elderly postsurgical population may benefit from treatment to maintain and/or improve their cognitive functions. This pilot study investigates the effect of simple calculation and reading aloud (SCRA) cognitive training in elderly Japanese postsurgical patients. Methods: Elderly patients undergoing non-cardiovascular thoracic surgery under general anesthesia were recruited ( n = 12). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups-one that receives 12 weeks of SCRA intervention, and a waitlisted control group. Before and after the intervention, we measured cognitive function [Mini-Mental Status Exam-Japanese (MMSE-J), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), computerized Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB)] and emotional state [General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Quality of Life Scale-5 (QOL-5)]. Results: Group difference analyses using ANCOVA with permutation test showed that the intervention SCRA group had a significant improvement in FAB motor programming sub-score, GDS, and QOL-5 compared to the control group. Within-group analyses using Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare baseline and follow-up showed that the SCRA intervention group total FAB scores, FAB motor programming sub-scores, and QOL-5 scores were significantly improved. Discussion: This pilot study showed that there are important implications for the beneficial effects of SCRA intervention on cognitive function and emotional state in the postoperative elderly population; however, further investigations are necessary to reach any conclusions. Trial registration: This study was registered with

The Beneficial Effects of Cognitive Training With Simple Calculation and Reading Aloud (SCRA) in the Elderly Postoperative Population: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

PubMed Central

Kulason, Kay; Nouchi, Rui; Hoshikawa, Yasushi; Noda, Masafumi; Okada, Yoshinori; Kawashima, Ryuta

2018-01-01

Background: There has been little research conducted regarding cognitive treatments for the elderly postsurgical population. Patients aged ≥60 years have an increased risk of postoperative cognitive decline, a condition in which cognitive functions are negatively affected. This cognitive decline can lead to a decline in quality of life. In order to maintain a high quality of life, the elderly postsurgical population may benefit from treatment to maintain and/or improve their cognitive functions. This pilot study investigates the effect of simple calculation and reading aloud (SCRA) cognitive training in elderly Japanese postsurgical patients. Methods: Elderly patients undergoing non-cardiovascular thoracic surgery under general anesthesia were recruited (n = 12). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups—one that receives 12 weeks of SCRA intervention, and a waitlisted control group. Before and after the intervention, we measured cognitive function [Mini-Mental Status Exam-Japanese (MMSE-J), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), computerized Cogstate Brief Battery (CBB)] and emotional state [General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Quality of Life Scale-5 (QOL-5)]. Results: Group difference analyses using ANCOVA with permutation test showed that the intervention SCRA group had a significant improvement in FAB motor programming sub-score, GDS, and QOL-5 compared to the control group. Within-group analyses using Wilcoxon signed-rank test to compare baseline and follow-up showed that the SCRA intervention group total FAB scores, FAB motor programming sub-scores, and QOL-5 scores were significantly improved. Discussion: This pilot study showed that there are important implications for the beneficial effects of SCRA intervention on cognitive function and emotional state in the postoperative elderly population; however, further investigations are necessary to reach any conclusions. Trial registration: This study was registered with

[Postoperative cognitive deficits].

PubMed

Kalezić, Nevena; Dimitrijević, Ivan; Leposavić, Ljubica; Kocica, Mladen; Bumbasirević, Vesna; Vucetić, Cedomir; Paunović, Ivan; Slavković, Nemanja; Filimonović, Jelena

2006-01-01

Cognitive dysfunctions are relatively common in postoperative and critically ill patients. This complication not only compromises recovery after surgery, but, if persistent, it minimizes and compromises surgery itself. Risk factors of postoperative cognitive disorders can be divided into age and comorbidity dependent, and those related to anesthesia and surgery. Cardiovascular, orthopedic and urologic surgery carries high risk of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. It can also occur in other types of surgical treatment, especially in elderly. Among risk factors of cognitive disorders, associated with comorbidity, underlying psychiatric and neurological disorders, substance abuse and conditions with elevation of intracranial pressure are in the first place in postoperative patients. Preoperative and perioperative predisposing conditions for cognitive dysfunction and their incidence were described in our paper. These are: geriatric patients, patients with substance abuse, preexisting psychiatric or cognitive disorders, neurologic disease with high intracranial pressure, cerebrovascular insufficiency, epilepsia, preeclampsia, acute intermittent porphyria, operation type, brain hypoxia, changes in blood glucose level, electrolyte imbalance, anesthetic agents, adjuvant medication and intraoperative awareness. For each of these factors, evaluation, prevention and treatment strategies were suggested, with special regard on anesthetic technique.

The prevalence of undiagnosed pre-surgical cognitive impairment and its post-surgical clinical impact in elderly patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity.

PubMed

Adogwa, Owoicho; Elsamadicy, Aladine A; Lydon, Emily; Vuong, Victoria D; Cheng, Joseph; Karikari, Isaac O; Bagley, Carlos A

2017-09-01

Pre-existing cognitive impairment (CI) is emerging as a predictor of poor post-operative outcomes in elderly patients. Little is known about impaired preoperative cognition and outcomes after elective spine surgery in this patient population. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of neuro CI in elderly patients undergoing deformity surgery and its impact on postoperative outcomes. Elderly subjects undergoing elective spinal surgery for correction of adult degenerative scoliosis were enrolled in this study. Pre-operative baseline cognition was assessed using the Saint Louis Mental Status (SLUMS) test. SLUMS consists of 11 questions, which can give a maximum of 30 points. Mild CI was defined as a SLUMS score between 21-26 points, while severe CI was defined as a SLUMS score of ≤20 points. Normal cognition was defined as a SLUMS score of ≥27 points. Complication rates, duration of hospital stay, and 30-day readmission rates were compared between patients with and without baseline CI. Eighty-two subjects were included in this study, with mean age of 73.26±6.08 years. Fifty-seven patients (70%) had impaired cognition at baseline. The impaired cognition group had the following outcomes: increased incidence of one or more postoperative complications (39% vs. 20%), higher incidence of delirium (20% vs. 8%), and higher rate of discharge institutionalization at skilled nursing or acute rehab facilities (54% vs. 30%). The length of hospital stay and 30-day hospital readmission rates were similar between both cohorts (5.33 vs. 5.48 days and 12.28% vs. 12%, respectively). CI is highly prevalent in elderly patients undergoing surgery for adult degenerative scoliosis. Impaired cognition before surgery was associated with higher rates of post-operative delirium, complications, and discharge institutionalization. CI assessments should be considered in the pre-operative evaluations of elderly patients prior to surgery.

Outcomes following surgical management of femoral neck fractures in elderly dialysis-dependent patients.

PubMed

Puvanesarajah, Varun; Amin, Raj; Qureshi, Rabia; Shafiq, Babar; Stein, Ben; Hassanzadeh, Hamid; Yarboro, Seth

2018-06-01

Proximal femur fractures are one of the most common fractures observed in dialysis-dependent patients. Given the large comorbidity burden present in this patient population, more information is needed regarding post-operative outcomes. The goal of this study was to assess morbidity and mortality following operative fixation of femoral neck fractures in the dialysis-dependent elderly. The full set of medicare data from 2005 to 2014 was retrospectively analyzed. Elderly patients with femoral neck fractures were selected. Patients were stratified based on dialysis dependence. Post-operative morbidity and mortality outcomes were compared between the two populations. Adjusted odds were calculated to determine the effect of dialysis dependence on outcomes. A total of 320,629 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of dialysis-dependent patients, 1504 patients underwent internal fixation and 2662 underwent arthroplasty. For both surgical cohorts, dialysis dependence was found to be associated with at least 1.9 times greater odds of mortality within 1 and 2 years post-operatively. Blood transfusions within 90 days and infections within 2 years were significantly increased in the dialysis-dependent study cohort. Dialysis dependence alone did not contribute to increased mechanical failure or major medical complications. Regardless of the surgery performed, dialysis dependence is a significant risk factor for major post-surgical morbidity and mortality after operative treatment of femoral neck fractures in this population. Increased mechanical failure in the internal fixation group was not observed. The increased risk associated with caring for this population should be understood when considering surgical intervention and counseling patients.

The development and validation of a novel model for predicting surgical complications in colorectal cancer of elderly patients: Results from 1008 cases.

PubMed

Shen, Zhanlong; Lin, Yuanpei; Ye, Yingjiang; Jiang, Kewei; Xie, Qiwei; Gao, Zhidong; Wang, Shan

2018-04-01

To establish predicting models of surgical complications in elderly colorectal cancer patients. Surgical complications are usually critical and lethal in the elderly patients. However, none of the current models are specifically designed to predict surgical complications in elderly colorectal cancer patients. Details of 1008 cases of elderly colorectal cancer patients (age ≥ 65) were collected retrospectively from January 1998 to December 2013. Seventy-six clinicopathological variables which might affect postoperative complications in elderly patients were recorded. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was used to develop the risk model equations. The performance of the developed model was evaluated by measures of calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow test) and discrimination (the area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve, AUC). The AUC of our established Surgical Complication Score for Elderly Colorectal Cancer patients (SCSECC) model was 0.743 (sensitivity, 82.1%; specificity, 78.3%). There was no significant discrepancy between observed and predicted incidence rates of surgical complications (AUC, 0.820; P = .812). The Surgical Site Infection Score for Elderly Colorectal Cancer patients (SSISECC) model showed significantly better prediction power compared to the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance index (NNIS) (AUC, 0.732; P ˂ 0.001) and Efficacy of Nosocomial Infection Control index (SENIC) (AUC; 0.686; P˂0.001) models. The SCSECC and SSISECC models show good prediction power for postoperative surgical complication morbidity and surgical site infection in elderly colorectal cancer patients. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd, BASO ~ The Association for Cancer Surgery, and the European Society of Surgical Oncology. All rights reserved.

Results of endoscopic third ventriculostomy in elderly patients ≥65 years of age.

PubMed

Niknejad, Hamid Reza; Depreitere, Bart; De Vleeschouwer, Steven; Van Calenbergh, Frank; van Loon, Johannes

2015-03-01

Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) has been accepted as the procedure of choice for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus in children and adults. The role and outcome of this procedure in the elderly has not been evaluated yet. Over an 11-year interval we retrospectively analyzed data of patients, 65+ years of age, who underwent ETV in our center. Success of the procedure was assessed in terms of symptom relief and/or elimination of the need for shunting. Additionally pre- and postoperative ventricular volumes were estimated using Evan's index (Ei) and fronto-occipital horn ratio (FOR). In our analysis we compared the results of the elderly patients with those of the pediatric and adult age groups treated in our center. We obtained data of 16 elderly cases (11 males, 5 females), mean age 72.8 years (66-83 years) out of the 91 patients treated with ETV in total. The success rate was 75% in this age group; mean follow-up 18.4 months (2-55 months). In 10 patients a mass lesion was the underlying cause of hydrocephalus. Mean ventricular size reduction was 18% and 13.5% (Ei and FOR) in the success group vs. 7.6% and 6.2% in the failure group. Three out of four patients who had shunting pre-EVT, became shunt independent post-operatively. The presence of flow void over the stoma was 100% correlated with success. All 7 patients with a primary or metastatic brain tumor were able to receive radiation therapy. Also in elderly, ETV is a safe and efficient procedure, with success rates similar to the younger population. Further research is required to set up a prognostic scoring system for this age group. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Early outcomes of colon laparoscopic resection in the elderly patients compared with the younger

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background The aim of this study was to define any benefits in terms of early outcome for laparoscopic colectomy in patients over 75 years old (OP) compared with the outcomes of a younger populations (YP). Methods Forty elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy for colorectal cancer between 2007-2011 were studied, the patients are divided for gender, age, year of surgery, site of cancer, and comorbidity on admission and compared with 40 younger patients. Results and discussion Mean (standard deviation) age was 81.3 in OP and 68.3 YP Conversion rate was the same between the two groups. There was no difference in operative mean time . The overall mortality rate was 0% percent. The surgical morbidity rate was the same but there was an increased in cardiologic e bronchopneumonia complications in older population. Patients treated with laparoscopic approach had a faster recovery of bowel function and a significant reduction of the mean length of hospital stay not age related. Laparoscopy allowed a better preservation of postoperative independence status. Conclusions Laparoscopic colectomy for cancer in elderly patients is safe and beneficial including preservation of postoperative independence and a reduction of length of hospital stay. PMID:23173882

Function of the Respiratory System in Elderly Patients After Aortic Valve Replacement.

PubMed

Stoliński, Jarosław; Plicner, Dariusz; Gawęda, Bogusław; Musiał, Robert; Fijorek, Kamil; Wąsowicz, Marcin; Andres, Janusz; Kapelak, Bogusław

2016-10-01

To compare the function of the respiratory system after aortic valve replacement through median sternotomy (AVR) or the minimally invasive right anterior minithoracotomy (RAT-AVR) approach among elderly (aged≥75 years) patients. Observational cohort study. University hospital. The study included 65 elderly patients scheduled for RAT-AVR and 82 for standard AVR. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were performed preoperatively, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. In addition, respiratory complications were analyzed. Respiratory complications occurred in 12.3% of patients in the RAT-AVR group and 18.3% of patients in the AVR group (p = 0.445). Mechanical ventilation time in the intensive care unit was 7.7±3.6 hours for RAT-AVR patients and 9.7±5.4 hours for AVR patients (p = 0.003). Most PFT were worse in the AVR group than in the RAT-AVR group when performed 1 week after surgery. After 1 month, forced expiratory volume in the first second, vital capacity, and total lung capacity differed significantly in favor of the RAT-AVR group (p = 0.002, p<0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). After 3 months, the PFT parameters still had not returned to preoperative values, but the differences were no longer significant between the RAT-AVR and AVR groups. The multivariable median regression analysis demonstrated that RAT-AVR surgery was a key factor in a patient's higher postoperative PFT parameter values. RAT-AVR surgery resulted in shorter postoperative mechanical ventilation time and improved the recovery of pulmonary function in elderly patients, but it did not reduce the incidence of pulmonary complications when compared with surgery performed through a median sternotomy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The influence of goal-directed fluid therapy on the prognosis of elderly patients with hypertension and gastric cancer surgery

PubMed Central

Zeng, Kai; Li, Yanzhen; Liang, Min; Gao, Youguang; Cai, Hongda; Lin, Caizhu

2014-01-01

Purpose We aimed to investigate the influence of perioperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) on the prognosis of elderly patients with gastric cancer and hypertension. Methods Sixty elderly patients (>60 years old) with primary hypertension who received gastric cancer radical surgery and who were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class II or III were enrolled in the current study. Selected patients were divided randomly into two arms, comprising a conventional intraoperative fluid management arm (arm C, n=30) and a GDFT arm (arm G, n=30). Patients in arm C were infused with crystalloids or colloids according to the methods of Miller’s Anesthesia (6th edition), while those in arm G were infused with 200 mL hydroxyethyl starch over 15 minutes under the FloTrac/Vigileo monitoring system, with stroke volume variation between 8% and 13%. Hemodynamics and tissue perfusion laboratory indicators in patients were recorded continuously from 30 minutes before the operation to 24 hours after the operation. Results Compared with arm C, the average intraoperative intravenous infusion quantity in arm G was significantly reduced (2,732±488 mL versus 3,135±346 mL, P<0.05), whereas average colloid fluid volume was significantly increased (1,235±360 mL versus 760±280 mL, P<0.05). In addition, there were more patients exhibiting intraoperatively and postoperatively stable hemodynamics and less patients with low blood pressure in arm G. Postoperative complications were less frequent, and the time of postoperative hospital stay shorter, in arm G. No significant differences were observed in mortality between the two arms. Conclusion Our research showed that GDFT stabilized perioperative hemodynamics and reduced the occurrence of postoperative complications in elderly patients who underwent gastric cancer surgery. PMID:25378913

Morpho-functional gastric pre-and post-operative changes in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallstone related disease

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background Cholecystectomy, gold standard treatment for gallbladder lithiasis, is closely associated with increased bile reflux into the stomach as amply demonstrated by experimental studies. The high prevalence of gallstones in the population and the consequent widespread use of surgical removal of the gallbladder require an assessment of the relationship between cholecystectomy and gastric mucosal disorders. Morphological evaluations performed on serial pre and post – surgical biopsies have provided new acquisitions about gastric damage induced by bile in the organ. Methods 62 elderly patients with gallstone related disease were recruited in a 30 months period. All patients were subjected to the most appropriate treatment (Laparoscopic cholecystectomy). The subjects had a pre-surgical evaluation with: • dyspeptic symptoms questionnaire, • gastric endoscopy with body, antrum, and fundus random biopsies, • histo-pathological analysis of samples and elaboration of bile reflux index (BRI). The same evaluation was repeated at a 6 months follow-up. Results In our series the duodeno-gastric reflux and the consensual biliary gastritis, assessed histologically with the BRI, was found in 58% of the patients after 6 months from cholecystectomy. The demonstrated bile reflux had no effect on H. pylori’s gastric colonization nor on the induction of gastric precancerous lesions. Conclusions Cholecystectomy, gold standard treatment for gallstone-related diseases, is practiced in a high percentage of patients with this condition. Such procedure, considered by many harmless, was, in our study, associated with a significant risk of developing biliary gastritis after 6 months during the postoperative period. PMID:23173777

Peripheral Nerve Block as a Supplement to Light or Deep General Anesthesia in Elderly Patients Receiving Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Study.

PubMed

Mei, Bin; Zha, Hanning; Lu, Xiaolong; Cheng, Xinqi; Chen, Shishou; Liu, Xuesheng; Li, Yuanhai; Gu, Erwei

2017-12-01

Peripheral nerve block combined with general anesthesia is a preferable anesthesia method for elderly patients receiving hip arthroplasty. The depth of sedation may influence patient recovery. Therefore, we investigated the influence of peripheral nerve blockade and different intraoperative sedation levels on the short-term recovery of elderly patients receiving total hip arthroplasty. Patients aged 65 years and older undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized into 3 groups: a general anesthesia without lumbosacral plexus block group, and 2 general anesthesia plus lumbosacral plexus block groups, each with a different level of sedation (light or deep). The extubation time and intraoperative consumption of propofol, sufentanil, and vasoactive agent were recorded. Postoperative delirium and early postoperative cognitive dysfunction were assessed using the Confusion Assessment Method and Mini-Mental State Examination, respectively. Postoperative analgesia was assessed by the consumption of patient-controlled analgesics and visual analog scale scores. Discharge time and complications over a 30-day period were also recorded. Lumbosacral plexus block reduced opioid intake. With lumbosacral plexus block, intraoperative deep sedation was associated with greater intake of propofol and vasoactive agent. In contrast, patients with lumbosacral plexus block and intraoperative light sedation had lower incidences of postoperative delirium and postoperative cognitive decline, and earlier discharge readiness times. The 3 groups showed no difference in complications within 30 days of surgery. Lumbosacral plexus block reduced the need for opioids and offered satisfactory postoperative analgesia. It led to better postoperative outcomes in combination with intraoperative light sedation (high bispectral index).

Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy for the Elderly: Is It Reasonable? A Meta-Analysis.

PubMed

Gagnière, Johan; Veziant, Julie; Pereira, Bruno; Pezet, Denis; Le Roy, Bertrand; Slim, Karem

2018-03-01

Whether cytoreductive surgery (CRS) plus hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is safe and worthwhile for elderly patients remains unclear. This meta-analysis of outcomes after CRS plus HIPEC for the elderly aimed to generate a higher level of evidence and precise indications for these patients. A systematic literature search for studies reporting postoperative outcomes after CRS plus HIPEC for elderly patients was performed in the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Knowledge Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science, and Google Scholar databases. The included studies evaluated the overall 30-day postoperative morbidity, 90-day postoperative mortality, grade 3 or higher postoperative morbidity, rates of anastomotic leaks, reoperation and readmission, and length of hospital stay. The inclusion criteria were met by 13 retrospective studies involving 2544 patients. Considering only comparative studies, the 90-day postoperative mortality was significantly increased for elderly patients [odds ratio (OR), 0.49; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.27-0.88; I 2  = 79%]. The 30-day grade 3 or higher postoperative morbidity was increased in the patients 70 years of age or older (14.5%; 95% CI 8.1-24.4 vs. 32.3%; 95% CI 22.4-44.0%; p = 0.004; I 2  = 85%). The overall 30-day postoperative morbidity, rates of anastomotic leaks, reoperation and readmission, and length of hospital stay were not affected by age. Treatment of the elderly with CRS plus HIPEC was associated with increased severe postoperative morbidity and mortality. However, these conclusions should be weighted given the existence of major biases in the included studies. Age alone probably would not be a formal contraindication, but frailty should be taken into account. Further prospective studies are needed.

Disposition of elderly patients after head and neck reconstruction.

PubMed

Hatcher, Jeanne L; Bell, Elizabeth Bradford; Browne, J Dale; Waltonen, Joshua D

2013-11-01

A patient's needs at discharge, particularly the need for nursing facility placement, may affect hospital length of stay and health care costs. The association between age and disposition after microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck has yet to be reported in the literature. To determine whether elderly patients are more likely to be discharged to a nursing or other care facility as opposed to returning home after microvascular reconstruction of the head and neck. From January 1, 2001, through December 31, 2010, patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction at an academic medical center were identified and their medical records systematically reviewed. During the study period, 457 patients were identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes for microvascular free tissue transfer for a head and neck defect regardless of cause. Seven patients were excluded for inadequate data on the postoperative disposition or American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. A total of 450 were included for analysis. Demographic and surgical data were collected, including the patient age, ASA score, and postoperative length of stay. These variables were then compared between groups of patients discharged to different posthospitalization care facilities. The mean age of participants was 59.1 years. Most patients (n = 386 [85.8%]) were discharged home with or without home health services. The mean age of those discharged home was 57.5 years; discharge to home was the reference for comparison and odds ratio (OR) calculation. For those discharged to a skilled nursing facility, mean age was 67.1 years (OR, 1.055; P < .001). Mean age of those discharged to a long-term acute care facility was 71.5 years (OR, 1.092; P = .002). Length of stay also affected the disposition to a skilled nursing facility (OR, 1.098), as did the ASA score (OR, 2.988). Elderly patients are less likely to be discharged home after free flap reconstruction. Age, ASA score, and length of stay are

Electrical stimulation of acupoint combinations against deep venous thrombosis in elderly bedridden patients after major surgery.

PubMed

Hou, Lili; Chen, Cuiping; Xu, Lei; Yin, Peihao; Peng, Wen

2013-04-01

To compare the effects of electrical stimulation of different acupoint combinations among postoperative bedridden elderly patients on hemorheology and deep venous blood flow velocity and investigate the.role of electrical stimulation against deep vein thrombosis (DVT). From November 2010 to October 2011, a total of 160 elderly bedridden patients after major surgery were divided into the conventional care group, invigorating and promoting Qi group, blood-activating and damp-eliminating group, and acupoint-combination stimulation group. Whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, D-dimer levels, lower limb skin temperature, lower limb circumference, and flow velocities of the external iliac vein, femoral vein, popliteal vein, and deep calf veins in all patients were documented and compared among the four groups. Whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, D-dimer levels, and lower limb circumference were significantly reduced in the blood-activating and damp-eliminating group compared with the conventional care group (P < 0.05) and were almost equal to those in the acupoint-combination stimulation group (P > 0.05). Lower limb venous flow velocities were accelerated in the invigorating and promoting Qi group compared with the other groups, excluding the acupoint-combination stimulation group (P < 0.05). Hemorheological indices in postoperative bedridden elderly patients were improved after combined electrical stimulation at Yinlingquan (SP 9) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). Combined electrical stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3), on the other hand, accelerated lower limb venous flow.

Assessment of surgical treatment and postoperative nutrition in gastric cancer patients older than 80 years.

PubMed

Nakanoko, Tomonori; Kakeji, Yoshihiro; Ando, Koji; Nakashima, Yuichiro; Ohgaki, Kippei; Kimura, Yasue; Saeki, Hiroshi; Oki, Eiji; Morita, Masaru; Maehara, Yoshihiko

2015-01-01

A gastrectomy for gastric cancer is sometimes required in patients older than 80 years due to the continuously increasing age of society. However, if a gastrectomy worsens the postoperative quality of life and daily activity in elderly patients because of poor nutrition, the procedure may not always be a useful treatment strategy. Clinicopathological data of patients with gastric cancer who underwent a gastrectomy at our Department between 1998 and 2008 (N=471) were collected and analyzed. The results of treatment for patients older than 80 years (N=41) were analyzed and compared against those of patients younger than 80 years (N=430). Patients older than 80 years had a higher frequency of preoperative co-morbidities than patients younger than 80 years. However, there was no statistical difference in postoperative complications regarding nutrition between the two groups. Older age is not a determinant of poor nutrition following gastrectomy. Gastrectomy for gastric cancer is, therefore, a useful treatment strategy, regardless of ageing. Copyright© 2015 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.

Post-recurrence survival of elderly patients 75 years of age or older with surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer.

PubMed

Takenaka, Tomoyoshi; Inamasu, Eiko; Yoshida, Tsukihisa; Toyokawa, Gouji; Nosaki, Kaname; Hirai, Fumihiko; Yamaguchi, Masafumi; Seto, Takashi; Takenoyama, Mitsuhiro; Ichinose, Yukito

2016-04-01

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of elderly patients 75 years of age or older with recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A total of 1237 consecutive patients with NSCLC underwent pulmonary resection at our institution. Of these patients, 280 experienced postoperative recurrence. The rate of the post-recurrence survival and predictors were analyzed independently in a group of younger patients (<75 years) and a group of elderly patients (≥75 years). There were 215 younger patients (<75 years) and 65 elderly (≥75 years) patients at the time of diagnosis of recurrence. The median post-recurrence survival time and the five-year survival rate of all cases were 25 months and 20.8%, respectively. There were no significant survival differences between the younger and elderly groups (p = 0.20). A univariate analysis determined that gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, smoking status, histological type and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status were factors influencing the post-recurrence survival among the elderly patients. In addition, a multivariate analysis determined the EGFR mutation status to be an independent prognostic factor for the post-recurrence survival. Elderly patients 75 years of age or older in this study achieved satisfactory long-term outcomes.

Legionnaire's disease in postoperative neurosurgical patients.

PubMed

Glazier, M C; Kohler, R B; Campbell, R L

1983-10-01

Legionella pneumophila postoperative pneumonia may be an important cause of morbidity and mortality in selected surgical patients. This report presents five postoperative neurosurgical patients in whom the diagnosis of Legionnaires' disease was made. Their clinical course and treatment are presented. Clinical manifestations, methods of diagnosis, and treatment of L. pneumophila pneumonia are discussed. It is pointed out that neurosurgical patients who have received high doses of corticosteroids and who develop nosocomial postoperative pneumonias should be suspected of having Legionnaires' disease.

Postoperative Cerebral Infarction Risk Factors and Postoperative Management of Pediatric Patients with Moyamoya Disease.

PubMed

Muraoka, Shinsuke; Araki, Yoshio; Kondo, Goro; Kurimoto, Michihiro; Shiba, Yoshiki; Uda, Kenji; Ota, Shinji; Okamoto, Sho; Wakabayashi, Toshihiko

2018-05-01

Although revascularization surgery for patients with moyamoya disease can effectively prevent ischemic events and thus improve the long-term clinical outcome, the incidence of postoperative ischemic complications affects patients' quality of life. This study aimed to clarify the risk factors associated with postoperative ischemic complications and to discuss the appropriate perioperative management. Fifty-eight revascularization operations were performed in 37 children with moyamoya disease. Patients with moyamoya syndrome were excluded from this study. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed within 7 days after surgery. Postoperative cerebral infarction was defined as a diffusion-weighted imaging high-intensity lesion with or without symptoms. We usually use fentanyl and dexmedetomidine as postoperative analgesic and sedative drugs for patients with moyamoya disease. We used barbiturate coma therapy for pediatric patients with moyamoya disease who have all postoperative cerebral infarction risk factors. Postoperative ischemic complications were observed in 10.3% of the children with moyamoya disease (6 of 58). Preoperative cerebral infarctions (P = 0.0005), younger age (P = 0.038), higher Suzuki grade (P = 0.003), and posterior cerebral artery stenosis/occlusion (P = 0.003) were related to postoperative ischemic complications. Postoperative cerebral infarction occurred all pediatric patients using barbiturate coma therapy. The risk factors associated with postoperative ischemic complications for children with moyamoya disease are preoperative infarction, younger age, higher Suzuki grade, and posterior cerebral artery stenosis/occlusion. Barbiturate coma therapy for pediatric patients with moyamoya disease who have the previous risk factors is insufficient for prevention of postoperative cerebral infarction. More studies are needed to identify the appropriate perioperative management. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Associations Between Impaired Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation, Cerebral Oxygenation, and Biomarkers of Brain Injury and Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction in Elderly Patients After Major Noncardiac Surgery.

PubMed

Goettel, Nicolai; Burkhart, Christoph S; Rossi, Ariane; Cabella, Brenno C T; Berres, Manfred; Monsch, Andreas U; Czosnyka, Marek; Steiner, Luzius A

2017-03-01

Increasing evidence links postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) to surgery and anesthesia. POCD is recognized as an important neuropsychological adverse outcome in surgical patients, particularly the elderly. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate whether POCD is associated with impaired intraoperative cerebral autoregulation and oxygenation, and increased levels of biomarkers of brain injury. Study subjects were patients ≥65 years of age scheduled for major noncardiac surgery. Cognitive function was assessed before and 1 week after surgery. POCD was diagnosed if a decline of >1 standard deviation of z-scores was present in ≥2 variables of the test battery. The incidence of POCD 1 week after surgery was modeled as a multivariable function of the index of autoregulation (MxA) and tissue oxygenation index (TOI), adjusting for baseline neuropsychological assessment battery (Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease-Neuropsychological Assessment Battery [CERAD-NAB]) total score and the maximum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration. The biomarkers of brain injury neuron-specific enolase and S100β protein, age, and level of education were included in secondary multivariable logistic regression analyses. Of the 82 patients who completed the study, 38 (46%) presented with POCD 1 week after surgery. In the multivariable regression analysis, higher intraoperative MxA (odds ratio [OR; 95% confidence interval (CI)], 1.39 [1.01-1.90] for an increase of 0.1 units, P = .08 after Bonferroni adjustment), signifying less effective autoregulation, was not associated with higher odds of POCD. The univariable logistic regression model for MxA yielded an association with POCD (OR [95% CI], 1.44 [1.06-1.95], P = .020). Tissue oxygenation index (1.12 [0.41-3.01] for an increase of 10%, P = 1.0 after Bonferroni adjustment) and baseline CERAD-NAB total score (0.80 [0.45-1.42] for an increase of 10 points, P = .45) did not affect the odds of POCD. POCD

Cancer Surgery in the Elderly

PubMed Central

Kowdley, Gopal C.; Merchant, Nishant; Richardson, James P.; Somerville, Justin; Gorospe, Myriam; Cunningham, Steven C.

2012-01-01

The proportions both of elderly patients in the world and of elderly patients with cancer are both increasing. In the evaluation of these patients, physiologic age, and not chronologic age, should be carefully considered in the decision-making process prior to both cancer screening and cancer treatment in an effort to avoid ageism. Many tools exist to help the practitioner determine the physiologic age of the patient, which allows for more appropriate and more individualized risk stratification, both in the pre- and postoperative periods as patients are evaluated for surgical treatments and monitored for surgical complications, respectively. During and after operations in the oncogeriatric populations, physiologic changes occuring that accompany aging include impaired stress response, increased senescence, and decreased immunity, all three of which impact the risk/benefit ratio associated with cancer surgery in the elderly. PMID:22272172

Acute suppurative parotitis: a dreadful complication in elderly surgical patients.

PubMed

Lampropoulos, Pavlos; Rizos, Spyros; Marinis, Athanasios

2012-08-01

Acute suppurative parotitis (ASP) is a severe infection seen particularly in elderly surgical patients. Factors that increase the risk of ASP include post-operative dehydration, debilitating conditions, and immunosuppressed states. Case report and literature review. An 82-year-old female patient was admitted because of paralytic ileus, dehydration, and poor oral hygiene, and was in distress. After two days of hospitalization, the patient developed a progressive painful swelling of her right parotid gland and fever up to 39.0°C. Computed tomography scanning showed an abscess in the parotid gland. Because of her progressive clinical deterioration, the patient underwent operative drainage of the abscess and removal of the necrotic material. Unfortunately, she suffered multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and died. Acute suppurative parotitis requires prompt aggressive treatment that nevertheless may fail.

Preoperative patient education: evaluating postoperative patient outcomes.

PubMed

Meeker, B J

1994-04-01

Preoperative teaching is an important part of patient care and can prevent complications, as well as promote patient fulfillment during hospitalization. A study was conducted at Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation in New Orleans, LA, in 1989, to determine the impact of a preoperative teaching program on the incidence of postoperative atelectasis and patient satisfaction. Results showed no significant difference of postoperative complications and patient gratification after participating in a structured preoperative teaching program. As part of this study, it was identified that a patient evaluation tool for a preoperative teaching class needed to be developed. The phases of this process are explained in the following article.

[Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for kidney stones in elderly patients: Meta-analysis of results and complications].

PubMed

Haider, R; Regnier, P; Roustan, F-R; Séverac, F; Treacy, P-J; Mendel, L; Bodokh, Y; Tibi, B; Prader, R; Traxer, O; Chevallier, D; Amiel, J; Durand, M

2017-02-01

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard treatment for kidney stones regardless of age. Elderly patients (EP)≥65years old, in growing numbers, have more comorbidities than the general population, may alter results of PCNL. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare efficacy and complications of this procedure between EP and young patients (YP). Original studies of prospective and historical cohorts, in English or French, presenting PCNL series published on PubMed until 2015 were identified using the keywords percutaneous nephrolithotomy, elderly patients, kidney stones and staghorn calculi. Our analysis focused on therapeutic efficacy, defined by absence of residual fragment or the presence of residual fragments<4mm at 3 postoperative months, and postoperative complications according to patient age: YP<65 years old and EP≥65 years old. Binary qualitative data were analyzed using odds ratio (OR) and quantitative data by estimating the difference of means. In total 397 studies were identified among which 23 were checked and 8 included in the meta-analysis for methodological quality corresponding to 4995 YP and 820 EP. No efficacy difference (OR=0.96; [IC95 %: 0.80; 1.17]; P=0.71), operating time (+1.15min in EP [IC95 %: -2.83; 5.12]; P=0.57) and average length of stay (+0.29 days in EP [IC95 %: -0.14; 0.72]; P=0.19) has been reported. It was a trend to more urinary infections (OR=2.24; [IC95 %: 0.74-6.80]; P=0.16) and a significantly increase of postoperative blood transfusions in EP (OR=1.41; [IC95 %: 1.00-1.97]; P=0.04). PCNL for kidney stones n EP is effective with a significantly increase the risk of postoperative blood transfusions compared to YP. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

The role of cystectomy in elderly patients - a multicentre analysis.

PubMed

Izquierdo, Laura; Peri, Lluis; Leon, Priscila; Ramírez-Backhaus, Miguel; Manning, Thomas; Alcaraz, Antonio; Roupret, Morgan; Solsona, Eduardo; Rubio, Jose; Sengupta, Shomik; Chan, Yee; Liodakis, Peter; Gyomber, Dennis; Bolton, Damien; Lawrentschuk, Nathan

2015-10-01

Life expectancy in developed countries is continuously increasing. Hence elderly patients are becoming more common in our clinical practice. Currently, one of the greatest challenges of medicine is balancing the life expectancy of elderly patients against aggressive treatments that carry significant risks. To outline the complications and survival in surgical patients 80 years and over undergoing radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. A review of a radical cystectomy in elderly recorded in four different institutional prospective databases during the period between 1991 and 2014. Clinical and pathologic features, complications and survival were evaluated. A total of 111 patients were available. Median (range) age 82.2 (80-89) years. Seventeen women and 94 men. Regarding the ASA score, 6 patients were ASA I, 47 patients were ASA II, 49 patients ASA III and 9 ASA IV. Prior to surgery, 48 patients had hydronephrosis. The median (range) creatinine series was 1.1 (0.71-11.1) ng/dL. In 88 cases an ileal conduit was performed, 17 a cutaneous ureterostomy diversion, 5 neobladders and 1 ureterosigmoidostomy case. The median (range) operative time was 230 (120-420) min and a total of 97 patients required blood transfusion. The median (range) hospital stay was 14 (7-126) days. The early and late complication rates were 50.4% and 32%, respectively. A total of 14 patients (12.6%) required surgical reintervention. Eight patients (7.2%) died in the immediate postoperative period. The readmission rate of the series was 27.2%. The mean follow-up of the series was 18 (0.27-134.73) months. During this period 66 patients died, 52 of them due to the tumor. Twelve month tumour progression free survival was 83.9% for ≤pT1, 70.2% for pT2 and 36% for ≥pT3, respectively. Twelve month cancer specific survival was 85.6% for ≤pT1, 75.1% for pT2 and 42.5% for ≥pT3, respectively. Radical cystectomy in elderly population is an aggressive surgical treatment with a significant

Predictors of asthma control in elderly patients.

PubMed

Ban, Ga-Young; Trinh, Tu H K; Ye, Young-Min; Park, Hae-Sim

2016-06-01

We are in the era of rapid aging of the global population. Elderly asthmatic patients have an increased frequency of hospitalization and a high mortality rate. In this review, we focus on comorbidities and treatment issues in terms of the predictors of asthma control in the elderly. Some frequent comorbidities, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic sinusitis, obesity, and depression, are associated with uncontrolled asthma in elderly asthmatic patients. Smoking status in elderly asthmatic patients was associated with more frequent exacerbations. Management of comorbidities should be taken into account when we treat elderly asthmatic patients. Low treatment adherence, which is common in elderly asthmatic patients, predicts poor asthma control status. A poor knowledge about asthma, cognitive function impairment, and inappropriate inhaler technique result in low treatment adherence. Polypharmacy is associated with low treatment adherence, adverse drug reactions, and drug-drug interactions, and it is supposed to be a predictor of asthma control. Multifactorial assessments, including comorbidities, treatment adherence, and polypharmacy, are important for better asthma control in elderly asthmatic patients. Further studies on the strategy for the management of elderly asthmatic patients in a real-world setting are warranted.

Changes in Heart Rate and Autonomic Nervous Activity after Orthopedic Surgery in Elderly Japanese Patients

PubMed Central

TAN, CHIEKO; SAITO, NAO; MIYAWAKI, IKUKO

2016-01-01

Evidence regarding nursing support for delirium prevention is currently insufficient. An evaluation of changes in autonomic nervous activity over time after surgery would elucidate the features of autonomic nervous activity in patients with delirium. These results could provide a basis for effective nursing intervention and timing for preventing the onset of delirium. Here, we aimed to obtain basic data on effective nursing interventions for preventing the onset of postoperative delirium. Heart rate variability was recorded during the morning and nighttime on the day before surgery until 3 days postoperatively in elderly patients who underwent orthopedic surgery to investigate the manner in which heart rate and autonomic nervous activity changed over time. Data were collected over 11 months from July 2013 to November 2014. Surgical stress led to the maintenance of heart rate at a significantly higher value from the day of the surgery until postoperative day 3 compared to that before surgery. Moreover, the autonomic nervous activity remained unchanged during the morning, and it was significantly lower during the night from postoperative day 1 until postoperative day 3 than before the surgery. These results suggest that there is a decrease in parasympathetic nervous activity during the nighttime postoperatively. PMID:28289270

Comparative effectiveness of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in elderly patients with diabetes.

PubMed

Shah, Ruchit; Yang, Yi; Bentley, John P; Banahan, Benjamin F

2016-11-01

To compare the relative effectiveness of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) among elderly patients with diabetes regarding acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, repeat revascularization, and all-cause mortality. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the 2006-2008 5% national sample of Medicare claims data. Elderly (≥65 years) beneficiaries with at least two claims of diabetes separated by ≥30 days and who had at least one inpatient claim for multi-vessel CABG or PCI between 1 July 2006 and 30 June 2008 were identified. The date of beneficiary's first CABG or PCI was defined as the index date. All patients were followed from the index date to 31 December 2008 for outcomes. CABG and PCI patients were 1:1 matched on propensity scores and index dates. Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare postoperative outcomes between patients undergoing CABG versus PCI. The matched sample consisted of 4430 patients (2215 in each group). The Cox proportional hazards models showed that, compared to patients undergoing PCI, CABG was associated with a lower risk of postoperative AMI (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.494; 95% CI: 0.396-0.616; p < .0001), repeat revascularization (HR: 0.194; 95% CI: 0.149-0.252; p < .0001), the composite outcome (HR: 0.523; 95% CI: 0.460-0.595; p < .0001), and all-cause mortality (HR: 0.775; 95% CI: 0.658-0.914; p = .0024); postoperative risk of stroke was not significantly different between the two groups (HR: 0.965; 95% CI: 0.812-1.148; p = .691). CABG appears to be the preferred revascularization strategy for elderly patients with diabetes and coronary heart disease. However, this result should be interpreted considering study limitations, for example, several patient clinical variables and physician-related factors which may affect procedure outcomes are not available in the data. Clinical decisions should be individualized considering all patient- and physician

Comparative analysis of survival between elderly and non-elderly severe sepsis and septic shock resuscitated patients

PubMed Central

Palomba, Henrique; Corrêa, Thiago Domingos; Silva, Eliézer; Pardini, Andreia; de Assuncao, Murillo Santucci Cesar

2015-01-01

Objective To compare outcomes between elderly (≥65 years old) and non-elderly (<65 years old) resuscitated severe sepsis and septic shock patients and determine predictors of death among elderly patients. Methods Retrospective cohort study including 848 severe sepsis and septic shock patients admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2006 and March 2012. Results Elderly patients accounted for 62.6% (531/848) and non-elderly patients for 37.4% (317/848). Elderly patients had a higher APACHE II score [22 (18-28) versus 19 (15-24); p<0.001], compared to non-elderly patients, although the number of organ dysfunctions did not differ between the groups. No significant differences were found in 28-day and in-hospital mortality rates between elderly and non-elderly patients. The length of hospital stay was higher in elderly compared to non-elderly patients admitted with severe sepsis and septic shock [18 (10-41) versus 14 (8-29) days, respectively; p=0.0001]. Predictors of death among elderly patients included age, site of diagnosis, APACHE II score, need for mechanical ventilation and vasopressors. Conclusion In this study population early resuscitation of elderly patients was not associated with increased in-hospital mortality. Prospective studies addressing the long-term impact on functional status and quality of life are necessary. PMID:26313436

The effect of general and spinal anesthesia on balance control in elderly patients.

PubMed

Suárez, Alejo; Macadar, Omar

2008-01-01

Falls are a major problem in the elderly population, but few communications address the influence of anesthesia on balance control. This study reports how a general balanced anesthesia (GBA) and a spinal anesthesia (SA) affect balance control in the elderly. We divided into three groups, according to electronystagmography findings and type of anesthesia, 21 men older than 65 years (mean age, 72 years) who were scheduled for prostate adenectomy. One group, designated GBN, consisted of normal subjects who underwent surgery under GBA. In another group, designated GBP, were pathological subjects who had clinically compensated central vestibular disorders (CVDs) and underwent surgery under GBA. The third group, designated SP, contained CVD patients who underwent surgery under SA. We assessed balance control via static posturography preoperatively and 48 hours postoperatively. We observed no change in balance control parameters (center of pressure distribution area [COPa] or COP sway velocity [SV]) for those patients in the GBN group or for those in the SP group. We did observe a significant difference for the patients in the GBP group, with higher postoperative values of COPa and SV (Wilcoxon signed rank test). Our results showed that in subjects with clinically compensated underlying CVD prior to a GBA, balance control worsens after the procedure, whereas no change in balance control occurs after an SA. Balance control in subjects with normal vestibuloocular function did not change even after a GBA.

The outcomes of the elderly in acute care general surgery.

PubMed

St-Louis, E; Sudarshan, M; Al-Habboubi, M; El-Husseini Hassan, M; Deckelbaum, D L; Razek, T S; Feldman, L S; Khwaja, K

2016-02-01

Elderly patients form a growing subset of the acute care surgery (ACS) population. Older age may be associated with poorer outcomes for some elective procedures, but there are few studies focusing on outcomes for the elderly ACS population. Our objective is to characterize differences in mortality and morbidity for acute care surgery patients >80 years old. A retrospective review of all ACS admissions at a large teaching hospital over 1 year was conducted. Patients were classified into non-elderly (<80 years old) and elderly (≥80 years old). In addition to demographic differences, outcomes including care efficiency, mortality, postoperative complications, and length of stay were studied. Data analysis was completed with the Student's t test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables using STATA 12 (College Station, TX, USA). We identified 467 non-elderly and 60 elderly patients with a mean age-adjusted Charlson score of 3.2 and 7.2, respectively (p < 0.001) and a mortality risk of 1.9 and 11.7 %, respectively (p < 0.001). The elderly were at risk of longer duration (>4 days) hospital stay (p = 0.05), increased postoperative complications (p = 0.002), admission to the ICU (p = 0.002), and were more likely to receive a non-operative procedure (p = 0.003). No difference was found (p = NS) for patient flow factors such as time to consult general surgery, time to see consult by general surgery, and time to operative management and disposition. Compared to younger patients admitted to an acute care surgery service, patients over 80 years old have a higher risk of complications, are more likely to require ICU admission, and stay longer in the hospital.

