Sample records for patients undergoing elective

  1. Postoperative outcomes in patients with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order undergoing elective procedures.

    PubMed

    Brovman, Ethan Y; Walsh, Elisa C; Burton, Brittany N; Kuo, Christine E; Lindvall, Charlotta; Gabriel, Rodney A; Urman, Richard D

    2018-05-18

    Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) status has been shown to be an independent risk factor for mortality in the post-operative period. Patients with DNR orders often undergo elective surgeries to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life, but there are limited data on outcomes for informed decision making. Retrospective cohort study. A multi-institutional setting including operating room, postoperative recovery area, inpatient wards, and the intensive care unit. A total of 566 patients with a DNR status and 316,431 patients without a DNR status undergoing elective procedures using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP) from 2012. Patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. We analyzed the risk-adjusted 30-day morbidity and mortality outcomes for the matched DNR and non-DNR cohorts undergoing elective surgeries. DNR patients had significantly increased odds of 30-day mortality (OR 2.51 [1.55-4.05], p < 0.001) compared with non-DNR patients. In the DNR versus non-DNR cohort there was no significant difference in the occurrence of a number of 30-day complications, the rate of resuscitative measures undertaken, including cardiac arrest requiring CPR, reintubation, or return to the OR. The most common complications in both DNR and non-DNR patients undergoing elective procedures were transfusion, urinary tract infection, reoperation, and sepsis. Finally, the DNR patients had a significantly increased total length of hospital stay (7.65 ± 9.55 vs. 6.87 ± 9.21 days, p = 0.002). DNR patients, as compared with non-DNR patients, have increased post-operative mortality but not morbidity, which may arise from unmeasured severity of illness or transition to comfort care in accordance with a patient's wishes. The informed consent process for elective surgeries in this patient population should include a discussion of acceptable operative risk. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Effect of marital status on the outcome of patients undergoing elective or urgent coronary revascularization.

    PubMed

    Barbash, Israel M; Gaglia, Michael A; Torguson, Rebecca; Minha, Sa'ar; Satler, Lowell F; Pichard, Augusto D; Waksman, Ron

    2013-10-01

    Marriage confers various health advantages in the general population. However, the added value of marriage among patients who undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) beyond the standard cardiovascular risk factors is not clear. This study aimed to assess the effects of marital status on outcomes of patients undergoing elective or urgent PCI. Clinical observational analysis of consecutive patients undergoing elective or urgent PCI from 1993 to 2011 was performed. Patients were stratified by marital status, comparing married to unmarried patients. Clinical outcome up to 12 months was obtained by telephone contact or office visit. A total of 11,216 patients were included in the present analysis; 55% were married and 45% unmarried. Significant differences in baseline characteristics were noted, including a lower prevalence of hypertension (86% vs 88%), diabetes (34% vs 38%), and smoking (19% vs 25%) among married vs unmarried patients, respectively (P < .001). However, married patients had a higher prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and family history of coronary artery disease. Early and late major adverse cardiac event rates were significantly lower for married vs unmarried patients up to 1 year (13.3% vs 8.2%, P < .001). Married status was independently associated with improved outcome in multivariable analysis (hazard ratio 0.7, 95% CI 0.6-0.9). Married patients who undergo urgent or elective PCI have superior short- and long-term outcomes up to 1 year when compared with unmarried patients. These benefits persist after adjustment for multiple traditional cardiovascular risk factors. © 2013.

  3. Prevalence of unrecognized diabetes, prediabetes and metabolic syndrome in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

    PubMed

    Balakrishnan, Revathi; Berger, Jeffrey S; Tully, Lisa; Vani, Anish; Shah, Binita; Burdowski, Joseph; Fisher, Edward; Schwartzbard, Arthur; Sedlis, Steven; Weintraub, Howard; Underberg, James A; Danoff, Ann; Slater, James A; Gianos, Eugenia

    2015-09-01

    Diabetes mellitus (DM) and metabolic syndrome are important targets for secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease. However, the prevalence in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention is not well defined. We aimed to analyse the prevalence and characteristics of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with previously unrecognized prediabetes, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Data were collected from 740 patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention between November 2010 and March 2013 at a tertiary referral center. Prevalence of DM and prediabetes was evaluated using Haemoglobin A1c (A1c ≥ 6.5% for DM, A1c 5.7-6.4% for prediabetes). A modified definition was used for metabolic syndrome [three or more of the following criteria: body mass index ≥30 kg/m2; triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL; high density lipoprotein <40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women; systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg and/or diastolic ≥ 85 mmHg; and A1c ≥ 5.7% or on therapy]. Mean age was 67 years, median body mass index was 28.2 kg/m(2) and 39% had known DM. Of those without known DM, 8.3% and 58.5% met A1c criteria for DM and for prediabetes at time of percutaneous coronary intervention. Overall, 54.9% met criteria for metabolic syndrome (69.2% of patients with DM and 45.8% of patients without DM). Among patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention, a substantial number were identified with a new DM, prediabetes, and/or metabolic syndrome. Routine screening for an abnormal glucometabolic state at the time of revascularization may be useful for identifying patients who may benefit from additional targeting of modifiable risk factors. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  4. Comparison of ovarian stimulation response in patients with breast cancer undergoing ovarian stimulation with letrozole and gonadotropins to patients undergoing ovarian stimulation with gonadotropins alone for elective cryopreservation of oocytes†.

    PubMed

    Pereira, Nigel; Hancock, Kolbe; Cordeiro, Christina N; Lekovich, Jovana P; Schattman, Glenn L; Rosenwaks, Zev

    2016-10-01

    The primary objective of this study is to compare the oocyte yield in breast cancer patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS) using letrozole and gonadotropins with patients undergoing COS with standard gonadotropins for elective cryopreservation of oocytes. Odds ratios (OR) for the number of mature oocytes were estimated. Pregnancy outcomes for breast cancer patients undergoing frozen-thawed 2-PN embryo transfers (FETs) after oncologic treatment were also noted. 220 and 451 cycles were identified in the breast cancer and the elective cryopreservation groups, respectively. Patients in the former group had lower peak estradiol levels [464.5 (315.5-673.8) pg/mL] compared to the latter [1696 (1058-2393) pg/mL; p < 0.01]. More oocytes were retrieved in the breast cancer group (12.3 ± 3.99) compared to the elective cryopreservation group (10.9 ± 3.86; p < 0.01). The odds for mature oocytes with letrozole and gonadotropins was 2.71 (95% CI 1.29-5.72; p = 0.01). Fifty-six FETs occurred in the breast cancer group. The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates per FET cycle were 39.7%, and 32.3%, respectively. Our findings suggest that COS with letrozole and gonadotropins yield more mature oocytes at lower estradiol levels compared to COS with gonadotropins alone. Breast cancer patients undergoing FET after oncologic treatment have live birth rates comparable to age-matched counterparts.

  5. Association Between Baseline Affective Disorders and 30-Day Readmission Rates in Patients Undergoing Elective Spine Surgery.

    PubMed

    Adogwa, Owoicho; Elsamadicy, Aladine A; Mehta, Ankit I; Vasquez, Raul A; Cheng, Joseph; Karikari, Isaac O; Bagley, Carlos A

    2016-10-01

    There is a growing understanding of the prevalence and impact of affective disorders on perception of health status in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. However, the role of these disorders in early readmission is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of psychiatric comorbidities on 30-day all-cause readmissions after elective spine surgery. The medical records of 400 patients undergoing elective spine surgery at a major academic medical center were reviewed, of which 107 patients had comprehensive 1- and 2-year patient-reported outcomes data. We identified all unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. The prevalence of affective disorders, such as depression and anxiety, were also assessed. All-cause readmissions within 30 days of discharge was the primary outcome variable. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Approximately 6% of patients in this study were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. The rate of readmission was 3-fold more for individuals with a psychiatric comorbidity compared with those without a psychiatric comorbidity (10.34% vs. 3.84%, P = 0.03). In a univariate analysis, race, body mass index, gender, patient age, smoking, diabetes, and fusion levels were associated with increased 30-day readmission rates. However, in a multivariate logistic regression model, depression was an independent predictor of readmission within 30 days of discharge. In addition, there was no significant difference in baseline, 1- and 2-year patient-reported outcomes measures between groups. Our study suggests that psychologic disorders, like depression and anxiety, are independently associated with higher all-cause 30-day readmission rates after elective spine surgery. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. A pilot randomized trial of pentoxifylline for the reduction of periprocedural myocardial injury in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.

    PubMed

    Aslanabadi, Naser; Shirzadi, Hamid Reza; Asghari-Soufi, Hossein; Dousti, Samaneh; Ghaffari, Samad; Sohrabi, Bahram; Mashayekhi, Simin Ozar; Hamishehkar, Hadi; Entezari-Maleki, Taher

    2015-02-01

    Periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has received great attention due to its significant association with mortality and morbidity. Accordingly, cardioprotection during PCI is one of the important therapeutic concerns. Regarding the potential cardiovascular benefits of pentoxifylline this study was performed to evaluate whether the pretreatment pentoxifylline could reduce PMI in patients who are undergoing elective PCI. A randomized clinical trial on 85 patients undergoing elective PCI was performed. The intervention group (n = 41) received 1200 mg pentoxifylline in divided doses plus the standard treatment before PCI, while the control group (n = 44) received the standard treatment. For assessing myocardial damage during PCI, the levels of CK-MB and troponin-I were measured at baseline, 8, and 24 h after the procedure. Then, patients were followed up for a 1-month period regarding the major adverse cardiac effect. Comparing with the control group, no significant change of CK-MB at 8 (p = 0.315) and 24 h (p = 0.896) after PCI was documented in pentoxifylline group. Similarly, no significant change was found in troponin-I at 8 (p = 0.141) and 24 h (p = 0.256) after PCI. This study could not support the pretreatment with pentoxifylline in the prevention of PMI in patients undergoing elective PCI. However, the trend was toward the potential benefit of pentoxifylline.

  7. Population pharmacokinetics of intravenous acetaminophen in Japanese patients undergoing elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Imaizumi, Tsuyoshi; Obara, Shinju; Mogami, Midori; Iseki, Yuzo; Hasegawa, Makiko; Murakawa, Masahiro

    2017-06-01

    Intravenous (i.v.) acetaminophen is administered during surgery for postoperative analgesia. However, little information is available on the pharmacokinetics of i.v. acetaminophen in Japanese patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and registered at UMIN-CTR (UMIN000013418). Patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent. During surgery, 1 g of i.v. acetaminophen was administered over 15, 60, or 120 min. Acetaminophen concentrations (15 or 16 samples per case) were measured at time points from 0-480 min after the start of administration (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/tandem mass spectrometry; limit of quantitation 0.1 μg/mL). The predictive performance of three published pharmacokinetic models was evaluated. Population pharmacokinetics were also analyzed using a nonlinear mixed-effect model based on the NONMEM program. Data from 12 patients who underwent endoscopic or lower limb procedures were analyzed (male/female = 7/5, median age 55 years, weight 63 kg). Anesthesia was maintained with remifentanil and propofol or sevoflurane. The pharmacokinetic model of i.v. acetaminophen reported by Würthwein et al. worked well. Using 185 datapoints, the pharmacokinetics of i.v. acetaminophen were described by a two-compartment model with weight as a covariate but not age, sex, or creatinine clearance. The median prediction error and median absolute prediction error of the final model were -1 and 10%, respectively. A population pharmacokinetic model of i.v. acetaminophen in Japanese patients was constructed, with performance within acceptable ranges.

  8. Effect of a preoperative decontamination protocol on surgical site infections in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery with hardware implantation.

    PubMed

    Bebko, Serge P; Green, David M; Awad, Samir S

    2015-05-01

    Surgical site infections (SSIs), commonly caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, specifically when hardware is implanted in the patient. Previously, we have demonstrated that a preoperative decontamination protocol using chlorhexidine gluconate washcloths and intranasal antiseptic ointment is effective in eradicating MRSA in the nose and on the skin of patients. To examine the effect of a decontamination protocol on SSIs in patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery with hardware implantation. A prospective database of patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery with hardware implantation at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas, was analyzed from October 1, 2012, to December 31, 2013. Cohort groups before and after the intervention were compared. Starting in May 2013, during their preoperative visit, all of the patients watched an educational video about MRSA decontamination and were given chlorhexidine washcloths and oral rinse and nasal povidone-iodine solution to be used the night before and the morning of scheduled surgery. Thirty-day SSI rates were collected according to the definitions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance. Data on demographics, comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and coronary artery disease, tobacco use, alcohol use, and body mass index were also collected. Univariate analysis was performed between the 2 groups of patients. Multivariate analysis was used to identify independent predictors of SSI. A total of 709 patients were analyzed (344 controls and 365 patients who were decolonized). Both groups were well matched with no significant differences in age, body mass index, sex, or comorbidities. All of the patients (100%) completed the MRSA decontamination protocol. The SSI rate in the intervention group was significantly lower (1.1%; 4 of

  9. The Impact of Prediabetes on Two-Year Clinical Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

    PubMed

    Choi, Woong Gil; Rha, Seung Woon; Choi, Byoung Geol; Choi, Se Yeon; Byun, Jae Kyeong; Mashaly, Ahmed; Park, Yoonjee; Jang, Won Young; Kim, Woohyeun; Choi, Jah Yeon; Park, Eun Jin; Na, Jin Oh; Choi, Cheol Ung; Kim, Eung Ju; Park, Chang Gyu; Seo, Hong Seog

    2018-06-01

    Prediabetes is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. However, data on the long term adverse clinical outcomes of prediabetic patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DESs) are scarce. The study population comprised 674 consecutive non-diabetic patients who underwent elective PCI between April 2007 and November 2010. Prediabetes was defined as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 5.7% to 6.4%. Two-year cumulative clinical outcomes of prediabetic patients (HbA1c of 5.7% to 6.4%, n=242) were compared with those of a normoglycemic group (<5.7%, n=432). Baseline clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar between the two groups, except for higher glucose levels (104.8±51.27 mg/dL vs. 131.0±47.22 mg/dL, p<0.001) on admission in the prediabetes group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in coronary angiographic parameters, except for a higher incidence of diffuse long lesion in the prediabetes group. For prediabetic patients, trends toward higher incidences of binary restenosis (15.6% vs. 9.8 %, p=0.066) and late loss (0.71±0.70 mm vs. 0.59±0.62 mm, p=0.076) were noted. During the 24 months of follow up, the incidence of mortality in prediabetic patients was higher than that in normoglycemic patients (5.5% vs. 1.5%, p=0.007). In our study, a higher death rate and a trend toward a higher incidence of restenosis in patients with prediabetes up to 2 years, compared to those in normoglycemic patients, undergoing elective PCI with contemporary DESs. © Copyright: Yonsei University College of Medicine 2018.

  10. A pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled trial of fluid loading and level of dependency in high-risk surgical patients undergoing major elective surgery: trial protocol

    PubMed Central

    2010-01-01

    Background Patients undergoing major elective or urgent surgery are at high risk of death or significant morbidity. Measures to reduce this morbidity and mortality include pre-operative optimisation and use of higher levels of dependency care after surgery. We propose a pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled trial of level of dependency and pre-operative fluid therapy in high-risk surgical patients undergoing major elective surgery. Methods/Design A multi-centre randomised controlled trial with a 2 * 2 factorial design. The first randomisation is to pre-operative fluid therapy or standard regimen and the second randomisation is to routine intensive care versus high dependency care during the early post-operative period. We intend to recruit 204 patients undergoing major elective and urgent abdominal and thoraco-abdominal surgery who fulfil high-risk surgical criteria. The primary outcome for the comparison of level of care is cost-effectiveness at six months and for the comparison of fluid optimisation is the number of hospital days after surgery. Discussion We believe that the results of this study will be invaluable in determining the future care and clinical resource utilisation for this group of patients and thus will have a major impact on clinical practice. Trial Registration Trial registration number - ISRCTN32188676 PMID:20398378

  11. [Management of Patients on Antithrombotic Agents Undergoing Endoscopy].

    PubMed

    Kim, Joon Sung; Kim, Byung Wook

    2018-05-25

    Antithrombotic agents are used increasingly in Asia. The management of patients on antithrombotics undergoing elective or emergency endoscopy has become an increasing clinical challenge for gastroenterologists. Current practice guidelines have been developed by societies from western countries. On the other hand, these guidelines cannot meet the specific needs of the Asian Pacific region, raising the need for separate guidelines in Asia. This review compares the recommendations of previous guidelines with the most recently published Asian guidelines regarding the management of patients on antithrombotic agents undergoing elective and emergency endoscopy.

  12. Severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with adverse outcomes in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

    PubMed

    Stone, David H; Goodney, Philip P; Kalish, Jeffrey; Schanzer, Andres; Indes, Jeffrey; Walsh, Daniel B; Cronenwett, Jack L; Nolan, Brian W

    2013-06-01

    Although chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been implicated as a risk factor for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture, its effect on surgical repair is less defined. Consequently, variation in practice persists regarding patient selection and surgical management. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of COPD on patients undergoing AAA repair. We reviewed a prospective regional registry of 3455 patients undergoing elective open AAA repair (OAR) and endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) from 23 centers in the Vascular Study Group of New England from 2003 to 2011. COPD was categorized as none, medical (medically treated but not oxygen [O2]-dependent), and O2-dependent. End points included in-hospital death, pulmonary complications, major postoperative adverse events (MAEs), extubation in the operating room, and 5-year survival. Survival was determined using life-table analysis based on the Social Security Death Index. Predictors of in-hospital and long-term mortality were determined by multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards analysis. During the study interval, 2043 patients underwent EVAR and 1412 patients underwent OAR with a nearly equal prevalence of COPD (35% EVAR vs 36% OAR). O2-dependent COPD (4%) was associated with significantly increased in-hospital mortality, pulmonary complications, and MAE and was also associated with significantly decreased extubation in the operating room among patients undergoing both EVAR and OAR. Five-year survival was significantly diminished among all patients undergoing AAA repair with COPD (none, 78%; medical, 72%; O2-dependent, 42%; P < .001). By multivariate analysis, O2-dependent COPD was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio 2.02, 95% confidence interval, 1.0-4.0; P = .04) and diminished 5-year survival (hazard ratio, 3.02; 95% confidence interval, 2.2-4.1; P < .001). Patients with O2-dependent COPD undergoing AAA repair suffer increased pulmonary

  13. Institutional prescreening for detection and eradication of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery.

    PubMed

    Kim, David H; Spencer, Maureen; Davidson, Susan M; Li, Ling; Shaw, Jeremy D; Gulczynski, Diane; Hunter, David J; Martha, Juli F; Miley, Gerald B; Parazin, Stephen J; Dejoie, Pamela; Richmond, John C

    2010-08-04

    Surgical site infection has been identified as one of the most important preventable sources of morbidity and mortality associated with medical treatment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of an institutional prescreening program for the preoperative detection and eradication of both methicillin-resistant and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus in patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Data were collected prospectively during a single-center study. A universal prescreening program, employing rapid polymerase chain reaction analysis of nasal swabs followed by an eradication protocol of intranasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine showers for identified carriers, was implemented. Surgical site infection rates were calculated and compared with a historical control period immediately preceding the start of the screening program. During the study period, 7019 of 7338 patients underwent preoperative screening before elective surgery, for a successful screening rate of 95.7%. One thousand five hundred and eighty-eight (22.6%) of the patients were identified as Staphylococcus aureus carriers, and 309 (4.4%) were identified as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriers. A significantly higher rate of surgical site infection was observed among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriers (0.97%; three of 309) compared with noncarriers (0.14%; seven of 5122) (p = 0.0162). Although a higher rate of surgical site infection was also observed among methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus carriers (0.19%; three of 1588) compared with noncarriers, this difference did not achieve significance (p = 0.709). Overall, thirteen cases of surgical site infection were identified during the study period, for an institutional infection rate of 0.19%. This rate was significantly lower than that observed during the control period (0.45%; twenty-four cases of surgical site infection among 5293 patients) (p = 0

  14. Non-Elective Paraesophageal Hernia Repair Portends Worse Outcomes in Comparable Patients: a Propensity-Adjusted Analysis.

    PubMed

    Tam, Vernissia; Luketich, James D; Winger, Daniel G; Sarkaria, Inderpal S; Levy, Ryan M; Christie, Neil A; Awais, Omar; Shende, Manisha R; Nason, Katie S

    2017-01-01

    Patients undergoing non-elective paraesophageal hernia repair (PEHR) have worse perioperative outcomes. Because they are usually older and sicker, however, these patients may be more prone to adverse events, independent of surgical urgency. Our study aimed to determine whether non-elective PEHR is associated with differential postoperative outcome compared to elective repair, using propensity-score weighting. We abstracted data for patients undergoing PEHR (n = 924; non-elective n = 171 (19 %); 1997-2010). Using boosted regression, we generated a propensity-weighted dataset. Odds of 30-day/in-hospital mortality and major complications after non-elective surgery were determined. Patients undergoing non-elective repair were significantly older, had more adverse prognostic factors, and significantly more major complications (38 versus 18 %; p < 0.001) and death (8 versus 1 %; p < 0.001). After propensity weighting, median absolute percentage bias across 28 propensity-score variables improved from 19 % (significant imbalance) to 5.6 % (well-balanced). After adjusting propensity-weighted data for age and comorbidity score, odds of major complications were still nearly two times greater (OR 1.67, CI 1.07-2.61) and mortality nearly three times greater (OR 2.74, CI 0.93-8.1) than for elective repair. Even after balancing significant differences in baseline characteristics, non-elective PEHR was associated with worse outcomes than elective repair. Symptomatic patients should be referred for elective repair by experienced surgeons.

  15. Prevalence and extent of obstructive coronary artery disease among patients undergoing elective coronary catheterization in New York State and Ontario.

    PubMed

    Ko, Dennis T; Tu, Jack V; Austin, Peter C; Wijeysundera, Harindra C; Samadashvili, Zaza; Guo, Helen; Cantor, Warren J; Hannan, Edward L

    2013-07-10

    Prior studies have shown that physicians in New York State (New York) perform twice as many cardiac catheterizations per capita as those in Ontario for stable patients. However, the role of patient selection in these findings and their implications for detection of obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) are largely unknown. To evaluate the extent of obstructive CAD and to compare the probability of detecting obstructive CAD for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization. An observational study was conducted involving patients without a history of cardiac disease who underwent elective cardiac catheterization between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011. Obstructive CAD was defined as diameter stenosis of 50% or more in the left main coronary artery or stenosis of 70% or more in a major epicardial vessel. Observed rates and predicted probabilities of obstructive CAD. Predicted probabilities were estimated using logistic regression models. A total of 18,114 patients from New York and 54,933 from Ontario were included. The observed rate of obstructive CAD was significantly lower in New York at 30.4% (95% CI, 29.7%-31.0%) than in Ontario at 44.8% (95% CI, 44.4%-45.3%; P < .001). The percentage of patients with left main or 3-vessel CAD was also significantly lower in New York than in Ontario (7.0% [95% CI, 6.6%-7.3%] vs 13.0% [95% CI, 12.8%-13.3%]; P < .001). In New York, a substantially higher percentage of patients with low predicted probability of obstructive CAD underwent cardiac catheterization; for example, only 19.3% (95% CI, 18.7%-19.9%) of patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in New York had a greater than 50% predicted probability of having obstructive CAD than those in Ontario at 41% (95% CI, 40.6%-41.4%; P < .001). At 30 days, crude mortality for patients undergoing cardiac catheterization was slightly higher in New York at 0.65% (90 of 13,824; 95% CI, 0.51%-0.78%) than in Ontario at 0.38% (153 of 40,794; 95% CI, 0.32%-0.43%; P

  16. Evaluating compliance with institutional preoperative testing guidelines for minimal-risk patients undergoing elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Siriussawakul, Arunotai; Nimmannit, Akarin; Rattana-arpa, Sirirat; Chatrattanakulchai, Siritda; Saengtawan, Puttachard; Wangdee, Aungsumat

    2013-01-01

    Few investigations preoperatively are important for low-risk patients. This study was designed to determine the level of compliance with preoperative investigation guidelines for ASA I patients undergoing elective surgery. Secondary objectives included the following: to identify common inappropriate investigations, to evaluate the impact of abnormal testing on patient management, to determine factors affecting noncompliant tests, and to estimate unnecessary expenditure. This retrospective study was conducted on adult patients over a one-year period. The institute's guidelines recommend tests according to the patients' age groups: a complete blood count (CBC) for those patients aged 18-45; CBC, chest radiograph (CXR) and electrocardiography (ECG) for those aged 46-60; and CBC, CXR, ECG, electrolytes, blood glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) for patients aged 61-65. The medical records of 1,496 patients were reviewed. Compliant testing was found in only 12.1% (95% CI, 10.5-13.9). BUN and Cr testings were the most frequently overprescribed tests. Overinvestigations tended to be performed on major surgery and younger patients. Overall, overinvestigation incurred an estimated cost of US 200,000 dollars during the study period. The need to utilize the institution's preoperative guidelines should be emphasized in order to decrease unnecessary testing and the consequential financial burden.

  17. Does use of intraoperative cell-salvage delay recovery in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic surgery?

    PubMed

    Tavare, Aniket N; Parvizi, Nassim

    2011-06-01

    A best evidence topic in vascular surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether the use of intraoperative cell-salvage (ICS) leads to negative outcomes in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic surgery? Altogether 305 papers were found using the reported search, of which 10 were judged to represent the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers were tabulated. None of the 10 papers included in the analysis demonstrated that ICS use led to significantly higher incidence of cardiac or septic postoperative complications. Similarly, length of intensive treatment unit (ITU) or hospital stay and mortality in elective abdominal aortic surgery were not adversely affected. Indeed two trials actually show a significantly shorter hospital stay after ICS use, one a shorter ITU stay and another suggests lower rates of chest sepsis. Based on these papers, we concluded that the use of ICS does not cause increased morbidity or mortality when compared to standard practise of transfusion of allogenic blood, and may actually improve some clinical outcomes. As abdominal aortic surgery inevitably causes significant intraoperative blood loss, in the range of 661-3755 ml as described in the papers detailed in this review, ICS is a useful and safe strategy to minimise use of allogenic blood.

  18. The prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

    PubMed

    Khanbhai, M; Dubb, S; Patel, K; Ahmed, A; Richards, T

    2015-01-01

    As bariatric surgery rates continue to climb, anaemia will become an increasing concern. We assessed the prevalence of anaemia and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Prospective data (anaemia [haemoglobin <12 g/dL], haematinics and length of hospital stay) was analysed on 400 hundred patients undergoing elective laparoscopic bariatric surgery. Results from a prospective database of 1530 patients undergoing elective general surgery were used as a baseline. Fifty-seven patients (14%) were anaemic pre-operatively, of which 98% were females. Median MCV (fL) and overall median ferritin (μg/L) was lower in anaemic patients (83 vs. 86, p=0.001) and (28 vs. 61, p<0.0001) respectively. In the elective general surgery patients, prevalence of anaemia was similar (14% vs. 16%) but absolute iron deficiency was more common in those undergoing bariatric surgery; microcytosis p<0.0001, ferritin <30 p<0.0001. Mean length of stay (days) was increased in the anaemic compared to in the non-anaemic group (2.7 vs. 1.9) and patients who were anaemic immediately post-operatively, also had an increased length of stay (2.7 vs. 1.9), p<0.05. Absolute iron deficiency was more common in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. In bariatric patients with anaemia there was an overall increased length of hospital stay. Copyright © 2013 Asian Oceanian Association for the Study of Obesity. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Preprocedural High-Sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T and Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Stable Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

    PubMed

    Zanchin, Thomas; Räber, Lorenz; Koskinas, Konstantinos C; Piccolo, Raffaele; Jüni, Peter; Pilgrim, Thomas; Stortecky, Stefan; Khattab, Ahmed A; Wenaweser, Peter; Bloechlinger, Stefan; Moschovitis, Aris; Frenk, Andre; Moro, Christina; Meier, Bernhard; Fiedler, Georg M; Heg, Dik; Windecker, Stephan

    2016-06-01

    Cardiac troponin detected by new-generation, highly sensitive assays predicts clinical outcomes among patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD) treated medically. The prognostic value of baseline high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) elevation in SCAD patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary interventions is not well established. This study assessed the association of preprocedural levels of hs-cTnT with 1-year clinical outcomes among SCAD patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Between 2010 and 2014, 6974 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in the Bern Percutaneous Coronary Interventions Registry. Among patients with SCAD (n=2029), 527 (26%) had elevated preprocedural hs-cTnT above the upper reference limit of 14 ng/L. The primary end point, mortality within 1 year, occurred in 20 patients (1.4%) with normal hs-cTnT versus 39 patients (7.7%) with elevated baseline hs-cTnT (P<0.001). Patients with elevated hs-cTnT had increased risks of all-cause (hazard ratio 5.73; 95% confidence intervals 3.34-9.83; P<0.001) and cardiac mortality (hazard ratio 4.68; 95% confidence interval 2.12-10.31; P<0.001). Preprocedural hs-TnT elevation remained an independent predictor of 1-year mortality after adjustment for relevant risk factors, including age, sex, and renal failure (adjusted hazard ratio 2.08; 95% confidence interval 1.10-3.92; P=0.024). A graded mortality risk was observed across higher tertiles of elevated preprocedural hs-cTnT, but not among patients with hs-cTnT below the upper reference limit. Preprocedural elevation of hs-cTnT is observed in one fourth of SCAD patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Increased levels of preprocedural hs-cTnT are proportionally related to the risk of death and emerged as independent predictors of all-cause mortality within 1 year. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02241291. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

  20. Serum C-reactive protein in patients undergoing elective shoulder arthroplasty. Prospective study.

    PubMed

    Torrens, Carlos; Santana, Fernando; Marí, Raquel; Puig, Lluis; Alier, Albert

    2017-09-01

    The objective of the study was to determine the normalization curve of the serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in elective shoulder arthroplasty. A prospective study including 58 consecutive patients who had undergone elective shoulder arthroplasty. Forty-one patients had received a Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty, 13 a Total Shoulder Arthroplasty and 4 a Hemiarthroplasty. Based on a pilot study, blood samples to determine CRP values were obtained at baseline (1 h before surgery), on the 1st, 2nd, 6th, 8th and 14th postoperative days. All the patients included presented no postoperative complications during inpatient stay or any re-admission during the three months after surgery. Mean CRP values showed a rapid increase on the 1st postoperative day (7-fold higher than the baseline in cuff tear arthropathy, 11-fold higher in primary osteoarthritis, 1-fold higher in acute fracture) and reached a peak on the 2nd postoperative day (14-fold higher than the baseline in cuff tear arthropathy, 24-fold higher in primary osteoarthritis and 2-fold higher in acute fracture). After the 2nd postoperative day CRP values began to slowly decrease reaching the normal range in the 14th postoperative day. Serum CRP levels after elective shoulder arthroplasty rapidly increase to reach a maximum peak after the 2nd surgery day and then slowly decrease to return to normality on the 14th day. Knowing the normalization curve of CRP can be a helpful tool to help in the diagnosis of acute infections in elective shoulder arthroplasty. Copyright © 2017 The Japanese Orthopaedic Association. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  1. Effects of jazz on postoperative pain and stress in patients undergoing elective hysterectomy.

    PubMed

    Rafer, Lorenzo; Austin, Flower; Frey, Jessica; Mulvey, Christie; Vaida, Sonia; Prozesky, Jansie

    2015-01-01

    Anesthesiologists use various medications to provide surgical patients with pain relief in the postoperative period. Other modalities, such as music, could be used in conjunction with opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to decrease pain and lower heart rate and blood pressure. Our hypothesis was that patients listening to jazz in a postanesthesia care unit (PACU) would have lower heart rates and blood pressures and reduced pain and anxiety. The study objective was to determine if listening to jazz music in the PACU, when compared to wearing noise-canceling headphones with no music playing, would decrease heart rate, blood pressure, pain, or anxiety in patients undergoing a hysterectomy. The research design was a prospective, randomized study. The study was conducted in the PACU at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA, USA. A total of 56 patients, aged 18-75 y, who were categorized as status 1 or 2 according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status Classification System, and who were undergoing elective laparoscopic or abdominal hysterectomies, were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned either to listen to jazz music where the beats per min (BPM) was <100 (experimental group, n = 28) or to wear noise-canceling headphones (control group, n = 28) for 30 min while in the PACU after their surgery. Heart rate was the primary outcome, and secondary outcomes included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, an anxiety score, and a pain score. All outcome measures were initially recorded at baseline upon the patient's arrival in the PACU. Heart rate and blood pressure were recorded postoperatively every 5 min for the initial 30 min that a patient was in the PACU. Pain was checked every 10 min during the 30-min period; anxiety was checked at 30 min. Heart rates of patients in the noise-cancellation group were significantly lower when compared with baseline (P < .05), at all time points. For

  2. Evaluation of peripheral muscle strength of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery: a longitudinal study.

    PubMed

    Santos, Kelli Maria Souza; Cerqueira Neto, Manoel Luiz de; Carvalho, Vitor Oliveira; Santana Filho, Valter Joviniano de; Silva Junior, Walderi Monteiro da; Araújo Filho, Amaro Afrânio; Cerqueira, Telma Cristina Fontes; Cacau, Lucas de Assis Pereira

    2014-01-01

    Peripheral muscle strength has been little explored in the literature in the context of cardiac rehabilitation. To evaluate the peripheral muscle strength of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. This was a longitudinal observational study. The peripheral muscle strength was measured using isometric dynamometry lower limb (knee extensors and flexors) at three different times: preoperatively (M1), the day of discharge (M2) and hospital discharge (M3). Participants received physiotherapy pre and postoperatively during the days of hospitalization during the morning and afternoon. Twenty-two patients were evaluated. The values of peripheral muscle strength of knee extensors preoperative found were about 50% lower than those predicted for the healthy population. When comparing muscle strength prior (M1), with the remaining evaluation, found himself in a fall of 29% for the movement of knee extension and 25% for knee flexion in M2 and a decrease of 10% movement for knee extension and 13% for knee flexion in M3 when comparing with M1. The values of peripheral muscle strength prior of the study patients were lower than predicted for the healthy population of the same age. After the surgical event this reduction is even more remarkable, being reestablished until the time of discharge, to values close to baseline.

  3. Preoperative oral carbohydrate administration to ASA III-IV patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Breuer, Jan-P; von Dossow, Vera; von Heymann, Christian; Griesbach, Markus; von Schickfus, Michael; Mackh, Elise; Hacker, Cornelia; Elgeti, Ulrike; Konertz, Wolfgang; Wernecke, Klaus-D; Spies, Claudia D

    2006-11-01

    In this study we investigated the effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate administration on postoperative insulin resistance (PIR), gastric fluid volume, preoperative discomfort, and variables of organ dysfunction in ASA physical status III-IV patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, including those with noninsulin-dependent Type-2 diabetes mellitus. Before surgery, 188 patients were randomized to receive a clear 12.5% carbohydrate drink (CHO), flavored water (placebo), or to fast overnight (control). CHO and placebo were treated in double-blind format and received 800 mL of the corresponding beverage in the evening and 400 mL 2 h before surgery. Patients were monitored from induction of general anesthesia until 24 h postoperatively. Exogenous insulin requirements to control blood glucose levels Patients receiving CHO and placebo were less thirsty compared with controls (P < 0.01 and P = 0.06, respectively). Ingested liquids did not cause increased gastric fluid volume or other adverse events. The CHO group required less intraoperative inotropic support after initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass weaning (P < 0.05). In conclusion, preoperative CHO administration before cardiac surgery does not affect PIR. Clear fluids reduce thirst and may be recommended as a safe procedure in ASA III-IV patients. Further research is indicated to investigate possible cardioprotective effects of preoperative CHO intake.

  4. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of rocuronium in young adult and elderly patients undergoing elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Varrique, Renan M; Lauretti, Gabriela R; Matsumoto, Julia A; Lanchote, Vera L; de Moraes, Natalia V

    2016-11-01

    To evaluate the impact of advanced age on rocuronium kinetic disposition in ASA I-III patients undergoing elective surgeries. Young adult (20-50 years, n = 15) and elderly patients (65-85 years, n = 14) submitted to surgery under general anaesthesia were investigated. All patients were induced with individual intravenous doses of midazolam, rocuronium, fentanyl and propofol. Rocuronium-induced neuromuscular block was monitored by train of four stimulations of the adductor muscle of the thumb on the ulnar nerve. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated by non-compartmental analysis. The relationship between rocuronium plasma concentration and the neuromuscular blockade was described by a sigmoidal Emax model. Elderly patients presented decreased Cl (2.1 ml/kg per min vs 2.8 ml/kg per min; P = 0.0123); increased AUC/dose (507.8 μg min/ml (mg/kg) vs 392.2 μg min/ml/(mg/kg); P = 0.0168) and reduced volume of distribution (285.4 ml/kg vs 435.6 ml/kg, P = 0.0434) compared to young adults. The concentrations required to achieve 50% of maximum neuromuscular block (EC50) were similar for young adult (338.8 ng/ml) and elderly (462.7 ng/ml) patients (P > 0.05). Elderly patients showed increased AUC/D and reduced total Cl compared to young adult patients due to the age-related reduced renal function. Differences in the PK-PD properties of rocuronium in elderly population are due to changes in drug disposition rather than to alterations in the sensitivity to the drug. © 2016 Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

  5. Evaluation of peripheral muscle strength of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery: a longitudinal study

    PubMed Central

    Santos, Kelli Maria Souza; de Cerqueira Neto, Manoel Luiz; Carvalho, Vitor Oliveira; de Santana Filho, Valter Joviniano; da Silva Junior, Walderi Monteiro; Araújo Filho, Amaro Afrânio; Cerqueira, Telma Cristina Fontes; Cacau, Lucas de Assis Pereira

    2014-01-01

    Introduction Peripheral muscle strength has been little explored in the literature in the context of cardiac rehabilitation. Objective To evaluate the peripheral muscle strength of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Methods This was a longitudinal observational study. The peripheral muscle strength was measured using isometric dynamometry lower limb (knee extensors and flexors) at three different times: preoperatively (M1), the day of discharge (M2) and hospital discharge (M3). Participants received physiotherapy pre and postoperatively during the days of hospitalization during the morning and afternoon. Results Twenty-two patients were evaluated. The values of peripheral muscle strength of knee extensors preoperative found were about 50% lower than those predicted for the healthy population. When comparing muscle strength prior (M1), with the remaining evaluation, found himself in a fall of 29% for the movement of knee extension and 25% for knee flexion in M2 and a decrease of 10% movement for knee extension and 13% for knee flexion in M3 when comparing with M1. Conclusion The values of peripheral muscle strength prior of the study patients were lower than predicted for the healthy population of the same age. After the surgical event this reduction is even more remarkable, being reestablished until the time of discharge, to values close to baseline. PMID:25372909

  6. Perioperative management of vitamin K antagonists in patients with low thromboembolic risk undergoing elective surgery: A prospective experience.

    PubMed

    Becerra, Ana Florencia; Cornavaca, María Teresita; Revigliono, José Ignacio; Contreras, Alejandro; Albertini, Ricardo; Tabares, Aldo Hugo

    2017-10-11

    To quantify thromboembolic and bleeding events in patients with low thromboembolic risk, who were chronically receiving vitamin K antagonists and undergoing elective surgery. A descriptive, prospective, single-center study was conducted between December 2010 and July 2014. Patients aged over 18 years old, chronically anticoagulated with vitamin K antagonists and admitted for elective surgery were included in the study. We excluded patients with a creatinine clearance<30ml/min, a body weight>120kg, heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, pregnant women, carriers of an epidural catheter for analgesia, patients who underwent unscheduled surgery and high thromboembolic risk-patients. Vitamin K antagonists were discontinued 5 days prior to the procedure without administering anticoagulant enoxaparin. The NIR was measured 24h before the procedure. A single dose of 3mg of vitamin K was administered in cases of a NIR>1.5. Vitamin K antagonists was resumed according to the surgical bleeding risk. Events were registered between 5 days prior to the procedure until 30 days after it. A total of 75 procedures were included in the study. Fifty-six patients (74.7%) received vitamin K antagonists for atrial fibrillation, 15 suffered from venous thromboembolism (20%) and 4 had mechanical heart valves (5.3%). Twenty-six patients (34.5%) underwent high-bleeding risk surgeries and 49 (65.5%) underwent low risk procedures. No thromboembolic event was recorded. Four bleeding events (5.3%) were reported, 3 of which were considered major bleeding events (2 fatal). Suspending vitamin K antagonists with no bridging therapy performed in patients with a low thromboembolic risk does not expose such patients to a significant risk of embolic events. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  7. The impact of a 600-mg loading dose of clopidogrel in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing elective PCI.

    PubMed

    Mohareb, Mina W; Abd Elghany, Mohamed; Sabry, Nirmeen A; Farid, Samar F

    2016-08-01

    High platelet reactivity (HPR) and suboptimal response to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) may explain high recurrent rates of ischemic events in type 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diabetes mellitus on clopidogrel activity in cardiac patients undergoing PCI. This is an observational study. Patients were categorized according to DM status into diabetic group (N.=30) and non-diabetic group (N.=33). All patients received clopidogrel in a loading dose of 600 mg before PCI. Platelet function was assessed using light transmittance aggregometry (LTA) technique at baseline (before clopidogrel administration), 24 hour after clopidogrel loading dose administration and 7-10 days after PCI. All patients were followed up for at least one year after PCI for recurrence of acute cardiac events. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to 10 µm adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation measured at baseline (P=0.64), 24 hours after PCI (P=0.874), and 7-10 days after PCI (0.643). Diabetics were not significantly different from non-diabetics in terms of post-PCI acute stent thrombosis (P=0.945), sub-acute stent thrombosis (P=0.945), unstable angina (P=0.29) and cardiac death (P=0.64). There was a statistically significant difference between patients with and without post-PCI acute events regarding ADP aggregation measured 24 hours and 7-10 days after PCI. The use of a high loading dose of clopidogrel (600 mg) in patients undergoing elective PCI can overcome the significant increase in post-PCI platelet aggregation and rate of acute cardiac events induced by diabetes mellitus as co-morbidity in those patients.

  8. Coagulation management in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures.

    PubMed

    Robba, Chiara; Bertuetti, Rita; Rasulo, Frank; Bertuccio, Alessando; Matta, Basil

    2017-10-01

    Management of coagulation in neurosurgical procedures is challenging. In this contest, it is imperative to avoid further intracranial bleeding. Perioperative bleeding can be associated with a number of factors, including anticoagulant drugs and coagulation status but is also linked to the characteristic and the site of the intracranial disorder. The aim of this review will be to focus primarily on the new evidence regarding the management of coagulation in patients undergoing craniotomy for neurosurgical procedures. Antihemostatic and anticoagulant drugs have shown to be associated with perioperative bleeding. On the other hand, an increased risk of venous thromboembolism and hypercoagulative state after elective and emergency neurosurgery, in particular after brain tumor surgery, has been described in several patients. To balance the risk between thrombosis and bleeding, it is important to be familiar with the perioperative changes in coagulation and with the recent management guidelines for anticoagulated patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures, in particular for those taking new direct anticoagulants. We have considered the current clinical trials and literature regarding both safety and efficacy of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in the neurosurgical population. These were mainly trials concerning both elective surgical and intensive care patients with a poor grade intracranial bleed or multiple traumas with an associated severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Coagulation management remains a major issue in patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. However, in this field of research, literature quality is poor and further studies are necessary to identify the best strategies to minimize risks in this group of patients.