Psychosocial Concerns in the Postoperative Oncology Patient.

PubMed

Ercolano, Elizabeth

2017-02-01

To describe psychosocial concerns associated with the postoperative cancer patient and to discuss current psychosocial evidence-based approaches to manage these psychosocial concerns. Published peer-reviewed literature. The postoperative phase of cancer care may be associated with a range of overlapping acute and chronic psychosocial concerns related to the surgery itself, the cancer diagnosis, and the need for ongoing cancer treatments. The postoperative period of cancer care represents an essential time to detect unmet psychosocial concerns and begin timely interventions for these concerns. Nurses are in a key position to detect, triage, refer, or manage psychosocial concerns in the postoperative patient with cancer. Current psychosocial evidence-based approaches may be used by surgical oncology nurses or other nurses who care for cancer patients during postoperative recovery. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Analysis of postdischarge costs following emergent general surgery in elderly patients

PubMed Central

Eamer, Gilgamesh J.; Clement, Fiona; Pederson, Jenelle L.; Churchill, Thomas A.; Khadaroo, Rachel G.

2018-01-01

Background As populations age, more elderly patients will undergo surgery. Frailty and complications are considered to increase in-hospital cost in older adults, but little is known on costs following discharge, particularly those borne by the patient. We examined risk factors for increased cost and the type of costs accrued following discharge in elderly surgical patients. Methods Acute abdominal surgery patients aged 65 years and older were prospectively enrolled. We assessed baseline clinical characteristics, including Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) scores. We calculated 6-month cost (in Canadian dollars) from patient-reported use following discharge according to the validated Health Resource Utilization Inventory. Primary outcomes were 6-month overall cost and cost for health care services, medical products and lost productive hours. Outcomes were log-transformed and assessed in multivariable generalized linear and zero-inflated negative binomial regressions and can be interpreted as adjusted ratios (AR). Complications were assessed according to Clavien–Dindo classification. Results We included 150 patients (mean age 75.5 ± 7.6 yr; 54.1% men) in our analysis; 10.8% had major and 43.2% had minor complications postoperatively. The median 6-month overall cost was $496 (interquartile range $140–$1948). Disaggregated by cost type, frailty independently predicted increasing costs of health care services (AR 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43–2.18, p < 0.001) and medical products (AR 1.61, 95% CI 1.15–2.25, p = 0.005), but decreasing costs in lost productive hours (AR 0.39, p = 0.002). Complications did not predict increased cost. Conclusion Frail patients accrued higher health care services and product costs, but lower costs from lost productive hours. Interventions in elderly surgical patients should consider patient-borne cost in older adults and lost productivity in less frail patients. Trial registration NCT02233153 (clinicaltrials.gov). PMID:29368673

Mini-Craniotomy Under Local Anesthesia for Chronic Subdural Hematoma: An Effective Choice for Elderly Patients and for Patients in a Resource-Strained Environment.

PubMed

Mahmood, Shaikh Danish; Waqas, Muhammad; Baig, Mirza Zain; Darbar, Aneela

2017-10-01

Mini-craniotomy for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is associated with lower rates of recurrence. However, the procedure is performed mostly with the patient under general anesthesia (GA) and therefore frequently requires an intensive care unit (ICU) facility, especially in the elderly population. Because of the unavailability of ICU beds, and to avoid GA, we started to perform this procedure with the patient under local anesthesia (LA). This was a retrospective medical chart review conducted in the section of Neurosurgery at the Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. The study duration was 1 year. We included patients aged 55 years or older undergoing surgery for CSDH. Clinical characteristics, hospital stay, and recurrence rates were compared between 2 groups, local versus general anesthesia. Thirty-five patients underwent mini-craniotomy for CSDH in the study period. Sixteen patients underwent mini-craniotomy under LA versus 19 patients for GA. Median age for the LA group was 67 years compared with 70 years in the GA group. Four patients from the LA group experienced postoperative complications versus 7 from the GA group. Only one patient in the LA group required an ICU bed in the postoperative period. There was no recurrence in LA group. The overall recurrence was 2.86%. Mini-craniotomy for CSDH under LA is an equally effective procedure compared with mini-craniotomy under GA. In addition, it minimizes the risks of GA in the elderly population and obviates the need of a postoperative ICU bed. It also reduces operative time and hospital stay as compared with GA. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Profile of sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade in the elderly: current perspectives.

PubMed

Carron, Michele; Bertoncello, Francesco; Ieppariello, Giovanna

2018-01-01

The number of elderly patients is increasing worldwide. This will have a significant impact on the practice of anesthesia in future decades. Anesthesiologists must provide care for an increasing number of elderly patients, who have an elevated risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Complications related to postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade, such as muscle weakness, airway obstruction, hypoxemia, atelectasis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure, are more frequent in older than in younger patients. Therefore, neuromuscular blockade in the elderly should be carefully monitored and completely reversed before awakening patients at the end of anesthesia. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are traditionally used for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Although the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade is reduced by reversal with neostigmine, it continues to complicate the postoperative course. Sugammadex represents an innovative approach to reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by aminosteroid neuromuscular-blocking agents, particularly rocuronium, with useful applications in clinical practice. However, aging is associated with certain changes in the pharmacokinetics of sugammadex, and to date there has been no thorough evaluation of the use of sugammadex in elderly patients. The aim of this review was to perform an analysis of the use of sugammadex in older adults based on the current literature. Major issues surrounding the physiologic and pharmacologic effects of aging in elderly patients and how these may impact the routine use of sugammadex in elderly patients are discussed.

Profile of sugammadex for reversal of neuromuscular blockade in the elderly: current perspectives

PubMed Central

Carron, Michele; Bertoncello, Francesco; Ieppariello, Giovanna

2018-01-01

The number of elderly patients is increasing worldwide. This will have a significant impact on the practice of anesthesia in future decades. Anesthesiologists must provide care for an increasing number of elderly patients, who have an elevated risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Complications related to postoperative residual neuromuscular blockade, such as muscle weakness, airway obstruction, hypoxemia, atelectasis, pneumonia, and acute respiratory failure, are more frequent in older than in younger patients. Therefore, neuromuscular blockade in the elderly should be carefully monitored and completely reversed before awakening patients at the end of anesthesia. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors are traditionally used for reversal of neuromuscular blockade. Although the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade is reduced by reversal with neostigmine, it continues to complicate the postoperative course. Sugammadex represents an innovative approach to reversal of neuromuscular blockade induced by aminosteroid neuromuscular-blocking agents, particularly rocuronium, with useful applications in clinical practice. However, aging is associated with certain changes in the pharmacokinetics of sugammadex, and to date there has been no thorough evaluation of the use of sugammadex in elderly patients. The aim of this review was to perform an analysis of the use of sugammadex in older adults based on the current literature. Major issues surrounding the physiologic and pharmacologic effects of aging in elderly patients and how these may impact the routine use of sugammadex in elderly patients are discussed. PMID:29317806

Use of a unipedal standing test to assess the ambulation reacquisition time during the early postoperative stage after hip fracture in elderly Japanese: prospective study.

PubMed

Murata, Koichi; Sugitani, Shigeki; Yoshioka, Hiroki; Noguchi, Takashi; Aoto, Toshiyuki; Nakamura, Takashi

2010-01-01

The aim of this study was to predict the ambulation reacquisition time after hip fracture in elderly people using the unipedal standing test during the early postoperative stage. Patients with an intertrochanteric fracture treated with internal fixation (n = 35) and patients with a femoral neck fracture treated with hemiarthroplasty (n = 22) were included. A unipedal standing test using the nonoperated leg was performed on days 3 and 7 after the operation. Among the patients with an intertrochanteric fracture, those with a positive result on the unipedal standing test on postoperative day (POD) 3 attained gait with parallel guide bars (BG) and walker-assisted gait (WG) significantly earlier than did patients with a negative result on the unipedal standing test. Patients with a positive result on the unipedal standing test on POD 7 attained BG, WG, and cane-assisted gait (CG) significantly earlier than did patients with a negative test. Among patients with a femoral neck fracture, those with a positive unipedal standing test result on POD 3 attained BG, WG, and CG significantly earlier than did patients with a negative test. Those with a positive test result on POD 7 attained BG, WG, and CG significantly earlier than did patients with a negative test. The unipedal standing test given during the early postoperative stage is a good test for predicting the ambulation reacquisition time. Moreover, it gives information that can help determine the need for subacute rehabilitation and about discharge planning and health service provision.

Elderly patients and inflammatory bowel disease

PubMed Central

Nimmons, Danielle; Limdi, Jimmy K

2016-01-01

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is increasing globally. Coupled with an ageing population, the number of older patients with IBD is set to increase. The clinical features and therapeutic options in young and elderly patients are comparable but there are some significant differences. The wide differential diagnosis of IBD in elderly patients may result in a delay in diagnosis. The relative dearth of data specific to elderly IBD patients often resulting from their exclusion from pivotal clinical trials and the lack of consensus guidelines have made clinical decisions somewhat challenging. In addition, age specific concerns such as co-morbidity; loco-motor and cognitive function, poly-pharmacy and its consequences need to be taken into account. In applying modern treatment paradigms to the elderly, the clinician must consider the potential for more pronounced adverse effects in this vulnerable group and set appropriate boundaries maximising benefit and minimising harm. Meanwhile, clinicians need to make personalised decisions but as evidence based as possible in the holistic, considered and optimal management of IBD in elderly patients. In this review we will cover the clinical features and therapeutic options of IBD in the elderly; as well as addressing common questions and challenges posed by its management. PMID:26855812

Postoperative Delirium in the Geriatric Patient

PubMed Central

Schenning, Katie J.; Deiner, Stacie G.

2015-01-01

SYNOPSIS Postoperative delirium, a common complication in older surgical patients, is independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Patients over the age of 65 years receive greater than 1/3 of the over 40 million anesthetics delivered yearly in the United States. This number is expected to increase with the aging of the population. Thus, it is increasingly important that perioperative clinicians who care for geriatric patients have an understanding of the complex syndrome of postoperative delirium. PMID:26315635

Postoperative Delirium in the Geriatric Patient.

PubMed

Schenning, Katie J; Deiner, Stacie G

2015-09-01

Postoperative delirium, a common complication in older surgical patients, is independently associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Patients older than 65 years receive greater than one-third of the more than 40 million anesthetics delivered yearly in the United States. This number is expected to increase with the aging of the population. Thus, it is increasingly important that perioperative clinicians who care for geriatric patients have an understanding of the complex syndrome of postoperative delirium. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Barium enema in frail elderly patients.

PubMed

Segal, R; Khahil, A; Leibovitz, A; Gil, I; Annuar, M; Habot, B

2000-01-01

Barium enema (BE) examinations for the investigation of suspected colonic disease are often unsuccessful in elderly patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success rate of BE in hospitalized frail elderly patients. Four hundred and seventy-two elderly patients hospitalized for different reasons underwent BE examinations. The medical charts and radiological reports were retrospectively reviewed. One hundred and ninety-two (41%) BE examinations were considered inadequate; mostly (32%) because of inappropriate preparation. Sixty-seven patients (14%) were not cooperative and could not retain the contrast material, and in 25 patients (5%), the examination failed due to both these reasons. The characteristics associated with unsuccessful BE examination were the mean number of medical problems (p < 0.001), the mean number of scheduled medications (p < 0.05) and in particular the long-term use of laxatives (p < 0.01) or antiparkinsonian drugs (p < 0.01). Of great significance in predicting an inadequate BE were the patient's functional status (p < 0.001) and the presence of dementia (p < 0.001). The high percentage of unsuccessful BEs in the frail elderly suggests that clinicians should carefully consider the need for that examination in these patients. We suggest that only in patients where there is a clear suspicion of a bleeding or obstructing tumor should a BE examination be performed, and even in these cases, colonoscopy or CT may be preferable as the initial examination in the frail elderly. Copyright 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel

Residual urine output and postoperative mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Lin, Yu-Feng; Wu, Vin-Cent; Ko, Wen-Je; Chen, Yih-Sharng; Chen, Yung-Ming; Li, Wen-Yi; Chou, Nai-Kuan; Chao, Anne; Huang, Tao-Min; Chang, Fan-Chi; Chen, Shih-I; Shiao, Chih-Chung; Wang, Wei-Jie; Tsai, Hung-Bin; Tsai, Pi-Ru; Hu, Fu-Chang; Wu, Kwan-Dun

2009-09-01

The relationship between residual urine output and postoperative survival in maintenance hemodialysis patients is unknown. To explore the relationship between amount of urine before surgery and postoperative mortality and differences between postoperative nonanuria and anuria in maintenance hemodialysis patients. A total of 109 maintenance hemodialysis patients underwent major operations. Anuria was defined as urine output <30 mL in the 8 hours before the first session of postoperative dialysis. Propensity scores for postoperative anuria were developed. Postoperative residual urine output was 159.2 mL/8 h (SD, 115.1) in 33 patients; 76 patients were anuric. Preoperative residual urine output and adequate perioperative blood transfusion were positively related to postoperative urine output. Propensity-adjusted 30-day mortality was associated with postoperative anuria (odds ratio [OR], 4.56; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16-17.96; P = .03), prior stroke (OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 1.43-13.89; P = .01) and higher disease severity (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.00-1.21; P = .049) at the first postoperative dialysis. OR of 30-day mortality was 5.38 for nonanuria to anuria vs nonanuria to nonanuria (P = .03) and 5.13 for preoperative anuria vs nonanuria to nonanuria (P = .01). By Kaplan-Meier analysis, 30-day mortality differed significantly among patients for nonanuria to nonanuria, anuria, and nonanuria to anuria (log rank, P = .045). Patients with preoperative nonanuria and postoperative anuria had higher mortality than did patients with no anuria before and after surgery and patients with anuria before surgery. Postoperative residual urine output is an important surrogate marker for disease severity.

Prehabilitation to enhance postoperative recovery for an octogenarian following robotic-assisted hysterectomy with endometrial cancer.

PubMed

Carli, Franco; Brown, Russell; Kennepohl, Stephan

2012-08-01

Postoperative complications represent a major concern for elderly patients. We report a case of a medically complex and frail 88-yr-old woman with endometrial cancer who was scheduled for a robotic-assisted total abdominal hysterectomy. In addition to her cardiac morbidity she presented with several risk factors for neurocognitive decline, including prior episodes of postoperative delirium. The patient underwent functional, nutritional, and neuropsychological assessments prior to a three-week prehabilitation home-based program consisting of strength and endurance exercises as well as nutritional optimization. Remarkably, there were no episodes of postoperative confusion, and over the following eight weeks, she continued to show sustained improvement in exercise tolerance (as per the six-minute walk test), cognitive function (as per the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status), and overall functional capacity (Short Form-36). This report provides suggestive evidence that a prehabilitation program optimized the health of this elderly patient and may have prevented a further episode of postoperative delirium. Prehabilitation protocols should be evaluated in clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy and the target populations who may benefit and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for enhanced recovery in the perioperative setting.

Parecoxib Supplementation to Morphine Analgesia Decreases Incidence of Delirium in Elderly Patients After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Mu, Dong-Liang; Zhang, Da-Zhi; Wang, Dong-Xin; Wang, Geng; Li, Chun-Jing; Meng, Zhao-Ting; Li, Ya-Wei; Liu, Chao; Li, Xue-Ying

2017-06-01

Severe pain and high-dose opioids are both associated with increased risk of postoperative delirium. The authors investigated whether parecoxib-supplemented IV morphine analgesia could decrease the incidence of delirium in elderly patients after total hip or knee replacement surgery. In a randomized, double-blind, 2-center trial, patients of 60 years or older who underwent elective total hip or knee replacement surgery were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either parecoxib (40 mg at the end of surgery and then every 12 hours for 3 days) or placebo (normal saline). All patients received combined spinal-epidural anesthesia during surgery and IV morphine for postoperative analgesia. The primary outcome was the incidence of delirium within 5 days after surgery. Between January 2011 and May 2013, 620 patients were enrolled and were included in the intention-to-treat and safety analyses. The incidence of delirium was significantly reduced from 11.0% (34/310) with placebo to 6.2% (19/310) with parecoxib (relative risk 0.56, 95% confidence interval 0.33-0.96, P = .031). The severity of pain and the cumulative consumptions of morphine at 24, 48, and 72 hours after surgery were significantly lower with parecoxib than with placebo (all P < .001), although the differences were small. There was no difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the 2 groups (12.3% [38/310] with placebo versus 11.6% [36/310] with parecoxib; P = .80). For low-risk elderly patients undergoing elective total hip or knee replacement surgery, multidose parecoxib supplemented to IV morphine decreased the incidence of postoperative delirium without increasing adverse events.

Postoperative sleep-disordered breathing in patients without preoperative sleep apnea.

PubMed

Chung, Frances; Liao, Pu; Yang, Yiliang; Andrawes, Maged; Kang, Weimin; Mokhlesi, Babak; Shapiro, Colin M

2015-06-01

Recently published data show that postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) is significantly increased in some patients without preoperative sleep apnea. These patients may be at risk of developing perioperative adverse events related to sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). The objective of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictors of postoperative moderate-to-severe SDB (AHI > 15 events/h) in patients without sleep apnea preoperatively. In a prospective observational fashion, patients were invited to undergo sleep studies with a portable device (Embletta X100) preoperatively at home and postoperatively on the first and third night after surgery in the hospital or at home. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative moderate-to-severe SDB (AHI > 15 events/h) in non-sleep apnea patients (preoperative AHI ≤ 5 events/h). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of clinical factors and preoperative sleep parameters with the occurrence of postoperative moderate-to-severe SDB. A total of 120 non-sleep apnea patients completed the study, of which 31 (25.8% [95% confidence interval: 18.3%-34.6%]) patients were found to have AHI > 15 events/h on postoperative night 1 and/or postoperative night 3 (postoperative SDB group), and 89 (74%) patients had an AHI ≤ 15 events/h on both postoperative night 1 and 3 (postoperative non-SDB group). The patients in the postoperative SDB group were older (60 ± 13 vs 53 ± 12 years, P = 0.008) with more smokers (32.3% vs 15.7%, P = 0.048) and had a greater increase in the obstructive apnea index (adjusted P = 0.0003), central apnea index (adjusted P = 0.0012), and hypopnea index (adjusted P = 0.0004). Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that age and preoperative respiratory disturbance index (RDI) were significantly associated with the occurrence of postoperative moderate-to-severe SDB, P = 0.018 and P = 0.006, respectively. The sensitivity privilege cutoff of RDI at 4.9 events

Impact of coronary artery bypass grafting in elderly patients.

PubMed

Aikawa, Priscila; Cintra, Angélica Rossi Sartori; Leite, Cleber Aparecido; Marques, Ricardo Henrique; da Silva, Claudio Tafarel Mackmillan; Afonso, Max dos Santos; Paulitsch, Felipe da Silva; Oss, Evandro Augusto

2013-03-01

To analyze the results of isolated on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in patients > 65 years-old. Patients undergoing isolated on-pump CABG from December 1st 2010 to July 31th 2012 were divided in two groups: GE (elderly > 65 years-old, n=103) and GA (adults < 65 years-old, n=150). Preoperative data, intraoperative (as cardiopulmonar bypass time, aortic clamping time, time length of stay in mechanical ventilation--MV--and number of grafts), and postoperative variable (as morbidity, mortality and time length of stay in hospital) were analyzed during hospitalization. In GE, the morbidity rate was greater than in GA (30% vs. 14%, P=0.004), but there was no difference in the mortality rate (5.8% vs. 2.0%, P=0.165). In GA, there was higher prevalence DM (39.6% vs. 27%, P=0.043) and smoking (32.2% versus 19.8%, P=0.042); and in GE, higher prevalence of stroke (17% vs. 6.7%, P=0.013). There was no difference between the groups regarding intraoperative variables. After multivariate analysis, age > 65-year-old was associated with greater morbidity, but it was not independent predictive factor for in-hospital mortality. Considering in-hospital mortality, stay in ward time length (P=0.006), cardiac (P=0.011) and respiratory complications (P=0.026) were independent predictive factors. This study suggests that patients > 65-year old were at increased risk of postoperative complications when submitted to isolated on-pump CABG in comparison to patients < 65-year-old, but not under increased risk of death.

Epidemiology and prognosis of candidaemia in elderly patients.

PubMed

Ramos-Martínez, Antonio; Vicente-López, Natalia; Sánchez-Romero, Isabel; Padilla, Belén; Merino-Amador, Paloma; Garnacho-Montero, José; Ruiz-Camps, Isabel; Montejo, Miguel; Salavert, Miguel; Mensa, José; Cuenca-Estrella, Manuel

2017-12-01

The aim of the study was to analyse the epidemiology and prognosis of candidaemia in elderly patients. We performed a comparison of clinical presentation of candidaemia according to age and a study of hazard factors within a prospective programme performed in 29 hospitals. One hundred and seventy-six episodes occurred in elderly patients (>75 years), 227 episodes in middle-aged patients (61-75 years) and 232 episodes in younger patients (16-60 years). Central venous catheter, parenteral nutrition, neutropenia, immunosuppressive therapy and candidaemia caused by Candida parapsilosis were less frequent in elderly patients. These patients received inadequate antifungal therapy (57.3%) more frequently than middle-aged and younger patients (40.5% P < .001). Mortality during the first week (20%) and 30 days (42%) was higher in elderly patients. The variables independently associated with mortality in elderly patients during the first 7 days were acute renal failure (OR: 2.64), Pitt score (OR: 1.57) and appropriate antifungal therapy (OR: 0.132). Primary candidaemia (OR: 2.93), acute renal failure (OR: 3.68), Pitt score (OR: 1.38), appropriate antifungal therapy (OR: 0.3) and early removal of the central catheter (OR: 0.47) were independently associated with 30-day mortality.In conclussion, inadequate antifungal treatment is frequently prescribed to elderly patients with candidaemia and is related with early and late mortality. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.

Chest physical therapy: comparative efficacy of preoperative and postoperative in the elderly.

PubMed

Castillo, R; Haas, A

1985-06-01

Although chest physical therapy (PT) immediately after surgery lowers the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications, several reports indicate preoperative chest PT results in further improvement. This study compares the effects of initiating chest PT either before and/or after chest surgery in patients over age 65. We studied two groups: 130 patients (the PRE group) undergoing both pre- and postoperative therapy and 150 patients (the POST group) undergoing only postoperative therapy, dividing them into four surgical subgroups: lung, cardiac and other thoracic surgery, upper abdominal, and lower abdominal (considered low risk compared with the other three). Overall complication rates and atelectasis rates were significantly lower in the PRE high-risk subgroups. PRE and POST pneumonia rates, however, were statistically equivalent in all surgical subgroups. Since the low rate of pulmonary complications for PRE-group patients undergoing thoracic or upper abdominal procedures is comparable to that for PRE-group therapy in much younger populations, advanced age alone does not appear to be a significant risk factor. The lack of effect on incidence of pneumonia indicates that preoperative chest PT only counters the altered pulmonary mechanics responsible for atelectasis, but has no effect on pulmonary complications due to infection.

Peritoneal dialysis is appropriate for elderly patients.

PubMed

Teitelbaum, Isaac

2006-01-01

The utilization of peritoneal dialysis decreases with age. A number of concerns have been raised regarding the suitability of peritoneal dialysis for elderly patients. The purpose of this review is to determine whether these concerns are medically valid. Literature review and synthesis. Most elderly patients possess the manual and cognitive skills necessary to perform peritoneal dialysis. Elderly patients on peritoneal dialysis exhibit excellent compliance with their treatment regimen and display no increase in the rate of infectious complications though they may have a slight increase in hospital days. They easily achieve adequacy targets, experience good technique survival and their nutritional status is at least as good as that of their hemodialysis counterparts. Patient survival varies around the world but is overall comparable to that of age-matched patients on hemodialysis. Quality of life may be somewhat superior to that of older hemodialysis patients. Elderly patients with end-stage renal disease are appropriate candidates for peritoneal dialysis. It is not medically justifiable to exclude them from consideration for this therapeutic modality.

Predictors of Postoperative Recovery Based on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients after Degenerative Lumbar Scoliosis Surgery.

PubMed

Lin, Tao; Meng, Yichen; Li, Tangbo; Jiang, Heng; Gao, Rui; Zhou, Xuhui

2018-01-01

To investigate the factors associated with the recovery process of elderly patients after degenerative lumbar scoliosis surgery. A total of 213 elderly patients who had undergone surgical treatment for degenerative lumbar scoliosis from 2011 to 2015 were included retrospectively in this study. Clinical data and demographics were collected for logistic regression analysis. Among 213 eligible patients, 77 (38.5%) were classified as being in the excellent group, 70 (35%) as showing improvement, 24 (12%) as showing no change, and 29 (14.5%) as having deteriorated. At baseline, patients differed significantly from matched normative data in all Scoliosis Research Society domains. Larger differences from normative values were found for pain and activity domains. After surgery, each domain improved significantly. In the multivariate logistic regression, age 60-70 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.431; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.143-5.174), and American Society of Anesthesiologists grade <3 (OR, 2.987; 95% CI, 1.519-5.874) may be predictive factors for a satisfying recovery, whereas presence of complications (OR, 0.342; 95% CI, 0.153-0.765), fusion to the sacrum (OR, 0.200; 95% CI, 0.076-0.523), and more osteotomies (OR, 0.360; 95% CI, 0.132-0.985) have negative effects on the recovery process. The factors that affect postoperative recovery in elderly patients with degenerative lumbar scoliosis are age, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, distal fusion level, presence of complications, and number of osteotomies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Prospective phase II study evaluating the efficacy of swallow ability screening tests and pneumonia prevention using a team approach for elderly patients with gastric cancer.

PubMed

Miki, Yuichiro; Makuuchi, Rie; Honda, Shinsaku; Tokunaga, Masanori; Tanizawa, Yutaka; Bando, Etsuro; Kawamura, Taiichi; Yurikusa, Takashi; Tanuma, Akira; Terashima, Masanori

2018-03-01

Aging partly impairs swallowing function, which is considered a risk factor for postoperative pneumonia (PP). We evaluated the efficacy of a new team-based strategy to reduce the incidence of PP in elderly patients with gastric cancer. This single-center, prospective phase II study included elderly patients (≥75 years old) with gastric cancer undergoing gastric surgery. The primary endpoint was the incidence of Clavien-Dindo grade II or higher PP. Patients were initially screened using three swallowing function screening tests: a symptom questionnaire, the modified water swallow test (MSWT), and the repetitive saliva swallowing test (RSST). All patients were provided standard preoperative oral checks and care and simple neck muscle training. For patients who screened positive, a videofluorographic swallowing study was performed; if an abnormality was found, the patient was given intensive swallowing rehabilitation both pre- and postoperatively. Of 86 eligible patients enrolled, PP developed in 3 (3.5%). The 60% confidence interval of 1.8-6.3% had an upper limit below the prespecified threshold of 7.8%. Positive screening results were found for 19 patients (22.1%) on the symptom questionnaire, 3 (3.5%) on the MSWT, and 1 (1.2%) on the RSST. PP was not observed in any patients who screened positive. In conclusion, although the screening tests we adopted here were not sufficient to identify patients at high risk of aspiration pneumonia, perioperative interventions using a team approach might be effective in reducing the incidence of PP in elderly patients with gastric cancer.

Emergency thoracic surgery in elderly patients

PubMed Central

Limmer, Stefan; Unger, Lena; Czymek, Ralf; Kujath, Peter; Hoffmann, Martin

2011-01-01

Objectives Emergency thoracic surgery in the elderly represents an extreme situation for both the surgeon and patient. The lack of an adequate patient history as well as the inability to optimize any co-morbidities, which are the result of the emergent situation, are the cause of increased morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the outcome and prognostic factors for this selected group of patients. Design Retrospective chart review. Setting Academic tertiary care referral center. Participants Emergency patients treated at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital of Luebeck, Germany. Main outcome measures Co-morbidities, mortality, risk factors and hospital length of stay. Results A total of 124 thoracic procedures were performed on 114 patients. There were 79 men and 36 women (average age 72.5 ±6.4 years, range 65–94). The overall operative mortality was 25.4%. The most frequent indication was thoracic/mediastinal infection, followed by peri- or postoperative thoracic complications. Risk factors for hospital mortality were a high ASA score, pre-existing diabetes mellitus and renal insufficiency. Conclusions Our study documents a perioperative mortality rate of 25% in patients over 65 who required emergency thoracic surgery. The main indication for a surgical intervention was sepsis with a thoracic/mediastinal focus. Co-morbidities and the resulting perioperative complications were found to have a significant effect on both inpatient length of stay and outcome. Long-term systemic co-morbidities such as diabetes mellitus are difficult to equalize with respect to certain organ dysfunctions and significantly increase mortality. PMID:21369531

Patient refusal for regional anesthesia in elderly orthopedic population: A cross-sectional survey at a tertiary care hospital.

PubMed

Salam, Asma Abdus; Afshan, Gauhar

2016-01-01

Improvements in pain management techniques in the last decade have had a major impact on the practice of orthopedic surgeries, for example, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Although there are a number of treatment options for postoperative pain, a gold standard has not been established. In our institution, both general anesthesia and regional anesthesia (RA), are being offered to the elderly orthopedic population but RA is not frequently accepted by elderly population. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of various reasons for refusal of RA in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. A prospective study conducted over a period of 1 year, had 549 patients with ages above 60 years who underwent different types of elective orthopedic procedures 182 patients who refused RA were interviewed according to a structured questionnaire designed to assess the reasons of refusal. Most common reason for the refusal of RA was surgeon's choice (38.5%), whereas 20.3% of the patients were unaware about the RA. There was a significant association between female gender and refusing RA due to backache (17.2%) and fear of being awake during the operation (24.1%) respectively. This survey showed that the main reasons among elderly female population were the fear of remaining awake and backache. However, overall it was the surgeon's choice which made patients refuse RA, and the anesthesiologists were the main source of information.

Patient refusal for regional anesthesia in elderly orthopedic population: A cross-sectional survey at a tertiary care hospital

PubMed Central

Salam, Asma Abdus; Afshan, Gauhar

2016-01-01

Background and Aims: Improvements in pain management techniques in the last decade have had a major impact on the practice of orthopedic surgeries, for example, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Although there are a number of treatment options for postoperative pain, a gold standard has not been established. In our institution, both general anesthesia and regional anesthesia (RA), are being offered to the elderly orthopedic population but RA is not frequently accepted by elderly population. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of various reasons for refusal of RA in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries. Material and Methods: A prospective study conducted over a period of 1 year, had 549 patients with ages above 60 years who underwent different types of elective orthopedic procedures 182 patients who refused RA were interviewed according to a structured questionnaire designed to assess the reasons of refusal. Results: Most common reason for the refusal of RA was surgeon's choice (38.5%), whereas 20.3% of the patients were unaware about the RA. There was a significant association between female gender and refusing RA due to backache (17.2%) and fear of being awake during the operation (24.1%) respectively. Conclusion: This survey showed that the main reasons among elderly female population were the fear of remaining awake and backache. However, overall it was the surgeon's choice which made patients refuse RA, and the anesthesiologists were the main source of information. PMID:27006550

[Mid-term results after post-traumatic knee joint replacement in elderly patients].

PubMed

Weber, O; Goost, H; Mueller, M; Burger, C; Wirtz, D; Pagenstert, G; Gravius, S

2011-04-01

Due to the increasing prevalence of elderly people in Germany, the number of geriatric fractures will continue to increase. Typical geriatric skeletal and physical changes are osteoporosis, arthrosis, and reduced ability of coordination. Altogether, these factors may lead to a failure of a performed osteosynthesis, or may make the classical fracture treatment of reduction and internal fixation appear to be impossible. The aim of this study was to examine the results of peri-knee fractures treated directly or within 3 months by implantation of a knee prosthesis. 15 geriatric patients could be identified who were treated in the described way in the last 4 years. The follow-up time was 39 months. The knee injury occurred in all cases after a banal trauma. 14 patients could be examined by applying the HSS scoring system. We furthermore checked the operative management and postoperative course. The patients reached a good score level and showed few complications. For elderly patients, the primary knee arthroplasty after periarticular fractures of the knee is a valid treatment option. Nevertheless, the surgeon has to identify those fractures which are impossible to treat by a classical osteosynthesis. Furthermore, the application of the appropriate knee prosthesis, regarding the degree of hinge constrainment or augmentation of the tibial or femoral bone stock, is important. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Postoperative hyperglycaemia control reduces postoperative complications in patients subject to total knee arthroplasty.

PubMed

Reátegui, Diego; Tornero, Eduard; Popescu, Dragos; Sastre, Sergi; Camafort, Miquel; Gines, Gracia; Combalía, Andrés; Lozano, Luis

2017-01-01

The aim of our study was the early detection and treatment of patients with unknown alterations of the hydrocarbon metabolism subject to total knee arthroplasty in order to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications. Patients were classified as non-diabetic patients (group 1), diabetic patients (group 2) and patients with stress hyperglycaemia (group 3). The last two groups were recommended assessment by a primary care physician (PCP). After one year follow-up the groups were compared with respect to incidence of postoperative complications. The groups were also compared regarding the decrease or increase of HbA1c levels with the incidence of complications. Of the 228 patients, 116 (50%) were included in group 1, 40 (17.5%) in group 2 and 72 (31.6%) in group 3. Patients that consulted their PCP presented lower medical complication rates than those who did not (9.2% vs. 26.4%, P=0.020). Not being attended by a PCP was an independent predictive factor of medical complication (odds ratio (OR): 21.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 4.6-98.5), surgical site infection (OR: 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1-15.0) and mechanical complication (OR: 5.0; 95% CI: 1.3-18.8). A decrease of HbA1c value was related to less medical systemic complications (7.3% vs. 24.2%, P=0.035). Patients with hyperglycaemia during the postoperative total knee arthroplasty period, who are controlled by the PCP present lower incidence of complications. Decrease of HbA1c value during postoperative total knee arthroplasty period leads to a lower rate of medical complications. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Preventive effect of electrical acupoint stimulation on lower-limb thrombosis: a prospective study of elderly patients after malignant gastrointestinal tumor surgery.

PubMed

Hou, Li L; Yao, Li W; Niu, Qian M; Xu, L; Yu, Qiu H; Sun, Wen Q; Yin, Pei-Hao; Li, Qi

2013-01-01

Lower deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is one of the major complications of patients with tumors or patients undergoing major surgery. Electrical acupoint stimulation, an established technique of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), can be well combined with Western medicine to reduce the incidence of postoperative DVT, especially in elderly patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficiency of electrical acupoint stimulation in the prevention of postsurgery DVT in elderly patients with gastrointestinal malignant tumors and to validate an effective and safe nursing approach that integrates TCM and Western medicine. A total of 120 patients (none aged <60 years) who underwent malignant gastrointestinal tumor surgery between July 2005 and May 2007 were randomly divided into 3 groups: routine nursing group (group C1), graduated compression stockings group (group C2), and electrical acupoint stimulation group (group T). Hemorheological parameters (blood viscosity, etc) were measured and compared before and after surgery. Compared with groups C1 and C2, group T showed a significant difference in blood viscosity and blood flow velocity (P < .05). However, there were no statistical differences among groups C1, C2, and T in other hemorheological parameters. By speeding up the blood flow in patients' lower limbs, electrical acupoint stimulation showed a great potential to prevent symptomless DVT in elderly patients after malignant gastrointestinal tumor surgery. Western medical care combined with TCM can reduce the occurrence of lower DVT in elderly patients suffering from gastrointestinal cancer. This approach may help nurses to plan effective care for elderly patients.

Definition and application of neuropsychological test battery to evaluate postoperative cognitive dysfunction

PubMed Central

Valentin, Lívia Stocco Sanches; Pietrobon, Ricardo; de Aguiar, Wagner; Rios, Ruth Pinto Camarão; Stahlberg, Mariane Galzerano; de Menezes, Iolanda Valois Galvão; Osternack-Pinto, Kátia; Carmona, Maria José Carvalho

2015-01-01

Objective To investigate the adequacy of the neuropsychological test battery proposed by the International Study of Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction to evaluate this disorder in Brazilian elderly patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. Methods A neuropsychological assessment was made in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery under general anesthesia, aged over 65 years, literate, with no history of psychiatric or neurological problems and score on the Mini Mental State Examination at or above the cutoff point for the Brazilian population (>18 or >23) according to the schooling level of the subject. Eighty patients were evaluated by a trained team of neuropsychologists up to 24 hours before elective surgery. Results Among the patients evaluated, one was excluded due to score below the cutoff point in the Mini Mental State Examination and two did not complete the test battery, thus remaining 77 patients in the study. The mean age was 69±7.5 years, and 62.34% of the subjects had ±4 years of study. The subjects had significantly lower averages than expected (p<0.001) for normative tables on neuropsychological tests. Conclusion The study demonstrated the applicability of the instruments in the Brazilian elderly and low schooling level population, but suggested the need to determine cutoff points appropriate for these individuals, ensuring the correct interpretation of results. This battery is relevant to postoperative follow-up evaluations, favoring the diagnosis of postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing different types of surgery and anesthetic techniques. PMID:25993064

The ED use and non-urgent visits of elderly patients.

PubMed

Gulacti, Umut; Lok, Ugur; Celik, Murat; Aktas, Nurettin; Polat, Haci

2016-12-01

To evaluate the use of the emergency department (ED) by elderly patients, their non-urgent visits and the prevalence of main disease for ED visits. This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients aged 65 years and over who visited the ED of a tertiary care university hospital in Turkey between January 2015 and January 2016 retrospectively. A total of 36,369 elderly patients who visited the ED were included in the study. The rate of ED visits by elderly patients was higher than their representation within the general population (p < 0.001). While the rate of elderly patients visiting polyclinics was 15.8%, the rate of elderly patients visiting the ED was 24.3% (p < 0.001). For both genders, the rates of ED visits for patients between 65 and 74 years old was higher than for other elderly age groups (p < 0.001). The prevalence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) was the highest within the elderly population (17.5%, CI: 17.1-17.9). The proportion of ED visits for non-urgent conditions was 23.4%. Most of the ED visits were during the non-business hours (51.1%), and they were highest in the winter season (25.9%) and in January (10.2%). The hospitalization rate was 9.4%, and 37.9% of hospitalized patients were admitted to intensive care units. The proportion of ED visits by elderly patients was higher than their representation within the general population. Elderly patients often visited the ED instead of a polyclinic. The rate of inappropriate ED use by elderly patients in this hospital was higher than in other countries.

Hypothermia predicts mortality in critically ill elderly patients with sepsis.

PubMed

Tiruvoipati, Ravindranath; Ong, Kevin; Gangopadhyay, Himangsu; Arora, Subhash; Carney, Ian; Botha, John

2010-09-27

Advanced age is one of the factors that increase mortality in intensive care. Sepsis and multi-organ failure are likely to further increase mortality in elderly patients.We compared the characteristics and outcomes of septic elderly patients (> 65 years) with younger patients (≤ 65 years) and identified factors during the first 24 hours of presentation that could predict mortality in elderly patients. This study was conducted in a Level III intensive care unit with a case mix of medical and surgical patients excluding cardiac and neurosurgical patients.We performed a retrospective review of all septic patients admitted to our ICU between July 2004 and May 2007. In addition to demographics and co-morbidities, physiological and laboratory variables were analysed to identify early predictors of mortality in elderly patients with sepsis. Of 175 patients admitted with sepsis, 108 were older than 65 years. Elderly patients differed from younger patients with regard to sex, temperature (37.2°C VS 37.8°C p < 0.01), heart rate, systolic blood pressure, pH, HCO3, potassium, urea, creatinine, APACHE III and SAPS II. The ICU and hospital mortality was significantly higher in elderly patients (10.6% Vs 23.14% (p = 0.04) and 19.4 Vs 35.1 (p = 0.02) respectively). Elderly patients who died in hospital had a significant difference in pH, HCO3, mean blood pressure, potassium, albumin, organs failed, lactate, APACHE III and SAPS II compared to the elderly patients who survived while the mean age and co-morbidities were comparable. Logistic regression analysis identified temperature (OR [per degree centigrade decrease] 0.51; 95% CI 0.306- 0.854; p = 0.010) and SAPS II (OR [per point increase]: 1.12; 95% CI 1.016-1.235; p = 0.02) during the first 24 hours of admission to independently predict increased hospital mortality in elderly patients. The mortality in elderly patients with sepsis is higher than the younger patients. Temperature (hypothermia) and SAPS II scores during the

Survival analysis of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients receiving patient-controlled epidural analgesia.

PubMed

Lee, Shang-Yi; Hung, Chih-Jen; Chen, Chih-Chieh; Wu, Chih-Cheng

2014-11-01

Postoperative nausea and vomiting as well as postoperative pain are two major concerns when patients undergo surgery and receive anesthetics. Various models and predictive methods have been developed to investigate the risk factors of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and different types of preventive managements have subsequently been developed. However, there continues to be a wide variation in the previously reported incidence rates of postoperative nausea and vomiting. This may have occurred because patients were assessed at different time points, coupled with the overall limitation of the statistical methods used. However, using survival analysis with Cox regression, and thus factoring in these time effects, may solve this statistical limitation and reveal risk factors related to the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the following period. In this retrospective, observational, uni-institutional study, we analyzed the results of 229 patients who received patient-controlled epidural analgesia following surgery from June 2007 to December 2007. We investigated the risk factors for the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and also assessed the effect of evaluating patients at different time points using the Cox proportional hazards model. Furthermore, the results of this inquiry were compared with those results using logistic regression. The overall incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in our study was 35.4%. Using logistic regression, we found that only sex, but not the total doses and the average dose of opioids, had significant effects on the occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting at some time points. Cox regression showed that, when patients consumed a higher average dose of opioids, this correlated with a higher incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting with a hazard ratio of 1.286. Survival analysis using Cox regression showed that the average consumption of opioids played an important role in postoperative

Outcome of elderly patients undergoing awake-craniotomy for tumor resection.

PubMed

Grossman, Rachel; Nossek, Erez; Sitt, Razi; Hayat, Daniel; Shahar, Tal; Barzilai, Ori; Gonen, Tal; Korn, Akiva; Sela, Gal; Ram, Zvi

2013-05-01

Awake-craniotomy allows maximal tumor resection, which has been associated with extended survival. The feasibility and safety of awake-craniotomy and the effect of extent of resection on survival in the elderly population has not been established. The aim of this study was to compare surgical outcome of elderly patients undergoing awake-craniotomy to that of younger patients. Outcomes of consecutive patients younger and older than 65 years who underwent awake-craniotomy at a single institution between 2003 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. The groups were compared for clinical variables and surgical outcome parameters, as well as overall survival. A total of 334 young (45.4 ± 13.2 years, mean ± SD) and 90 elderly (71.7 ± 5.1 years) patients were studied. Distribution of gender, mannitol treatment, hemodynamic stability, and extent of tumor resection were similar. Significantly more younger patients had a better preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score (>70) than elderly patients (P = 0.0012). Older patients harbored significantly more high-grade gliomas (HGG) and brain metastases, and fewer low-grade gliomas (P < 0.0001). No significantly higher rate of mortality, or complications were observed in the elderly group. Age was associated with increased length of stay (4.9 ± 6.3 vs. 6.6 ± 7.5 days, P = 0.01). Maximal extent of tumor resection in patients with HGG was associated with prolonged survival in the elderly patients. Awake-craniotomy is a well-tolerated and safe procedure, even in elderly patients. Gross total tumor resection in elderly patients with HGG was associated with prolonged survival. The data suggest that favorable prognostic factors for patients with malignant brain tumors are also valid in elderly patients.

Predictors for perioperative blood transfusion in elderly patients with extra capsular hip fractures treated with cephalo-medullary nailing.

PubMed

Fazal, M Ali; Bagley, Caroline; Garg, Parag

2018-02-01

The aim of our study was to determine predictive factors and requirement for perioperative blood transfusion in elderly patients with extra capsular hip fractures treated with cephalo-medullary device. Seventy-nine patients with extra capsular hip fractures treated with cephalo-medullary nailing were included in the study. Age, sex, ASA grade, timing of surgery, preoperative and postoperative haemoglobin, length of hospital stay, fracture type, number of units transfused and 30-day mortality were recorded. The mean age was 82.3 years. Forty-seven patients underwent a short nail and 32 patients a long nail; 53.4% patients required blood transfusion postoperatively. Transfusion was required in 71.8% of the long nails (p < 0.05), 65.8% patients above the age of 80 (p < 0.05), 100% of the patients with hemoglobin below 90 g/L and 20 patients with a ASA grade of 3 (p < 0.05). 78.5% patients with A2 fracture and 75% of A3 fractures needed blood transfusion (p > 0.05). Length of hospital stay in non-transfusion group was 13 days and in transfusion group was 19 days (p < 0.05). 55.1% operated within 36 h and 47.6% operated after 36 h of admission needed transfusion (p > 0.05). Thirty-day mortality in patients needing blood transfusion was 5% and in non-transfusion group was 3.7% (p > 0.05). Patient age, ASA grade, preoperative haemoglobin and length of nail are reliable predictors for perioperative blood transfusion in extra capsular hip fractures in elderly patients treated with cephalo-medullary nailing and reinforce a selective transfusion policy. Copyright © 2017 Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Post-operative outcomes in older patients: a single-centre observational study.

PubMed

Tang, Benjamin; Green, Cameron; Yeoh, Aun Chian; Husain, Faisal; Subramaniam, Ashwin

2018-05-01

Improved life-expectancies have seen increased rates of older patients undergoing surgery worldwide. These patients are at increased risk of post-operative complications. Australian evidence is limited regarding the association between age and post-operative outcomes, especially rapid response calls (RRCs) as indicators of adverse outcomes. The aim was to compare the post-operative outcomes of older patients (≥80 years) to younger patients. Specifically, 30-day in-hospital mortality; unplanned intensive care unit (ICU) admission; and RRC activation within 72 h post-operatively. Single-centre retrospective observational study conducted over 12 months in a metropolitan Australian hospital. All adult patients (≥16 years) undergoing surgical procedures were included, excluding cardiac and obstetric/gynaecological surgeries. Patient co-morbidities were quantified using Charlson co-morbidity index (CCI) and American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification. Seven thousand four hundred and seventy-nine patients met inclusion criteria, 14.5% (n = 1086) aged ≥80 years. Most procedures (65%) were elective; and general surgical procedures were most common (24.2%). Compared to younger patients, older patients had significantly higher 30-day mortality (2.3% versus 0.2%; P < 0.001), increased post-operative RRC rates (7.3% versus 1.2%; P < 0.001), and unplanned ICU admissions (3.2% versus 1.6%; P < 0.001). Increasing age was associated with increased risk of post-operative RRC, unplanned ICU admission, and in-hospital mortality (all P < 0.01), with associations remaining significant after controlling for surgery type and CCI. Older patients are at increased risk of adverse post-operative outcomes, including post-operative RRC, unplanned ICU admission, and mortality, especially if they underwent emergency procedures. This has implications for preoperative risk stratification and post-operative management. Incidence of post-operative

Differences in the clinical presentation and the frequency of complications between elderly and non-elderly scrub typhus patients.

PubMed

Jang, Mi-Ok; Kim, Ji Eun; Kim, Uh Jin; Ahn, Joon Hwan; Kang, Seung-Ji; Jang, Hee-Chang; Jung, Sook-In; Park, Kyung-Hwa

2014-01-01

Age can affect the clinical features and severity of infectious disorders, such as scrub typhus. We performed this study to examine differences between elderly and non-elderly scrub typhus patients, and to identify risk factors predictive of disease outcomes. This retrospective study included patients admitted to a tertiary hospital with scrub typhus between 2001 and 2011. A total of 615 patients were enrolled in this study, 328 of which were >65 years of age. Of the elderly patients, 46.0% (151/328) experienced at least one complication compared to only 23.0% (66/287) in younger patients. A linear trend was observed between age and complication rates (p=0.002). The most common complication in elderly patients was acute kidney injury (75, 22.9%). Treatment failure was reported in 10 elderly patients (3.0%) compared to one non-elderly patient (0.3%). Mental confusion and dyspnea of clinical manifestations at admission were common in elderly patients. Frequency of fever, rash, and eschar were similar in both groups. The following four factors were significantly associated with severe scrub typhus in elderly patients: (1) white blood cell (WBC) counts>10,000/mm(3) (OR=2.569, CI=1.298-5.086), (2) MDRD GFR<60mL/min (OR=3.525, CI=1.864-6.667), (3) albumin≤3.0g/dL (OR=4.976, CI=2.664-9.294), and (4) acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) score>10 points (OR=3.304, CI=1.793-60.87). Complications and mortality were more common in elderly patients, often associated with delays in diagnosis and treatment. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

MRI Markers of Neurodegenerative and Neurovascular Changes in Relation to Postoperative Delirium and Postoperative Cognitive Decline.

PubMed

Kant, Ilse M J; de Bresser, Jeroen; van Montfort, Simone J T; Slooter, Arjen J C; Hendrikse, Jeroen

2017-10-01

Postoperative delirium (POD) and postoperative cognitive decline (POCD) are common in elderly patients. The aim of the present review was to explore the association of neurodegenerative and neurovascular changes with the occurrence of POD and POCD. Fifteen MRI studies were identified by combining multiple search terms for POD, POCD, and brain imaging. These studies described a total of 1,422 patients and were all observational in design. Neurodegenerative changes (global and regional brain volumes) did not show a consistent association with the occurrence of POD (four studies) or POCD (two studies). In contrast, neurovascular changes (white matter hyperintensities and cerebral infarcts) were more consistently associated with the occurrence of POD (seven studies) and POCD (five studies). In conclusion, neurovascular changes appear to be consistently associated with the occurrence of POD and POCD, and may identify patients at increased risk of these conditions. Larger prospective studies are needed to study the consistency of these findings and to unravel the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The management of gastric volvulus in elderly patients.

PubMed

Zuiki, Toru; Hosoya, Yoshinori; Lefor, Alan Kawarai; Tanaka, Hiroyuki; Komatsubara, Toshihide; Miyahara, Yuzo; Sanada, Yukihiro; Ohki, Jun; Sekiguchi, Chuji; Sata, Naohiro

2016-01-01

Gastric volvulus is torsion of the stomach and requires immediate treatment. The optimal treatment strategy for patients with gastric volvulus is not established, because of significant variations in the cause and clinical course of this condition. We describe our experience with six elderly patients with gastric volvulus caused by different conditions using various approaches. This includes two patients managed with endoscopic reduction, followed by endoscopic or laparoscopic gastropexy. Endoscopy is a necessary first step to determine the optimal treatment strategy, and endoscopic reduction is often effective. The indications for surgical repair of gastric volvulus depend on the patient's overall condition, and several options are available. In some elderly patients with severe comorbidities, major surgery may have an unacceptably high risk. We propose a novel treatment strategy for gastric volvulus in the elderly and a review of the literature. Early endoscopy is necessary in patients with gastric volvulus. Endoscopic or laparoscopic gastropexy may be adequate therapy in selected elderly patients. Copyright © 2016 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Effects of preoperative and postoperative enteral nutrition on postoperative nutritional status and immune function of gastric cancer patients.

PubMed

Ding, Dayong; Feng, Ye; Song, Bin; Gao, Shuohui; Zhao, Jisheng

2015-03-01

Effects of preoperative one week enteral nutrition (EN) support on the postoperative nutritional status, immune function and inflammatory response of gastric cancer patients were investigated. 106 cases of gastric cancer patients were randomly divided into preoperative one week EN group (trial group) and early postoperative EN group (control group), which were continuously treated with EN support until the postoperative 9th day according to different treatment protocols. All the patients were checked for their body weight, skinfold thickness, upper arm circumference, white blood cell count (WBC), albumin (ALB), prealbumin (PA), C-reactive protein (CRP), humoral immunity (IgA, IgG), T cell subsets (CD4, CD8 and CD4/CD8), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), etc. on the preoperative and the postoperative 1st and 10th day, respectively. PA and IgG levels of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group on the postoperative 10th day, whereas IL-6 level of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. EN support for preoperative gastric cancer patients will improve the postoperative nutritional status and immune function, alleviate inflammatory response, and facilitate the recovery of patients.

[Clinical analysis of LPFP, PFNA and BPH in treating femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients].

PubMed

Zhu, Li-Jun; Li, Xiao-Fei; Liu, Chao; Lyu, Cheng-Yu

2017-07-25

To evaluate the clinical results of locking proximal femur plate(LPFP), proximal femoral nail antirotation(PFNA) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty(BPH) in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Retrospective analysis of the 86 elderly patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures during June 2011 and August 2016 were enrolled in this study. The patients were divided into 3 groups: 26 cases in LPFP group included 10 males and 16 females with an average age of (72.54±4.78) years old, 5 cases of type II of Evans, 12 cases of type III and 9 cases of type IV; 39 cases in PFNA group included 17 males and 22 females with an average age of 74.41±5.65, 11 cases of type II, 18 cases of type III and 10 cases of type IV; 21 cases in BPH group included 9 males and 12 females with an average age of 76.23±6.97, 1 case of type II, 10 cases of type III and 10 cases of type IV. The data of three groups were collected for statistical analysis on the following aspects: operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the length of hospital stay, postoperative complications and Harris score of the hip joint function. The wound healed well and no complication occurred. Eighty-four cases were follow-up, while 2 cases were lost, the follow-up rate was 97.6%. The patients were followed up for 22 to 41 months with an average of 26.3 months. For comparison of operation time and time of the hospital stay, BPH group was shorter than the LPFP and PFNA group( F =19.782, 21.981, P <0.05). For comparison of the intraoperative blood loss, the BPH group was less blood loss than the LPFP and PFNA group( F =12.976, P <0.05), while there was no significant means between the LPFP and PFNA group( t =10.879, P >0.05). For comparison of the postoperative complications, LPFP group was higher than BHP and PFNA group( F =30.976, P <0.05), while there was no significant means between LPFP and PFNA group( t =9.902, P >0.05). For comparison of the Harris score of the hip joint at 1

Sarcopenia and frailty in elderly trauma patients.

PubMed

Fairchild, Berry; Webb, Travis P; Xiang, Qun; Tarima, Sergey; Brasel, Karen J

2015-02-01

Sarcopenia describes a loss of muscle mass and resultant decrease in strength, mobility, and function that can be quantified by CT. We hypothesized that sarcopenia and related frailty characteristics are related to discharge disposition after blunt traumatic injury in the elderly. We reviewed charts of 252 elderly blunt trauma patients who underwent abdominal CT prior to hospital admission. Data for thirteen frailty characteristics were abstracted. Sarcopenia was measured by obtaining skeletal muscle cross-sectional area (CSA) from each patient's psoas major muscle using Slice-O-Matic(®) software. Dispositions were grouped as dependent and independent based on discharge location. χ (2), Fisher's exact, and logistic regression were used to determine factors associated with discharge dependence. Mean age 76 years, 49 % male, median ISS 9.0 (IQR = 8.0-17.0). Discharge destination was independent in 61.5 %, dependent in 29 %, and 9.5 % of patients died. Each 1 cm(2) increase in psoas muscle CSA was associated with a 20 % decrease in dependent living (p < 0.0001). Gender, weakness, hospital complication, and cognitive impairment were also associated with disposition; ISS was not (p = 0.4754). Lower psoas major muscle CSA is related to discharge destination in elderly trauma patients and can be obtained from the admission CT. Lower psoas muscle CSA is related to loss of independence upon discharge in the elderly. The early availability of this variable during the hospitalization of elderly trauma patients may aid in discharge planning and the transition to dependent living.

Postoperative effects of intraoperative hyperglycemia in liver transplant patients.

PubMed

Kömürcü, Özgür; Camkıran Fırat, Aynur; Kaplan, Şerife; Torgay, Adnan; Pirat, Arash; Haberal, Mehmet; Arslan, Gülnaz

2015-04-01

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of intraoperative hyperglycemia on postoperative outcomes in orthotopic liver transplant recipients. After ethics committee approval was obtained, we retrospectively analyzed the records of patients who underwent orthotopic liver transplant from January 2000 to December 2013. A total 389 orthotopic liver transplants were performed in our center, but patients aged < 15 years (179 patients) were not included in the analyses. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their maximum intraoperative blood glucose level: group 1 (patients with intraoperative blood glucose level < 200 mg/dL) and group 2 (patients with intraoperative blood glucose level > 200 mg/dL). Postoperative complications between the 2 groups were compared. There were 58 patients (37.6%; group 1, blood glucose < 200 mg/dL) who had controlled blood glucose and 96 patients (62.3%; group 2, blood glucose > 200 mg/dL) who had uncontrolled blood glucose. The mean age and weight for groups 1 and 2 were similar. There were no differences between the 2 groups regarding the duration of anhepatic phase (P = .20), operation time (P = .41), frequency of immediate intraoperative extubation (P = .14), and postoperative duration of mechanical ventilation (P = .06). There were no significant differences in frequency of patients who had postoperative infectious complications, acute kidney injury, or need for hemodialysis. Mortality rates after liver transplant were similar between the 2 groups (P = .81). Intraoperative hyperglycemia during orthotopic liver transplant was not associated with an increased risk of postoperative infection, acute renal failure, or mortality.

Patient Satisfaction With an Early Smartphone-Based Cosmetic Surgery Postoperative Follow-Up.

PubMed

Pozza, Edoardo Dalla; D'Souza, Gehaan F; DeLeonibus, Anthony; Fabiani, Brianna; Gharb, Bahar Bassiri; Zins, James E

2017-12-13

While prevalent in everyday life, smartphones are also finding increasing use as a medical care adjunct. The use of smartphone technology as a postoperative cosmetic surgery adjunct for care has received little attention in the literature. The purpose of this effort was to assess the potential efficacy of a smartphone-based cosmetic surgery early postoperative follow-up program. Specifically, could smartphone photography provided by the patient to the plastic surgeon in the first few days after surgery allay patient's concerns, improve the postoperative experience and, possibly, detect early complications? From August 2015 to March 2016 a smartphone-based postoperative protocol was established for patients undergoing cosmetic procedures. At the time of discharge, the plastic surgeon sent a text to the patient with instructions for the patient to forward a postoperative photograph of the operated area within 48 to 72 hours. The plastic surgeon then made a return call/text that same day to review the patient's progress. A postoperative questionnaire evaluated the patients' postoperative experience and satisfaction with the program. A total of 57 patients were included in the study. Fifty-two patients responded to the survey. A total of 50 (96.2%) patients reported that the process improved the quality of their postoperative experience. The protocol allowed to detect early complications in 3 cases. The physician was able to address and treat the complications the following day prior to the scheduled clinic follow up. The smartphone can be effectively utilized by the surgeon to both enhance the patient's postoperative experience and alert the surgeon to early postoperative problems. 4. © 2017 The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Inc. Reprints and permission: journals.permissions@oup.com

Efficacy and safety of febuxostat in elderly female patients.

PubMed

Mizuno, Tomohiro; Hayashi, Takahiro; Hikosaka, Sayo; Shimabukuro, Yuka; Murase, Maho; Takahashi, Kazuo; Hayashi, Hiroki; Yuzawa, Yukio; Nagamatsu, Tadashi; Yamada, Shigeki

2014-01-01

Maintenance of low serum urate levels is important for the management of gout. Achieving the recommended serum urate levels of less than 6.0 mg/dL is difficult in elderly (65 years of age or older) patients with renal impairment. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors allopurinol and febuxostat are used for this purpose. Although febuxostat had been shown to be efficacious in elderly patients, its safety and efficacy in elderly female patients with hyperuricemia remain unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of febuxostat in elderly female patients. We studied a retrospective cohort study. The study included elderly Japanese patients (65 years of age or older) who were treated with febuxostat at Fujita Health University Hospital from January 2012 to December 2013. The treatment goal was defined as achievement of serum urate levels of 6.0 mg/dL or lower within 16 weeks; this was the primary endpoint in the present study. Adverse events of febuxostat were defined as more than twofold increases in Common Terminology Criteria for adverse events scores from baseline. We evaluated 82 patients treated with febuxostat during the observation period and classified them into male (n=53) and female (n=29) groups. The mean time to achievement of the treatment goal was significantly shorter in the female group (53 days) than in the male group (71 days). There were no significant differences in adverse events between the 2 groups. Our findings suggest that the efficacy of febuxostat in elderly female patients is superior to that in elderly male patients and that the safety is equivalent.

Efficacy and safety of febuxostat in elderly female patients

PubMed Central

Mizuno, Tomohiro; Hayashi, Takahiro; Hikosaka, Sayo; Shimabukuro, Yuka; Murase, Maho; Takahashi, Kazuo; Hayashi, Hiroki; Yuzawa, Yukio; Nagamatsu, Tadashi; Yamada, Shigeki

2014-01-01

Background Maintenance of low serum urate levels is important for the management of gout. Achieving the recommended serum urate levels of less than 6.0 mg/dL is difficult in elderly (65 years of age or older) patients with renal impairment. Xanthine oxidase inhibitors allopurinol and febuxostat are used for this purpose. Although febuxostat had been shown to be efficacious in elderly patients, its safety and efficacy in elderly female patients with hyperuricemia remain unclear. Objective The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of febuxostat in elderly female patients. Methods We studied a retrospective cohort study. The study included elderly Japanese patients (65 years of age or older) who were treated with febuxostat at Fujita Health University Hospital from January 2012 to December 2013. The treatment goal was defined as achievement of serum urate levels of 6.0 mg/dL or lower within 16 weeks; this was the primary endpoint in the present study. Adverse events of febuxostat were defined as more than twofold increases in Common Terminology Criteria for adverse events scores from baseline. Results We evaluated 82 patients treated with febuxostat during the observation period and classified them into male (n=53) and female (n=29) groups. The mean time to achievement of the treatment goal was significantly shorter in the female group (53 days) than in the male group (71 days). There were no significant differences in adverse events between the 2 groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that the efficacy of febuxostat in elderly female patients is superior to that in elderly male patients and that the safety is equivalent. PMID:25214776

Presentation, management, and outcome of newly diagnosed glioblastoma in elderly patients.

PubMed

Tanaka, Shota; Meyer, Fredric B; Buckner, Jan C; Uhm, Joon H; Yan, Elizabeth S; Parney, Ian F

2013-04-01

Optimum management for elderly patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in the temozolomide (TMZ) era is not well defined. The object of this study was to clarify outcomes in this population. The authors retrospectively reviewed 105 consecutive cases involving elderly patients (age ≥ 65 years) with newly diagnosed GBM who were treated at the Mayo Clinic between 2003 and 2008. The patients' median age was 74 years (range 66-87 years), and the median Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score was 80 (range 40-90). Half of the patients underwent biopsy and half underwent resection. Patients with deep-seated lesions (19 patients [18%]) or multifocal lesions (34 patients [32%]) were more likely to have biopsy than resection (p = 0.0001 and 0.0009, respectively). New persistent neurological deficits developed in 7 patients (6.7%). Postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 6 patients (5.7%), all of whom underwent biopsy. Complete follow-up data regarding adjuvant treatment was available in 84 patients. Forty-one (49%) were treated with chemotherapy (mostly TMZ) and radiation therapy (RT), and 23 (27%) with RT alone. Nineteen (23%) received only palliative care after surgery (more common with biopsy, p = 0.03). Chemotherapy complications occurred in 28.6% (Grade 3 or 4 hematological complications in 11.9%). The median values for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.5 and 5.5 months. In a multivariate analysis, younger age (p = 0.03, risk ratio [RR] 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.89), single lesion (p = 0.02, RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.30-0.89), resection (p = 0.04, RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.31-0.94), and adjuvant treatment (p = 0.0001, RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11-0.49) were associated with better OS. Only adjuvant treatment was significantly associated with prolonged PFS (p = 0.0007, RR 0.27, 95% CI 0.13-0.57). With combined therapy with resection, RT, and chemotherapy, the median PFS and OS were 8 and 12.5 months, respectively. The prognosis for GBM worsens with increasing

Optimising postoperative pain management in the ambulatory patient.

PubMed

Shang, Allan B; Gan, Tong J

2003-01-01

Over 60% of surgery is now performed in an ambulatory setting. Despite improved analgesics and sophisticated drug delivery systems, surveys indicate that over 80% of patients experience moderate to severe pain postoperatively. Inadequate postoperative pain relief can prolong recovery, precipitate or increase the duration of hospital stay, increase healthcare costs, and reduce patient satisfaction. Effective postoperative pain management involves a multimodal approach and the use of various drugs with different mechanisms of action. Local anaesthetics are widely administered in the ambulatory setting using techniques such as local injection, field block, regional nerve block or neuraxial block. Continuous wound infusion pumps may have great potential in an ambulatory setting. Regional anaesthesia (involving anaesthetising regional areas of the body, including single extremities, multiple extremities, the torso, and the face or jaw) allows surgery to be performed in a specific location, usually an extremity, without the use of general anaesthesia, and potentially with little or no sedation. Opioids remain an important component of any analgesic regimen in treating moderate to severe acute postoperative pain. However, the incorporation of non-opioids, local anaesthetics and regional techniques will enhance current postoperative analgesic regimens. The development of new modalities of treatment, such as patient controlled analgesia, and newer drugs, such as cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors, provide additional choices for the practitioner. While there are different routes of administration for analgesics (e.g. oral, parenteral, intramuscular, transmucosal, transdermal and sublingual), oral delivery of medications has remained the mainstay for postoperative pain control. The oral route is effective, the simplest to use and typically the least expensive. The intravenous route has the advantages of a rapid onset of action and easier titratibility, and so is recommended for the

Minimized extracorporeal circulation is improving outcome of coronary artery bypass surgery in the elderly.

PubMed

Freundt, Miriam; Ried, Michael; Philipp, Alois; Diez, Claudius; Kolat, Philipp; Hirt, Stephan W; Schmid, Christof; Haneya, Assad

2016-03-01

Advanced age is a known risk factor for morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Minimized extracorporeal circulation (MECC) has been shown to reduce the negative effects associated with conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC). This trial assesses the impact of MECC on the outcome of elderly patients undergoing CABG. Eight hundred and seventy-five patients (mean age 78.35 years) underwent isolated CABG using CECC (n=345) or MECC (n=530). The MECC group had a significantly shorter extracorporeal circulation time (ECCT), cross-clamp time and reperfusion time and lower transfusion needs. Postoperatively, these patients required significantly less inotropic support, fewer blood transfusions, less postoperative hemodialysis and developed less delirium compared to CECC patients. In the MECC group, intensive care unit (ICU) stay was significantly shorter and 30-day mortality was significantly reduced [2.6% versus 7.8%; p<0.001]. In conclusion, MECC improves outcome in elderly patients undergoing CABG surgery. © The Author(s) 2015.

[Thyroid status peculiarities of elderly patients 5 years after operation depending on the volume of surgical intervention].

PubMed

Aristarhov, V G; Danilov, N V; Aristarkhov, R V; Puzin, D A; Birykov, C V

2016-01-01

Long-term results of treatment of 180 patients operated 5 years ago for benign thyroid nodular pathology have been analyzed in the present paper, the results being analyzed depending on the volume of surgical intervention. The rate of postoperative hypothyrodism is lower in patients who had undergone limited thyroid resection, recurrent cases are more frequent, but they are not clinically significant and seldom require reoperation. It should also be noted that those patients have fewer cardiac complaints as the dose of hormone replacement therapy preparations is small. Elder patients who had undergone functionally significant thyroidectomy and need to take great doses of Thyroxin (107-150 mcg/day) have cardiac complaints more often (43 %) comparing to those who had undergone limited resections (35 %).

Development of a reconditioning program for elderly abdominal surgery patients: the Elder-friendly Approaches to the Surgical Environment-BEdside reconditioning for Functional ImprovemenTs (EASE-BE FIT) pilot study.

PubMed

McComb, Alyssa; Warkentin, Lindsey M; McNeely, Margaret L; Khadaroo, Rachel G

2018-01-01

Elderly individuals who are hospitalized due to emergency abdominal surgery spend over 80% of their recovery time in bed, resulting in early and rapid muscle loss. As these elderly individuals have a lower physiological reserve, the impact of muscle wasting on function may be profound. The objectives of this study are to (1) create an independently led post-surgical reconditioning program and (2) pilot its implementation, while assessing the feasibility and safety of the program. The BE FIT program was generated with hospital rehabilitation staff to target lower limb strength, balance, and endurance. This pilot study was assessed using a sequential before and after trial, with a cohort of patients aged ≥ 65 years enrolled in the Elder-friendly Approaches to the Surgical Environment (EASE) study. Change in 30-s sit-to-stand performance between postoperative day 2 and discharge was compared between Usual Care pre- and post-BE FIT participants. A total of 66 patients participated in the sub-study, 33 Usual Care and 33 BE FIT. Mean (SD) age was 76.2 (8.78); 44 (67%) were female, with 11 (17%) reporting mild/moderate frailty on the CHSA Clinical Frailty Scale. BE FIT participants had a median of three rehab days and self-reported completing an average of 83% of the exercises. The adjusted between group difference showed that the BE FIT patients were able to complete more stands than the Usual Care (1.9 stands (0.94), p  = 0.05). There were no reported adverse events. The reconditioning program was shown to be safe and feasible within the hospital setting for the elderly emergency abdominal surgery patients. More rigorous assessment is needed to confirm this effectiveness and to better assess patient adherence to self-directed exercise. Registration #NCT02233153 through ClinicalTrials.gov. Registered September 8, 2014.

Clinicopathological factors predictive of postoperative seizures in patients with gliomas.

PubMed

Yang, Pei; Liang, Tingyu; Zhang, Chuanbao; Cai, Jinquan; Zhang, Wei; Chen, Baoshi; Qiu, Xiaoguang; Yao, Kun; Li, Guilin; Wang, Haoyuan; Jiang, Chuanlu; You, Gan; Jiang, Tao

2016-02-01

Epilepsy is one of the most common manifestations in gliomas and has a severe effect on the life expectancy and quality of life of patients. The aim of our study was to assess the potential connections between clinicopathological factors and postoperative seizure. We retrospectively investigated a group of 147 Chinese high-grade glioma (HGG) patients with preoperative seizure to examine the correlation between postoperative seizure and clinicopathological factors and prognosis. Univariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with postoperative seizures. Survival function curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. 53 patients (36%) were completely seizure-free (Engel class I), and 94 (64%) experienced a postoperative seizure (Engel classes II, III, and IV). A Chi-squared analysis showed that anaplastic oligodendroglioma/anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AO/AOA) (P=0.05), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression (P=0.0004), O(6)-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression (P=0.011), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression (P=0.045) were all significantly different. A logistic regression analysis showed that MGMT expression (P=0.05), EGFR expression (P=0.001), and AO/AOA (P=0.038) are independent factors of postoperative seizure. Patients with lower MGMT and EGFR expression and AO/AOA showed more frequent instances of postoperative seizure. Postoperative seizure showed no statistical significance on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Our study identified clinicopathological factors related to postoperative seizure in HGGs and found two predictive biomarkers of postoperative seizure: MGMT and EGFR. These findings provided insight treatment strategies aimed at prolonging survival and improving quality of life. Copyright © 2016 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Communication in dental medicine: importance in motivating elderly dental patients.

PubMed

Scutariu, Mihaela Monica; Forna, Norina

2013-01-01

Dental services for elderly patients are characterized by a series of particularities related to the vulnerability of this age group, which is affected by various co morbidities, and the diminished physical, cognitive and financial capacities. Finding ways to keep elderly patients coming to a dental office is possible by improving the dentist-patient relationship and implicitly the quality of care by increasing the self-esteem of the elderly and their place in society, by increasing the role of oral health in the quality of life, and here we refer to the pleasure of eating, the pleasant physical aspect and normal diction. The present paper presents the psychological aspects that interfere in the communication process between the dentist and the elderly patient and the changes motivation undergoes when people are in pain. These data can sometimes change the reticent attitude of the dentist towards the elderly patient which is often considered to be a risk patient.

Prognostic impacts of postoperative complications in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative operations.

PubMed

Miyata, Tatsunori; Yamashita, Yo-Ichi; Yamao, Takanobu; Umezaki, Naoki; Tsukamoto, Masayo; Kitano, Yuki; Yamamura, Kensuke; Arima, Kota; Kaida, Takayoshi; Nakagawa, Shigeki; Imai, Katsunori; Hashimoto, Daisuke; Chikamoto, Akira; Ishiko, Takatoshi; Baba, Hideo

2017-06-01

The postoperative complication is one of an indicator of poor prognosis in patients with several gastroenterological cancers after curative operations. We, herein, examined prognostic impacts of postoperative complications in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative operations. We retrospectively analyzed 60 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent primary curative operations from June 2002 to February 2016. Prognostic impacts of postoperative complications were analyzed using log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model. Postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo classification grade 3 or more) occurred in 13 patients (21.7%). Overall survival of patients without postoperative complications was significantly better than that of patients with postoperative complications (p = 0.025). Postoperative complications are independent prognostic factor of overall survival (hazard ratio 3.02; p = 0.030). In addition, bile duct resection and reconstruction (Odds ratio 59.1; p = 0.002) and hepatitis C virus antibody positive (Odds ratio 7.14; p= 0.022), and lymph node dissection (Odds ratio 6.28; p = 0.040) were independent predictors of postoperative complications. Postoperative complications may be an independent predictor of poorer survival in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma after curative operations. Lymph node dissection and bile duct resection and reconstruction were risk factors for postoperative complications, therefore we should pay attentions to perform lymph node dissections, bile duct resection and reconstruction in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

Indications, complications and outcomes of elderly patients undergoing retrievable inferior vena cava filter placement.

PubMed

Rottenstreich, Amihai; Kleinstern, Geffen; Bloom, Allan I; Klimov, Alexander; Kalish, Yosef

2017-10-01

The utilization of inferior vena cava filter placement for pulmonary embolism prevention in elderly patients has not been well characterized. The present study aimed to review indications, complications and follow-up data of elderly patients undergoing inferior vena cava filter placement. A retrospective review was carried out of consecutive admitted patients who underwent inferior vena cava filter insertion at a large university hospital with a level I trauma center. Overall, 455 retrievable filters were inserted between 2009 and 2014. A total of 133 patients (29.2%) were aged ≥70 years. Elderly patients were less likely to have their filter retrieved compared with non-elderly patients (5.3% vs 21.4%, P < 0.001). Filter-related complications occurred in 13% of non-elderly patients and 14.3% of elderly patients (P = 0.72), most of them occurring in the first 3 months after filter placement. Survival among elderly patients with no evidence of active malignancy was similar to the non-elderly patients with a 1-year survival rate of 76.3% versus 82% in non-elderly patients (P = 0.22), and a 2-year survival rate of 73.1% versus 78.6% in non-elderly patients (P = 0.27). Although decreased, survival rates among elderly patients with active cancer were still substantial, with a 1-year survival rate of 45% and 2-year survival rate of 40%. Elderly patients had significantly lower rates of filter retrieval with similar complication rate. Survival rates among elderly patients were substantial, and in elderly patients with no active cancer were even comparable with non-elderly patients. When feasible, filter retrieval should be attempted in all elderly patients in order to prevent filter-related complications. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1508-1514. © 2016 Japan Geriatrics Society.

Impact of postoperative complications on overall survival of patients with hepatoblastoma.

PubMed

Becker, Kristina; Furch, Christiane; Schmid, Irene; von Schweinitz, Dietrich; Häberle, Beate

2015-01-01

Complete resection of hepatoblastoma (HB) is a demanding procedure in advanced tumors. Perioperative complications are still common. The influence of complication rates on course of disease and survival of patients with HB has not been analyzed yet. Patients with high risk (HR) HB and standard-risk (SR) HB registered from 1999 to 2008 to the German prospective multicenter study HB99 were evaluated regarding perioperative complications, reasons (e.g., tumor size and vessel involvement) and impact on further treatment and overall survival (OS). Surgical data from 126 patients were available (47 HR-HB, 79 SR-HB). Postoperative complications occurred in 26 (21%) patients consisting of biliary leakage (n = 9), cholestasis (n = 5), deficit of liver perfusion (n = 5) and others (n = 7). Twenty of these 26 patients (77%) required a second operation. The rate of postoperative complications was higher in the HR-group (26%) compared to the SR-group (17%). Patients with vessel involvement had significantly more complications (17% vs. 54%, P = 0.01). Patients with PRETEXT I/II-tumors had the same rate of postoperative complications (19% vs. 20%) as patients with PRETEXT III/IV. Patients of HR-group with postoperative complications showed delayed start in adjuvant chemotherapy (>21 d) (75% vs. 25%, n.s.) combined with significant lower 5-year-OS (75% vs. 50%, P = 0.02). In multivariate analysis postoperative complications were an independent negative prognostic factor for HR-patients (HR 3.1, P = 0.04). Postoperative complications after HB resection are frequent and associated with worsened OS of patients with HR-HB. One possible reason is delay in postoperative chemotherapy. The approach to precarious liver resection should be carefully planned and executed by specialists. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Dabigatran Levels in Elderly Patients with Atrial Fibrillation: First Post-Marketing Experiences.

PubMed

Bolek, Tomáš; Samoš, Matej; Škorňová, Ingrid; Stančiaková, Lucia; Staško, Ján; Galajda, Peter; Kubisz, Peter; Mokáň, Marián

2018-05-08

The number of elderly individuals with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NV-AF) requiring long-term anticoagulation is rising. The pharmacokinetics of oral anticoagulants in elderly individuals may differ from that for younger patients. The aim of this study was to assess the dabigatran levels in elderly patients with NV-AF. A pilot prospective post-marketing study in patients with NV-AF on dabigatran therapy was performed; we enrolled 21 consecutive elderly patients (aged ≥ 75 years) on a reduced dabigatran regimen (110 mg twice daily) and compared them with 13 younger (≤ 70 years) individuals on reduced dabigatran therapy due to renal impairment and with 16 younger patients on standard dabigatran therapy (150 mg twice daily). Blood samples were taken for the assessment of dabigatran trough and peak levels. Dabigatran levels were measured with the Hemoclot ® Thrombin Inhibitor Assay. There were significant differences in dabigatran trough levels when comparing elderly patients on reduced dabigatran with non-elderly patients on reduced dabigatran (99.3 ± 73.6 vs 51.6 ± 25.6 ng/mL; p < 0.01). Similarly, the detected dabigatran peak levels were significantly higher in elderly patients on reduced dabigatran compared with non-elderly patients on reduced dabigatran (173.4 ± 116.2 vs 116.1 ± 19.1 ng/mL; p < 0.01). No significant differences in dabigatran trough and peak levels were found when comparing elderly patients on reduced dabigatran with non-elderly patients on standard dabigatran therapy. This pilot study demonstrated that elderly patients on reduced dabigatran exhibit significantly higher dabigatran levels than younger individuals on a reduced regimen, and similar levels compared with younger individuals on standard dabigatran.

Surgical treatment of pararenal aortic aneurysms in the elderly.

PubMed

Illuminati, G; D'Urso, A; Ceccanei, G; Caliò, F; Vietri, F

2007-12-01

Until fenestrated endografts will become the standard treatment of pararenal aortic aneurysms, open surgical repair will currently be employed for the repair of this condition. Suprarenal aortic control and larger surgical dissection represent additional technical requirements for the treatment of pararenal aneurysms compared to those of open infrarenal aortic aneurysms, which may be followed by an increased operative mortality and morbidity rate. As this may be especially true when dealing with pararenal aneurysms in an elderly patients' population, we decided to retrospectively review our results of open pararenal aortic aneurysm repair in elderly patients, in order to compare them with those reported in the literature. Twenty-one patients over 75 years of age were operated on for pararenal aortic aneurysms in a ten-year period. Exposure of the aorta was obtained by means of a retroperitoneal access, through a left flank incision on the eleventh rib. When dealing with interrenal aortic aneurysm the left renal artery was revascularized with a retrograde bypass arising from the aortic graft, proximally bevelled on the ostium of the right renal artery. Two patients died of acute intestinal ischemia, yielding a postoperative mortality of 9.5%. Nonfatal complications included 2 pleural effusions, a transitory rise in postoperative serum creatinine levels in 3 cases, and one retroperitoneal hematoma. Mean renal ischemia time was 23 min, whereas mean visceral ischemia time was 19 min. Mean inhospital stay was 11 days. Pararenal aortic aneurysms in the elderly can be surgically repaired with results that are similar to those obtained in younger patients.

[Right beauty holds the mi organism and propofol for elderly patients with hip fracture surgery ICU sedation effect of comparative study].

PubMed

Mao, Ye; Zhao, Jing; Gao, Yufeng

2015-05-19

To compare the microphones organism and propofol in elderly patients with hip fracture surgery ICU clinical effect and safety of sedation. To collect 5 hospitals in Harbin in January 2014-August 2014, 72 cases of senile spinal postoperative ICU patients, randomly divided into the propofol group (group A: 36 cases) and right beautiful mi organism group (group B: 36 cases).Group A: first of all, intravenous 1 mg/kg propofol sedation induction, according to different degree of sedation maintain propofol dosage is 0.5 to 0.5 mg · kg(-1) · h(-1). Group B: give the right pyrimidine load 1 mg · kg(-1) · h(-1) via intravenous 20 min, according to different degree of sedation sustained by intravenous pump right beauty holds 0.3 0.7 mu pyrimidine g · kg(-1) · h(-1). Compare two groups of patients sedation depth, ICU stay time, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, increase analgesic drugs. Within the scope of the dose, propofol and the right supporting pyrimidine required calming effect similar to provide treatment (RamSay score > 3); Calm during the treatment, the right beauty pyrimidine group to the number of additional analgesics is less than the propofol group; Compared with propofol group, the right beauty pyrimidine a significant reduction in patients with ICU stay time. The incidence of adverse reactions in patients with similar between the two groups has no statistical significance (P > 0.05). In certain dose range of ICU in elderly hip fracture patients with postoperative propofol and right the pyrimidine sedation is safe and effective.

External-beam radiation therapy combined with limb-sparing surgery in elderly patients (>70 years) with primary soft tissue sarcomas of the extremities : A retrospective analysis.

PubMed

Andrä, Claudia; Klein, Alexander; Dürr, Hans Roland; Rauch, Josefine; Lindner, Lars Hartwin; Knoesel, Thomas; Angele, Martin; Baur-Melnyk, Andrea; Belka, Claus; Roeder, Falk

2017-08-01

To report our experience with EBRT combined with limb-sparing surgery in elderly patients (>70 years) with primary extremity soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Retrospectively analyzed were 35 patients (m:f 18:17, median 78 years) who all presented in primary situation without nodal/distant metastases (Charlson score 0/1 in 18 patients; ≥2 in 17 patients). Median tumor size was 10 cm, mainly located in lower limb (83%). Stage at presentation (UICC7th) was Ib:3%, 2a:20%, 2b:20%, and 3:57%. Most lesions were high grade (97%), predominantly leiomyosarcoma (26%) and undifferentiated pleomorphic/malignant fibrous histiocytoma (23%). Limb-sparing surgery was preceded (median 50 Gy) or followed (median 66 Gy) by EBRT. Median follow-up was 37 months (range 1-128 months). Margins were free in 26 patients (74%) and microscopically positive in 9 (26%). Actuarial 3‑ and 5‑year local control rates were 88 and 81% (4 local recurrences). Corresponding rates for distant control, disease-specific survival, and overall survival were 57/52%, 76/60%, and 72/41%. The 30-day mortality was 0%. Severe postoperative complications were scored in 8 patients (23%). Severe acute radiation-related toxicity was observed in 2 patients (6%). Patients with Charlson score ≥2 had a significantly increased risk for severe postoperative complications and acute radiation-related side effects. Severe late toxicities were found in 7 patients (20%), including fractures in 3 (8.6%). Final limb preservation rate was 97%. Combination of EBRT and limb-sparing surgery is feasible in elderly patients with acceptable toxicities and encouraging but slightly inferior outcome compared to younger patients. Comorbidity correlated with postoperative complications and acute toxicities. Late fracture risk seems slightly increased.

Postoperative venous thromboembolism predicts survival in cancer patients.

PubMed

Auer, Rebecca Ann C; Scheer, Adena Sarah; McSparron, Jakob I; Schulman, Allison R; Tuorto, Scott; Doucette, Steve; Gonsalves, Jamie; Fong, Yuman

2012-05-01

To determine whether a postoperative venous thromboembolism (VTE) is associated with a worse prognosis and/or a more advanced cancer stage and to evaluate the association between a postoperative VTE and cancer-specific survival when known prognostic factors, such as age, stage, cancer type, and type of surgery, are controlled. It is unknown whether oncology patients who develop a venous thromboembolism after a complete curative resection are at the same survival disadvantage as oncology patients with a spontaneous VTE. A retrospective case control study was conducted at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Years of study: January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2005. Median follow-up: 24.9 months (Interquartile range 13.0, 43.0). All cancer patients who underwent abdominal, pelvic, thoracic, or soft tissue procedures and those who developed a VTE within 30 days of the procedure were identified from a prospective morbidity and mortality database. Overall survival (OS) was calculated for the entire cohort. In the matched cohort, OS and disease-specific survival (DSS) were calculated for stages 0 to 3 and stages 0 to 2. A total of 23,541 cancer patients underwent an invasive procedure and 474 (2%) had a postoperative VTE. VTE patients had a significantly worse 5-year OS compared to no-VTE patients (43.8% vs 61.2%; P < 0.0001); 205 VTE patients (stages 0-3) were matched to 2050 controls by age, sex, cancer type, stage, and surgical procedure. In this matched analysis, VTE patients continued to demonstrate a significantly worse prognosis with an inferior 5-year OS (54.7% vs 66.3%; P < 0.0001) and DSS (67.8% vs 79.5%; P = 0.0007) as compared to controls. The survival difference persisted in early stage disease (stage 0-2), with 5-year DSS of 82.9% versus 87.3% (P = 0.01). Postoperative VTE in oncology patients with limited disease and a complete surgical resection is associated with an inferior cancer survival. A postoperative VTE remains a poor prognostic factor, even when

Postoperative hyperglycaemia of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery - a clinical audit.

PubMed

Lehwaldt, Daniela; Kingston, Mary; O'Connor, Sheila

2009-01-01

Previous studies have shown that hyperglycaemia is associated with postoperative complications in cardiac surgical patients. Conversely, well-controlled glucose levels are said to reduce major infectious complications in diabetic patients. The purpose of this clinical audit was to evaluate the blood glucose levels of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery and to determine the effectiveness of postoperative glycaemic control. A group of 150 patients from a large Irish cardiac surgery centre was selected by convenience sampling. An audit tool was designed to capture the patients' blood glucose levels, treatment regimes and postoperative complications. The findings showed major variations between 'high', 'good' and 'borderline' blood glucose levels in the pre- and postoperative phase. Although blood glucose testing practices seemed inconsistent, mean levels measured 'borderline'. Furthermore, the treatment regimes varied greatly and suggest a lack of consensus regarding the management of postoperative hyperglycaemia. A total of 52% (n = 78) patients developed 114 complications with a level of 21.4% (n = 32) postoperative wound infections. The findings from this audit highlight the importance of regular blood glucose testing to enable early detection of hyperglycaemia and timely initiation of appropriate treatments regimes for diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Findings also show that hyperglycaemia derangement may make a difference in the recovery phase. While patients will benefit from lesser wound infections, hospitals might save costs involved with treating postoperative complications. More consistent blood glucose testing might be achieved through the use of evidence-based protocols. However, the education of staff is as important as it develops knowledge on the complex metabolic interactions of diabetic patients undergoing cardiac surgery. While this means investing in staff education and policy development, costs for daily care and expensive

Optimizing the management of elderly colorectal surgery patients.

PubMed

Tan, Kok-Yang; Konishi, Fumio; Tan, Lawrence; Chin, Wui-Kin; Ong, Hean-Yee; Tan, Phyllis

2010-11-01

With the ever increasing number of geriatric surgical patients, there is a need to develop efficient processes that address all of the potential issues faced by patients during the perioperative period. This article explores the physiological changes in elderly surgical patients and the outcomes achieved after major abdominal surgery. Perioperative management strategies for elderly surgical patients in line with the practices of the Geriatric Surgical Team of Alexandra Health, Singapore, are also presented. A coordinated transdisciplinary approach best tackles the complexities encountered in these patients.