  9. Prediction of contrast-induced nephropathy in diabetic patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization or PCI: role of volume-to-creatinine clearance ratio and iodine dose-to-creatinine clearance ratio.

    PubMed

    Worasuwannarak, Surapong; Pornratanarangsi, Suwatchai

    2010-01-01

    To assess a role of volume-to-creatinine clearance ratio (V/CrCl) and iodine dose-to-creatinine clearance ratio (I-dose/CrCl) in predicting contrast- induced nephropathy (CIN) in diabetic patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). In diabetic patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or PCI, the incidence of CIN is higher than in non-diabetic patients. High doses of contrast media also increase the likelihood of renal dysfunction. The ratio of the volume of contrast media to creatinine clearance (V/CrCl) and iodine dose-to-creatinine clearance (I-dose/CrCl) has been shown to correlate with the area under the curve of contrast media concentration over time and was used to predict the occurrence of CIN in unselected patients. No study has been conducted specifically in diabetic patients undergoing cardiac catheterization or PCI before. We conducted a prospective, single center study. The V/CrCl and I-dose/CrCl were calculated in diabetic patients undergoing elective cardiac catheterization or PCI. An increase in serum creatinine of > 0.5 mg/dl or > 25% by 7 days from baseline was considered CIN. The incidence of CIN was determined. The predictive value of V/CrCl and I-dose/CrCl for CIN were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. The total number of patients that had been enrolled in the study was 248; Male 50.8%. The overall incidence of CIN was 5.2%. The mean age for the entire population was 65 +/- 9 years; the mean body mass index was 25.6 +/- 4.0 kg/m2; and the mean creatinine clearance was 60.6 +/- 27.4 ml/min. The mean values of V/CrCl for patients with and without CIN were 3.7 +/- 2.9 and 2.2 +/- 1.7 (p = 0.041). The mean values of I-dose/CrCl for patients with and without CIN were 1.31 +/- 0.94 and 0.82 +/- 0.63 (p = 0.042). The receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis indicated that a V/CrCl ratio of 2.60 and I-dose/CrCl of 0.98 were fair predictors of CIN. After adjusting for other

  10. Perioperative management of adult patients with a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Mehdi, Zehra; Birns, Jonathan; Partridge, Judith; Bhalla, Ajay; Dhesi, Jugdeep

    2016-12-01

    It is increasingly common for physicians and anaesthetists to be asked for advice in the medical management of surgical patients who have an incidental history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Advising clinicians requires an understanding of the common predictors, outcomes and management of perioperative stroke. The most important predictor of perioperative stroke is a previous history of stroke, and outcomes associated with such an event are extremely poor. The perioperative management of this patient group needs careful consideration to minimise the thrombotic risk and a comprehensive, individualised approach is crucial. Although there is literature supporting the management of such patients undergoing cardiac surgery, evidence is lacking in the setting of non-cardiac surgical intervention. This article reviews the current evidence and provides a pragmatic interpretation to inform the perioperative management of patients with a history of stroke and/or TIA presenting for elective non-cardiac surgery. © Royal College of Physicians 2016. All rights reserved.

  11. Outcomes after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in obese versus nonobese patients.

    PubMed

    Locham, Satinderjit; Rizwan, Muhammad; Dakour-Aridi, Hanaa; Faateh, Muhammad; Nejim, Besma; Malas, Mahmoud

    2018-06-07

    Obesity is a worldwide epidemic, particularly in Western society. It predisposes surgical patients to an increased risk of adverse outcomes. The aim of our study was to use a nationally representative vascular database and to compare in-hospital outcomes in obese vs nonobese patients undergoing elective open aortic repair (OAR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). All patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair were identified in the Vascular Quality Initiative database (2003-2017). Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥30 kg/m 2 . Univariable (Student t-test and χ 2  test) and multivariable (logistic regression) analyses were implemented to compare in-hospital mortality and any major complications (wound infection, renal failure, and cardiopulmonary failure) in obese vs nonobese patients. We identified a total of 33,082 patients undergoing elective OAR (nonobese, n = 4605 [72.4%]; obese, n = 1754 [27.6%]) and EVAR (nonobese, n = 18,338 [68.6%]; obese, n = 8385 [31.4%]). Obese patients undergoing OAR and EVAR were relatively younger compared with nonobese patients (mean age [standard deviation], 67.55 [8.26] years vs 70.27 [8.30] years and 71.06 [8.22] years vs 74.55 [8.55] years), respectively; (both P < .001). Regardless of approach, obese patients had slightly longer operative time (OAR, 259.02 [109.97] minutes vs 239.37 [99.78] minutes; EVAR, 138.27 [70.64] minutes vs 134.34 [69.98] minutes) and higher blood loss (OAR, 2030 [1823] mL vs 1619 [1642] mL; EVAR, 228 [354] mL vs 207 [312] mL; both P < .001). There was no significant difference in mortality between the two groups undergoing OAR and EVAR (OAR, 2.9% vs 3.2% [P = .50]; EVAR, 0.5% vs 0.6% [P = .76]). On multivariable analysis, obese patients undergoing OAR had 33% higher odds of renal failure (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-1.63; P = .006) and 75% higher odds of wound infections (adjusted OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.11-2.76; P = .02

  12. Nursing students' perceptions of clients undergoing elective cosmetic surgery.

    PubMed

    Cooper, Leah Beth

    2007-01-01

    Aesthetic obsession is commonplace in current society. Supermarket a isles dedicated to beauty products, makeup, and anti-aging creams seem to expand daily. Television and publications flood the public with messages of what constitutes beauty and how to achieve the ideal. Surgical alteration of the body is swiftly becoming a form of self-care technique along with other heath-promoting behavior. Since 2003, the general acceptance of plastic surgery among all Americans surpassed 50% (American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 2003). Elective cosmetic surgical procedures have increased by an astounding 444% since 1997 (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 2006). This quest for body satisfaction based on modern cultural norms increases the public's need for accurate information and understanding from those in the healthcare profession. Despite a transformation in the general population's conception of cosmetic surgery and its clients, stigma still lies in many individuals, including those in the healthcare profession. As this progressively growing patient population emerges, many in healthcare question their attitudes toward plastic surgery and the patients receiving aesthetic operations. With clients undergoing plastic surgery becoming increasingly visible within the healthcare system, some unique aspects of patient care must be addressed.

  13. Comparable perioperative mortality outcomes in younger patients undergoing elective open and endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

    PubMed

    Liang, Nathan L; Reitz, Katherine M; Makaroun, Michel S; Malas, Mahmoud B; Tzeng, Edith

    2018-05-01

    Evidence for benefit of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) over open surgical repair for de novo infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) in younger patients remains conflicting because of heterogeneous study populations and small sample sizes. The objective of this study was to compare perioperative and short-term outcomes for EVAR and open surgery in younger patients using a large national disease and procedure-specific data set. We identified patients 65 years of age or younger undergoing first-time elective EVAR or open AAA repair from the Vascular Quality Initiative (2003-2014). We excluded patients with pararenal or thoracoabdominal aneurysms, those medically unfit for open repair, and those undergoing EVAR for isolated iliac aneurysms. Clinical and procedural characteristics were balanced using inverse propensity of treatment weighting. A supplemental analysis extended the study to those younger than 70 years. We identified 2641 patients, 73% (n = 1928) EVAR and 27% (n = 713) open repair. The median age was 62 years (interquartile range, 59-64 years), and 13% were female. The median follow-up time was 401 days (interquartile range, 357-459 days). Unadjusted perioperative survival was 99.6% overall (open repair, 99.1%; EVAR, 99.8%; P < .001), with 97.4% 1-year survival overall (open repair, 97.3%; EVAR, 97.4%; P = .9). Unadjusted reintervention rates were five (open repair) and seven (EVAR) reinterventions per 100 person-years (P = .8). After propensity weighting, the absolute incidence of perioperative mortality was <1% in both groups (open repair, 0.9%, EVAR, 0.2%; P < .001), and complication rates were low. Propensity-weighted survival (hazard ratio, 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.56-1.38; P = .6) and reintervention rates (open repair, 6; EVAR, 8; reinterventions per 100 person-years; P = .8) did not differ between the two interventions. The analysis of those younger than 70 years showed similar results. In this study of younger

  14. Myenteric plexitis: A frequent feature in patients undergoing surgery for colonic diverticular disease.

    PubMed

    Bassotti, Gabrio; Villanacci, Vincenzo; Sidoni, Angelo; Nascimbeni, Riccardo; Dore, Maria P; Binda, Gian A; Bandelloni, Roberto; Salemme, Marianna; Del Sordo, Rachele; Cadei, Moris; Manca, Alessandra; Bernardini, Nunzia; Maurer, Christoph A; Cathomas, Gieri

    2015-12-01

    Diverticular disease of the colon is frequent in clinical practice, and a large number of patients each year undergo surgical procedures worldwide for their symptoms. Thus, there is a need for better knowledge of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of this disease entity. Because patients with colonic diverticular disease have been shown to display abnormalities of the enteric nervous system, we assessed the frequency of myenteric plexitis (i.e. the infiltration of myenteric ganglions by inflammatory cells) in patients undergoing surgery for this condition. We analyzed archival resection samples from the proximal resection margins of 165 patients undergoing left hemicolectomy (60 emergency and 105 elective surgeries) for colonic diverticulitis, by histology and immunochemistry. Overall, plexitis was present in almost 40% of patients. It was subdivided into an eosinophilic (48%) and a lymphocytic (52%) subtype. Plexitis was more frequent in younger patients; and it was more frequent in those undergoing emergency surgery (50%), compared to elective (28%) surgery (p = 0.007). All the severe cases of plexitis displayed the lymphocytic subtype. In conclusion, myenteric plexitis is frequent in patients with colonic diverticular disease needing surgery, and it might be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease.

  15. Myenteric plexitis: A frequent feature in patients undergoing surgery for colonic diverticular disease

    PubMed Central

    Villanacci, Vincenzo; Sidoni, Angelo; Nascimbeni, Riccardo; Dore, Maria P; Binda, Gian A; Bandelloni, Roberto; Salemme, Marianna; Del Sordo, Rachele; Cadei, Moris; Manca, Alessandra; Bernardini, Nunzia; Maurer, Christoph A; Cathomas, Gieri

    2015-01-01

    Background Diverticular disease of the colon is frequent in clinical practice, and a large number of patients each year undergo surgical procedures worldwide for their symptoms. Thus, there is a need for better knowledge of the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of this disease entity. Objectives Because patients with colonic diverticular disease have been shown to display abnormalities of the enteric nervous system, we assessed the frequency of myenteric plexitis (i.e. the infiltration of myenteric ganglions by inflammatory cells) in patients undergoing surgery for this condition. Methods We analyzed archival resection samples from the proximal resection margins of 165 patients undergoing left hemicolectomy (60 emergency and 105 elective surgeries) for colonic diverticulitis, by histology and immunochemistry. Results Overall, plexitis was present in almost 40% of patients. It was subdivided into an eosinophilic (48%) and a lymphocytic (52%) subtype. Plexitis was more frequent in younger patients; and it was more frequent in those undergoing emergency surgery (50%), compared to elective (28%) surgery (p = 0.007). All the severe cases of plexitis displayed the lymphocytic subtype. Conclusions In conclusion, myenteric plexitis is frequent in patients with colonic diverticular disease needing surgery, and it might be implicated in the pathogenesis of the disease. PMID:26668745

  16. Perioperative management of diabetes in elective patients: a region-wide audit.

    PubMed

    Jackson, M J; Patvardhan, C; Wallace, F; Martin, A; Yusuff, H; Briggs, G; Malik, R A

    2016-04-01

    Ten percent of elective surgical patients have diabetes. These patients demonstrate excess perioperative morbidity and mortality. National guidance on the management of adults with diabetes undergoing surgery was published in 2011. We present a region-wide audit of adherence to this guidance across the North Western Deanery. Local teams prospectively collected data according to a locally approved protocol. Pregnant, paediatric and non-elective patients were excluded from this audit. Patient characteristics, type of surgery and aspects of perioperative management were collated and centrally analysed against audit criteria based upon national recommendations. 247 patients with diabetes were identified. HbA1c was recorded in 71% of patients preoperatively; 9% of patients with an abnormal HbA1c were not known by, or referred to, the diabetes team. 17% of patients were admitted the evening preceding surgery. The mean fasting time was 12:20(4) h. Variable rate i.v. insulin infusions (VRIII) were not used when indicated in 11%. Only 8% of patients received the recommended substrate fluid, along with the VRIII (5% glucose in 0.45% saline). Intra-operative capillary blood glucose (CBG) was measured hourly in 56% of patients. Intra-operative CBG was within the acceptable range (4-12 mmol.L(-1)) in 85% of patients. 73% of patients had a CBG measurement performed in recovery. The WHO checklist was used in 95% of patients. National perioperative guidelines were not adhered to in a substantial proportion of patients with diabetes undergoing elective surgery. This study represents a template for future trainee networks. © The Author 2016. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Journal of Anaesthesia. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  17. Effects of Lignocaine Administered Intravenously or Intratracheally on Airway and Hemodynamic Responses during Emergence and Extubation in Patients Undergoing Elective Craniotomies in Supine Position.

    PubMed

    Shabnum, Tabasum; Ali, Zulfiqar; Naqash, Imtiaz Ahmad; Mir, Aabid Hussain; Azhar, Khan; Zahoor, Syed Amer; Mir, Abdul Waheed

    2017-01-01

    Sympathoadrenergic responses during emergence and extubation can lead to an increase in heart rate (HR) and blood pressure whereas increased airway responses may lead to coughing and laryngospasm. The aim of our study was to compare the effects of lignocaine administered intravenously (IV) or intratracheally on airway and hemodynamic responses during emergence and extubation in patients undergoing elective craniotomies. Sixty patients with physical status American Society of Anaesthesiologists Classes I and II aged 18-70 years, scheduled to undergo elective craniotomies were included. The patients were randomly divided into three groups of twenty patients; Group 1 receiving IV lignocaine and intratracheal placebo (IV group), Group 2 receiving intratracheal lignocaine and IV placebo (I/T group), and Group 3 receiving IV and intratracheal placebo (placebo group). The tolerance to the endotracheal tube was monitored, and number of episodes of cough was recorded during emergence and at the time of extubation. Hemodynamic parameters such as HR and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, mean arterial pressure) were also recorded. There was a decrease of HR in both IV and intratracheal groups in comparison with placebo group ( P < 0.005). Rise in blood pressure (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure) was comparable in both Groups 1 and 2 but was lower in comparison with placebo group ( P < 0.005). Cough suppression was comparable in all the three groups. Grade III cough (15%) was documented only in placebo group. Both IV and intratracheal lignocaine are effective in attenuation of hemodynamic response if given within 20 min from skull pin removal to extubation. There was comparable cough suppression through intratracheal route and IV routes than the placebo group.

  18. A pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled trial of fluid loading in high-risk surgical patients undergoing major elective surgery--the FOCCUS study.

    PubMed

    Cuthbertson, Brian H; Campbell, Marion K; Stott, Stephen A; Elders, Andrew; Hernández, Rodolfo; Boyers, Dwayne; Norrie, John; Kinsella, John; Brittenden, Julie; Cook, Jonathan; Rae, Daniela; Cotton, Seonaidh C; Alcorn, David; Addison, Jennifer; Grant, Adrian

    2011-01-01

    Fluid strategies may impact on patient outcomes in major elective surgery. We aimed to study the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pre-operative fluid loading in high-risk surgical patients undergoing major elective surgery. This was a pragmatic, non-blinded, multi-centre, randomised, controlled trial. We sought to recruit 128 consecutive high-risk surgical patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. The patients underwent pre-operative fluid loading with 25 ml/kg of Ringer's solution in the six hours before surgery. The control group had no pre-operative fluid loading. The primary outcome was the number of hospital days after surgery with cost-effectiveness as a secondary outcome. A total of 111 patients were recruited within the study time frame in agreement with the funder. The median pre-operative fluid loading volume was 1,875 ml (IQR 1,375 to 2,025) in the fluid group compared to 0 (IQR 0 to 0) in controls with days in hospital after surgery 12.2 (SD 11.5) days compared to 17.4 (SD 20.0) and an adjusted mean difference of 5.5 days (median 2.2 days; 95% CI -0.44 to 11.44; P = 0.07). There was a reduction in adverse events in the fluid intervention group (P = 0.048) and no increase in fluid based complications. The intervention was less costly and more effective (adjusted average cost saving: £2,047; adjusted average gain in benefit: 0.0431 quality adjusted life year (QALY)) and has a high probability of being cost-effective. Pre-operative intravenous fluid loading leads to a non-significant reduction in hospital length of stay after high-risk major surgery and is likely to be cost-effective. Confirmatory work is required to determine whether these effects are reproducible, and to confirm whether this simple intervention could allow more cost-effective delivery of care. Prospective Clinical Trials, ISRCTN32188676.

  19. A pragmatic multi-centre randomised controlled trial of fluid loading in high-risk surgical patients undergoing major elective surgery - the FOCCUS study

    PubMed Central

    2011-01-01

    Introduction Fluid strategies may impact on patient outcomes in major elective surgery. We aimed to study the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of pre-operative fluid loading in high-risk surgical patients undergoing major elective surgery. Methods This was a pragmatic, non-blinded, multi-centre, randomised, controlled trial. We sought to recruit 128 consecutive high-risk surgical patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. The patients underwent pre-operative fluid loading with 25 ml/kg of Ringer's solution in the six hours before surgery. The control group had no pre-operative fluid loading. The primary outcome was the number of hospital days after surgery with cost-effectiveness as a secondary outcome. Results A total of 111 patients were recruited within the study time frame in agreement with the funder. The median pre-operative fluid loading volume was 1,875 ml (IQR 1,375 to 2,025) in the fluid group compared to 0 (IQR 0 to 0) in controls with days in hospital after surgery 12.2 (SD 11.5) days compared to 17.4 (SD 20.0) and an adjusted mean difference of 5.5 days (median 2.2 days; 95% CI -0.44 to 11.44; P = 0.07). There was a reduction in adverse events in the fluid intervention group (P = 0.048) and no increase in fluid based complications. The intervention was less costly and more effective (adjusted average cost saving: £2,047; adjusted average gain in benefit: 0.0431 quality adjusted life year (QALY)) and has a high probability of being cost-effective. Conclusions Pre-operative intravenous fluid loading leads to a non-significant reduction in hospital length of stay after high-risk major surgery and is likely to be cost-effective. Confirmatory work is required to determine whether these effects are reproducible, and to confirm whether this simple intervention could allow more cost-effective delivery of care. Trial registration Prospective Clinical Trials, ISRCTN32188676 PMID:22177541

  20. Subclinical myocardial necrosis and cardiovascular risk in stable patients undergoing elective cardiac evaluation.

    PubMed

    Tang, W H Wilson; Wu, Yuping; Nicholls, Stephen J; Brennan, Danielle M; Pepoy, Michael; Mann, Shirley; Pratt, Alan; Van Lente, Frederick; Hazen, Stanley L

    2010-03-01

    The presence of subclinical myocardial necrosis as a prodrome to longer-term adverse cardiac event risk has been debated. The debate has focused predominantly within patients with acute coronary syndrome, and on issues of troponin assay variability and accuracy of detection, rather than on the clinical significance of the presence of subclinical myocardial necrosis (ie, "troponin leak") within stable cardiac patients. Herein, we examine the relationship between different degrees of subclinical myocardial necrosis and long-term adverse clinical outcomes within a stable cardiac patient population with essentially normal renal function. Sequential consenting patients (N=3828; median creatinine clearance, 100 mL/min/1.73m(2)) undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography with cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels below the diagnostic cut-off for defining myocardial infarction (<0.03 ng/mL) were evaluated. The relationship of subclinical myocardial necrosis with incident major adverse cardiovascular events (defined as any death, myocardial infarction, or stroke) over 3-year follow-up was examined. "Probable" (cTnI 0.001-0.008 ng/mL) and "definite" (cTnI 0.009-0.029 ng/mL) subclinical myocardial necrosis were observed frequently within the cohort (34% and 18%, respectively). A linear relationship was observed between the magnitude of subclinical myocardial necrosis and risk of 3-year incident major adverse cardiovascular events, particularly in those with cTnI 0.009 ng/mL or higher (hazard ratio, 3.00; 95% confidence interval, 2.4-3.8), even after adjustment for traditional risk factors, C-reactive protein, and creatinine clearance. The presence of subclinical myocardial necrosis was associated with elevations in acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, ceruloplasmin; P<0.01 each) and reduction in systemic antioxidant enzyme activities (arylesterase; P<0.01) but showed no significant associations with multiple specific measures of oxidant stress, and showed borderline

  1. The Effects of Frailty in Patients Undergoing Elective Cardiac Surgery.

    PubMed

    Ad, Niv; Holmes, Sari D; Halpin, Linda; Shuman, Deborah J; Miller, Casey E; Lamont, Deborah

    2016-04-01

    The Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) recommends using gait speed as a marker of frailty to identify cardiac surgery patients at risk for adverse outcomes. However, a single marker of frailty may not provide consistently reliable risk information. We evaluated the impact of frailty and gait speed on patient outcomes after elective cardiac surgery. This was a prospective study of 167 older (≥65 years) coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and/or valve surgery patients. Patients were assessed using Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) Frailty Index criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, physical activity, gait speed, and grip strength. Frailty was identified in 39 patients (23%) using CHS criteria. Frail patients had longer median intensive care unit stays (54 vs. 28 h, p = 0.003), longer median length of stay (8 vs. 5 days, p < 0.001), and greater likelihood of STS-defined complications (54% vs. 32%, p = 0.011) and discharge to an intermediate-care facility (45% vs. 12%, p < 0.001) but were not different from nonfrail patients on major outcome, operative mortality, or readmissions. After multivariate adjustment, frail and nonfrail patients were similar on perioperative outcomes. Absolute gait speed and slow gait speed using a cutoff were not related to incidence of STS-defined complications or major outcome in multivariate analyses. However, higher body mass index was correlated with slower gait speed (rs  = 0.30, p < 0.001). The CHS index did not identify "frail" patients at increased risk for adverse outcomes. No relationship was found between gait speed and outcome. There is a need for alternative multidimensional measures to assess frailty in cardiac surgical patients. doi: 10.1111/jocs.12699 (J Card Surg 2016;31:187-194). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  2. [Effects of perioperative thermoregulation on patients' body temperature, peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time in patients undergoing elective vertical hemi laryngectomy].

    PubMed

    Zheng, X; Sun, D; Zhou, F; Zhang, Y J

    2017-07-20

    Objective: To compare the effects of different thermal insulation measures on perioperative body temperature, peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time in patients undergoing vertical hemi laryngectomy. Method: Sixty eligible patients with elective vertical hemi laryngectomy were randomly divided into 3 groups: preoperative inflatable heating blanket group (A group, n=20), warmed irrigation group (B group, n=20), and control group (C group, n=20). The core temperature were recorded after entering the operating room, before induction, 20th minute during operation, entering PACU and 2nd hour after operation respectively. Blood samples were got at the end of operation to test pH, lactic acid, PT and APTT. After waking patients' SpO₂ and thermal comfort were recorded. Result: The core temperatures at time points of 20th minute during operation and entering PACU were significantly different between C group and A group, C group and B group. There were significant difference in lactic acid, PT, APTT and SpO₂ between C group and A group, C group and B group. Patients' thermal comfort in all three groups were different. Conclusion: Inflatable heating blanket during operation combined with using it before operation or fluid warmers during operation for perioperative body temperature protection duringelective vertical partial laryngectomy surgery can effectively prevent perioperative hypothermia, improve peripheral circulation and blood coagulation time changes, improve patients' comfort after operation. Copyright© by the Editorial Department of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.

  3. Early recovery following lower limb arthroplasty: Qualitative interviews with patients undergoing elective hip and knee replacement surgery. Initial phase in the development of a patient-reported outcome measure.

    PubMed

    Strickland, Louise H; Kelly, Laura; Hamilton, Thomas W; Murray, David W; Pandit, Hemant G; Jenkinson, Crispin

    2017-09-27

    To explore the patients' perspective of surgery and early recovery when undergoing lower limb (hip or knee) arthroplasty. Lower limb arthroplasty is a commonly performed procedure for symptomatic arthritis, which has not responded to conservative medical treatment. Each patient's perspective of the surgical process and early recovery period impacts on their quality of life. Open, semistructured qualitative interviews were used to allow for a deeper understanding of the patient perspective when undergoing a hip or knee arthroplasty. Following ethical approval, 30 patients were interviewed between August and November 2016 during the perioperative period while undergoing an elective hip or knee arthroplasty (n = 30). The interviews were performed between the day of surgery and a nine-week postoperative clinic appointment. Data were analysed using an in-depth narrative thematic analysis method. NVivo qualitative data analysis software was used. Seven main themes evolved from the interviews: "improving function and mobility", "pain", "experiences of health care", "support from others", "involvement and understanding of care decisions", "behaviour and coping" and "fatigue and sleeping". The early postoperative recovery period is of vital importance to all surgical patients. This is no different for the orthopaedic patient. However, identifying key self-reported areas of importance from patients can guide clinical focus for healthcare professionals. To have specific patient-reported information regarding key areas of importance during the perioperative phase is invaluable when caring for the orthopaedic surgical patient. It gives insight and understanding in to this increasing population group. This study has also served as a starting point in the development of a questionnaire which could be used to assess interventions in the lower limb arthroplasty population. These results will influence both items and content of the questionnaire. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. When should ulcerative colitis patients undergo colectomy for dysplasia? Mismatch between patient preferences and physician recommendations.

    PubMed

    Siegel, Corey A; Schwartz, Lisa M; Woloshin, Steven; Cole, Elisabeth B; Rubin, David T; Vay, Tegan; Baars, Judith; Sands, Bruce E

    2010-10-01

    If dysplasia is found on biopsies during surveillance colonoscopy for ulcerative colitis (UC), many experts recommend colectomy given the substantial risk of synchronous colon cancer. The objective was to learn if UC patients' perceptions of their colon cancer risk and if their preferences for elective colectomy match with physicians' recommendations if dysplasia was found. A self-administered written survey included 199 patients with UC for at least 8 years (mean age 49 years, 52% female) who were recruited from Dartmouth-Hitchcock (n = 104) and the University of Chicago (n = 95). The main outcome was the proportion of patients who disagree with physicians' recommendations for colectomy because of dysplasia. Almost all respondents recognized that UC raised their chance of getting colon cancer. In all, 74% thought it was "unlikely" or "very unlikely" to get colon cancer within the next 10 years and they quantified this risk to be 23%; 60% of patients would refuse a physician's recommendation for elective colectomy if dysplasia was detected, despite being told that they had a 20% risk of having cancer now. On average, these patients would only agree to colectomy if their risk of colon cancer "right now" were at least 73%. UC patients recognize their increased risk of colon cancer and undergo frequent surveillance to reduce their risk. Nonetheless, few seem prepared to follow standard recommendations for elective colectomy if dysplasia is found. This may reflect the belief that surveillance alone is sufficient to reduce their colon cancer risk or genuine disagreement about when it is worth undergoing colectomy.

  5. Comparison of 7.2% hypertonic saline - 6% hydroxyethyl starch solution and 6% hydroxyethyl starch solution after the induction of anesthesia in patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures.

    PubMed

    Shao, Liujiazi; Wang, Baoguo; Wang, Shuangyan; Mu, Feng; Gu, Ke

    2013-01-01

    The ideal solution for fluid management during neurosurgical procedures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 7.2% hypertonic saline - 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HS-HES) solution and a 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution on clinical, hemodynamic and laboratory variables during elective neurosurgical procedures. Forty patients scheduled for elective neurosurgical procedures were randomly assigned to the HS-HES group orthe HES group. Afterthe induction of anesthesia, patients in the HS-HES group received 250 mL of HS-HES (500 mL/h), whereas the patients in the HES group received 1,000 mL of HES (1000 mL/h). The monitored variables included clinical, hemodynamic and laboratory parameters. Chictr.org: ChiCTR-TRC-12002357 The patients who received the HS-HES solution had a significant decrease in the intraoperative total fluid input (p<0.01), the volume of Ringer's solution required (p<0.05), the fluid balance (p<0.01) and their dural tension scores (p<0.05). The total urine output, blood loss, bleeding severity scores, operation duration and hemodynamic variables were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Moreover, compared with the HES group, the HS-HES group had significantly higher plasma concentrations of sodium and chloride, increasing the osmolality (p<0.01). Our results suggest that HS-HES reduced the volume of intraoperative fluid required to maintain the patients undergoing surgery and led to a decrease in the intraoperative fluid balance. Moreover, HS-HES improved the dural tension scores and provided satisfactory brain relaxation. Our results indicate that HS-HES may represent a new avenue for volume therapy during elective neurosurgical procedures.

  6. Effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate supplementation on postoperative metabolic stress response of patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery.

    PubMed

    Viganò, Jacopo; Cereda, Emanuele; Caccialanza, Riccardo; Carini, Roberta; Cameletti, Barbara; Spampinato, Marcello; Dionigi, Paolo

    2012-08-01

    The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of preoperative oral carbohydrate supplementation (OCH) on the postoperative metabolic stress response of patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery. The study was designed as a controlled, prospective, cohort study including 38 patients treated with OCH (800 mL the day before surgery and 400 mL within 3 h before the induction of anesthesia) and 38 controls matched for surgical procedure. Fasting glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR index), cortisol, and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were assessed before and after surgery (postoperative day (POD) 1, 2, and 3). The administration of OCH resulted in lower fasting glucose, HOMA-IR index, cortisol, and IL-6 on both POD 1 and POD 2. At multivariable regression analyses, the reduction of these parameters was independent of sex, age, body mass index, and major abdominal surgery. Particularly, models including OCH treatment explained 70, 63, and 66 % of the variance of the increase in IL-6 levels at POD 1, POD 2, and POD 3, respectively. The effect of OCH on changes in glucose, insulin resistance, and cortisol on POD 1 and POD 2 disappeared after the inclusion of IL-6 in the models. Treatment with OCH was associated with attenuation of the postoperative metabolic stress response. We hypothesize that modulation of the inflammatory response is one of the mechanisms involved.

  7. Day of Surgery Impacts Outcome: Rehabilitation Utilization on Hospital Length of Stay in Patients Undergoing Elective Meningioma Resection.

    PubMed

    Sarkiss, Christopher A; Papin, Joseph A; Yao, Amy; Lee, James; Sefcik, Roberta K; Oermann, Eric K; Gordon, Errol L; Post, Kalmon D; Bederson, Joshua B; Shrivastava, Raj K

    2016-09-01

    Meningiomas account for approximately one third of all brain tumors in the United States. In high-volume medical centers, the average length of stay (LOS) for a patient is 6.8 days compared with 8.8 days in low-volume centers with median total admission charges equaling approximately $55,000. To our knowledge, few studies have evaluated day of surgery and its effect on hospital LOS. Our primary goal was to analyze patient outcome as a direct result of surgical date, as well as to characterize the individual variables that may impact their hospital course, early access to rehabilitation, and long-term functional status. A retrospective database was generated for cranial meningioma patients who underwent elective surgical resection at our institution over a 3-year study period (2011-2014). Inclusion criteria included any patient who underwent elective meningioma resection and was discharged either home or to a rehabilitation facility with at least 6 months of follow-up. Exclusion criteria included any patient who was not discharged after resection (i.e., expired). Each patient's medical record was evaluated for a subset of demographics and clinical variables. Given that patients who undergo surgical resection of meningiomas have a national median LOS of 6 days, we subdivided the patients into 2 cohorts: early discharge (LOS < 3) and late discharge (LOS ≥ 3). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21.0 to assess the significance of the results. We identified 139 (25 male, 114 female) meningioma patients who underwent surgical resection. Seventy of these patients had surgery during the early week (defined as Monday-Wednesday), and 69 had surgery in the later week (Thursday-Friday). The median age for both early and late groups was 58, and the median diameter of the tumor was 3.1 cm and 3.3 cm, respectively. Overall, 55% of the patients had public insurance and 43% had private insurance, with no significant variation between the early and late groups. The

  8. The effect of a multimedia health educational program on the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

    PubMed

    Stergiopoulou, Antonia; Birbas, Konstantinos; Katostaras, Theophanis; Diomidous, Mariana; Mantas, John

    2006-01-01

    Aim of this study is the evaluation of the impact of preoperative informative session using a Multimedia Health Educational Program (MHEP) on patients undergoing elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC) for cholelithiasis, preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain and nausea. Sixty consecutive patients scheduled for elective LC were considered for enrollment in the trial. Patients were assigned randomly to four groups: Group A included 15 patients, preoperatively informed regarding LC through the MHEP presented by a Registered Nurse (RN). Group B included 15 patients preoperatively informed through a leaflet (designed and developed using the exact contents of the MHEP). In Group C, there were 15 patients who were being informed verbally from the RN. Finally, the control Group D included 15 patients, who had the conventional preoperative information about the operation and postoperative course by the attending surgeon and anesthesiologist, as every other patient included in groups A, B, C. Preoperative assessment of patient's knowledge about cholelithiasis and LC was performed after informative session, and was based on a specifically developed "closed, true-false" questionnaire. Preliminary results suggest that conventional information provided by the attending surgeon (Group D) is inadequate. Specifically developed informative sessions with the contribution of MHEP seems to be effective on reducing preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, in patients undergoing elective LC.

  9. Comparison of 7.2% hypertonic saline - 6% hydroxyethyl starch solution and 6% hydroxyethyl starch solution after the induction of anesthesia in patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures

    PubMed Central

    Shao, Liujiazi; Wang, Baoguo; Wang, Shuangyan; Mu, Feng; Gu, Ke

    2013-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: The ideal solution for fluid management during neurosurgical procedures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of a 7.2% hypertonic saline - 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HS-HES) solution and a 6% hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution on clinical, hemodynamic and laboratory variables during elective neurosurgical procedures. METHODS: Forty patients scheduled for elective neurosurgical procedures were randomly assigned to the HS-HES group or the HES group. After the induction of anesthesia, patients in the HS-HES group received 250 mL of HS-HES (500 mL/h), whereas the patients in the HES group received 1,000 mL of HES (1000 mL/h). The monitored variables included clinical, hemodynamic and laboratory parameters. Chictr.org: ChiCTR-TRC-12002357 RESULTS: The patients who received the HS-HES solution had a significant decrease in the intraoperative total fluid input (p<0.01), the volume of Ringer's solution required (p<0.05), the fluid balance (p<0.01) and their dural tension scores (p<0.05). The total urine output, blood loss, bleeding severity scores, operation duration and hemodynamic variables were similar in both groups (p>0.05). Moreover, compared with the HES group, the HS-HES group had significantly higher plasma concentrations of sodium and chloride, increasing the osmolality (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that HS-HES reduced the volume of intraoperative fluid required to maintain the patients undergoing surgery and led to a decrease in the intraoperative fluid balance. Moreover, HS-HES improved the dural tension scores and provided satisfactory brain relaxation. Our results indicate that HS-HES may represent a new avenue for volume therapy during elective neurosurgical procedures. PMID:23644851

  10. Prevalence of Recent Antimicrobial Exposure among Elective Surgical Patients.

    PubMed

    Guidry, Christopher A; Sawyer, Robert G

    2017-10-01

    The annual prevalence of antimicrobial exposure is high in the outpatient setting and should be a common exposure for surgical patients. Antimicrobials have negative side effects and may be associated with poor outcomes. Logically, one would expect surgical patients to be particularly susceptible to any negative effects of recent antimicrobial exposure. Despite these observations, however, the prevalence of recent antimicrobial exposure among surgical patients remains undefined. The purpose of this study is to define the prevalence of antimicrobial exposure in patients undergoing elective surgical procedures. Patients presenting for elective operations between August 4, 2015 and August 3, 2016 at our institution were asked prospectively about any antimicrobial exposure in the previous three months. Answers were recorded as either Yes, No, or Unsure. Patients were grouped according to age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, primary operative service, and post-operative destination. Descriptive statistics were employed using simple percentages and chi-square analysis when appropriate. Cochrane-Armitage test was used to evaluate temporal trends. There were 21,473 elective surgical procedures performed during the study period across 13 operative services. Answers were recorded for 91.2% cases. The overall prevalence of exposure during this period was 28.6%. Exposure varied with age, ASA score, and surgical specialty. Vascular and transplant operations had the highest prevalence of exposure while ophthalmology and pediatric orthopedic procedures had the lowest. Patients with recent antimicrobial exposure were less likely to be discharged home on the same day and more likely to be admitted to an intensive care or intermediate care unit than those who denied recent exposure. In this descriptive analysis, the prevalence of recent antimicrobial exposure is overall approximately 28.6% and is higher than anticipated. Further work is needed to determine to what

  11. When Should Ulcerative Colitis Patients Undergo Colectomy for Dysplasia? Mismatch Between Patient Preferences and Physician Recommendations

    PubMed Central

    Siegel, Corey A.; Schwartz, Lisa M.; Woloshin, Steven; Cole, Elisabeth B.; Rubin, David T.; Vay, Tegan; Baars, Judith; Sands, Bruce E.

    2010-01-01

    Background If dysplasia is found on biopsies during surveillance colonoscopy for ulcerative colitis (UC), many experts recommend colectomy given the substantial risk of synchronous colon cancer. The objective was to learn if UC patients’ perceptions of their colon cancer risk and if their preferences for elective colectomy match with physicians’ recommendations if dysplasia was found. Methods A self-administered written survey included 199 patients with UC for at least 8 years (mean age 49 years, 52% female) who were recruited from Dartmouth-Hitchcock (n = 104) and the University of Chicago (n = 95). The main outcome was the proportion of patients who disagree with physicians’ recommendations for colectomy because of dysplasia. Results Almost all respondents recognized that UC raised their chance of getting colon cancer. In all, 74% thought it was “unlikely” or “very unlikely” to get colon cancer within the next 10 years and they quantified this risk to be 23%; 60% of patients would refuse a physician’s recommendation for elective colectomy if dysplasia was detected, despite being told that they had a 20% risk of having cancer now. On average, these patients would only agree to colectomy if their risk of colon cancer “right now” were at least 73%. Conclusions UC patients recognize their increased risk of colon cancer and undergo frequent surveillance to reduce their risk. Nonetheless, few seem prepared to follow standard recommendations for elective colectomy if dysplasia is found. This may reflect the belief that surveillance alone is sufficient to reduce their colon cancer risk or genuine disagreement about when it is worth undergoing colectomy. PMID:20186940

  12. A randomized placebo-controlled trial of preoperative tranexamic acid among women undergoing elective cesarean delivery.

    PubMed

    Maged, Ahmed M; Helal, Omneya M; Elsherbini, Moutaz M; Eid, Marwa M; Elkomy, Rasha O; Dahab, Sherif; Elsissy, Maha H

    2015-12-01

    To study the efficacy and safety of preoperative intravenous tranexamic acid to reduce blood loss during and after elective lower-segment cesarean delivery. A single-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study was undertaken of women undergoing elective lower-segment cesarean delivery of a full-term singleton pregnancy at a center in Cairo, Egypt, between November 2013 and November 2014. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) using computer-generated random numbers to receive either 1g tranexamic acid or 5% glucose 15 minutes before surgery. Preoperative and postoperative complete blood count, hematocrit values, and maternal weight were used to calculate the estimated blood loss (EBL) during cesarean, which was the primary outcome. Analyses included women who received their assigned treatment, whose surgery was 90 minutes or less, and who completed follow-up. Analyses included 100 women in each group. Mean EBL was significantly higher in the placebo group (700.3 ± 143.9 mL) than in the tranexamic acid group (459.4 ±7 5.4 mL; P<0.001). Only six women, all in the placebo group, experienced an EBL of more than 1000 mL. There were no reports of thromboembolic events up to 4 weeks postoperatively. Preoperative administration of tranexamic acid safely reduces blood loss during elective lower-segment cesarean delivery. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry:ACTRN12615000312549. Copyright © 2015 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  13. High-Dose Statin Pretreatment Decreases Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Events in Patients Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Meta-Analysis of Twenty-Four Randomized Controlled Trials

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Le; Peng, Pingan; Zhang, Ou; Xu, Xiaohan; Yang, Shiwei; Zhao, Yingxin; Zhou, Yujie

    2014-01-01

    Background Evidence suggests that high-dose statin pretreatment may reduce the risk of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) for certain patients; however, previous analyses have not considered patients with a history of statin maintenance treatment. In this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we reevaluated the efficacy of short-term high-dose statin pretreatment to prevent PMI and MACE in an expanded set of patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods We searched the PubMed/Medline database for RCTs that compared high-dose statin pretreatment with no statin or low-dose statin pretreatment as a prevention of PMI and MACE. We evaluated the incidence of PMI and MACE, including death, spontaneous myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at the longest follow-up for each study for subgroups stratified by disease classification and prior low-dose statin treatment. Results Twenty-four RCTs with a total of 5,526 patients were identified. High-dose statin pretreatment was associated with 59% relative reduction in PMI (odds ratio [OR]: 0.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–0.49; P<0.00001) and 39% relative reduction in MACE (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.45–0.83; P = 0.002). The benefit of high-dose statin pretreatment on MACE was significant for statin-naive patients (OR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.50–0.95; P = 0.02) and prior low dose statin-treated patients (OR: 0.28; 95% CI: 0.12–0.65; P = 0.003); and for patients with acute coronary syndrome (OR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.34–0.79; P = 0.003), but not for patients with stable angina (OR: 0.71; 95% CI 0.45–1.10; P = 0.12). Long-term effects on survival were less obvious. Conclusions High-dose statin pretreatment can result in a significant reduction in PMI and MACE for patients undergoing elective PCI. The positive effect of high-dose statin pretreatment on PMI and MACE is significant for statin

  14. Elective induction of labor.

    PubMed

    Moore, Lisa E; Rayburn, William F

    2006-09-01

    Induction of labor rates have more than doubled nationwide in the past 15 years. The increase in medically induced inductions was slower than the overall increase, suggesting that inductions for marginal or elective reasons rose more rapidly. Elective inductions seem to account for at least half of all inductions and 10% of all deliveries. Whether the experience of an elective induction is satisfactory to the patient, obstetrician, and intrapartum crew warrants more widespread attention. Cesarean rates are high for nulliparas undergoing an induction with an unfavorable cervix. Prospective studies are limited or nonexistent to recommend induction of labor for elective or marginal indications. Until more prospective work is performed, it will be difficult to evaluate the true impact of the elective induction of labor on population-wide cesarean delivery rates. Strategies for increased obstetrician awareness are proposed through practice guidelines and through clinical research trials.