Outcomes of Elderly Patients after Predialysis Vascular Access Creation

PubMed Central

Lee, Timmy; Thamer, Mae; Zhang, Yi; Zhang, Qian

2015-01-01

Uniform vascular access guidelines for elderly patients may be inappropriate because of the competing risk of death, high rate of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure, and poor vascular access outcomes in this population. However, the outcomes in elderly patients with advanced CKD who receive permanent vascular access before dialysis initiation are unclear. We identified a large nationally representative cohort of 3418 elderly patients (aged ≥70 years) with CKD undergoing predialysis AVF or arteriovenous graft (AVG) creation from 2004 to 2009, and assessed the frequencies of dialysis initiation, death before dialysis initiation, and dialysis-free survival for 2 years after vascular access creation. In all, 67% of patients with predialysis AVF and 71% of patients with predialysis AVG creation initiated dialysis within 2 years of access placement, but the overall risk of dialysis initiation was modified by patient age and race. Only one half of patients initiated dialysis with a functioning AVF or AVG; 46.8% of AVFs were created <90 days before dialysis initiation. Catheter dependence at dialysis initiation was more common in patients receiving predialysis AVF than in patients receiving AVG (46.0% versus 28.5%; P<0.001). In conclusion, most elderly patients with advanced CKD who received predialysis vascular access creation initiated dialysis within 2 years. As a consequence of late predialysis placement or maturation failure, almost one half of patients receiving AVFs initiated dialysis with a catheter. Insertion of an AVG closer to dialysis initiation may serve as a “catheter-sparing” approach and allow delay of permanent access placement in selected elderly patients with CKD. PMID:25855782

Modelling physiological deterioration in post-operative patient vital-sign data.

PubMed

Pimentel, Marco A F; Clifton, David A; Clifton, Lei; Watkinson, Peter J; Tarassenko, Lionel

2013-08-01

Patients who undergo upper-gastrointestinal surgery have a high incidence of post-operative complications, often requiring admission to the intensive care unit several days after surgery. A dataset comprising observational vital-sign data from 171 post-operative patients taking part in a two-phase clinical trial at the Oxford Cancer Centre, was used to explore the trajectory of patients' vital-sign changes during their stay in the post-operative ward using both univariate and multivariate analyses. A model of normality based vital-sign data from patients who had a "normal" recovery was constructed using a kernel density estimate, and tested with "abnormal" data from patients who deteriorated sufficiently to be re-admitted to the intensive care unit. The vital-sign distributions from "normal" patients were found to vary over time from admission to the post-operative ward to their discharge home, but no significant changes in their distributions were observed from halfway through their stay on the ward to the time of discharge. The model of normality identified patient deterioration when tested with unseen "abnormal" data, suggesting that such techniques may be used to provide early warning of adverse physiological events.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction and its relationship to cognitive reserve in elderly total joint replacement patients.

PubMed

Scott, J E; Mathias, J L; Kneebone, A C; Krishnan, J

2017-06-01

Whether total joint replacement (TJR) patients are susceptible to postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) remains unclear due to inconsistencies in research methodologies. Moreover, cognitive reserve may moderate the development of POCD after TJR, but has not been investigated in this context. The current study investigated POCD after TJR, and its relationship with cognitive reserve, using a more rigorous methodology than has previously been utilized. Fifty-three older adults (aged 50+) scheduled for TJR were assessed pre and post surgery (6 months). Forty-five healthy controls matched for age, gender, and premorbid IQ were re-assessed after an equivalent interval. Cognition, cognitive reserve, and physical and mental health were all measured. Standardized regression-based methods were used to assess cognitive changes, while controlling for the confounding effect of repeated cognitive testing. TJR patients only demonstrated a significant decline in Trail Making Test Part B (TMT B) performance, compared to controls. Cognitive reserve only predicted change in TMT B scores among a subset of TJR patients. Specifically, patients who showed the most improvement pre to post surgery had significantly higher reserve than those who showed the greatest decline. The current study provides limited evidence of POCD after TJR when examined using a rigorous methodology, which controlled for practice effects. Cognitive reserve only predicted performance within a subset of the TJR sample. However, the role of reserve in more cognitively compromised patients remains to be determined.

Incentive spirometry in postoperative abdominal/thoracic surgery patients.

PubMed

Rupp, Michael; Miley, Helen; Russell-Babin, Kathleen

2013-01-01

Postoperative patients have higher incidences of respiratory complications. Patients undergoing abdominal or thoracic surgical procedures are at greater risk of having such complications. Incentive spirometry is an inhalation-based prophylactic technique that encourages patients to mimic a natural deep sigh to periodically increase lung volume. As this technique is the prophylactic method of choice for many hospitals, several studies have tested its efficacy. Five articles, including 4 systematic reviews and 1 clinical practice guideline, are analyzed and summarized. Each article was reviewed by a multidisciplinary team of health care providers and is discussed herein. A clinical recommendation for practice change is provided on the basis of the results. Incentive spirometry is only as effective as cough/deep-breathing regimens and other means of postoperative pulmonary prophylaxis. No single prophylactic technique clearly outperforms all others in preventing pulmonary complications. Future research is needed to determine the best method to prevent postoperative pulmonary complications.

Assessment and treatment relevance in elderly glioblastoma patients

PubMed Central

Bauchet, Luc; Zouaoui, Sonia; Darlix, Amélie; Menjot de Champfleur, Nicolas; Ferreira, Ernestine; Fabbro, Michel; Kerr, Christine; Taillandier, Luc

2014-01-01

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. Its incidence continues to increase in the elderly because the older segment of the population is growing faster than any other age group. Most clinical studies exclude elderly patients, and “standards of care” do not exist for GBM patients aged >70 years. We review epidemiology, tumor biology/molecular factors, prognostic factors (clinical, imaging data, therapeutics), and their assessments as well as classic and specific endpoints plus recent and ongoing clinical trials for elderly GBM patients. This work includes perspectives and personal opinions on this topic. Although there are no standards of care for elderly GBM patients, we can hypothesize that (i) Karnofsky performance status (KPS), probably after steroid treatment, is one of the most important clinical factors for determining our oncological strategy; (ii) resection is superior to biopsy, at least in selected patients (depending on location of the tumor and associated comorbidities); (iii) specific schedules of radiotherapy yield a modest but significant improvement; (iv) temozolomide has an acceptable tolerance, even when KPS <70, and could be proposed for methylated elderly GBM patients; and (v) the addition of concomitant temozolomide to radiotherapy has not yet been validated but shows promising results in some studies, yet the optimal schedule of radiotherapy remains to be determined. In the future, specific assessments (geriatric, imaging, biology) and use of new endpoints (quality of life and toxicity measures) will aid clinicians in determining the balance of potential benefits and risks of each oncological strategy. PMID:24792440

Management of locally advanced and metastatic colon cancer in elderly patients.

PubMed

Kurniali, Peter C; Hrinczenko, Borys; Al-Janadi, Anas

2014-02-28

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer mortality in the United States with a median age at diagnosis of 69 years. Sixty percent are diagnosed over the age of 65 years and 36% are 75 years or older. At diagnosis, approximately 58% of patients will have locally advanced and metastatic disease, for which systemic chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival. Treatment of cancer in elderly patients is more challenging due to multiple factors, including disabling co-morbidities as well as a decline in organ function. Cancer treatment of elderly patients is often associated with more toxicities that may lead to frequent hospitalizations. In locally advanced disease, fewer older patients receive adjuvant chemotherapy despite survival benefit and similar toxicity when compared to their younger counterparts. A survival benefit is also observed in the palliative chemotherapy setting for elderly patients with metastatic disease. When treating elderly patients with colon cancer, one has to consider drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Since chronological age is a poor marker of a patient's functional status, several methods of functional assessment including performance status and activities of daily living (ADL) or instrumental ADL, or even a comprehensive geriatric assessment, may be used. There is no ideal chemotherapy regimen that fits all elderly patients and so a regimen needs to be tailored for each individual. Important considerations when treating elderly patients include convenience and tolerability. This review will discuss approaches to the management of elderly patients with locally advanced and metastatic colon cancer.

Quality of life of elderly live kidney donors.

PubMed

Klop, Karel W J; Dols, Leonienke F C; Weimar, Willem; Dooper, Ine M; IJzermans, Jan N M; Kok, Niels F M

2013-10-15

Expanding the use of elderly live donors may help meet the demand for kidney transplants. The aim of this study was to quantify the effect of the surgical procedure on the quality of life (QOL) of elderly donors compared with younger donors. Alongside three prospective studies (two randomized) running between May 2001 and October 2010, we asked 501 live donors to fill out the Short Form-36 questionnaire preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. We defined live donors 60 years or older as elderly. Between-group analyses regarding QOL were adjusted for baseline values and gender. One hundred thirty-five donors were older and 366 donors were younger than 60 years. The response rate was high, with 87% at 12 months postoperatively. Elderly donors less often scored as American Society of Anaesthesiology classification 1 (60% vs. 81%; P<0.001) indicating a higher rate of minor comorbidity. At 1 month postoperatively, between-group analysis showed a significant advantage in QOL in favor of the elderly group regarding the dimensions "bodily pain" (7 points; P=0.001), "role physical" (18 points; P<0.001), and "vitality" (5 points; P=0.008). At 3 months, "bodily pain" (3 points, P=0.04) and "role physical" (8 points, P=0.02) were still in favor of the older group. At 6 and 12 months, "physical function" was in favor of the younger group (3 and 5 points, respectively; P=0.04 and P<0.001). This study demonstrates that elderly donors recover relatively fast. The perspective of excellent postoperative QOL may help convince elderly individuals to donate.

Postoperative B-Type Natriuretic Peptide as Predictor for Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Implanted With Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

PubMed

Yost, Gardner; Bhat, Geetha; Pappas, Patroklos; Tatooles, Antone

2018-04-18

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a cardiac neurohormone known to correlate with left ventricular (LV) dilation, decreased contractility, and increased stiffness. Consequently, BNP has been used as a prognostic tool to assess the degree of LV unloading for patients supported by continuous-flow LV assist devices (LVADs). We assessed the prognostic value of changes in BNP in the 2 weeks after LVAD implantation. This retrospective study analyzed laboratory findings and outcomes of 189 LVAD patients. Patients were separated into two groups based on whether serum BNP levels had improved from preoperative levels by postoperative day 14. Group 1 had improvement in BNP levels, whereas group 2 had no improvement or worsening in BNP. There were no significant differences between the groups in age, gender, race, body mass index, or comorbidities. Group 1 had preoperative BNP 1,125 ± 1,078.3 pg/dl and postoperative BNP 440.2 ± 267.7 pg/dl (ΔBNP = -693.09 ± 942.4 pg/dl), whereas group 2 had preoperative BNP 346.0 ± 309.1 pg/dl and postoperative BNP 631.57 ± 483.4 pg/dl (ΔBNP = 289.32 ± 329.7 pg/dl). Postoperative survival in group 2 was significantly worse than in group 1. Rates of right ventricular failure (RVF) were significantly higher in group 2 (group 1: 39%, group 2: 52.7%; p = 0.01). In most patients implanted with a LVAD, BNP improves significantly in the postoperative period as the LV is unloaded. Our results indicate that lack of improvement in postoperative BNP is associated with longer length of stay, increased rates of RVF, and is an independent risk factor for reduced postoperative survival.

Efficacy of postoperative pain management in head and neck cancer patients.

PubMed

Hinther, Ashley; Nakoneshny, Steven C; Chandarana, Shamir P; Wayne Matthews, T; Dort, Joseph C

2018-05-02

Our study quantifies the effectiveness of perioperative pain control in a cohort of patients undergoing major head and neck surgery with free flap reconstruction. Our long-term goal is to improve pain control and thereby increase mobility, decrease postoperative complications and decrease hospital stay. A retrospective analysis was performed at a tertiary, academic head and neck surgical oncology program in Calgary, Alberta, Canada from January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015. Pain scores were recorded prospectively. Primary outcomes were frequency of postoperative pain assessments and pain intensity using the numeric rating scale. The cohort included 41 patients. Analysis was limited to pain scores recorded from postoperative days 1-14. There was an average of 7.3 pain measurements per day (SD 4.6, range 1-24) with the most frequent monitoring on postoperative days 1-4. Median pain scores ranged from 0 to 4.5 with the highest median score on postoperative day 6. The daily maximum pain scores recorded ranged from 8 to 10 with scores of 10 recorded on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 10. Patients most frequently had inadequate pain control on postoperative days 1, 2, 4, and 5 with the majority occurring on postoperative day 1. Postoperative pain control could be improved at our centre. The frequency of pain assessments is also highly variable. Ongoing measurement, audit, and feedback of analgesic protocol effectiveness is an excellent first step in improving perioperative pain management in patients undergoing major head and neck cancer surgery with free flap reconstruction.

Management of mantle cell lymphoma in the elderly patient

PubMed Central

Doorduijn, Jeanette K; Kluin-Nelemans, Hanneke C

2013-01-01

Mantle cell lymphoma is a relatively rare B-cell lymphoma with a specific genetic lesion and a typical immunophenotypic profile. The median age is 65 years. There is no curative treatment, except allogeneic stem cell transplantation for a selected group of patients. For the majority of patients, especially the elderly, the aim of therapy should therefore be a long progression-free survival. Age and comorbidity may hamper the use of the most active treatment regimen, such as high dose cytarabine and autologous stem cell transplantation. Therefore, it is a challenge to select the most appropriate therapy for an elderly patient. Studies specifically designed for elderly patients are rare. A recently performed large randomized study for elderly patients, however, has shown that R-CHOP (rituximab with cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) chemotherapy followed by maintenance rituximab can result in a long progression-free survival. For patients too frail for R-CHOP chemotherapy, a treatment should be offered that benefits the patient in reducing the symptoms of the disease without causing too many side effects. Progression or relapse will occur in all patients sooner or later. Second-line treatment should again be carefully selected. Several options are mentioned. New drugs are being developed, and new combinations are investigated. Further improvement in the outcome of patients with mantle cell lymphoma is expected. Participation in well-designed clinical trials, also by elderly patients, is important to find the real benefit that can be achieved, and to get information on the tolerability of these treatments in this age group. PMID:24072968

Patient-specific semi-supervised learning for postoperative brain tumor segmentation.

PubMed

Meier, Raphael; Bauer, Stefan; Slotboom, Johannes; Wiest, Roland; Reyes, Mauricio

2014-01-01

In contrast to preoperative brain tumor segmentation, the problem of postoperative brain tumor segmentation has been rarely approached so far. We present a fully-automatic segmentation method using multimodal magnetic resonance image data and patient-specific semi-supervised learning. The idea behind our semi-supervised approach is to effectively fuse information from both pre- and postoperative image data of the same patient to improve segmentation of the postoperative image. We pose image segmentation as a classification problem and solve it by adopting a semi-supervised decision forest. The method is evaluated on a cohort of 10 high-grade glioma patients, with segmentation performance and computation time comparable or superior to a state-of-the-art brain tumor segmentation method. Moreover, our results confirm that the inclusion of preoperative MR images lead to a better performance regarding postoperative brain tumor segmentation.

Intraoperative fluid replacement and postoperative creatine phosphokinase levels in laparoscopic bariatric patients.

PubMed

Wool, Daniel B; Lemmens, Harry J M; Brodsky, Jay B; Solomon, Houman; Chong, Karen P; Morton, John M

2010-06-01

Morbid obesity and bariatric surgery are both risk factors for the development of postoperative rhabdomyolysis (RML). RML results from injury to skeletal muscle, and a serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level >1,000 IU/L is considered diagnostic of RML. The aim of this study was to determine if intraoperative intravenous fluid (IVF) volume affects postoperative CK levels following laparoscopic bariatric operations. Prospective, single blinded, and randomized trial was conducted. Patients scheduled to undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, adjustable gastric band, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass operations were randomized into two groups. Subjects in Group A received 15 ml/kg total body weight (TBW) of IV crystalloid solution during surgery, while subjects in Group B received 40 ml/kg TBW. Preoperative and postoperative CK and creatinine levels and intra- and postoperative urine output were monitored and recorded. Forty-seven patients were assigned to Group A and 53 patients to Group B. Group B patients had significantly higher urine output in the operating room, in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), and on postoperative days 0 and 1. Group B patients also had significantly lower serum creatinine level in the PACU and a trend towards lower creatinine levels on postoperative days 0, 1, and 2. There were no statistical differences in CK levels at any time between the two groups. Four patients in Group A and three patients in Group B developed postoperative RML. Conservative (15 ml/kg) versus liberal (40 ml/kg) intraoperative IVF administration did not change the incidence of RML in patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric operations. Since the occurrence of RML in this patient population is relatively high, postoperative CK levels should be routinely obtained in patients at special risk.

An intervention study exploring the effects of providing older adult hip fracture patients with an information booklet in the early postoperative period.

PubMed

Murphy, Siobhan; Conway, Col; McGrath, Niamh B; O'Leary, Breda; O'Sullivan, Mary P; O'Sullivan, Dawn

2011-12-01

To determine whether the provision of an information booklet on mobilisation improves early mobility postsurgical repair of hip fracture. Hip fracture among older people can have long-lasting consequences with the majority of patients failing to achieve their prefracture functional status. Early postoperative mobility may have a positive effect on long-term recovery. The importance of providing postoperative information on mobility has been highlighted. It is suggested that patients remain passive in their recovery when they do not understand the importance of mobilisation. The study used a pretest-post-test design of two treatments and a usual care control group. Eighty-three adults postsurgical repair of hip fracture, aged 65 years and older, were recruited to the study. Participants were assigned to one of three groups, a usual care group, treatment group 1 (T(1)) usual care plus basic information booklet or treatment group 2 (T(2)) usual care plus detailed information booklet. Data collection three days postsurgery and prior to discharge included the Mini-Mental State Examination, a Demographic Questionnaire, the Elderly Mobility Scale and a Numerical Pain Scale. Greatest improvements in Elderly Mobility Scale scores occurred in T(1), with least changes observed in T(2). Changes did not reach significance level (p=0·105). The results of the study suggest that the provision of basic information is preferable and highlights a deficiency of education in usual care. Hip fracture patients should be provided with an educational booklet containing basic information on mobility to promote optimal recovery. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Preventing post-operative hypocalcemia in Graves’ patients: A prospective study

PubMed Central

Oltmann, Sarah C.; Brekke, Andrew V.; Schneider, David F.; Schaefer, Sarah C.; Chen, Herbert; Sippel, Rebecca S.

2014-01-01

Background Hypocalcemia occurs after total thyroidectomy (TT) for Graves’ disease via parathyroid injury and/or from increased bone turnover. Current management is to supplement calcium after surgery. This study evaluates the impact of preoperative calcium supplementation on hypocalcemia after Graves’ TT. Methods A prospective study of Graves’ patients undergoing TT was performed. Graves’ patients managed over a 9 month period took 1gm of calcium carbonate (CC) three times a day for two weeks before TT. Those managed the previous year, without supplementation served as historic controls. Age-, gender-, and thyroid weight-matched, non-Graves’ TT patients were procedure controls. Patient demographics, postoperative laboratory values, complaints and medications were reviewed. PTH based postoperative protocols dictated postoperative CC and calcitriol use. Results 45 Graves’ patients were treated with CC before TT, while 38 Graves’ patients were not. 40 non-Graves’ controls were identified. Age, gender and thyroid weight were comparable. Pre-operative calcium and PTH levels were equivalent. PTH values immediately after surgery, POD 1 and at 2 week follow-up were equivalent. Post-operative use of scheduled CC(p=0.10) and calcitriol(p=0.60) was similar. Post-operatively, untreated Graves’ had lower serum calcium levels than pre-treated Graves’ or non-Graves’ controls(8.3mg/dL vs. 8.6 vs. 8.6, p=0.05). Complaints of numbness and tingling were more common in non-treated Graves’(26%) than pretreated Graves’(9%) or non-Graves’ controls(10%, p<0.05). Conclusions Calcium supplementation before TT for Graves’ significantly reduced biochemical and symptomatic postoperative hypocalcemia. Preoperative calcium supplementation is a simple treatment that can reduce symptoms of hypocalcemia after Graves’ TT. PMID:25212835

Outcomes of Elderly Patients after Predialysis Vascular Access Creation.

PubMed

Lee, Timmy; Thamer, Mae; Zhang, Yi; Zhang, Qian; Allon, Michael

2015-12-01

Uniform vascular access guidelines for elderly patients may be inappropriate because of the competing risk of death, high rate of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation failure, and poor vascular access outcomes in this population. However, the outcomes in elderly patients with advanced CKD who receive permanent vascular access before dialysis initiation are unclear. We identified a large nationally representative cohort of 3418 elderly patients (aged ≥ 70 years) with CKD undergoing predialysis AVF or arteriovenous graft (AVG) creation from 2004 to 2009, and assessed the frequencies of dialysis initiation, death before dialysis initiation, and dialysis-free survival for 2 years after vascular access creation. In all, 67% of patients with predialysis AVF and 71% of patients with predialysis AVG creation initiated dialysis within 2 years of access placement, but the overall risk of dialysis initiation was modified by patient age and race. Only one half of patients initiated dialysis with a functioning AVF or AVG; 46.8% of AVFs were created <90 days before dialysis initiation. Catheter dependence at dialysis initiation was more common in patients receiving predialysis AVF than in patients receiving AVG (46.0% versus 28.5%; P<0.001). In conclusion, most elderly patients with advanced CKD who received predialysis vascular access creation initiated dialysis within 2 years. As a consequence of late predialysis placement or maturation failure, almost one half of patients receiving AVFs initiated dialysis with a catheter. Insertion of an AVG closer to dialysis initiation may serve as a "catheter-sparing" approach and allow delay of permanent access placement in selected elderly patients with CKD. Copyright © 2015 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Two-Way Social Media Messaging in Postoperative Cataract Surgical Patients: Prospective Interventional Study

PubMed Central

Sanguansak, Thuss; Morley, Michael G; Thinkhamrop, Kavin; Thuanman, Jaruwan; Agarwal, Isha

2017-01-01

Background Social media offers a new way to provide education, reminders, and support for patients with a variety of health conditions. Most of these interventions use one-way, provider-patient communication. Incorporating social media tools to improve postoperative (postop) education and follow-up care has only been used in limited situations. Objective The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of two-way social media messaging to deliver reminders and educational information about postop care to cataract patients. Methods A total of 98 patients undergoing their first eye cataract surgery were divided into two groups: a no message group receiving usual pre- and postop care and a message group receiving usual care plus messages in a mobile social media format with standardized content and timing. Each patient in the message group received nine messages about hand and face hygiene, medication and postop visit adherence, and links to patient education videos about postop care. Patients could respond to messages as desired. Main outcome measures included medication adherence, postop visit adherence, clinical outcomes, and patients’ subjective assessments of two-way messaging. The number, types, content, and timing of responses by patients to messages were recorded. Results Medication adherence was better in the message group at postop day 7, with high adherence in 47 patients (96%, 47/49) versus 36 patients (73%, 36/49) in the no message group (P=.004), but no statistically significant differences in medication adherence between the groups were noted at preop and postop day 30. Visit adherence was higher at postop day 30 in the message group (100%, 49/49) versus the no message group (88%, 43/49; P=.03) but was 100% (49/49) in both groups at postop day 1 and 7. Final visual outcomes were similar between groups. A total of 441 standardized messages were sent to the message group. Out of 270 responses generated, 188 (70%) were simple

Predictors of Anastomotic Leak in Elderly Patients After Colectomy: Nomogram-Based Assessment From the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Program Procedure-Targeted Cohort.

PubMed

Rencuzogullari, Ahmet; Benlice, Cigdem; Valente, Michael; Abbas, Maher A; Remzi, Feza H; Gorgun, Emre

2017-05-01

Elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery have increasingly become under scrutiny by accounting for the largest fraction of geriatric postoperative deaths and a significant proportion of all postoperative complications, including anastomotic leak. This study aimed to determine predictors of anastomotic leak in elderly patients undergoing colectomy by creating a novel nomogram for simplistic prediction of anastomotic leak risk in a given patient. This study was a retrospective review. The database review of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was conducted at a single institution. Patients aged ≥65 years who underwent elective segmental colectomy with an anastomosis at different levels (abdominal or low pelvic) in 2012-2013 were identified from the multi-institutional procedure-targeted database. We constructed a stepwise multiple logistic regression model for anastomotic leak as an outcome; predictors were selected in a stepwise fashion using the Akaike information criterion. The validity of the nomogram was externally tested on elderly patients (≥65 years of age) from the 2014 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program colectomy-targeted database. A total of 10,392 patients were analyzed, and anastomotic leak occurred in 332 (3.2%). Of the patients who developed anastomotic leak, 192 (57.8%) were men (p < 0.001). Based on unadjusted analysis, factors associated with an increased risk of anastomotic leak were ASA score III and IV (p < 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.004), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.003), smoking history (p = 0.014), weight loss (p = 0.013), previously infected wound (p = 0.005), omitting mechanical bowel preparation (p = 0.005) and/or preoperative oral antibiotic use (p < 0.001), and wounds classified as contaminated or dirty/infected (p = 0.008). Patients who developed anastomotic leak had a longer length of hospital stay (17 vs 7 d; p < 0

Effective Patient-Physician Communication Based on Osteopathic Philosophy in Caring for Elderly Patients.

PubMed

Noll, Donald R; Ginsberg, Terrie; Elahi, Abdul; Cavalieri, Thomas A

2016-01-01

The objective of this article is to discuss effective communication strategies between elderly patients and their physicians from the perspective of osteopathic heritage. The patient-physician communication styles of Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, and early osteopathic physicians (ie, DOs) may have influenced how DOs today communicate with their patients. Historical literature describes how Still would discuss with his patients the causes of their health problems using analogies and language they would understand, and how, when caring for a patient at the end of life, he empathically provided emotional support for both patients and their families. Early DOs advocated setting clear expectations for patients regarding clinical outcomes and carefully listening to patients to build trust. The Osteopathic Oath, which calls for the DO to view the patient as a friend, may also affect patient-physician communication. Early osteopathic philosophy and culture, as modeled by Dr Still in his approach to elderly patients, should inspire today's DOs in their communication with their elderly patients.

Degenerative lumbar scoliosis in elderly patients: dynamic stabilization without fusion versus posterior instrumented fusion.

PubMed

Di Silvestre, Mario; Lolli, Francesco; Bakaloudis, Georgios

2014-01-01

Posterolateral fusion with pedicle screw instrumentation is currently the most widely accepted technique for degenerative lumbar scoliosis in elderly patients. However, a high incidence of complications has been reported in most series. Dynamic stabilization without fusion in patients older than 60 years has not previously been compared with the use of posterior fusion in degenerative lumbar scoliosis. To compare dynamic stabilization without fusion and posterior instrumented fusion in the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis in elderly patients, in terms of perioperative findings, clinical outcomes, and adverse events. A retrospective study. Fifty-seven elderly patients were included. There were 45 women (78%) and 12 men (22%) with a mean age of 68.1 years (range, 61-78 years). All patients had degenerative de novo lumbar scoliosis, associated with vertebral canal stenosis in 51 cases (89.4%) and degenerative spondylolisthesis in 24 patients (42.1%). Clinical (Oswestry Disability Index, visual analog scale, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and radiological (scoliosis and lordosis corrections) outcomes as well as incidence of complications. Patients were divided into two groups: 32 patients (dynamic group) had dynamic stabilization without fusion and 25 patients (fusion group) underwent posterior instrumented fusion. All the patients' medical records and X-rays were reviewed. Preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up questionnaires were obtained to evaluate clinical outcomes. At an average follow-up of 64 months (range, 42-90 months), clinical results improved similarly in both groups of patients. Statistically superior scoliosis and final lordosis corrections were achieved with posterior fusion (56.9% vs. 37.3% and -46.8° vs. -35.8°, respectively). However, in the dynamic group, incidence of overall complications was lower (25% vs. 44%), and fewer patients required revision surgery (6.2% vs. 16%). Furthermore, lower average values of operative

[Comparing different treatments for femoral neck fracture of displacement type in the elderly:a meta analysis].

PubMed

Zhao, Wenbo; Tu, Chongqi; Zhang, Hui; Fang, Yue; Wang, Guanglin; Liu, Lei

2014-04-01

To compare the effects and security between internal fixation and total hip arthroplasty for the patients in elderly with femoral neck fracture of displacement type through a meta analysis. Studies on comparison between internal fixation and total hip arthroplasty for the patients in the elderly with femoral neck fracture of displacement type were identified from PubMed database,EMBase database, COCHRANE library, CMB database, CNKI database and MEDLINE database. Data analysis were performed using Revman 5.2.6(the Cochrane Collaboration). Six published randomized controlled trials including 627 patients were suitable for the review, 286 cases in internal fixation group and 341 cases in total hip arthroplasty group. The results of meta analysis indicated that statistically significant difference were observed between the two groups in the quality of life which was reflected by the Harris scale (RR = 0.82, 95%CI:0.72-0.93, P < 0.05) , the reoperation rate (RR = 5.81, 95%CI:3.09-10.95, P < 0.05) and the major complications rate (RR = 3.60, 95%CI:2.29-5.67, P < 0.05) postoperatively. There were no difference in the mortality at 1 year and 5 years postoperatively(P > 0.05). For the patients with femoral neck fracture of displacement type in the elderly, there is no statistical difference between two groups in the mortality postoperatively. The quality of life and the security of operation in internal fixation group is worse than the total hip arthroplasty group.

[Correlations of plasma concentrations of β-amyloid peptide and S-100β with postoperative cognitive dysfunction in patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial cancer surgery].

PubMed

Liang, Bing; Sun, Yuan-Qing; Jiang, Jue; Xu, Hui

2016-12-01

To evaluate the changes of perioperative plasma concentrations of Aβ 1-40 and S-100β to determine the relationship with postoperative cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial cancer surgeries. One hundred and fifteen patients aged at least 60 years undergoing oral and maxillofacial tumor resection were investigated between May 2014 to December 2014.Neuropsychological tests for detecting postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD) were performed one day before surgery and 7 days postoperatively. According to the results of neuropsychological tests on day 7, patients were divided into POCD group and non-POCD group.Plasma values of Aβ 1-40 and S-100β were determined with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) before anesthesia induction, 24 h and 7 days after surgery. The data were analyzed using SPSS 19.0 software package. According to the definition, POCD was present in 37 of 115 (32.3%) patients 1 week after surgery. Compared with pre-anesthesia, S-100β levels in POCD group were significantly increased (P<0.05); the level of Aβ 1-40 was significantly higher 24 h after surgery (P<0.05). Compared with non-POCD group, S-100β levels were significantly increased 24 h postoperatively (P<0.05); Aβ1-40 levels were significantly higher 24 h and 7 days postoperatively (P<0.05). POCD was present in 32.2% of patients on day 7 after oral and maxillofacial surgeries with general anesthesia. The increasing levels of Aβ 1-40 , S-100β may be associated with the occurence of POCD. Patients with long-lasting operation and high concentrations of Aβ 1-40 and S-100β after surgeries were at a higher risk of POCD. The clinical values of Aβ 1-40 and S-100 as predictive measurements of POCD after oral and maxillofacial cancer surgery appear to be reasonable.

Assessment and treatment relevance in elderly glioblastoma patients.

PubMed

Bauchet, Luc; Zouaoui, Sonia; Darlix, Amélie; Menjot de Champfleur, Nicolas; Ferreira, Ernestine; Fabbro, Michel; Kerr, Christine; Taillandier, Luc

2014-11-01

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. Its incidence continues to increase in the elderly because the older segment of the population is growing faster than any other age group. Most clinical studies exclude elderly patients, and "standards of care" do not exist for GBM patients aged >70 years. We review epidemiology, tumor biology/molecular factors, prognostic factors (clinical, imaging data, therapeutics), and their assessments as well as classic and specific endpoints plus recent and ongoing clinical trials for elderly GBM patients. This work includes perspectives and personal opinions on this topic. Although there are no standards of care for elderly GBM patients, we can hypothesize that (i) Karnofsky performance status (KPS), probably after steroid treatment, is one of the most important clinical factors for determining our oncological strategy; (ii) resection is superior to biopsy, at least in selected patients (depending on location of the tumor and associated comorbidities); (iii) specific schedules of radiotherapy yield a modest but significant improvement; (iv) temozolomide has an acceptable tolerance, even when KPS <70, and could be proposed for methylated elderly GBM patients; and (v) the addition of concomitant temozolomide to radiotherapy has not yet been validated but shows promising results in some studies, yet the optimal schedule of radiotherapy remains to be determined. In the future, specific assessments (geriatric, imaging, biology) and use of new endpoints (quality of life and toxicity measures) will aid clinicians in determining the balance of potential benefits and risks of each oncological strategy. © The Author(s) 2014. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Neuro-Oncology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

A comparison of perioperative outcomes in elderly patients with malignant liver tumors undergoing laparoscopic liver resection versus radiofrequency ablation.

PubMed

Yazici, Pinar; Akyuz, Muhammet; Yigitbas, Hakan; Dural, Cem; Okoh, Alexis; Aydin, Nail; Berber, Eren

2017-03-01

Liver resection is the treatment option with the best chance for cure in patients with malignant liver tumors. However, there are concerns regarding postoperative recovery in elderly patients, which may lead to a preference of non-resectional therapies over hepatectomy in this patient population. Although laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is associated with a faster recovery compared to open hepatectomy, there are scant data on how elderly patients tolerate LLR. The aim of this study was to analyze the perioperative outcomes of LLR in elderly patients with hepatic malignancies, with a comparison to laparoscopic RFA (LRFA). A retrospective analysis of a prospective database for liver tumors identified a total of 82 patients older than 65 years who underwent laparoscopic treatment of their liver tumors in a single tertiary care center between 2000 and 2014. These patients were equally distributed into LLR and LRFA treatment arms. Mean age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score and tumor type (predominantly metastatic colorectal cancer) were similar in both groups. Patients in the LRFA group had more tumors (2.1 ± 1.8 vs. 1.2 ± 0.6, p < 0.01), whereas tumors were larger in the LLR group (3.8 ± 1.6 vs. 2.8 ± 1.1 cm, p < 0.01). Although the operative time (116 vs. 214 min, p < 0.01) and hospital stay (2.1 vs. 3.4 days, p = 0.010) were shorter for the LRFA versus LLR group, respectively, morbidity (4.8 vs. 7.3 %) and mortality (0 vs. 0 %) were similar. Local recurrence was significantly higher in the LRFA versus LLR group (29 vs. 2.4 %, respectively, p = 0.002). However, there was no statistical difference in disease-free and overall survival between two groups (28 vs. 30 and 51 vs. 54 months, p = 0.443 and 0.768, respectively). This study showed that LLR was tolerated as well as LRFA in elderly patients with similar comorbidities. We suggest LLR to be considered as an option in selected elderly patients who are deemed poor

Cardiovascular effects of abduction shoulder sling in elderly patients; is it really safe?

PubMed

Canbora, Kerem; Kose, Ozkan; Gurkan, Ufuk; Polat, Atilla; Erdem, Sevki; Haklar, Ugur

2013-11-01

The purpose of the prospective study is to investigate the cardiovascular effects of abduction shoulder sling (ASS) in elderly patients who underwent rotator cuff surgery. The study included 49 consecutive patients older than 50 years (mean 59.3 ± 8.2 years) who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair surgery and used ASS in postoperative period. All cases underwent Holter electrocardiographic monitoring before (24 h) and after (48 h) the operation. The Holter findings were read by an experienced cardiologist and a pause of longer than 3 s and heart rate of <40 bpm was evaluated as significant bradycardia. One patient (61-year-old male) described feeling faint (presyncope) which was confirmed with the Holter finding of a pause more than 3 s which occurred in the day time. Two other patients (52-year-old male, and 62-year-old female) reported severe dizziness (hypotensive attack) which required admission to a general practitioner. However, Holter findings were normal in these patients. These three cases were referred to cardiology department for evaluation of carotid hypersensitivity syndrome (CSH). CSH was confirmed with tests made with provocative maneuvers in a sitting position. CSH was defined as at least 3 s of asystole (cardio-inhibitor type) during carotid massage or systolic blood pressure falling below 50 mmHg (vaso-depressor type). All three patients were obese patients and BMI was higher than 30. ASS may trigger CSH in short necked and obese patients by exerting mechanical stimulation to the carotid sinus. These patients should be informed about symptoms and signs of CSH and educated on the proper use of ASS and correct positioning of shoulder strap. CSH should be kept in mind in patients who present with dizziness, presyncope and palpitation during the postoperative period.

Safety and efficacy of ipragliflozin in elderly versus non-elderly Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a subgroup analysis of the STELLA-LONG TERM study.

PubMed

Maegawa, Hiroshi; Tobe, Kazuyuki; Tabuchi, Hiromi; Nakamura, Ichiro; Uno, Satoshi

2018-03-01

This subgroup analysis of STELLA-LONG TERM interim data explored the long-term safety and efficacy of ipragliflozin in non-elderly vs. elderly Japanese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. STELLA-LONG TERM is an ongoing 3-year prospective surveillance study of Japanese T2DM patients receiving ipragliflozin 50 mg once daily. In this subgroup analysis, patient characteristics, laboratory variables, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were compared between non-elderly (<65 years) and elderly (≥65 years) patients. Non-elderly patients had significantly higher body mass index and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than elderly patients (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) <8.0% was significantly higher among elderly patients (P < 0.001). HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and body weight significantly decreased from baseline to 3 and 12 months in both groups (all P < 0.05 vs. baseline). The ADR incidence was 10.83% vs. 10.42% in non-elderly and elderly patients. The incidence of skin complications was 0.98% vs. 1.65% and that of renal disorder was 0.47% vs. 0.95% in non-elderly and elderly patients (both P = 0.003). Ipragliflozin was effective in non-elderly and elderly Japanese T2DM patients in a real-world clinical setting. The incidence of renal disorder and skin complications was significantly higher in elderly vs. non-elderly patients.

Two-Way Social Media Messaging in Postoperative Cataract Surgical Patients: Prospective Interventional Study.

PubMed

Sanguansak, Thuss; Morley, Katharine E; Morley, Michael G; Thinkhamrop, Kavin; Thuanman, Jaruwan; Agarwal, Isha

2017-12-19

Social media offers a new way to provide education, reminders, and support for patients with a variety of health conditions. Most of these interventions use one-way, provider-patient communication. Incorporating social media tools to improve postoperative (postop) education and follow-up care has only been used in limited situations. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of two-way social media messaging to deliver reminders and educational information about postop care to cataract patients. A total of 98 patients undergoing their first eye cataract surgery were divided into two groups: a no message group receiving usual pre- and postop care and a message group receiving usual care plus messages in a mobile social media format with standardized content and timing. Each patient in the message group received nine messages about hand and face hygiene, medication and postop visit adherence, and links to patient education videos about postop care. Patients could respond to messages as desired. Main outcome measures included medication adherence, postop visit adherence, clinical outcomes, and patients' subjective assessments of two-way messaging. The number, types, content, and timing of responses by patients to messages were recorded. Medication adherence was better in the message group at postop day 7, with high adherence in 47 patients (96%, 47/49) versus 36 patients (73%, 36/49) in the no message group (P=.004), but no statistically significant differences in medication adherence between the groups were noted at preop and postop day 30. Visit adherence was higher at postop day 30 in the message group (100%, 49/49) versus the no message group (88%, 43/49; P=.03) but was 100% (49/49) in both groups at postop day 1 and 7. Final visual outcomes were similar between groups. A total of 441 standardized messages were sent to the message group. Out of 270 responses generated, 188 (70%) were simple acknowledgments or "thank you," and 82 (30

[Development and evaluation of individualized fluid therapy in the elderly patients with coronary heart disease undergoing gastrointestinal surgery: a randomized, controlled trial].

PubMed

Zheng, Hong; Guo, Hai; Ye, Jian-rong; Chen, Lin

2012-06-01

To develop and evaluate an individualized fluid therapy in the elderly patients with coronary heart disease undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. In this prospective study, 60 coronary heart disease patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery were included in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from March 2009 to March 2012. Patients were randomized into the intervention group and the control group with 30 patients in each group. Individualized fluid therapy was used during surgery and postoperative period in the ICU, which was determined based on target controlled fluid therapy according to cardiac index, stroke volume, and stroke volume variation. Traditional fluid therapy was used in the control group in the intraoperative and postoperative period. The two groups were compared in terms of postoperative hemodynamic parameters, total fluid volume, incidence of adverse cardiac events, and recovery of bowel function. Compared with the control group, mean arterial pressure was significantly increased at the commencement of the surgery. The cardiac index was significantly elevated during surgery and at the end of the surgery. Stroke volume was significantly increased after induction of anesthesia, during the surgery, and at the early stay of ICU period(all P<0.05). Serum lactic acid in the intervention group was significantly lower at the end of surgery and during ICU stay than that in the control group (all P<0.05). During surgery and 24-hour stay in ICU, the total fluid volume, crystal usage, and urine were significantly less, while colloidal fluid use was significantly more in the intervention group as compared to the control group(all P<0.05). The perioperative adverse cardiac event rate was 36.7%(11/30) in the intervention group, lower than 56.7%(17/30) in the control group, but the difference was no statistically significance(P>0.05). In the intervention group, defecation time, time to first flatus, resumption of liquid intake, length of

Evaluation of a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme for elderly patients with hip fracture: A prospective cohort study.

PubMed

Cheung, Wing-Hoi; Shen, Wan-Yiu; Dai, David Lok-Kwan; Lee, Kin Bong; Zhu, Tracy Y; Wong, Ronald Man-Yeung; Leung, Kwok-Sui

2018-02-28

To investigate the effectiveness and cost of an 18-month multi-disciplinary Comprehensive Fragility Fracture Management Program (CFFMP) for fragility hip fracture patients. Prospective cohort study. Elderly patients with hip fracture were recruited at their first postoperative follow-up in 2 district hospitals. The intervention group comprised patients from the hospital undergoing CFFMP, and the control group comprised patients from another hospital undergoing conventional care. CFFMP provided geri-orthopaedic co-management, physician consultations, group-exercise and vibration-therapy. Timed-up-and-go test (TUG), Elderly Mobility Scale (EMS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and fall risk screening (FS) were used to assess functional performance. Incidences of falls and secondary fractures, the cost of the programme and related healthcare resources were recorded. A total of 76 patients were included in the intervention group (mean age 77.9 years ((standard deviation; SD) 6.1) ) and 77 in the control group (79.9 (SD 7.2)), respectively. The re-fracture rate in the control group (10.39%) was significantly higher than in the intervention group (1.32%) (p = 0.034). The intervention group improved significantly in TUG, EMS and FS after a 1-year programme. The overall healthcare costs per patient in the intervention and control groups were US$22,450 and US$25,313, respectively. Multi-disciplinary CFFMP is effective, with reduced overall cost, reduced length of hospital stay and reduced secondary fracture rate. The rehabilitation community service favours rehabilitation and improved quality of life of hip fracture patients.

Surgical treatment for infective endocarditis in elderly patients.

PubMed

Ramírez-Duque, N; García-Cabrera, E; Ivanova-Georgieva, R; Noureddine, M; Lomas, J M; Hidalgo-Tenorio, C; Plata, A; Gálvez-Acebal, J; Ruíz-Morales, J; de la Torre-Lima, J; Reguera, J M; Martínez-Marcos, F J; de Alarcón, A

2011-08-01

We evaluate the clinical, echographic and prognostic characteristics of infective endocarditis (IE) in a large population of elderly patients, and the results of surgical approach. Multicentric, prospective, observational cohort study with 961 consecutive left-sided IE: 356 patients aged ≥65 years were compared with 605 younger. Indications for cardiac surgery, potential surgical risk, time and outcome, were compared. Hospital-acquired endocarditis, comorbidity, renal failure and septic shock were more frequent in elderly, but embolisms were less. Intracardiac destruction and ventricular failure were similar in both groups, but significantly fewer elderly patients underwent cardiac surgery (36% vs 51%; p < 0.01), and this group showed a worse outcome (43.2% of mortality vs 27% in younger; p < 0.01), resulting age as an independent predictor of mortality (OR: 1.02 CI95%: 1.01-1.03). Compared with medical treatment, surgery showed lower percentages of mortality compared with medical treatment (23.3% vs 31.3%; p = 0.03) in younger group, but a high mortality was observed with both procedures (47.6% vs 40.3%; p = 0.1) in the elderly. Although similar percentages of heart failure and intracardiac complications, increasing age is associated with higher mortality in IE. Lower rates of surgical treatment and a worse outcome after operation are common features in elderly patients. Copyright © 2011 The British Infection Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Management of Postoperative Fever in Adult Cardiac Surgical Patients.

PubMed

O'Mara, Susan K

Postoperative fever after cardiac surgery is a common occurrence. Most fevers are benign and self-limiting resulting from inflammation caused by surgical trauma and blood contact with cardiopulmonary bypass circuit resulting in the release of cytokines. Only a small percentage of time is postoperative fever due to an infection complicating surgery. The presence of fever frequently triggers a battery of diagnostic tests that are costly, could expose the patient to unnecessary risks, and can produce misleading or inconclusive results. It is therefore important that fever be evaluated in a systematic, prudent, clinically appropriate, and cost-effective manner. This article focuses on the current evidence regarding pathophysiology, incidence, causes, evaluation, and management of fever in postoperative adult cardiac surgical patients.

Postoperative constipation risk assessment in Turkish orthopedic patients.