  15. Resource utilization and charges of patients with and without diagnosed venous thromboembolism during primary hospitalization and after elective inpatient surgery: a retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Sepassi, Aryana; Chingcuanco, Francine; Gordon, Ronald; Meier, Angela; Divino, Victoria; DeKoven, Mitch; Ben-Joseph, Rami

    2018-06-01

    To assess incremental charges of patients experiencing venous thromboembolisms (VTE) across various types of elective inpatient surgical procedures with administration of general anesthesia in the US. The authors performed a retrospective study utilizing data from a nationwide hospital operational records database from July 2014 through June 2015 to compare a group of inpatients experiencing a VTE event post-operatively to a propensity score matched group of inpatients who did not experience a VTE. Patients included in the analysis had a hospital admission for an elective inpatient surgical procedure with the use of general anesthesia. Procedures of the heart, brain, lungs, and obstetrical procedures were excluded, as these procedures often require a scheduled ICU stay post-operatively. Outcomes examined included VTE events during hospitalization, length of stay, unscheduled ICU transfers, number of days spent in the ICU if transferred, 3- and 30-day re-admissions, and total hospital charges incurred. The study included 17,727 patients undergoing elective inpatient surgical procedures. Of these, 36 patients who experienced a VTE event were matched to 108 patients who did not. VTE events occurred in 0.2% of the study population, with most events occurring for patients undergoing total knee replacement. VTE patients had a mean total hospital charge of $60,814 vs $48,325 for non-VTE patients, resulting in a mean incremental charge of $11,979 (p < .05). Compared to non-VTE patients, VTE patients had longer length of stay (5.9 days vs 3.7 days, p < .001), experienced a higher rate of 3-day re-admissions (3 vs 0 patients) and 30-day re-admissions (7 vs 2 patients). Patients undergoing elective inpatient surgical procedures with general anesthesia who had a VTE event during their primary hospitalization had a significantly longer length of stay and significantly higher total hospital charges than comparable patients without a VTE event.

  16. Shrunken Pore Syndrome is associated with a sharp rise in mortality in patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting.

    PubMed

    Dardashti, Alain; Nozohoor, Shahab; Grubb, Anders; Bjursten, Henrik

    2016-01-01

    Shrunken Pore Syndrome was recently suggested for the pathophysiologic state in patients characterized by an estimation of their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based upon cystatin  C, which is lower or equal to 60% of their estimated GFR based upon creatinine, i.e. when eGFR cystatin  C ≤ 60% of eGFR creatinine. Not only the cystatin C level, but also the levels of other low molecular mass proteins are increased in this condition. The preoperative plasma levels of cystatin C and creatinine were measured in 1638 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting. eGFR cystatin C and eGFR creatinine were calculated using two pairs of estimating equations, CAPA and LMrev, and CKD-EPI cystatin  C and CKD-EPI creatinine, respectively. The Shrunken Pore Syndrome was present in 2.1% of the patients as defined by the CAPA and LMrev equations and in 5.7% of the patients as defined by the CKD-EPI cystatin C and CKD-EPI creatinine equations. The patients were studied over a median follow-up time of 3.5 years (2.0-5.0 years) and the mortality determined. Shrunken Pore Syndrome defined by both pairs of equations was a strong, independent, predictor of long-term mortality as evaluated by Cox analysis and as illustrated by Kaplan-Meier curves. Increased mortality was observed also for the subgroups of patients with GFR above or below 60 mL/min/1.73 m(2). Changing the cut-off level from 60 to 70% for the CAPA and LMrev equations increased the number of patients with Shrunken Pore Syndrome to 6.5%, still displaying increased mortality.

  17. Contrast induced nephropathy in hypertensive patients after elective percutaneous coronary intervention

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Aryfa Andra, Cut; Khairul, Andi; Aria Arina, Cut; Mukhtar, Zulfikri; Nyak Kaoy, Isfanuddin

    2018-03-01

    Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is the third lead cause of hospital acquired renal failure and was associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We hypothesized that hypertension is an independent risk factor for the development of CIN in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The case-control method was used, 138 patients scheduled for elective PCI. We measured serum creatinine at baseline and after 24 hours of the procedure. CIN was defined as arising in serum creatinine of at least 44 μmol/l (0,5 mg/dl) or 25% rise from baseline. All patients received low osmolality nonionic contrast during PCI. Hypertension was defined as self-reported a history of treated or untreated diagnosed high blood pressure. One hundred thirty-eight patients (74,6%) were male, and 35 patients (25,4%) were female. Among the 138 patients, 86 (62,3%) were hypertensive patients whereas 52 (37,7%) were nonhypertensive patients. There was no difference in baseline serum creatinine levels and the amount of contrast media in patient with and without CIN. CIN developed in 42 patients, 39 patients (92,9%) were hypertensive compared to 3 patients (7,1%) without hypertension with p value < 0,05. (Odds ratio 16,8, 95% CI 4.542 - 62,412). This study showed that hypertension was a risk factor for the development of CIN

  18. Acupuncture and PC6 stimulation for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer: a study protocol for a three-arm randomised pilot trial.

    PubMed

    Kim, Kun Hyung; Kim, Dae Hun; Bae, Ji Min; Son, Gyung Mo; Kim, Kyung Hee; Hong, Seung Pyo; Yang, Gi Young; Kim, Hee Young

    2017-01-04

    This study aims to assess the feasibility of acupuncture and a Pericardium 6 (PC6) wristband as an add-on intervention of antiemetic medication for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colorectal cancer resection. A total of 60 participants who are scheduled to undergo elective laparoscopic resection of colorectal cancer will be recruited. An enhanced recovery after surgery protocol using standardised antiemetic medication will be provided for all participants. Participants will be equally randomised into acupuncture plus PC6 wristband (Acupuncture), PC6 wristband alone (Wristband), or no acupuncture or wristband (Control) groups using computer-generated random numbers concealed in opaque, sealed, sequentially numbered envelopes. For the acupuncture combined with PC6 wristband group, the embedded auricular acupuncture technique for preoperative anxiolysis and up to three sessions of acupuncture treatments with manual and electrical stimulation within 48 hours after surgery will be provided by qualified Korean medicine doctors. The PC6 wristband will be applied in the Acupuncture and Wristband groups, beginning 1 hour before surgery and lasting 48 hours postoperatively. The primary outcome will be the number of participants who experience moderate or severe nausea, defined as nausea at least 4 out of 10 on a severity numeric rating scale or vomiting at 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes, including symptom severity, participant global assessments and satisfaction, quality of life, physiological recovery, use of medication and length of hospital stay, will be assessed. Adverse events and postoperative complications will be measured for 1 month after surgery. All participants will provide written informed consent. The study has been approved by the institutional review board (IRB). This pilot trial will inform a full-scale randomised trial of acupuncture combined with PC6 stimulation

  19. 2017 American College of Rheumatology/American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Guideline for the Perioperative Management of Antirheumatic Medication in Patients With Rheumatic Diseases Undergoing Elective Total Hip or Total Knee Arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Goodman, Susan M; Springer, Bryan; Guyatt, Gordon; Abdel, Matthew P; Dasa, Vinod; George, Michael; Gewurz-Singer, Ora; Giles, Jon T; Johnson, Beverly; Lee, Steve; Mandl, Lisa A; Mont, Michael A; Sculco, Peter; Sporer, Scott; Stryker, Louis; Turgunbaev, Marat; Brause, Barry; Chen, Antonia F; Gililland, Jeremy; Goodman, Mark; Hurley-Rosenblatt, Arlene; Kirou, Kyriakos; Losina, Elena; MacKenzie, Ronald; Michaud, Kaleb; Mikuls, Ted; Russell, Linda; Sah, Alexander; Miller, Amy S; Singh, Jasvinder A; Yates, Adolph

    2017-08-01

    This collaboration between the American College of Rheumatology and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons developed an evidence-based guideline for the perioperative management of antirheumatic drug therapy for adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) including ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) undergoing elective total hip (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A panel of rheumatologists, orthopedic surgeons specializing in hip and knee arthroplasty, and methodologists was convened to construct the key clinical questions to be answered in the guideline. A multi-step systematic literature review was then conducted, from which evidence was synthesized for continuing versus withholding antirheumatic drug therapy and for optimal glucocorticoid management in the perioperative period. A Patient Panel was convened to determine patient values and preferences, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology was used to rate the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations, using a group consensus process through a convened Voting Panel of rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons. The strength of the recommendation reflects the degree of certainty that benefits outweigh harms of the intervention, or vice versa, considering the quality of available evidence and the variability in patient values and preferences. The guideline addresses the perioperative use of antirheumatic drug therapy including traditional disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biologic agents, tofacitinib, and glucocorticoids in adults with RA, SpA, JIA, or SLE who are undergoing elective THA or TKA. It provides recommendations regarding when to continue, when to withhold, and when to restart these medications, and the optimal perioperative dosing of glucocorticoids. The guideline includes 7 recommendations, all of which are conditional

  20. Evaluation of hyperglycaemic response to intra-operative dexamethasone administration in patients undergoing elective intracranial surgery: A randomised, prospective study.

    PubMed

    Sethi, Rakesh; Naqash, Imtiaz A; Bajwa, Sukhminder Jit Singh; Dutta, Vikas; Ramzan, Altaf Umar; Zahoor, Syed Amir

    2016-01-01

    The glucocorticoid dexamethasone in a bolus dose of 8-10 mg followed by quarterly dose of 4 mg is commonly used during intracranial surgery so as to reduce oedema and vascular permeability. However, the detrimental hyperglycaemic effects of dexamethasone may override its potentially beneficial effects. The present prospective, randomised study aimed at comparing the degree and magnitude of hyperglycaemia induced by prophylactic administration of dexamethasone in patients undergoing elective craniotomy. Sixty American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) grade-I and II patients were randomly assigned to three groups of 20 patients each. Group-I received dexamethasone during surgery for the first time. Group-II received dexamethasone in addition to receiving it pre-operatively, whereas Group-III (control group) patients were administered normal saline as placebo. Baseline blood glucose (BG) was measured in all the three groups before induction of anaesthesia and thereafter after every hour for 4 h and then two-hourly. Besides intra- and intergroup comparison of BG, peak BG concentration was also recorded for each patient. Statistical analysis was carried out with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test and value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Baseline BG reading were higher and statistically significant in Group-II as compared with Group-I and Group-III (P < 0.05). However, peak BG levels were significantly higher in Group-I than in Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Similarly, the magnitude of change in peak BG was significantly higher in Group-I as compared to Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Peri-operative administration of dexamethasone during neurosurgical procedures can cause significant increase in BG concentration especially in patients who receive dexamethasone intra-operatively only.

  1. Evaluation of hyperglycaemic response to intra-operative dexamethasone administration in patients undergoing elective intracranial surgery: A randomised, prospective study

    PubMed Central

    Sethi, Rakesh; Naqash, Imtiaz A.; Bajwa, Sukhminder Jit Singh; Dutta, Vikas; Ramzan, Altaf Umar; Zahoor, Syed Amir

    2016-01-01

    Background and Aim: The glucocorticoid dexamethasone in a bolus dose of 8-10 mg followed by quarterly dose of 4 mg is commonly used during intracranial surgery so as to reduce oedema and vascular permeability. However, the detrimental hyperglycaemic effects of dexamethasone may override its potentially beneficial effects. The present prospective, randomised study aimed at comparing the degree and magnitude of hyperglycaemia induced by prophylactic administration of dexamethasone in patients undergoing elective craniotomy. Materials and Methods: Sixty American Society of Anaesthesiologist (ASA) grade-I and II patients were randomly assigned to three groups of 20 patients each. Group-I received dexamethasone during surgery for the first time. Group-II received dexamethasone in addition to receiving it pre-operatively, whereas Group-III (control group) patients were administered normal saline as placebo. Baseline blood glucose (BG) was measured in all the three groups before induction of anaesthesia and thereafter after every hour for 4 h and then two-hourly. Besides intra- and intergroup comparison of BG, peak BG concentration was also recorded for each patient. Statistical analysis was carried out with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-test and value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Baseline BG reading were higher and statistically significant in Group-II as compared with Group-I and Group-III (P < 0.05). However, peak BG levels were significantly higher in Group-I than in Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Similarly, the magnitude of change in peak BG was significantly higher in Group-I as compared to Group-II and III (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Peri-operative administration of dexamethasone during neurosurgical procedures can cause significant increase in BG concentration especially in patients who receive dexamethasone intra-operatively only. PMID:27057213

  2. The use of lipid-lowering therapy for secondary prevention in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention

    PubMed Central

    Ma, Jessica M; Jackevicius, Cynthia A; Genus, Uchenwa; Dzavik, Vladimir

    2006-01-01

    BACKGROUND Recent literature suggests that lipid-lowering therapy may have an early beneficial effect among patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) because the therapy decreases cardiac mortality, morbidity and possibly restenosis. OBJECTIVE The primary objective of the present study was to determine the proportion of PCI patients receiving lipid-lowering therapy at a large, tertiary-care referral centre. METHODS Patients undergoing a first PCI between August 2000 and August 2002 with corresponding inpatient medication information were included in the study. Patient demographics, procedural variables, and lipid-lowering and other evidence-based cardiac medication data were collected. A multiple logistical regression model was constructed to evaluate the factors associated with the use of lipid-lowering therapy. RESULTS Of the 3254 cases included in the analyses, 52% were elective, 44% were urgent or salvage, and 4% were emergent. The mean patient age was 63 years, and 73% of patients were male. Over 76% of patients were receiving lipid-lowering therapy at the time of PCI. Patient use of other medications was as follows: acetylsalicylic acid in 96%, beta-blocker in 80% and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor in 59%. In the multiple regression analysis, variables significantly associated with lipid-lowering therapy use included hypercholesterolemia, beta-blocker use, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor use, case urgency, prior coronary artery bypass graft surgery, age and sex. CONCLUSION Lipid-lowering therapy use rates exceeded those previously reported in the literature. Women and patients undergoing elective procedures appear to be treated less often with lipid-lowering therapy. There remains an opportunity to further optimize use in this high-risk cohort at time of PCI. PMID:16639478

  3. The clinical effect of nicorandil on perioperative myocardial protection in patients undergoing elective PCI: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Ye, Ziliang; Su, Qiang; Li, Lang

    2017-03-21

    Many scholars have studied the effect of nicorandil on perioperative myocardial protection in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but results are inconsistent. Therefore, we performed this meta-analysis. Finally, 16 articles, including 1616 patients, were included into this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results showed that: (1) Nicorandil can reduce the level of CK-MB after PCI, including at 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours and 24 hours. (2) Nicorandil can reduce the level of TnT after PCI, including at 6 hours, 12 hours, 18 hours and 24 hours. (3) Nicorandil can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions after PCI. (4) Nicorandil cannot reduce the level of MVP after PCI, including at 12 hours and 24 hours. (5) Subgroup analysis showed that nicorandil can reduce CK-MB and TnT level at 24 hours after PCI for Chinese's population (P < 0.05), but can not reduce CK-MB and TnT level at 24 hours after PCI for non Chinese's population (P > 0.05). Our meta-analysis indicate that nicorandil can reduce myocardial injury and reduce the incidence of adverse reaction caused by PCI for Chinese's population, but is not obvious for non Chinese's population. However, this conclusion still needs to be confirmed in the future.

  4. Effect of Structured Touch and Guided Imagery for Pain and Anxiety in Elective Joint Replacement Patients--A Randomized Controlled Trial: M-TIJRP.

    PubMed

    Forward, John Brent; Greuter, Nancy Elizabeth; Crisall, Santa J; Lester, Houston F

    2015-01-01

    Postoperative management of pain after total joint arthroplasty remains a challenge despite advancements in analgesics. Evidence shows that complementary modalities with mind-body and tactile-based approaches are valid and effective adjuncts to reduce pain and anxiety postoperatively. To investigate the effectiveness of the "M" Technique (M), a registered method of structured touch using a set sequence and number of strokes, and a consistent level of pressure on hands and feet, compared with guided imagery and usual care, for the reduction of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing elective total knee or hip replacement surgery. Randomized controlled trial: M-TIJRP (MiTechnique and guided Imagery in Joint Replacement Patients [Mighty Junior P]). At a community hospital, 225 male and female patients, aged 38 to 90 years, undergoing elective total hip or knee replacement were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (75 patients in each): M, guided imagery, or usual care. They were blinded to their assignment until the intervention. Reduction of pain and anxiety postoperatively. Secondary outcomes measured use of pain medication and patient satisfaction. This study yielded positive findings for the management of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing elective joint replacement using M and guided imagery for 18 to 20 minutes compared with usual care. M showed the largest predicted decreases in both pain and anxiety between groups. There was no significant difference in narcotic pain medication use between groups. Patient satisfaction survey ratings were highest for M, followed by guided imagery. The benefit of M may be because of the specifically structured sequence of touch by competent caring, trained providers.

  5. Elective surgical patients' narratives of hospitalization: the co-construction of safety.

    PubMed

    Doherty, Carole; Saunders, Mark N K

    2013-12-01

    This research explores how elective surgical patients make sense of their hospitalization experiences. We explore sensemaking using longitudinal narrative interviews (n=72) with 38 patients undergoing elective surgical procedures between June 2010 and February 2011. We consider patients' narratives, the stories they tell of their prior expectations, and subsequent post-surgery experiences of their care in a United Kingdom (UK) hospital. An emergent pre-surgery theme is that of a paradoxical position in which they choose to make themselves vulnerable by agreeing to surgery to enhance their health, this necessitating trust of clinicians (doctors and nurses). To make sense of their situation, patients draw on technical (doctors' expert knowledge and skills), bureaucratic (National Health Service as a revered institution) and ideological (hospitals as places of safety), discourses. Post-operatively, themes of 'chaos' and 'suffering' emerge from the narratives of patients whose pre-surgery expectations (and trust) have been violated. Their stories tell of unmet expectations and of inability to make shared sense of experiences with clinicians who are responsible for their care. We add to knowledge of how patients play a critical part in the co-construction of safety by demonstrating how patient-clinician intersubjectivity contributes to the type of harm that patients describe. Our results suggest that approaches to enhancing patients' safety will be limited if they fail to reflect patients' involvement in the negotiated process of healthcare. We also provide further evidence of the contribution narrative inquiry can make to patient safety. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  6. Short-Term High-Dose Vitamin E to Prevent Contrast Medium-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Elective Coronary Angiography: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Rezaei, Yousef; Khademvatani, Kamal; Rahimi, Behzad; Khoshfetrat, Mehran; Arjmand, Nasim; Seyyed-Mohammadzad, Mir-Hossein

    2016-03-15

    Contrast medium-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is a leading cause of acquired renal impairment. The effects of antioxidants have been conflicting regarding the prevention of CIAKI. We performed a study of vitamin E use to decrease CIAKI in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. In a placebo-controlled randomized trial at 2 centers in Iran, 300 patients with chronic kidney disease-defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min per 1.73 m(2)-were randomized 1:1 to receive 0.9% saline infusion 12 hours prior to and after intervention combined with 600 mg vitamin E 12 hours before plus 400 mg vitamin E 2 hours before coronary angiography or to receive placebo. The primary end point was the development of CIAKI, defined as an increase ≥0.5 mg/dL or ≥25% in serum creatinine that peaked within 72 hours. Based on an intention-to-treat analysis, CIAKI developed in 10 (6.7%) and 21 (14.1%) patients in the vitamin E and placebo groups, respectively (P=0.037). Change in white blood cell count from baseline to peak value was greater in the vitamin E group compared with the placebo group (-500 [-1500 to 200] versus 100 [-900 to 600]×10(3)/mL, P=0.001). In multivariate analysis, vitamin E (odds ratio 0.408, 95% CI 0.170-0.982, P=0.045) and baseline Mehran score (odds ratio 1.257, 95% CI 1.007-1.569; P=0.043) predicted CIAKI. Prophylactic short-term high-dose vitamin E combined with 0.9% saline infusion is superior to placebo for prevention of CIAKI in patients undergoing elective coronary angiography. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Unique identifier: NCT02070679. © 2016 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley Blackwell.

  7. Pharmacokinetics of fentanyl in patients undergoing abdominal aortic surgery.

    PubMed

    Hudson, R J; Thomson, I R; Cannon, J E; Friesen, R M; Meatherall, R C

    1986-03-01

    The authors determined the pharmacokinetics of fentanyl 100 micrograms X kg-1 iv in patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic surgery. The mean (+/- SD) age of the ten patients was 67.2 +/- 8.7 yr; their mean weight was 78.5 +/- 13.7 kg. Seven patients had aortic aneurysm repair, and the other three patients had aortobifemoral grafts. Serum fentanyl concentrations were determined from samples drawn at increasing intervals over a 24-h period. A three-compartment pharmacokinetic model was fit to the concentration versus time data. Total drug clearance was 9.8 +/- 1.8 ml X min-1 X kg-1. The volume of distribution at steady-state (Vdss) was 5.4 +/- 1.9 X 1 kg-1. Elimination half-time was 8.7 +/- 2.5 h. There were no significant correlations between these pharmacokinetic parameters and patient's age, duration of aortic cross-clamping, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, or volume of iv fluids given intraoperatively. In healthy volunteers or patients undergoing general surgery, other investigators report mean elimination half-times for fentanyl ranging from 1.7 to 4.4 h. The prolonged elimination half-time in patients having abdominal aortic surgery has important clinical implications. In particular, recovery from large doses will take much longer than would have been anticipated from previously published fentanyl pharmacokinetic data.

  8. The peri-operative management of anti-platelet therapy in elective, non-cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Alcock, Richard F; Naoum, Chris; Aliprandi-Costa, Bernadette; Hillis, Graham S; Brieger, David B

    2013-07-31

    Cardiovascular complications are important causes of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery, with adverse cardiac outcomes estimated to occur in approximately 4% of all patients. Anti-platelet therapy withdrawal may precede up to 10% of acute cardiovascular syndromes, with withdrawal in the peri-operative setting incompletely appraised. The aims of our study were to determine the proportion of patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery currently prescribed anti-platelet therapy, and identify current practice in peri-operative management. In addition, the relationship between management of anti-platelet therapy and peri-operative cardiac risk was assessed. We evaluated consecutive patients attending elective non-cardiac surgery at a major tertiary referral centre. Clinical and biochemical data were collected and analysed on patients currently prescribed anti-platelet therapy. Peri-operative management of anti-platelet therapy was compared with estimated peri-operative cardiac risk. Included were 2950 consecutive patients, with 516 (17%) prescribed anti-platelet therapy, primarily for ischaemic heart disease. Two hundred and eighty nine (56%) patients had all anti-platelet therapy ceased in the peri-operative period, including 49% of patients with ischaemic heart disease and 46% of patients with previous coronary stenting. Peri-operative cardiac risk score did not influence anti-platelet therapy management. Approximately 17% of patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery are prescribed anti-platelet therapy, the predominant indication being for ischaemic heart disease. Almost half of all patients with previous coronary stenting had no anti-platelet therapy during the peri-operative period. The decision to cease anti-platelet therapy, which occurred commonly, did not appear to be guided by peri-operative cardiac risk stratification. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  9. A Comparison of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine in Attenuating the Hemodynamic Responses at Various Surgical Stages in Patients Undergoing Elective Transnasal Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Tumors

    PubMed Central

    Jan, Summaira; Ali, Zulfiqar; Nisar, Yasir; Naqash, Imtiaz Ahmad; Zahoor, Syed Amer; Langoo, Shabir Ahmad; Azhar, Khan

    2017-01-01

    Background: Transsphenoidal approach to pituitary tumors is a commonly performed procedure with the advantage of a rapid midline access to the sella with minimal complications. It may be associated with wide fluctuations in hemodynamic parameters due to intense noxious stimulus at various stages of the surgery. As duration of the surgery is short and the patients have nasal packs, it is prudent to use an anesthestic technique with an early predictable recovery. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients of either sex between 18 and 65 years of age, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II who were undergoing elective transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery were chosen for this study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups, Group C (clonidine) and Group D (dexmedetomidine), with each group consisting of 30 patients. Patients in Group C received 200 μg tablet of clonidine and those in Group D received a pantoprazole tablet as placebo at the same time. Patients in the Group D received an intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine diluted in 50 ml saline (200 μg in 50 ml saline) 10 min before induction and patients in Group C received 0.9% normal saline (50 ml) as placebo. The hemodynamic variables (heart rate, mean arterial pressure) were noted at various stages of the surgery. Statistical analysis of the data was performed. Results: A total of 60 patients were recruited. The mean age, sex, weight and duration of surgery among the two groups were comparable (P > 0.05). Both dexmedetomidine and clonidine failed to blunt the increase in hemodynamic responses (heart rate and blood pressure) during intubation, nasal packing, speculum insertion and extubation. However when the hemodynamic response was compared between the patients receiving dexmedetomidine and clonidine it was seen that patients who received dexmedetomidine had a lesser increase in heart rate and blood pressure (P < 0.05) when compared to clonidine. Conclusions: A

  10. A Comparison of Dexmedetomidine and Clonidine in Attenuating the Hemodynamic Responses at Various Surgical Stages in Patients Undergoing Elective Transnasal Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Tumors.

    PubMed

    Jan, Summaira; Ali, Zulfiqar; Nisar, Yasir; Naqash, Imtiaz Ahmad; Zahoor, Syed Amer; Langoo, Shabir Ahmad; Azhar, Khan

    2017-01-01

    Transsphenoidal approach to pituitary tumors is a commonly performed procedure with the advantage of a rapid midline access to the sella with minimal complications. It may be associated with wide fluctuations in hemodynamic parameters due to intense noxious stimulus at various stages of the surgery. As duration of the surgery is short and the patients have nasal packs, it is prudent to use an anesthestic technique with an early predictable recovery. A total of 60 patients of either sex between 18 and 65 years of age, belonging to the American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II who were undergoing elective transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery were chosen for this study. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups, Group C (clonidine) and Group D (dexmedetomidine), with each group consisting of 30 patients. Patients in Group C received 200 μg tablet of clonidine and those in Group D received a pantoprazole tablet as placebo at the same time. Patients in the Group D received an intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine diluted in 50 ml saline (200 μg in 50 ml saline) 10 min before induction and patients in Group C received 0.9% normal saline (50 ml) as placebo. The hemodynamic variables (heart rate, mean arterial pressure) were noted at various stages of the surgery. Statistical analysis of the data was performed. A total of 60 patients were recruited. The mean age, sex, weight and duration of surgery among the two groups were comparable ( P > 0.05). Both dexmedetomidine and clonidine failed to blunt the increase in hemodynamic responses (heart rate and blood pressure) during intubation, nasal packing, speculum insertion and extubation. However when the hemodynamic response was compared between the patients receiving dexmedetomidine and clonidine it was seen that patients who received dexmedetomidine had a lesser increase in heart rate and blood pressure ( P < 0.05) when compared to clonidine. A continuous intravenous infusion of dexmedetomidine as

  11. Formal education of patients about to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

    PubMed

    Gurusamy, Kurinchi Selvan; Vaughan, Jessica; Davidson, Brian R

    2014-02-28

    Generally, before being operated on, patients will be given informal information by the healthcare providers involved in the care of the patients (doctors, nurses, ward clerks, or healthcare assistants). This information can also be provided formally in different formats including written information, formal lectures, or audio-visual recorded information. To compare the benefits and harms of formal preoperative patient education for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (Issue 2, 2013), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Science Citation Index Expanded to March 2013. We included only randomised clinical trials irrespective of language and publication status. Two review authors independently extracted the data. We planned to calculate the risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) with 95% CI for continuous outcomes based on intention-to-treat analyses when data were available. A total of 431 participants undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomised to formal patient education (215 participants) versus standard care (216 participants) in four trials. The patient education included verbal education, multimedia DVD programme, computer-based multimedia programme, and Power Point presentation in the four trials. All the trials were of high risk of bias. One trial including 212 patients reported mortality. There was no mortality in either group in this trial. None of the trials reported surgery-related morbidity, quality of life, proportion of patients discharged as day-procedure laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the length of hospital stay, return to work, or the number of unplanned visits to the doctor. There were insufficient details to calculate the mean difference and 95% CI for the difference in pain scores at 9 to 24 hours (1 trial; 93 patients); and we did not identify clear evidence of

  12. Effects of auditory and audiovisual presentations on anxiety and behavioral changes in children undergoing elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Hatipoglu, Z; Gulec, E; Lafli, D; Ozcengiz, D

    2018-06-01

    : Preoperative anxiety is a critical issue in children, and associated with postoperative behavioral changes. : The purpose of the current study is to evaluate how audiovisual and auditory presentations about the perioperative period impact preoperative anxiety and postoperative behavioral disturbances of children undergoing elective ambulatory surgery. : A total of 99 patients between the ages of 5-12, scheduled to undergo outpatient surgery, participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups; audiovisual group (Group V, n = 33), auditory group (Group A, n = 33), and control group (Group C, n = 33). During the evaluation, the Modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (M-YPAS) and the posthospitalization behavioral questionnaire (PHBQ) were used. : There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics between the groups. M-YPAS scores were significantly lower in Group V than in Groups C and A (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). PHBQ scores in Group C were statistically higher than in Groups A and V, but, no statistical difference was found between Groups A and V. Compared to auditory presentations, audiovisual presentations, in terms of being memorable and interesting, may be more effective in reducing children's anxiety. In addition, we can suggest that both methods can be equally effective for postoperative behavioral changes.

  13. A prospective, multicentre study of moxifloxacin concentrations in the sinus mucosa tissue of patients undergoing elective surgery of the sinus.

    PubMed

    Gehanno, P; Darantière, S; Dubreuil, C; Chobaut, J C; Bobin, S; Pages, J C; Renou, G; Bobin, F; Arvis, P; Stass, H

    2002-05-01

    A pharmacokinetic study was carried out to determine moxifloxacin concentrations in sinus tissue, after oral moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily for 5 days to patients with chronic sinusitis, undergoing elective sinus surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to one of seven treatment groups, in which tissues were sampled 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 24 or 36 h post-dose. A control group with non-infected nasal polyps was also included. Forty-eight patients (13 female, 35 male, mean age 47.1 years) were allocated to one of each active treatment group (n = 42) or to the control group (n = 6). Tissue and plasma samples were taken simultaneously and stored frozen until assayed by HPLC. Thirty-nine patients were fully valid for pharmacokinetic analysis. The geometric mean moxifloxacin plasma concentration increased from 2.32 mg/L at 2 h to a maximum of 3.37 mg/L at 4 h post-dose, decreasing to 0.37 mg/L at 36 h post-dose. The moxifloxacin concentration in sinus mucosa was consistently greater than that in plasma being 4.56-5.73 mg/kg from 2 to 6 h and 2.81-1.25 mg/kg from 12 to 36 h post-dose. The elimination rates in plasma and sinus tissues were similar. The tissue/plasma ratio was c. 200% between 2 and 6 h, and up to 328.9% at 36 h. Results were similar whatever the site of tissue sampling (maxillary sinus, anterior ethmoid sinus or nasal polyps). Tissue levels exceeded the MIC(90) of all pathogens commonly causing acute sinusitis (e.g. 5-30 x MIC for Streptococcus pneumoniae: 0.25 mg/L). These results sup-port the use of moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily as a regimen for the treatment of sinus infections.

  14. Immune function, pain, and psychological stress in patients undergoing spinal surgery.

    PubMed

    Starkweather, Angela R; Witek-Janusek, Linda; Nockels, Russ P; Peterson, Jonna; Mathews, Herbert L

    2006-08-15

    This study was an exploratory repeated measures design comparing patients undergoing two magnitudes of surgery in the lumbar spine: lumbar herniated disc repair and posterior lumbar fusion. The present study evaluated and compared the effect of perceived pain, perceived stress, anxiety, and mood on natural killer cell activity (NKCA) and IL-6 production among adult patients undergoing lumbar surgery. Presurgical stress and anxiety can lead to detrimental patient outcomes after surgery, such as increased infection rates. It has been hypothesized that such outcomes are due to stress-immune alterations, which may be further exacerbated by the extent of surgery. However, psychologic stress, anxiety, and mood have not been previously characterized in patients undergoing spinal surgery. Pain, stress, anxiety, and mood were measured using self-report instruments at T1 (1 week before surgery), T2 (the day of surgery), T3 (the day after surgery), and T4 (6 weeks after surgery). Blood (30 mL) was collected for immune assessments at each time point. Pain, stress, anxiety, and mood state were elevated at baseline in both surgical groups and were associated with significant reduction in NKCA compared with the nonsurgical control group. A further decrease in NKCA was observed 24 hours after surgery in both surgical groups with a significant rise in stimulated IL-6 production, regardless of the magnitude of surgery. In the recovery period, NKCA increased to or above baseline values, which correlated with decreased levels of reported pain, perceived stress, anxiety, and mood state. This study demonstrated that patients undergoing elective spinal surgery are highly stressed and anxious, regardless of the magnitude of surgery and that such psychologic factors may mediate a reduction in NKCA.

  15. Mitral valve disease in patients with Marfan syndrome undergoing aortic root replacement.

    PubMed

    Kunkala, Meghana R; Schaff, Hartzell V; Li, Zhuo; Volguina, Irina; Dietz, Harry C; LeMaire, Scott A; Coselli, Joseph S; Connolly, Heidi

    2013-09-10

    Cardiac manifestations of Marfan syndrome include aortic root dilation and mitral valve prolapse (MVP). Only scant data exist describing MVP in patients with Marfan syndrome undergoing aortic root replacement. We retrospectively analyzed data from 166 MFS patients with MVP who were enrolled in a prospective multicenter registry of patients who underwent aortic root aneurysm repair. Of these 166 patients, 9% had mitral regurgitation (MR) grade >2, and 10% had MR grade 2. The severity of MVP and MR was evaluated by echocardiography preoperatively and ≤ 3 years postoperatively. Forty-one patients (25%) underwent composite graft aortic valve replacement, and 125 patients (75%) underwent aortic valve-sparing procedures; both groups had similar prevalences of MR grade >2 (P=0.7). Thirty-three patients (20%) underwent concomitant mitral valve (MV) intervention (repair, n=29; replacement, n=4), including all 15 patients with MR grade >2. Only 1 patient required MV reintervention during follow-up (mean clinical follow-up, 31 ± 10 months). Echocardiography performed 21 ± 13 months postoperatively revealed MR >2 in only 3 patients (2%). One early death and 2 late deaths occurred. Although the majority of patients with Marfan syndrome who undergo elective aortic root replacement have MVP, only 20% have concomitant MV procedures. These concomitant procedures do not seem to increase operative risk. In patients with MR grade ≤ 2 who do not undergo a concomitant MV procedure, the short-term incidence of progressive MR is low; however, more follow-up is needed to determine whether patients with MVP and MR grade ≤ 2 would benefit from prophylactic MV intervention.

  16. Patient and family satisfaction levels in the intensive care unit after elective cardiac surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a preoperative patient education intervention

    PubMed Central

    Leung, Patricia; Chiu, Chun Hung; Ho, Ka Man; Gomersall, Charles David; Underwood, Malcolm John

    2016-01-01

    Introduction Patients and their families are understandably anxious about the risk of complications and unfamiliar experiences following cardiac surgery. Providing information about postoperative care in the intensive care unit (ICU) to patients and families may lead to lower anxiety levels, and increased satisfaction with healthcare. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative patient education provided for patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Methods and analysis 100 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft, with or without valve replacement surgery, will be recruited into a 2-group, parallel, superiority, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomised to either preoperative patient education comprising of a video and ICU tour with standard care (intervention) or standard education (control). The primary outcome measures are the satisfaction levels of patients and family members with ICU care and decision-making in the ICU. The secondary outcome measures are patient anxiety and depression levels before and after surgery. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been obtained from the Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong—New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee (reference number CREC 2015.308). The findings will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Study participants will receive a 1-page plain language summary of results. Trial registration number ChiCTR-IOR-15006971. PMID:27334883

  17. Cardiac magnetic resonance findings predict increased resource utilization in elective coronary artery bypass grafting.

    PubMed

    Berry, Colin; Zimmerli, Lukas U; Steedman, Tracey; Foster, John E; Dargie, Henry J; Berg, Geoffrey A; Dominiczak, Anna F; Delles, Christian

    2008-03-01

    Morbidity following CABG (coronary artery bypass grafting) is difficult to predict and leads to increased healthcare costs. We hypothesized that pre-operative CMR (cardiac magnetic resonance) findings would predict resource utilization in elective CABG. Over a 12-month period, patients requiring elective CABG were invited to undergo CMR 1 day prior to CABG. Gadolinium-enhanced CMR was performed using a trueFISP inversion recovery sequence on a 1.5 tesla scanner (Sonata; Siemens). Clinical data were collected prospectively. Admission costs were quantified based on standardized actual cost/day. Admission cost greater than the median was defined as 'increased'. Of 458 elective CABG cases, 45 (10%) underwent pre-operative CMR. Pre-operative characteristics [mean (S.D.) age, 64 (9) years, mortality (1%) and median (interquartile range) admission duration, 7 (6-8) days] were similar in patients who did or did not undergo CMR. In the patients undergoing CMR, eight (18%) and 11 (24%) patients had reduced LV (left ventricular) systolic function by CMR [LVEF (LV ejection fraction) <55%] and echocardiography respectively. LE (late enhancement) with gadolinium was detected in 17 (38%) patients. The average cost/day was $2723. The median (interquartile range) admission cost was $19059 ($10891-157917). CMR LVEF {OR (odds ratio), 0.93 [95% CI (confidence interval), 0.87-0.99]; P=0.03} and SV (stroke volume) index [OR 1.07 (95% CI, 1.00-1.14); P=0.02] predicted increased admission cost. CMR LVEF (P=0.08) and EuroScore tended to predict actual admission cost (P=0.09), but SV by CMR (P=0.16) and LV function by echocardiography (P=0.95) did not. In conclusion, in this exploratory investigation, pre-operative CMR findings predicted admission duration and increased admission cost in elective CABG surgery. The cost-effectiveness of CMR in risk stratification in elective CABG surgery merits prospective assessment.

  18. Cerebroprotective effect of piracetam in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

    PubMed

    Holinski, Sebastian; Claus, Benjamin; Alaaraj, Nour; Dohmen, Pascal Maria; Neumann, Konrad; Uebelhack, Ralf; Konertz, Wolfgang

    2011-01-01

    Reduction of cognitive function is a possible side effect after the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during cardiac surgery. Since it has been proven that piracetam is cerebroprotective in patients undergoing coronary bypass surgery, we investigated the effects of piracetam on the cognitive performance of patients undergoing open heart surgery. Patients scheduled for elective open heart surgery were randomized to the piracetam or placebo group in a double-blind study. Patients received 12 g of piracetam or placebo at the beginning of the operation. Six neuropsychological subtests from the Syndrom Kurz Test and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale were performed preoperatively and on day 3, postoperatively. To assess the overall cognitive function and the degree of cognitive decline across all tests after the surgery, we combined the six test-scores by principal component analysis. A total of 88 patients with a mean age of 67 years were enrolled into the study. The mean duration of CPB was 110 minutes. Preoperative clinical parameters and overall cognitive functions were not significantly different between the groups. The postoperative combined score of the neuropsychological tests showed deterioration of cognitive function in both groups (piracetam: preoperative 0.19 ± 0.97 vs. postoperative -0.97 ± 1.38, p <0.0005 and placebo: preoperative -0.14 ± 0.98 vs. postoperative -1.35 ± 1.23, p <0.0005). Patients taking piracetam did not perform better than those taking placebo, and both groups had the same decline of overall cognitive function (p = 0.955). Piracetam had no cerebroprotective effect in patients undergoing open heart surgery. Unlike the patients who underwent coronary surgery, piracetam did not reduce the early postoperative decline of neuropsychological abilities in heart valve patients.

  19. Patient Body Mass Index is an Independent Predictor of 30-Day Hospital Readmission After Elective Spine Surgery.

    PubMed

    Elsamadicy, Aladine A; Adogwa, Owoicho; Vuong, Victoria D; Mehta, Ankit I; Vasquez, Raul A; Cheng, Joseph; Karikari, Isaac O; Bagley, Carlos A

    2016-12-01

    Hospital readmission within 30 days of index surgery is receiving increased scrutiny as an indicator of poor quality of care. Reducing readmissions achieves the dual benefit of improving quality and reducing costs. With the growing prevalence of obesity, understanding its impact on 30-day unplanned readmissions and patients' perception of health status is important for appropriate risk stratification of patients. The aim of this study was to determine if obesity is an independent risk factor for unplanned 30-day readmissions after elective spine surgery. The medical records of 500 patients (nonobese, n = 281; obese, n = 219) undergoing elective spine surgery at a major academic medical center were reviewed. Preoperative body mass index (BMI) was measured on all patients. BMI that was ≥30 kg/m 2 was classified as obese. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative complication rates were collected. The primary outcome investigated was unplanned all-cause 30-day hospital readmission. The association between preoperative obesity and 30-day readmission rate was assessed via multivariate logistic regression analysis. Baseline characteristics and operative variables and complication profiles were similar between both cohorts. Overall, 8.6% of patients were readmitted within 30 days of discharge; obese patients experienced a 2-fold increase in 30-day readmission rates (obese 12.33% vs. nonobese 5.69%, P = 0.01). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, preoperative obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ) was found to be an independent predictor of 30-day readmission after elective spine surgery (P = 0.001). Preoperative obesity is an independent risk factor for readmission within 30 days of discharge after elective spine surgery. In a cost-conscious health care climate, preoperative BMI can identify patients at risk for early unplanned hospital readmission. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Short-term intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis for elective rectal cancer surgery: results of a prospective randomized non-inferiority trial.

    PubMed

    Ishibashi, Keiichiro; Ishida, Hideyuki; Kuwabara, Kouki; Ohsawa, Tomonori; Okada, Norimichi; Yokoyama, Masaru; Kumamoto, Kensuke

    2014-04-01

    To investigate the non-inferiority of postoperative single-dose intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis to multiple-dose intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis in terms of the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients undergoing elective rectal cancer surgery by a prospective randomized study. Patients undergoing elective surgery for rectal cancer were randomized to receive a single intravenous injection of flomoxef (group 1) or five additional doses (group 2) of flomoxef after the surgery. All the patients had received preoperative oral antibiotic prophylaxis (kanamycin and erythromycin) after mechanical cleansing within 24 h prior to surgery, and had received intravenous flomoxef during surgery. A total of 279 patients (including 139 patients in group 1 and 140 in group 2) were enrolled in the study. The incidence of SSIs was 13.7% in group 1 and 13.6% in group 2 (difference [95% confidence interval]: -0.2% [-0.9 to 0.7%]). The incidence of SSIs was not significantly different in patients undergoing elective rectal surgery who were treated using a single dose of postoperative antibiotics compared to those treated using multiple-dose antibiotics when preoperative mechanical and chemical bowel preparations were employed.