PubMed

Şendir, Merdiye; Büyükıylmaz, Funda; Aştı, Türkinaz; Gürpınar, Şengül; Yazgan, İlknur

2012-01-01

This descriptive, correlational study was conducted to describe constipation risk assessment and the affecting factors of constipation risk of patients who have undergone major orthopedic surgery. Data were collected using a patient information form and the Constipation Risk Assessment Scale (CRAS) on the second postoperative day. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 11.5 for Windows. The mean age of the 83 patients studied was 53.75 ± 21.29 years. Subjects were hospitalized in the orthopedic wards for 14.39 ± 15.17 days, and their current bowel habit was 2.18 ± 1.80 stools per week. Of the sample, 63.9% were female, 69.9% of the patients had a history of previous surgery, 45.8% had hip/knee arthroplasty surgery, and 55.4% had bowel problems during the hospitalization period. Patients had a medium risk for constipation according to the CRAS subscale (gender, mobility, and pharmacological agents). Total CRAS score was 12.73 ± 4.75 (medium risk) on the second postoperative day. In addition, age, marital status, educational level, having a history of surgery, and bowel elimination problems did have a significant effect on constipation risk. On the basis of the findings from this study, nurses must learn the postoperative constipation risk of orthopedic patients to implement safe and effective interventions.

Factors associated with polypharmacy in elderly home-care patients.

PubMed

Komiya, Hitoshi; Umegaki, Hiroyuki; Asai, Atsushi; Kanda, Shigeru; Maeda, Keiko; Shimojima, Takuya; Nomura, Hideki; Kuzuya, Masafumi

2018-01-01

Polypharmacy, which is often observed in elderly patients, has been associated with several unfavorable outcomes, including an increased risk of potentially inappropriate medications, medication non-adherence, drug duplication, drug-drug interactions, higher healthcare costs and adverse drug reactions. A significant association between polypharmacy and adverse outcomes among older people living in the community has also been confirmed. A reduction in the number of medications should thus be pursued for many older individuals. Nevertheless, the factors associated with polypharmacy in elderly home-care patients have not been reported. Here, we investigated those factors in elderly home-care patients in Japan. We used the data of the participants in the Observational Study of Nagoya Elderly with Home Medical investigation. Polypharmacy was defined as the current use of six or more different medications. We carried out univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to assess the associations between polypharmacy and each of several factors. A total of 153 home-care patients were registered. The mean number of medications used per patient was 5.9, and 51.5% of the patients belonged to the polypharmacy group. The multivariate model showed that the patients' scores on the Charlson Comorbidity Index and the Mini-Nutrition Assessment Short Form were inversely associated with polypharmacy, and potentially inappropriate medication was most strongly associated with polypharmacy (odds ratio 4.992). The present findings showed that polypharmacy was quite common among the elderly home-care patients, and they suggest that home-care physicians should prescribe fewer medications in accord with the deterioration of home-care patients' general condition. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 33-41. © 2017 Japan Geriatrics Society.

[Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly patients].

PubMed

Gómez-Huelgas, R; Gómez Peralta, F; Rodríguez Mañas, L; Formiga, F; Puig Domingo, M; Mediavilla Bravo, J J; Miranda, C; Ena, J

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) increases markedly with age. Antidiabetic treatment and the objectives of glycaemic control in elderly patients with DM2 should be individualised according to their biopsychosocial characteristics. In elderly patients for whom the benefits of intensive antidiabetic treatment are limited, the basic objectives should be to improve the quality of life, preserve functionality and avoid adverse effects, especially hypoglycaemia. Treatment of DM2 in the elderly was the subject of a consensus document published in 2012 and endorsed by several Spanish scientific societies. Since then, new therapeutic groups and evidence have emerged that warrant an update to this consensus document. The present document focuses on the therapeutic aspects of DM2 in elderly patients, understood as being older than 75 years or frail. Copyright © 2017 SEGG. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Status epilepticus in the elderly patients: A national data study in Thailand.

PubMed

Tiamkao, Somsak; Pranboon, Sineenard; Thepsuthammarat, Kaewjai; Sawanyawisuth, Kittisak

2017-01-15

There are limited data in terms of incidence, clinical features, and outcomes in elderly patients with status epilepticus (SE) in national level. We retrospectively explored national data in Thailand for reimbursement of all SE in elderly patients admitted in the fiscal year 2004-2012. SE in elderly patients (age>60years old) were diagnosed and searched based on ICD 10 (G41) from the national database of from the National Health and Security Office. There were 3326 SE in elderly patients. The national incidence of SE was highest at 8.78patients/100,000/year in 2012. The average age was 72.02years and most were males (1379 patients; 58.8%). At discharge, 66% of patients had improved and in-hospital mortality rate was 14.5%. Predictors of poor outcomes were older age≥80years, being female, hospital levels, chronic renal failure, central nervous system infection, respiratory failure, pneumonia, septicemia, shock, acute renal failure, and hyperkalemia. In conclusion, the number of cases of SE in elderly patients in Thailand has been increasing annually. Increasing age was associated with poor outcome in admitted elderly SE patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

What is the best way to manage GERD symptoms in the elderly?

PubMed

Bacak, Brian S; Patel, Mihir; Tweed, Elizabeth; Danis, Peter

2006-03-01

No evidence supports one method over another in managing uncomplicated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) for patients aged >65 years. For those with endoscopically documented esophagitis, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) relieve symptoms faster than histamine H2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) (strength of recommendation [SOR]: B, extrapolation from randomized controlled trials [RCTs]). Treating elderly patients with pantoprazole (Protonix) after resolution of acute esophagitis results in fewer relapses than with placebo (SOR: B, double-blind RCT). Limited evidence suggests that such maintenance therapy for prior esophagitis with either H2RAs or PPIs, at half- and full-dose strength, decreases the frequency of relapse (SOR: B, extrapolation from uncontrolled clinical trial). Laparoscopic antireflux surgery for treating symptomatic GERD among elderly patients without paraesophageal hernia reduces esophageal acidity, with no apparent increase in postoperative morbidity or mortality compared with younger patients (SOR: C, nonequivalent before-after study). Upper endoscopy is recommended for elderly patients with alarm symptoms, new-onset GERD, or longstanding disease (SOR: C, expert consensus). Elderly patients are at risk for more severe complications from GERD, and their relative discomfort from the disease process is often less than from comparable pathology for younger patients (SOR: C, expert consensus). Based on safety profiles and success in the general patient population, PPIs as a class are considered first-line treatment for GERD and esophagitis for the elderly (SOR: C, expert consensus).

Comparison of clipping and coiling in elderly patients with unruptured cerebral aneurysms

PubMed Central

Bekelis, Kimon; Gottlieb, Daniel J.; Su, Yin; O’Malley, A. James; Labropoulos, Nicos; Goodney, Philip; Lawton, Michael T.; MacKenzie, Todd A.

2016-01-01

OBJECTIVE The comparative effectiveness of the 2 treatment options—surgical clipping and endovascular coiling—for unruptured cerebral aneurysms remains an issue of debate and has not been studied in clinical trials. The authors investigated the association between treatment method for unruptured cerebral aneurysms and outcomes in elderly patients. METHODS The authors performed a cohort study of 100% of Medicare fee-for-service claims data for elderly patients who had treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms between 2007 and 2012. To control for measured confounding, the authors used propensity score conditioning and inverse probability weighting with mixed effects to account for clustering at the level of the hospital referral region (HRR). An instrumental variable (regional rates of coiling) analysis was used to control for unmeasured confounding and to create pseudo-randomization on the treatment method. RESULTS During the study period, 8705 patients underwent treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms and met the study inclusion criteria. Of these patients, 2585 (29.7%) had surgical clipping and 6120 (70.3%) had endovascular coiling. Instrumental variable analysis demonstrated no difference between coiling and clipping in 1-year postoperative mortality (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.68–2.31) or 90-day readmission rate (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.66–1.62). However, clipping was associated with a greater likelihood of discharge to rehabilitation (OR 6.39, 95% CI 3.85–10.59) and 3.6 days longer length of stay (LOS; 95% CI 2.90–4.71). The same associations were present in propensity score–adjusted and inverse probability– weighted models. CONCLUSIONS In a cohort of Medicare patients, there was no difference in mortality and the readmission rate between clipping and coiling of unruptured cerebral aneurysms. Clipping was associated with a higher rate of discharge to a rehabilitation facility and a longer LOS. PMID:27203150

Mortality and recurrence rate after pressure ulcer operation for elderly long-term bedridden patients.

PubMed

Kuwahara, Masamitsu; Tada, Hideyuki; Mashiba, Kumi; Yurugi, Satoshi; Iioka, Hiroshi; Niitsuma, Katsunori; Yasuda, Yukiko

2005-06-01

We operated on 16 sacral pressure ulcers in elderly and long-term residential patients who were immobile as a result of cerebral vascular disease. The mean age of patients was 76 years. Eight ulcers were treated with local fascial flaps and 8 by simple closure. The follow-up period was from 1 to 4 years. Recurrence and mortality rates were examined retrospectively. In the 16 patients, recurrence occurred in 37.5%, and 43.8% died without recurrence. The recurrence rate was 37.5% for local fascial flaps and 37.5% for simple closure. Overall mortality was 68.8% in the follow-up period. Because postoperative death was common, we should not only focus on reducing local pressure but also pay attention to any underlying disease. Because of this high mortality rate, the least invasive procedure possible should be used. Because the recurrence rate of simple closure was the same as for local fascial flaps, simple closure should be considered as a reconstructive method.

[Lifestyle of elderly patients with diabetes mellitus].

PubMed

Fukuoka, Yuki; Yamada, Yuichiro

2013-11-01

In elderly people, glucose tolerance is deteriorated and the incidence of diabetes mellitus is increased, due to decreased muscle mass and physical activity, declining pancreatic beta cell function, and other factors. Diabetes mellitus is an important risk factor for arteriosclerosis development in the elderly. Precise diagnosis and adequate treatment are necessary to prevent cerebrovascular and ischemic heart diseases. Elderly patients with diabetes mellitus are characteristically afflicted with more complications, impaired activities of daily living, cognitive function decline, and family environment problems, as compared with young and middle-aged diabetics. Therefore, tailor-made rather than uniform therapy becomes important. Lifestyle modification is the basis of diabetes treatment. Herein, we describe "prevention and management" of diabetes mellitus, focusing on the lifestyles of elderly diabetics.

Postoperative complications of pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with vedolizumab.

PubMed

Zimmerman, Lori A; Zalieckas, Jill M; Shamberger, Robert C; Bousvaros, Athos

2017-12-16

Vedolizumab is a biologic, which inhibits leukocyte adhesion in the gut and is used to treat ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). Little is known of the surgical outcomes in patients treated with vedolizumab. We reviewed the postoperative complications in a cohort of pediatric UC and CD patients treated with vedolizumab. We identified pediatric UC and CD patients treated with vedolizumab at our institution from 2014 to 2016. We compared postoperative outcomes in the vedolizumab exposed group to a cohort of vedolizumab naïve patients who required diverting ileostomy. Of the 31 patients who were treated with vedolizumab, 13 patients required surgery. Eight of 13 (62%) vedolizumab exposed patients had a postoperative complication, including mucocutaneous separation at the stoma (3), readmission for pain/dehydration (2), bowel obstruction at the ostomy, and intraoperative colonic perforation. In comparison, four of 16 (25%) vedolizumab naive patients had a postoperative complication, including readmission for ileus and for high stoma output with mucocutaneous separation. p=0.07. At our institution, patients treated with vedolizumab prior to surgery have a high prevalence of postoperative complications, notably mucocutaneous separation of the stoma. A prospective, multicenter study is needed to determine if these observed complications are attributable to vedolizumab. Level III. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Emergency General Surgery in the Elderly: Too Old or Too Frail?

PubMed

Joseph, Bellal; Zangbar, Bardiya; Pandit, Viraj; Fain, Mindy; Mohler, Martha Jane; Kulvatunyou, Narong; Jokar, Tahereh Orouji; O'Keeffe, Terence; Friese, Randal S; Rhee, Peter

2016-05-01

Assessment of operative risk in geriatric patients undergoing emergency general surgery (EGS) is challenging. Frailty is an established measure for risk assessment in elective surgical cases. Emerging literature suggests the superiority of frailty measurements to chronological age in predicting outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes in elderly patients undergoing EGS using an established Rockwood frailty index. We prospectively measured preadmission frailty in all geriatric (aged 65 years and older) patients undergoing EGS at our institution during a 2-year period. Frailty index (FI) was calculated using the modified 50-variable Rockwood Preadmission FI. Frail patients were defined by FI ≥ 0.25. Outcomes measures were in-hospital complications, development of major complications, and mortality. Multivariate regression analysis was performed. A total of 220 patients were enrolled, of which 82 (37%) were frail. Frailty index score did not correlate with age (R = 0.64; R(2) = 0.53; p = 0.1) and poorly correlated with American Society of Anesthesiologists score (R = 0.51; R(2) = 0.44; p = 0.045). Thirty-five percent (n = 77) of patients had postoperative complications and 19% (n = 42) had major complications. Frailty index was an independent predictor for development of in-hospital complications (odds ratio = 2.13; 95% CI, 1.09-4.16; p = 0.02) and major complications (odds ratio = 3.87; 95% CI, 1.69-8.84; p = 0.001). Age and American Society of Anesthesiologists score were not predictive of postoperative and major complications. Our FI model had 80% sensitivity, 72% specificity, and area under the curve of 0.75 in predicting complications in geriatric patients undergoing EGS. The overall mortality rate was 3.2% (n = 7) and all patients who died were frail. Frailty index independently predicts postoperative complications, major complications, and hospital length of stay in elderly patients undergoing emergency general surgery. Use of

Postoperative Intravenous Acetaminophen for Craniotomy Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Greenberg, Steven; Murphy, Glenn S; Avram, Michael J; Shear, Torin; Benson, Jessica; Parikh, Kruti N; Patel, Aashka; Newmark, Rebecca; Patel, Vimal; Bailes, Julian; Szokol, Joseph W

2018-01-01

To determine whether opioids during the first 24 postoperative hours were significantly altered when receiving intravenous (IV) acetaminophen during that time compared with those receiving placebo (normal saline). One hundred forty patients undergoing any type of craniotomy were randomly assigned to receive either 1 g of IV acetaminophen or placebo upon surgical closure, and every 6 hours thereafter, up to 18 hours postoperatively. Analgesic requirements for the first 24 postoperative hours were recorded. Time to rescue medications in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU)/intensive care unit (ICU), amount of rescue medication, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, number of successful neurological examinations, sedation, delirium, satisfaction, and visual analog scale pain scores were also recorded. Compared with the placebo group, more patients in the IV acetaminophen group (10/66 [15.2%] vs. 4/65 [6.2%] in the placebo group) did not require opioids within the first 24 postoperative hours, but this did not reach significance (odds ratio, -9.0%, 95% confidence interval -20.5% to 1.8%; P = 0.166). Both groups had similar times to rescue medications, amounts of rescue medications, ICU and hospital lengths of stay, numbers of successful neurological examinations, sedation, delirium, satisfaction scores, visual analog scale pain scores, and temperatures within the first 24 postoperative hours. The opioid requirements within the first 24 postoperative hours were similar in the placebo and acetaminophen groups. This study is informative for the design and planning of future studies investigating the management of postoperative pain in patients undergoing craniotomies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Poor Long-Term Outcomes of Adult Liver Transplantation Involving Elderly Living Donors.

PubMed

Tokodai, K; Kawagishi, N; Miyagi, S; Nakanishi, C; Hara, Y; Fujio, A; Kashiwadate, T; Maida, K; Goto, H; Kamei, T; Ohuchi, N

2016-05-01

Donor hepatectomy requires particular care to ensure the safety of the donor and the success of the liver transplantation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of donor age on the postoperative outcomes of liver transplant donors and the long-term graft survival rates. We retrospectively reviewed 56 consecutive adult patients who underwent living donor liver transplantation at our institution between April 2001 and August 2010. Donors and recipients were divided into 2 groups, based on the age of the donor: the elderly donor group (donor age ≥50 years) and the younger donor group (donor age <50 years). Perioperative variables, postoperative complication rates, and long-term graft survival rates were compared between the 2 groups. The average ages in the elderly donor group and younger donor group were 58 years and 32 years, respectively. Baseline data excluding the age of the donor did not differ between the groups, nor did the overall complication rates of the donors. Hospital stays were longer in the elderly donor group than in the younger donor group (25 vs 18 days, P < .05). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year graft survival rates were 80%, 60%, and 50% in the elderly donor group, and 89%, 87%, and 82% in the younger donor group, respectively (P = .0002). Donor hepatectomy can be performed safely in elderly patients. However, compared with younger donors, their hospital stays were longer and the graft survival rates were shorter. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

[Sexual life in elderly patients with cardiovascular disease].

PubMed

Karpuz, Hakan

2017-09-01

Sexual activity is an important component of patient and partner quality of life for men and women with cardiovascular disease, including many elderly patients. Older adults desire sexual intimacy when there is a partner and a health status that allows sexual relationships. Older individuals desire to love and enjoy sexual activity in relation to personal circumstances, and when health status allows them to experience close relations, most often within marriage especially in our country. Normal changes occur in the phases of sexual cycle with aging, male erectile dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction increase with age. Elderly patients are often affected by multiple organic diseases which can interfere with sexual function especially cardiovascular disease. Treating those disorders or modifying lifestyle-related risk factors may help prevent sexual dysfunction in the elderly. Sexuality is important for older adults and physicians should give their patient's opportunity to voice their concerns with sexual function and offer them alternatives for evaluation and treatment. Asking about sexual health remains difficult or embarrassing for many physicians; in addition, many patients find it difficult to raise sexual issues with their doctor.

Community-acquired hypokalemia in elderly patients: related factors and clinical outcomes.

PubMed

Bardak, S; Turgutalp, K; Koyuncu, M B; Harı, H; Helvacı, I; Ovla, D; Horoz, M; Demir, S; Kıykım, A

2017-03-01

Electrolyte imbalance is a common problem affecting the elderly. Increased number of comorbidities and frequent use of drugs may contribute to increased risk of hypokalemia in the elderly. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of community-acquired hypokalemia (CAH), risk factors for its development, related factors with hypokalemia, and morbidities and all-cause mortality rates (MR) of CAH in the elderly patients. Total of 36,361 patients aged above 65 years were screened retrospectively. Group 1 consisted of 269 elderly patients with potassium level ≤3.5 mmol/L, and group 2 (control group) consisted of 182 subjects with potassium level between 3.6 and 5.5 mmol/L. Etiologic factors of CAH, presence of comorbidities, duration of hospital stay, hospital cost, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Prevalence of hypokalemia was found 3.24% in patients aged above 65 years. Duration of hospital stay, presence of ≥2 comorbid diseases, hospital cost, and MR were significantly higher in group 1 compared to group 2 (p < 0.001 for all). Loop diuretics, hydrochlorothiazides, beta agonists, inadequate oral intake, and female gender were all independent risk factors for CAH in elderly patients. Patients with ≥2 comorbid diseases were found to have greater risk of hypokalemia than the patients with <2 comorbidities. Length of hospital stay, hospital cost, and MR were higher in elderly with CAH. Female gender, hydrochlorothiazides, loop diuretics, and ≥2 comorbid diseases are the leading risk factors associated with CAH in elderly.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly patients.

PubMed

Gómez-Huelgas, R; Gómez Peralta, F; Rodríguez Mañas, L; Formiga, F; Puig Domingo, M; Mediavilla Bravo, J J; Miranda, C; Ena, J

2018-03-01

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) increases markedly with age. Antidiabetic treatment and the objectives of glycaemic control in elderly patients with DM2 should be individualised according to their biopsychosocial characteristics. In elderly patients for whom the benefits of intensive antidiabetic treatment are limited, the basic objectives should be to improve the quality of life, preserve functionality and avoid adverse effects, especially hypoglycaemia. Treatment of DM2 in the elderly was the subject of a consensus document published in 2012 and endorsed by several Spanish scientific societies. Since then, new therapeutic groups and evidence have emerged that warrant an update to this consensus document. The present document focuses on the therapeutic aspects of DM2 in elderly patients, understood as being older than 75 years or frail. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

Desflurane and sevoflurane in elderly patients during general anesthesia: a double blind comparison.

PubMed

Iannuzzi, E; Iannuzzi, M; Viola, G; Cerulli, A; Cirillo, V; Chiefari, M

2005-04-01

To investigate pulmonary wash-out of sevoflurane and desflurane and the quality of recovery from anesthesia in elderly patients. Thirty-six patients aged >65 years, ASA II, were assigned in a double blind fashion to either desflurane (n=18) or sevoflurane (n=18) anesthesia. All received propofol 2 mg/kg and remifentanil 0.2 microg/kg/min for induction and 0.6 mg/kg of rocuronium. When the trachea was intubated volatile anaesthetic was administered. All data were recorded 1, 3, 5, 15, 30 min after intubation and then every 15 min. All data were recorded 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 min after suspension of all agents. Once extubated simple orders and questions were given every minute, times of appropriate response were noted. The patients were then transferred to the recovery room, until discharge to the floor. Postoperative pain control was obtained by a continuous iv infusion of ketorolac 60 mg and tramadol 100 mg. The latter was incremented by supplemental boluses of 50 mg according to patient needs (VAS <4) up to a maximum of 300 mg/24h. The F(A)/F(A0) ratio was lower in the desflurane group after halogenated agent suspension (p= or <0.05). Desflurane proved to have a faster wash out curve with respect to sevoflurane. Early recovery, as indicated by the time necessary to appropriately answer simple questions after the discontinuation of anesthetics, showed a significant advantage for desflurane (p= or <0.05). VAS was higher in the desflurane group as well as the needs for postoperative analgesia. Patients receiving desflurane reported faster recovery from anesthesia but an earlier and more intense perception of pain after surgery.

Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination is safe and effective for morning hypertension in Very-Elderly patients.

PubMed

Uchiwa, Hiroki; Kai, Hisashi; Iwamoto, Yoshiko; Anegawa, Takahiro; Kajimoto, Hidemi; Fukuda, Kenji; Imaizumi, Tsutomu; Fukumoto, Yoshihiro

2018-01-01

Morning hypertension is an independent risk for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular events. Although the prevalence of morning hypertension increases with age, treatment of morning hypertension has not been established, particularly in Very-Elderly patients. We compared the safety and efficacy of a losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) combination in controlling morning hypertension between Very-Elderly (≥75 years) and Young/Elderly patients (<75 years). This study was a subanalysis of the Morning Hypertension and Angiotensin Receptor Blocker/Hydrochlorothiazide Combination Therapy study, in which patients with morning hypertension (≥135/85 mmHg) received a 50-mg losartan/12.5-mg HCTZ combination tablet (combination therapy) or 100-mg losartan (high-dose therapy) for 3 months. High adherence rates and few adverse effects were observed in Very-Elderly patients receiving combination (n = 32) and high-dose (n = 34) therapies and in Young/Elderly patients receiving combination (n = 69) and high-dose (n = 66) therapies. Baseline morning systolic BP (SBP) was similar in both age groups receiving either therapy. Morning SBP was reduced by 20.2 and 18.1 mmHg with combination therapy and by 7.1 and 9.1 mmHg with high-dose therapy in the Very-Elderly and Young/Elderly patients, respectively. Morning BP target (<135/85 mmHg) was achieved in 40.6% and 55.1% by combination therapy and in 14.7% and 24.2% by high-dose therapy in the Very-Elderly and Young/Elderly patients, respectively. Neither therapy changed renal function and serum potassium in Very-Elderly patients. In conclusion, the losartan/HCTZ combination was safe and effective in controlling morning hypertension in Very-Elderly as well as Young/Elderly patients. In addition, combination therapy was also superior to high-dose therapy for lowering morning SBP in Very-Elderly patients.

Robotic radical prostatectomy for elderly patients: probability of achieving continence and potency 1 year after surgery.

PubMed

Shikanov, Sergey; Desai, Vikas; Razmaria, Aria; Zagaja, Gregory P; Shalhav, Arieh L

2010-05-01

We assessed the probability of achieving continence and potency after robotic radical prostatectomy in elderly patients. The cohort included 1,436 robotic radical prostatectomy cases performed at our institution between 2003 and 2008. Continence (pad-free) and potency (erection sufficient for intercourse) at baseline and 1 year after surgery were evaluated by the UCLA-PCI questionnaire. Point estimates of the predicted probabilities of continence and potency for age 65, 70 and 75 years were calculated from multivariate logistic regression models adjusting for age, nerve sparing status, baseline International Prostate Symptom Score and baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men score. Patients who were impotent before surgery or those who received hormones or radiation within 1 year after surgery were censored. Mean patient age was 60 years (range 38 to 85) with 25% older than 65 years and 77 (5%) 70 years old or older. Age (OR 0.97, p = 0.002), baseline I-PSS (OR 0.98, p = 0.02) and Sexual Health Inventory for Men scores (OR 1.02, p = 0.005) were independently associated with being pad-free. Age (OR 0.92, p <0.0001), baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men score (OR 1.1, p <0.0001) and bilateral nerve sparing (OR 2.92, p <0.0001) were independently associated with achieving potency. Predicted probabilities (95% CI) of postoperative 1-year continence at age 65, 70 and 75 years were 0.66 (0.63, 0.69), 0.63 (0.57, 0.68) and 0.59 (0.52, 0.66), respectively. The corresponding probabilities of postoperative 1-year potency after bilateral nerve sparing were 0.66 (0.62, 0.71), 0.56 (0.49, 0.64) and 0.46 (0.36, 0.56). In our experience there is an acceptable probability of achieving continence and potency after robotic radical prostatectomy in selected elderly patients. 2010 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ambulation and survival following surgery in elderly patients with metastatic epidural spinal cord compression.

PubMed

Itshayek, Eyal; Candanedo, Carlos; Fraifeld, Shifra; Hasharoni, Amir; Kaplan, Leon; Schroeder, Josh E; Cohen, José E

2018-07-01

Metastatic epidural spinal cord compression (MESCC) is a disabling consequence of disease progression. Surgery can restore or preserve physical function, improving access to treatments that increase duration of survival; however, advanced patient age may deter oncologists and surgeons from considering surgical management. Evaluate the duration of ambulation and survival in elderly patients following surgical decompression of MESCC. Retrospective file review of a prospective database, under institutional review board (IRB) waiver of informed consent, of consecutive patients treated in an academic tertiary care medical center from August 2008 to March 2015. Patients ≥65 years presenting neurological and/or radiological signs of cord compression because of metastatic disease, who underwent surgical decompression. Duration of ambulation and survival. Patients underwent urgent multidisciplinary evaluation and surgery. Ambulation and survival were compared with age, pre-, and postoperative neurological (American Spinal Injury Association [ASIA] Impairment Scale [AIS]) and performance status (Karnofsky Performance Status [KPS]), and Tokuhashi Score using Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon signed rank tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, Cox regression model, log-rank analysis, and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Forty patients were included (21 male, 54%; mean age 74 years, range 65-87). Surgery was performed a mean 3.8 days after onset of motor symptoms. Mean duration of ambulation and survival were 474 (range 0-1662) and 525 days (range 11-1662), respectively; 53% of patients (21 of 40) survived and 43% (17 of 40) retained ambulation for ≥1 year. There was no significant relationship between survival and ambulation for patients aged 65-69, 70-79, or 80-89 years, although Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested stratification. There was a significant relationship between duration of ambulation and pre- and postoperative AIS (p=.0342, p=.0358, respectively) and postoperative KPS (p=.0221

Chemotherapy-induced (febrile) neutropenia prophylaxis with biosimilar filgrastim in elderly versus non-elderly cancer patients: Patterns, outcomes, and determinants (MONITOR-GCSF study).

PubMed

Aapro, Matti; Bokemeyer, Carsten; Ludwig, Heinz; Gascón, Pere; Boccadoro, Mario; Denhaerynck, Kris; Gorray, Michael; Krendyukov, Andriy; MacDonald, Karen; Abraham, Ivo

2017-03-01

Myelotoxic chemotherapy is associated with chemotherapy-induced (febrile) neutropenia (CIN/FN). The MONITOR-GCSF study evaluated biosimilar filgrastim (Zarzio®) prophylaxis patterns, associated outcomes, and determinants. We performed stratified analyses comparing elderly and non-elderly patients. Comparative (elderly/non-elderly) analysis of demographics and clinical status, prophylaxis, associated CIN/FN outcomes (CIN grade 4 [CIN4], FN, CIN/FN-related hospitalizations and chemodisturbances, composite), and, per hierarchical modeling, determinants thereof evaluated at the patient- and cycle-level. There were no significant differences between both cohorts in prophylaxis initiation/duration and associated outcomes, but proportionately more elderly patients were correctly-prophylacted and fewer over-prophylacted. Common determinants of poor CIN/FN outcomes included concomitant antibiotic prophylaxis, impaired performance status, and any grade CIN in a previous cycle, whereas common determinants of good outcomes included over-prophylaxis and prophylaxis initiation within 24-72h. In the elderly, female gender, liver/renal/cardiovascular disease, secondary prophylaxis, and under-prophylaxis were associated with poorer outcomes. In the non-elderly, CIN4 at baseline or in a prior cycle was associated with poorer CIN/FN outcomes, and higher biosimilar filgrastim dose and, perhaps counter-intuitively, under-prophylaxis with better outcomes. Adequate GCSF support is essential for all patients, but especially for elderly patients with serious chronic disease, certainly, if concomitant antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated and if a CIN4 episode occurred in a prior cycle. The potential impact of impaired performance status, especially ECOG≥2 at chemotherapy start or a worsening to such during chemotherapy; under-prophylaxis, including inadequate secondary prophylaxis, should be considered in elderly patients. Timely GCSF initiation and over-prophylaxis is associated with

Predictors of nursing workload in elderly patients admitted to intensive care units.

PubMed

Sousa, Cleber Ricardo de; Gonçalves, Leilane Andrade; Toffoleto, Maria Cecília; Leão, Karine; Padilha, Kátia Grillo

2008-01-01

The age of patients is a controversial issue in admission to intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of this study was to compare severity and nursing workload of elderly patients with 60-69, 70-79, and e"80 years of age and to identify predictors of nursing workload in elderly patients. A cross sectional study was performed with a sample of 71 elderly patients admitted to three ICU in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil from October to November 2004. Data were prospectively collected using Nursing Activities Score (NAS) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II). There was no significant difference in nursing workload among the elderly patients age subgroups (p=0.84). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the independent risk factors of high nursing workload were severity, age e"70 years, and to be a surgical ICU patient. Age as an isolated factor should not be discriminative for elderly patients admission to ICU.

Inter-arm blood pressure difference in hospitalized elderly patients--is it consistent?

PubMed

Grossman, Alon; Weiss, Avraham; Beloosesky, Yichayaou; Morag-Koren, Nira; Green, Hefziba; Grossman, Ehud

2014-07-01

Inter-arm blood pressure difference (IAD) is recognized as a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. Its reproducibility in the elderly is unknown. The authors determined the prevalence and reproducibility of IAD in hospitalized elderly patients. Blood pressure was measured simultaneously in both arms on two different days in elderly individuals hospitalized in a geriatric ward. The study included 364 elderly patients (mean age, 85±5 years). Eighty-four patients (23%) had systolic IAD >10 and 62 patients (17%) had diastolic IAD >10 mm Hg. A total of 319 patients had two blood pressure measurements. Systolic and diastolic IAD remained in the same category in 203 (64%) and 231 (72%) patients, respectively. Correlations of systolic and diastolic IAD between the two measurements were poor. Consistency was not affected by age, body mass index, comorbidities, or treatment. IAD is extremely common in hospitalized elderly patients, but, because of poor consistency, its clinical significance in this population is uncertain. ©2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Skin cancers in elderly patients.

PubMed

Malaguarnera, Giulia; Giordano, Maria; Cappellani, Alessandro; Berretta, Massimiliano; Malaguarnera, Michele; Perrotta, Rosario Emanuele

2013-11-01

Cancer in older people is a common problem worldwide. Among various types of cancer, skin cancers represent an important percentage. The principal risk factors are sun exposure, family history of skin cancer, fair skin color, but also the age plays an important role in the genesis of skin cancers. In older people there are a more prolonged exposure to carcinogenesis and a decreased functionality of reparation mechanisms of the cells so they acquire a selective advantage of growing and proliferating. At the same time age causes alteration in immune system by increasing NK-cells absolute number and decreasing both the endogenous and the lymphokine-induced lytic activities. The anti-tumor immune response is also mediated by the cytotoxic T- lymphocytes and in the elderly a strong reduction of T-cell function has been demonstrated. In elderly patients the diagnosis and the treatment of skin cancers can be different from younger counterpart. For example in older patients with melanoma is important to evaluate Breslow depth while higher mitotic rate has major value in younger patients. Moreover, the treatment should consider the performance status of patients and their compliance.

Prognostic significance of postoperative pneumonia after curative resection for patients with gastric cancer.

PubMed

Tu, Ru-Hong; Lin, Jian-Xian; Li, Ping; Xie, Jian-Wei; Wang, Jia-Bin; Lu, Jun; Chen, Qi-Yue; Cao, Long-Long; Lin, Mi; Zheng, Chao-Hui; Huang, Chang-Ming

2017-12-01

Few studies have been designed to investigate the incidence of postoperative pneumonia after radical gastrectomy and its effect on prognosis of these patients. Incidences of postoperative pneumonia after radical gastrectomy in our department between January 1996 and December 2014 were summarized. Their effects on prognosis were retrospectively analyzed using survival curves and Cox regression. A total of 5237 patients were included in this study, 767 (14.4%) of them had complications, including 383 cases of postoperative pneumonia (7.2%). The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival of patients with postoperative pneumonia were both lower than those without this complication (P < 0.001). Stratified analysis demonstrated that this difference existed in all Stage I, II, and III patients (log-rank, P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that age, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, tumor size, tumor stage, and postoperative pneumonia were independent risk factors for disease-specific survival. Postoperative pneumonia after radical gastrectomy is an independent risk factor for prognosis of gastric cancer patients, especially in stage III. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Retrospective review of postoperative glycemic control in patients after distal pancreatectomy.

PubMed

Liu, Aiqun; Carmichael, Kim A; Schallom, Marilyn E; Klinkenberg, W Dean

2017-05-01

Distal pancreatectomy (DP) is carried out for resection of lesions in the body and tail of the pancreas. DP may lead to both insulin and glucagon deficiency, which may worsen diabetes mellitus and render patients more vulnerable to severe hypoglycemia. Maintaining glycemic control can be challenging after DP, and no guidelines have been established for clinicians. The objective of this study was to investigate postoperative glycemic control and insulin dose among patients after DP. The medical records from 82 eligible adult patients after DP between 2013 and 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Twenty-one (25.6%) patients had pre-existing diabetes. The average length of stay was 5.8 ± 2.6 days. The average resected volume was 193 ± 313 cm 3 . Of 2124 blood glucose (BG) values, only 0.3% were <70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L); 45% were 140-180 mg/dL (7.8-10.0 mmol/L); and 14% were >180 mg/dL. Postoperatively, insulin was the most common agent prescribed for glycemic control. Among those who received insulin, 86.8% used rapid-acting correction insulin, 4.4% prandial insulin, and 8.8% long-acting insulin. On postoperative day 1 through 6 and on the day before hospital discharge, <30% of patients received insulin, and a total daily dose (TDD) of <0.10 units/kg was frequently needed for glycemic control. At discharge, 35.3% of patients with pre-existing diabetes improved; 23.2% required diabetic medications, of whom 50% took insulin. Only 2 patients without pre-existing diabetes required medications. Postoperative BG levels were relatively well controlled. The majority of BG levels were in the optimal range, and the incidence of hypoglycemia or clinically significant hypoglycemia was minimal with our current regimen. Postoperative patients required small TDD of insulin for glycemic control. Our data suggested that 0.05-0.20 units/kg was an appropriate dose range for postoperative glycemic control among the vulnerable population. Our findings provide guidance for

Postoperative Deep Vein Thrombosis in Sudanese Patients

PubMed Central

Hassan, M. A.; Rahman, E. A.; Rahman, I. A.

1973-01-01

The incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis diagnosed by radioisotope scanning in 100 Sudanese patients aged 40 or over was 12%. This compares with an incidence of nearly 30% in 542 patients reported from British hospitals using the same diagnostic technique. The reason for the difference is obscure and needs further investigation. PMID:4692675

Attention dysfunction of postoperative patients with glioma.

PubMed

Fang, Dazhao; Jiang, Jian; Sun, Xiaoyang; Wang, Weijie; Dong, Nan; Fu, Xianhua; Pang, Cong; Chen, Xingui; Ding, Lianshu

2014-10-15

Attention dysfunction has been observed among many kinds of nervous system diseases, including glioma. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between glioma localization, malignancy, postoperative recovery time and attention deficit. A total of 45 patients with glioma who underwent surgical resection and 18 healthy volunteers were enrolled. The attention network test, digital span test, color trail test II and Stroop test were used to detect the characteristics of attention deficit. Orientation network dysfunction was detected in the parietal lobe tumor group, and execution network deficit was detected in both the frontal and parietal lobe groups, while no significant difference was detected in the temporal lobe group compared to healthy controls. The high-grade glioma group (grade III-IV) exhibited more serious functional impairment than the low-grade group (grade I-II). No significant correlation was observed between postoperative recovery time and attention impairment. High-grade glioma patients suffer more severe attention impairment. In addition, the frontal and parietal lobe glioma patients suffer attention dysfunction in dissimilar manner. These findings will provide important guidance on the care of glioma patients after therapy.

Antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation.

PubMed

Suárez Fernández, C; Camafort, M; Cepeda Rodrigo, J M; Díez-Manglano, J; Formiga, F; Pose Reino, A; Tiberio, G; Mostaza, J M

2015-04-01

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly is a complex condition due to the high number of frequently associated comorbidities, such as cardiovascular and kidney disease, cognitive disorders, falls and polypharmacy. Except when contraindicated, anticoagulation is necessary for preventing thromboembolic events in this population. Both vitamin K antagonists and direct oral anticoagulants (dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban) are indicated in this context. Renal function should be closely monitored for this age group when these drugs are used. In recent years, various clinical practice guidelines have been published on patients with AF. The majority of these guidelines make specific recommendations on the clinical characteristics and treatment of elderly patients. In this update, we review the specific comments on the recommendations concerning antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients with nonvalvular AF. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

Radiographic sarcopenia predicts postoperative infectious complications in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy.

PubMed

Takagi, Kosei; Yoshida, Ryuichi; Yagi, Takahito; Umeda, Yuzo; Nobuoka, Daisuke; Kuise, Takashi; Fujiwara, Toshiyoshi

2017-05-26

Recently, skeletal muscle depletion (sarcopenia) has been reported to influence postoperative outcomes after certain procedures. This study investigated the impact of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We performed a retrospective study of consecutive patients (n = 219) who underwent PD at our institution between January 2007 and May 2013. Sarcopenia was evaluated using preoperative computed tomography. We evaluated postoperative outcomes and the influence of sarcopenia on short-term outcomes, especially infectious complications. Subsequently, multivariate analysis was used to assess the impact of prognostic factors (including sarcopenia) on postoperative infections. The mortality, major complication, and infectious complication rates for all patients were 1.4%, 16.4%, and 47.0%, respectively. Fifty-five patients met the criteria for sarcopenia. Sarcopenia was significantly associated with a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality (P = 0.004) and infectious complications (P < 0.001). In multivariate analyses, sarcopenia (odds ratio = 3.43; P < 0.001), preoperative biliary drainage (odds ratio = 2.20; P = 0.014), blood loss (odds ratio = 1.92; P = 0.048), and soft pancreatic texture (odds ratio = 3.71; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of postoperative infections. Sarcopenia is an independent preoperative predictor of infectious complications after PD. Clinical assessment combined with sarcopenia may be helpful for understanding the risk of postoperative outcomes and determining perioperative management strategies.

Fragility Hip Fractures in Elderly Patients in Bhubaneswar, India (2012-2014): A Prospective Multicenter Study of 1031 Elderly Patients.

PubMed

Dash, Sunil K; Panigrahi, Ranajit; Palo, Nishit; Priyadarshi, Ashok; Biswal, Manas

2015-03-01

Elderly patients with hip fracture constitute Single Largest Group of Emergency Orthopaedics Admissions. In 2050, 6.26 million hip fractures worldwide, approximately 50%, will occur in Asia. Only small number of reports on incidence of hip fractures in the Asian population exist. India lacks data registry for fragility hip fractures, therefore, the magnitude and standard of patient care are not known. A prospective multicenter study was conducted from January 2012 to April 2014 to describe population-based longitudinal trends, namely, age-specific incidence, fracture type, timing of presentation, kilometers traveled, timing of surgery, hospital stay, man hours lost, pressure ulcers, weight bearing, 30-day return, 3-month mortality, and so on, of fragility hip fractures. A total of 1031 patients were included with 59.7% females and 40.3% of male patients, with a female-male ratio of 1.5:1. Commonest mode: Falls 45%. 56.4% IT fractures. 66.2%patients operated, Operative/Conservative Ratio of 2.8:1. Patients travel a mean distance of 86.4 kilometers for quality treatment. Of the patients, 85.9 % presented late due to ignorance and misguiding quack practice. Incidence of delayed surgery was 69.3%. Persistent electrolytes imbalance and hyperglycemia normalized in 81.2% by second or third postoperative day. The man hours lost was 157.85 hours/person. Medical complications was more (90%) in patients who had delays in surgeries and presentation. Mortality rate was 6.2 %. Patients travel long for quality treatment, most of them are misguided, present late with significant complications and sufferings, and their pockets half drained depriving them off best treatment. Early presentation and operation have better prognosis and rehabilitation, facilitates early return to work, and independence. Increased pressure sores, infections, hospital stay, treatment cost, depression, and mortality are directly related to delays in surgeries and presentation. Estimated losses according to

[Evaluation of visual functions in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture].

PubMed

Oner, Mithat; Oner, Ayşe; Güney, Ahmet; Halici, Mehmet; Arda, Hatice; Bilal, Okkeş

2009-01-01

We aimed at assessing the visual functions in elderly patients with femoral neck fracture and to compare the results with age-matched controls in this three-year prospective study. Seventy-one patients with a history of fall related hip fracture (39 females, 32 males; mean age 76.3+/-9.7 years; range 64 to 90 years) and who were diagnosed with femoral neck fracture after direct graphy were treated by means of bipolar partial prosthesis and they were contacted postoperatively or prior to discharge to participate in the study. Visual acuity, depth perception, the presence of cataract in the red reflex were evaluated. A dilated fundus and slit-lamp examination were performed if possible. On completion of the examination, the ophthalmologist documented the causes of any visual impairment found. Control group was comprised of age-matched 40 subjects (22 females, 18 males; mean age 73.2+/-7.6 years; range 62 to 90 years) who applied to ophtalmology clinic for routine examination. The visual acuity was significantly decreased in the patient group as was stereopsis (p<0.05). We found no difference between the study group and the controls when we evaluate the distribution of self reported eye disease and eye disease found on ocular examination. The rate of cases who reported not usually wearing glasses was 35% while it was 5% in the control group. When we evaluate the time since last examination, 38% of cases had not had an eye examination for over four years, as compared with 22.5% of controls. This study shows that elderly people should have their eyes tested at least once every two years, refractive errors should be corrected and eye diseases should be treated to decrease the risk of fall-related femoral neck fractures.

Pure Laparoscopic Versus Open Liver Resection for Primary Liver Carcinoma in Elderly Patients: A Single-Center, Case-Matched Study.

PubMed

Wang, Xi-Tao; Wang, Hong-Guang; Duan, Wei-Dong; Wu, Cong-Ying; Chen, Ming-Yi; Li, Hao; Huang, Xin; Zhang, Fu-Bo; Dong, Jia-Hong

2015-10-01

Pure laparoscopic liver resection (PLLR) has been reported to be as safe and effective as open liver resection (OLR) for liver lesions, and it is associated with less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and lower complication rate. However, studies comparing PLLR with OLR in elderly patients were limited. The aim of this study was to analyze the short-term outcome of PLLR versus OLR for primary liver carcinoma (PLC) in elderly patients.Between January 2008 and October 2014, 30 consecutive elderly patients (≥70 years) who underwent PLLR for PLC were included into analysis. Sixty patients who received OLR for PLC during the same study period were also included as a case-matched control group. Patients were well matched in terms of age, sex, comorbid illness, Child Pugh class, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, tumor size, tumor location, and extent of hepatectomy.No significant differences were observed with regard to patient preoperative baseline status, median tumor size (Group PLLR 4.0 cm vs Group OLR 5.0 cm, P = 0.125), tumor location, extent of hepatectomy, and operation time (Group PLLR 133 minutes vs Group OLR 170 minutes, P = 0.073). Compared with OLR, the PLLR group displayed a significantly less frequent Pringle maneuver application (10.0% vs 70.0%, P < 0.001), less blood loss (100 vs 300 mL; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (5 vs 10 days; P < 0.001), and lower total hospitalization cost ($9147.50 vs $10,867.10, P = 0.008). The postoperative complication rates were similar between groups (Group PLLR 10.0% vs Group OLR 16.7%; P = 0.532). There was no hospital mortality in both groups.PLLR for PLC is as safe and feasible as OLR, but with less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and lower hospitalization cost for selected elderly patients.