  1. Decreased circulating T regulatory lymphocytes in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

    PubMed

    Agabiti-Rosei, Claudia; Trapletti, Valentina; Piantoni, Silvia; Airò, Paolo; Tincani, Angela; De Ciuceis, Carolina; Rossini, Claudia; Mittempergher, Francesco; Titi, Amin; Portolani, Nazario; Caletti, Stefano; Coschignano, Maria Antonietta; Porteri, Enzo; Tiberio, Guido A M; Pileri, Paola; Solaini, Leonardo; Kumar, Rajesh; Ministrini, Silvia; Agabiti Rosei, Enrico; Rizzoni, Damiano

    2018-01-01

    It has been previously demonstrated that T lymphocytes may be involved in the development of hypertension and microvascular remodeling, and that circulating T effector lymphocytes may be increased in hypertension. In particular, Th1 and Th 17 lymphocytes may contribute to the progression of hypertension and microvascular damage while T-regulatory (Treg) lymphocytes seem to be protective in this regard. However, no data is available about patients with severe obesity, in which pronounced microvascular alterations were observed. We have investigated 32 severely obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery, as well as 24 normotensive lean subjects and 12 hypertensive lean subjects undergoing an elective surgical intervention. A peripheral blood sample was obtained before surgery for assessment of CD4+ T lymphocyte subpopulations. Lymphocyte phenotype was evaluated by flow cytometry in order to assess T-effector and Treg lymphocytes. A marked reduction of several Treg subpopulations was observed in obese patients compared with controls, together with an increased in CD4+ effector memory T-effector cells. In severely obese patients, Treg lymphocytes are clearly reduced and CD4+ effector memory cells are increased. It may be hypothesized that they might contribute to the development of marked microvascular alterations previously observed in these patients.

  2. Validation of COLA score for predicting wound infection in patients undergoing surgery for rectal cancer.

    PubMed

    Saylam, Baris; Tez, Mesut; Comcali, Bulent; Vural, Veli; Duzgun, Arife Polat; Ozer, Mehmet Vasfi; Coskun, Faruk

    2017-01-01

    The purpose of our study was to estimate the incidence of SSI (Surgical site infection) and the effect of COLA (contamination, obesity, laparotomy and ASA grade) score on SSI in patients undergoing rectal surgical procedures for rectal cancer. A total of 92 patients who underwent operation for rectum cancer were enrolled in this study. Wound surveillance was performed in all patients by a staff surgeon identified infected wounds during the hospital stay, and collected information for up to 30 days after operation. The overall rate of incisional SSI and organ/space SSI was 22.8% and 7.6% respectively. Surgical site infection rates were 14.2%, 20.58%, 40.7%, 57.1% for COLA 1,2,3 and 4 scores respectively. The area under the receiver/ operator characteristic curve for the score was 0,660. COLA scoring systems predict, with reasonable accuracy, the risk of SSI in rectal cancer patients undergoing elective rectal surgery. COLA score Rectal surgery, Surgical site infection, Risk prediction, Wound infection.

  3. Anaemia in elective orthopaedic surgery - Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia.

    PubMed

    Kearney, B; To, J; Southam, K; Howie, D; To, B

    2016-01-01

    An anaemia clinic was established to improve the preoperative management of elective orthopaedic patients scheduled for arthroplasty. This paper is a report on the first 100 patients assessed. To assess the incidence and causes of anaemia in patients on a waiting list for elective arthroplasty in a public hospital and to assess the impact of anaemia detection in this patient population. Patients attending an Anaemia Clinic for elective orthopaedic surgical patients, during March 2010 to June 2013 were studied. Outcome measures included change in haemoglobin preoperative results and perioperative transfusion rates by preoperative haemoglobin. Seventeen per cent of patients scheduled for elective surgery were found to be anaemic. Of the 100 patients who attended, approximately half were found to be iron deficient and the remainder had anaemia of chronic disease. Serum ferritin <30 µg/L alone did not identify iron deficiency in 80% of patients with iron deficiency. Patients with iron deficient anaemia were able to be treated, in all cases, to achieve a significant increase in preoperative haemoglobin. The general unavailability of erythropoietin limited effective intervention for the non-iron-deficient anaemic patients. Seven patients had their surgery cancelled because of the screening programme. Half of the anaemic patients in a joint replacement screening clinic were iron deficient, and treatment was effective in improving the pre-operative haemoglobin and reducing perioperative transfusion rates. This screening process should improve patient outcome. Another important finding in this group of patients is that ferritin levels cannot be reliably used as the sole indicator in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia in this group of patients undergoing elective arthroplasty. © 2015 Royal Australasian College of Physicians.

  4. Variance in elective surgery for chronic pancreatitis.

    PubMed

    Shah, Nehal S; Siriwardena, Ajith K

    2009-01-08

    Evidence to guide selection of optimal surgical treatment for patients with painful chronic pancreatitis is limited. Baseline assessment data are limited and thus patients in different centres may be presenting at different stages of their illness. This study undertakes a systematic overview of reports of elective surgical intervention in chronic pancreatitis with particular reference to reporting of quality of life and baseline assessment and relation between disease and type of procedure. A computerised search of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases was undertaken for the period January 1997 to March 2007 yielding 46 manuscripts providing data on 4,626 patients undergoing elective surgery for chronic pancreatitis. The median number of patients per study was 71 (range: 4-484). The median period for recruitment of patients was 10 years (range: 2-36 years). An externally validated quality of life questionnaire is reported in 8 (17.4%) of 46 manuscripts covering 441 (9.5%) of 4,626 patients. Formal comparison of pre-operative and post-operative pain scores was provided in 15 (32.6%) of manuscripts. Only seven (15.2%) reports provide a formal rationale or indication for selection of the type of elective surgical procedure for a stated disease variant and these papers cover 481 (10.4%) patients. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that there is a lack of standardization between units of the criteria for operative intervention in painful chronic pancreatitis. At a minimum, formal quality of life testing using a validated system should be undertaken in all patients prior to elective surgery for painful chronic pancreatitis.

  5. Patient and family satisfaction levels in the intensive care unit after elective cardiac surgery: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a preoperative patient education intervention.

    PubMed

    Lai, Veronica Ka Wai; Lee, Anna; Leung, Patricia; Chiu, Chun Hung; Ho, Ka Man; Gomersall, Charles David; Underwood, Malcolm John; Joynt, Gavin Matthew

    2016-06-22

    Patients and their families are understandably anxious about the risk of complications and unfamiliar experiences following cardiac surgery. Providing information about postoperative care in the intensive care unit (ICU) to patients and families may lead to lower anxiety levels, and increased satisfaction with healthcare. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the effectiveness of preoperative patient education provided for patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. 100 patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft, with or without valve replacement surgery, will be recruited into a 2-group, parallel, superiority, double-blinded randomised controlled trial. Participants will be randomised to either preoperative patient education comprising of a video and ICU tour with standard care (intervention) or standard education (control). The primary outcome measures are the satisfaction levels of patients and family members with ICU care and decision-making in the ICU. The secondary outcome measures are patient anxiety and depression levels before and after surgery. Ethical approval has been obtained from the Joint Chinese University of Hong Kong-New Territories East Cluster Clinical Research Ethics Committee (reference number CREC 2015.308). The findings will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. Study participants will receive a 1-page plain language summary of results. ChiCTR-IOR-15006971. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/

  6. Preoperative physical therapy for elective cardiac surgery patients.

    PubMed

    Hulzebos, Erik H J; Smit, Yolba; Helders, Paul P J M; van Meeteren, Nico L U

    2012-11-14

    After cardiac surgery, physical therapy is a routine procedure delivered with the aim of preventing postoperative pulmonary complications. To determine if preoperative physical therapy with an exercise component can prevent postoperative pulmonary complications in cardiac surgery patients, and to evaluate which type of patient benefits and which type of physical therapy is most effective. Searches were run on the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) on the Cochrane Library (2011, Issue 12 ); MEDLINE (1966 to 12 December 2011); EMBASE (1980 to week 49, 2011); the Physical Therapy Evidence Database (PEDro) (to 12 December 2011) and CINAHL (1982 to 12 December 2011). Randomised controlled trials or quasi-randomised trials comparing preoperative physical therapy with no preoperative physical therapy or sham therapy in adult patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Data were collected on the type of study, participants, treatments used, primary outcomes (postoperative pulmonary complications grade 2 to 4: atelectasis, pneumonia, pneumothorax, mechanical ventilation > 48 hours, all-cause death, adverse events) and secondary outcomes (length of hospital stay, physical function measures, health-related quality of life, respiratory death, costs). Data were extracted by one review author and checked by a second review author. Review Manager 5.1 software was used for the analysis. Eight randomised controlled trials with 856 patients were included. Three studies used a mixed intervention (including either aerobic exercises or breathing exercises); five studies used inspiratory muscle training. Only one study used sham training in the controls. Patients that received preoperative physical therapy had a reduced risk of postoperative atelectasis (four studies including 379 participants, relative risk (RR) 0.52; 95% CI 0.32 to 0.87; P = 0.01) and pneumonia (five studies including 448 participants, RR 0.45; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.83; P = 0.01) but not of

  7. Elective Stoma Reversal Has a Higher Incidence of Postoperative Clostridium Difficile Infection Compared With Elective Colectomy: An Analysis Using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program and Targeted Colectomy Databases.

    PubMed

    Skancke, Matthew; Vaziri, Khashayar; Umapathi, Bindu; Amdur, Richard; Radomski, Michal; Obias, Vincent

    2018-05-01

    Clostridium difficile infection is caused by the proliferation of a gram-positive anaerobic bacteria after medical or surgical intervention and can result in toxic complications, emergent surgery, and death. This analysis evaluates the incidence of C difficile infection in elective restoration of intestinal continuity compared with elective colon resection. This was a retrospective database review of the 2015 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project and targeted colectomy database. The intervention cohort was defined as the primary Current Procedural Terminology codes for ileostomy/colostomy reversal (44227, 44620, 44625, and 44626) and International Classification of Diseases codes for ileostomy/colostomy status (VV44.2, VV44.3, VV55.2, VV55.3, Z93.2, Z93.3, Z43.3, and Z43.2). A total of 2235 patients underwent elective stoma reversal compared with 10403 patients who underwent elective colon resection. Multivariate regression modeling of the impact of stoma reversal on postoperative C difficile infection risk was used as the study intervention. The incidence of C difficile infection in the 30 days after surgery was measured. The incidence of C difficile infection in the 30-day postoperative period was significantly higher (3.04% vs 1.25%; p < 0.001) in patients undergoing stoma reversal. After controlling for differences in cohorts, regression analysis suggested that stoma reversal (OR = 2.701 (95% CI, 1.966-3.711); p < 0.001), smoking (OR = 1.520 (95% CI, 1.063-2.174); p = 0.022), steroids (OR = 1.677 (95% CI, 1.005-2.779); p = 0.048), and disseminated cancer (OR = 2.312 (95% CI, 1.437-3.719); p = 0.001) were associated with C difficile infection incidence in the 30-day postoperative period. The study was limited because it was a retrospective database review with observational bias. Patients who undergo elective stoma reversal have a higher incidence of postoperative C difficile infection compared with patients who undergo an

  8. Influence of a Shorter Duration of Post-Operative Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Infectious Complications in Patients Undergoing Elective Liver Resection.

    PubMed

    Sakoda, Masahiko; Iino, Satoshi; Mataki, Yuko; Kawasaki, Yota; Kurahara, Hiroshi; Maemura, Kosei; Ueno, Shinichi; Natsugoe, Shoji

    Antibiotic prophylaxis has been recommended to reduce post-operative infectious complications. Discontinuation of post-operative antibiotic administration within 24 hours of operation is currently recommended. Many surgeons, however, conventionally tend to extend the duration of prophylactic antibiotic use. In this study, we performed a retrospective analysis to assess the efficacy of extended post-operative antibiotic use in patients who underwent elective liver resection. A total of 208 consecutive patients who underwent liver resection without biliary reconstruction were investigated. Patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of post-operative antibiotic use: Only once after the operation (the post-operative day [POD] 0 group) and until three days after the operation (the POD 3 group). Post-operative complications in the two groups were analyzed and compared. Incisional surgical site infections (SSIs) were observed in 5% of the POD 0 group and 3% of the POD 3 group (p = 0.517). Organ/space SSIs were observed in 2% of the POD 0 group and 3% of the POD 3 group (p = 0.694). Overall infectious complications including SSIs and remote site infections were observed in 12% of the POD 0 group and 11% of the POD 3 group. Multi-variable analyses revealed that the short-term post-operative antibiotic regimen did not confer additional risk for infectious complications. In elective liver resection, the administration of prophylactic antibiotics on the operative day alone appears to be sufficient, because no additional benefit in the incidence of post-operative infectious complications was conferred on patients given antibiotic agents for three days.

  9. Patient-reported opioid analgesic requirements after elective inguinal hernia repair: A call for procedure-specific opioid-administration strategies.

    PubMed

    Mylonas, Konstantinos S; Reinhorn, Michael; Ott, Lauren R; Westfal, Maggie L; Masiakos, Peter T

    2017-11-01

    A better understanding of the analgesia needs of patients who undergo common operative procedures is necessary as we address the growing opioid public health crisis in the United States. The aim of this study was to evaluate patient experience with our opioid prescribing practice after elective inguinal hernia repairs. A prospective, observational study was conducted between October 1, 2015, and September 30, 2016, in a single-surgeon, high-volume, practice of inguinal hernia operation. Adult patients undergoing elective inguinal herniorrhaphy under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation were invited to participate. All patients were prescribed 10 opioid analgesic tablets postoperatively and were counseled to reserve opioids for pain not controlled by nonopioid analgesics. Their experience was captured by completing a questionnaire 2 to 3 weeks postoperatively during their postoperative visit. A total of 185 patients were surveyed. The majority of the participants were males (177, 95.7%) and ≥60 years old (96, 51.9%). Of the 185 patients, 159 (85.9%) reported using ≤4 opioid tablets; 110 patients (59.5%) reported that they used no opioid analgesics postoperatively. None of the patients was taking opioids within 7 days of their postoperative appointment. Of the 147 patients who were employed, 111 (75.5%) reported missing ≤3 work days, 57 of whom (51.4%) missed no work at all. Patients who were employed were more likely to take opioid analgesics postoperatively (P = .049). Patients who took no opioid analgesics experienced less maximum (P < .001) and persistent groin pain (P = .037). Pain interfered less with daily activities (P = .012) and leisure activities (P = .018) for patients who did not use opioids. The majority of our patients reported that they did not require any opioid analgesics, and nearly all of those who thought that they did need opioids used <5 tablets. Our data suggest that for elective inguinal hernia repair under a local

  10. Site-directed topical lidocaine spray attenuates perioperative respiratory adverse events in children undergoing elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Li, Li-Wei; He, Long; Ai, Yanqiu; Chu, Qinjun; Zhang, Wei

    2016-06-01

    Perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality associated with pediatric anesthesia. Topical lidocaine administration reduces risk of PRAE in children undergoing elective endotracheal intubation. However, definitive evidence of its efficacy remains elusive, due, in part, to the wide variability in the methodology for spraying topical lidocaine. In this randomized controlled double-blind clinical trial, we sought to evaluate the effect of site-directed topical airway lidocaine, sprayed directly onto supraglottic, glottis, and subglottic areas, on the incidence of PRAE. The study population consisted of 322 children (age range, 6 mo-12 y), who were scheduled for an elective surgical procedure under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Patients were randomly assigned to receive topical spray of lidocaine (group L) or saline (group S) over the supraglottic, glottis and subglottic areas under direct vision before tracheal intubation. Incidence of PRAE and time to extubation was recorded. There were no statistically significant intergroup differences with regard to baseline demographics, patient characteristics, and surgical parameters. Group L was associated with a significantly lower incidence of PRAE as compared with group S (12.80% versus 38.13%, respectively; P < 0.001). Similarly, the incidence of laryngospasm (1.7% versus 8.1%; P = 0.01), excessive coughing (4.3% versus 13.2%; P = 0.005), and oxygen desaturation <95% (6.8% versus 16.9%; P = 0.005), respectively, was significantly lower in group L. However, time to extubation was longer in group L as compared with that in group S (18.6 ± 7.7 min versus 21.3 ± 8.9 min; P = 0.03). Site-directed topical spray of lidocaine over supraglottic, glottis, and subglottic areas before tracheal intubation significantly reduced the incidence of PRAE and a prolongation of extubation time in children. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  11. Effects of live music therapy sessions on quality of life indicators, medications administered and hospital length of stay for patients undergoing elective surgical procedures for brain.

    PubMed

    Walworth, Darcy; Rumana, Christopher S; Nguyen, Judy; Jarred, Jennifer

    2008-01-01

    The physiological and psychological stress that brain tumor patients undergo during the entire surgical experience can considerably affect several aspects of their hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of live music therapy on quality of life indicators, amount of medications administered and length of stay for persons receiving elective surgical procedures of the brain. Subjects (N = 27) were patients admitted for some type of surgical procedure of the brain. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the control group receiving no music intervention (n = 13) or the experimental group receiving pre and postoperative live music therapy sessions (n = 14). Anxiety, mood, pain, perception of hospitalization or procedure, relaxation, and stress were measured using a self-report Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for each of the variables. The documented administration of postoperative pain medications; the frequency, dosage, type, and how it was given was also compared between groups. Experimental subjects live and interactive music therapy sessions, including a pre-operative session and continuing with daily sessions until the patient was discharged home. Control subjects received routine hospital care without any music therapy intervention. Differences in experimental pretest and posttest scores were analyzed using a Wilcoxon Matched-Pairs Signed-Rank test. Results indicated statistically significant differences for 4 of the 6 quality of life measures: anxiety (p = .03), perception of hospitalization (p = .03), relaxation (p = .001), and stress (p = .001). No statistically significant differences were found for mood (p > .05) or pain (p > .05) levels. Administration amounts of nausea and pain medications were compared with a Two-Way ANOVA with One Repeated Measure resulting in no significant differences between groups and medications, F(1, 51) = 0.03; p > .05. Results indicate no significant differences between groups for length of stay (t = .97

  12. Cerebroprotective effect of piracetam in patients undergoing coronary bypass burgery.

    PubMed

    Holinski, Sebastian; Claus, Benjamin; Alaaraj, Nour; Dohmen, Pascal Maria; Kirilova, Kremena; Neumann, Konrad; Uebelhack, Ralf; Konertz, Wolfgang

    2008-11-01

    Reduction of cognitive function is a possible side effect after cardiac surgery using cardiopulmonary bypass. We investigated the cerebroprotective effect of piracetam on cognitive performance in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass. Patients scheduled for elective, primary and isolated coronary bypass surgery were randomised either to piracetam or placebo group. The study was performed in a double blind fashion. Patients received either 12 g piracetam or placebo at the beginning of the operation. Six neuropsychological subtests from the Syndrom Kurz Test and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale were performed preoperatively and on the third postoperative day. To assess the overall cognitive function and the degree of cognitive decline across all tests after surgery we combined the six test-scores by principal component analysis. A total number of 120 patients were enrolled into the study. Preoperative overall cognitive function were not significantly different between the groups. The postoperative combined score of the neuropsychological tests showed a deterioration of cognitive function in both groups (placebo-pre: -0.06+/-0.99 vs placebo-post: -1.38+/-1.11; p<0.0005 and piracetam-pre: 0.06+/-1.02 vs piracetam-post: -0.65+/-0.93; p<0.0005). However, the piracetam patients performed significantly better compared to the placebo patients after the operation and had a less decline of overall cognitive function (p<0.0005). Piracetam has a cerebroprotective effect in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass. It reduces an early postoperative substantial decline of neuropsychological abilities.

  13. Pre-operative assessment and post-operative care in elective shoulder surgery.

    PubMed

    Akhtar, Ahsan; Macfarlane, Robert J; Waseem, Mohammad

    2013-01-01

    Pre-operative assessment is required prior to the majority of elective surgical procedures, primarily to ensure that the patient is fit to undergo surgery, whilst identifying issues that may need to be dealt with by the surgical or anaesthetic teams. The post-operative management of elective surgical patients begins during the peri-operative period and involves several health professionals. Appropriate monitoring and repeated clinical assessments are required in order for the signs of surgical complications to be recognised swiftly and adequately. This article examines the literature regarding pre-operative assessment in elective orthopaedic surgery and shoulder surgery, whilst also reviewing the essentials of peri- and post-operative care. The need to recognise common post-operative complications early and promptly is also evaluated, along with discussing thromboprophylaxis and post-operative analgesia following shoulder surgery.

  14. General anesthesia versus segmental thoracic or conventional lumbar spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

    PubMed

    Yousef, Gamal T; Lasheen, Ahmed E

    2012-01-01

    Laparoscopic cholecystectomy became the standard surgery for gallstone disease because of causing less postoperative pain, respiratory compromise and early ambulation. This study was designed to compare spinal anesthesia, (segmental thoracic or conventional lumbar) vs the gold standard general anesthesia as three anesthetic techniques for healthy patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, evaluating intraoperative parameters, postoperative recovery and analgesia, complications as well as patient and surgeon satisfaction. A total of 90 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, between January 2010 and May 2011, were randomized into three equal groups to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with low-pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum under segmental thoracic (TSA group) or conventional lumbar (LSA group) spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia (GA group). To achieve a T3 sensory level we used (hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg, and fentanyl 25 mg at L2/L3) for LSAgroup, and (hyperbaric bupivacaine 7.5 mg, and fentanyl 25 mg at T10/T11) for TSAgroup. Propofol, fentanyl, atracurium, sevoflurane, and tracheal intubation were used for GA group. Intraoperative parameters, postoperative recovery and analgesia, complications as well as patient and surgeon satisfaction were compared between the three groups. All procedures were completed laparoscopically by the allocated method of anesthesia with no anesthetic conversions. The time for the blockade to reach T3 level, intraoperative hypotensive and bradycardic events and vasopressor use were significantly lower in (TSA group) than in (LSA group). Postoperative pain scores as assessed throughout any time, postoperative right shoulder pain and hospital stay was lower for both (TSA group) and (LSA group) compared with (GA group). The higher degree of patients satisfaction scores were recorded in patients under segmental TSA. The present study not only confirmed that both segmental TSA and conventional

  15. General anesthesia versus segmental thoracic or conventional lumbar spinal anesthesia for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

    PubMed Central

    Yousef, Gamal T.; Lasheen, Ahmed E.

    2012-01-01

    Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy became the standard surgery for gallstone disease because of causing less postoperative pain, respiratory compromise and early ambulation. Objective: This study was designed to compare spinal anesthesia, (segmental thoracic or conventional lumbar) vs the gold standard general anesthesia as three anesthetic techniques for healthy patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, evaluating intraoperative parameters, postoperative recovery and analgesia, complications as well as patient and surgeon satisfaction. Materials and Methods: A total of 90 patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, between January 2010 and May 2011, were randomized into three equal groups to undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy with low-pressure CO2 pneumoperitoneum under segmental thoracic (TSA group) or conventional lumbar (LSA group) spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia (GA group). To achieve a T3 sensory level we used (hyperbaric bupivacaine 15 mg, and fentanyl 25 mg at L2/L3) for LSAgroup, and (hyperbaric bupivacaine 7.5 mg, and fentanyl 25 mg at T10/T11) for TSAgroup. Propofol, fentanyl, atracurium, sevoflurane, and tracheal intubation were used for GA group. Intraoperative parameters, postoperative recovery and analgesia, complications as well as patient and surgeon satisfaction were compared between the three groups. Results: All procedures were completed laparoscopically by the allocated method of anesthesia with no anesthetic conversions. The time for the blockade to reach T3 level, intraoperative hypotensive and bradycardic events and vasopressor use were significantly lower in (TSA group) than in (LSA group). Postoperative pain scores as assessed throughout any time, postoperative right shoulder pain and hospital stay was lower for both (TSA group) and (LSA group) compared with (GA group). The higher degree of patients satisfaction scores were recorded in patients under segmental TSA. Conclusion: The present

  16. The effects of preoperative cardiology consultation prior to elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair on patient morbidity.

    PubMed

    Boniakowski, Anna E; Davis, Frank M; Phillips, Amanda R; Robinson, Adina B; Coleman, Dawn M; Henke, Peter K

    2017-08-01

    Objectives The relationship between preoperative medical consultations and postoperative complications has not been extensively studied. Thus, we investigated the impact of preoperative consultation on postoperative morbidity following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Methods A retrospective review was conducted on 469 patients (mean age 72 years, 20% female) who underwent elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair from June 2007 to July 2014. Data elements included detailed medical history, preoperative cardiology consultation, and postoperative complications. Primary outcomes included 30-day morbidity, consult-specific morbidity, and mortality. A bivariate probit regression model accounting for the endogeneity of binary preoperative medical consult and patient variability was estimated with a maximum likelihood function. Results Eighty patients had preoperative medical consults (85% cardiology); thus, our analysis focuses on the effect of cardiac-related preoperative consults. Hyperlipidemia, increased aneurysm size, and increased revised cardiac risk index increased likelihood of referral to cardiology preoperatively. Surgery type (endovascular versus open repair) was not significant in development of postoperative complications when controlling for revised cardiac risk index ( p = 0.295). After controlling for patient comorbidities, there was no difference in postoperative cardiac-related complications between patients who did and did not undergo cardiology consultation preoperatively ( p = 0.386). Conclusions When controlling for patient disease severity using revised cardiac risk index risk stratification, preoperative cardiology consultation is not associated with postoperative cardiac morbidity.

  17. Outcome of anesthesia in elective surgical patients with comorbidities.

    PubMed

    Eyelade, Olayinka; Sanusi, Arinola; Adigun, Tinuola; Adejumo, Olufemi

    2016-01-01

    Presence of comorbidity in surgical patients may be associated with adverse perioperative events and increased the risk of morbidity and mortality. This audit was conducted to determine the frequencies of comorbidities in elective surgical patients and the outcome of anesthesia in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria. Observational study of a cross-section of adult patients scheduled for elective surgery over a 6-month period. A standardized questionnaire was used to document patients' demographics, the presence of comorbidity and type, surgical diagnosis, anesthetic technique, intraoperative adverse events, and outcome of anesthesia. The questionnaire was administered pre- and post-operatively to determine the effects of the comorbidities on the outcome of anesthesia. One hundred and sixty-five adult patients aged between 18 and 84 years were studied. There were 89 (53.9%) females and 76 (46.1%) males. Forty-five (27.3%) have at least one comorbidity. Hypertension was the most common (48.8%) associated illness. Other comorbidities identified include anemia (17.8%), asthma (8.9%), diabetes mellitus (6.7%), chronic renal disease (6.7%), and others. The perioperative period was uneventful in majority of patients (80.6%) despite the presence of comorbidities. Intraoperative adverse events include hypotension, hypertension, shivering, and vomiting. No mortality was reported. Hypertension was the most common comorbidity in this cohort of patients. The presence of comorbidity did not significantly affect the outcome of anesthesia in elective surgical patients.

  18. The incidence and causative organisms of infection in elective shoulder surgery.

    PubMed

    Mayne, Alistair I W; Bidwai, Amit S; Clifford, Rachael; Smith, Matthew G; Guisasola, Inigo; Brownson, Peter

    2018-07-01

    Deep infection remains a serious complication of orthopaedic surgery. Knowledge of infection rates and causative organisms is important to guide infection control measures. The aim of the present study was to determine infection rates and causative organisms in elective shoulder surgery. Cases complicated by infection were identified and prospectively recorded over a 2-year period. All patients undergoing elective shoulder surgery in the concurrent period at a single Specialist Upper Limb Unit in the UK were identified from the hospital electronic database. In total, 1574 elective shoulder cases were performed: 1359 arthroscopic (540 with implant insertion) and 215 open (197 with implant insertion). The overall infection rate in open surgery of 2.5% was significantly higher than arthroscopic implant cases at 0.7% ( p  < 0.005). The overall infection rate in implant arthroscopic surgery was significantly higher at 0.7% compared to 0% in non-implant related surgery. ( p  < 0.05). Patients undergoing open shoulder surgery have a significantly higher risk of infection compared to arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Arthroscopic surgery with implant insertion has a statistically significantly higher risk of developing deep infection compared to procedures with no implant insertion. We recommend prophylactic antibiotics in open shoulder surgery and arthroscopic shoulder surgery with implant insertion.

  19. PREPARE: the prevalence of perioperative anaemia and need for patient blood management in elective orthopaedic surgery: a multicentre, observational study.

    PubMed

    Lasocki, Sigismond; Krauspe, Rüdiger; von Heymann, Christian; Mezzacasa, Anna; Chainey, Suki; Spahn, Donat R

    2015-03-01

    Patient blood management (PBM) can prevent preoperative anaemia, but little is known about practice in Europe. To assess the pre and postoperative prevalence and perioperative management of anaemia in patients undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery in Europe. An observational study; data were collected from patient records via electronic case report forms. Seventeen centres in six European countries. Centres were stratified according to whether they had a PBM programme or not. One thousand five hundred and thirty-four patients undergoing major elective hip, knee or spine surgery [49.9% hip, 37.2% knee, 13.0% spine; age 64.0 years (range 18 to 80), 61.3% female]. Prevalence of preoperative (primary endpoint) and postoperative anaemia [haemoglobin (Hb) <13 g dl (male), Hb <12 g dl (female)], perioperative anaemia management, time to first blood transfusion and number of transfused units. Data are shown as mean (SD) or median (interquartile range). Anaemia prevalence increased from 14.1% preoperatively to 85.8% postoperatively. Mean Hb decrease was 1.9 (1.5) and 3.0 (1.3) g dl in preoperatively anaemic and nonanaemic patients, respectively (P < 0.001). In PBM (n = 7) vs. non-PBM centres, preoperative anaemia was less frequent (8.0 vs. 18.5%; P < 0.001) and iron status was assessed more frequently (ferritin 11.0 vs. 2.6%, transferrin saturation 11.0 vs. 0.1%; P < 0.001). Perioperative anaemia correction (mainly transfusion) was given to 34.3%. Intraoperatively, 14.8% of preoperatively anaemic and 2.8% of nonanaemic patients received transfusions [units per patient: 2.4 (1.5) and 2.2 (1.4), median time to first intraoperative transfusion: 130 (88, 158) vs. 179 (135, 256) min; P < 0.001]. Postoperative complications were more frequent in preoperatively anaemic vs. nonanaemic patients (36.9 vs. 22.2%; P = 0.009). Most patients who underwent elective orthopaedic surgery had normal preoperative Hb levels but became anaemic after the

  20. Factors affecting acute pain perception and analgesics consumption in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

    PubMed

    Aceto, Paola; Lai, Carlo; Perilli, Valter; Sacco, Teresa; Modesti, Cristina; Raffaelli, Marco; Sollazzi, Liliana

    2016-09-01

    Previous studies performed in non-obese patients undergoing elective surgery have revealed that psychological factors may affect postoperative analgesic requirements. The aim of this observational prospective study was to investigate the extent to which psychopathological dimensions, including anxiety, depression and alexithymia, may influence postoperative pain intensity and analgesics consumption using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. 120 patients, aged 18-60years, with an ASA physical status I-II, undergoing gastric bypass were enrolled. Anxiety and depression Hamilton scales, and Toronto Alexithymia scale, were administered to patients on the day before surgery. General anesthesia was standardized. After awakening, a PCA pump with intravenous tramadol was immediately made available for a 36-hour postoperative analgesia. Visual analog scale at rest (VASr) and after coughing (VASi), and effective PCA requests number were postoperatively recorded. Pearson's correlations, Anova analyses and multiple linear regression were used for statistical purpose. Positive correlations were found between anxiety, depression, alexithymia and all pain indicators (p<0.01). Analyses of variance showed that anxious (p<0.001), depressed (p<0.001) and alexithymic (p<0.05) patients had high pain indicators. VASr and VASi were predicted by anxiety and depression (p<0.05), but not by alexithymia; effective PCA requests number was predicted by anxiety, depression and alexithymia (p<0.001). Obese patients with high depression, anxiety and alexithymia levels rated their pain as more intense and required a larger amount of tramadol. Pain perception intensity was predicted by anxiety and depression but not by alexithymia, whereas analgesics consumption was predicted by all the investigated psychopathological dimensions. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  1. 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

  2. Probiotics and Synbiotics Decrease Postoperative Sepsis in Elective Gastrointestinal Surgical Patients: a Meta-Analysis.

    PubMed

    Arumugam, Sudha; Lau, Christine S M; Chamberlain, Ronald S

    2016-06-01

    The health benefits of probiotics and synbiotics are well established in healthy adults, but their role in preventing postoperative sepsis remains controversial. This meta-analysis assesses the impact of probiotics and synbiotics on the incidence of postoperative sepsis in gastrointestinal (GI) surgical patients. A comprehensive literature search of all published randomized control trials (RCTs) was conducted using PubMed, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar (1966-2015). Inclusion criteria included RCTs comparing the use of any strain or dose of a specified probiotic/synbiotic with placebo or a "no treatment" control group. The incidence of postoperative sepsis (within 1 month of surgery) and postoperative mortality were analyzed. Fifteen RCTs involving 1201 patients (192 receiving probiotics, 413 receiving synbiotics, and 596 receiving placebo) were analyzed. Overall, probiotic and synbiotic uses significantly reduced the risk of developing postoperative sepsis by 38 % (relative risk (RR) = 0.62, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.52-0.74, p < 0.001). The use of probiotic/synbiotic supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing postoperative sepsis in patients undergoing elective GI surgery. Probiotic/synbiotic supplementation is a valuable adjunct in the care of patients undergoing GI surgery. Additional studies are required to determine the optimal dose and strain of probiotic/synbiotic.

  3. The effect of blood transfusion on short-term, perioperative outcomes in elective spine surgery.

    PubMed

    Seicean, Andreea; Alan, Nima; Seicean, Sinziana; Neuhauser, Duncan; Weil, Robert J

    2014-09-01

    Studies in various surgical procedures have shown that transfusion of red blood cells (RBC) increases the risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Impact of blood transfusion in patients undergoing spine surgery is not well-described. We assessed the impact of intra and postoperative transfusion on postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. We used the American College of Surgeons' National Surgical Quality Improvement Program to identify a retrospective cohort of 36,901 adult patients who underwent elective spine surgery between 2006 and 2011. Patients who received intra or postoperative transfusion (n=3262) were matched to those who did not using propensity scores. Logistic regression predicted adverse postoperative outcomes. We conducted sensitivity analysis in a subset of patients in whom the number of intraoperatively transfused units of RBC or whole blood was known. Upon matching, preoperative hematocrit, length of surgery, and percentage of spinal fusion surgery were not significantly different between transfused and non-transfused patients. After matching, transfusion remained adversely associated with prolonged length of stay (LOS) in hospital (odds ratio [OR] 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.3-2.9), postoperative complications (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.4-1.9), and an increased 30 day return to operation room (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.2). Transfusion of even one unit of blood intraoperatively was associated with prolonged LOS (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.6) and minor complications (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3). Therefore, transfusion of RBC or whole blood, even a single unit, increased LOS and postoperative morbidity in patients undergoing elective spine surgery, independent of preoperative hematocrit level and patient comorbidities. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. Impact of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery: A meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Rollins, Katie E; Javanmard-Emamghissi, Hannah; Lobo, Dileep N

    2018-01-28

    To analyse the effect of mechanical bowel preparation vs no mechanical bowel preparation on outcome in patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies comparing adult patients receiving mechanical bowel preparation with those receiving no mechanical bowel preparation, subdivided into those receiving a single rectal enema and those who received no preparation at all prior to elective colorectal surgery. A total of 36 studies (23 randomised controlled trials and 13 observational studies) including 21568 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were included. When all studies were considered, mechanical bowel preparation was not associated with any significant difference in anastomotic leak rates (OR = 0.90, 95%CI: 0.74 to 1.10, P = 0.32), surgical site infection (OR = 0.99, 95%CI: 0.80 to 1.24, P = 0.96), intra-abdominal collection (OR = 0.86, 95%CI: 0.63 to 1.17, P = 0.34), mortality (OR = 0.85, 95%CI: 0.57 to 1.27, P = 0.43), reoperation (OR = 0.91, 95%CI: 0.75 to 1.12, P = 0.38) or hospital length of stay (overall mean difference 0.11 d, 95%CI: -0.51 to 0.73, P = 0.72), when compared with no mechanical bowel preparation, nor when evidence from just randomized controlled trials was analysed. A sub-analysis of mechanical bowel preparation vs absolutely no preparation or a single rectal enema similarly revealed no differences in clinical outcome measures. In the most comprehensive meta-analysis of mechanical bowel preparation in elective colorectal surgery to date, this study has suggested that the use of mechanical bowel preparation does not affect the incidence of postoperative complications when compared with no preparation. Hence, mechanical bowel preparation should not be administered routinely prior to elective colorectal surgery.

  5. Predictive value of preoperative electrocardiography for perioperative cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.

    PubMed

    Biteker, Murat; Duman, Dursun; Tekkeşin, Ahmet Ilker

    2012-08-01

    The utility of routine preoperative electrocardiography (ECG) for assessing perioperative cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonvascular surgery (NCNVS) is unclear. There would be an association between preoperative ECG and perioperative cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing NCNVS. A total of 660 patients undergoing NCNVS were prospectively evaluated. Patients age >18 years who underwent an elective, nonday case, open surgical procedure were enrolled. Troponin I concentrations and 12-lead ECG were evaluated the day before surgery, immediately after surgery, and on the first 5 postoperative days. Preoperative ECG showing atrial fibrillation, left or right bundle branch block, left ventricular hypertrophy, frequent premature ventricular complexes, pacemaker rhythm, Q-wave, ST-segment changes, or sinus tachycardia or bradycardia were classified as abnormal. The patients were followed up during hospitalization and were evaluated for the presence of perioperative cardiovascular events (PCE). Eighty patients (12.1%) experienced PCE. Patients with abnormal ECG findings had a greater incidence of PCE than those with normal ECG results (16% vs 6.4%; P < 0.001). Mean QTc interval was significantly longer in the patients who had PCE (436.6 ± 31.4 vs 413.3 ± 16.7 ms; P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed a significant association between preoperative atrial fibrillation, pacemaker rhythm, ST-segment changes, QTc prolongation, and in-hospital PCE. However, only QTc prolongation (odds ratio: 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.2, P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of PCE according to the multivariate analysis. Every 10-ms increase in QTc interval was related to a 13% increase for PCE. Prolongation of the QTc interval on the preoperative ECG was related with PCE in patients undergoing NCNVS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  6. The effect of interactive multimedia on preoperative knowledge and postoperative recovery of patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

    PubMed

    Stergiopoulou, A; Birbas, K; Katostaras, T; Mantas, J

    2007-01-01

    Aim of this study is the evaluation of the impact of a multimedia CD (MCD) on preoperative anxiety and postoperative recovery of patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Sixty consecutive candidates for elective LC were randomly assigned to four groups. Group A included 15 patients preoperatively informed regarding LC through the MCD presented by Registered Nurse (RN). Patients in group B (n = 15) were informed through a leaflet. Patients in group C (n = 15) were informed verbally from a RN. Finally, the control Group D included 15 patients informed conventionally by the attending surgeon and anesthesiologist, as every other patient included in groups A, B, and C. Preoperative assessment of knowledge about LC was performed after each informative session through a questionnaire. Evaluation of preoperative anxiety was conducted using APAIS scale. Postoperative pain and nausea scores were measured using an NRS scale, 16 hours after the patient had returned to the ward. Statistical processing of the results (single linear regression) showed that patients in groups A, B, and C achieved a higher knowledge score, less preoperative anxiety score and less postoperative pain and nausea, compared to Group D. In multiple regression analysis, group A had a higher knowledge score compared to the four groups (p < 0.001 r(2) = 0.41). Informative sessions using MCD is an effective means of improving patient's preoperative knowledge, especially in day-surgery cases, like LC.

  7. Plasma magnesium concentration in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

    PubMed

    Kotlinska-Hasiec, Edyta; Makara-Studzinska, Marta; Czajkowski, Marek; Rzecki, Ziemowit; Olszewski, Krzysztof; Stadnik, Adam; Pilat, Jacek; Rybojad, Beata; Dabrowski, Wojciech

    2017-05-11

    [b]Introduction[/b]. Magnesium (Mg) plays a crucial role in cell physiology and its deficiency may cause many disorders which often require intensive treatment. The aim of this study was to analyse some factors affecting preoperative plasma Mg concentration in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). [b]Materials and method[/b]. Adult patients scheduled for elective CABG with cardio-pulmonary bypass (CPB) under general anaesthesia were studied. Plasma Mg concentration was analysed before surgery in accordance with age, domicile, profession, tobacco smoking and preoperative Mg supplementation. Blood samples were obtained from the radial artery just before the administration of anaesthesia. [b]Results. [/b]150 patients were studied. Mean preoperative plasma Mg concentration was 0.93 ± 0.17 mmol/L; mean concentration in patients - 1.02 ± 0.16; preoperative Mg supplementation was significantly higher than in patients without such supplementation. Moreover, intellectual workers supplemented Mg more frequently and had higher plasma Mg concentration than physical workers. Plasma Mg concentration decreases in elderly patients. Patients living in cities, on average, had the highest plasma Mg concentration. Smokers had significantly lower plasma Mg concentration than non-smokers. [b]Conclusions. [/b]1. Preoperative magnesium supplementation increases its plasma concentration. 2. Intellectual workers frequently supplement magnesium. 3. Smoking cigarettes decreases plasma magnesium concentration.

  8. Systematic Review: Audiovisual Interventions for Reducing Preoperative Anxiety in Children Undergoing Elective Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Van Lieshout, Ryan J.; Schmidt, Louis A.; Dobson, Kathleen G.; Buckley, Norman

    2016-01-01

    Objective To examine the effectiveness of Audiovisual (AV) interventions at reducing preoperative anxiety and its associated outcomes in children undergoing elective surgery. Methods A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and nonrandomized studies where the primary outcome was children’s preoperative anxiety was conducted. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain, behavioral changes, recovery, induction compliance, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness. The risk of bias of each study was assessed. Results In all, 18 studies were identified. A meta-analytic approach and narrative synthesis of findings were used to summarize the results of the studies. Conclusions This systematic review suggests that AV interventions can be effective in reducing children’s preoperative anxiety. Videos, multi-faceted programs, and interactive games appear to be most effective, whereas music therapy and Internet programs are less effective. While AV interventions appear potentially useful, adequately powered RCTs are required to conclusively pinpoint the components and mechanisms of the most effective AV interventions and guide practice. PMID:26476281

  9. Success of elective cholecystectomy treatment plans after emergency department visit.

    PubMed

    Bingener, Juliane; Thomsen, Kristine M; McConico, Andrea; Hess, Erik P; Habermann, Elizabeth B

    2015-01-01

    Differentiation between patients with acute cholecystitis and patients with severe biliary colic can be challenging. Patients with undiagnosed acute cholecystitis can incur repeat emergency department (ED) visits, which is resource intensive. Billing records from 2000-2013 of all adults who visited the ED in the 30 d preceding their cholecystectomy were analyzed. Patients who were discharged from the ED and underwent elective cholecystectomy were compared with those who were discharged and returned to the ED within 30 d. T-tests, chi-square tests, and multivariable analysis were used as appropriate. From 2000-2013, 3138 patients (34%) presented to the ED within 30 d before surgery, 63% were women, mean age 51 y, and of those 1625 were directly admitted from the ED for cholecystectomy, whereas 1513 patients left the ED to return for an elective cholecystectomy. Patients who were discharged were younger (mean age 49 versus 54 y, P < 0.001) and had shorter ED stays (5.9 versus 7.2 h, P < 0.001) than the patients admitted immediately. Of the discharged patients, 303 (20%) returned to the ED within 30 d to undergo urgent cholecystectomy. Compared with patients with successful elective cholecystectomy after the ED visit, those who failed the pathway were more likely to have an American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3 and were <40 or ≥60 compared with the successful group. One in five patients failed the elective cholecystectomy pathway after ED discharge, leading to additional patient distress and use of resources. Further risk factor assessment may help design efficient care pathways. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. 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.

  11. Elective neck management for high-grade salivary gland carcinoma.

    PubMed

    Herman, Michael P; Werning, John W; Morris, Christopher G; Kirwan, Jessica M; Amdur, Robert J; Mendenhall, William M

    2013-01-01

    To determine whether patients with clinically node negative (cNo) high grade salivary gland carcinomas benefit from an elective neck dissection prior to postoperative radiotherapy (RT). Between October 1964 and October 2009, 59 previously untreated patients with cNo high-grade salivary gland carcinomas (squamous cell carcinomas were excluded) were treated with curative intent using elective neck dissection (END; n=41), or elective neck irradiation (ENI; n=18) at the University of Florida College of Medicine (Gainesville, FL). All patients underwent resection of the primary cancer followed by postoperative RT. The median follow-up period was 5.2years (range, 0.3-34years). Occult metastases were found in 18 (44%) of the 41 patients in the END group. There were 4 recurrences (10%) in the END group and 0 recurrence in the ENI group. Neck control rates at 5years were: END, 90%; ENI, 100%; and overall, 93% (p=0.1879). Cause-specific survival was 94% in the ENI group, 84% in the END group, and 86% for all patients (p=0.6998). There were 3 reported grade 3 or 4 toxicities. Two patients had a postoperative fistula and one patient had a grade 4 osteoradionecrosis that required a partial mandibulectomy. Patients with cNo high grade salivary gland carcinomas who are planned to undergo surgery and postoperative RT likely do not benefit from a planned neck dissection. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. [A case of extensive pulmonary atelectasis after intubation in a patient undergoing elective tympanoplasty].

    PubMed

    Sugimoto, Kenzaburo; Satoh, Masaaki; Kai, Makiko; Sata, Naho; Takeuchi, Mamoru

    2013-10-01

    A 33-year-old male, without significant medical history, underwent elective tympanoplasty. It was difficult to manage his airway because of overbites, small jaw, and short neck. After intubation, his left chest revealed obvious abnormality in sound and movement, and showed free air in the mediastinum on X ray. CT revealed extensive atelectasis. Although he is a current smoker, the length of preoperative smoking cessation necessary to decrease postoperative pulmonary complications is not clear. This case demonstrates the importance of preoperative preparation including education in smoking damage.

  13. Predicting the likelihood of live birth for elective oocyte cryopreservation: a counseling tool for physicians and patients.

    PubMed

    Goldman, R H; Racowsky, C; Farland, L V; Munné, S; Ribustello, L; Fox, J H

    2017-04-01

    Can a counseling tool be developed for women desiring elective oocyte cryopreservation to predict the likelihood of live birth based on age and number of oocytes frozen? Using data from ICSI cycles of a population of women with uncompromised ovarian reserve, an evidence-based counseling tool was created to guide women and their physicians regarding the number of oocytes needed to freeze for future family-building goals. Elective oocyte cryopreservation is increasing in popularity as more women delay family building. By undertaking elective oocyte freezing at a younger age, women hope to optimize their likelihood of successful live birth(s) using their thawed oocytes at a future date. Questions often arise in clinical practice regarding the number of cryopreserved oocytes sufficient to achieve live birth(s) and whether or not additional stimulation cycles are likely to result in a meaningful increase in the likelihood of live birth. As relatively few women who have electively cryopreserved oocytes have returned to use them, available data for counseling patients wishing to undergo fertility preservation are limited. A model was developed to determine the proportion of mature oocytes that fertilize and then form blastocysts as a function of age, using women with presumably normal ovarian reserve based on standard testing who underwent ICSI cycles in our program from January, 2011 through March, 2015 (n = 520). These included couples diagnosed exclusively with male-factor and/or tubal-factor infertility, as well as cycles utilizing egg donation. Age-specific probabilities of euploidy were estimated from 14 500 PGS embryo results from an external testing laboratory. Assuming survival of thawed oocytes at 95% for women <36 y and for egg donors, and 85% for women ≥36 y, and 60% live birth rate per transferred euploid blastocyst, probabilities of having at least one, two or three live birth(s) were calculated. First fresh male-factor and/or tubal-factor only autologous

  14. Why Some Mastectomy Patients Opt to Undergo Delayed Breast Reconstruction: Results of a Long-Term Prospective Study.

    PubMed

    Metcalfe, Kelly A; Semple, John; Quan, May-Lynn; Holloway, Claire; Wright, Frances; Narod, Steven; Hofer, Stefan; Bagher, Shaghayegh; Zhong, Toni

    2017-02-01

    Delayed breast reconstruction is an option for women who have undergone mastectomy; however, uptake is low. The purpose of this study was to identify premastectomy and postmastectomy demographic, clinical, and psychosocial predictors of uptake of delayed breast reconstruction in the long-term survivorship period. This was a prospective longitudinal survey study of mastectomy patients in which a repeated measures design was used to evaluate uptake of delayed breast reconstruction. Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial variables were collected before mastectomy and 1 year after mastectomy. Information regarding uptake of delayed breast reconstruction was collected at approximately 6 years after mastectomy. A predictive model was designed using a multivariate logistic regression model and Akiake information criterion stepwise algorithm. Ninety-six mastectomy patients were followed from before mastectomy to 75.2 months after mastectomy, and 35 women (36.5 percent) underwent delayed breast reconstruction. Women who elected for delayed breast reconstruction experienced worsening of body concerns from before mastectomy to 1 year after mastectomy, compared with women who did not elect to undergo delayed breast reconstruction (p = 0.03). Mean scores for psychological distress were significantly worse both before mastectomy and 1 year after mastectomy in women who went on to undergo delayed breast reconstruction compared with those who did not undergo delayed breast reconstruction (p = 0.034 and p = 0.022, respectively). A predictive model for the uptake of delayed breast reconstruction was developed using demographic, clinical, and psychosocial characteristics. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 85 percent, indicating good precision. Women who are experiencing higher levels of distress, anxiety, and body concerns both before and after mastectomy appear to be significantly likely to select delayed breast reconstruction. This may have

  15. 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.

  16. Elective Thoracolumbar Spine Fusion Surgery in Patients with Parkinson Disease.

    PubMed

    Puvanesarajah, Varun; Jain, Amit; Qureshi, Rabia; Carstensen, S Evan; Tyger, Rosemarie; Hassanzadeh, Hamid

    2016-12-01

    Few data are available concerning clinical outcomes in patients with Parkinson disease who undergo elective thoracolumbar spine fusion surgery. The goal of this study is to elucidate complication and revision rates after posterior thoracolumbar fusion surgery in patients with Parkinson disease, with a focus on how Parkinson disease modifies these rates. The PearlDiver database (2005-2012) was queried for patients who underwent posterior approach thoracolumbar fusion from 2006 to 2011. Cohorts of patients with a previous diagnosis of Parkinson disease (n = 4816) and without (n = 280,702) were compared. Multivariate analysis that included various comorbidities and demographics was used to calculate effects of Parkinson disease on development of postoperative infection and major medical complications within 90 days and revision surgery within 1 year. For analyses, significance was set at P < 0.001. Major medical complications were observed in 545 patients (11.3%) for 90 days after the index procedure. Postoperative infection was noted in 91 patients (1.9%) within 90 days, and revision surgeries were performed in 250 patients (5.2%) within 1 year. Multivariate analysis showed that Parkinson disease was significantly associated with an increased risk for medical complications (adjusted odds ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.34; P < 0.001) and revision surgery (adjusted odds ratio, 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.49-1.93; P < 0.001), but not postoperative infection (P = 0.02). Patients with Parkinson disease are more likely to require revision surgery and have higher rates of adverse medical events postoperatively. Patients with Parkinson disease should be appropriately selected to ensure favorable clinical outcomes. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  17. Association Between Smoking Status, Preoperative Exhaled Carbon Monoxide Levels, and Postoperative Surgical Site Infection in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Martin, David P.; Thompson, Rodney; Schroeder, Darrell R.; Hanson, Andrew C.; Warner, David O.

    2017-01-01

    Importance Cigarette smoking is a risk factor for many perioperative complications, including surgical site infection (SSI). The duration of abstinence from smoking required to reduce this risk is unknown. Objectives To evaluate if abstinence from smoking on the day of surgery is associated with a decreased frequency of SSI in patients who smoke cigarettes and to confirm that smoking is significantly independently associated with SSI when adjustment is made for potentially relevant covariates, such as body mass index. Design, Setting, and Participants In this observational, nested, matched case-control study, 2 analyses were performed at an academic referral center in the upper Midwest. Cases included all patients undergoing elective surgical procedures at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, between January 1, 2009, and July 31, 2014 (inclusive) who subsequently developed an SSI. Controls for both analyses were matched on age, sex, and type of surgery. Exposures Smoking status and preoperative exhaled carbon monoxide level, assessed by nurses in the preoperative holding area. Patients were classified as smoking on the day of surgery if they self-reported smoking or if their preoperative exhaled carbon monoxide level was 10 ppm or higher. Main Outcomes and Measures Surgical site infection after a surgical procedure at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, as identified by routine clinical surveillance using National Healthcare Safety Network criteria. Results Of the 6919 patients in the first analysis, 3282 (47%) were men and 3637 (53%) were women; median age (interquartile range) for control and SSI cases was 60 (48-70). Of the 392 patients in the second analysis, 182 (46%) were men and 210 (54%) were women; median age (interquartile range) for controls was 53 (45-49) and for SSI cases was 51 (45-60). During the study period, approximately 2% of surgical patients developed SSI annually. Available for the first analysis (evaluating the influence of current smoking status) were

  18. Effect of pre-operative octenidine nasal ointment and showering on surgical site infections in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Reiser, M; Scherag, A; Forstner, C; Brunkhorst, F M; Harbarth, S; Doenst, T; Pletz, M W; Hagel, S

    2017-02-01

    To evaluate the effect of pre-operative octenidine (OCT) decolonization on surgical site infection (SSI) rates. Before-and-after cohort study. Patients undergoing an elective isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure: control group (1 st January to 31 st December 2013), N=475; intervention group (1 st January to 31 st December 2014), N=428. The intervention consisted of nasal application of OCT ointment three times daily, beginning on the day before surgery, and showering the night before and on the day of surgery with OCT soap. A median sternotomy was performed in 805 (89.1%) patients and a minimally invasive direct coronary artery bypass procedure was performed in 98 (10.9%) patients. Overall, there was no difference in SSI rates between the control and intervention groups (15.4% vs 13.3%, P=0.39). The rate of harvest site SSIs was significantly lower in patients in the intervention group (2.5% vs 0.5%, P=0.01). Patients who had undergone a median sternotomy in the intervention group had a significantly lower rate of organ/space sternal SSIs (1.9% vs 0.3%, P=0.04). However, there was a trend towards an increased rate of deep incisional sternal SSIs (1.2% vs 2.9%, P=0.08). Multi-variate analysis did not identify a significant protective effect of the intervention (odds ratio 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.53-1.15, P=0.27). Pre-operative decolonization with OCT did not reduce overall SSI rates in patients undergoing an elective isolated CABG procedure, but significantly decreased harvest site and organ/space sternal SSIs. Randomized controlled trials, including controlled patient adherence to the intervention, are required to confirm these observations and to determine the clinical utility of OCT in pre-operative decolonization. Copyright © 2016 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. International trends in patient selection for elective endovascular aneurysm repair: sicker patients with safer anatomy leading to improved 1-year survival.

    PubMed

    Fitridge, Robert A; Boult, Margaret; Mackillop, Clare; De Loryn, Tania; Barnes, Mary; Cowled, Prue; Thompson, Matthew M; Holt, Peter J; Karthikesalingam, Alan; Sayers, Robert D; Choke, Edward; Boyle, Jonathan R; Forbes, Thomas L; Novick, Teresa V

    2015-02-01

    To review the trends in patient selection and early death rate for patients undergoing elective endovascular repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR) in 3 countries. For this study, audit data from 4,163 patients who had undergone elective infrarenal EVAR were amalgamated. The data originated from Australia, Canada (Ontario), and England (London, Cambridge, and Leicester). Statistical analyses were undertaken to determine whether patient characteristics and early death rate varied between and within study groups and over time. The study design was retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively between 1999 and 2012. One-year survival improved over time (P = 0.0013). Canadian patients were sicker than those in Australia or England (P < 0.001). American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (ASA) increased over time across all countries although more significantly in Canada. Age at operation remained constant, although older patients were treated more recently in London (P < 0.001). English centers treated larger aneurysms compared with Australia and Canada (P < 0.001). Australian centers treated a much larger proportion of aneurysms that were <55 mm than other countries. Preoperative creatinine levels decreased over time for all countries and centers (P < 0.001). Infrarenal neck angles have significantly decreased over time (P < 0.001). Recent data from London (UK) showed that operations were performed on longer (P < 0.001) and wider (P < 0.001) infrarenal necks than elsewhere. In this international comparison, several trends were noted including improved 1-year survival despite declining patient health (as measured by increasing ASA status). This may reflect greater knowledge regarding EVAR that centers from different countries have gained over the last decade and improved medical management of patients with aneurysmal disease. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Preoperative anemia increases postoperative morbidity in elective cranial neurosurgery

    PubMed Central

    Bydon, Mohamad; Abt, Nicholas B.; Macki, Mohamed; Brem, Henry; Huang, Judy; Bydon, Ali; Tamargo, Rafael J.

    2014-01-01

    Background: Preoperative anemia may affect postoperative mortality and morbidity following elective cranial operations. Methods: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was used to identify elective cranial neurosurgical cases (2006-2012). Morbidity was defined as wound infection, systemic infection, cardiac, respiratory, renal, neurologic, and thromboembolic events, and unplanned returns to the operating room. For 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity, adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated with multivariable logistic regression. Results: Of 8015 patients who underwent elective cranial neurosurgery, 1710 patients (21.4%) were anemic. Anemic patients had an increased 30-day mortality of 4.1% versus 1.3% in non-anemic patients (P < 0.001) and an increased 30-day morbidity rate of 25.9% versus 14.14% in non-anemic patients (P < 0.001). The 30-day morbidity rates for all patients undergoing cranial procedures were stratified by diagnosis: 26.5% aneurysm, 24.7% sellar tumor, 19.7% extra-axial tumor, 14.8% intra-axial tumor, 14.4% arteriovenous malformation, and 5.6% pain. Following multivariable regression, the 30-day mortality in anemic patients was threefold higher than in non-anemic patients (4.1% vs 1.3%; OR = 2.77; 95% CI: 1.65-4.66). The odds of postoperative morbidity in anemic patients were significantly higher than in non-anemic patients (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.03-1.61). There was a significant difference in postoperative morbidity event odds with a hematocrit level above (OR = 1.07; 95% CI: 0.78-1.48) and below (OR = 2.30; 95% CI: 1.55-3.42) 33% [hemoglobin (Hgb) 11 g/dl]. Conclusions: Preoperative anemia in elective cranial neurosurgery was independently associated with an increased risk of 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity when compared to non-anemic patients. A hematocrit level below 33% (Hgb 11 g/dl) was associated with a significant increase in postoperative morbidity. PMID

  1. A randomised controlled pilot trial to evaluate and optimize the use of anti-platelet agents in the perioperative management in patients undergoing general and abdominal surgery--the APAP trial (ISRCTN45810007).

    PubMed

    Antolovic, D; Rakow, A; Contin, P; Ulrich, A; Rahbari, N N; Büchler, M W; Weitz, J; Koch, M

    2012-02-01

    Surgeons are increasingly confronted by patients on long-term low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). However, owing to a lack of evidence-based data, a widely accepted consensus on the perioperative management of these patients in the setting of non-cardiac surgery has not yet been reached. Primary objective was to evaluate the safety of continuous versus discontinuous use of ASA in the perioperative period in elective general or abdominal surgery. Fifty-two patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair or colonic/colorectal surgery were recruited to this pilot study. According to cardiological evaluation, non-high-risk patients who were on long-term treatment with low-dose ASA were eligible for inclusion. Patients were allocated randomly to continuous use of ASA or discontinuation of ASA intake for 5 days before until 5 days after surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of major haemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications within 30 days after surgery. A total of 26 patients were allocated to each study group. One patient (3.8%) in the ASA continuation group required re-operation due to post-operative haemorrhage. In neither study group, further bleeding complications occurred. No clinically apparent thromboembolic events were reported in the ASA continuation and the ASA discontinuation group. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between both study groups in the secondary endpoints. Perioperative intake of ASA does not seem to influence the incidence of severe bleeding in non-high-risk patients undergoing elective general or abdominal surgery. Further, adequately powered trials are required to confirm the findings of this study.

  2. Determinants of distance walked during the six-minute walk test in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at hospital discharge

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Introduction The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of distance walked in six-minute walk test (6MWD) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery at hospital discharge. Methods The assessment was performed preoperatively and at discharge. Data from patient records were collected and measurement of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) were performed. The six-minute walk test (6MWT) was performed at discharge. Patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery, coronary artery bypass grafting or valve replacement were eligible. Patients older than 75 years who presented arrhythmia during the protocol, with psychiatric disorders, muscular or neurological disorders were excluded from the study. Results Sixty patients (44.26% male, mean age 51.53 ± 13 years) were assessed. In multivariate analysis the following variables were selected: type of surgery (P = 0.001), duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) (P = 0.001), Functional Independence Measure - FIM (0.004) and body mass index - BMI (0.007) with r = 0.91 and r2 = 0.83 with P < 0.001. The equation derived from multivariate analysis: 6MWD = Surgery (89.42) + CPB (1.60) + MIF (2.79 ) - BMI (7.53) - 127.90. Conclusion In this study, the determinants of 6MWD in patients undergoing cardiac surgery were: the type of surgery, CPB time, functional capacity and body mass index. PMID:24885130

  3. The Utility of Routine Intensive Care Admission for Patients Undergoing Intracranial Neurosurgical Procedures: A Systematic Review.

    PubMed

    de Almeida, Cesar Cimonari; Boone, M Dustin; Laviv, Yosef; Kasper, Burkhard S; Chen, Clark C; Kasper, Ekkehard M

    2018-02-01

    Patients who have undergone intracranial neurosurgical procedures have traditionally been admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for close postoperative neurological observation. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence for routine ICU admission in patients undergoing intracranial neurosurgical procedures and to evaluate the safety of alternative postoperative pathways. We were interested in identifying studies that examined selected patients who presented for elective, non-emergent intracranial surgery whose postoperative outcomes were compared as a function of ICU versus non-ICU admission. A systematic review was performed in July 2016 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist of the Medline database. The search strategy was created based on the following key words: "craniotomy," "neurosurgical procedure," and "intensive care unit." The nine articles that satisfied the inclusion criteria yielded a total of 2227 patients. Of these patients, 879 were observed in a non-ICU setting. The most frequent diagnoses were supratentorial brain tumors, followed by patients with cerebrovascular diseases and infratentorial brain tumors. Three percent (30/879) of the patients originally assigned to floor or intermediate care status were transferred to the ICU. The most frequently observed neurological complications leading to ICU transfer were delayed postoperative neurological recovery, seizures, worsening of neurological deficits, hemiparesis, and cranial nerves deficits. Our systematic review demonstrates that routine postoperative ICU admission may not benefit carefully selected patients who have undergone elective intracranial neurosurgical procedures. In addition, limiting routine ICU admission may result in significant cost savings.

  4. Chewing Xylitol Gum could Accelerate Bowel motility Recovery after Elective Open Proctectomy for Rectal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Yang, Ping; Long, Wu Jun; Wei, Li

    2018-01-01

    A number of studies with conflicting results have evaluated the effect of chewing gum on post-operative gastrointestinal recovery in patients after major colorectal surgery. The objective of the study was to study the efficacy of chewing gum in patients with rectal cancer after elective open proctectomy only. A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed. We recruited patients who would undergo elective open proctectomy for rectal cancer in Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital. Patients in the intervention arm received chewing gum 3 times a day postoperatively. All patients in the trial were placed on the same perioperative management and standardized post-operative care plans. The primary outcome was time to the first peristalsis sounds, time to first flatus and the first defecation. A total of 89 patients were recruited. The time to the first flatus was 42.33 ± 3.46 h in the gum group and 49.20 ± 1.42 h in the control group (p < 0.05). The time to the first defecation was significantly shorter in the gum-chewing group than in the control group (66.07 ± 2.36 vs. 78.37 ± 1.62 h; p < 0.05). Post-operative ileus (POI) was confirmed in 2 patients in the gum-chewing group and in 7 in the control group (7.0% vs. 23.9%; p = 0.028). The present study suggests that chewing gum is a method to reduce the time to first flatus, time to first defecation and POI in patients undergoing elective open proctectomy for rectal cancer. Copyright: © 2017 SecretarÍa de Salud.

  5. Development of an antimicrobial stewardship-based infectious diseases elective that incorporates human patient simulation technology.

    PubMed

    Falcione, Bonnie A; Meyer, Susan M

    2014-10-15

    To design an elective for pharmacy students that facilitates antimicrobial stewardship awareness, knowledge, and skill development by solving clinical cases, using human patient simulation technology. The elective was designed for PharmD students to describe principles and functions of stewardship programs, select, evaluate, refine, or redesign patient-specific plans for infectious diseases in the context of antimicrobial stewardship, and propose criteria and stewardship management strategies for an antimicrobial class at a health care institution. Teaching methods included active learning and lectures. Cases of bacterial endocarditis and cryptococcal meningitis were developed that incorporated human patient simulation technology. Forty-five pharmacy students completed an antimicrobial stewardship elective between 2010 and 2013. Outcomes were assessed using student perceptions of and performance on rubric-graded assignments. A PharmD elective using active learning, including novel cases conducted with human patient simulation technology, enabled outcomes consistent with those desired of pharmacists assisting in antimicrobial stewardship programs.

  6. Timed Stair Climbing is the Single Strongest Predictor of Perioperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Reddy, Sushanth; Contreras, Carlo M; Singletary, Brandon; Bradford, T Miller; Waldrop, Mary G; Mims, Andrew H; Smedley, W Andrew; Swords, Jacob A; Thomas N, Wang; Martin J, Heslin

    2016-01-01

    Background Current methods to predict patients' peri-operative morbidity utilize complex algorithms with multiple clinical variables focusing primarily on organ-specific compromise. The aim of the present study is to determine the value of a timed stair climb (SC) in predicting peri-operative complications for patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Study Design From March 2014 to July 2015, 362 patients attempted SC while being timed prior to undergoing elective abdominal surgery. Vital signs were measured before and after SC. Ninety day post-operative complications were assessed by the Accordion Severity Grading System. The prognostic value of SC was compared to the ACS NSQIP risk calculator. Results A total of 264 (97.4%) patients were able to complete SC. SC time directly correlated to changes in both mean arterial pressure and heart rate as an indicator of stress. An Accordion grade 2 or higher complication occurred in 84 (25%) patients. There were 8 mortalities (2.4%). Patients with slower SC times had an increased complication rate (P<0.0001). In multivariable analysis SC time was the single strongest predictor of complications (OR=1.029, P<0.0001), and no other clinical co-morbidity reached statistical significance. Receiver operative characteristic curves predicting post-operative morbidity by SC time was superior to that of the ACS risk calculator (AUC 0.81 vs. 0.62, P<0.0001). Additionally slower patients had a greater deviation from predicted length of hospital stay (P=0.034) Conclusions SC provides measurable stress, accurately predicts post-operative complications, and is easy to administer in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Larger patient populations with a diverse group of operations will be needed to further validate the use of SC in risk prediction models. PMID:26920993

  7. Onset and extent of platelet inhibition by clopidogrel loading in patients undergoing elective coronary stenting: the Plavix Reduction Of New Thrombus Occurrence (PRONTO) trial.

    PubMed

    Gurbel, Paul A; Cummings, Charles C; Bell, Christopher R; Alford, Amanda B; Meister, Andrew F; Serebruany, Victor L

    2003-02-01

    Despite the common practice of clopidogrel loading for coronary stenting, the time dependence and degree of platelet inhibition after this therapy are not well defined. We sought to establish an optimal clopidogrel dosing regimen for sustained platelet inhibition in stented patients. Platelets were assessed by conventional aggregation with 5 micromol/L adenosine diphosphate (ADP), 1 microg/mL collagen (COLL), and 750 micromol/L arachidonic acid; whole blood aggregation by 1 microg/mL collagen (WBA); shear-induced closure time (CT); contractile force (CF); and expression of 9 surface receptors by flow cytometry in 100 patients undergoing elective stent placement without glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. Blood was obtained at baseline and serially over 5 days poststenting after different clopidogrel loading regimens: 300 mg 24 hours before (Group A), 12 hours before (Group B), 3 to 6 hours before (Group C), and 75 mg at the time of intervention (Group D). Before stenting, ADP, COLL, CT, and WBA were reduced by clopidogrel loading (P <.05). CF was not affected by clopidogrel. Before stenting, GP IIb/IIIa expression increased in groups A through C (P <.05), whereas PECAM-1 and CD107a were reduced (P <.05). At 2 hours and 2 days poststenting, platelets, in general, exhibited an increase in activity that was most inhibited by clopidogrel loading. Clopidogrel inhibited GP Ib, platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, CD 107a, CD 151, and GP IIb/IIIa expression at day 5 poststenting. A 300 mg clopidogrel load given 3 to 24 hours before stenting inhibits platelets at the time of the procedure and reduces poststent activity more than a 75 mg dose given at the time of the procedure. The inhibition of adhesive molecule expression may also contribute an antithrombotic effect. Poststent activation of platelets may warrant higher periprocedural dosing.

  8. Postoperative pain assessment using four behavioral scales in Pakistani children undergoing elective surgery

    PubMed Central

    Shamim, Faisal; Ullah, Hameed; Khan, Fauzia A.

    2015-01-01

    Background: Several measurement tools have been used for assessment of postoperative pain in pediatric patients. Self-report methods have limitations in younger children and parent, nurse or physician assessment can be used as a surrogate measure. These tools should be tested in different cultures as pain can be influenced by sociocultural factors. The objective was to assess the inter-rater agreement on four different behavioral pain assessment scales in our local population. Materials and Methods: This prospective, descriptive, observational study was conducted in Pakistan. American Society of Anesthesiologists I and II children, 3-7 years of age, undergoing elective surgery were enrolled. Four pain assessment scales were used, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale (CHEOPS), Toddler Preschool Postoperative Pain Scale (TPPPS), objective pain scale (OPS), and Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC). After 15 and 60 min of arrival in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), each child evaluated his/her postoperative pain by self-reporting and was also independently assessed by the PACU nurse, PACU anesthetist and the parent. The sensitivity and specificity of the responses of the four pain assessment scales were compared to the response of the child. Results: At 15 min, sensitivity and specificity were >60% for doctors and nurses on FLACC, OPS, and CHEOPS scales and for FLACC and CHEOPS scale for the parents. Parents showed poor agreement on OPS and TPPS. At 60 min, sensitivity was poor on the OPS scale by all three observers. Nurses showed a lower specificity on FLACC tool. Parents had poor specificity on CHEOPS and rate of false negatives was high with TPPS. Conclusions: We recommend the use of FLACC scale for assessment by parents, nurses, and doctors in Pakistani children aged between 3 and 7. PMID:25829906

  9. Comparison between wait-and-see policy and elective neck dissection in clinically N0 cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck.

    PubMed

    Xiao, Yan; Yuan, Shuai; Liu, Fei; Liu, Bing; Zhu, Juanfang; He, Wei; Li, Wenlu; Kan, Quancheng

    2018-06-01

    To analyze the superiority of wait-and-see policy and elective neck dissection in treating cN0 patients with facial cutaneous cell carcinoma (cSCC).Patients with clinically negative parotid and neck metastasis disease were prospectively enrolled. Three groups were divided based on whether the patient received an operation of superficial parotidectomy or/and elective dissection, and regional control and disease-specific survival rates were compared.The occult parotid and neck metastasis rate was 20% and 16%, respectively. There was neck node metastasis without parotid metastasis in only 1 patient. All the node metastasis occurred in level II. Regional recurrence was noted in 16 (16%) patients, and 6 patients died of the disease. In the group undergoing superficial parotidectomy and elective neck dissection, 2 patients had neck node metastasis, and there was no disease-related death, further survival analysis indicated it had better regional control and disease-specific survival rates compared with the other 2 groups.Superficial parotidectomy and elective neck dissection are suggested for patients with T3-4 facial cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

  10. Empirical analysis of domestic medical travel for elective cardiovascular procedures.

    PubMed

    Langley, Jacob D; Johnson, Tricia J; Hohmann, Samuel F; Meurer, Steve J; Garman, Andy N

    2013-10-01

    To investigate whether domestic medical travel (DMT; traveling outside of one's home region but within the United States for medical care) and surgeon volume affect clinical outcomes and costs for patients undergoing elective cardiovascular procedures. Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of patient discharge data from US academic medical centers. Patients were classified as medical travelers if they received elective, nonemergent care more than 250 miles from home. High-volume surgeons (HVSs) were those above the 75th percentile compared with other study surgeons in the annual number of cardiovascular surgeries performed. Multivariable regression models were fit to test the relationships among complications, mortality, length of stay (LOS), cost, DMT status, and surgeon volume, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors. Patients who traveled to HVSs were more likely to be male, white, have lower severity of illness, and have health insurance through an indemnity plan or preferred provider organization with coverage outside of the patient's home region. Patients who traveled to HVSs had shorter LOS and fewer complications than those who received care from local, low-volume surgeons. There was no significant difference in mortality between travelers and nontravelers. Patients who travelled to HVSs for elective cardiovascular procedures had outcomes similar to or better than those of patients who received care locally from low-volume surgeons. We found no increase in complications or LOS, despite potentially complex logistical arrangements required by travelers. More work is needed to evaluate the potential of DMT to improve the value of care provided for selected procedures.

  11. Enhanced recovery after elective coronary revascularization surgery with minimal versus conventional extracorporeal circulation: a prospective randomized study.

    PubMed

    Anastasiadis, Kyriakos; Asteriou, Christos; Antonitsis, Polychronis; Argiriadou, Helena; Grosomanidis, Vassilios; Kyparissa, Magdalena; Deliopoulos, Apostolos; Konstantinou, Dimitrios; Tossios, Paschalis

    2013-10-01

    A minimal extracorporeal circulation (MECC) circuit integrates the advances in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) technology into a single circuit and is associated with improved short-term outcome. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate MECC compared with conventional CPB in facilitating fast-track recovery after elective coronary revascularization procedures. Prospective randomized study. All patients scheduled for elective coronary artery surgery were evaluated, excluding those considered particularly high risk for fast-track failure. The fast-track protocol included careful preoperative patient selection, a fast-track anesthetic technique based on minimal administration of fentanyl, surgery at normothermia, early postoperative extubation in the cardiac recovery unit, and admission to the cardiothoracic ward within the first 24 hours postoperatively. One hundred twenty patients were assigned randomly into 2 groups (60 in each group). Group A included patients who were operated on using the MECC circuit, whereas patients in Group B underwent surgery on conventional CPB. Incidence of fast-track recovery was significantly higher in patients undergoing MECC (25% v 6.7%, p = 0.006). MECC also was recognized as a strong independent predictor of early recovery, with an odds ratio of 3.8 (p = 0.011). Duration of mechanical ventilation and cardiac recovery unit stay were significantly lower in patients undergoing MECC together with the need for blood transfusion, duration of inotropic support, need for an intra-aortic balloon pump, and development of postoperative atrial fibrillation and renal failure. MECC promotes successful early recovery after elective coronary revascularization procedures, even in a nondedicated cardiac intensive care unit setting. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  12. Development of an Antimicrobial Stewardship-based Infectious Diseases Elective that Incorporates Human Patient Simulation Technology

    PubMed Central

    Meyer, Susan M.

    2014-01-01

    Objective. To design an elective for pharmacy students that facilitates antimicrobial stewardship awareness, knowledge, and skill development by solving clinical cases, using human patient simulation technology. Design. The elective was designed for PharmD students to describe principles and functions of stewardship programs, select, evaluate, refine, or redesign patient-specific plans for infectious diseases in the context of antimicrobial stewardship, and propose criteria and stewardship management strategies for an antimicrobial class at a health care institution. Teaching methods included active learning and lectures. Cases of bacterial endocarditis and cryptococcal meningitis were developed that incorporated human patient simulation technology. Assessment. Forty-five pharmacy students completed an antimicrobial stewardship elective between 2010 and 2013. Outcomes were assessed using student perceptions of and performance on rubric-graded assignments. Conclusion. A PharmD elective using active learning, including novel cases conducted with human patient simulation technology, enabled outcomes consistent with those desired of pharmacists assisting in antimicrobial stewardship programs. PMID:25386016

  13. The Effects of Preoperative Volume Replacement in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (VeRDiCT Trial)

    PubMed Central

    Clout, Madeleine; Harris, Tracy; Rogers, Chris; Culliford, Lucy; Taylor, Jodi; Angelini, Gianni; Narayan, Pradeep; Reeves, Barnaby; Hillier, James; Ashton, Kate; Sarkar, Kunal

    2017-01-01

    Background Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for prolonged hospital stays, renal failure, and mortality in patients having coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Complications pose a serious threat to patients and prolong intensive care and hospital stays. Low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) due to existing renal impairment or volume depletion may exacerbate acute renal impairment/failure in these patients. Preoperative volume replacement therapy (VRT) is reported to increase the GFR and we hypothesize that VRT will reduce renal impairment and related complications in diabetic patients. Objective The objective of this study is to establish the efficacy of preoperative VRT in reducing postoperative complications in diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery. Time to “fit for discharge”, incidence of postoperative renal failure, cardiac injury, inflammation, and other health outcomes will be investigated. Methods In this open parallel group randomized controlled trial, 170 diabetic patients undergoing elective or urgent CABG surgery received 1 mL/kg/hour of Hartmann’s solution for 12 consecutive hours prior to surgery, versus routine care. The primary outcome was time until participants were “fit for discharge”, which is defined as presence of: normal temperature, pulse, and respiration; normal oxygen saturation on air; normal bowel function; and physical mobility. Secondary outcomes included: incidence of renal failure; markers of renal function, inflammation, and cardiac damage; operative morbidity; intensive care stay; patient-assessed outcome, including the Coronary Revascularization Outcome Questionnaire; and use of hospital resources. Results Recruitment started in July 2010. Enrolment for the study was completed in July 2014. Data analysis commenced in December 2016. Study results will be submitted for publication in the summer of 2017. Conclusions VRT is a relatively easy treatment to administer in patients undergoing surgical procedures who

  14. Safety of low dose heparin in elective coronary angioplasty.

    PubMed Central

    Koch, K. T.; Piek, J. J.; de Winter, R. J.; David, G. K.; Mulder, K.; Tijssen, J. G.; Lie, K. I.

    1997-01-01

    OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety of a low dose of heparin in consecutive stable patients undergoing elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). DESIGN: Open prospective study in a single centre. PATIENTS: 1375 consecutive patients had elective PTCA (1952 lesions: type A 11%, B1 34%, B2 36%, and C 19%). There were no angiographic exclusion criteria. INTERVENTIONS: A bolus of 5000 IU heparin was used as the standard anticoagulation regimen during PTCA. The sheaths were removed immediately after successful completion of the procedure. Prolongation of heparin treatment was left to the operator's discretion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Procedural success was defined as < 50% residual stenosis without death from any cause, acute myocardial infarction, urgent coronary bypass surgery, or repeat angioplasty within 48 hours for acute recurrent ischaemia; the need for prolonged heparinisation; and the occurrence of puncture site complications. RESULTS: Procedural success without clinical events was achieved in 90% of patients. Mortality was 0.3%; coronary bypass surgery was performed in 1.7% of the procedures. The rate of myocardial infarction was 3.3%; repeat angioplasty within 48 hours was carried out in 0.7% of patients. A total of 89.1% of the patients were treated according to the protocol. Prolonged treatment with heparin was considered necessary in 123 patients (8.9%). Repeat angioplasty for abrupt closure was performed in two patients shortly after sheath removal and in two during prolonged heparinisation. Puncture site complications occurred in 2.1% of patients (low dose heparin 1.9% and prolonged heparinisation 4.9%). CONCLUSION: Elective PTCA can be safely performed using a low dose of heparin, with a negligible risk for subacute closure. Low dose heparin may reduce the incidence of puncture site complications, shorten hospitalisation, and enable out-patient angioplasty. PMID:9227294

  15. Brief reports: plasma ropivacaine concentrations after ultrasound-guided rectus sheath block in patients undergoing lower abdominal surgery.

    PubMed

    Wada, Morito; Kitayama, Masato; Hashimoto, Hiroshi; Kudo, Tsuyoshi; Kudo, Mihoko; Takada, Norikazu; Hirota, Kazuyoshi

    2012-01-01

    A rectus sheath block can provide postoperative analgesia for midline incisions. However, information regarding the pharmacokinetics of local anesthetics used in this block is lacking. In this study, we detail the time course of ropivacaine concentrations after this block. Thirty-nine patients undergoing elective lower abdominal surgery were assigned to 3 groups receiving rectus sheath block with 20 mL of different concentrations of ropivacaine. Peak plasma concentrations were dose dependent, and there were no significant differences in the times to peak plasma concentrations. The present data also suggested a slower absorption kinetics profile for ropivacaine after rectus sheath block than other compartment blocks.

  16. Effect of Structured Touch and Guided Imagery for Pain and Anxiety in Elective Joint Replacement Patients—A Randomized Controlled Trial: M-TIJRP

    PubMed Central

    Forward, John Brent; Greuter, Nancy Elizabeth; Crisall, Santa J; Lester, Houston F

    2015-01-01

    Context: Postoperative management of pain after total joint arthroplasty remains a challenge despite advancements in analgesics. Evidence shows that complementary modalities with mind-body and tactile-based approaches are valid and effective adjuncts to reduce pain and anxiety postoperatively. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of the “M” Technique (M), a registered method of structured touch using a set sequence and number of strokes, and a consistent level of pressure on hands and feet, compared with guided imagery and usual care, for the reduction of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing elective total knee or hip replacement surgery. Methods: Randomized controlled trial: M-TIJRP (MiTechnique and guided Imagery in Joint Replacement Patients [Mighty Junior P]). At a community hospital, 225 male and female patients, aged 38 to 90 years, undergoing elective total hip or knee replacement were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups (75 patients in each): M, guided imagery, or usual care. They were blinded to their assignment until the intervention. Main Outcome Measures: Reduction of pain and anxiety postoperatively. Secondary outcomes measured use of pain medication and patient satisfaction. Results: This study yielded positive findings for the management of pain and anxiety in patients undergoing elective joint replacement using M and guided imagery for 18 to 20 minutes compared with usual care. M showed the largest predicted decreases in both pain and anxiety between groups. There was no significant difference in narcotic pain medication use between groups. Patient satisfaction survey ratings were highest for M, followed by guided imagery. Conclusion: The benefit of M may be because of the specifically structured sequence of touch by competent caring, trained providers. PMID:26222093

  17. Umbilical hernia in cirrhotic patients: outcome of elective repair.

    PubMed

    Lasheen, Adel; Naser, Hatem M; Abohassan, Ahmed

    2013-12-01

    Cirrhotic patients with umbilical hernia have an increased likelihood of complications following repair. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of elective umbilical hernia repair in cirrhotic patients. Fifty patients having uncomplicated umbilical hernia with a cirrhotic liver were studied prospectively. These patients divided into three groups' according to Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification. After management of coagulopathy, correction of hypoalbuminaemia and electrolytes imbalance, and control of ascites, all patients underwent elective hernia repair under regional anesthesia. A comparison was made between the three groups as regard the size of the defect in the linea Alba, operative time, postoperative morbidity and mortality, length of hospital stay, time of return to daily life and postoperative changes in liver function tests (LFTs) in relation to the regional anesthesia applied. hernioplasty was done under spinal anesthesia in 13 patients (26%), under epidural anesthesia in 10 patients (20%), under intercostal nerve block in 7 patients (14%), and under local anesthesia in 20 patients (40%). There was an increased safety (less changes in LFTs) in cases done under local anesthesia and intercostal nerve block. The overall complications rate was 30%. There was an increased complications rate towards the decompensated cases. The differences in the mean length of hospital stay and mean time of return to daily life are statistically significant between the three groups. Umbilical hernia recurrence rate was 2% and no mortality was reported in the study groups.