[Revascularization of the carotid and vertebral arteries in the elderly].

PubMed

Illuminati, G; Bezzi, M; D'Urso, A; Giacobbi, D; Ceccanei, G; Vietri, F

2004-01-01

From January 1994 to July 2004, 323 patients underwent 348 revascularization of carotid bifurcation for atherosclerotic stenoses. Eighty eight patients (group A) were 75 year-old or older, whereas 235 (group B) were younger than 75 years. Postoperative mortality/neurologic morbidity rate was 1% in group A, and 1.4% in group B. At 5 years, patency and freedom from symptoms/stroke were, respectively, 91% and 92% in group A, and 89% and 91% in group B. None of these differences was statistically significant. In the same time period, 26 internal carotid arteries were revascularized in 24 patients, 75 or more aged, for a symptomatic kinking. Postoperative mortality/morbidity rate was absent, whereas, at 5 years, patency and freedom from symptoms/stroke were, respectively, 88% and 92%. Twelve vertebral arteries were revascularized in 12 patients, 75 or more aged, for invalidating symptoms of vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Postoperative mortality/neurologic morbidity rate was absent. In one case postoperative recurrence of symptoms occurred, despite a patent revascularization. Patency and freedom from symptoms/stroke were 84% and 75%, at 5 years. Revascularization of carotid and vertebral arteries in the elderly can be accomplished with good results, superposable to those of standard revascularization of carotid bifurcation in a younger patients' population.

Factors Associated With the Use of Postoperative Analgesics in Patients Undergoing Direct Microlaryngoscopy.

PubMed

Taliercio, Salvatore; Sanders, Brian; Achlatis, Stratos; Fang, Yixin; Branski, Ryan; Amin, Milan

2017-05-01

Morbidity associated with suspension laryngoscopy has been well documented. However, standard of care with regard to postoperative analgesia has not been described, and anecdotal evidence suggests wide variability with regard to postoperative narcotic and non-narcotic recommendations. We sought to quantify the postoperative course following suspension microlaryngoscopy by relating patient-based and intraoperative measures with analgesic use. Body mass index (BMI), Friedman tongue position (FTP), and Mallampati scores as well as laryngoscope type, number of attempts required for optimal visualization, and suspension time were documented in 50 consecutive patients undergoing routine suspension microlaryngoscopy. Postoperative symptoms and analgesic use was queried on postoperative days 1, 3, and 10. In this cohort, 62.5% employed postoperative analgesia. However, only 20% required narcotics. No difference in suspension time was identified in those taking analgesics (33.0 vs 37.3 minutes, P = .44). In addition, no relationship between procedure type and the need for analgesia was noted. The majority of patients (76%) described sore throat persisting for 3 postoperative days; 36% reported sore throat persisting beyond postoperative day 3. The majority of patients undergoing microlaryngoscopy reported discomfort, but symptoms were largely ameliorated with over-the-counter analgesics. Routine prescription of narcotics following routine suspension laryngoscopy may be unnecessary.

[Operative and postoperative management of patients after neck surgery].

PubMed

Szybiak, Bartosz; Golusiński, Wojciech

2012-01-01

Cancer patients after neck surgeries require specific operative and postoperative management, which to some extent determines the final outcome of the surgery. Such procedures require particular attention due to the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts as well as the presence of functionally and morphologically important anatomical structures on the neck. The majority of patients qualified for surgery have concomitant medical conditions, which increases the probability of certain operative and postoperative complications. Preparation for the procedure requires close cooperation between the laryngologist-head and neck surgeon, general practitioner and anaesthetist. The purpose of the paper was to analyse the factors that influence the normal process of healing in the operative and postoperative periods in patients after neck surgery. The study group consisted of 220 patients who underwent neck surgery in the years 2007-2010. 92.8% of the operations were performed due to a malignant cancer. The following factors were taken into consideration in the evaluation of the healing process: On average, following surgery, patients stayed in the ward for: 5-7 days after selective removal of lymph nodes, 5 days after removal of branchial cleft cyst or persistent thyroglossal duct, 14 days after total laryngectomy, and 12 days after reconstructive laryngeal surgery. All patients after oncological surgery of the oral cavity, oropharynx and larynx stayed in the ICU for the first 24 hours and remained under analgosedation. Laryngeal surgery was performed using a separate surgical incision for tracheotomy. In all cases suction drainage was used for 48 hours. After surgery, patients were mobilised during the first 24 hours in the ward. Appropriate operative and postoperative management, following specific standards, increases the safety of the patient. Providing optimal conditions for healing shortens the patient's stay in the ICU, which reduces the cost of hospitalisation and

A winter survey of domestic heating among elderly patients.

PubMed Central

Morgan, R; Blair, A; King, D

1996-01-01

Elderly people have a greater need for domestic heating given the time they spend at home and the decline in the body thermoregulation that occurs with ageing. The use of domestic heating by 200 mentally competent newly admitted elderly in patients was evaluated by means of a questionnaire survey. Most patients (69%) were aware of the addition of value added tax (VAT) to their fuel bill and 31% said they had reduced the amount of heating they use because of this. A third of patients (29.5%) said they had difficulty keeping warm prior to this admission. The majority of patients said they could not manage to keep warm in the winter without financial hardship. In addition, 29% said they had reduced the amount spent on food in order to pay for fuel bills. This study suggests that cold may contribute to hospital admissions in elderly patients. This should have implications for government spending and taxation policy on domestic heating. PMID:8683507

A winter survey of domestic heating among elderly patients.

PubMed

Morgan, R; Blair, A; King, D

1996-02-01

Elderly people have a greater need for domestic heating given the time they spend at home and the decline in the body thermoregulation that occurs with ageing. The use of domestic heating by 200 mentally competent newly admitted elderly in patients was evaluated by means of a questionnaire survey. Most patients (69%) were aware of the addition of value added tax (VAT) to their fuel bill and 31% said they had reduced the amount of heating they use because of this. A third of patients (29.5%) said they had difficulty keeping warm prior to this admission. The majority of patients said they could not manage to keep warm in the winter without financial hardship. In addition, 29% said they had reduced the amount spent on food in order to pay for fuel bills. This study suggests that cold may contribute to hospital admissions in elderly patients. This should have implications for government spending and taxation policy on domestic heating.

Preoperative and Postoperative Photographs and Surgical Outcomes of Patients With Kyphosis.

PubMed

Albayrak, Akif; Balioglu, Mehmet Bulent; Misir, Abdulhamit; Kargin, Deniz; Tacal, Mehmet Temel; Atici, Yunus; Kaygusuz, Mehmet Akif

2016-10-01

A retrospective clinical study was performed. The aim of the study was to show patients their pre- and postoperative body photographs, and determine the effect on postoperative patient satisfaction for thoracic and thoracolumbar sharp and round angular kyphosis. Previous studies have reported the normative values of pelvic sagittal parameters and the classification of normal patterns of sagittal curvature, but no study has investigated and compared the clinical photographs of sharp and round kyphosis. In patients who underwent surgery for thoracic and thoracolumbar sharp and round angular kyphosis, whole spine anteroposterior and lateral radiographs, and clinical photographs were obtained preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Pelvic and spinal parameters were measured, and the pre- and postoperative photographs were shown to patients. The Scoliosis Research Society 22r (SRS22r) and Short Form 36 surveys were administered to all patients, and the scores were analyzed. Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with kyphosis (mean age 19.6 yr, mean follow-up duration 26.4 mo) were divided into two groups: sharp (18 patients, mean age 20.1 yr) and round (20 patients, mean age 19.6 yr) kyphosis. There was no difference between values in the sharp and round groups in terms of age, follow-up duration, and Risser score (P > 0.05). In both groups, the subscores for pain, self-image, mental health, and satisfaction, except for the function/activity score, and the total score of the SRS22r survey were, however, significantly different between pre- and postoperative photographs. In addition, there was no significant difference between the two groups in any SRS22r domain and Short Form 36 scores. The surgical treatment of kyphosis was uniformly associated with improved quality of life, regardless of the kyphosis type. Thus, showing patients their pre- and postoperative photographs may enhance patient satisfaction, as measured by SRS22r scores. 4.

Spine Surgery Outcomes in Elderly Patients Versus General Adult Patients in the United States: A MarketScan Analysis.

PubMed

Lagman, Carlito; Ugiliweneza, Beatrice; Boakye, Maxwell; Drazin, Doniel

2017-07-01

To compare spine surgery outcomes in elderly patients (80-103 years old) versus general adult patients (18-79 years-old) in the United States. Truven Health Analytics MarketScan Research Databases (2000-2012) were queried. Patients with a diagnosis of degenerative disease of the spine without concurrent spinal stenosis, spinal stenosis without concurrent degenerative disease, or degenerative disease with concurrent spinal stenosis and who had undergone decompression without fusion, fusion without decompression, or decompression with fusion procedures were included. Indirect outcome measures included length of stay, in-hospital mortality, in-hospital and 30-day complications, and discharge disposition. Patients (N = 155,720) were divided into elderly (n = 10,232; 6.57%) and general adult (n = 145,488; 93.4%) populations. Mean length of stay was longer in elderly patients versus general adult patients (3.62 days vs. 3.11 days; P < 0.0001). In-hospital mortality was more common in elderly patients versus general adult patients (0.31% vs. 0.06%; P < 0.0001). In-hospital and 30-day complications were more common in elderly patients versus general adult patients (11.3% vs. 7.15% and 17.8% vs. 12.6%; P < 0.0001). Nonroutine discharge was more common in elderly patients versus general adult patients (33.7% vs. 16.2%; P < 0.0001). Our results revealed significantly longer hospital stays, more in-hospital mortalities, and more in-hospital and 30-day complications after decompression without fusion, fusion without decompression, or decompression with fusion procedures in elderly patients. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Comparison between the Effects of Rocuronium, Vecuronium, and Cisatracurium Using Train-of-Four and Clinical Tests in Elderly Patients

PubMed Central

Sagir, Ozlem; Yucesoy Noyan, Funda; Koroglu, Ahmet; Cicek, Muslum; Ilksen Toprak, Huseyin

2013-01-01

Background Postoperative residual blockade, longer duration of action for neuromuscular blockade, and slower recovery were relatively common in elderly patients. Objectives We aimed to investigate the safety of train-of-four ratio and clinical tests in the assessment of patient recovery, and to determine the effects of the rocuronium, vecuronium, and cisatracurium on intubation, extubation and recovery times in elderly patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Patients and Methods After obtaining institutional approval and informed consent, 60 patients over 60 years old and undergoing elective abdominal operations were included in this double-blind, randomized clinical trial. Following a standard anesthesia induction, 0.6mg kg-1 rocuronium, 0.1mg kg-1 vecuronium, and 0.1mg kg-1 cisatracurium were administered to the patients in Group R, Group V, and Group C, respectively. Train-of-four (TOF) ratios were recorded at 10-minute intervals during and after the operation. Modified Aldrete Score (MAS) and clinical tests were recorded in the recovery room at 10-minute intervals. In addition, intubation and extubation times, duration of recovery room stay, and any complications were recorded. Results Intubation time was found to be shorter in Group R than that in Groups V and C (P ˂ 0.001). Times to positive visual disturbances and grip strength tests were shorter in Group C than that in Group V (P = 0.016 and P = 0.011, respectively). In Group R and group C, time to TOF ≥ 0.9 was significantly longer than all positive clinical test times except grip strength (P < 0.05). Conclusions We hold the opinion that cisatracurium is safer in elderly patients compared to other drugs. We also concluded that the usage of TOF ratio together with clinical tests is suitable for assessment of neuromuscular recovery in these patients. PMID:24223350

Adjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy After Pancreaticoduodenectomy in Elderly Patients With Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Horowitz, David P.; Hsu, Charles C.; Wang Jingya

2011-08-01

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma patients {>=}75 years of age. Methods: The study group of 655 patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) for pancreatic adenocarcinoma at the Johns Hopkins Hospital over a 12-year period (8/30/1993 to 2/28/2005). Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, intraoperative data, pathology data, and patient outcomes were collected and analyzed by adjuvant treatment status and age {>=}75 years. Cox proportional hazards analysis determined clinical predictors of mortality and morbidity. Results: We identified 166 of 655 (25.3%) patients were {>=}75 years of age and 489 of 655 patients (74.7%) were <75 years of age.more » Forty-nine patients in the elderly group (29.5%) received adjuvant CRT. For elderly patients, node-positive metastases (p = 0.008), poor/anaplastic differentiation (p = 0.012), and undergoing a total pancreatectomy (p = 0.010) predicted poor survival. The 2-year survival for elderly patients receiving adjuvant therapy was improved compared with surgery alone (49.0% vs. 31.6%, p = 0.013); however, 5-year survival was similar (11.7% vs. 19.8%, respectively, p = 0.310). After adjusting for major confounders, adjuvant therapy in elderly patients had a protective effect with respect to 2-year survival (relative risk [RR] 0.58, p = 0.044), but not 5-year survival (RR 0.80, p = 0.258). Among the nonelderly, CRT was significantly associated with 2-year survival (RR 0.60, p < 0.001) and 5-year survival (RR 0.69, p < 0.001), after adjusting for confounders. Conclusions: Adjuvant therapy after PD is significantly associated with increased 2-year but not 5-year survival in elderly patients. Additional studies are needed to select which elderly patients are likely to benefit from adjuvant CRT.« less

Dexamethasone for Prevention of Postoperative Shivering: A Randomized Double-Blind Comparison with Pethidine

PubMed Central

Entezariasl, Masood; Isazadehfar, Khatereh

2013-01-01

Background: Postoperative shivering is very common and followed by many problems such as increasing oxygen consumption, blood pressure, intracranial and intraocular pressure, and postoperative pain. Therefore, prevention of shivering is important, especially in elderly and ischemic heart disease patients. The goal of this study was to compare the effect of pethidine (meperidine), dexamethasone, and placebo on prevention of shivering. Methods: This double-blind clinical trial study was carried out on 120 patients who were candidates for surgery under general anesthesia. The patients were randomly divided into three groups. Induction and maintenance of anesthesia for all patients were similar. Temperature of patients was measured every 5 min interval. After induction, saline 0.9%, dexamethasone and pethidine were injected to groups a, b, and c, respectively. In recovery, patients were controlled for visible shivering. All data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Chi-square tests. Results: There were no significant differences among three mentioned groups regarding gender, age, duration of surgery and anesthesia, extubation time, duration of recovery, and basic clinical characteristics. Nineteen cases (47.5%) of placebo group had postoperative shivering, whereas in dexamethasone group only four cases (10%) had shivering and the difference between the two groups was significant. Also in pethidine group, 15 cases (37.5%) had shivering and the difference with placebo group was significant (P value = 0.001). Conclusion: The present study showed that pethidine and dexamethasone are effective drugs for prevention of postoperative shivering in elective surgery and the effect of dexamethasone in preventing the postoperative shivering is better than pethidine. PMID:24049601

Clinical features of pathological grief reaction in elderly patients.

PubMed

Ishii, H; Tokunaga, Y; Kawatani, D; Nishizono, M

1998-12-01

The present study investigates elderly patients suffering from a pathological grief reaction to bereavement. The subjects were nine elderly inpatients with pathological grief reactions in the Department of Psychiatry in Fukuoka University Hospital between April 1991 and March 1995. Medical records of all patients were investigated retrospectively. The results were as follows: (i) all patients were female; (ii) the deceased were all husbands; (iii) most cases were sudden death; (iv) the period to onset was variable, from immediately after death to 10 years after death; (v) a delay of grief reactions was seen in many patients; (vi) the direct causes were often something other than bereavement, such as conflict with sisters, change of residence, bone fracture and daughter's malignant illness; (vii) although there was no significant difference, the ratio of those who began to live alone after bereavement was high; (viii) the number of children were insignificant; and (ix) many patients suffered the death of a parent in childhood. The paper presents observations on the results, and discusses the psychosocial factors of elderly patients with pathological grief reactions to bereavement.

Outpatient repair for inguinal hernia in elderly patients: still a challenge?

PubMed

Palumbo, Piergaspare; Amatucci, Chiara; Perotti, Bruno; Zullino, Antonio; Dezzi, Claudia; Illuminati, Giulio; Vietri, Francesco

2014-01-01

Elective inguinal hernia repair as a day case is a safe and suitable procedure, with well-recognized feasibility. The increasing number of elderly patients requiring inguinal hernia repair leads clinicians to admit a growing number of outpatients. The aim of the current study was to analyze the outcomes (feasibility and safety) of day case treatment in elderly patients. Eighty patients >80 years of age and 80 patients ≤55 years of age underwent elective inguinal hernia repairs under local anesthesia. There were no mortalities or major complications in the elderly undergoing inguinal herniorraphies as outpatients, and only one unanticipated admission occurred in the younger age group. Elective inguinal hernia repair in the elderly has a good outcome, and age alone should not be a drawback to day case treatment. Copyright © 2014 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Risk factors for postoperative hypoxemia in patients undergoing Stanford A aortic dissection surgery.

PubMed

Wang, Yinghua; Xue, Song; Zhu, Hongsheng

2013-04-30

The purpose of this study is to identify the risk factors for postoperative hypoxemia in patients with Stanford A aortic dissection surgery and their relation to clinical outcomes. Clinical records of 186 patients with postoperative hypoxemia in Stanford A aortic dissection were analyzed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups by postoperative oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2):hypoxemia group (N=92) and non-hypoxemia group (N=94). We found that the incidence of postoperative hypoxemia was 49.5%. Statistical analysis by t-test and χ2 indicated that acute onset of the aortic dissection (p=0.000), preoperative oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2) ≤200 mmHg(p=0.000), body mass index (p=0.008), circulatory arrest (CA) time (p=0.000) and transfusion more than 3000 ml(p=0.000) were significantly associated with postoperative hypoxemia. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative hypoxemia, CA time and transfusion more than 3000 ml were independently associated with postoperative hypoxemia in Stanford A aortic dissection. Our results suggest that postoperative hypoxemia is a common complication in patients treated by Stanford A aortic dissection surgery. Preoperative oxygen fraction lower than 200 mmHg, longer CA time and transfusion more than 3000 ml are predictors of postoperative hypoxemia in Stanford A aortic dissection.

The association of plasma gamma-aminobutyric acid concentration with postoperative delirium in critically ill patients.

PubMed

Yoshitaka, Shiho; Egi, Moritoki; Kanazawa, Tomoyuki; Toda, Yuichiro; Morita, Kiyoshi

2014-12-01

Delirium is a common complication in postoperative, critically ill patients. The mechanism of postoperative delirium is not well understood but many studies have shown significant associations between benzodiazepine use, alcohol withdrawal and cirrhosis, and an increased risk of delirium. We aimed to investigate a possible link with alterations of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activity. A prospective observational investigation of 40 patients > 20 years old who had undergone elective surgery with general anaesthesia and were expected to need postoperative intensive care for more than 48 hours. We assessed postoperative delirium using the confusion assessment method in the intensive care unit at 1 hour after the operation and on postoperative Day (POD) 1 and POD 2. We collected blood samples for measurement of plasma GABA concentrations before the operation and on POD 1 and 2. Postoperative delirium and perioperative plasma GABA concentrations in patients with and without delirium. Postoperative delirium occurred in 13 of the patients. Patients with delirium had significantly higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores than patients without delirium. The mean plasma GABA concentration on POD 2 was significantly lower in patients with delirium than in those without delirium. After adjustment of relevant variables, plasma GABA concentration on POD 2 was independently associated with postoperative delirium. Plasma GABA level on POD 2 has a significant independent association with postoperative delirium.

The preoperative HbA1c level is an independent prognostic factor for the postoperative survival after resection of non-small cell lung cancer in elderly patients.

PubMed

Motoishi, Makoto; Sawai, Satoru; Hori, Tetsuo; Yamashita, Naoki

2018-05-01

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) and the glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level on the survival in patients who underwent complete resection for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Of the patients who underwent complete resection for NSCLC between 2007 and 2015, 468 were classified into DM (who were currently taking medication for DM) and no DM groups as well as into high HbA1c (≥ 6.5) and normal HbA1c (< 6.5) groups. The overall survival (OS) did not differ significantly between either pair of groups. Among the elderly patients, the OS did not differ significantly between the DM and no DM groups, but was significantly higher in the normal-HbA1c group than in the high-HbA1c group (5-year survival rate: 84.7 versus 37.2%, respectively, p < 0.01). In the elderly patients, non-adenocarcinoma histology, advanced stage, a high Charlson comorbidity index, and a high preoperative HbA1c level were found to be independent risk factors for the OS. We revealed that a high preoperative HbA1c level was associated with a poor OS in elderly patients who underwent complete resection for NSCLC. This suggests that it is necessary to achieve diabetic control prior to complete resection in NSCLC patients.

Outcomes of operations for benign foregut disease in elderly patients: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database analysis.

PubMed

Molena, Daniela; Mungo, Benedetto; Stem, Miloslawa; Feinberg, Richard L; Lidor, Anne O

2014-08-01

The development of minimally invasive operative techniques and improvement in postoperative care has made surgery a viable option to a greater number of elderly patients. Our objective was to evaluate the outcomes of laparoscopic and open foregut operation in relation to the patient age. Patients who underwent gastric fundoplication, paraesophageal hernia repair, and Heller myotomy were identified via the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database (2005-2011). Patient characteristics and outcomes were compared between five age groups (group I: ≤65 years, II: 65-69 years; III: 70-74 years; IV: 75-79 years; and V: ≥80 years). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to predict the impact of age and operative approach on the studied outcomes. A total of 19,388 patients were identified. Advanced age was associated with increased rate of 30-day mortality, overall morbidity, serious morbidity, and extended length of stay, regardless of the operative approach. After we adjusted for other variables, advanced age was associated with increased odds of 30-day mortality compared with patients <65 years (III: odds ratio 2.70, 95% confidence interval 1.34-5.44, P = .01; IV: 2.80, 1.35-5.81, P = .01; V: 6.12, 3.41-10.99, P < .001). Surgery for benign foregut disease in elderly patients carries a burden of mortality and morbidity that needs to be acknowledged. Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

Postoperative Outcomes in Vedolizumab-Treated Patients Undergoing Abdominal Operations for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PubMed

Lightner, Amy L; Raffals, Laura E; Mathis, Kellie L; Cima, Robert R; Tse, Chung Sang; Pemberton, John H; Dozois, Eric J; Loftus, Edward V

2017-02-01

Vedolizumab was recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate to severe ulcerative colitis [UC] and Crohn's disease [CD]. No study to date has examined the rate of postoperative infectious complications among patients who received vedolizumab in the perioperative period. We sought to determine the 30-day postoperative infectious complication rate among inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] patients who received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of an abdominal operation as compared to patients who received tumour necrosis factor α [TNFα] inhibitors or no biological therapy. A retrospective chart review between May 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015 of adult IBD patients who underwent an abdominal operation was performed. The study cohort comprised patients who received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of their abdominal operation and the control cohorts were patients who received TNFα inhibitors or no biological therapy. In total, 94 patients received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of an abdominal operation. Fifty experienced postoperative complications [53%], 35 of which were surgical site infections [SSIs] [36%]. The vedolizumab group experienced significantly higher rates of any postoperative infection [53% vs 33% anti-TNF and 28% non-biologics; p<0.001] and SSI [37% vs 10% and 13%; p<0.001]. On univariate and multivariate analysis, exposure to vedolizumab remained a significant predictor of postoperative SSI [p<0.001]. Thirty-seven per cent of IBD patients who received vedolizumab within 30 days of a major abdominal operation experienced a 30-day postoperative SSI, significantly higher than patients receiving TNFα inhibitors or no biological therapy. Vedolizumab within 12 weeks of surgery remained the only predictor of 30-day postoperative SSI on multivariate analysis. Copyright © 2016 European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Incidence of postoperative delirium in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty-an Asian perspective.

PubMed

Huang, Juncheng; Bin Abd Razak, Hamid Rahmatullah; Yeo, Seng Jin

2017-08-01

Very little is known in the literature with regards to the incidence of postoperative delirium following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Asians and the associated surgical factors. We conducted a retrospective study on incidence of postoperative delirium following TKA in Asians. One thousand sixteen knees of 954 consecutive patients who underwent TKA by the senior author of this study in the year 2006 were included in this review. All written and electronic medical records for patients were screened. Delirium was recorded to be present based on clinical entry onto the patients' inpatient hospital notes and a diagnosis made by psychiatrist based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV). All statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v.18.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The incidence of postoperative delirium in our patients undergoing TKA was 0.59%. Six patients had a confirmed diagnosis of delirium postoperatively. We noted an association between a higher mean age (P<0.0001), a lower body mass index (P<0.0001), Chinese ethnicity (P=0.002), male gender (P=0.002) and chronic opioid use (P<0.0001) with incidence of post-operative delirium. We also noted a higher proportion of post-operative DVT (P<0.0001) and wound infection (P<0.0001) in the delirium group. The incidence of postoperative delirium in Asians undergoing TKA in our institution is very low at 0.59%. Advanced age, lower body mass index, Chinese ethnicity, male gender and preoperative chronic opioid use may be associated with developing postoperative delirium.

Nasal mucosa healing after endoscopic sinus surgery in chronic rhinosinusitis of elderly patients: role of topic alpha-tocopherol acetate.

PubMed

Testa, Domenico; Marcuccio, Giuseppina; Panin, Giorgio; Bianco, Andrea; Tafuri, Domenico; Thyrion, Francesco Zappoli; Nunziata, Michele; Piombino, Pasquale; Guerra, Germano; Motta, Gaetano

2017-02-01

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) in European country ranges in elderly patients from 4.5 to 12% of population and has a significant effect on quality of life. In these patients, rhinosinusitis is linked to immune functions changes with age and to mucosal paraphysiological alterations such as crusting formations with atrophic epithelium, variations of nasal airflow and modifications of the mucociliary clearance. Failure of medical treatments leads to surgery in patients with persistent symptoms and radiographic signs of CRS. The choice of appropriate post-surgical topic treatments is important for healing time and for preventing mucosal complications such as synechiae, crusting formation and atrophy with secondary bacterial and fungal infections. Defining the effects of topic alpha-tocopherol acetate administration on nasal mucosa healing after endoscopic sinus surgery in CRS of elderly patients. In this study were included 32 patients, mean age 68.6, who underwent FESS because affected by CRS not responsive to medical treatments. After surgical treatment, we distinguish two groups basing on local nasal therapy. We investigated, in the postoperative time, the role of alpha-tocopherol acetate compared to gomenol oil. Follow-up was performed at 7-15 days and 1-3 months after surgery. We evaluated mucosal restoration using Rhinoscopy Sum Score and quality of life using Nasal Six Items Symptom Questionnaire. We observed a faster healing time and less recurrence of complications in patients who underwent topic treatment with alpha-tocopherol acetate. In our research, we observed that alpha-tocopherol acetate has no contraindications and side effects. Our study showed the effectiveness of alpha-tocopherol acetate topic treatment in elderly patients affected by CRS after FESS, in improving and speeding up the process of restoring the sinonasal mucosa, compared to another topic medication.

Evaluation of Improvement in Quality of Life and Physical Activity After Total Knee Arthroplasty in Greek Elderly Women

PubMed Central

Tsonga, Th; Kapetanakis, S; Papadopoulos, C; Papathanasiou, J; Mourgias, N; Georgiou, N; Fiska, A; Kazakos, K

2011-01-01

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in quality of life of patients after total knee arthroplasty and to assess the changes in physical activity by using a self-reported questionnaire and by counting the number of steps 3-6 months after post-operatively. Methods: Included were fifty two elderly women (age 72.6±65.9 years, mean±SD) with knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary knee arthroplasty. Health-related quality of life, physical activity, pain and function and the number of steps were assessed before, 3 and 6 months post-operatively. We used the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the pedometer SW200 Digiwalker of Yamax. Results: Patients showed a significant improvement (p< 0.01, η2 =0.22) in health–related quality of life, particularly in physical function, (p<0 .001) body pain (p< 0.001) and vitality scale (p< 0.001) of SF-36 at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Physical activity (PASE score) increased at 3 and 6 months after arthroplasty (p< 0.001, η2 =0.74), and the number of steps increased 6 months after, compared to the assessment that took place 3 months after operation (p< 0.001). Conclusions: Our results suggest that total knee arthroplasty leads to a gradual improvement in quality of life of elderly patients over the first 6 post-operative months. PMID:21966339

Evaluation of improvement in quality of life and physical activity after total knee arthroplasty in greek elderly women.

PubMed

Tsonga, Th; Kapetanakis, S; Papadopoulos, C; Papathanasiou, J; Mourgias, N; Georgiou, N; Fiska, A; Kazakos, K

2011-01-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in quality of life of patients after total knee arthroplasty and to assess the changes in physical activity by using a self-reported questionnaire and by counting the number of steps 3-6 months after post-operatively. Included were fifty two elderly women (age 72.6±65.9 years, mean±SD) with knee osteoarthritis undergoing primary knee arthroplasty. Health-related quality of life, physical activity, pain and function and the number of steps were assessed before, 3 and 6 months post-operatively. We used the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form (SF-36), the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) and the pedometer SW200 Digiwalker of Yamax. Patients showed a significant improvement (p< 0.01, η2 =0.22) in health-related quality of life, particularly in physical function, (p<0 .001) body pain (p< 0.001) and vitality scale (p< 0.001) of SF-36 at 3 and 6 months after the procedure. Physical activity (PASE score) increased at 3 and 6 months after arthroplasty (p< 0.001, η2 =0.74), and the number of steps increased 6 months after, compared to the assessment that took place 3 months after operation (p< 0.001). Our results suggest that total knee arthroplasty leads to a gradual improvement in quality of life of elderly patients over the first 6 post-operative months.

Use of an Automated Mobile Phone Messaging Robot in Postoperative Patient Monitoring.

PubMed

Anthony, Chris A; Lawler, Ericka A; Ward, Christina M; Lin, Ines C; Shah, Apurva S

2018-01-01

Mobile phone messaging software robots allow clinicians and healthcare systems to communicate with patients without the need for human intervention. The purpose of this study was to (1) describe a method for communicating with patients postoperatively outside of the traditional healthcare setting by utilizing an automated software and mobile phone messaging platform and to (2) evaluate the first week of postoperative pain and opioid use after common ambulatory hand surgery procedures. The investigation was a prospective, multicenter investigation of patient-reported pain and opioid usage after ambulatory hand surgery. Inclusion criteria included any adult with a mobile phone capable of text messaging, who was undergoing a common ambulatory hand surgical procedure at one of three tertiary care institutions. Participants received daily, automated text messages inquiring about their pain level and how many tablets of prescription pain medication they had taken in the past 24 h. Initial 1-week response rate was assessed and compared between different patient demographics. Patient-reported pain and opioid use were also quantified for the first postoperative week. Statistical significance was set as p < 0.05. Forty-seven (n = 47) patients were enrolled in this investigation. Total response rate of both pain and opioid medication questions through 7 days was 88.3%. Pain trended down on a daily basis for the first postoperative week, with the highest levels of pain being reported in the first 48 h after surgery. Patients reported an average use of 15.9 ± 14.8 tablets of prescription opioid pain medication. We find that a mobile phone messaging software robot allows for effective data collection of postoperative pain and pain medication use. Patients undergoing common ambulatory hand procedures utilized an average of 16 tablets of opioid medication in the first postoperative week.

Outcomes in Elderly Patients With Severely Calcified Coronary Lesions Undergoing Orbital Atherectomy.

PubMed

Lee, Michael S; Shlofmitz, Evan; Lluri, Gentian; Shlofmitz, Richard A

2017-04-01

We evaluated the clinical outcomes of elderly patients who underwent orbital atherectomy for the treatment of severe coronary artery calcification (CAC) prior to stenting. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of severe CAC is associated with worse clinical outcomes including death, myocardial infarction (MI), and target vessel revascularization (TVR). The elderly represents a high-risk group of patients, often have more comorbid conditions, and have worse outcomes after PCI compared to younger patients. Clinical trials and a large multicenter registry have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of orbital atherectomy for the treatment of severe CAC. Clinical outcomes of elderly patients who undergo orbital atherectomy are unknown. Of the 458 patients, 229 were ≥75 years old (elderly) and 229 were <75 years old (younger). The primary endpoint was rate of 30-day major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), comprised of cardiac death, MI, TVR, and stroke. The primary endpoint was similar in the elderly and younger groups (2.2% vs. 2.2%, P = 1), as were the individual endpoints of death (2.2% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.1), MI (0.9% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.65), TVR (0% vs. 0%, P = 1), and stroke (0% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.32). The rates of angiographic complications and stent thrombosis were similarly low in both groups. The elderly represented a sizeable number of patients who underwent orbital atherectomy. It is a safe and effective treatment strategy for elderly patients with severe CAC as the clinical outcomes were similar to their younger counterparts. A randomized trial should further clarify the role of orbital atherectomy in these patients. © 2017, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Clinical and histological determinants of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis in elderly patients.

PubMed

Noureddin, Mazen; Yates, Katherine P; Vaughn, Ivana A; Neuschwander-Tetri, Brent A; Sanyal, Arun J; McCullough, Arthur; Merriman, Raphael; Hameed, Bilal; Doo, Edward; Kleiner, David E; Behling, Cynthia; Loomba, Rohit

2013-11-01

The characteristics of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in elderly patients are unknown. Therefore, we aimed to examine the differences between elderly and nonelderly patients with NAFLD and to identify determinants of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis (bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis) in elderly patients. This is a cross-sectional analysis of adult participants who were prospectively enrolled in the NASH Clinical Research Network studies. Participants were included based on availability of the centrally reviewed liver histology data within 1 year of enrollment, resulting in 61 elderly (age ≥65 years) and 735 nonelderly (18-64 years) participants. The main outcomes were the presence of NASH and advanced fibrosis. Compared to nonelderly patients with NAFLD, elderly patients had a higher prevalence of NASH (56% versus 72%, P = 0.02), and advanced fibrosis (25% versus 44%, P = 0.002). Compared to nonelderly patients with NASH, elderly patients with NASH had higher rates of advanced fibrosis (35% versus 52%, P = 0.03), as well as other features of severe liver disease including the presence of ballooning degeneration, acidophil bodies, megamitochondria, and Mallory-Denk bodies (P ≤ 0.05 for each). In multiple logistic regression analyses, independent determinants of NASH in elderly patients included higher aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (odds ratio [OR] = 1.12, P = 0.007) and lower platelets (OR = 0.98, P = 0.02); and independent determinants of advanced fibrosis included higher AST (OR = 1.08, P = 0.007), lower alanine aminotransferase value (OR = 0.91, P = 0.002), and an increased odds of having low high-density lipoprotein (OR = 8.35, P = 0.02). Elderly patients are more likely to have NASH and advanced fibrosis than nonelderly patients with NAFLD. Liver biopsy may be considered in elderly patients and treatment should be initiated in those with NASH and advanced fibrosis. �

Postoperative outcomes in vedolizumab-treated Crohn's disease patients undergoing major abdominal operations.

PubMed

Lightner, A L; McKenna, N P; Tse, C S; Raffals, L E; Loftus, E V; Mathis, K L

2018-03-01

Up to 80% of patients with Crohn's disease require an abdominal operation in their lifetime. As the use of vedolizumab is increasing for the treatment of Crohn's disease, it is important to understand its potential association with post-operative complications. We sought to compare 30-day postoperative infectious complication rate among vedolizumab-treated Crohn's disease patients vs those who had received TNFα inhibitors or no biologic therapy. A retrospective review of all Crohn's disease patients who received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of a major abdominal or pelvic operation was performed. Two control cohorts consisted of Crohn's disease patients treated with TNFα inhibitors or no biologic therapy. One hundred Crohn's disease patients received vedolizumab within 12 weeks of an abdominal operation. Vedolizumab-treated patients underwent an equivalent rate of laparoscopic surgery (P = .25), had fewer anastomoses performed (P = .0002), and had equally frequent diversion in the setting of anastomoses (P = .47). Thirty-two vedolizumab-treated patients experienced postoperative infectious complications (32%), 26 of which were surgical site infections (26%). The vedolizumab-treated group experienced no difference in nonsurgical site infections (6% vs 5% anti-TNFα and 2% nonbiologic; P = .34), but significantly higher rates of surgical site infections (26% vs 8% and 11%; P < .001). On univariate and multivariate analysis, exposure to vedolizumab remained a significant predictor of postoperative surgical site infection (P < .001 and P = .002). Twenty-six per cent of Crohn's disease patients who received vedolizumab within 12 weeks prior to a major abdominal operation experienced a 30-day postoperative surgical site infection, significantly higher than that of patients receiving TNFα inhibitors or no biologic therapy. Vedolizumab within 12 weeks of surgery remained a predictor of 30-day postoperative surgical site infection on multivariable

[Effective treatment strategy in elderly breast cancer patients].

PubMed

Boér, Katalin

2005-01-02

High frequency of cancer in older people and the improvements in life expectancy do not allow older age to be a barrier to treatment. The age is one of the risk factors for breast cancer development, one third of all cases occur in women older than 70 years. To provide an overview of the available information on the main issues in the field of surgery, radiotherapy and medical approaches to the treatment of breast cancer in the elderly. The author discusses the treatment of breast cancer in the elderly, based on the data of literature. The assessment of any patient is the first step in the treatment process, performance status is more important than age. In older women a correct evaluation includes not only the basic medical history and the cancer staging, but also a detailed assessment of health and environment that may interfere with the therapeutic approach of the patient. Age is not a limitation for surgery, without any comorbidity it is safe, and operative mortality is low. The body self-image is important for most old women, they also wish to keep their breasts, so a conservative surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy should be offered to all, as long as the stage permits it. The selection of patients who are candidates for axillary dissection is based on selective lymph sentinel node technique which provides an optimal nodal staging with a minimal morbidity. The results of radiotherapy are as good as in younger patients, elderly women tolerate radiotherapy well. The inability to travel to the radiation facility is often the reason for omitting the radiation treatment and to choose a modified mastectomy. A promising alternative to the standard radiation treatment is the concept of intraoperative radiotherapy. Breast cancer in the elderly women is more likely to be well differentiated tumour, containing oestrogen and progesterone receptors. Based on these favourable prognostic factors, endocrine therapy is the standard treatment in adjuvant and metastatic setting

Postoperative ileus-related morbidity profile in patients treated with alvimopan after bowel resection.

PubMed

Wolff, Bruce G; Weese, James L; Ludwig, Kirk A; Delaney, Conor P; Stamos, Michael J; Michelassi, Fabrizio; Du, Wei; Techner, Lee

2007-04-01

Postoperative ileus (POI), an interruption of coordinated bowel motility after operation, is exacerbated by opioids used to manage pain. Alvimopan, a peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor antagonist, accelerated gastrointestinal (GI) recovery after bowel resection in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase III POI trials. The effect of alvimopan on POI-related morbidity for patients who underwent bowel resection was evaluated in a post-hoc analysis. Incidence of POI-related postoperative morbidity (postoperative nasogastric tube insertion or POI-related prolonged hospital stay or readmission) was analyzed in four North American trials for placebo or alvimopan 12 mg administered 30 minutes or more preoperatively and twice daily postoperatively until hospital discharge (7 or fewer postoperative days). GI-related adverse events and opioid consumption were summarized for each treatment. Estimations of odds ratios of alvimopan to placebo and number needed to treat (NNT) to prevent one patient from experiencing an event of POI-related morbidity were derived from the analysis. Patients receiving alvimopan 12 mg were less likely to experience POI-related morbidity than patients receiving placebo (odds ratio = 0.44, p < 0.001). Fewer patients receiving alvimopan (alvimopan, 7.6%; placebo, 15.8%; NNT = 12) experienced POI-related morbidity. There was a lower incidence of postoperative nasogastric tube insertion, and other GI-related adverse events on postoperative days 3 to 6 in the alvimopan group than the placebo group. Opioid consumption was comparable between groups. Alvimopan 12 mg was associated with reduced POI-related morbidity compared with placebo, without compromising opioid-based analgesia in patients undergoing bowel resection. Relatively low NNTs are clinically meaningful and reinforce the potential benefits of alvimopan for the patient and health care system.

The effect of anesthetic technique on postoperative outcomes in hip fracture repair.

PubMed

O'Hara, D A; Duff, A; Berlin, J A; Poses, R M; Lawrence, V A; Huber, E C; Noveck, H; Strom, B L; Carson, J L

2000-04-01

The impact of anesthetic choice on postoperative mortality and morbidity has not been determined with certainty. The authors evaluated the effect of type of anesthesia on postoperative mortality and morbidity in a retrospective cohort study of consecutive hip fracture patients, aged 60 yr or older, who underwent surgical repair at 20 US hospitals between 1983 and 1993. The primary outcome was defined as death within 30 days of the operative procedure. The secondary outcomes were postoperative 7-day mortality, postoperative myocardial infarction, postoperative pneumonia, postoperative congestive heart failure, and postoperative change in mental status. Numerous comorbid conditions were controlled for individually and by several comorbidity indices using logistic regression. General anesthesia was used in 6,206 patients (65.8%) and regional anesthesia in 3,219 patients (3,078 spinal anesthesia and 141 epidural anesthesia). The 30-day mortality rate in the general anesthesia group was 4.4%, compared with 5.4% in the regional anesthesia group (unadjusted odds ratio = 0.80; 95% confidence interval = 0.66-0.97). However, the adjusted odds ratio for general anesthesia increased to 1.08 (0.84-1.38). The adjusted odds ratios for general anesthesia versus regional anesthesia for the 7-day mortality was 0.90 (0.59-1.39) and for postoperative morbidity outcomes were as follows: myocardial infarction: adjusted odds ratio = 1.17 (0.80-1.70); congestive heart failure: adjusted odds ratio = 1.04 (0.80-1.36); pneumonia: adjusted odds ratio = 1.21 (0.87-1.68); postoperative change in mental status: adjusted odds ratio = 1.08 (0.95-1.22). The authors were unable to demonstrate that regional anesthesia was associated with better outcome than was general anesthesia in this large observational study of elderly patients with hip fracture. These results suggest that the type of anesthesia used should depend on factors other than any associated risks of mortality or morbidity.

[Assisted peritoneal dialysis: home-based renal replacement therapy for the elderly patient].

PubMed

Wiesholzer, Martin

2013-06-01

The number of elderly patients with end stage renal disease is constantly increasing. Conventional hämodiaylsis as the mainstay of renal replacement therapy is often poorly tolerated by frail eldery patients with multiple comorbidities. Although many of these patients would prefer a home based dialysis treatment, the number of elderly patients using peritoneal dialysis (PD) is still low. Impaired physical and cognitive function often generates insurmountable barriers for self care peritoneal dialysis. Assisted peritoneal dialysis can overcome many of these barriers and give elderly patients the ability of a renal replacement therapy in their own homes respecting their needs.

Reflux oesophagitis and Helicobacter pylori infection in elderly patients.

PubMed Central

Liston, R.; Pitt, M. A.; Banerjee, A. K.

1996-01-01

Helicobacter pylori is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers and gastric malignancies. Little attention has been paid to the possibility that it may also have a role in the pathogenesis of reflux oesophagitis. This is especially true in elderly patients who have life-long infection and provide an ideal group to study the mucosal changes associated with the organism. The aim of this study was to determine if H pylori is associated with reflux oesophagitis in elderly patients. Consecutive gastroscopy patients were recruited. Multiple biopsies were taken from oesophagus, stomach, antrum and duodenum for histology and rapid urease tests. Patients also had IgG ELISA antibodies and 13C-urea breath tests performed. Patients with macroscopic or microscopic evidence of reflux oesophagitis were compared to patients with macroscopically normal upper gastrointestinal tracts and no microscopic evidence of reflux. A total of 114 patients were recruited, average age 78.9 years (+/- 5.4). There were 37 refluxers and 33 non-refluxers. We found no evidence for an association between the presence of H pylori and reflux oesophagitis in elderly patients. The high prevalence of H pylori in patients with reflux oesophagitis can be explained by the presence of incidental gastritis. PMID:8733530

Postoperative Compensatory Ammonium Excretion Subsequent to Systemic Acidosis in Cardiac Patients.