  18. Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System Predicts Periprocedural Bleeding Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

    PubMed

    Oimatsu, Yu; Kaikita, Koichi; Ishii, Masanobu; Mitsuse, Tatsuro; Ito, Miwa; Arima, Yuichiro; Sueta, Daisuke; Takahashi, Aya; Iwashita, Satomi; Yamamoto, Eiichiro; Kojima, Sunao; Hokimoto, Seiji; Tsujita, Kenichi

    2017-04-24

    Periprocedural bleeding events are common after percutaneous coronary intervention. We evaluated the association of periprocedural bleeding events with thrombogenicity, which was measured quantitatively by the Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System equipped with microchips and thrombogenic surfaces (collagen, platelet chip [PL]; collagen plus tissue factor, atheroma chip [AR]). Between August 2013 and March 2016, 313 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention were enrolled. They were divided into those with or without periprocedural bleeding events. We determined the bleeding events as composites of major bleeding events defined by the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis and minor bleeding events (eg, minor hematoma, arteriovenous shunt and pseudoaneurysm). Blood samples obtained at percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed for thrombus formation area under the curve (PL 24 -AUC 10 for PL chip; AR 10 -AUC 30 for AR chip) by the Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System and P2Y12 reaction unit by the VerifyNow system. Periprocedural bleeding events occurred in 37 patients. PL 24 -AUC 10 levels were significantly lower in patients with such events than those without ( P =0.002). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed association between low PL 24 -AUC 10 levels and periprocedural bleeding events (odds ratio, 2.71 [1.22-5.99]; P =0.01) and association between PL 24 -AUC 10 and periprocedural bleeding events in 176 patients of the femoral approach group (odds ratio, 2.88 [1.11-7.49]; P =0.03). However, PL 24 -AUC 10 levels in 127 patients of the radial approach group were not significantly different in patients with or without periprocedural bleeding events. PL 24 -AUC 10 measured by the Total Thrombus-formation Analysis System is a potentially useful predictor of periprocedural bleeding events in coronary artery disease patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary

  19. Approach to inguinal hernia in high-risk geriatric patients: Should it be elective or emergent?

    PubMed

    Işıl, Rıza Gürhan; Yazıcı, Pınar; Demir, Uygar; Kaya, Cemal; Bostancı, Özgür; İdiz, Ufuk Oğuz; Işıl, Canan Tülay; Demircioğlu, Mahmut Kaan; Mihmanlı, Mehmet

    2017-03-01

    Elderly patients are more prone to have inguinal hernia due to weakened abdominal musculature. However, surgical repair of inguinal hernia (SRIH) may not be performed or may be delayed due to greater risk in presence of comorbidities. Present study is investigation of outcome of elective and emergency SRIH in geriatric patients. Records of total of 384 high-risk (American Society of Anesthesiology classification III-IV) patients aged >65 years who underwent SRIH between January 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to procedure type: elective (Group EL) or emergency (Group EM). Demographic features and surgical and postoperative period data of 2 groups were recorded and compared. Demographic data were similar, but number of ASA IV patients was greater in Group EM. Frequency of intestinal resection was significantly greater in emergency surgery group (1% vs 21%; p<0.01). Length of hospital stay (1.3 days vs 7.9 days; p<0.01) and intensive care unit stay (0.17 days vs 4.04 days; p<0.01) were also greater in Group EM. Morbidity (1% vs 24%; p<0.01) and mortality (0.3% vs 11%; p<0.01) were also significantly higher in Group EM compared to elective SRIH group. Emergency inguinal hernia surgery is associated with significantly higher morbidity and mortality compared with elective SRIH in high-risk geriatric patients. Elective hernia repair in these patients should be considered to reduce risk of need for intestinal resection as well as length of hospital stay.

  20. Racial Disparities in 30-Day Readmission Rates After Elective Spine Surgery: A Single Institutional Experience.

    PubMed

    Adogwa, Owoicho; Elsamadicy, Aladine A; Mehta, Ankit I; Cheng, Joseph; Bagley, Carlos A; Karikari, Isaac O

    2016-11-01

    Retrospective cohort review. The aim of this study is to investigate whether patient race is an independent predictor of unplanned 30-day hospital readmission after elective spine surgery. Racial disparities are known to exist for many aspects of surgical care. However, it is unknown if disparities exist in 30-day readmissions after elective spine surgery, an area that is becoming a prime focus for clinical leaders and policymakers. Records of 600 patients undergoing elective spine surgery at a major academic medical center were reviewed. We identified all unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Unplanned readmissions were defined to have occurred as a result of either a surgical or a nonsurgical complication. Patient's records were reviewed to determine the cause of readmission and the length of hospital stay. The main outcome measure was risk-adjusted odds of all-cause 30-day readmission. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine if Black patients had an increased likelihood of 30-day readmission compared with White patients. Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. Black patients had higher readmission rates than White patients (10.56% vs. 7.86%, P = 0.04). In a univariate analysis, race, body mass index, sex, patient age, smoking, diabetes, and fusion levels were associated with increased 30-day readmission rates. However, in a multivariate logistic regression model, race was an independent predictor of 30-day readmission after elective spine surgery. In addition, no significant differences in baseline, 1-year and 2-year patient reported outcomes measures were observed between both groups. This study suggests that Black patients are more likely to be readmitted within 30-days of discharge after elective spine surgery. Efforts at reducing disparities should focus not only on race-based measures but also effective post discharge care. 3.

  1. Surgical site infections after elective neurosurgery: a survey of 1747 patients.

    PubMed

    Valentini, Laura G; Casali, Cecilia; Chatenoud, Liliane; Chiaffarino, Francesca; Uberti-Foppa, Caterina; Broggi, Giovanni

    2008-01-01

    To evaluate the incidence and risk factors of postsurgical site infections (SSIs) in elective neurosurgical procedures in patients treated with an ultrashort antibiotic protocol. In this consecutive series of 1747 patients treated with elective neurosurgery and ultrashort prophylactic antibiotic therapy at the Fondazione Istituto Nazionale Neurologico "Carlo Besta" in Milan, the rate of SSIs was 0.7% (13 patients). When only clean neurosurgery was considered, there were 11 such SSIs (1.52%) in 726 craniotomies and one SSI (0.15) in 663 spinal operations. The antibiotic protocol was prolonged in every case of external communication as cerebrospinal fluid leaks or external drainages. The infection rate of the whole series was low (0.72%), and a risk factor identified for SSIs in clean neurosurgery was longer surgery duration. The relative risk estimate was 12.6 for surgeries lasting 2 hours and 24.3 for surgeries lasting 3 or more hours. Patients aged older than 50 years had a lower risk of developing SSI with a relative risk of 0.23 when compared with patients aged younger than 50 years. The present series reports a low incidence of SSIs for elective neurosurgery, even for high-risk complex craniotomies performed for tumor removal. Given that an antibiotic protocol prolongation was used to pretreat any early signs of infection and external communication, the protocol was appropriate for the case mix. The two identified risk factors (surgical duration > 2 hours and middle-aged patients [16-50 yr]) may be indicators of other factors, such as the level of surgical complexity and poor neurological outcome.

  2. Use of Epidural Analgesia as an Adjunct in Elective Abdominal Wall Reconstruction: A Review of 4983 Cases.

    PubMed

    Karamanos, Efstathios; Dream, Sophie; Falvo, Anthony; Schmoekel, Nathan; Siddiqui, Aamir

    2017-01-01

    Use of epidural analgesia in patients undergoing elective abdominal wall reconstruction is common. To assess the impact of epidural analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction. All patients who underwent elective ventral hernia repair from 2005 to 2014 were retrospectively identified. Patients were divided into two groups by the postoperative use of epidural analgesics as an adjunct analgesic method. Preoperative comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, operative findings, postoperative pain management, and venothromboembolic prophylaxis were extracted from the database. Logistic regressions were performed to assess the impact of epidural use. Severity of pain on postoperative days 1 and 2. During the study period, 4983 patients were identified. Of those, 237 patients (4.8%) had an epidural analgesic placed. After adjustment for differences between groups, use of epidural analgesia was associated with significantly lower rates of 30-day presentation to the Emergency Department (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.32-0.87, adjusted p = 0.01). Use of epidural analgesia resulted in higher odds of abscess development (AOR = 5.89, CI = 2.00-17.34, adjusted p < 0.01) and transfusion requirement (AOR = 2.92, CI = 1.34-6.40, adjusted p < 0.01). Use of epidural analgesia resulted in a significantly lower pain score on postoperative day 1 (3 vs 4, adjusted p < 0.01). Use of epidural analgesia in patients undergoing abdominal wall reconstruction may result in longer hospital stay and higher incidence of complications while having no measurable positive clinical impact on pain control.

  3. Elective ilioingunial lymph node irradiation

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

    Henderson, R.H.; Parsons, J.T.; Morgan, L.

    1984-06-01

    Most radiologists accept that modest doses of irradiation (4500-5000 rad/4 1/2-5 weeks) can control subclinical regional lymph node metastases from squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck and adenocarcinomas of the breast. There have been few reports concerning elective irradiation of the ilioinguinal region. Between October 1964 and March 1980, 91 patients whose primary cancers placed the ilioinguinal lymph nodes at risk received elective irradiation at the University of Florida. Included are patients with cancers of the vulva, penis, urethra, anus and lower anal canal, and cervix or vaginal cancers that involved the distal one-third of the vagina. Inmore » 81 patients, both inguinal areas were clinically negative; in 10 patients, one inguinal area was positive and the other negative by clinical examination. The single significant complication was a bilateral femoral neck fracture. The inguinal areas of four patients developed mild to moderate fibrosis. One patient with moderate fibrosis had bilateral mild leg edema that was questionably related to irradiation. Complications were dose-related. The advantages and dis-advantages of elective ilioinguinal node irradiation versus elective inguinal lymph node dissection or no elective treatment are discussed.« less

  4. 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.

  5. Incidence, Risk Factors and Consequences of Emergence Agitation in Adult Patients after Elective Craniotomy for Brain Tumor: A Prospective Cohort Study

    PubMed Central

    Chen, Lu; Xu, Ming; Li, Gui-Yun; Cai, Wei-Xin; Zhou, Jian-Xin

    2014-01-01

    Emergence agitation is a frequent complication that can have serious consequences during recovery from general anesthesia. However, agitation has been poorly investigated in patients after craniotomy. In this prospective cohort study, adult patients were enrolled after elective craniotomy for brain tumor. The sedation-agitation scale was evaluated during the first 12 hours after surgery. Agitation developed in 35 of 123 patients (29%). Of the agitated patients, 28 (80%) were graded as very and dangerously agitated. By multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis, independent predictors for agitation included male sex, history of long-term use of anti-depressant drugs or benzodiazepines, frontal approach of the operation, method and duration of anesthesia and presence of endotracheal intubation. Total intravenous anesthesia and balanced anesthesia with short duration were protective factors. Emergence agitation was associated with self-extubation (8.6% vs 0%, P = 0.005). Sedatives were administered more in agitated patients than non-agitated patients (85.7% vs 6.8%, P<0.001). In conclusion, emergence agitation was a frequent complication in patients after elective craniotomy for brain tumors. The clarification of risk factors could help to identify the high-risk patients, and then to facilitate the prevention and treatment of agitation. For patients undergoing craniotomy, greater attention should be paid to those receiving a frontal approach for craniotomy and those anesthetized under balanced anesthesia with long duration. More researches are warranted to elucidate whether total intravenous anesthesia could reduce the incidence of agitation after craniotomy. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00590499. PMID:25493435

  6. Investigation of the immediate pre-operative physical capacity of patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery using the 6-minute walk test.

    PubMed

    Soares, S M T P; Jannuzzi, H P C; Kassab, M F O; Nucci, L B; Paschoal, M A

    2015-09-01

    To evaluate the effects of repetition of the 6-minute walk test in patients scheduled to undergo abdominal surgery within the next 48 hours, and to verify the physical capacity of these subjects before surgery. Cross-sectional study. University teaching hospital. Forty-two patients scheduled for elective abdominal surgery within the next 48 hours. Distance walked in the 6-minute walk test, heart rate, peripheral oxygen saturation, dyspnoea and leg fatigue. Thirty-one patients (74%) were able to walk for a longer distance when the test was repeated. In these subjects, the mean increase in distance walked was 35.4 [standard deviation (SD) 19.9]m. Heart rate, dyspnoea and leg fatigue increased significantly over time on both tests (P<0.05). The mean heart rate at the end of the sixth minute was significantly higher on the second test (P=0.022). Peripheral oxygen saturation remained above 90% in both tests. The furthest distance walked was, on average, 461.3 (SD 89.7)m. This value was significantly lower than that predicted for the sample (P<0.001). Patients scheduled to undergo abdominal surgery were able to walk further when they performed a second 6-minute walk test. Moreover, they showed reduced physical ability before surgery. These findings suggest that repetition of the 6-minute walk test may increase the accuracy of the distance walked, which is useful for studies assessing the physical capacity of patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Copyright © 2014 Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. Comparison of esophageal Doppler and plethysmographic variability index to guide intraoperative fluid therapy for low-risk patients undergoing colorectal surgery.

    PubMed

    Warnakulasuriya, Samantha R; Davies, Simon J; Wilson, R Jonathan T; Yates, David R A

    2016-11-01

    This study aims to investigate if there is equivalence in volumes of fluid administered when intravenous fluid therapy is guided by Pleth Variability Index (PVI) compared to the established technology of esophageal Doppler in low-risk patients undergoing major colorectal surgery. Randomized controlled trial. Operating room. Forty low-risk patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery. Patients were monitored by esophageal Doppler and PVI probes and were randomized to have fluid therapy directed by using one of these technologies, with 250 mL boluses of colloid to maintain a maximal stroke volume, or a PVI of less than 14%. Absolute volumes of fluid volumes given intraoperatively were measured as were 24 hours fluid volumes. Perioperative measurements of lactate and base excess were recorded as were postoperative complications. There was no significant difference between PVI and esophageal Doppler groups in mean total fluid administered (1286 vs 1520 mL, P=.300) or mean intraoperative fluid balance (+839 v+1145 mL, P=.150). PVI offers an entirely non-invasive alternative for goal-directed fluid therapy in this group of patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  8. Orthopedic Surgeons' Management of Elective Surgery for Patients Who Use Nicotine.

    PubMed

    Lilley, Matthew; Krosin, Michael; Lynch, Tennyson L; Leasure, Jeremi

    2017-01-01

    Despite significant research documenting the detrimental effects of tobacco, the orthopedic literature lacks evidence regarding how surgeons alter their management of elective surgery when patients use nicotine. To better understand how patients' use of nicotine influences orthopedic surgeons' pre- and postoperative management of elective surgery, a 9-question paper survey was distributed at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons among attending US orthopedic surgeons, including general orthopedists and specialty-trained orthopedic surgeons. Survey questions focused on attitudes and practice management regarding patients who use nicotine. Using a chi-square test, no statistically significant variation was observed between subspecialists and general orthopedists or among different subspecialties. Ninety-eight percent of the orthopedic surgeons surveyed counseled tobacco users about the adverse effects of nicotine. However, approximately half of all of the respondents spent less than 5 minutes on perioperative nicotine counseling. Forty-one percent of all of the respondents never delayed elective surgery because of a patient's nicotine use, followed closely by 39% delaying surgery for less than 3 months. Subspecialty had little influence on how orthopedic surgeons managed nicotine users. The high rate of counseling on the adverse effects of nicotine suggested agreement regarding the detrimental effects of smoking. However, the study population infrequently delayed surgery or used smoking cessation measures. Studies are needed to determine why few surgeons frequently alter the management of nicotine users and what modifications in orthopedic practice could improve outcomes for these patients. [Orthopedics. 2017; 40(1):e90-e94.]. Copyright 2016, SLACK Incorporated.

  9. Patient's decision making in selecting a hospital for elective orthopaedic surgery.

    PubMed

    Moser, Albine; Korstjens, Irene; van der Weijden, Trudy; Tange, Huibert

    2010-12-01

    The admission to a hospital for elective surgery, like arthroplasty, can be planned ahead. The elective nature of arthroplasty and the increasing stimulus of the public to critically select a hospital raise the issue of how patients actually take such decisions. The aim of this paper is to describe the decision-making process of selecting a hospital as experienced by people who underwent elective joint arthroplasty and to understand what factors influenced the decision-making process. Qualitative descriptive study with 18 participants who had a hip or knee replacement within the last 5 years. Data were gathered from eight individual interviews and four focus group interviews and analysed by content analysis. Three categories that influenced the selection of a hospital were revealed: information sources, criteria in decision making and decision-making styles within the GP- patient relationship. Various contextual aspects influenced the decision-making process. Most participants gave higher priority to the selection of a medical specialist than to the selection of a hospital. Selecting a hospital for arthroplasty is extremely complex. The decision-making process is a highly individualized process because patients have to consider and assimilate a diversity of aspects, which are relevant to their specific situation. Our findings support the model of shared decision making, which indicates that general practitioners should be attuned to the distinct needs of each patient at various moments during the decision making, taking into account personal, medical and contextual factors. © 2010 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  10. Rocuronium versus vecuronium during fentanyl induction in patients undergoing coronary artery surgery.

    PubMed

    Smith, C E; Botero, C; Holbrook, C; Pinchak, A C; Hagen, J F

    1999-10-01

    To evaluate the neuromuscular, ventilatory, and cardiovascular effects of rocuronium and vecuronium. Randomized, prospective, blinded study. Tertiary care teaching center, single institution. Patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass graft procedure. Patients received rocuronium, 1.0 mg/kg (n = 17), or vecuronium, 0.15 mg/kg (n = 15), during fentanyl induction of anesthesia. Measures consisted of time to visual loss of orbicularis oculi twitches in response to facial nerve stimulation, ease of mask ventilation, hemodynamics, need for vasoactive drugs, and tracheal intubating conditions. Median time to twitch loss was faster (p < 0.05) after rocuronium (60 s) than after vecuronium (>84 s). Within 45 seconds, only 3 of 17 patients in the rocuronium group had moderate-to-severe difficulty with mask ventilation versus 12 of 15 patients in the vecuronium group (p < 0.05). Tracheal intubating conditions were excellent in all patients after rocuronium. In the vecuronium group, intubating conditions were excellent in 46%, good in 27%, and poor in 27% (p < 0.05 vrocuronium). Patients receiving vecuronium were more likely to require ephedrine and phenylephrine for hypotension (10/15 patients v 5/17 patients for rocuronium, p < 0.05). There were no clinically important differences in hemodynamic variables, oxygen metabolism, or myocardial ischemia between groups. During narcotic induction of anesthesia, rocuronium was associated with lower requirement for vasopressors, faster onset of neuromuscular blockade, and better conditions for mask ventilation and tracheal intubation compared with vecuronium.

  11. Patient Adoption and Utilization of a Web-Based and Mobile-Based Portal for Collecting Outcomes After Elective Orthopedic Surgery.

    PubMed

    Bell, Kerri; Warnick, Eugene; Nicholson, Kristen; Ulcoq, Sarah; Kim, Seong Jin; Schroeder, Gregory D; Vaccaro, Alexander

    2018-03-01

    Health care increasingly collects patient-reported outcomes (PROs) via web-based platforms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate how patient age influences portal engagement. Patients undergoing elective surgery at a single multispecialty orthopedic practice from September 2014 to February 2017 had access to an online portal to complete PROs, message the clinic, and view physical therapy instructions. A mobile app was optionally available. Age, sex, log-in frequency, PRO completion rates, and number of messages sent were reviewed retrospectively. Message frequency, log-in rates, and PRO compliance were highest for patients aged 41 to 50, 51 to 60, and 61 to 70, respectively. Mobile app use decreased with age ( P = .002); yet, at all ages, the mobile app group was more engaged. In particular, for patients aged 18 to 30 years, log-in frequency increased 2.5-fold and PRO compliance improved 44% ( P < .001) in the mobile app group. This study demonstrates that portal interaction varies by age and that data capture is highest in patients who choose the mobile app.

  12. Red Blood Cell Transfusion Need for Elective Primary Posterior Lumbar Fusion in A High-Volume Center for Spine Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Ristagno, Giuseppe; Beluffi, Simonetta; Tanzi, Dario; Belloli, Federica; Carmagnini, Paola; Croci, Massimo; D’Aviri, Giuseppe; Menasce, Guido; Pastore, Juan C.; Pellanda, Armando; Pollini, Alberto; Savoia, Giorgio

    2018-01-01

    (1) Background: This study evaluated the perioperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion need and determined predictors for transfusion in patients undergoing elective primary lumbar posterior spine fusion in a high-volume center for spine surgery. (2) Methods: Data from all patients undergoing spine surgery between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016 were reviewed. Patients’ demographics and comorbidities, perioperative laboratory results, and operative time were analyzed in relation to RBC transfusion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors of transfusion. (3) Results: A total of 874 elective surgeries for primary spine fusion were performed over the three years. Only 54 cases (6%) required RBC transfusion. Compared to the non-transfused patients, transfused patients were mainly female (p = 0.0008), significantly older, with a higher ASA grade (p = 0.0002), and with lower pre-surgery hemoglobin (HB) level and hematocrit (p < 0.0001). In the multivariate logistic regression, a lower pre-surgery HB (OR (95% CI) 2.84 (2.11–3.82)), a higher ASA class (1.77 (1.03–3.05)) and a longer operative time (1.02 (1.01–1.02)) were independently associated with RBC transfusion. (4) Conclusions: In the instance of elective surgery for primary posterior lumbar fusion in a high-volume center for spine surgery, the need for RBC transfusion is low. Factors anticipating transfusion should be taken into consideration in the patient’s pre-surgery preparation. PMID:29385760

  13. High-dose, single-bolus eptifibatide: a safe and cost-effective alternative to conventional glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor use for elective coronary interventions.

    PubMed

    Fischell, Tim A; Attia, Tamer; Rane, Santosh; Salman, Waddah

    2006-10-01

    Adjunctive pharmacotherapy with eptifibatide, a glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitor, as an intravenous bolus followed by infusion has been shown to improve outcomes in elective coronary interventions (PCI). However, bleeding complications and costs have limited the routine adoption of this regimen. The goal of this study was to examine the safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness of high-dose, single-bolus eptifibatide, without post-intervention infusion, in "real-world" patients undergoing elective PCI. We studied 401 patients with stable and unstable angina who were treated with a high-dose (20 mg), single bolus of eptifibatide plus heparin prior to the start of elective PCI. Exclusion criteria included recent MI, stenting of bypass graft(s), rotational atherectomy and/or brachytherapy. The primary study endpoints were major adverse clinical events (MACE), defined as the in-hospital and 30-day incidence of death from any cause, Q-wave or non-Q-wave MI, repeat target vessel revascularization and/or major bleeding complications. Relevant demographic and procedural characteristics included mean age: 66.4 +/- 11.2; male gender: 242/401 (61%); number of vessels treated per patient: 1.46 +/- 0.42; and number of stents deployed per patient: 1.82 +/- 0.65. In-hospital non-Q-wave MI (CPK and/or CPK-MB > 3 times the upper limit of normal) occurred in 7/401 patients (1.75%) and MACE was 2.25%. Major bleeding complications were seen in 2/401 patients (0.49%). There were 4 additional MACE events at 30-day follow up (total MACE and bleeding = 3.25%). The average anticoagulation cost was 66 dollars/patient. Intravenous eptifibatide, administered as a high-dose (20 mg) single-vial bolus, is a safe, effective and highly cost-effective alternative to the conventional regimens of bolus plus prolonged intravenous GP IIb/IIIa inhibitor infusion for patients undergoing elective PCI.

  14. TOTAL COST OF HOSPITALIZATION OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING ELECTIVE LAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY RELATED TO NUTRITIONAL STATUS.

    PubMed

    Menezes, Francisco Julimar Correia de; Menezes, Lara Gadelha Luna de; Silva, Guilherme Pinheiro Ferreira da; Melo-Filho, Antônio Aldo; Melo, Daniel Hardy; Silva, Carlos Antonio Bruno da

    2016-01-01

    In the Western world, the population developed an overweight profile. The morbidly obese generate higher cost to the health system. However, there is a gap in this approach with regard to individuals above the eutrofic pattern, who are not considered as morbidly obese. To correlate nutritional status according to BMI with the costs of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a public hospital. Data were collected from medical records about: nutritional risk assessment, nutricional state and hospital cost in patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Were enrolled 814 procedures. Average age was 39.15 (±12.16) years; 47 subjects (78.3%) were women. The cost was on average R$ 6,167.32 (±1830.85) to 4.06 (±2.76) days of hospitalization; 41 (68.4%) presented some degree of overweight; mean BMI was 28.07 (±5.41) kg/m²; six (10%) individuals presented nutritional risk ≥3. There was a weak correlation (r=0.2) and not significant (p <0.08) between the cost of hospitalization of the sample and length of stay; however, in individuals with normal BMI, the correlation was strong (r=0,57) and significant (p<0.01). Overweight showed no correlation between cost and length of stay. However, overweight individuals had higher cost of hospitalization than those who had no complications, but with no correlation with nutritional status. Compared to those with normal BMI, there was a strong and statistically significant correlation with the cost of hospital stay, stressing that there is normal distribution involving adequate nutritional status and success of the surgical procedure with the consequent impact on the cost of hospitalization. No mundo ocidental, a população desenvolveu um perfil de excesso de peso corporal. Os obesos mórbidos geram custo mais alto para o sistema de saúde. Entretanto, observa-se um hiato no tocante aos indivíduos acima do eutrofismo, mas não considerados obesos mórbidos. Correlacionar estado nutricional, segundo o IMC, com custo de

  15. Effect of nicorandil on QT dispersion in patients with stable angina pectoris undergoing elective angioplasty: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

    PubMed Central

    Suleimani, Homa Fal; Eshraghi, Ali; Daloee, Mehdi Hasanzadeh; Hoseini, Sara; Nakhaee, Nima

    2017-01-01

    Background Nicorandil leads to the relaxation of fine vascular smooth muscle, and thus causes vasodilatation of major epicardial. Also, it has anti-arrhythmic and cardio-protective effects by improving reperfusion, and ultimately leads to a reduction in microvascular damage caused by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Objective The aim of this study was to determine the effect of nicorandil on QT interval dispersion (QTd) in patients with stable angina pectoris during elective angioplasty. Methods This triple-blind and randomized clinical trial was performed on patients with stable angina pectoris, candidates for elective angiography referred to Imam Reza and Ghaem hospitals in Mashhad, Iran, between January and October 2016. The patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups receiving nicorandil (60 mg as 20 mg before and 40 mg after PCI) and placebo. All the patients underwent electrocardiography 12 hours before and 12 hours after PCI. The values of maximal corrected QT interval (QTc max) and QTd in these intervals, and the levels of changes in the QTd (QTd difference before angiography and after PCI) were compared between the two groups. Data were analyzed statistically using SPSS version 18 software via Chi-square and Independent-samples t-test. Results This study was performed on 90 patients (55 males and 35 females) with a mean age of 58.6±10.8 years, on two groups of 45 people. The two groups were matched for age, body mass index, cardiovascular risk factors and baseline testing. The QTd before angiography had no statistically significant difference between the patients of both groups (control: 77.7±17.1 vs. nicorandil: 80.7±14.2 ms; p=0.371). The QTd after PCI in the nicorandil group was lower than the control group (48.1±14.2 vs. 59.2±15.6 ms; p=0.000). The decrease rate in QTd had a statistically significant difference between the two groups (control: 18.9±11.0 vs. nicorandil: 33.5±9.5 ms; p=0.000). Conclusions The results of this

  16. Risk Factors and Independent Predictors of 30-Day Readmission for Altered Mental Status After Elective Spine Surgery for Spine Deformity: A Single-Institutional Study of 1090 Patients.

    PubMed

    Elsamadicy, Aladine A; Adogwa, Owoicho; Reddy, Gireesh B; Sergesketter, Amanda; Warwick, Hunter; Jones, Terrell; Cheng, Joseph; Bagley, Carlos A; Karikari, Isaac O

    2017-05-01

    Altered mental status (AMS) has been associated with inferior surgical outcomes. The factors leading to AMS after spine surgery are unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors and independent predictors of 30-day readmission for AMS in patients with spine deformity after undergoing elective spine surgery. The medical records of 1090 adult (≥18 years old) patients with spine deformity undergoing elective spine surgery at a major academic institution from 2005 to 2015 were reviewed. We identified 18 patients (1.65%) who had AMS as the primary driver for 30-day readmission after surgery. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and intraoperative and postoperative complication rates were collected for each patient. The primary outcome investigated in this study was risk factors associated with 30-day readmission for AMS. Patient demographics and comorbidities were similar between both groups, with the AMS cohort being significantly older than the no-AMS cohort (70.11 vs. 61.93; P = 0.003). There were no significant differences in intraoperative variables and complication rates within the cohorts. The AMS cohort had a significantly higher proportion of patients transferred to the intensive care unit (AMS, 61.11% vs. no-AMS, 19.76%; P = 0.0002) and rate of pulmonary embolism (AMS, 11.11 vs. no-AMS, 0.93; P = 0.02) after surgery. Other postoperative complication rates were similar between the cohorts. In a multivariate stepwise regression analysis, age (P = 0.013) and ICU transfer (P = 0.0002) were independent predictors of 30-day readmission for AMS. Our study suggests that increasing age and intensice care unit transfer are independent predictors of 30-day readmission for AMS after spine surgery in patients with spine deformity. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  17. Association between baseline cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing surgery for adult spinal deformity.

    PubMed

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

    2018-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Postoperative delirium is common in elderly patients undergoing spine surgery and is associated with a longer and more costly hospital course, functional decline, postoperative institutionalization, and higher likelihood of death within 6 months of discharge. Preoperative cognitive impairment may be a risk factor for the development of postoperative delirium. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between baseline cognitive impairment and postoperative delirium in geriatric patients undergoing surgery for degenerative scoliosis. METHODS Elderly patients 65 years and older undergoing a planned elective spinal surgery for correction of adult degenerative scoliosis were enrolled in this study. Preoperative cognition was assessed using the validated Saint Louis University Mental Status (SLUMS) examination. SLUMS comprises 11 questions, with a maximum score of 30 points. Mild cognitive impairment was defined as a SLUMS score between 21 and 26 points, while severe cognitive impairment was defined as a SLUMS score of ≤ 20 points. Normal cognition was defined as a SLUMS score of ≥ 27 points. Delirium was assessed daily using the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) and rated as absent or present on the basis of CAM. The incidence of delirium was compared in patients with and without baseline cognitive impairment. RESULTS Twenty-two patients (18%) developed delirium postoperatively. Baseline demographics, including age, sex, comorbidities, and perioperative variables, were similar in patients with and without delirium. The length of in-hospital stay (mean 5.33 days vs 5.48 days) and 30-day hospital readmission rates (12.28% vs 12%) were similar between patients with and without delirium, respectively. Patients with preoperative cognitive impairment (i.e., a lower SLUMS score) had a higher incidence of postoperative delirium. One- and 2-year patient reported outcomes scores were similar in patients with and without delirium. CONCLUSIONS

  18. Obstructive sleep apnea and postoperative complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a need for preventive strategies.

    PubMed

    Amra, Babak; Niknam, Nasim; Sadeghi, Mohsen Mir Mohammad; Rabbani, Majid; Fietze, Ingo; Penzel, Thomas

    2014-11-01

    Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is very frequent and often unrecognized in surgical patients. OSA is associated with perioperative complications. We evaluated the effects of OSA on postoperative complications and hospital outcomes in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Candidates of elective CABG were evaluated by the Berlin questionnaire for OSA. After surgery, patients were assessed for postoperative complications, re-admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), duration of intubation, re-intubation, days spent in the ICU and the hospital. We studied 61 patients who underwent CABG from which 25 (40.9%) patients had OSA. Patients with OSA had higher body mass index (29.5 ± 3.9 vs. 26.0 ± 3.7 kg/m(2), P = 0.003) and higher frequency of hypertension (68.0% vs. 30.5%, P = 0.003), dyslipidemia (36.0% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.004), and pulmonary disease (16.0 vs. 2.7%, P = 0.08). Regarding the surgical outcomes, OSA patients had longer intubation duration (0.75 ± 0.60 vs. 0.41 ± 0.56 days, P = 0.03). Obstructive sleep apnea is frequent, but unrecognized among patients undergoing CABG. In these patients, OSA is associated with prolonged intubation duration. Preventing these problems may be possible by early diagnosis and management of OSA in cardiac surgery patients. Further studies with larger sample of patients and longer follow-ups are required in this regard.

  19. The Effects of Preoperative Volume Replacement in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (VeRDiCT Trial).

    PubMed

    Clout, Madeleine; Harris, Tracy; Rogers, Chris; Culliford, Lucy; Taylor, Jodi; Angelini, Gianni; Narayan, Pradeep; Reeves, Barnaby; Hillier, James; Ashton, Kate; Sarkar, Kunal; Ascione, Raimondo

    2017-06-19

    Diabetes mellitus is a major risk factor for prolonged hospital stays, renal failure, and mortality in patients having coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Complications pose a serious threat to patients and prolong intensive care and hospital stays. Low glomerular filtration rate (GFR) due to existing renal impairment or volume depletion may exacerbate acute renal impairment/failure in these patients. Preoperative volume replacement therapy (VRT) is reported to increase the GFR and we hypothesize that VRT will reduce renal impairment and related complications in diabetic patients. The objective of this study is to establish the efficacy of preoperative VRT in reducing postoperative complications in diabetic patients undergoing CABG surgery. Time to "fit for discharge", incidence of postoperative renal failure, cardiac injury, inflammation, and other health outcomes will be investigated. In this open parallel group randomized controlled trial, 170 diabetic patients undergoing elective or urgent CABG surgery received 1 mL/kg/hour of Hartmann's solution for 12 consecutive hours prior to surgery, versus routine care. The primary outcome was time until participants were "fit for discharge", which is defined as presence of: normal temperature, pulse, and respiration; normal oxygen saturation on air; normal bowel function; and physical mobility. Secondary outcomes included: incidence of renal failure; markers of renal function, inflammation, and cardiac damage; operative morbidity; intensive care stay; patient-assessed outcome, including the Coronary Revascularization Outcome Questionnaire; and use of hospital resources. Recruitment started in July 2010. Enrolment for the study was completed in July 2014. Data analysis commenced in December 2016. Study results will be submitted for publication in the summer of 2017. VRT is a relatively easy treatment to administer in patients undergoing surgical procedures who are at risk of renal failure. This experimental protocol

  20. A prospective randomized controlled study to evaluate and compare GlideScope with Macintosh laryngoscope for ease of endotracheal intubation in adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia

    PubMed Central

    Jafra, Anudeep; Gombar, Satinder; Kapoor, Dheeraj; Sandhu, Harpreet Singh; Kumari, Kamlesh

    2018-01-01

    Background: The aim of the study was to compare the ease the intubation using GlideScope video laryngoscope and Macintosh laryngoscope in adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 American Society of Anesthesiologists I–II patients of either sex, in the age group of 18–60 years were included in the study. Patients were randomly allocated to two groups. We assessed ease of intubation depending on time to tracheal intubation, number of attempts, glottic view (Cormack–Lehane grade [CL grade] and percentage of glottis opening [POGO]) and intubation difficulty score (IDS), hemodynamic variables and any intra- and post-operative adverse events. Results: The rate of successful endotracheal intubation (ETI) in both groups was 100% in the first attempt. The time required for successful ETI was 24.89 ± 5.574 in Group G and 20.68 ± 3.637 in Group M (P < 0.001) found to be statistically significant. There was significant improvement in glottic view with GlideScope (as assessed by POGO score 66.71 ± 29.929 and 94.40 ± 10.476 in group G and 75.85 ± 26.969 and 74.20 ± 29.514 Group M and CL grading [P < 0.001]). A comparison of mean IDS between two groups revealed intubation was easier with the use of GlideScope. The hemodynamic response to intubation was significantly lesser with the use of GlideScope when compared with Macintosh laryngoscope. The incidence of adverse events, though minor like superficial lip or tongue bleed, was similar in two groups. Conclusions: GlideScope offers superiority over Macintosh laryngoscope in terms of laryngeal views and the difficulty encountered at ETI in an unselected population. PMID:29628839

  1. Tactical resource allocation and elective patient admission planning in care processes.

    PubMed

    Hulshof, Peter J H; Boucherie, Richard J; Hans, Erwin W; Hurink, Johann L

    2013-06-01

    Tactical planning of resources in hospitals concerns elective patient admission planning and the intermediate term allocation of resource capacities. Its main objectives are to achieve equitable access for patients, to meet production targets/to serve the strategically agreed number of patients, and to use resources efficiently. This paper proposes a method to develop a tactical resource allocation and elective patient admission plan. These tactical plans allocate available resources to various care processes and determine the selection of patients to be served that are at a particular stage of their care process. Our method is developed in a Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) framework and copes with multiple resources, multiple time periods and multiple patient groups with various uncertain treatment paths through the hospital, thereby integrating decision making for a chain of hospital resources. Computational results indicate that our method leads to a more equitable distribution of resources and provides control of patient access times, the number of patients served and the fraction of allocated resource capacity. Our approach is generic, as the base MILP and the solution approach allow for including various extensions to both the objective criteria and the constraints. Consequently, the proposed method is applicable in various settings of tactical hospital management.

  2. External validation of a 5-year survival prediction model after elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

    PubMed

    DeMartino, Randall R; Huang, Ying; Mandrekar, Jay; Goodney, Philip P; Oderich, Gustavo S; Kalra, Manju; Bower, Thomas C; Cronenwett, Jack L; Gloviczki, Peter

    2018-01-01

    The benefit of prophylactic repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is based on the risk of rupture exceeding the risk of death from other comorbidities. The purpose of this study was to validate a 5-year survival prediction model for patients undergoing elective repair of asymptomatic AAA <6.5 cm to assist in optimal selection of patients. All patients undergoing elective repair for asymptomatic AAA <6.5 cm (open or endovascular) from 2002 to 2011 were identified from a single institutional database (validation group). We assessed the ability of a prior published Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) model (derivation group) to predict survival in our cohort. The model was assessed for discrimination (concordance index), calibration (calibration slope and calibration in the large), and goodness of fit (score test). The VSGNE derivation group consisted of 2367 patients (70% endovascular). Major factors associated with survival in the derivation group were age, coronary disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, renal function, and antiplatelet and statin medication use. Our validation group consisted of 1038 patients (59% endovascular). The validation group was slightly older (74 vs 72 years; P < .01) and had a higher proportion of men (76% vs 68%; P < .01). In addition, the derivation group had higher rates of advanced cardiac disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and baseline creatinine concentration (1.2 vs 1.1 mg/dL; P < .01). Despite slight differences in preoperative patient factors, 5-year survival was similar between validation and derivation groups (75% vs 77%; P = .33). The concordance index of the validation group was identical between derivation and validation groups at 0.659 (95% confidence interval, 0.63-0.69). Our validation calibration in the large value was 1.02 (P = .62, closer to 1 indicating better calibration), calibration slope of 0.84 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-0.97), and score test of P = .57 (>.05

  3. Hospital costs by cost center of inpatient hospitalization for medicare patients undergoing major abdominal surgery.

    PubMed

    Stey, Anne M; Brook, Robert H; Needleman, Jack; Hall, Bruce L; Zingmond, David S; Lawson, Elise H; Ko, Clifford Y

    2015-02-01

    This study aims to describe the magnitude of hospital costs among patients undergoing elective colectomy, cholecystectomy, and pancreatectomy, determine whether these costs relate as expected to duration of care, patient case-mix severity and comorbidities, and whether risk-adjusted costs vary significantly by hospital. Correctly estimating the cost of production of surgical care may help decision makers design mechanisms to improve the efficiency of surgical care. Patient data from 202 hospitals in the ACS-NSQIP were linked to Medicare inpatient claims. Patient charges were mapped to cost center cost-to-charge ratios in the Medicare cost reports to estimate costs. The association of patient case-mix severity and comorbidities with cost was analyzed using mixed effects multivariate regression. Cost variation among hospitals was quantified by estimating risk-adjusted hospital cost ratios and 95% confidence intervals from the mixed effects multivariate regression. There were 21,923 patients from 202 hospitals who underwent an elective colectomy (n = 13,945), cholecystectomy (n = 5,569), or pancreatectomy (n = 2,409). Median cost was lowest for cholecystectomy ($15,651) and highest for pancreatectomy ($37,745). Room and board costs accounted for the largest proportion (49%) of costs and were correlated with length of stay, R = 0.89, p < 0.001. The patient case-mix severity and comorbidity variables most associated with cost were American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class IV (estimate 1.72, 95% CI 1.57 to 1.87) and fully dependent functional status (estimate 1.63, 95% CI 1.53 to 1.74). After risk-adjustment, 66 hospitals had significantly lower costs than the average hospital and 57 hospitals had significantly higher costs. The hospital costs estimates appear to be consistent with clinical expectations of hospital resource use and differ significantly among 202 hospitals after risk-adjustment for preoperative patient characteristics and procedure type

  4. Residual Angina After Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus.

    PubMed

    Grodzinsky, Anna; Kosiborod, Mikhail; Tang, Fengming; Jones, Philip G; McGuire, Darren K; Spertus, John A; Beltrame, John F; Jang, Jae-Sik; Goyal, Abhinav; Butala, Neel M; Yeh, Robert W; Arnold, Suzanne V

    2017-09-01

    Previous studies suggest that among patients with stable coronary artery disease, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have less angina and more silent ischemia when compared with those without DM. However, the burden of angina in diabetic versus nondiabetic patients after elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been recently examined. In a 10-site US PCI registry, we assessed angina before and at 1, 6, and 12 months after elective PCI with the Seattle Angina Questionnaire angina frequency score (range, 0-100, higher=better). We also examined the rates of antianginal medication prescriptions at discharge. A multivariable, repeated-measures Poisson model was used to examine the independent association of DM with angina over the year after treatment. Among 1080 elective PCI patients (mean age, 65 years; 74.7% men), 34.0% had DM. At baseline and at each follow-up, patients with DM had similar angina prevalence and severity as those without DM. Patients with DM were more commonly prescribed calcium channel blockers and long-acting nitrates at discharge (DM versus not: 27.9% versus 20.9% [ P =0.01] and 32.8% versus 25.5% [ P =0.01], respectively), whereas β-blockers and ranolazine were prescribed at similar rates. In the multivariable, repeated-measures model, the risk of angina was similar over the year after PCI in patients with versus without DM (relative risk, 1.04; range, 0.80-1.36). Patients with stable coronary artery disease and DM exhibit a burden of angina that is at least as high as those without DM despite more antianginal prescriptions at discharge. These findings contradict the conventional teachings that patients with DM experience less angina because of silent ischemia. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

  5. Unexpectedly high incidence of hypothermia before induction of anesthesia in elective surgical patients.

    PubMed

    Wetz, Anna J; Perl, Thorsten; Brandes, Ivo F; Harden, Markus; Bauer, Martin; Bräuer, Anselm

    2016-11-01

    Perioperative hypothermia is a frequently observed phenomenon of general anesthesia and is associated with adverse patient outcome. Recently, a significant influence of core temperature before induction of anesthesia has been reported. However, there are still little existing data on core temperature before induction of anesthesia and no data regarding potential risk factors for developing preoperative hypothermia. The purpose of this investigation was to estimate the incidence of hypothermia before anesthesia and to determine if certain factors predict its incidence. Data from 7 prospective studies investigating core temperature previously initiated at our department were analyzed. Patients undergoing a variety of elective surgical procedures were included. Core temperature was measured before induction of anesthesia with an oral (314 patients), infrared tympanic (143 patients), or tympanic contact thermometer (36 patients). Available potential predictors included American Society of Anesthesiologists status, sex, age, weight, height, body mass index, adipose ratio, and lean body weight. Association with preoperative hypothermia was assessed separately for each predictor using logistic regression. Independent predictors were identified using multivariable logistic regression. A total of 493 patients were included in the study. Hypothermia was found in 105 patients (21.3%; 95% confidence interval, 17.8%-25.2%). The median core temperature was 36.3°C (25th-75th percentiles, 36.0°C-36.7°C). Two independent factors for preoperative hypothermia were identified: male sex and age (>52years). As a consequence of the high incidence of hypothermia before anesthesia, measuring core temperature should be mandatory 60 to 120minutes before induction to identify and provide adequate treatment to hypothermic patients. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. The effect of mannitol on intraoperative brain relaxation in patients undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

    PubMed Central

    2014-01-01

    Background The risk of brain swelling after dural opening is high in patients with midline shift undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery. Brain swelling may result in increased intracranial pressure, impeded tumor exposure, and adverse outcomes. Mannitol is recommended as a first-line dehydration treatment to reduce brain edema and enable brain relaxation during neurosurgery. Research has indicated that mannitol enhanced brain relaxation in patients undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery; however, these results need further confirmation, and the optimal mannitol dose has not yet been established. We propose to examine whether different doses of 20% mannitol improve brain relaxation in a dose-dependent manner when administered at the time of incision. We will examine patients with preexisting mass effects and midline shift undergoing elective supratentorial brain tumor surgery. Methods This is a single-center, randomized controlled, parallel group trial that will be carried out at Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University. Randomization will be achieved using a computer-generated table. The study will include 220 patients undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery whose preoperative computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging results indicate a brain midline shift. Patients in group A, group B, and group C will receive dehydration treatment at incision with 20% mannitol solutions of 0.7, 1.0, and 1.4 g/kg, respectively, at a rate of 600 mL/h. The patients in the control group will not receive mannitol. The primary outcome is an improvement in intraoperative brain relaxation and dura tension after dehydration with mannitol. Secondary outcomes are postoperative outcomes and the incidence of mannitol side effects. Discussion The aim of this study is to determine the optimal dose of 20% mannitol for intraoperative infusion. We will examine brain relaxation and outcome in patients undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery. If our results are positive, the study

  7. Same versus next day discharge after elective transradial PCI: The RAdial SAme Day DischArge after PCI trial. (The RASADDA-PCI trial).

    PubMed

    Rodriguez-Araujo, Gerardo; Cilingiroglu, Mehmet; Mego, David; Hakeem, Abdul; Lendel, Vasili; Cawich, Ian; Paixao, Andre; Marmagkiolis, Konstantinos; Flaherty, Patrick; Rollefson, William

    2018-06-02

    Transradial percutaneous coronary intervention (TR-PCI) has been increasingly popular over the last decade in the US. Previous studies have shown that same-day (SD) discharge after elective PCI is as safe as overnight (ON) observation. Our study was performed to assess the clinical and financial impact of early discharge in patients undergoing TR-PCI. This is a single center registry of patients undergoing elective TR-PCI. Timing of discharge was determined by the treating physician. (Groups: Same Day Discharge -SD-; Overnight Stay -ON-). Demographic data, procedural characteristics and adverse outcomes were recorded. Outcomes included 30 day-MACE and procedure- related complications, as well as total operative costs in patients from both groups. Propensity score matching for patient demographics, coronary symptoms and procedure indicators was used to compare both groups. The entire cohort included 852 patients (429 in SD group and 423 in ON group) and the propensity score matched groups of 245 patients in the SD group and 245 patients in the ON group. The two groups had no significant baseline clinical differences, and had similar clinical outcomes. Specifically, no significant difference was noted in procedural complications (3.7% vs 2.5%, p = 0.43), re-hospitalization (4.1% vs 4.1%, p = 0.92), re-intervention (2.5% vs 2.1%, p = 0.77), myocardial infarction (0% vs 0.08%, p = 0.15), stroke (0% vs 0%, p = 1.0) and all-cause mortality (0% vs 0%, p = 1.0). SD Group patients had a significant lower procedure-related cost compared to overnight stay patients ($3,346.45 vs $4,681.99, p < 0.0001) and lower 30-day post procedure-associated cumulative costs/total operating costs ($4,493.22 vs $7,112.21, p < 0.0001). In elective patients undergoing low risk TR-PCI, same-day discharge seems to be a safe and feasible clinical practice, with significant potential savings to the US healthcare system. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights

  8. Patient management following uncomplicated elective gastrointestinal operations.

    PubMed

    D'Costa, H; Taylor, E W

    1990-12-01

    The management of patients after uncomplicated elective gastrointestinal operations is frequently left to junior members of the surgical team once they have learnt their seniors' regimens. The use of nasogastric (N/G) tubes, the volume of intravenous (IV) fluid replacement and the reintroduction of oral fluids and solids are topics not generally covered in the surgical textbooks and so are learnt in hospital. A postal survey of all consultant general surgeons in Scotland was conducted to assess the variations in management of patients after cholecystectomy, right haemicolectomy and sigmoid colectomy. A completed questionnaire was received from 111 (81%) of the surgeons circulated. As might be expected, patient management varied widely from surgeon to surgeon, and from unit to unit. There would appear to be a need for prospective studies in this area of patient management. This may indicate that the use of N/G tubes could be further reduced and that oral fluids and solids could be reintroduced sooner after operation with improved patient comfort and reduced hospital stay, yet without detriment to patient care.

  9. Effects of malnutrition on complication rates, length of hospital stay, and revenue in elective surgical patients in the G-DRG-system.

    PubMed

    Thomas, Michael N; Kufeldt, Johannes; Kisser, Ulrich; Hornung, Hans-Martin; Hoffmann, Jessica; Andraschko, Monika; Werner, Jens; Rittler, Peter

    2016-02-01

    Malnutrition is known to independently affect patient outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of patients at risk for malnutrition in an elective surgery patient cohort and to analyze the effects of malnutrition on morbidity, mortality, and hospital length of hospital (LOS). Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the economic effect of a diligent coding of malnutrition, as a side diagnosis, in a simulation of the German Diagnosis-Related Group system. The nutritional status of 1244 patients undergoing elective surgery was standardized on the day of admission by the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) 2002. To quantify the influence of malnutrition on revenue, the real DRGs of all patients were grouped. In simulation, an appropriate International Classification of Diseases code was used as a secondary diagnosis for all malnourished patients based on the NRS rating. A multivariate logistic regression analysis and a Cox regression were performed to identify potential confounders and to determine the adjusted effect of nutritional status on the occurrence of complications and hospital LOS. The prevalence of patients at risk for malnutrition (NRS ≥3) was 24.1% (300 of 1244). These patients showed a significant increase in hospital LOS (13 versus 7 d). Additionally, postoperative complications were significantly higher in this group (7.23% versus 6.91%). Including malnutrition in the Diagnosis-Related Group coding system resulted in a reimbursement of €1979.67 per patient at risk for malnutrition and a total reimbursement of €79,186.73 for all patients at risk for malnutrition in the present study. Establishment of a structured, comprehensive assessment of the nutritional status of hospitalized patients can repetitiously identify patients at risk for malnutrition. Additionally, the diligent codification of malnutrition can lead to cost compensation in the German Diagnosis-Related Group system. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  10. Textbook Outcome: A Composite Measure for Quality of Elective Aneurysm Surgery.

    PubMed

    Karthaus, Eleonora G; Lijftogt, Niki; Busweiler, Linde A D; Elsman, Bernard H P; Wouters, Michel W J M; Vahl, Anco C; Hamming, Jaap F

    2017-11-01

    To investigate a new composite quality measurement, which comprises a desirable outcome for elective aneurysm surgery, called "Textbook Outcome" (TO). Single-quality indicators in vascular surgery are often not distinctive and insufficiently reflect the quality of care. All patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, registered in the Dutch Surgical Aneurysm Audit between 2014 and 2015 were included. TO was defined as the percentage of patients who had abdominal aortic aneurysm-repair without intraoperative complications, postoperative surgical complications, reinterventions, prolonged hospital stay [endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) ≤4 d, open surgical repair (OSR) ≤10 d], readmissions, and postoperative mortality (≤30 d after surgery/at discharge). Case-mix adjusted TO rates were used to compare hospitals and to compare individual hospital results for different procedures. Five thousand one hundred seventy patients were included, of whom 4039 were treated with EVAR and 1131 with OSR. TO was achieved in 71% of EVAR and 53% of OSR. Important obstacles for achieving TO were a prolonged hospital stay, postoperative complications, and readmissions. Adjusted TO rates varied from 38% to 89% (EVAR) and from 0% to 97% (OSR) between individual hospitals. Hospitals with a high TO for OSR also had a high TO for EVAR; however, a high TO for EVAR did not implicate a high TO for OSR. TO generates additional information to evaluate the overall quality of the care of elective aneurysm surgery, which subsequently can be used by hospitals to improve the quality of their care.

  11. Effect of preemptive analgesia with intravenous oxycodone in the patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of ovarian tumor

    PubMed Central

    Wang, Na; Wang, Yuantao; Pang, Lei; Wang, Jinguo

    2015-01-01

    Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of preemptive intravenous oxycodone in the patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of ovarian tumor. Methods: Sixty ASA I or II patients undergoing elective laparoscopic resection of ovarian tumor were randomly allocated to one of two groups: Group O (n=30) received intravenous oxycodone (0.1 mg·kg-1) 10 minutes before surgery over 2 minutes, and Group N (n=30) received an equivalent volume of normal saline. All patients received a standardized general anesthesia. MBP and HR at the time of arrival of the operating room (T1), 5 min before pneumoperitoneum (T2), 5 minutes (T3), 10 minutes (T4), and 15 minutes after pneumoperitoneum (T5), and VAS scores at postoperative 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 hour were recorded. The tramadol consumption and side effects in 24 h after surgery were recorded. Results: VAS pain scores at 2, 4, 8 and 12 hour after operation were significantly lower in Group O (P<0.05). MBP and HR increased significantly due to pneumoperitoneum at T3, T4 and T5, compared with T1 and T2 within Group N, and were higher at T3, T4 and T5 in Group N than at the same time points in Group O. Tramadol consumption was statistically lower in Group O (P=0.0003). Conclusions: Preemptive intravenous oxycodone was an efficient and safe method to reduce intraoperative haemodynamic effect and postoperative pain. PMID:26101479

  12. More patients should undergo surgery after sigmoid volvulus.

    PubMed

    Ifversen, Anne Kathrine Wewer; Kjaer, Daniel Willy

    2014-12-28

    To assess the outcome of patients treated conservatively vs surgically during their first admission for sigmoid volvulus. We conducted a retrospective study of 61 patients admitted to Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark between 1996 and 2011 for their first incidence of sigmoid volvulus. The condition was diagnosed by radiography, sigmoidoscopy or surgery. Patients treated with surgery underwent either a sigmoid resection or a percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC). Conservatively treated patients were managed without surgery. Data was recorded into a Microsoft Access database and calculations were performed with Microsoft Excel. Kaplan-Meier plotting and Mantel-Cox (log-rank) testing were performed using GraphPad Prism software. Mortality was defined as death within 30 d after intervention or surgery. Among the total 61 patients, 4 underwent emergency surgery, 55 underwent endoscopy, 1 experienced resolution of the volvulus after contrast enema, and 1 died without treatment because of large bowel perforation. Following emergency treatment, 28 patients underwent sigmoid resection (semi-elective n = 18; elective n = 10). Two patients who were unfit for surgery underwent PEC and both died, 1 after 36 d and the other after 9 mo, respectively. The remaining 26 patients were managed conservatively without sigmoid resection. Patients treated conservatively on their first admission had a poorer survival rate than patients treated surgically on their first admission (95%CI: 3.67-14.37, P = 0.036). Sixty-three percent of the 26 conservatively treated patients had not experienced a recurrence 3 mo after treatment, but that number dropped to 24% 2 years after treatment. Eight of the 14 patients with recurrence after conservative treatment had surgery with no 30-d mortality. Surgically-treated sigmoid volvulus patients had a higher long-term survival rate than conservatively managed patients, indicating a benefit of surgical resection or PEC insertion if feasible.

  13. More patients should undergo surgery after sigmoid volvulus

    PubMed Central

    Ifversen, Anne Kathrine Wewer; Kjaer, Daniel Willy

    2014-01-01

    AIM: To assess the outcome of patients treated conservatively vs surgically during their first admission for sigmoid volvulus. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 61 patients admitted to Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark between 1996 and 2011 for their first incidence of sigmoid volvulus. The condition was diagnosed by radiography, sigmoidoscopy or surgery. Patients treated with surgery underwent either a sigmoid resection or a percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC). Conservatively treated patients were managed without surgery. Data was recorded into a Microsoft Access database and calculations were performed with Microsoft Excel. Kaplan-Meier plotting and Mantel-Cox (log-rank) testing were performed using GraphPad Prism software. Mortality was defined as death within 30 d after intervention or surgery. RESULTS: Among the total 61 patients, 4 underwent emergency surgery, 55 underwent endoscopy, 1 experienced resolution of the volvulus after contrast enema, and 1 died without treatment because of large bowel perforation. Following emergency treatment, 28 patients underwent sigmoid resection (semi-elective n = 18; elective n = 10). Two patients who were unfit for surgery underwent PEC and both died, 1 after 36 d and the other after 9 mo, respectively. The remaining 26 patients were managed conservatively without sigmoid resection. Patients treated conservatively on their first admission had a poorer survival rate than patients treated surgically on their first admission (95%CI: 3.67-14.37, P = 0.036). Sixty-three percent of the 26 conservatively treated patients had not experienced a recurrence 3 mo after treatment, but that number dropped to 24% 2 years after treatment. Eight of the 14 patients with recurrence after conservative treatment had surgery with no 30-d mortality. CONCLUSION: Surgically-treated sigmoid volvulus patients had a higher long-term survival rate than conservatively managed patients, indicating a benefit of surgical resection or

  14. Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Elective Neck Dissection in Patients With Clinically Node-Negative Oral Cavity Cancer.

    PubMed

    Acevedo, Joseph R; Fero, Katherine E; Wilson, Bayard; Sacco, Assuntina G; Mell, Loren K; Coffey, Charles S; Murphy, James D

    2016-11-10

    Purpose Recently, a large randomized trial found a survival advantage among patients who received elective neck dissection in conjunction with primary surgery for clinically node-negative oral cavity cancer compared with those receiving primary surgery alone. However, elective neck dissection comes with greater upfront cost and patient morbidity. We present a cost-effectiveness analysis of elective neck dissection for the initial surgical management of early-stage oral cavity cancer. Methods We constructed a Markov model to simulate primary, adjuvant, and salvage therapy; disease recurrence; and survival in patients with T1/T2 clinically node-negative oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Transition probabilities were derived from clinical trial data; costs (in 2015 US dollars) and health utilities were estimated from the literature. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios, expressed as dollar per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), were calculated with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios less than $100,000/QALY considered cost effective. We conducted one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses to examine model uncertainty. Results Our base-case model found that over a lifetime the addition of elective neck dissection to primary surgery reduced overall costs by $6,000 and improved effectiveness by 0.42 QALYs compared with primary surgery alone. The decrease in overall cost despite the added neck dissection was a result of less use of salvage therapy. On one-way sensitivity analysis, the model was most sensitive to assumptions about disease recurrence, survival, and the health utility reduction from a neck dissection. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis found that treatment with elective neck dissection was cost effective 76% of the time at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $100,000/QALY. Conclusion Our study found that the addition of elective neck dissection reduces costs and improves health outcomes, making this a cost-effective treatment strategy for patients

  15. The effect of early education on patient anxiety while waiting for elective cardiac catheterization.

    PubMed

    Harkness, Karen; Morrow, Lydia; Smith, Kelly; Kiczula, Michele; Arthur, Heather M

    2003-07-01

    A supply-demand mismatch with respect to cardiac catheterization (CATH) often results in patients experiencing waiting times that vary from a few weeks to several months. Long delays can impose both physical and psychological distress for patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a psychoeducational nursing intervention at the beginning of the waiting period on patient anxiety during the waiting time for elective CATH. This was a 2-group randomized controlled trial. Intervention patients received a nurse-delivered, detailed information/education session within 2 weeks of being placed on the waiting list for elective CATH. Control group patients received usual care. The mean waiting time for CATH was 13.4+/-7.2 weeks, which did not differ between groups (P=0.509). Anxiety increased in both groups over the waiting time (P=0.028). Health-related quality of life deteriorated over the waiting time in both groups (P<0.05). On a visual analogue scale, there was a significant difference (P=0.002) between the intervention (4.0+/-2.7) and control (5.2+/-3.0) groups in self-reported anxiety 2 weeks prior to CATH. The waiting period prior to elective CATH has a negative impact on patients' perceived anxiety and quality of life and a simple intervention, provided at the beginning of the waiting period, may positively affect the experience of waiting.

  16. Do preoperative oral carbohydrates improve postoperative outcomesin patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafts?

    PubMed

    Şavluk, Ömer Faruk; Kuşçu, Mehmet Ali; Güzelmeriç, Füsun; Gürcü, Mustafa Emre; Erkılınç, Atakan; Çevirme, Deniz; Oğuş, Halide; Koçak, Tuncer

    2017-12-19

    Background/aim: The aim of this prospective study was to determine whether the preoperative oral intake of carbohydrate-rich drinks by patients undergoing a coronary artery bypass graft attenuates postoperative insulin requirements, improves postoperative patient discomfort, provides inotropic support, shortens the length of the ICU stay, and shortens the duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation. Materials and methods: This randomized prospective clinical study included 152 patients with coronary artery disease who were divided into 4 groups. Carbohydrates were administered to 3 groups at different hours and doses before operation. The fourth group had an 8-h preoperative fasting period. The inotropic and vasopressor requirements, ventilation time, and ICU stay time were recorded for all of the groups. Patient wellbeing, mouth dryness, hunger, anxiety, and nausea were assessed using VAS scores of 1-10. Results: Mouth dryness and hunger were significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.03, P = 0.02). The increase in blood glucose level was significantly higher in the control group (P = 0.04). The exogenous insulin requirement was significantly higher in the control group than in the other groups (P = 0.04). Conclusion: The administration of carbohydrates before elective cardiac surgery reduced insulin resistance. Based on the VAS scores, the intake of carbohydrates reduced mouth dryness and hunger. Overall, preoperative oral carbohydrate treatments can improve the postoperative outcomes of coronary artery bypass graft surgeries.

  17. The Effect of Intra-articular Cocktail Versus Femoral Nerve Block for Patients Undergoing Hip Arthroscopy.

    PubMed

    Childs, Sean; Pyne, Sonia; Nandra, Kiritpaul; Bakhsh, Wajeeh; Mustafa, S Atif; Giordano, Brian D

    2017-12-01

    To compare clinical efficacy and complication rate as measured by postoperative falls and development of peripheral neuritis between intra-articular blockade and femoral nerve block in patients undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery. An institutional review board approved retrospective review was conducted on a consecutive series of patients who underwent elective arthroscopic hip surgery by a single surgeon, between November 2013 and April 2015. Subjects were stratified into 2 groups: patients who received a preoperative femoral nerve block for perioperative pain control, and patients who received an intra-articular "cocktail" injection postoperatively. Demographic data, perioperative pain scores, narcotic consumption, incidence of falls, and iatrogenic peripheral neuritis were collected for analysis. Postoperative data were then collected at routine clinical visits. A total of 193 patients were included in this study (65 males, 125 females). Of them, 105 patients received preoperative femoral nerve blocks and 88 patients received an intraoperative intra-articular "cocktail." There were no significant differences in patient demographics, history of chronic pain (P = .35), worker's compensation (P = .24), preoperative pain scores (P = .69), or intraoperative doses of narcotics (P = .40). Patients who received preoperative femoral nerve blocks reported decreased pain during their time in PACU (P = .0001) and on hospital discharge (P = .28); however, there were no statistically significant differences in patient-reported pain scores at postoperative weeks 1 (P = .34), 3 (P = .64), and 6 (P = .70). Administration of an intra-articular block was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of postoperative falls (P = .009) and iatrogenic peripheral neuritis (P = .0001). Preoperative femoral nerve blocks are associated with decreased immediate postoperative pain, whereas intraoperative intra-articular anesthetic injections provide effective postoperative

  18. C-reactive protein and procalcitonin for the early detection of anastomotic leakage after elective colorectal surgery: pilot study in 100 patients.

    PubMed

    Lagoutte, N; Facy, O; Ravoire, A; Chalumeau, C; Jonval, L; Rat, P; Ortega-Deballon, P

    2012-10-01

    Anastomotic leakage is the most important complication after colorectal surgery. Its prognosis depends on its early diagnosis. C-reactive protein (CRP) has already shown its usefulness for the early detection of anastomotic leaks. Procalcitonin (PCT) is widely used in intensive care units and is more expensive, but its usefulness in the postoperative period of digestive surgery is not well established. Between May 2010 and June 2011, 100 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery were prospectively included in a database. CRP and PCT were measured before surgery and daily until postoperative day 4. All intraabdominal infections were considered as anastomotic leaks, regardless of their clinical impact and their management. The kinetics of PCT and CRP were recorded, as well as their accuracy for the detection of anastomotic fistula. The incidence of fistula was 13% and the overall mortality rate was 2%. Both CRP and PCT were significantly higher in patients with leakage. Areas under the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) for CRP were higher than those for PCT each day. The best accuracy was obtained for CRP on postoperative day 4 (areas under the ROC curve were 0.869 for CRP and 0.750 for PCT). Procalcitonin is neither earlier nor more accurate than CRP for the detection of anastomotic leakage after elective colorectal surgery. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  19. The Effect of Compression Stockings on Cerebral Desaturation Events in Obese Patients Undergoing Shoulder Arthroscopy in the Beach-Chair Position.

    PubMed

    Tauchen, Alexander J; Salazar, Dane; Barton, Gregory J; Francois, Audrice; Tonino, Pietro; Garbis, Nickolas G; Evans, Douglas

    2015-12-01

    To determine if the use of thigh-high compression stockings could decrease the incidence of cerebral desaturation events (CDEs) in patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m(2) or greater undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the beach-chair position (BCP). Between December 2013 and May 2014, 23 patients aged 18 years or older with a BMI of 30 kg/m(2) or greater undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP were monitored intraoperatively using near-infrared spectroscopy while wearing thigh-high compression stockings. Data obtained on these patients were compared with data from a previous cohort at our institution comprising 24 patients with a BMI of 30 kg/m(2) or greater who underwent elective shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP with the same monitoring but without wearing compression stockings. The incidence of CDEs was identified in each group. The incidence of CDEs in the group with compression stockings was 4% (1 of 23) compared with 18% (7 of 24) in the group without compression stockings (P = .048). There were no statistically significant differences in mean age (53.0 years v 53.3 years, P = .91), mean BMI (34.5 kg/m(2)v 36.2 kg/m(2), P = .21), or various medical comorbidities between the treatment group and control group. There was a significant difference in the operative time between the treatment group (156.6 minutes) and control group (94.1 minutes) (P < .001). The use of thigh-high compression stockings may decrease the incidence of CDEs in obese patients undergoing shoulder arthroscopy in the BCP. Level IV, therapeutic case series. Copyright © 2015 Arthroscopy Association of North America. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Do patients have a say? A narrative review of the development of patient-reported outcome measures used in elective procedures for coronary revascularisation.

    PubMed

    Peeters, Geeske; Barker, Anna L; Talevski, Jason; Ackerman, Ilana; Ayton, Darshini R; Reid, Christopher; Evans, Sue M; Stoelwinder, Johannes U; McNeil, John J

    2018-05-01

    Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) capture health information from the patient's perspective that can be used when weighing up benefits, risks and costs of treatment. This is important for elective procedures such as those for coronary revascularisation. Patients should be involved in the development of PROMs to accurately capture outcomes that are important for the patient. The aims of this review are to identify if patients were involved in the development of cardiovascular-specific PROMs used for assessing outcomes from elective coronary revascularisation, and to explore what methods were used to capture patient perspectives. PROMs for evaluating outcomes from elective coronary revascularisation were identified from a previous review and an updated systematic search. The studies describing the development of the PROMs were reviewed for information on patient input in their conceptual and/or item development. 24 PROMs were identified from a previous review and three additional PROMs were identified from the updated search. Full texts were obtained for 26 of the 27 PROMs. The 26 studies (11 multidimensional, 15 unidimensional) were reviewed. Only nine studies reported developing PROMs using patient input. For eight PROMs, the inclusion of patient input could not be judged due to insufficient information in the full text. Only nine of the 26 reviewed PROMs used in elective coronary revascularisation reported involving patients in their conceptual and/or item development, while patient input was unclear for eight PROMs. These findings suggest that the patient's perspective is often overlooked or poorly described in the development of PROMs.

  1. Effect of tranexamic acid on intraoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing excision of intracranial meningioma.

    PubMed

    Hooda, Bhavna; Chouhan, Rajendra Singh; Rath, Girija Prasad; Bithal, Parmod Kumar; Suri, Ashish; Lamsal, Ritesh

    2017-07-01

    Surgical excision of meningioma is often complicated by significant blood loss requiring blood transfusion with its attendant risks. Although tranexamic acid is used to reduce perioperative blood loss, its blood conservation effect is uncertain in neurosurgery. Sixty adults undergoing elective craniotomy for meningioma excision were randomized to receive either tranexamic acid or placebo, initiated prior to skin incision. Patients in the tranexamic acid group received intravenous bolus of 20mg/kg over 20min followed by an infusion of 1mg/kg/h till the conclusion of surgery. Intraoperative blood loss, transfusion requirements and estimation of surgical hemostasis using a 5-grade scale were noted. Postoperatively, the extent of tumor excision on CT scan and complications were observed. Demographics, tumor characteristics, amount of fluid infusion, and duration of surgery and anesthesia were comparable between the two groups. The amount of blood loss was significantly less in tranexamic acid group compared to placebo (830mlvs 1124ml; p=0.03). The transfusion requirement was less in tranexamic acid group (p>0.05). The patients in tranexamic acid group fared better on a 5-grade surgical hemostasis scale with more patients showing good hemostasis (p=0.007). There were no significant differences between the groups with regards to extent of tumor removal, perioperative complications, hospital stay or neurologic outcome. To conclude, administration of tranexamic acid significantly reduced blood loss in patients undergoing excision of meningioma. Fewer patients in the tranexamic acid group received blood transfusions. Surgical field hemostasis was better achieved in patients who received tranexamic acid. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  2. Pre-surgery education for elective cardiac surgery patients: a survey from the patient's perspective.

    PubMed

    O'Brien, Lisa; McKeough, Carly; Abbasi, Randa

    2013-12-01

    Multidisciplinary pre-admission patient education is commonly recommended for elective surgery patients, and may involve the provision of written information and presentations from the health team. However, the occupational therapy role with elective sternotomy patients in our setting is confined to the post-operative period. We aimed to evaluate cardiac surgery patients' perception of the effectiveness and timing of pre-admission multidisciplinary written information and post-operative verbal education provided by occupational therapy. This cross-sectional study involved a written survey, which was posted to 375 people who had undergone cardiac surgery in 2009-2010. Questions were designed to elicit patient perceptions of both pre-operative written information and post-operative education relating to post-operative precautions and return to activity received from occupational therapy. There were 118 surveys returned equalling a 31.4% response rate. Eighty-nine per cent of respondents recalled receiving and reading the pre-surgery information booklet, and this was significantly correlated with feeling prepared for the post-operative experience and adherence with precautions (P < 0.0001). Exactly 30.4% of respondents stated that they experienced stress and anxiety in relation to post-operative expectations, and 47.3% felt the information provided in the occupational therapy education sessions would have been more beneficial for their understanding and coping if provided prior to surgery. Multidisciplinary written pre-surgery education appears to be providing patients with a good understanding of what to expect following surgery. The results suggest that pre-operative verbal education from occupational therapy would assist in reducing anxiety in a subgroup of patients. © 2013 Occupational Therapy Australia.

  3. General Anaesthesia Protocols for Patients Undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy

    PubMed Central

    Narayanan, Aravind; Lal, Chandar; Al-Sinawi, Hamed

    2017-01-01

    Objectives This study aimed to review general anaesthesia protocols for patients undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at a tertiary care hospital in Oman, particularly with regards to clinical profile, potential drug interactions and patient outcomes. Methods This retrospective study took place at the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), Muscat, Oman. The electronic medical records of patients undergoing ECT at SQUH between January 2010 and December 2014 were reviewed for demographic characteristics and therapy details. Results A total of 504 modified ECT sessions were performed on 57 patients during the study period. All of the patients underwent a uniform general anaesthetic regimen consisting of propofol and succinylcholine; however, they received different doses between sessions, as determined by the treating anaesthesiologist. Variations in drug doses between sessions in the same patient could not be attributed to any particular factor. Self-limiting tachycardia and hypertension were periprocedural complications noted among all patients. One patient developed aspiration pneumonitis (1.8%). Conclusion All patients undergoing ECT received a general anaesthetic regimen including propofol and succinylcholine. However, the interplay of anaesthetic drugs with ECT efficacy could not be established due to a lack of comprehensive data, particularly with respect to seizure duration. In addition, the impact of concurrent antipsychotic therapy on anaesthetic dose and subsequent complications could not be determined. PMID:28417028

  4. The Impact of Deep Versus Moderate Hypothermia on Postoperative Kidney Function After Elective Aortic Hemiarch Repair.

    PubMed

    Arnaoutakis, George J; Vallabhajosyula, Prashanth; Bavaria, Joseph E; Sultan, Ibrahim; Siki, Mary; Naidu, Suveeksha; Milewski, Rita K; Williams, Matthew L; Hargrove, W Clark; Desai, Nimesh D; Szeto, Wilson Y

    2016-10-01

    There remains concern that moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (MHCA) with antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) may provide suboptimal distal organ protection compared with deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA) with retrograde cerebral perfusion (RCP). We compared postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) in in patients who underwent elective hemiarch repair with either DHCA/RCP or MHCA/ACP. This was a retrospective review of all patients undergoing elective aortic hemiarch reconstruction for aneurysmal disease between 2009 and 2014. Patients were stratified according to the use of DHCA/RCP versus MHCA/ACP. The primary outcome was the occurrence of AKI at 48 hours, as defined by the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss, End-Stage (RIFLE ) criteria. A multivariable logistic regression identified risk factors for AKI. One hundred eighteen patients who underwent ACP and 471 patients who underwent RCP were included. The mean lowest temperature was 26.4°C in patients who underwent MHCA/ACP and 17.5°C in patients who underwent DHCA/RCP. Baseline demographics were similar except that patients who underwent DHCA/RCP were more likely to have peripheral arterial disease or bicuspid aortic valves. Cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were shorter in the MHCA/ACP group. AKI occurred in 19 (16.2%) patients who underwent MHCA/ACP and 67 (14.3%) patients who underwent DHCA/RCP. Four (0.8%) patients who underwent DHCA/RCP required postoperative dialysis. In-hospital mortality tended to increase with increasing RIFLE classification (RIFLE class-0 (No AKI) = 0.41%; Risk = 1.35%, and Injury = 10.0%; p = 0.09). On multivariable analysis, the lowest temperature and cerebral perfusion strategy were not significant predictors of AKI. Lower baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR), lower preoperative ejection fraction, and longer cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time were independently associated with higher AKI. We applied the sensitive RIFLE criteria to examine AKI in

  5. Case Report of a Patient With Idiopathic Hypersomnia and a Family History of Malignant Hyperthermia Undergoing General Anesthesia: An Overview of the Anesthetic Considerations.

    PubMed

    Aflaki, Sena; Hu, Sally; Kamel, Rami A; Chung, Frances; Singh, Mandeep

    2017-05-01

    The pathophysiologic underpinnings of idiopathic hypersomnia and its interactions with anesthetic medications remain poorly understood. There is a scarcity of literature describing this patient population in the surgical setting. This case report outlines the anesthetic considerations and management plan for a 55-year-old female patient with a known history of idiopathic hypersomnia undergoing an elective shoulder arthroscopy in the ambulatory setting. In addition, this case offers a unique set of considerations and conflicts related to the patient having a family history of malignant hyperthermia. A combined technique of general and regional anesthesia was used. Anesthesia was maintained with total intravenous anesthesia via the use of propofol and remifentanil. The depth of anesthesia was monitored with entropy. There were no perioperative complications.

  6. Elective amputation of a "healthy limb".

    PubMed

    Blom, Rianne M; Guglielmi, Valeria; Denys, Damiaan

    2016-10-01

    Patients with body integrity identity disorder (BIID) experience a strong desire for amputation from very early on. BIID patients are often dismissed when they share their wish for amputation with surgeons. Consequently, patients resort to self-amputation, including complications and sometimes death. BIID patients are not psychotic and are mentally competent to oversee the consequences of an elective amputation. The authors offer arguments in favor of elective amputation.

  7. Acute confusional states in patients undergoing hip surgery. a prospective observation study.

    PubMed

    Duppils, G S; Wikblad, K

    2000-01-01

    There is general agreement that acute confusional state (ACS) is common among elderly patients admitted to hospital, although exact figures are difficult to obtain. The objective of the current study was to investigate the onset of ACS during hospital stay and to isolate possible predisposing, facilitating and precipitating factors associated with the onset of ACS. Non-confused patients, greater than or = 65 years of age, undergoing orthopedic hip surgery, were consecutively included in the study (n = 225). Of these, 149 patients were operated on because of acute hip fracture and 76 underwent elective hip-replacement surgery. ACS was diagnosed by the DSM-IV criteria for delirium. Structured observations of ACS onset were performed every 2nd to every 4th hour during the patients' entire hospital stay. A protocol was used to document the observations on sleep, activities, well being and behavior. The Mini-Mental State Examination was used to measure cognitive functioning. Of 225 patients 20% were diagnosed with ACS. The incidence of ACS was 24.3% in the group of hip-fractured patients and 11.7% in the hip-replacement surgery patients. The onset of ACS was postoperative (mean 24 +/- 21 h after surgery) in all but 8 patients. The duration of ACS among recovered patients was generally less than 48 h (mean 42 +/- 43 h). Predisposing factors were older age, cognitive impairment and pre-existing cerebrovascular or other brain diseases. Facilitating factors related to ACS were associated with communication and social isolation, e.g. impaired hearing and sight, reticence and passivity. One precipitating factor, besides surgery, may be the use of psychopharmacological drugs. The incidence of ACS was 20% among hip surgery patients. Older age and social isolation were factors associated with ACS. Increased attention and interaction with older patients could be of value in avoiding ACS during hospitalization.

  8. Can Surgeon Demographic Factors Predict Postoperative Complication Rates After Elective Spinal Fusion?

    PubMed

    Chun, Danielle S; Cook, Ralph W; Weiner, Joseph A; Schallmo, Michael S; Barth, Kathryn A; Singh, Sameer K; Freshman, Ryan D; Patel, Alpesh A; Hsu, Wellington K

    2018-03-01

    surgeon demographic factors analyzed in this study are associated with differences in overall complications rates in patients undergoing elective spine fusion as published by the ProPublica Surgeon Scorecard. Level 3.

  9. The SLCO1A2 -189_-188InsA polymorphism reduces clearance of rocuronium in patients submitted to elective surgeries.

    PubMed

    Costa, A C C; Coelho, E B; Lanchote, V L; Correia, B V; Abumansur, J T; Lauretti, G R; de Moraes, N V

    2017-08-01

    Rocuronium (ROC) is a neuromuscular blocker mainly eliminated by biliary excretion dependent on organic anion transporting polypeptide 1A2 (OATP1A2) hepatocellular uptake. However, the influence of SLCO1A2 (gene encoding OATP1A2) genetic polymorphism on ROC pharmacokinetics was never described before. The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of genetic polymorphisms of SLCO1A2 on the pharmacokinetics of rocuronium (ROC). Patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia using rocuronium as a neuromuscular blocker were genotyped for SLCO1A2 polymorphisms in the coding region (41A>G, 382A>T, 404A>T, 502C>T, 516A>C, 559G>A, 830C>A, and 833delA) and in the promoter region (-1105G>A, -1032G>A, -715T>C, -361G>A, and -189_-188insA). Rocuronium pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated by non-compartmental analysis. None of the patients had heterozygous or homozygous variant of 404A>T, 382A>T, 502C>T, 833delA, 830C>A, 41A>G, and -715T>C. A linkage disequilibrium was found between -1105G>A and -1032G>A genotypes. Patients genotyped as -A or AA (n = 17) for SLCO1A2 -189_-188InsA showed reduced total clearance of ROC compared to patients genotyped as -/- (n = 13) (151.6 vs 207.1 mL/min, p ≤ 0.05). The pharmacokinetics parameters of ROC were not significantly different between other SLCO1A2 genotypes. SLCO1A2 -189_-188InsA polymorphism is related to the reduced clearance of rocuronium in patients submitted to elective surgeries under general anesthesia. NCT 02399397 ( ClinicalTrials.gov ).

  10. Oral hydration for prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury in elective radiological procedures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

    PubMed

    Cheungpasitporn, Wisit; Thongprayoon, Charat; Brabec, Brady A; Edmonds, Peter J; O'Corragain, Oisin A; Erickson, Stephen B

    2014-12-01

    The reports on efficacy of oral hydration treatment for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) in elective radiological procedures and cardiac catheterization remain controversial. The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the use of oral hydration regimen for prevention of CIAKI. Comprehensive literature searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of outpatient oral hydration treatment was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Systematic Reviews, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception until July 4(th), 2014. Primary outcome was the incidence of CIAKI. Six prospective RCTs were included in our analysis. Of 513patients undergoing elective procedures with contrast exposures,45 patients (8.8%) had CIAKI. Of 241 patients with oral hydration regimen, 23 (9.5%) developed CIAKI. Of 272 patients with intravenous (IV) fluid regimen, 22 (8.1%) had CIAKI. Study populations in all included studies had relatively normal kidney function to chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3. There was no significant increased risk of CIAKI in oral fluid regimen group compared toIV fluid regimen group (RR = 0.94, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.38-2.31). According to our analysis,there is no evidence that oral fluid regimen is associated with more risk of CIAKI in patients undergoing elective procedures with contrast exposures compared to IV fluid regimen. This finding suggests that the oral fluid regimen might be considered as a possible outpatient treatment option for CIAKI prevention in patients with normal to moderately reduced kidney function.

  11. Oral Hydration for Prevention of Contrast-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Elective Radiological Procedures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

    PubMed Central

    Cheungpasitporn, Wisit; Thongprayoon, Charat; Brabec, Brady A.; Edmonds, Peter J.; O'Corragain, Oisin A.; Erickson, Stephen B.

    2014-01-01

    Background: The reports on efficacy of oral hydration treatment for the prevention of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) in elective radiological procedures and cardiac catheterization remain controversial. Aims: The objective of this meta-analysis was to assess the use of oral hydration regimen for prevention of CIAKI. Materials and Methods: Comprehensive literature searches for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of outpatient oral hydration treatment was performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Systematic Reviews, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception until July 4th, 2014. Primary outcome was the incidence of CIAKI. Results: Six prospective RCTs were included in our analysis. Of 513patients undergoing elective procedures with contrast exposures,45 patients (8.8%) had CIAKI. Of 241 patients with oral hydration regimen, 23 (9.5%) developed CIAKI. Of 272 patients with intravenous (IV) fluid regimen, 22 (8.1%) had CIAKI. Study populations in all included studies had relatively normal kidney function to chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3. There was no significant increased risk of CIAKI in oral fluid regimen group compared toIV fluid regimen group (RR = 0.94, 95% confidence interval, CI = 0.38-2.31). Conclusions: According to our analysis,there is no evidence that oral fluid regimen is associated with more risk of CIAKI in patients undergoing elective procedures with contrast exposures compared to IV fluid regimen. This finding suggests that the oral fluid regimen might be considered as a possible outpatient treatment option for CIAKI prevention in patients with normal to moderately reduced kidney function. PMID:25599049

  12. Segmental liver ischemia/infarction after elective transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation: clinical outcomes in 10 patients.

    PubMed

    Lopera, Jorge E; Katabathina, Venkata; Bosworth, Brian; Garg, Deepak; Kroma, Ghazwan; Garza-Berlanga, Andres; Suri, Rajeev; Wholey, Michael

    2015-06-01

    To determine the clinical significance and potential mechanisms of segmental liver ischemia and infarction following elective creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). A retrospective review of 374 elective TIPS creations between March 2006 and September 2014 was performed, yielding 77 contrast-enhanced scans for review. Patients with imaging evidence of segmental perfusion defects were identified. Model for End-stage Liver Disease scores, liver volume, and percentage of liver ischemia/infarct were calculated. Clinical outcomes after TIPS creation were reviewed. Ten patients showed segmental liver ischemia/infarction on contrast-enhanced imaging after elective TIPS creation. Associated imaging findings included thrombosis of the posterior division (n = 7) and anterior division (n = 3) of the right portal vein (PV). The right hepatic vein was thrombosed in 5 patients, as was the middle hepatic vein in 3 and the left hepatic vein in 1. One patient had acute thrombosis of the shunt and main PV. Three patients developed acute liver failure: 2 died within 30 days and 1 required emergent liver transplantation. One patient died of acute renal failure 20 days after TIPS creation. A large infarct in a transplant recipient resulted in biloma formation. Five patients survived without additional interventions with follow-up times ranging from 3 months to 5 years. Segmental perfusion defects are not an uncommon imaging finding after elective TIPS creation. Segmental ischemia was associated with thrombosis of major branches of the PVs and often of the hepatic veins. Clinical outcomes varied significantly, from transient problems to acute liver failure with high mortality rates. Copyright © 2015 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  13. Changes of High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein During Clopidogrel Therapy in Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

    PubMed

    Hajsadeghi, Shokoufeh; Chitsazan, Mandana; Chitsazan, Mitra; Salehi, Negar; Amin, Ahmad; Maleki, Majid; Babaali, Nima; Abdi, Seifollah; Mohsenian, Maryam

    2016-02-01

    The crucial role of inflammation in the development and progression of atherosclerosis has been previously described. However, there is insufficient data available to demonstrate the changes in high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) during clopidogrel therapy. In the present study, we aimed to assess the changes in the inflammatory marker of coronary heart disease, i.e., hs-CRP during clopidogrel therapy, in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We also evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of clopidogrel, if any, in different groups of patients. The study population included 650 consecutive patients who underwent elective, urgent, or emergent PCI. Patients received a 300-mg loading dose of clopidogrel (Plavix(®)) and aspirin either 24 hours before the planned PCI, or immediately before the procedure in patients with urgent or emergent PCI, followed by a 75-mg daily maintenance dose for up to 12 weeks. At the end of the 12(th) week, hs-CRP was re-assessed. Six hundred-fifty patients including 386 (59.4%) male and 264 (40.6%) female subjects were enrolled in the study. The mean hs-CRP level was 15.36 ± 9.83 mg/L with a median of 14 mg/L (interquartile range 8 to 19.6 mg/L). Female, hypertensive, diabetic, and non-smoking patients had higher reductions in hs-CRP in response to clopidogrel therapy compared to male, non-hypertensive, non-diabetic and smoker patients, respectively (all P < 0.005). The changes in the hs-CRP levels were also statistically different in patients with various index events before PCI (P < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in the mean reduction of hs-CRP between the patients without stent implantation and those with bare metal or drug-eluting stents (P = 0.07), respectively. We found that the use of clopidogrel in patients undergoing PCI had favorable effects on the suppression of hs-CRP. This effect appears to be heightened and more apparent in some group of patients with co-morbidities such as

  14. Speech profile of patients undergoing primary palatoplasty.

    PubMed

    Menegueti, Katia Ignacio; Mangilli, Laura Davison; Alonso, Nivaldo; Andrade, Claudia Regina Furquim de

    2017-10-26

    To characterize the profile and speech characteristics of patients undergoing primary palatoplasty in a Brazilian university hospital, considering the time of intervention (early, before two years of age; late, after two years of age). Participants were 97 patients of both genders with cleft palate and/or cleft and lip palate, assigned to the Speech-language Pathology Department, who had been submitted to primary palatoplasty and presented no prior history of speech-language therapy. Patients were divided into two groups: early intervention group (EIG) - 43 patients undergoing primary palatoplasty before 2 years of age and late intervention group (LIG) - 54 patients undergoing primary palatoplasty after 2 years of age. All patients underwent speech-language pathology assessment. The following parameters were assessed: resonance classification, presence of nasal turbulence, presence of weak intraoral air pressure, presence of audible nasal air emission, speech understandability, and compensatory articulation disorder (CAD). At statistical significance level of 5% (p≤0.05), no significant difference was observed between the groups in the following parameters: resonance classification (p=0.067); level of hypernasality (p=0.113), presence of nasal turbulence (p=0.179); presence of weak intraoral air pressure (p=0.152); presence of nasal air emission (p=0.369), and speech understandability (p=0.113). The groups differed with respect to presence of compensatory articulation disorders (p=0.020), with the LIG presenting higher occurrence of altered phonemes. It was possible to assess the general profile and speech characteristics of the study participants. Patients submitted to early primary palatoplasty present better speech profile.