PubMed

Roehrborn, Friederike; Dohle, Daniel-Sebastian; Waack, Indra N; Tsagakis, Konstantinos; Jakob, Heinz; Teloh, Johanna K

2017-01-01

Postoperative acid-base imbalances, usually acidosis, frequently occur after cardiac surgery. In most cases, the human body, not suffering from any severe preexisting illnesses regarding lung, liver, and kidney, is capable of transient compensation and final correction. The aim of this study was to correlate the appearance of postoperatively occurring acidosis with renal ammonium excretion. Between 07/2014 and 10/2014, a total of 25 consecutive patients scheduled for elective isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in this prospective observational study. During the operative procedure and the first two postoperative days, blood gas analyses were carried out and urine samples collected. Urine samples were analyzed for the absolute amount of ammonium. Of all patients, thirteen patients developed acidosis as an initial disturbance in the postoperative period: five of respiratory and eight of metabolic origin. Four patients with respiratory acidosis but none of those with metabolic acidosis subsequently developed a base excess > +2 mEq/L. Ammonium excretion correlated with the increase in base excess. The acidosis origin seems to have a large influence on renal compensation in terms of ammonium excretion and the possibility of an overcorrection.

Frailty and protein-energy wasting in elderly patients with end stage kidney disease.

PubMed

Kim, Jun Chul; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kamyar; Kopple, Joel D

2013-02-01

Older people constitute an increasingly greater proportion of patients with advanced CKD, including those patients undergoing maintenance dialysis treatment. Frailty is a biologic syndrome of decreased reserve and resistance to stressors that results from cumulative declines across multiple physiologic systems and causes vulnerability to adverse outcomes. Frailty is common in elderly CKD patients, and it may be associated with protein-energy wasting (PEW), sarcopenia, dynapenia, and other complications of CKD. Causes of frailty with or without PEW in the elderly with CKD can be classified into three categories: causes primarily caused by aging per se, advanced CKD per se, or a combination of both conditions. Frailty and PEW in elderly CKD patients are associated with impaired physical performance, disability, poorer quality of life, and reduced survival. Prevention and treatment of these conditions in the elderly CKD patients often require a multifaceted approach. Here, we examine the causes and consequences of these conditions and examine the interplay between frailty and PEW in elderly CKD patients.

Treatment, survival, and costs of laryngeal cancer care in the elderly.

PubMed

Gourin, Christine G; Dy, Sydney M; Herbert, Robert J; Blackford, Amanda L; Quon, Harry; Forastiere, Arlene A; Eisele, David W; Frick, Kevin D

2014-08-01

To examine associations between treatment and volume with survival and costs in elderly patients with laryngeal squamous cell cancer (SCCA). Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data. We evaluated 2,370 patients diagnosed with laryngeal SCCA from 2004 to 2007 using cross-tabulations, multivariate logistic and generalized linear regression modeling, and survival analysis. Chemoradiation was significantly associated with supraglottic tumors (relative risk ratio: 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.7-4.0), additional cancer-directed treatment (odds ratio [OR]: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.7), and a reduced likelihood of surgical salvage (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2-0.6). Surgery with postoperative radiation was associated with significantly improved survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9), after controlling for patient and tumor variables including salvage. High-volume care was not associated with survival for nonoperative treatment but was associated with improved survival (HR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5-0.8) among surgical patients. Initial treatment and 5-year overall costs for chemoradiation were higher than for all other treatment categories. High-volume care was associated with significantly lower costs of care for surgical patients but was not associated with differences in costs of care for nonoperative treatment. Chemoradiation in elderly patients with laryngeal cancer was associated with increased costs, additional cancer-directed treatment, and a reduced likelihood of surgical salvage. Surgery with postoperative radiation was associated with improved survival in this cohort, and high-volume hospital surgical care was associated with improved survival and lower costs. These findings have implications for improving the quality of laryngeal cancer treatment at a time of both rapid growth in the elderly population and diminishing healthcare resources. © 2014 The American Laryngological, Rhinological and Otological

Use of Gelatin Sponge Affects Postoperative Morbidity In Cesarean Section Patients.

PubMed

Özer, Alev; Köstü, Bülent

2017-03-04

BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine the effects of use of a local hemostatic gelatin sponge (GS) on postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing cesarean section (CS). MATERIAL AND METHODS The records of 318 patients who underwent CS surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Group 1 consisted of 59 patients with gelatin sponge (GS) applied, and Group 2 consisted of 259 patients with no GS applied. The groups were compared for time to the first flatus, nausea and vomiting, requirement for anti-emetic drugs, development of postoperative ileus, and the length of hospitalization. RESULTS The patients in Group 1 and Group 2 were statistically similar in mean age, gravida, parity, and body mass index (BMI) (p=0.352, p=0.275, p=0.458, and p=0.814, respectively). No significant difference was determined in the number of patients with nausea, vomiting, anti-emetic drug use, febrile morbidity, and postoperative ileus (p=0.063, p=0.436, p=328, p=0.632, and p=0.179, respectively). Time to the first flatus and length of hospitalization were significantly longer in Group 2 (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Delay in recovery of bowel motility may be due to the local hypersensitivity reaction caused by GS and/or dislocation of this local hemostat. Women who receive gelatin sponge treatment during CS should be monitored closely for the recovery of postoperative intestinal motility.

Pressure ulcer prevention in high-risk postoperative cardiovascular patients.

PubMed

Jackson, Melissa; McKenney, Teresa; Drumm, Jennifer; Merrick, Brian; LeMaster, Tamara; VanGilder, Catherine

2011-08-01

Little has been published about how to prevent pressure ulcers in severely debilitated, immobile patients in intensive care units. To present a possible prevention strategy for postoperative cardiovascular surgery patients at high risk for development of pressure ulcers. Staff chose to implement air fluidized therapy beds, which provide maximal immersion and envelopment as a measure for preventing pressure ulcers in patients who (1) required vasopressors for at least 24 hours and (2) required mechanical ventilation for at least 24 hours postoperatively. Only 1 of 27 patients had a pressure ulcer develop while on the air fluidized therapy bed (February 2008 through August 2008), and that ulcer was only a stage I ulcer, compared with 40 ulcers in 25 patients before the intervention. Patients spent a mean of 7.9 days on the mattress, and the cost of bed rental was approximately $18000, which was similar to the cost of treatment of 1 pressure ulcer in stage III or IV (about $40000) and was considered cost-effective.

Hepatobiliary transporter expression and post-operative jaundice in patients undergoing partial hepatectomy.

PubMed

Bernhardt, Gerwin A; Zollner, Gernot; Cerwenka, Herwig; Kornprat, Peter; Fickert, Peter; Bacher, Heinz; Werkgartner, Georg; Müller, Gabriele; Zatloukal, Kurt; Mischinger, Hans-Jörg; Trauner, Michael

2012-01-01

Post-operative hyperbilirubinaemia in patients undergoing liver resections is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Apart from different known factors responsible for the development of post-operative jaundice, little is known about the role of hepatobiliary transport systems in the pathogenesis of post-operative jaundice in humans after liver resection. Two liver tissue samples were taken from 14 patients undergoing liver resection before and after Pringle manoeuvre. Patients were retrospectively divided into two groups according to post-operative bilirubin serum levels. The two groups were analysed comparing the results of hepatobiliary transporter [Na-taurocholate cotransporter (NTCP); multidrug resistance gene/phospholipid export pump(MDR3); bile salt export pump (BSEP); canalicular bile salt export pump (MRP2)], heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) expression as well as the results of routinely taken post-operative liver chemistry tests. Patients with low post-operative bilirubin had lower levels of NTCP, MDR3 and BSEP mRNA compared to those with high bilirubin after Pringle manoeuvre. HSP70 levels were significantly higher after ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in both groups resulting in 4.5-fold median increase. Baseline median mRNA expression of all four transporters prior to Pringle manoeuvre tended to be lower in the low bilirubin group whereas expression of HSP70 was higher in the low bilirubin group compared to the high bilirubin group. Higher mRNA levels of HSP70 in the low bilirubin group could indicate a possible protective effect of high HSP70 levels against IR injury. Although the exact role of hepatobiliary transport systems in the development of post-operative hyper bilirubinemia is not yet completely understood, this study provides new insights into the molecular aspects of post-operative jaundice after liver surgery. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Retrospective, Demographic, and Clinical Investigation of the Causes of Postoperative Infection in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Who Underwent Posterior Stabilization

PubMed Central

Yaldiz, Can; Yaldiz, Mahizer; Ceylan, Nehir; Kacira, Ozlem Kitiki; Ceylan, Davut; Kacira, Tibet; Kizilcay, Gokhan; Tanriverdi, Taner

2015-01-01

Abstract Owing to the increasing population of elderly patients, a large number of patients with degenerative spondylosis are currently being surgically treated. Although basic measures for decreasing postoperative surgical infections (PSIs) are considered, it still remains among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to present possible causes leading to PSI in patients who underwent surgery for lumbar degenerative spondylosis and highlight how it can be avoided to decrease morbidity and mortality. The study included 540 patients who underwent posterior stabilization due to degenerative lumbar stenosis between January 2013 and January 2014. The data before and after surgery was retrieved from the hospital charts. Patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis who were operated upon in this study had >2 levels of laminectomy and facetectomy. For this reason, posterior stabilization was performed for all the patients included in this study. Determining the causes of postoperative infection (PI) following spinal surgeries performed with instrumentation is a struggle. Seventeen different parameters that may be related to PI were evaluated in this study. The presence of systemic diseases, unknown glove perforations, and perioperative blood transfusions were among the parameters that increased the prevalence of PI. Alternatively, prolene sutures, double-layered gloves, and the use of rifampicin Sv (RIS) decreased the incidence of PI. Although the presence of systemic diseases, unnoticed glove perforations, and perioperative blood transfusions increased PIs, prolene suture material, double-layered gloves, and the use of RIS decreased PIs. PMID:26200620

Retrospective, Demographic, and Clinical Investigation of the Causes of Postoperative Infection in Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Who Underwent Posterior Stabilization.

PubMed

Yaldiz, Can; Yaldiz, Mahizer; Ceylan, Nehir; Kacira, Ozlem Kitiki; Ceylan, Davut; Kacira, Tibet; Kizilcay, Gokhan; Tanriverdi, Taner

2015-07-01

Owing to the increasing population of elderly patients, a large number of patients with degenerative spondylosis are currently being surgically treated. Although basic measures for decreasing postoperative surgical infections (PSIs) are considered, it still remains among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective analysis is to present possible causes leading to PSI in patients who underwent surgery for lumbar degenerative spondylosis and highlight how it can be avoided to decrease morbidity and mortality. The study included 540 patients who underwent posterior stabilization due to degenerative lumbar stenosis between January 2013 and January 2014. The data before and after surgery was retrieved from the hospital charts. Patients with degenerative lumbar stenosis who were operated upon in this study had >2 levels of laminectomy and facetectomy. For this reason, posterior stabilization was performed for all the patients included in this study. Determining the causes of postoperative infection (PI) following spinal surgeries performed with instrumentation is a struggle. Seventeen different parameters that may be related to PI were evaluated in this study. The presence of systemic diseases, unknown glove perforations, and perioperative blood transfusions were among the parameters that increased the prevalence of PI. Alternatively, prolene sutures, double-layered gloves, and the use of rifampicin Sv (RIS) decreased the incidence of PI. Although the presence of systemic diseases, unnoticed glove perforations, and perioperative blood transfusions increased PIs, prolene suture material, double-layered gloves, and the use of RIS decreased PIs.

Pharmacokinetic study of aniracetam in elderly patients with cerebrovascular disease.

PubMed

Endo, H; Tajima, T; Yamada, H; Igata, A; Yamamoto, Y; Tsuchida, H; Nakashima, Y; Suzuki, Y; Ikari, H; Iguchi, A

1997-02-01

The clinical pharmacokinetics of the cognitive enhancer, aniracetam (200 mg), was studied in elderly patients with cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and compared with those of young healthy volunteers. Six female hospitalized patients (mean age 84.5 years) were used in this study. The serum level of anisic acid and p-methoxyhippuric acid, major metabolites of aniracetam, reached a peak at 2 h after oral administration, and returned to basal level by 6 h. Mean creatinine clearance was 20-30 ml/min. The t1/2 of metabolites was increased by 4- to 7-fold in the elderly patients compared with young volunteers. This study showed that tmax, t1/2, and AUC were enlarged in the elderly; however, no clinical side effects were observed.

A critical pathway for the frail elderly cardiac patient.

PubMed

Wit, Mirjam; Schaap, Annet; Umans, Victor

2011-12-01

The medical community needs to better respond to the predictable complexities associated with admission of frail and elderly cardiac patients who may need specific attention and care programs. The nurse practitioner can play an important role to continue and coordinate nursing and medical care. We propose a new critical pathway designed to improve cardiac and nursing care for frail elderly cardiac patients admitted with heart failure or atrial fibrillation. The critical pathway is developed by the nurse practitioner who will act as a pathway coordinator and take care of the medical care of these patients in a teaching hospital setting. This critical pathway is applied to all patients aged >75 years who are admitted for heart failure or atrial fibrillation. The pathway implementation identified 5 important socio-medical parameters that may account for a delayed length of stay, even in patients without a complicated medical situation: delirium and fall prevention, nutritional awareness, fluid restriction efforts, and information optimization of patients and spouses. We developed a critical care pathway for the frail elderly patients who are admitted for heart failure or atrial fibrillation. In doing so, we have been able to change the medical and social management of these patients at a general cardiology ward in a teaching hospital.

Dysbiosis of upper respiratory tract microbiota in elderly pneumonia patients

PubMed Central

de Steenhuijsen Piters, Wouter A A; Huijskens, Elisabeth G W; Wyllie, Anne L; Biesbroek, Giske; van den Bergh, Menno R; Veenhoven, Reinier H; Wang, Xinhui; Trzciński, Krzysztof; Bonten, Marc J; Rossen, John W A; Sanders, Elisabeth A M; Bogaert, Debby

2016-01-01

Bacterial pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly. We hypothesize that dysbiosis between regular residents of the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome, that is balance between commensals and potential pathogens, is involved in pathogen overgrowth and consequently disease. We compared oropharyngeal microbiota of elderly pneumonia patients (n=100) with healthy elderly (n=91) by 16S-rRNA-based sequencing and verified our findings in young adult pneumonia patients (n=27) and young healthy adults (n=187). Microbiota profiles differed significantly between elderly pneumonia patients and healthy elderly (PERMANOVA, P<0.0005). Highly similar differences were observed between microbiota profiles of young adult pneumonia patients and their healthy controls. Clustering resulted in 11 (sub)clusters including 95% (386/405) of samples. We observed three microbiota profiles strongly associated with pneumonia (P<0.05) and either dominated by lactobacilli (n=11), Rothia (n=51) or Streptococcus (pseudo)pneumoniae (n=42). In contrast, three other microbiota clusters (in total n=183) were correlated with health (P<0.05) and were all characterized by more diverse profiles containing higher abundances of especially Prevotella melaninogenica, Veillonella and Leptotrichia. For the remaining clusters (n=99), the association with health or disease was less clear. A decision tree model based on the relative abundance of five bacterial community members in URT microbiota showed high specificity of 95% and sensitivity of 84% (89% and 73%, respectively, after cross-validation) for differentiating pneumonia patients from healthy individuals. These results suggest that pneumonia in elderly and young adults is associated with dysbiosis of the URT microbiome with bacterial overgrowth of single species and absence of distinct anaerobic bacteria. Whether the observed microbiome changes are a cause or a consequence of the development of pneumonia or merely coincide with

Dysbiosis of upper respiratory tract microbiota in elderly pneumonia patients.

PubMed

de Steenhuijsen Piters, Wouter A A; Huijskens, Elisabeth G W; Wyllie, Anne L; Biesbroek, Giske; van den Bergh, Menno R; Veenhoven, Reinier H; Wang, Xinhui; Trzciński, Krzysztof; Bonten, Marc J; Rossen, John W A; Sanders, Elisabeth A M; Bogaert, Debby

2016-01-01

Bacterial pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly. We hypothesize that dysbiosis between regular residents of the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiome, that is balance between commensals and potential pathogens, is involved in pathogen overgrowth and consequently disease. We compared oropharyngeal microbiota of elderly pneumonia patients (n=100) with healthy elderly (n=91) by 16S-rRNA-based sequencing and verified our findings in young adult pneumonia patients (n=27) and young healthy adults (n=187). Microbiota profiles differed significantly between elderly pneumonia patients and healthy elderly (PERMANOVA, P<0.0005). Highly similar differences were observed between microbiota profiles of young adult pneumonia patients and their healthy controls. Clustering resulted in 11 (sub)clusters including 95% (386/405) of samples. We observed three microbiota profiles strongly associated with pneumonia (P<0.05) and either dominated by lactobacilli (n=11), Rothia (n=51) or Streptococcus (pseudo)pneumoniae (n=42). In contrast, three other microbiota clusters (in total n=183) were correlated with health (P<0.05) and were all characterized by more diverse profiles containing higher abundances of especially Prevotella melaninogenica, Veillonella and Leptotrichia. For the remaining clusters (n=99), the association with health or disease was less clear. A decision tree model based on the relative abundance of five bacterial community members in URT microbiota showed high specificity of 95% and sensitivity of 84% (89% and 73%, respectively, after cross-validation) for differentiating pneumonia patients from healthy individuals. These results suggest that pneumonia in elderly and young adults is associated with dysbiosis of the URT microbiome with bacterial overgrowth of single species and absence of distinct anaerobic bacteria. Whether the observed microbiome changes are a cause or a consequence of the development of pneumonia or merely coincide with

QT dispersion and rate-corrected QT dispersion during electroconvulsive therapy in elderly patients.

PubMed

Yamaguchi, Shigeki; Nagao, Masaru; Ikeda, Tomohisa; Fukagawa, Daigo; Kimura, Yoshiyuki; Kitajima, Toshimitsu; Minami, Junichi

2011-09-01

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) induces increase of QT dispersion (QTD) and the rate-corrected QTD (QTcD), which are associated with increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and cardiovascular mortality. The effects of electrical stimulus during ECT on QTD and QTcD in elderly patients are of considerable interest. The purpose of this study was to clarify the differential effects of electrical stimulus caused by ECT on interbeat interval, QT interval, the rate-corrected QT (QTc) interval, QTD, and the QTcD under propofol anesthesia between younger and elderly patients with major depression. Twenty younger psychiatric patients (aged 30-40 years) and 20 elderly patients (aged 65-75 years) scheduled for ECT were studied under propofol anesthesia. A 12-lead electrocardiogram was monitored to measure parameters. Muscle paralysis was achieved by administering 1-mg/kg succinylcholine intravenously, and the efficacy of ECT was determined by the tourniquet technique. The mean arterial pressure in the elderly was significantly higher than that of the younger patients from immediately to 2 minutes after electrical stimulus. The interbeat interval in the elderly was significantly lower than that of the younger patients from immediately to 1 minute after electrical stimulus. There was no statistically significant difference in the QT interval between the groups. The baseline value of QTc interval was higher than the normal limits, and the QTc interval in the elderly was significantly lower than that of the younger patients from immediately to 1 minute after electrical stimulus. The baseline value of QTD was higher than the normal limits, and the QTD in the elderly was significantly higher than that of the younger patients from immediately to 7 minutes after electrical stimulus. The baseline value of QTcD was higher than the normal limits, and the QTcD in the elderly was significantly higher than that of the younger patients from immediately to 7 minutes after electrical

Damage Control Orthopedics Management as Vital Procedure in Elderly Patients with Femoral Neck Fractures Complicated with Chronic Renal Failure: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PubMed Central

Dong, Chenhui; Wang, Yunjiao; Wang, Ziming; Wang, Yu; Wu, Siyu; Du, Quanyin; Wang, Aimin

2016-01-01

Background Chronic renal failure (CRF) predisposes to hip fractures in elderly patients, with high subsequent mortality. Selection and timing of the surgical procedure of such patients is a serious challenge. Many clinicians believe in earlier surgery as preferable and providing better outcomes. Damage control orthopedics (DCO) aids to adjust and optimize the overall condition of patients. Methods In 32 patients with femoral neck fractures complicated with CRF, we evaluated how the timing of the surgery determines the mortality rates if the DCO approach is applied. Preoperative ASA grading, POSSUM score, P-POSSUM score and DCO were carried out. Based on the assessment, timing of the surgery was ascertained. Results Of a total of 32 patients, twenty-nine patients were accepted for either early (< 48 hours; n = 18) or delayed (3–10 days; n = 10) surgery. Hip arthroplasty (total hip arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty) was the principal surgery option. All patients survived operation and were followed up postoperatively with the average time of 30 days. Postoperative complications tended to occur at higher rates in the early vs. delayed surgery group (7/18 vs. 5/10). During follow up, a total of 3 patients died in both groups (2/18 in the early surgery and 1/10 in the delayed surgery group), mostly from multi-organ failures and acute respiratory distress syndrome. There was no significant difference in complication rates and Harris hip score between both groups. Conclusion In patients with femoral neck fracture complicated with CRF, delaying the surgery for several days does not increase the incidence of postoperative adverse events. PMID:27149117

Management of Elderly Patients With Gliomas

PubMed Central

Gállego Pérez-Larraya, Jaime

2014-01-01

The current progressive aging of the population is resulting in a continuous increase in the incidence of gliomas in elderly people, especially the most frequent subtype, glioblastoma (GBM). This sociohealth shift, known as the “silver tsunami,” has prompted the neuro-oncology community to investigate the role of specific antitumor treatments, such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other targeted therapies, for these traditionally undertreated patients. Advanced age, a widely recognized poor prognostic factor in both low-grade glioma (LGG) and high-grade glioma patients, should no longer be the sole reason for excluding such older patients from receiving etiologic treatments. Far from it, results from recent prospective trials conducted on elderly patients with GBM demonstrate that active management of these patients can have a positive impact on survival without impairing either cognition or quality of life. Although prospective studies specifically addressing the management of grade 2 and 3 gliomas are lacking and thus needed, the aforementioned tendency toward acknowledging a therapeutic benefit for GBM patients might also apply to the treatment of patients with LGG and anaplastic gliomas. In order to optimize such etiologic treatment in conjunction with symptomatic management, neuro-oncology multidisciplinary boards must individually consider important features such as resectability of the tumor, functional and cognitive status, associated comorbidities, and social support. PMID:25342314

Cognitive side-effects of electroconvulsive therapy in elderly depressed patients.

PubMed

Dybedal, Gro Strømnes; Tanum, Lars; Sundet, Kjetil; Gaarden, Torfinn Lødøen; Bjølseth, Tor Magne

2014-01-01

Knowledge about cognitive side-effects induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in depressed elderly patients is sparse. In this study we investigated changes in the cognitive functioning of non-demented elderly depressed patients receiving ECT (n = 62) compared with healthy elderly people (n = 17). Neuropsychological tests were administered at the start of treatment and again within 1 week after treatment. We computed reliable change indices (RCIs) using simple regression methods. RCIs are statistical methods for analyzing change in individuals that have not yet been used in studies of the acute cognitive side-effects of ECT. At the group level, only letter fluency performance was found to be significantly reduced in the ECT group compared with the controls, whereas both groups demonstrated stable or improved performance on all other measures. At the individual level, however, 11% of patients showed retrograde amnesia for public facts post-ECT and 40% of the patients showed a significant decline in neuropsychological functioning. Decline on a measure of delayed verbal anterograde memory was most common. Our findings indicate that there are mild neurocognitive impairments in the acute phase for a substantial minority of elderly patients receiving ECT. Analysis of reliable change facilitated the illumination of cognitive side-effects in our sample.

Nutritional status, nutrition practices and post-operative complications in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

PubMed

Garth, A K; Newsome, C M; Simmance, N; Crowe, T C

2010-08-01

Malnutrition and its associated complications are a considerable issue for surgical patients with upper gastrointestinal and colorectal cancer. The present study aimed to determine whether specific perioperative nutritional practices and protocols are associated with improved patient outcomes in this group. Patients admitted for elective upper gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer surgery (n = 95) over a 19-month period underwent a medical history audit assessing weight changes, nutritional intake, biochemistry, post-operative complications and length of stay. A subset of patients (n = 25) underwent nutritional assessment by subjective global assessment prior to surgery in addition to assessment of post-operative medical outcomes, nutritional intake and timing of dietetic intervention. Mean (SD) length of stay for patients was 14.0 (12.2) days, with complication rates at 35%. Length of stay was significantly longer in patients who experienced significant preoperative weight loss compared to those who did not [17.0 (15.8) days versus 10.0 (6.8) days, respectively; P < 0.05]. Low albumin and post-operative weight loss were also predictive of increased length of stay. Of patients who underwent nutritional assessment, 32% were classified as mild-moderately malnourished and 16% severely malnourished. Malnourished patients were hospitalised twice as long as well-nourished patients [15.8 (12.8) days versus 7.6 (3.5) days; P < 0.05]. Time taken [6.9 (3.6) days] to achieve adequate nutrition post surgery was a factor in post-operative outcomes, with a positive correlation with length of stay (r = 0.493; P < 0.01), a negative correlation with post-operative weight change (r = -0.417; P < 0.05) and a greater risk of complications (52% versus 13%; P < 0.01). Malnutrition is prevalent among surgical patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Poor nutritional status coupled with delayed and inadequate post-operative nutrition practices are associated with worse clinical outcomes.

A family involvement and patient-tailored health management program in elderly Korean stroke patients' day care centers.

PubMed

Chang, Ae Kyung; Park, Yeon-Hwan; Fritschi, Cynthia; Kim, Mi Ja

2015-01-01

This study aimed to examine the effects of a family involvement and functional rehabilitation program in an adult day care center on elderly Korean stroke patients' perceived health, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, and cost of health services, and on family caregivers' satisfaction. Using one-group pre- and posttest design, dyads consisting of 19 elderly stroke patients and family caregivers participated in 12-week intervention, including involvement of family caregivers in day care services and patient-tailored health management. Outcomes of patients and caregivers were significantly improved (all p < .001). However, the cost of health services did not decrease significantly. This program improved functional levels and health perception of elderly stroke patients and caregivers' satisfaction. However, results must be interpreted with caution, because this was only a small, single-group pilot study. This program may be effective for elderly stroke patients and their caregivers. © 2013 Association of Rehabilitation Nurses.

Effectiveness of a Day Rehabilitation Program in Improving Functional Outcome and Reducing Mortality and Readmission of Elderly Patients With Fragility Hip Fractures.

PubMed

Wong, Tak Man; Leung, Frankie K L; Lau, Tak Wing; Fang, Christian; Chan, Felix H W; Wu, Jun

2018-01-01

The incidence of hip fracture is projected to increase in the next 25 years as the world population ages. Hip fracture is often associated with subsequent readmission and mortality. Nevertheless, elderly patients often may not achieve the same level of functional ability as prior to their injury. Several studies have shown that close collaboration between orthopedic surgeons and geriatricians can improve such outcomes and Geriatric Day Hospital (GDH) is one of the examples of collaboration to improve such outcomes. The aim of this descriptive retrospective study is to review the effectiveness of the day rehabilitation program provided by a GDH on functional outcomes, mortality, and readmission rate, among a sample of elderly patients with hip fracture. The medical records of patients from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2012, were collected and evaluated. Demographic data of the patients and Charlson Comorbidity Index were collected. The Barthel Index, Elderly Mobility Scale, and Mini-Mental State Examination were measured on admission and at discharge of the patients to evaluate both physical and cognitive functions. The results showed that the majority of patients benefited from rehabilitation in the GDH. The 12-month mortality rate of patients taking full-course rehabilitation in the GDH was improved. The age of patient was the most important factor influencing the rehabilitation outcomes. Gender was the only risk factor for 12-month mortality and 6-month readmission. Since patients were selected to attend GDH, there was a bias during the selection of patients. Furthermore, it was difficult to compare patients attended GDH with patients who did not because outcomes of the latter were difficult to be recorded. Our study shows that postoperative geriatric hip fracture patients definitely can benefit from rehabilitation service offered by GDH in terms of functional and cognitive outcomes.

Quality of life and psychological consequences in elderly patients after a hip fracture: a review

PubMed Central

Alexiou, Konstantinos I; Roushias, Andreas; Varitimidis, Sokratis E; Malizos, Konstantinos N

2018-01-01

Fractures due to fragility of the bone around the hip joint have become a major public health issue, presenting with an increasing incidence due to the growth of the elderly population. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the impact of hip fractures on the quality of life (QoL), health status (HS), functioning, and psychological parameters, and factors influencing the outcome and the appropriate interventions for improvement of elderly patients. A systematic electronic search of the relevant literature was carried out using the CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, Medline (OvidSP), and PubMed databases spanning the time period from their establishment up to January 2017. Forty-nine randomized controlled trials or prospective cohort studies reporting the QoL and psychological outcomes were assessed by using standardized questionnaires. Patients with a hip fracture who were older than 65 years, were included in the analysis. In the majority of elderly patients, the hip fracture seriously affected physical and mental functioning and exerted a severe impact on their HS and health-related QoL (HRQoL). Moreover, most of the patients did not return to prefracture levels of performance regarding both the parameters. The levels of mental, physical, and nutritional status, prior to the fracture, comorbidity, and female gender, in addition to the postoperative pain, complications, and the length of hospital stay, were the factors associated with the outcome. Psychosocial factors and symptoms of depression could increase pain severity and emotional distress. For the displaced femoral neck fractures, the treatment with total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty, when compared to the treatment with internal fixation, provided a better functional outcome. Supportive rehabilitation programs, complemented by psychotherapy and nutritional supplementation prior to and after surgery, provided beneficial effects on the HS and the psychosocial dimension of the more debilitated patients�

Postoperative weight bearing and patient reported outcomes at one year following tibial plateau fractures.

PubMed

Thewlis, Dominic; Fraysse, Francois; Callary, Stuart A; Verghese, Viju Daniel; Jones, Claire F; Findlay, David M; Atkins, Gerald J; Rickman, Mark; Solomon, Lucian B

2017-07-01

Tibial plateau fractures are complex and the current evidence for postoperative rehabilitation is weak, especially related to the recommended postoperative weight bearing. The primary aim of this study was to investigate if loading in the first 12 weeks of recovery is associated with patient reported outcome measures at 26 and 52 weeks postoperative. We hypothesized that there would be no association between loading and patient reported outcome measures. Seventeen patients, with a minimum of 52-week follow-up following fragment-specific open reduction and internal fixation for tibial plateau fracture, were selected for this retrospective analysis. Postoperatively, patients were advised to load their limb to a maximum of 20kg during the first 6 weeks. Loading data were collected during walking using force platforms. A ratio of limb loading (affected to unaffected) was calculated at 2, 6 and 12 weeks postoperative. Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Scores were collected at 6, 12, 26 and 52 weeks postoperative. The association between loading ratios and patient reported outcomes were investigated. Compliance with weight bearing recommendations and changes in the patient reported outcome measures are described. Fracture reduction and migration were assessed on plain radiographs. No fractures demonstrated any measurable postoperative migration at 52 weeks. Significant improvements were seen in all patient reported outcome measures over the first 52 weeks, despite poor adherence to postoperative weight bearing restrictions. There were no associations between weight bearing ratio and patient reported outcomes at 52 weeks postoperative. Significant associations were identified between the loading ratio at 2 weeks and knee-related quality of life at six months (R 2 =0.392), and between the loading ratio at 6 weeks combined with injury severity and knee-related quality of life at 26 weeks (R 2 =0.441). In summary, weight bearing as tolerated does not negatively affect the

Use of Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Elderly and Very Elderly Patients With Brain Metastases to Limit Toxicity Associated With Whole Brain Radiation Therapy.

PubMed

Chen, Linda; Shen, Colette; Redmond, Kristin J; Page, Brandi R; Kummerlowe, Megan; Mcnutt, Todd; Bettegowda, Chetan; Rigamonti, Daniele; Lim, Michael; Kleinberg, Lawrence

2017-07-15

We evaluated the toxicity associated with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) in elderly and very elderly patients with brain metastases, as the role of SRS in geriatric patients who would traditionally receive WBRT is unclear. We conducted a retrospective review of elderly patients (aged 70-79 years) and very elderly patients (aged ≥80 years) with brain metastases who underwent RT from 2010 to 2015 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Patients received either upfront WBRT or SRS for metastatic solid malignancies, excluding small cell lung cancer. Acute central nervous system toxicity within 3 months of RT was graded using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group acute radiation central nervous system morbidity scale. The toxicity data between age groups and treatment modalities were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to estimate the median overall survival, and the Cox proportion hazard model was used for multivariate analysis. A total of 811 brain metastases received RT in 119 geriatric patients. The median overall survival from the diagnosis of brain metastases was 4.3 months for the patients undergoing WBRT and 14.4 months for the patients undergoing SRS. On multivariate analysis, WBRT was associated with worse overall survival in this cohort of geriatric patients (odds ratio [OR] 3.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.9-7.0, P<.0001) and age ≥80 years was not. WBRT was associated with significantly greater rates of any grade 1 to 4 toxicity (OR 7.5, 95% CI 1.6-33.3, P=.009) and grade 2 to 4 toxicity (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.0-8.1, P=.047) on multivariate analysis. Elderly and very elderly patients did not have significantly different statistically acute toxicity rates when stratified by age. WBRT was associated with increased toxicity compared with SRS in elderly and very elderly patients with brain metastases. SRS, rather than WBRT, should be prospectively

Optimizing functional exercise capacity in the elderly surgical population.

PubMed

Carli, Franco; Zavorsky, Gerald S

2005-01-01

There are several studies on the effect of exercise post surgery (rehabilitation), but few studies have looked at augmenting functional capacity prior to surgical admission (prehabilitation). A programme of prehabilitation is proposed in order to enhance functional exercise capacity in elderly patients with the intent to minimize the postoperative morbidity and accelerate postsurgical recovery. Few studies have looked at exercise prehabilitation to improve functional capacity prior to surgical admission. Prehabilitation prior to orthopaedic surgery does not seem to improve quality of life or recovery. However, prehabilitation prior to abdominal or cardiac surgery, based on 275 elderly patients, results in fewer postoperative complications, shorter postoperative length of stay, improved quality of life, and reduced declines in functional disability compared to sedentary controls. A concentrated 3-month progressive exercise prehabilitation programme consisting of aerobic training at 45-65% of maximal heart rate reserve (%HRR) along with periodic high-intensity interval training ( approximately 90% HRR) four times per week, 30-50 minutes per session, is recommended for improving cardiovascular functioning. A strength training programme of about 10 different exercises focused on large, multi-jointed muscle groups should also be implemented twice per week at a mean training intensity of 80% of one-repetition maximum. Finally, a minimum of 140 g ( approximately 560 kcal) of carbohydrate (CHO) should be taken 3 h before training to increase liver and muscle glycogen stores and a minimum of about 200 kcal of mixed protein-CHO should be ingested within 30 min following training to enhance muscle hypertrophy.

Early and late postoperative seizure outcome in 97 patients with supratentorial meningioma and preoperative seizures: a retrospective study.

PubMed

Zheng, Zhe; Chen, Peng; Fu, Weiming; Zhu, Junming; Zhang, Hong; Shi, Jian; Zhang, Jianmin

2013-08-01

We identified factors associated with early and late postoperative seizure control in patients with supratentorial meningioma plus preoperative seizures. In this retrospective study, univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis compared 24 clinical variables according to the occurrence of early (≤1 week) or late (>1 week) postoperative seizures. Sixty-two of 97 patients (63.9 %) were seizure free for the entire postoperative follow-up period (29.5 ± 11.8 months), while 13 patients (13.4 %) still had frequent seizures at the end of follow-up. Fourteen of 97 patients (14.4 %) experienced early postoperative seizures, and emergence of new postoperative neurological deficits was the only significant risk factor (odds ratio = 7.377). Thirty-three patients (34.0 %) experienced late postoperative seizures at some time during follow-up, including 12 of 14 patients with early postoperative seizures. Associated risk factors for late postoperative seizures included tumor progression (odds ratio = 7.012) and new permanent postoperative neurological deficits (odds ratio = 4.327). Occurrence of postoperative seizures in patients with supratentorial meningioma and preoperative seizure was associated with new postoperative neurological deficits. Reduced cerebral or vascular injury during surgery may lead to fewer postoperative neurological deficits and better seizure outcome.

Antithrombotic treatment in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: a practical approach.

PubMed

Suárez Fernández, Carmen; Fernández, Suárez; Formiga, Francesc; Camafort, Miguel; Cepeda Rodrigo, María; Rodrigo, Jose Cepeda; Díez-Manglano, Jesús; Pose Reino, Antonio; Reino, Pose; Tiberio, Gregorio; Mostaza, Jose María

2015-11-04

Atrial fibrillation (AF) in the elderly is a complex condition. It has a direct impact on the underuse of antithrombotic therapy reported in this population. All patients aged ≥75 years with AF have an individual yearly risk of stroke >4 %. However, the risk of hemorrhage is also increased. Moreover, in this population it is common the presence of other comorbidities, cognitive disorders, risk of falls and polymedication. This may lead to an underuse of anticoagulant therapy. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are at least as effective as conventional therapy, but with lesser risk of intracranial hemorrhage. The simplification of treatment with these drugs may be an advantage in patients with cognitive impairment. The great majority of elderly patients with AF should receive anticoagulant therapy, unless an unequivocal contraindication. DOACs may be the drugs of choice in many elderly patients with AF. In this manuscript, the available evidence about the management of anticoagulation in elderly patients with AF is reviewed. In addition, specific practical recommendations about different controversial issues (i.e. patients with anemia, thrombocytopenia, risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal dysfunction, cognitive impairment, risk of falls, polymedication, frailty, etc.) are provided.

Outcome after surgery for acute aortic dissection type A in the elderly: a single-center experience.

PubMed

Berndt, Rouven; Haneya, Assad; Jussli-Melchers, Jill; Tautorat, Insa; Schmidt, Kirstin; Rahimi, Aziz; Cremer, Jochen; Schoeneich, Felix

2015-03-01

Despite improvements in surgical and perfusion techniques, surgery for acute aortic dissection type A (AADA) remains associated with high mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcome after surgery for AADA in elderly in comparison with the outcome in younger patients. Between January 2004 and December 2012, 204 patients underwent operation for AADA. Of these, 65 patients were aged 70 years and older (elderly group; range, 70-85 years) and 139 were younger than 70 years (younger group; range, 18-69 years). No significant differences were detected between the groups with regard to preoperative risk factors on admission. Significantly more number of elderly patients than younger underwent supracoronary replacement of the ascending aorta (93.8% versus 80.6%, p = 0.013). In comparison to the elderly patients, younger patients more frequently received complex surgery (Bentall and David operation). The mean extracorporeal circulation time (183 ± 62 minutes versus 158 ± 3 minutes; p = 0.003) and the mean aortic cross-clamp time (100 ± 45 minute versus 82 ± 30 minute; p = 0.006) were significantly higher for younger patients. No significant differences in postoperative complications and major morbidity were observed. The operative mortality (elderly group 4.6% versus younger group 1.4%; p = 0.33) and 30-day mortality (elderly group 18.5% versus younger group 8.6%; p = 0.06) were without statistical significance between the groups. Surgery for AADA in the elderly resulted in acceptable mortality. Satisfactory outcomes should encourage the offering of surgery in these patients. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Biosimilar epoetin for the management of chemotherapy-induced anemia in elderly patients

PubMed Central

Kurtz, Jean-Emmanuel; Soubeyran, Pierre; Michallet, Mauricette; Luporsi, Elisabeth; Albrand, Hélène

2016-01-01

Introduction Chemotherapy-induced anemia (CIA) is a frequent complication among cancer patients, with elderly patients more likely to suffer severe effects. Biosimilar erythropoiesis-stimulating agents lower costs of supportive cancer treatment, and thus are particularly relevant in the elderly cancer population, which is growing rapidly worldwide. The goal of this subanalysis was to compare the tolerability and effectiveness of an epoetin biosimilar for treating CIA in patients <70 years old vs patients ≥70 years old. Materials and methods The ORHEO observational trial enrolled patients with CIA (hemoglobin [Hb] <11 g/dL) in association with chemotherapy for solid tumors, lymphoma, or myeloma. Patients received an epoetin biosimilar and were evaluated at 3 and 6 months for response, defined as achieving target Hb without blood transfusions during the 3 weeks preceding measurement, Hb ≥10 g/dL, or Hb increase ≥1 g/dL since study enrollment. Secondary end points included changes in Hb level, treatment interruptions, transfusion rates, and adverse events. Results Among the 2,310 original patients, 1,301 <70 years old were compared to 1,009 ≥70 years old. Almost all patients (99.9%) received the biosimilar epoetin zeta (Retacrit). Patients in both groups responded well to treatment with biosimilar epoetin, with 79.8% and 84% responding at 3 months and 86.3% and 86.8% at 6 months among younger and elderly cohorts, respectively. Biosimilar epoetin therapy was well tolerated, with adverse events reported in only 17.6% and 16.4% of younger and elderly patients, respectively. A greater number of thromboembolic events and a lesser rate of infections were reported in the elderly, but were still lower than reported in clinical registration trials. No treatment fatalities occurred in either group. Conclusion Biosimilar epoetin was an effective and well-tolerated treatment for managing CIA in elderly cancer patients. PMID:27822071

Comparison of miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy and flexible ureterorenoscopy for moderate size renal stones in elderly patients.

PubMed

Ozgor, Faruk; Yanaral, Fatih; Savun, Metin; Ozdemir, Harun; Caglar, Ufuk; Sarilar, Omer

2018-06-01

Life expectancy has become longer, thus the number of elderly people who require treatment for nephrolithiasis has increased. We aimed to analyze the efficacy of flexible ureterorenoscopy (f-URS) and miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL) in the management of 10 and 30 mm renal stones in patients aged >60 years. In prospective non-randomized series, the data of patients who underwent f-URS or mPNL for kidney stones between July 2013 and July 2016 were analyzed. The procedure was accepted as successful if the patient was achieved complete stone clearance according to CT imaging between 1-3 months postoperatively. In total 60 patients and 58 patients were underwent f-URS and mPNL, respectively. The mean operation time, fluoroscopy time and hospitalization time were significantly shorter for the f-URS (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). According to Clavien classification system, complication rates were not significantly different between the groups (p = 0.673). The stone-free rate was 81.7% for the f-URS group and 77.6% for the mPNL group after a single-session procedure (p = 0.747). Calcium oxalate monohydrate stones were the most common stone type in both groups. In multivariate analysis, multiple stones localization was only independent factor to predict complications. Our study had showed that both f-URS and mPNL are effective treatment modalities for 10-30-mm renal stones in elderly patients. Additionally, presence of stones in multiple location was the only predictive factor for complication development. Copyright © 2017 Kaohsiung Medical University. Published by Elsevier Taiwan. All rights reserved.

Postoperative Compensatory Ammonium Excretion Subsequent to Systemic Acidosis in Cardiac Patients

PubMed Central

Roehrborn, Friederike; Dohle, Daniel-Sebastian; Tsagakis, Konstantinos; Jakob, Heinz

2017-01-01

Background Postoperative acid-base imbalances, usually acidosis, frequently occur after cardiac surgery. In most cases, the human body, not suffering from any severe preexisting illnesses regarding lung, liver, and kidney, is capable of transient compensation and final correction. The aim of this study was to correlate the appearance of postoperatively occurring acidosis with renal ammonium excretion. Materials and Methods Between 07/2014 and 10/2014, a total of 25 consecutive patients scheduled for elective isolated coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass were enrolled in this prospective observational study. During the operative procedure and the first two postoperative days, blood gas analyses were carried out and urine samples collected. Urine samples were analyzed for the absolute amount of ammonium. Results Of all patients, thirteen patients developed acidosis as an initial disturbance in the postoperative period: five of respiratory and eight of metabolic origin. Four patients with respiratory acidosis but none of those with metabolic acidosis subsequently developed a base excess > +2 mEq/L. Conclusion Ammonium excretion correlated with the increase in base excess. The acidosis origin seems to have a large influence on renal compensation in terms of ammonium excretion and the possibility of an overcorrection. PMID:28612026

Under-treatment of elderly patients with ovarian cancer: a population based study.

PubMed

Fourcadier, Elisabeth; Trétarre, Brigitte; Gras-Aygon, Claudine; Ecarnot, Fiona; Daurès, Jean-Pierre; Bessaoud, Faïza

2015-11-26

Ovarian cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women in France, and mainly affects the elderly. The primary objective of this study was to compare treatment of ovarian cancer according to age. All patients with invasive cancer (n=1151) diagnosed between 1997 and 2011 in the Herault Department of southern France were included. Demographic data (age, area of residence), cancer characteristics (stage, histology, grade) and treatment modality (type, period and location of treatment) were analysed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to compare treatment by age. Ovarian cancer was less treated in elderly compared to younger patients, regardless of the type of treatment. This difference was more pronounced for chemotherapy, and was maximal for surgery followed by chemotherapy (odds ratio (OR) for surgery for patients aged >70 vs those aged <70 years=0.47 [0.24-0.91], OR for chemotherapy, age>70 vs <70=0.30 [0.16-0.55] and OR for surgery plus chemotherapy, age>70 vs <70=0.14 [0.08-0.28]). This effect of age was independent of other variables, including stage and grade. The probability of receiving standard treatment, in accordance with recommendations, was reduced by 50% in elderly patients compared to their younger counterparts. Overall and net survival of elderly patients with standard treatment was similar to those of younger patients treated outside standard treatment. Elderly women with ovarian cancer were therapeutically disadvantaged compared to younger women. Further studies including co morbidities are necessary to refine these results and to improve therapeutic management of elderly patients with ovarian cancer.

Nutritional assessment of elderly patients on dialysis: pitfalls and potentials for practice.

PubMed

Rodrigues, Juliana; Cuppari, Lilian; Campbell, Katrina L; Avesani, Carla Maria

2017-11-01

The chronic kidney disease (CKD) population is aging. Currently a high percentage of patients treated on dialysis are older than 65 years. As patients get older, several conditions contribute to the development of malnutrition, namely protein energy wasting (PEW), which may be compounded by nutritional disturbances associated with CKD and from the dialysis procedure. Therefore, elderly patients on dialysis are vulnerable to the development of PEW and awareness of the identification and subsequent management of nutritional status is of importance. In clinical practice, the nutritional assessment of patients on dialysis usually includes methods to assess PEW, such as the subjective global assessment, the malnutrition inflammation score, and anthropometric and laboratory parameters. Studies investigating measures of nutritional status specifically tailored to the elderly on dialysis are scarce. Therefore, the same methods and cutoffs used for the general adult population on dialysis are applied to the elderly. Considering this scenario, the aim of this review is to discuss specific considerations for nutritional assessment of elderly patients on dialysis addressing specific shortcomings on the interpretation of markers, in addition to providing clinical practice guidance to assess the nutritional status of elderly patients on dialysis. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.

Study on elder abuse and neglect among patients in a medical college hospital, Bangalore, India.

PubMed

Nisha, Catherin; Manjaly, Steve; Kiran, Pretesh; Mathew, Betsy; Kasturi, Arvind

2016-01-01

Elder abuse and neglect is a problem that occurs across all settings and all populations. Elder abuse has many forms, such as abandonment, emotional or psychological abuse, financial or material exploitation, neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. We conducted this research to determine the prevalence of various types of abuse and neglect and their associated factors among elderly patients attending the urban and rural geriatric clinics at a medical college hospital in Bangalore, India. A total of 200 elderly patients participated in the study. The overall prevalence of elder abuse or neglect was 32 (16%), comprised of: verbal abuse in 25 (12.5%); neglect in 22 (11%); financial abuse in 17 (8.5%); and physical abuse in 3 (1.5%). Hence, many elderly patients had experienced multiple forms of abuse. There was statistically significant association between elder abuse and total financial dependence, lack of social support, and depression among the elderly patients.

Ten-year study of postoperative complications following dental extractions in patients with inherited bleeding disorders.

PubMed

Hsieh, J-T; Klein, K; Batstone, M

2017-09-01

Dental extractions challenge the body's haemostatic mechanism. Postoperative bleeding from dental extraction can be prolonged, or even life threatening in patients with inherited bleeding disorders. Pre- and postoperative clotting factor replacements or systemic desmopressin (ddAVP) have been advocated at our institution to prevent bleeding complications in these patients. This study aimed to assess the postoperative bleeding rate in patients with inherited bleeding disorders that underwent dental extractions at our institution between 2003 and 2012. Patients with inherited bleeding disorders such as haemophilia A, haemophilia B, and von Willebrand's disease were included. Retrospective chart review was conducted. The result showed 53 extraction events occurred in 45 patients over the 10-year period. Ten out of 53 extraction events (18.9%) had postoperative bleeding requiring further factor replacement or ddAVP. Postoperative bleeding in one patient with mild haemophilia A was complicated by the development of inhibitors. Type and severity of bleeding disorder, bone removal, and use of a local haemostatic agent did not have any significant effect on postoperative bleeding. Despite the use of perioperative factors and desmopressin, the postoperative bleeding rates remain high for patients with inherited bleeding disorders. More studies are required to assess the safety and effectiveness of using local haemostatic control to achieve haemostasis following extractions. Crown Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Preventive efficacy of ondansetron and granisetron for postoperative nausea and vomiting in high risk patients].

PubMed

Quan, Xiang; Zhu, Bo; Ye, Tie-hu

2011-08-01

To compare the efficacy of ondansetron and granisetron in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in high-risk patients. Totally 200 patients with three key risk factors for PONV (female, non-smoking and postoperative opioid use) were equally randomized into ondansetron group and granisetron group. Ondansetron (4 mg) or granisetron (3 mg) was intravenously administered upon the completion of surgery. The episodes of nausea and vomiting were observed for 24 hours after surgery. A significantly greater proportion of patients in granisetron group achieved a complete response (i.e., no PONV or rescue medication) during the first 24 hours postoperatively versus those in ondansetron group (62.6% vs. 46.9%, respectively; P=0.048). There were no significant differences in terms of postoperative nausea incidences (42.9% vs. 34.3%, respectively), postoperative vomiting incidences (25.5% vs. 20.2%, respectively) and postoperative rescue anti-emetics incidences (19.4% vs. 15.2%, respectively) (P>0.05). Granisetron is more effective than ondansetron in preventing PONV in high-risk patients during the first 24 hours postoperatively.

Is Early Enteral Nutrition Better for Postoperative Course in Esophageal Cancer Patients?

PubMed Central

Kobayashi, Kazuaki; Koyama, Yu; Kosugi, Shin-ichi; Ishikawa, Takashi; Sakamoto, Kaoru; Ichikawa, Hiroshi; Wakai, Toshifumi

2013-01-01

We retrospectively examined esophageal cancer patients who received enteral nutrition (EN) to clarify the validity of early EN compared with delayed EN. A total of 103 patients who underwent transthoracic esophagectomy with three-field lymphadenectomy for esophageal cancer were entered. Patients were divided into two groups; Group E received EN within postoperative day 3, and Group L received EN after postoperative day 3. The clinical factors such as days for first fecal passage, the dose of postoperative albumin infusion, differences of serum albumin value between pre- and postoperation, duration of systematic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), incidence of postoperative infectious complication, and use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) were compared between the groups. The statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney U test and Chi square test. The statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. Group E showed fewer days for the first fecal passage (p < 0.01), lesser dose of postoperative albumin infusion (p < 0.01), less use of TPN (p < 0.01), and shorter duration of SIRS (p < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. Early EN started within 3 days after esophagectomy. It is safe and valid for reduction of albumin infusion and TPN, for promoting early recovery of intestinal movement, and for early recovery from systemic inflammation. PMID:24067386

Evaluation of echocardiography in the management of elderly patients with heart failure.

PubMed

Hendry, A; Hacking, L; Langhorne, P; Vallance, R; MacDonald, J

1999-09-01

To determine the validity of a clinical diagnosis of systolic dysfunction in elderly patients with heart failure and assess the contribution of echocardiography to their management. 61 elderly patients with a diagnosis of heart failure in a geriatric assessment unit setting. Prospective study determining sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of a clinical and radiological diagnosis compared with echocardiographic standard. Proposed management was compared before and after echocardiography. Clinical assessment was highly sensitive (93%) but lacked specificity (32%). Combining radiological and clinical diagnoses increased specificity to 58%. Echocardiography revised the lead cardiac diagnosis for 28% of patients and influenced patient management plans for 41%. For elderly patients with heart failure, echocardiography improves diagnostic accuracy and identifies those patients with potential to benefit from angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.

[Nutritional status in elderly patients with a hip fracture].

PubMed

Pérez Durillo, F T; Ruiz López, M D; Bouzas, P R; Martín-Lagos, A

2010-01-01

Undernutrition is very common in elderly patients with a hip fracture. Malnutrition is associated with increased risk of complications after surgery. Few data exist about the presence of nutritional risk in these patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of undernutrition and the nutritional risk in elderly patients with a hip fracture admitted to a hospital. A cross sectional study assessing the nutritional status of 80 patients with hip fracture (mean age 80 years) was carried out. Functional capacity, anthropometric measurements, biochemical markers and dietary intake were evaluated. The Mini Nutritional Assessment test has been used to detect nutritional risk. 8.8% of patients were undernourished. 43.7% at risk of malnutrition and 47.5% well-nourished according to MNA test. If only BMI was considered the prevalence of malnutrition was 5%. Energy and micronutrient intake was low and could contribute to the development of complications after surgery. Our study shows a high prevalence of nutritional risk in elderly patients with a hip fracture. The inclusion of MNA in the preoperative evaluation could contribute to a better nutritional intervention during their stay in the hospital and to provide specific dietary advices to avoid malnutrition after surgery.

Radiotherapy of rectal cancer in elderly patients: Real-world data assessment in a decade.

PubMed

Diao, Peng; Langrand-Escure, Julien; Garcia, Max-Adrien; Espenel, Sophie; Rehailia-Blanchard, Amel; de Lavigerie, Blandine; Vial, Nicolas; de Laroche, Guy; Vallard, Alexis; Magné, Nicolas

2018-06-01

There is paucity of data on the efficacy and toxicity of radiotherapy in rectal cancer (RC) elderly patients. The objective was to identify management strategies and resulting outcomes in RC patients ≥70 years undergoing radiotherapy. A retrospective study included consecutive RC patients ≥70 years undergoing rectal radiotherapy. From 2004-2015, 340 RC patients underwent pre-operative (n = 238; 70%), post-operative (n = 41, 12%), or exclusive (n = 61, 18%) radiotherapy, with a median age of 78.5 years old (range: 70-96). Radiotherapy protocols were tailored, with 54 different radiotherapy programs (alteration of the total dose, and/or fractionation, and/or volume). Median follow-up was 27.1 months. Acute and late grade 3-4 radio-induced toxicities were reported in 3.5% and 0.9% of patients. Metastatic setting (OR = 6.60, CI95% 1.47-46.03, p = 0.02), exclusive radiotherapy (OR = 5.08, CI95% 1.48-18.21, p = 0.009), and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (OR = 6.42, CI95% 1.31-24.73, p = 0.01) were associated with grade ≥3 acute toxicities in univariate analysis. Exclusive radiotherapy (OR = 9.79, CI95% 2.49-43.18, p = 0.001) and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (OR = 12.62, CI95% 2.05-71.26, p = 0.003) were independent predictive factors of grade ≥3 acute toxicities in multivariate analysis. A complete pathological response was achieved in 12 out of 221 pre-operative patients (5.4%). Age, tumor stage, and surgery were independent predictive factors of survival in multivariate analysis. At end of follow-up, 7.1% of patients experienced local relapse. Radiotherapy for RC in elderly patients appeared safe and manageable, perhaps due to the tailoring of radiotherapy protocols. Tailored management resulted in acceptable rate of local tumor control. Copyright © 2018 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Respiratory muscle strength in relation to sarcopenia in elderly cardiac patients.

PubMed

Izawa, Kazuhiro P; Watanabe, Satoshi; Oka, Koichiro; Kasahara, Yusuke; Morio, Yuji; Hiraki, Koji; Hirano, Yasuyuki; Omori, Yutaka; Suzuki, Norio; Kida, Keisuke; Suzuki, Kengo; Akashi, Yoshihiro J

2016-12-01

Little information exists on the relation between respiratory muscle strength such as maximum inspiratory muscle pressure (MIP) and sarcopenia in elderly cardiac patients. The present study aimed to determine the differences in MIP, and cutoff values for MIP according to sarcopenia in elderly cardiac patients. We enrolled 63 consecutive elderly male patients aged ≥65 years with cardiac disease in this cross-sectional study. Sarcopenia was defined based on the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People algorithm, and, accordingly, the patients were divided into two groups: the sarcopenia group (n = 24) and non-sarcopenia group (n = 39). The prevalence of sarcopenia in cardiac patients and MIP in the patients with and without sarcopenia were assessed to determine cutoff values of MIP. After adjustment for body mass index, the MIP in the sarcopenia group was significantly lower than that in the non-sarcopenia group (54.7 ± 36.8 cmH 2 O; 95 % CI 42.5-72.6 vs. 80.7 ± 34.7 cmH 2 O; 95 % CI 69.5-92.0; F = 4.89, p = 0.029). A receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis of patients with and without sarcopenia identified a cutoff value for MIP of 55.6 cmH 2 O, with a sensitivity of 0.76, 1-specificity of 0.37, and AUC of 0.70 (95 % CI 0.56-0.83; p = 0.01) in the study patients. Compared with elderly cardiac patients without sarcopenia, MIP in those with sarcopenia may be negatively affected. The MIP cutoff value reported here may be a useful minimum target value for identifying elderly male cardiac patients with sarcopenia.

The Renal Histopathology Spectrum of Elderly Patients with Kidney Diseases

PubMed Central

Zhu, Ping; Zhou, Fu-de; Zhao, Ming-hui

2014-01-01

Abstract The elderly population has significantly increased in China. However, data regarding renal histopathology in this population is lacking. The present study retrospectively analyzed renal disease spectrum of 430 elderly patients who had received renal biopsy at Peking University First Hospital between January 2003 and December 2012. Among 6049 patients receiving renal biopsies during the same period, 430 (7.10%) were elderly (≥65 years). The ratio of male (263 patients) to female (167 patients) was 1.57:1, with an age of 70.29 ± 3.99 (range 65–82) years at the time of biopsy. The most common indication for renal biopsy was nephrotic syndrome (59.53%), followed by acute kidney injury (AKI, 19.53%) and chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN, 16.05%). The most common renal histopathology in primary glomerular disease was idiopathic membranous nephropathy (iMN, 61.02%), followed by IgA nephropathy (18.22%), minimal change disease (MCD, 9.32%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (6.78%). ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV, 43.95%) was the leading secondary glomerular disease, followed by HBV-related glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN, 24.2%), and amyloidosis (14.01%). In patients with nephrotic syndrome, iMN (50%) was the leading cause, followed by HBV-GN (16.02%), MCD (7.81%), and amyloidosis (7.81%). In patients with iMN, 89.5% presented as nephrotic syndrome, 8.39% as CGN. In patients with AKI, the leading cause was AAV (48.12%), followed by acute interstitial nephritis (20.48%) and acute tubular necrosis (8.43%). In conclusion, in elderly Chinese patients, the most common renal histopathology pattern was iMN in patients with nephrotic syndrome, and AAV in patients with AKI. PMID:25526441

Efficacy and safety of rotigotine in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease in comparison with the non-elderly: a post hoc analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.

PubMed

Nomoto, Masahiro; Iwaki, Hirotaka; Kondo, Hiroyuki; Sakurai, Masaya

2018-02-01

Rotigotine-a non-ergot dopamine agonist-has two advantages; it can stimulate all dopamine receptors (D1-D5) like innate dopamine, and its transdermal administration provides continuous dopaminergic stimulation. The age of the patient impacts the effect and adverse events of anti-parkinsonian treatment. We conducted a post hoc analysis on three randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials performed in Japan to clarify the difference of anti-parkinsonian treatment in elderly and non-elderly patients. Data from two combination therapy trials (with levodopa) in advanced stage Parkinson's disease patients and one monotherapy trial in early stage patients were pooled and grouped by age (non-elderly aged < 70, elderly aged 70 +). In each age group, efficacy of rotigotine was compared to placebo. In the combination therapy, total Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III scores and some subtotal scores, including those for tremor, akinesia and gait disturbance, significantly improved in both elderly and non-elderly patients. Regarding safety, the incidence of total adverse event tended to be lower in elderly patients than non-elderly patients, although it was not significant. No difference was observed in maintenance dosage of rotigotine between the two groups. In conclusion, the improvement in motor symptoms and frequency of adverse events were shown to be similar in elderly and non-elderly patients with rotigotine-levodopa combination therapy. Further, there was no major difference in maintenance dosage of rotigotine between the age groups. These results suggest good tolerability of rotigotine among elderly patients.

Poor preoperative nutritional status is an important predictor of the retardation of rehabilitation after cardiac surgery in elderly cardiac patients.

PubMed

Ogawa, Masato; Izawa, Kazuhiro P; Satomi-Kobayashi, Seimi; Kitamura, Aki; Ono, Rei; Sakai, Yoshitada; Okita, Yutaka

2017-04-01

Preoperative nutritional status and physical function are important predictors of mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery. However, the influence of nutritional status before cardiac surgery on physical function and the progress of postoperative rehabilitation requires clarification. To determine the effect of preoperative nutritional status on preoperative physical function and progress of rehabilitation after elective cardiac surgery. We enrolled 131 elderly patients with mean age of 73.7 ± 5.8 years undergoing cardiac surgery. We divided them into two groups by nutritional status as measured by the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI): high GNRI group (GNRI ≥ 92, n = 106) and low GNRI group (GNRI < 92, n = 25). Physical function was estimated by handgrip strength, knee extensor muscle strength (KEMS), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Progress of postoperative rehabilitation was evaluated by the number of days to independent walking after surgery, length of stay in the ICU, and length of hospital stay. After adjusting for potential confounding factors, preoperative handgrip strength (P = 0.034), KEMS (P = 0.009), SPPB (P < 0.0001), and 6MWT (P = 0.012) were all significantly better in the high GNRI group. Multiple regression analysis revealed that a low GNRI was an independent predictor of the retardation of postoperative rehabilitation. Preoperative nutritional status as assessed by the GNRI could reflect perioperative physical function. Preoperative poor nutritional status may be an independent predictor of the retardation of postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

Postoperative changes in sleep-disordered breathing and sleep architecture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PubMed

Chung, Frances; Liao, Pu; Yegneswaran, Balaji; Shapiro, Colin M; Kang, Weimin

2014-02-01

Anesthetics, analgesics, and surgery may profoundly affect sleep architecture and aggravate sleep-related breathing disturbances. The authors hypothesized that patients with preoperative polysomnographic evidence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) would experience greater changes in these parameters than patients without OSA. After obtaining approvals from the Institutional Review Boards, consented patients underwent portable polysomnography preoperatively and on postoperative nights (N) 1, 3, 5, and 7 at home or in hospital. The primary and secondary outcome measurements were polysomnographic parameters of sleep-disordered breathing and sleep architecture. Of the 58 patients completed the study, 38 patients had OSA (apnea hypopnea index [AHI] >5) with median preoperative AHI of 18 events per hour and 20 non-OSA patients had median preoperative AHI of 2. AHI was increased after surgery in both OSA and non-OSA patients (P < 0.05), with peak increase on postoperative N3 (OSA vs. non-OSA, 29 [14, 57] vs. 8 [2, 18], median [25th, 75th percentile], P < 0.05). Hypopnea index accounted for 72% of the postoperative increase in AHI. The central apnea index was low (median = 0) but was significantly increased on postoperative N1 in only non-OSA patients. Sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement sleep, and slow-wave sleep were decreased on N1 in both groups, with gradual recovery. Postoperatively, sleep architecture was disturbed and AHI was increased in both OSA and non-OSA patients. Although the disturbances in sleep architecture were greatest on postoperative N1, breathing disturbances during sleep were greatest on postoperative N3.

Severe drug interactions and potentially inappropriate medication usage in elderly cancer patients.

PubMed

Alkan, Ali; Yaşar, Arzu; Karcı, Ebru; Köksoy, Elif Berna; Ürün, Muslih; Şenler, Filiz Çay; Ürün, Yüksel; Tuncay, Gülseren; Ergün, Hakan; Akbulut, Hakan

2017-01-01

Due to more comorbidities, polypharmacy is common in elderly patients and drug interactions are inevitable. It is also challenging to treat an elderly patient with a diagnosis of cancer. Prevalence and clinical impacts of drug interactions and using potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) have been studied in geriatric patients. However, these are not well defined in oncology practice. The purpose of this study is to define the prevalence of PIMs and severe drug interactions (SDIs) in elderly cancer patients and investigate the factors associated with them. Patients more than 65 years of age in both inpatient and outpatient clinics were evaluated. Patient, disease characteristics, and medications used were collected by self reports and medical records. Drug interactions were checked with Lexicomp® and PIM was defined with 2012 update of Beers criteria. Severe drug interactions are defined with category D or X DIs. Logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between SDIs, PIMs, and clinical parameters. Four hundered and forty-five elderly patients (286 outpatient, 159 inpatient), with a median age of 70 (65-89) were evaluated. SDIs were present in 156 (35.1 %) of patients, 81 (28.3 %), and 75 (47.2 %) for outpatient and inpatients, respectively (p < 0.001). PIMs were present in 117 (26.6 %) of the patients, 40 (14.2 %), and 77(48.4 %) for outpatient and inpatients, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis; polypharmacy (≥5 drugs), inpatient status and diagnosis of lung cancer were associated with severe DIs. Polypharmacy, inpatient status, and bad performance score (ECOG 3-4) were associated with PIMs. Nearly one third of the elderly cancer patients are exposed to severe drug interactions and PIMs. Clinicians dealing with elderly cancer patients should be more cautious when prescribing/ planning drugs to this group of patients. More strategies should be developed in

Quality of Life in Elderly Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.

PubMed

Lavdaniti, Maria; Zyga, Sofia; Vlachou, Eugenia; Sapountzi-Krepia, Despina

2017-01-01

As life expectancy increases, it is expected that 60% of all cases of cancer will be detected in elderly patients in the next two decades. Cancer treatment for older persons is complicated by a number of factors, thus negatively affecting patients' quality of life. The purpose of this study is to investigate quality of life in elderly cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. This study was descriptive and non-experimental. It was conducted in one large hospital in a major city of Northern Greece. The sample was convenience comprising 53 elderly cancer patients undergoing cycle 3 chemotherapy. The data was collected using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy scale and included questions related to demographic and clinical characteristics. The majority of participants were men (n = 27, 50.9%) who were married (n = 32, 79.5%). Their mean age was 70.07 ± 3.60. Almost half of the sample (n = 30, 56.6%) had colon cancer. There was a statistical significant difference between men and women pertaining to physical wellbeing (p = 0.004) and overall quality of life (p < 0.001). When comparing each subscale with the patients' marital status it was found that there was a statistical difference with respect to social/family wellbeing (p = 0.029), functional wellbeing (p = 0.09) and overall quality of life (p < 0.001). Moreover, the type of cancer affected overall quality of life (p < 0.001) and social/family wellbeing (p = 0.029). These findings call attention to quality of life and its related factors in elderly cancer patients. It is highly recommended to envisage measures for improving quality of life in this group of cancer patients.

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cerebral oxygen and glucose metabolism in elderly patients with pre-existing cerebral ischemia.

PubMed

Xu, Lili; Hu, Zhiyong; Shen, Jianjun; McQuillan, Patrick M

2015-04-01

Cerebral injury caused by hypoperfusion during the perioperative period is one of the main causes of disability and death in patients after major surgery. No effective protective or preventative strategies have been identified. This study was designed to evaluate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on cerebral oxygen and glucose metabolism in elderly patients with known, pre-existing cerebral ischemia. Sixty ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) II-III patients, diagnosed with vertebral artery ischemia by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD), and scheduled for elective total hip replacement surgery, were enrolled in the study. They were randomly allocated to receive either 1mg/kg Ginkgo biloba extract (G group n=30) or normal saline (D group n=30) after induction of anesthesia. Blood samples were collected from radial artery and jugular venous bulb catheters for blood gas analysis and determination of glucose and lactate concentrations preoperatively, before surgical incision, at the end of surgery, and on post-op day 1. Arterial O2 content (CaO2), jugular venous O2 content (CjvO2), arteriovenous O2 content difference (Da-jvO2), cerebral oxygen extraction rate (CEO2), and arteriovenous glucose and lactate content differences (Da-jvGlu and Da-jvLac) were calculated. There were no significant differences in CaO2 or Da-jvGlu during surgery between groups (p>0.05). However, the Ginkgo group had higher CjvO2, internal jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2) and lower CEO2, Da-jvO2 and Da-jvLac at the end of surgery (T2) and on post-op day 1 (T3) than those in the control group (p<0.05). Ginkgo biloba extract can improve cerebral oxygen supply, decrease cerebral oxygen extraction rate and consumption, and help maintain the balance between cerebral oxygen supply and consumption. It has no effect, however, on cerebral glucose metabolism in elderly patients with known, pre-existing cerebral ischemia. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The Effects of Delirium Prevention Guidelines on Elderly Stroke Patients.

PubMed

Song, Jihye; Lee, Minkyung; Jung, Dukyoo

2017-07-01

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the delirium prevention interventions recommended by the Delirium Prevention Guidelines for Elderly Stroke Patients (DPGESP). The DPGESP comprises nine dimensions with 28 interventions, including risk factor assessment, orientation disorder prevention, sleeping pattern maintenance, sensory interventions, constipation, dehydration, hypoxia and infection prevention, pain management, and appropriate nutrition maintenance. This quasi-experimental study used a nonequivalent control group and a pretest-posttest design. The experimental and control groups each included 54 patients, and the participants were elderly patients who were admitted to the stroke unit. The study outcomes were the delirium incidence and severity, stroke impact, and length of hospitalization. Posttest values for delirium incidence, severity, stroke impact, and length of hospitalization were significantly improved in the experimental group. Implementation of the DPGESP had beneficial effects on the delirium incidence and severity, stroke impact, and length of hospitalization among elderly patients admitted to a stroke unit.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis: Preoperative Vedolizumab Treatment and Postoperative Complications in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PubMed

Law, Cindy C Y; Narula, Alisha; Lightner, Amy L; McKenna, Nicholas P; Colombel, Jean-Frederic; Narula, Neeraj

2018-04-27

The impact of vedolizumab, a gut-selective monoclonal antibody, on postoperative outcomes is unclear. This study aimed to assess the impact of preoperative vedolizumab treatment on the rate of postoperative complications in patients with inflammatory bowel disease [IBD] undergoing abdominal surgery. A systematic search of multiple electronic databases from inception until May 2017 identified studies reporting rates of postoperative complications in vedolizumab-treated IBD patients compared to no biologic exposure or anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) treated IBD patients. Outcomes of interest included postoperative infectious complications and overall postoperative complications. Pooled risk ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using the random-effects model. Five studies comprising 307 vedolizumab-treated IBD patients, 490 anti-TNF-treated IBD patients and 535 IBD patients not exposed to preoperative biologic therapy were included. The risk of postoperative infectious complications (risk ratio [RR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-2.65) and overall postoperative complications [RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.46-2.15] were not significantly different between vedolizumab-treated patients and those who received no preoperative biologic therapy. In addition, the risk of postoperative infectious complications [RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.34-2.90] and overall postoperative complications [RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.44-1.92] were not significantly different between vedolizumab-treated vs anti-TNF-treated patients. Preoperative vedolizumab treatment in IBD patients does not appear to be associated with an increased risk of postoperative infectious or overall postoperative complications compared to either preoperative anti-TNF therapy or no biologic therapy. Future prospective studies which include perioperative drug level monitoring are needed to confirm these findings.

Determinants of Regret in Elderly Dialysis Patients.

PubMed

Tan, Edlyn Gui Fang; Teo, Irene; Finkelstein, Eric A; Chan, Choong Meng

2018-05-07

In Singapore, most elderly end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients choose dialysis over palliative management. However, dialysis may not be the optimal treatment option given only moderate survival benefits and high costs and treatment burden compared to non-dialysis management. Elderly patients may therefore come to regret this decision. This study investigated (1) extent of patients' decision regret after starting dialysis, and (2) potentially modifiable predictors of regret: satisfaction with chronic kidney disease education, decisional conflict, and decision-making involvement. Cross-sectional study of 103 dialysis patients above 70 years old surveyed at Singapore General Hospital's renal medicine clinics between March and June 2017. Participants reported their levels of decision regret on the Decision Regret Scale (DRS), retrospective decisional conflict on the Decisional Conflict Scale, information satisfaction, and decision-making involvement. 81% of participants reported no decision regret (DRS score <50), 11% ambivalence (DRS =50), and 8% regret (DRS >50). In individual DRS items, 19% felt dialysis had done them harm and 16% would not make the same decision again. In multivariable analyses, lower information satisfaction [b = -0.07 (95% CI: -0.13, -0.01)] and decisional conflict [b = 0.004 (95% CI: 0.002, 0.006)] were significantly associated with decision regret. Although majority of elderly dialysis patients were comfortable with their decision to start dialysis, a proportion was ambivalent or regretted this choice. Regret was more likely among those who experienced decisional conflict and/or expressed poorer information satisfaction. Healthcare professionals should recognize these risk factors and take steps to minimize chances of regret among this population subset. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Obesity Does Not Impact Perioperative or Postoperative Outcomes in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

PubMed

Guardado, Jesse; Carchman, Evie; Danicic, Ashley E; Salgado, Javier; Watson, Andrew R; Celebrezze, James P; Medich, David S; Holder-Murray, Jennifer

2016-04-01

While the prevalence of obesity in IBD patients is rapidly increasing, it is unclear if obesity impacts surgical outcomes in this population. We aim to investigate the effects of BMI on perioperative and postoperative outcomes in IBD patients by stratifying patients into BMI groups and comparing outcomes between these groups. This is a retrospective cohort study where IBD patients who underwent intestinal surgeries between the years of 2000 to 2014 were identified. The patients were divided into groups based on BMI: underweight (BMI <18.5), normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9), overweight (BMI 25-29.9), and obese (BMI ≥30). Preoperative patient demographics, operative variables, and postoperative complications were collected and compared between BMI groups. A total of 391 surgeries were reviewed (34 underweight, 187 normal weight, 105 overweight, and 65 obese) from 325 patients. No differences were observed in preoperative patient demographics, type of IBD, preoperative steroid or biologic mediator use, or mean laboratory values. No differences were observed in percent operative procedures with anastomosis, surgeries converted to open, estimated blood loss, intraoperative complications, and median operative time. Thirty-day postoperative complication rates including total complications, wound infection, or anastomotic leak were similar between groups. There was a statistically significant increased postoperative bleeding risk (p = 0.029) in underweight patients. The relative percent for increased postoperative bleeding risk between BMI groups was as follows: 2.9% in underweight, zero in normal weight, 2.9% in overweight, and zero in obese. Obesity does not appear to impact intraoperative variables nor does obesity appear to worsen postoperative complication rates in IBD patients.

Prognosis of delirium in elderly hospital patients.

PubMed Central

Cole, M G; Primeau, F J

1993-01-01

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognosis of delirium in elderly patients. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE was searched for relevant articles published from January 1980 to March 1992. The bibliographies of identified articles were searched for additional references. STUDY SELECTION: Eight reports (involving 573 patients with delirium) met the following inclusion criteria: original research, published in English or French, prospective study design, diagnosis based on acute deterioration in mental state, sample of at least 20 patients, patients aged 60 years or over and follow-up of at least 1 week. The validity of the studies was independently assessed according to the criteria for prognostic studies established by McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont. No study met all the criteria. DATA EXTRACTION: Information about the patient sample, length of follow-up and results was systematically abstracted from each report and tabulated. DATA SYNTHESIS: A meta-analysis of the outcomes indicated that elderly patients with delirium had a mean length of stay of 20.7 days. One month after admission 46.5% were in institutions, and 14.2% had died; only 54.9% had improved mentally. Six months after admission 43.2% were in institutions. Compared with unmatched control subjects they had longer hospital stays, higher mortality rates at 1 month and higher rates of institutional care at 1 and 6 months. The presence of severe physical illness or dementia may have been related to some outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Delirium in the elderly appears to have a poor prognosis. However, this finding may have been confounded by the presence of concomitant dementia or severe physical illness. Future studies must pay attention to methods and design, particularly the composition of study populations and the control of extraneous prognostic factors. PMID:8319153

Postoperative wound infections after a proctectomy—Patient experiences

PubMed Central

Andersson, Kristin; Koinberg, Inga-Lill; Wennström, Berith

2016-01-01

Poor perineal wound healing and infections after proctectomy surgery cause a significant proportion of physical and psychological morbidities, such as pain, leakage, and abscesses. In the long run, some of these symptoms will lead to extended periods of hospitalization. These kinds of postoperative complications are also associated with delays in possible chemotherapy treatment. The aim of this study was to describe patient experiences of perineal wound infections following proctectomy due to rectal cancer, and the importance of the communication with and the self-care support from the nurse for these patients. Five women and five men (61–87 years, median age 71 years) were included and interviewed. A qualitative content analysis of the interviews was carried out and the following main categories emerged: “Managing postoperative complications,” “Being independent,” “Feeling safe,” and “Accepting the situation.” A perineal wound infection after a proctectomy is devastating for the individual patient. The limitations and changes to the patients’ lives turn into new daily routines, which force them to find new ways to live and to accept the situation. For many of them, the infections remained for several months and, sometimes, for years. The ability to lead an independent life is drastically reduced, but through continuity in care it is possible to create a feeling of safety. Information, communication, and self-care support are all important and valuable factors for recovery. Specialized care containing an action plan is therefore needed in clinical practice to reduce the number of perineal wound infections postoperatively and should be initiated when the patient is discharged from the ward and continue until recovery. PMID:26900139

Pain in the Frail or Elderly Patient: Does Tapentadol Have a Role?

PubMed

Veal, Felicity C; Peterson, Gregory M

2015-06-01

Persistent pain affects the elderly disproportionally, occurring in 50% of elderly community-dwelling patients and 80% of aged care residents. The management of pain in the elderly and frail patient is complicated because of the risks posed by changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, polypharmacy, and drug-disease interactions. Trials evaluating the efficacy of analgesics have often excluded elderly patients and universally excluded frail patients; therefore, the true efficacy and side-effect profiles in these population groups are largely unknown, especially for long-term use. A stepwise approach is recommended to managing pain, commencing with paracetamol and adding on opioids when needed to manage pain. However, because of the short duration of clinical trials, exclusion of frail patients, and minimal inclusion of elderly patients, the decision as to which opioid should be added on to paracetamol is a difficult one. This article reviews the evidence surrounding a newer opioid, tapentadol. Tapentadol acts on both the mu receptors and on neuronal reuptake of noradrenaline, and has no significant analgesically active metabolites, which theoretically presents some advantages, particularly in comparison with tramadol. However, the evidence to support tapentadol is weak and the trials were often methodologically poor and sponsored almost universally by the drug company. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of tapentadol over other opioids, which have been on the market longer, are less expensive, and have better established safety profiles. As a first-line agent after the failure of paracetamol alone, morphine, oxycodone, fentanyl, or buprenorphine are still the preferred evidence-based choices for add-on opioid therapy for elderly or frail patients.

[Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in elderly patients].

PubMed

Castro Vilela, María Elena; Quílez Pina, Raquel María; Bonafonte Marteles, José Luis; Morlanes Navarro, Teresa; Calvo Gracia, Fernando

2014-01-01

To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) according to the definitions of the National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and its relation to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in hospitalized elderly patients. This descriptive and prospective study (February-March 2011) included 200 consecutive patients hospitalized in a Geriatric Department. Sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical data was collected. The prevalence of MS was 65% (NCEP-ATP III) and 67.5% (IDF) and was greater in women (NCEP-ATP III=72.8%, IDF=73.6%) than in men (NCEP-ATP III=50.7%; IDF=56.3%). The mean age of patients diagnosed with MS by both diagnostic criteria were similar: 84.7 years. MS was not associated with an increased prevalence of CVD. MS is highly prevalent in elderly hospitalized patients, being higher in women, with both diagnostic criteria (NCEP- ATP III and IDF). In our population the MS was not associated with an increased prevalence of CVD. Copyright © 2013 SEGG. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Postoperative ambulation in thoracic surgery patients: standard versus modern ambulation methods.

PubMed

Nesbitt, Jonathan C; Deppen, Stephen; Corcoran, Richard; Cogdill, Shari; Huckabay, Sarah; McKnight, Drew; Osborne, Breanne F; Werking, Kristin; Gardner, Megan; Perrigo, Laurel

2012-01-01

A single-subject study of two methods of postoperative ambulation of patients recovering from thoracic surgery. During the postoperative setting, patients are often burdened by their condition that reduces their ability to ambulate. This problem is compounded by the addition of devices that make walking more cumbersome. To simplify the process of ambulation during the postoperative period, an intravenous pole/walker (IVPW) was specifically designed to allow all patient devices and attachments to accompany the patient during ambulation, without the need for supplemental caregiver assistance. The IVPW method of ambulation was compared with standard method of ambulation (SMA) in a single-subject clinical trial. Thirty-nine consecutive thoracic surgery patients with at least an IV and chest tube were ambulated using alternatively either the IVPW or the SMA. Immediately following the ambulation periods, the patient and patient's health care worker assessed both methods using satisfaction surveys consisting of several questions about the episodes of ambulation and the number of health care workers needed to assist during ambulation. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the ability of the IVPW to provide support and assist in ambulation in comparison with the SMA (p < 0·001). Nurses felt the IVPW both facilitated and provided a safer method for ambulation compared with the SMA (p < 0·001). On average, one less employee was required during ambulation with the IVPW (p < 0·001). The IVPW provided better support and was perceived as a safer method for ambulation compared with the SMA. The IVPW also required one less person to assist with ambulation. Facilitation of ambulation in the postoperative setting can impact nursing care and patient satisfaction. © 2012 The Authors. Nursing in Critical Care © 2012 British Association of Critical Care Nurses.

Intrathecal morphine for postoperative analgesia in patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion.

PubMed

Tripi, Paul A; Poe-Kochert, Connie; Potzman, Jennifer; Son-Hing, Jochen P; Thompson, George H

2008-09-15

A retrospective study of postoperative pain management with intrathecal morphine. Identify the dosing regimen of intrathecal morphine that safely and effectively provides postoperative analgesia with minimal complications in patients with idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion (PSF) and segmental spinal instrumentation (SSI). Postoperative pain after surgery for idiopathic scoliosis is a concern. Intrathecal morphine has been used to decrease pain. However, the most appropriate dose has not been determined. We retrospectively analyzed 407 consecutive patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent PSF and SSI at our institution from 1992 through 2006. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the intrathecal morphine dose: no dose (n = 68); moderate dose of 9 to 19 microg/kg, mean 14 microg/kg (n = 293); and high dose of 20 microg/kg or greater, mean 24 microg/kg (n = 46). Data included demographics, Wong-Baker visual analog scale postoperative pain scores, postoperative intravenous morphine requirements, time to first rescue dose of intravenous morphine, and postoperative complications of pruritus, nausea/vomiting, respiratory depression, and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission. The demographics of the 3 study groups showed no statistical differences. The mean Wong-Baker visual analog scale pain score in the post anesthesia care unit was 5.2, 0.5, and 0.2, and the mean time to first morphine rescue was 6.6, 16.7, and 22.9 hours, respectively. In the first 48 postoperative hours, respiratory depression occurred in 1 (1.5%), 8 (2.7%), and 7 (15.2%) patients, whereas PICU admission occurred in 0 (0%), 6 (2%), and 8 (17.4%) patients, respectively. The majority of PICU admissions were the result of respiratory depression. Frequency of pruritus and nausea/vomiting was similar in all 3 groups. Intrathecal morphine in the moderate dose range of 9 to 19 microg/kg (mean 14 microg/kg), provides safe and effective postoperative analgesia in the

[Diagnostics of acute myocardial infarction in elderly patients].

PubMed

Bahrmann, P; Heppner, H J; Bahrmann, A; Christ, M; Bertsch, T; Sieber, C C

2011-06-01

The early diagnosis of an acute myocardial infarction (MI) is improved by the introduction of novel high-sensitivity troponin assays. These assays can measure low level myocardial injury not detectable by standard troponin assays. Especially in older patients who appear to have a higher basal troponin level, the results must always be judged in the context of the medical history, physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG) and any further findings. Even small increases in high-sensitivity troponin indicate increased risk for death or MI during follow-up. In the case of MI an invasive strategy results in better survival rates compared with conservative therapy but at the expense of an increased risk of bleeding in elderly patients. This article provides an overview on the diagnosis of MI in elderly patients.

Assessment of post-operative pain management among acutely and electively admitted patients - a Swedish ward perspective.

PubMed

Magidy, Mahnaz; Warrén-Stomberg, Margareta; Bjerså, Kristofer

2016-04-01

Swedish health care is regulated to involve the patient in every intervention process. In the area of post-operative pain, it is therefore important to evaluate patient experience of the quality of pain management. Previous research has focused on mapping this area but not on comparing experiences between acutely and electively admitted patients. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of post-operative pain management quality among acutely and electively admitted patients at a Swedish surgical department performing soft-tissue surgery. A survey study design was used as a method based on a multidimensional instrument to assess post-operative pain management: Strategic and Clinical Quality Indicators in Postoperative Pain Management (SCQIPP). Consecutive patients at all wards of a university hospital's surgical department were included. Data collection was performed at hospital discharge. In total, 160 patients participated, of whom 40 patients were acutely admitted. A significant difference between acutely and electively admitted patients was observed in the SCQIPP area of environment, whereas acute patients rated the post-operative pain management quality lower compared with those who were electively admitted. There may be a need for improvement in the areas of post-operative pain management in Sweden, both specifically and generally. There may also be a difference in the experience of post-operative pain quality between acutely and electively admitted patients in this study, specifically in the area of environment. In addition, low levels of the perceived quality of post-operative pain management among the patients were consistent, but satisfaction with analgesic treatment was rated as good. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Risk of Postoperative Complications Among Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Treated Preoperatively With Vedolizumab.

PubMed

Yamada, Akihiro; Komaki, Yuga; Patel, Nayan; Komaki, Fukiko; Aelvoet, Arthur S; Tran, Anthony L; Pekow, Joel; Dalal, Sushila; Cohen, Russell D; Cannon, Lisa; Umanskiy, Konstantin; Smith, Radhika; Hurst, Roger; Hyman, Neil; Rubin, David T; Sakuraba, Atsushi

2017-09-01

Vedolizumab is increasingly used to treat patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), however, its safety during the perioperative period remains unclear. We compared the 30-day postoperative complications among patients treated preoperatively with vedolizumab, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents or non-biological therapy. The retrospective study cohort was comprised of patients receiving vedolizumab, anti-TNF-α agents or non-biological therapy within 4 weeks of surgery. The rates of 30-day postoperative complications were compared between groups using univariate and multivariate analysis. Propensity score-matched analysis was performed to compare the outcome between groups. Among 443 patients (64 vedolizumab, 129 anti-TNF-α agents, and 250 non-biological therapy), a total of 144 patients experienced postoperative complications (32%). In multivariate analysis, age >65 (odds ratio (OR) 3.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30-9.76) and low-albumin (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.28-4.00) were associated with increased risk of 30-day postoperative complications. For infectious complications, steroid use (OR 3.67, 95% CI 1.57-8.57, P=0.003) and low hemoglobin (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.32-6.96, P=0.009) were associated with increased risk in multivariate analysis. Propensity score matched analysis demonstrated that the risks of postoperative complications were not different among patients preoperatively receiving vedolizumab, anti-TNF-α agents or non-biological therapy (UC, P=0.40; CD, P=0.35). In the present study, preoperative vedolizumab exposure did not affect the risk of 30-day postoperative complications in UC and CD. Further, larger studies are required to confirm our findings.

Pectus Excavatum and Pectus Carinatum: Associated Conditions, Family History, and Postoperative Patient Satisfaction.

PubMed

Kuru, Pinar; Cakiroglu, Aylin; Er, Aynur; Ozbakir, Hincal; Cinel, Ali Emin; Cangut, Busra; Iris, Merve; Canbaz, Berkay; Pıçak, Ebru; Yuksel, Mustafa

2016-02-01

Pectus excavatum (PE) and pectus carinatum (PC) are the most common chest wall deformities. In this study, we aimed to characterize how patients obtained information about these deformities, as well as patients' family history, associated medical problems, and postoperative satisfaction after the Nuss and Abramson procedures. This cross-sectional retrospective study included patients who were operated by a single surgeon between 2006 and 2013. Follow-up calls were made after approval of our institution's ethics committee. We reached 207 of the 336 PE patients (61.6%) and 73 of the 96 PC patients (76%). The majority of the patients were male (85% of the PE patients and 91.8% of the PC patients). The age of diagnosis of PE was 14.52±0.51 years and the age at the time of operation was 17.89±0.42 years; for PC patients, the corresponding ages were 15.23±0.55 years and 16.77±0.55 years, respectively. A total of 70% of the PE patients and 63.8% of the PC patients obtained information about pectus deformities through the Internet. In 27.1% of the PE patients with an associated anomaly, 57.1% (n=13) had scoliosis, while 41.1% of the PC patients with an associated anomaly had kyphosis (n=5). Postoperative satisfaction, as evaluated on a scale from 0 to 10, was 8.17±0.15 for PE patients and 8.37±0.26 for PC patients. The postoperative pain duration was 51.93±5.18 days for PE patients and 38.5±6.88 days for PC patients. In this study, we found that most patients with pectus deformities were male. The Internet was an important resource for patients to learn about their deformities. Family history and associated anomalies were identified as important aspects for consideration in the clinical setting. The patients reported high levels of postoperative satisfaction, and pain management was found to be one of the most important elements of postoperative care.