  15. Elective hepatic resection in the elderly.

    PubMed

    Mentha, G; Huber, O; Robert, J; Klopfenstein, C; Egeli, R; Rohner, A

    1992-06-01

    This retrospective review assessed the safety and validity of elective liver resection in patients older than 64 years of age. In all, 293 patients underwent elective liver resection over a 23-year period (1967-1990). Fifty-two patients (18 per cent) were older than 64 (maximum 84, mean 70.4) years and all but four of these did not have cirrhosis. In this older subgroup, indications for resection were liver metastases in 30 patients, primary malignancy in 16, benign tumours in five and multiple abscesses in one. There were 21 major resections, with two deaths from hepatic failure, and 31 minor resections, with one death from cardiac failure (total mortality rate 6 per cent). During the same period, there were seven deaths after elective resections performed in 222 patients without cirrhosis who were younger than 64 years (P = 0.39). Mortality rate and duration of postoperative hospital stay were not related to the extent of liver resection nor to patients' grading according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists' criteria. Intraoperative blood loss was the only parameter found to influence mortality rate (P = 0.008) and duration of hospital stay (P = 0.04). Elective liver resection can be safely undertaken in elderly patients without cirrhosis, provided that intraoperative blood loss is minimized.

  16. Risk of deep venous thrombosis in elective neurosurgical procedures: a prospective, Doppler ultrasound-based study in children 12 years of age or younger.

    PubMed

    Scherer, Andrea G; White, Ian K; Shaikh, Kashif A; Smith, Jodi L; Ackerman, Laurie L; Fulkerson, Daniel H

    2017-07-01

    OBJECTIVE The risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) from deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is significant in neurosurgical patients. VTE is considered a leading cause of preventable hospital deaths and preventing DVT is a closely monitored quality metric, often tied to accreditation, hospital ratings, and reimbursement. Adult protocols include prophylaxis with anticoagulant medications. Children's hospitals may adopt adult protocols, although the incidence of DVT and the risk or efficacy of treatment is not well defined. The incidence of DVT in children is likely less than in adults, although there is very little prospectively collected information. Most consider the risk of DVT to be extremely low in children 12 years of age or younger. However, this consideration is based on tradition and retrospective reviews of trauma databases. In this study, the authors prospectively evaluated pediatric patients undergoing a variety of elective neurosurgical procedures and performed Doppler ultrasound studies before and after surgery. METHODS A total of 100 patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. All of the patients were between the ages of 1 month and 12 years and were undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures. The 91 patients who completed the protocol received a bilateral lower-extremity Doppler ultrasound examination within 48 hours prior to surgery. Patients did not receive either medical or mechanical DVT prophylaxis during or after surgery. The ultrasound examination was repeated within 72 hours after surgery. An independent, board-certified radiologist evaluated all sonograms. We prospectively collected data, including potential risk factors, details of surgery, and details of the clinical course. All patients were followed clinically for at least 1 year. RESULTS There was no clinical or ultrasound evidence of DVT or VTE in any of the 91 patients. There was no clinical evidence of VTE in the 9 patients who did not complete the protocol. CONCLUSIONS In this

  17. Internet based patient education improves informed consent for elective orthopaedic surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Fraval, Andrew; Chandrananth, Janan; Chong, Yew M; Coventry, Lillian S; Tran, Phong

    2015-02-07

    Obtaining informed consent is an essential step in the surgical pathway. Providing adequate patient education to enable informed decision making is a continued challenge of contemporary surgical practice. This study investigates whether the use of a patient information website, to augment patient education and informed consent for elective orthopaedic procedures is an effective measure. A randomised controlled trial was conducted comparing the quality of informed consent provided by a standard discussion with the treating surgeon compared to augmentation of this discussion with an online education resource (www.orthoanswer.org). Participants were recruited from orthopaedic outpatient clinics. Patients undergoing five common orthopaedic procedures were eligible to participate in the trial. The primary outcome measure was knowledge about their operation. Satisfaction with their informed consent and anxiety relating to their operation were the secondary outcome measures. There was a statistically significant increase in patient knowledge for the intervention arm as compared to the control arm (p < 0.01). Patients in the intervention arm, had an average score of 69.25% (SD 14.91) correct answers as compared to 47.38% (SD 17.77) in the control arm. Satisfaction was also improved in the intervention arm (p = 0.043). There was no statistically significant difference between the control and intervention arm relating to their anxiety scores (p = 0.195). The use of a patient education website as an augment to informed consent improves patient knowledge about their planned operation as well as satisfaction with the consent process whilst not increasing their anxiety levels. We recommend that all patients be directed to web based education tools to augment their consent. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12614001058662 .

  18. A comparison of equivolume, equiosmolar solutions of hypertonic saline and mannitol for brain relaxation during elective supratentorial craniotomy.

    PubMed

    Hernández-Palazón, Joaquín; Fuentes-García, Diego; Doménech-Asensi, Paloma; Piqueras-Pérez, Claudio; Falcón-Araña, Luis; Burguillos-López, Sebastián

    2016-01-01

    Hyperosmolar solutions have been used in neurosurgery to reduce brain volume and facilitate surgical exposure. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of equivolume, equiosmolar solutions of mannitol and hypertonic saline (HS) on brain relaxation, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay, postoperative outcomes and incidence of side-effects in patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomy. In a randomised, prospective, double-blind study, 60 patients undergoing elective supratentorial craniotomy were randomised 1:1 to receive 3 ml/kg of either 20% mannitol or 3% HS. The primary outcome was the surgical condition of the brain assessed by the neurosurgeon using a 4-point scale after opening the dura (1 = relaxed, 2 = satisfactory, 3 = firm and 4 = bulging). Secondary outcomes were electrolytes, blood gases, plasma osmolality and haemodynamic variables measured at 0 min, 30 min, 2 h and 6 h after infusion. Also, predefined postoperative complications, length of ICU and hospital stay were recorded. Appropriate statistical tests were used for comparison; p < 0.05 was considered significant. There was no difference in brain relaxation [mannitol, 1(1-3) versus HS, 1(1.4) points; p = 0.55]. Patients with brain midline shift showed a worse response to hyperosmolar solutions than those without midline shift: 37% versus 8%, respectively; OR = 6.6 (95% CI, 1.54-28.83); p = 0.006. Plasma osmolality increased during the study period (6 h) in both the groups (p < 0.05 compared with baseline). No significant differences in postoperative complications or length of ICU and hospital stay were observed between the groups. Single doses of 3 ml/kg of 20% mannitol and 3% HS are safe and effective for intraoperative brain debulking during elective supratentorial craniotomy, but less effective in patients with pre-existing mass effect and midline shift.

  19. Obesity paradox in patients undergoing coronary intervention: A review

    PubMed Central

    Patel, Nirav; Elsaid, Ossama; Shenoy, Abhishek; Sharma, Abhishek; McFarlane, Samy I

    2017-01-01

    There is strong relationship exist between obesity and cardiovascular disease including coronary artery disease (CAD). However, better outcomes noted in obese patients undergoing percutaneous cardiovascular interventions for CAD, a phenomenon known as the obesity paradox. In this review, we performed extensive search for obesity paradox in obese patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention and discussed possible mechanism and disparities in different race and sex. PMID:29081905

  20. Inpatient mortality after elective primary total hip and knee joint arthroplasty in Botswana.

    PubMed

    Lisenda, Laughter; Mokete, Lipalo; Mkubwa, Joseph; Lukhele, Mkhululi

    2016-12-01

    Total hip and knee joint arthroplasty (TJA) rank among the most successful orthopaedic operations. Several developing countries in Africa have started to perform these procedures that are routine in developed countries. The aims of this study were to measure the incidence and assess the determinants of in-hospital mortality after elective primary TJA in our unit and compare it with published data. This was a retrospective study of the first consecutive cohort of patients who underwent elective primary TJA in Princess Marina Hospital, Botswana between March 2009 and October 2015 (6.5 years). 346 elective joint replacements were performed comprising 153 total hip arthroplasties (THA) and 193 total knee arthroplasties (TKA); 36 % of the THA were in female patients and 82 % of TKA were in females. The mean age was 64.5 years (range 26-86). Three patients died giving an inpatient mortality rate of 0.86 %. These three mortalities represent 1.55 % (three out of 193) of all the TKA. There were no deaths after THA. The cause of mortality in two patients was an adverse cardiac event while the third mortality was due to pulmonary embolism. The inpatient mortality rate of 0.86 % following TJA is higher than the reported rates in the developed countries but comparable with data from other developing countries. The inpatient mortality rate following TKA was higher than that following THA and cardiovascular events proved to be the main cause of death. We recommend formal cardiology assessment and close peri-operative monitoring of all patients with a history of cardiovascular disease undergoing TJA.

  1. Impact of high lipoprotein(a) levels on in-stent restenosis and long-term clinical outcomes of angina pectoris patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting stents in Asian population.

    PubMed

    Park, Sang-Ho; Rha, Seung-Woon; Choi, Byoung-Geol; Park, Ji-Young; Jeon, Ung; Seo, Hong-Seog; Kim, Eung-Ju; Na, Jin-Oh; Choi, Cheol-Ung; Kim, Jin-Won; Lim, Hong-Euy; Park, Chang-Gyu; Oh, Dong-Joo

    2015-06-01

    Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) is known to be associated with cardiovascular complications and atherothrombotic properties in general populations. However, it has not been examined whether Lp(a) levels are able to predict adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES). A total of 595 consecutive patients with angina pectoris who underwent elective PCI with DES were enrolled from 2004 to 2010. The patients were divided into two groups according to the levels of Lp(a): Lp(a) < 50 mg/dL (n = 485 patients), and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL (n = 111 patients). The 6-9-month angiographic outcomes and 3-year cumulative major clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups. Binary restenosis occurred in 26 of 133 lesions (19.8%) in the high Lp(a) group and 43 of 550 lesions (7.9%) in the low Lp(a) group (P = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the reference vessel diameter, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total lesion length, and Lp(a) ≥ 50 mg/dL were predictors of binary restenosis. In the Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, Lp(a) > 50 mg/dL was significantly associated with the 3-year adverse clinical outcomes including any myocardial infarction, revascularization (target lesion revascularization (TLR) and target vessel revascularization (TVR)), TLR-major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), TVR-MACE, and All-MACEs. In our study, high Lp(a) level ≥ 50 mg/dL in angina pectoris patients undergoing elective PCI with DES was significantly associated with binary restenosis and 3-year adverse clinical outcomes in an Asian population. © 2015 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

  2. The effectiveness of age-appropriate pre-operative information session on the anxiety level of school-age children undergoing elective surgery in Jordan.

    PubMed

    Shaheen, Abeer; Nassar, Omayyah; Khalaf, Inaam; Kridli, Suha Al-Oballi; Jarrah, Samiha; Halasa, Suhaila

    2018-06-01

    Undergoing surgery is an anxious experience for children. Applying anxiety reduction age-appropriate programs by nurses would be beneficial in reducing anxiety to children. To test the effectiveness of age-appropriate preoperative information session in reducing anxiety levels of school-age children undergoing elective surgery in Jordan. The study used a quasi-experimental design. One hundred and twenty-six children were recruited from an educational hospital in Amman from January to June 2012 and were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The anxiety levels of children were assessed using the State Anxiety Scale for children, and children's levels of cooperation after surgery were assessed using Children Emotional Manifestation Scale. The heart rate and blood pressure of children were also measured 1 hour before going to operation room. The study results revealed that children in the intervention group reported lower anxiety levels and more cooperation than children in the control group. Also, they displayed lower heart rate and blood pressure than children in the control group. The application of age-appropriate preoperative intervention for children could be beneficial in decreasing anxiety levels and increasing their cooperation post surgery. © 2018 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  3. Abdominal girth and vertebral column length aid in predicting intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine dose for elective cesarean section

    PubMed Central

    Wei, Chang-Na; Zhou, Qing-He; Wang, Li-Zhong

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Currently, there is no consensus on how to determine the optimal dose of intrathecal bupivacaine for an individual undergoing an elective cesarean section. In this study, we developed a regression equation between intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine volume and abdominal girth and vertebral column length, to determine a suitable block level (T5) for elective cesarean section patients. In phase I, we analyzed 374 parturients undergoing an elective cesarean section that received a suitable dose of intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine after a combined spinal-epidural (CSE) was performed at the L3/4 interspace. Parturients with T5 blockade to pinprick were selected for establishing the regression equation between 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine volume and vertebral column length and abdominal girth. Six parturient and neonatal variables, intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine volume, and spinal anesthesia spread were recorded. Bivariate line correlation analyses, multiple line regression analyses, and 2-tailed t tests or chi-square test were performed, as appropriate. In phase II, another 200 parturients with CSE for elective cesarean section were enrolled to verify the accuracy of the regression equation. In phase I, a total of 143 parturients were selected to establish the following regression equation: YT5 = 0.074X1 − 0.022X2 − 0.017 (YT5 = 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine volume for T5 block level; X1 = vertebral column length; and X2 = abdominal girth). In phase II, a total of 189 participants were enrolled in the study to verify the accuracy of the regression equation, and 155 parturients with T5 blockade were deemed eligible, which accounted for 82.01% of all participants. This study evaluated parturients with T5 blockade to pinprick after a CSE for elective cesarean section to establish a regression equation between parturient vertebral column length and abdominal girth and 0.5% hyperbaric intrathecal bupivacaine volume. This equation

  4. Abdominal girth and vertebral column length aid in predicting intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine dose for elective cesarean section.

    PubMed

    Wei, Chang-Na; Zhou, Qing-He; Wang, Li-Zhong

    2017-08-01

    Currently, there is no consensus on how to determine the optimal dose of intrathecal bupivacaine for an individual undergoing an elective cesarean section. In this study, we developed a regression equation between intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine volume and abdominal girth and vertebral column length, to determine a suitable block level (T5) for elective cesarean section patients.In phase I, we analyzed 374 parturients undergoing an elective cesarean section that received a suitable dose of intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine after a combined spinal-epidural (CSE) was performed at the L3/4 interspace. Parturients with T5 blockade to pinprick were selected for establishing the regression equation between 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine volume and vertebral column length and abdominal girth. Six parturient and neonatal variables, intrathecal 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine volume, and spinal anesthesia spread were recorded. Bivariate line correlation analyses, multiple line regression analyses, and 2-tailed t tests or chi-square test were performed, as appropriate. In phase II, another 200 parturients with CSE for elective cesarean section were enrolled to verify the accuracy of the regression equation.In phase I, a total of 143 parturients were selected to establish the following regression equation: YT5 = 0.074X1 - 0.022X2 - 0.017 (YT5 = 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine volume for T5 block level; X1 = vertebral column length; and X2 = abdominal girth). In phase II, a total of 189 participants were enrolled in the study to verify the accuracy of the regression equation, and 155 parturients with T5 blockade were deemed eligible, which accounted for 82.01% of all participants.This study evaluated parturients with T5 blockade to pinprick after a CSE for elective cesarean section to establish a regression equation between parturient vertebral column length and abdominal girth and 0.5% hyperbaric intrathecal bupivacaine volume. This equation can accurately

  5. Nursing care of the patient undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

    PubMed

    Martin, Caron G; Turkelson, Sandra L

    2006-01-01

    The role of the professional nurse in the perioperative care of the patient undergoing open heart surgery is beneficial for obtaining a positive outcome for the patient. This article focuses on the preoperative and postoperative nursing care of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Risk assessment, preoperative preparation, current operative techniques, application of the nursing process immediately after surgery, and common postoperative complications will be explored.

  6. Periprocedural use of tirofiban in elective percutaneous coronary intervention for long coronary lesions in stable patients with overlapping drug-eluting stents--the PETITION study: a prospective, randomized, multicenter study.

    PubMed

    Zhang, Qi; Wang, Xiao Long; Liao, Min Lei; Hu, Jian; Yang, Zhen Kun; Ding, Feng Hua; Zhang, Jian Sheng; Du, Run; Zhu, Tian Qi; Shen, Wei Feng; Zhang, Rui Yan

    2015-03-01

    Patients are at risk of developing periprocedural myonecrosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We investigated whether the use of the platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitor tirofiban could reduce periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) in patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing elective PCI with overlapping stent implantation for long lesions. A total of 748 stable angina patients with long lesions (≥ 40 mm in length) treated with overlapping stent implantation were randomly assigned to receive tirofiban (tirofiban group; n = 373) or conventional therapy (control group; n = 375). Intravenous tirofiban was initiated before PCI and maintained for 12 hr after the procedure. The primary endpoint was PMI, defined as an elevation in CK-MB > 3 times the upper limit of normal 12 hr after the index procedure. The secondary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE), including cardiac death, target vessel revascularization, and recurrent MI (re-MI), at one-year of clinical follow-up. The safety end-points included Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) major bleeding and stent thrombosis. Despite comparable angiographic and procedural characteristics, in the intention-to-treatment analysis, the primary endpoint was significantly reduced in the tirofiban group (4.0% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that the adjunctive use of tirofiban was the only negative predictor of PMI (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.28-0.81, P < 0.01). At one-year of clinical follow-up, the overall occurrence of MACE was significantly lower in the tirofiban group (13.4% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.001). The rate of TIMI major bleeding and stent thrombosis did not differ significantly between the two groups. Our results show that the adjunctive use of tirofiban reduces the occurrence of PMI and MACE at one year in stable coronary artery disease patients undergoing elective PCI for long lesions with overlapping stent implantation. © 2015 Wiley

  7. Prophylactic Antibiotics for Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy.

    PubMed

    Smith, J Patrick; Samra, Navdeep S; Ballard, David H; Moss, Jonathan B; Griffen, Forrest D

    2018-04-01

    Surgical site infections with elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy are less frequent and less severe, leading some to suggest that prophylactic antibiotics (PA) are no longer indicated. We compared the incidence of surgical site infections before and after an institutional practice change of withholding PA for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Between May 7, 2013, and March 11, 2015, no PA were given to patients selected for elective cholecystectomy by two surgeons at a single center. The only patients excluded were those who received antibiotics before surgery for any reason. All others, including those at high risk for infection, were included. The incidence and severity of infections were compared with historical controls treated with prophylaxis by the same two surgeons from November 6, 2011, to January 13, 2013. There were 268 patients in the study group and 119 patients in the control group. Infection occurred in 3.0 per cent in the study group compared with 0.9 per cent in the controls (P = 0.29). All infections were mild except one. Based on these data, the routine use of PA for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy is not supported.

  8. [Inclusion of patient safety into the Medical degree electives: Description of the experience and student perception].

    PubMed

    Ladenheim, R; Macchiavello, D; Milberg, M

    One of the factors identified to reduce medical errors has been the organisational culture. Education is proposed as a tool for its modification, but this does not have a unique way of being achieved. This paper sought to describe a patient safety elective for medical students and to determine their perceptions on the subject. A descriptive study was performed in the Center of Medical Education and Clinical Investigations, in Argentina. Every student who participated in the elective was included, and there were no exclusion criteria. An online survey was conducted on all participants, and individual interviews were conducted on a convenience sample. The subject was chosen by 54 students out of a total of 274 students between 2011 and 2014. All (100%) of the students completed the course and passed the exam, and stated that they would recommend the elective. Most of the students (n=26) agreed that patient safety content should be mandatory, that its content was novel, and that the subject's structure seemed appropriate, with 21 saying that it was the first time they had been talked about these issues. From the individual interviews, students emphasised the novelty of the subject, and that their perception on patient safety issues had increased. The proposed elective had a good reception among students. The methodology planned for its teaching seemed appropriate. Inter-professional education in patient safety should be implemented to improve student competencies in the subject. Copyright © 2017 SECA. Publicado por Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

  9. Splash in elective primary knee and hip replacement: are we adequately protected?

    PubMed

    Singh, V K; Kalairajah, Y

    2009-08-01

    An intra-operative splash is a common occurrence in elective knee and hip replacement surgery and can potentially transmit bloodborne diseases, with devastating consequences. This study aimed to quantify the risk of a splash and to assess its correlation with body mass index, duration of surgery and the volume of lavage fluid used. Between December 2007 and April 2008, 62 consecutive patients (38 women, 24 men) undergoing an elective total knee or total hip replacement (TKR, THR) were recruited into the study (32 TKRs and 30 THRs) after appropriate consent. A splash occurred in all 62 cases. A THR had a slightly higher risk of a splash than a TKR, but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.27). The correlation between body mass index, duration of surgery and the amount of pulse lavage used with a splash was r = 0.013, (non-significant), r = 0.52, (significant) and r = 0.92 (highly significant), respectively. A high number of splashes are generated during a TKR and a THR. The simple visor mask fails to protect the surgeon, the assistant or the patient from the risk of a splash and reverse splash, respectively.

  10. Outcomes of surgery in patients aged ≥90 years in the general surgical setting.

    PubMed

    Sudlow, A; Tuffaha, H; Stearns, A T; Shaikh, I A

    2018-03-01

    Introduction An increasing proportion of the population is living into their nineties and beyond. These high risk patients are now presenting more frequently to both elective and emergency surgical services. There is limited research looking at outcomes of general surgical procedures in nonagenarians and centenarians to guide surgeons assessing these cases. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of all patients aged ≥90 years undergoing elective and emergency general surgical procedures at a tertiary care facility between 2009 and 2015. Vascular, breast and endocrine procedures were excluded. Patient demographics and characteristics were collated. Primary outcomes were 30-day and 90-day mortality rates. The impact of ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade, operation severity and emergency presentation was assessed using multivariate analysis. Results Overall, 161 patients (58 elective, 103 emergency) were identified for inclusion in the study. The mean patient age was 92.8 years (range: 90-106 years). The 90-day mortality rates were 5.2% and 19.4% for elective and emergency procedures respectively (p=0.013). The median survival was 29 and 19 months respectively (p=0.001). Emergency and major gastrointestinal operations were associated with a significant increase in mortality. Patients undergoing emergency major colonic or upper gastrointestinal surgery had a 90-day mortality rate of 53.8%. Conclusions The risk for patients aged over 90 years having an elective procedure differs significantly in the short term from those having emergency surgery. In selected cases, elective surgery carries an acceptable mortality risk. Emergency surgery is associated with a significantly increased risk of death, particularly after major gastrointestinal resections.

  11. Preoperative fasting for elective surgery in a regional hospital in Oman.

    PubMed

    Abdullah Al Maqbali, Mohammed

    2016-07-28

    A fasting period before anesthesia is necessary to avoid the aspiration of stomach contents, which can be threatening to the patient's life. Guidelines from professional societies in the USA and UK recommend that healthy patients fast for 6 hours from solid food and 2 hours from liquids. Despite this, many institutions still practice nil-by-mouth after midnight. This can affect the patient's recovery after surgery, and increase the length of stay in hospital. The aim of this study was to assess the duration of fasting before elective surgery on the part of adult patients. A prospective study was conducted to identify the fasting time and complications among surgical patients undergoing elective surgery over a 4-month period. The patients were asked for preoperative fasting times, and the complication. The demographic data were taken from the patients' files. A total of 169 patients were included in the study, 88 male and 81 female. The minimum and maximum fasting hours with regard to food were 7 hours and 19 hours, respectively; all the patients fasted from food for longer than the recommended time. The minimum and maximum fasting hours for fluids were 4 hours and 19 hours, respectively; all the patients fasted from fluid for longer than the recommended time. Most of the patients fasted from food and fluids for more than the time recommended by the American Society of Anaesthesiologists, the Royal College of Nursing, the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland and the Royal College of Anaesthetists. Excessive fasting could lead to discomfort and possible morbidity in surgical patients. The surgical team needs to collaborate to reduce the fasting time by revising the operative list.

  12. Use of perioperative hydroxyethyl starch 6% and albumin 5% in elective joint arthroplasty and association with adverse outcomes: a retrospective population based analysis.

    PubMed

    Opperer, Mathias; Poeran, Jashvant; Rasul, Rehana; Mazumdar, Madhu; Memtsoudis, Stavros G

    2015-03-27

    To determine whether the perioperative use of hydroxyethyl starch 6% and albumin 5% in elective joint arthroplasties are associated with an increased risk for perioperative complications. Retrospective cohort study of population based data between 2006 and 2013. Data from 510 different hospitals across the United States participating in the Premier Perspective database. 1,051,441 patients undergoing elective total hip and knee arthroplasties. Perioperative fluid resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch 6% or albumin 5%, or neither. Acute renal failure and thromboembolic, cardiac, and pulmonary complications. Compared with patients who received neither colloid, perioperative fluid resuscitation with hydroxyethyl starch 6% or albumin 5% was associated with an increased risk of acute renal failure (odds ratios 1.23 (95% confidence interval 1.13 to 1.34) and 1.56 (1.36 to 1.78), respectively) and most other complications. A recent decrease in hydroxyethyl starch 6% use was noted, whereas that of albumin 5% increased. Similar to studies in critically ill patients, we showed that use of hydroxyethyl starch 6% was associated with an increased risk of acute renal failure and other complications in the elective perioperative orthopedic setting. This increased risk also applied to albumin 5%. These findings raise questions regarding the widespread use of these colloids in elective joint arthroplasty procedures. © Opperer et al 2015.

  13. Development and validation of a predictive model for 90-day readmission following elective spine surgery.

    PubMed

    Parker, Scott L; Sivaganesan, Ahilan; Chotai, Silky; McGirt, Matthew J; Asher, Anthony L; Devin, Clinton J

    2018-06-15

    OBJECTIVE Hospital readmissions lead to a significant increase in the total cost of care in patients undergoing elective spine surgery. Understanding factors associated with an increased risk of postoperative readmission could facilitate a reduction in such occurrences. The aims of this study were to develop and validate a predictive model for 90-day hospital readmission following elective spine surgery. METHODS All patients undergoing elective spine surgery for degenerative disease were enrolled in a prospective longitudinal registry. All 90-day readmissions were prospectively recorded. For predictive modeling, all covariates were selected by choosing those variables that were significantly associated with readmission and by incorporating other relevant variables based on clinical intuition and the Akaike information criterion. Eighty percent of the sample was randomly selected for model development and 20% for model validation. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with Bayesian model averaging (BMA) to model the odds of 90-day readmission. Goodness of fit was assessed via the C-statistic, that is, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), using the training data set. Discrimination (predictive performance) was assessed using the C-statistic, as applied to the 20% validation data set. RESULTS A total of 2803 consecutive patients were enrolled in the registry, and their data were analyzed for this study. Of this cohort, 227 (8.1%) patients were readmitted to the hospital (for any cause) within 90 days postoperatively. Variables significantly associated with an increased risk of readmission were as follows (OR [95% CI]): lumbar surgery 1.8 [1.1-2.8], government-issued insurance 2.0 [1.4-3.0], hypertension 2.1 [1.4-3.3], prior myocardial infarction 2.2 [1.2-3.8], diabetes 2.5 [1.7-3.7], and coagulation disorder 3.1 [1.6-5.8]. These variables, in addition to others determined a priori to be clinically relevant, comprised 32

  14. Circulating maternal cortisol levels during vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section.

    PubMed

    Stjernholm, Ylva Vladic; Nyberg, Annie; Cardell, Monica; Höybye, Charlotte

    2016-08-01

    Maternal S-cortisol levels increase throughout pregnancy and peak in the third trimester. Even higher levels are seen during the physical stress of delivery. Since analgesia for women in labor has improved, it is possible that maternal stress during labor is reduced. The aim of this study was to compare maternal S-cortisol during vaginal delivery and elective cesarean section. Twenty healthy women with spontaneous vaginal delivery and healthy women (n = 20) undergoing elective cesarean section were included in the study. S-cortisol was measured during three stages of spontaneous vaginal delivery (tvd1, tvd2 and tvd3), as well as before and after elective cesarean section (tcs1 and tcs2). In the vaginal delivery group, mean S-cortisol at tvd1 was 1325 ± 521 nmol/L, at tvd2 1559 ± 591 nmol/L and at tvd3 1368 ± 479 nmol/L. In the cesarean section group, mean S-cortisol at tcs1 was 906 ± 243 nmol/L and at tcs2 831 ± 257 nmol/L. S-cortisol was higher in the vaginal delivery group at the onset of labor as compared to the cesarean section preoperative group (p = 0.006). There were also significant differences between S-cortisol levels postpartum as compared to postoperatively (p < 0.001). Maternal S-cortisol was higher during vaginal delivery compared to elective cesarean section, indicating higher stress levels. A reduction in the hydrocortisone dose at childbirth in women with adrenal insufficiency should be considered, particularly in women undergoing an elective cesarean section.

  15. Hypovitaminosis D in patients undergoing kidney transplant: the importance of sunlight exposure.

    PubMed

    Vilarta, Cristiane F; Unger, Marianna D; Dos Reis, Luciene M; Dominguez, Wagner V; David-Neto, Elias; Moysés, Rosa M; Titan, Silvia; Custodio, Melani R; Hernandez, Mariel J; Jorgetti, Vanda

    2017-07-01

    Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 30 ng/ml, in both healthy populations and patients with chronic kidney disease. Patients undergoing kidney transplant are at an increased risk of skin cancer and are advised to avoid sunlight exposure. Therefore, these patients might share two major risk factors for hypovitaminosis D: chronic kidney disease and low sunlight exposure. This paper describes the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hypovitaminosis D among patients undergoing kidney transplant. We evaluated 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in a representative sample of patients undergoing kidney transplant. We sought to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, compare these patients with a control group, and identify factors associated with hypovitaminosis D (e.g., sunlight exposure and dietary habits). Hypovitaminosis D was found in 79% of patients undergoing kidney transplant, and the major associated factor was low sunlight exposure. These patients had higher creatinine and intact parathyroid hormone serum levels, with 25-hydroxyvitamin D being inversely correlated with intact parathyroid hormone serum levels. Compared with the control group, patients undergoing kidney transplant presented a higher prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and lower serum calcium, phosphate and albumin but higher creatinine and intact parathyroid hormone levels. Our results confirmed the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients undergoing kidney transplant. Therapeutic strategies such as moderate sunlight exposure and vitamin D supplementation should be seriously considered for this population.

  16. Randomised clinical trial: prucalopride, a colonic pro-motility agent, reduces the duration of post-operative ileus after elective gastrointestinal surgery.

    PubMed

    Gong, J; Xie, Z; Zhang, T; Gu, L; Yao, W; Guo, Z; Li, Y; Lu, N; Zhu, W; Li, N; Li, J

    2016-04-01

    Previous studies have shown that recovery of colonic transit is a major determinant of post-operative ileus and clinical recovery after gastrointestinal surgery. Prucalopride is a highly selective 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor-4 agonist with colonic pro-motility effects. To evaluate the effect and safety of prucalopride on post-operative ileus and surgical outcomes after elective gastrointestinal surgery. In this phase II randomised clinical trial, 110 patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery were randomised to either oral prucalopride (2 mg/day) (n = 55) or placebo (n = 55). Intervention was started 24 h after surgery and stopped after defecation or maximally at 7 days. The primary outcome was time to defecation. Secondary outcomes included time to first passage of flatus, tolerance of solid food, nasogastric tube reinsertion, post-operative length of stay, hospital readmission, overall cost, time to walk independently, surgical complications and inflammatory parameters. Patients who received prucalopride had a shorter time to defecation (65.0 vs. 94.5 h, P = 0.001), passage of flatus (53.0 vs. 73.0 h, P < 0.001), and post-operative length of stay (7.0 vs. 8.0 days, P = 0.001) than controls. The number of patients with prolonged ileus (>5 days) (16.4% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.026) and the C-reactive protein level on post-operative day 5 (35.67 vs. 59.07 mg/L, P = 0.040) were lower in the prucalopride group. There was no significant difference in post-operative Clavien-Dindo grade III and IV complications (P = 0.606) between the groups. Prucalopride is a safe and effective treatment to reduce post-operative ileus and systemic inflammation without affecting post-operative complications in patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02004652. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  17. Oocyte vitrification for elective fertility preservation: the past, present, and future.

    PubMed

    Gunnala, Vinay; Schattman, Glenn

    2017-02-01

    Oocyte cryopreservation is no longer experimental and one of its rapidly growing indications is elective fertility preservation. Currently there is no sufficient evidence to support its practice and therefore its place in IVF remains uncertain. Vitrification has superior post-thaw survival and fertilization outcomes compared with oocytes that were frozen with the slow-freeze technique. Oocyte vitrification produces similar IVF outcomes compared with fresh oocytes and is not associated with further obstetrical or perinatal morbidity. Undergoing elective oocyte cryopreservation between ages 35 and 37 will optimize live birth rates as well as cost effectiveness from mathematical models. In women who delay child bearing, elective oocyte cryopreservation in the mid 30s may be beneficial in terms of live birth rates and cost effectiveness. Prospective studies of women who have undergone oocyte cryopreservation and are now attempting conception are needed before official recommendations can be made regarding elective egg freezing.

  18. Goal-directed fluid therapy in major elective rectal surgery.

    PubMed

    Srinivasa, Sanket; Taylor, Matthew H G; Singh, Primal P; Lemanu, Daniel P; MacCormick, Andrew D; Hill, Andrew G

    2014-12-01

    Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy (GDFT) has been previously shown to decrease complications and hospital length of stay in major colorectal surgery but the data are not specific to rectal surgery and may be potentially outdated. This study investigated whether GDFT provides clinical benefits in patients undergoing major elective rectal surgery. There were 81 consecutive patients in this cohort study. Twenty-seven patients were allotted to GDFT using the Oesophageal Doppler Monitor (ODM) and received boluses of colloid fluid based on corrected flow time and stroke volume. These patients were compared with a historical cohort of the previous 54 patients managed without the ODM. The primary endpoint of the study was 30-day total complications which were defined and graded. Secondary endpoints included hospital length of stay (LOS) and fluid volumes administered. There were no differences at baseline between the two groups. Patients in the treatment group received a higher volume of colloid fluids (1000 mL vs. 500 mL; p < 0.01) but there were no differences in overall fluid volumes administered intraoperatively (3000 mL vs. 3000 mL; p = 0.41). A non-significant trend (p = 0.06) suggested that patients allotted to GDFT had decreased fluid requirement in the first 24 h after surgery. There were no differences in median total fluid volumes (12700 mL vs. 10407 mL; p = 0.95), total complications (22 [81%] vs. 44 [81%]; p = 1.00) or median hospital LOS (9 days vs. 10 days; p = 0.92) between the two groups. Intraoperative GDFT did not improve clinical outcomes following major elective rectal surgery. Copyright © 2014 Surgical Associates Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. Intrathecal Midazolam as an Adjuvant in Pregnancy-Induced Hypertensive Patients Undergoing an Elective Caesarean Section: A Clinical Comparative Study

    PubMed Central

    Dodawad, Ravichandra; G. B., Sumalatha; Pandarpurkar, Sandeep; Jajee, Parashuram

    2016-01-01

    Background A pain-free postoperative period is essential following a caesarean section so new mothers may care for and bond with their neonates. Intrathecal adjuvants are often administered during this procedure to provide significant analgesia, but they may also have bothersome side effects. Intrathecal midazolam produces effective postoperative analgesia with no significant side effects. Objectives This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was designed to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of intrathecal midazolam vs. plain bupivacaine as an adjunct to bupivacaine in pregnancy-induced hypertension patients scheduled for elective caesarean section. Methods Sixty patients diagnosed with pregnancy-induced hypertension on regular treatment who were scheduled for a caesarean section were randomly allocated into two groups: a control group (Group BC, n = 30) and a midazolam group (Group BM, n = 30). Both groups received 10 mg (2 mL) of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine. Group BC received 0.4 mL of distilled water, while group BM received 0.4 mL (2 mg) of midazolam intrathecally. The duration of postoperative analgesia, analgesic requirements during the first 24 hours after surgery, onset times and durations of sensory and motor blocks, incidence of hypotension, vasopressor requirements, and side effects were recorded. Results Postoperative analgesia was significantly longer in the midazolam group compared to the control group (201.5 minutes vs. 357.6 minutes). The mean onset times of the sensory and motor blocks were significantly faster (P < 0.01) in the midazolam group compared to the control group. The mean times to attain the maximum sensory level and motor blocks were also significantly faster in the midazolam group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of hypotension was 6.6% in the midazolam group and 36.6% in the control group, which was highly significant. In addition, the number of patients with side effects was significantly lower

  20. [Geriatric risk detection and prevention in older elective surgery patients--a novel track in Assuta Medical Centers].

    PubMed

    Gindin, Jacob; Waserman, Dror; Shlomo, Yaniv; Rafael, Yael

    2015-04-01

    As life expectancy rises, so do the rates of operable chronic and/or non-urgent conditions, and the prevalence of the elderly among elective surgery patients. Pre-operative assessments have so far been based on standards of internal and anaesthetic medicine, and focused on the physical aspect. This paper presents a groundbreaking modified assessment for detecting geriatric risks and selecting appropriate interventions. An appropriate response to the unique risks and needs of elderly patients in elective surgery, emphasizing each individual's functional, mental, emotional and environmental-supportive aspects, alongside the physical aspects typical of old age. In addition to anaesthetic pre-operative assessment, patients aged 75 and older underwent a geriatric screening assessment, identifying those who require in-depth geriatric assessment. This algorithmically triggers persons at selected risks for treatment and intervention. This paper describes the method and its principles, and characterizes patient groups and problems. A total of 18.6% of screened patients showed risks or problems requiring in-depth assessment and intervention. An average of 5.9 treatment and intervention protocols were triggered and activated per in-depth assessee. The pre-operative geriatric assessment was welcomed by doctors and nurses and by management, as well as patients' families. The success in the preliminary screening and secondary activation of geriatric protocols for elective surgery is expressed in the doubting of proactive calls from surgery wards for the Geriatric team during the first 6 months of service implementation. The screening of elderly patients above 70 years of age in elective surgery focuses resources on only one fifth of them, who are at geriatric risk. Providing solutions for the individual, the system, the family and the post-discharge services, improves care during hospitalization and afterwards.

  1. Metabolic Syndrome and 30-Day Outcomes in Elective Lumbar Spinal Fusion.

    PubMed

    Chung, Andrew S; Campbell, David; Waldrop, Robert; Crandall, Dennis

    2018-05-01

    A retrospective cohort study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on 30-day morbidity and mortality following elective lumbar spinal fusion. MetS is a variable combination of hypertension, obesity, elevated fasting plasma glucose, and dyslipidemia.MetS has been associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in multiple surgical settings. To our knowledge, the effect of MetS on 30-day outcomes following elective lumbar spinal fusion has not been well studied. An analysis of ACS-NSQIP data was performed between 2006 and 2013. Patients undergoing elective posterior lumbar fusion were identified. Emergency procedures, infections, tumor cases, and revision surgeries were excluded. Patients were defined as having MetS if they had a history of hypertension requiring medication, diabetes, and a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m. One thousand five hundred ninety (10.2%) patients with MetS were identified. A mild increase in major (P = 0.040) and minor complications (P = 0.003) in patients with MetS was noted. MetS was associated with increased rates of pulmonary complications (1.9% compared with 1.0%; P = 0.001), sepsis (1.7% compared with 0.9%; P = 0.005), and acute post-op renal failure (0.4% compared with 0%; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed MetS to be an independent predictor of pulmonary complications [odds ratio (OR) 1.51; 95% confidence interval (95% CI 1.00-2.27); P = 0.048], sepsis (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.01-2.42; P = 0.039), and acute postoperative renal failure (OR 6.95; 95% CI 2.23-21.67; P = 0.001). MetS status was associated with a mild increase in total hospital length of stay (4.38 compared with 3.81 days; P < 0.001). While MetS is a predictor of postoperative acute renal failure, it only slightly increases the risk of overall complications and is not associated with increased rates of 30-day reoperations or readmissions following elective lumbar

  2. Why group & save? Blood transfusion at low-risk elective caesarean section.

    PubMed

    Stock, Owen; Beckmann, Michael

    2014-06-01

    Women undergoing elective caesarean section (CS) routinely have a group and save ordered as part of their preoperative assessment, whereas women with expected vaginal birth do not. Our aim was therefore to determine the rate of blood transfusion at elective CS compared with vaginal birth in a large Australian maternity hospital. A retrospective cohort study was performed using routinely collected de-identified data of 35 477 women, over 4 years, who delivered at the Mater Mothers' Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. After excluding women with established risk factors for transfusion, the likelihood of blood transfusion following elective CS was significantly lower compared to vaginal birth (aOR 0.47 (0.29, 0.77)). © 2014 The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

  3. Gallbladder perforation during elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes

    PubMed Central

    Altuntas, Yunus Emre; Oncel, Mustafa; Haksal, Mustafa; Kement, Metin; Gundogdu, Ersin; Aksakal, Nihat; Gezen, Fazli Cem

    2018-01-01

    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to reveal the risk factors and outcomes of gallbladder perforation (GP) during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: Videotapes of all patients who underwent an elective cholecystectomy at our department were retrospectively analyzed, and the patients were divided into two groups based on the presence of GP. The possible risk factors and early outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 664 patients [524 (78.9%) females, 49.7±13.4 years of age] were observed, and GP occurred in 240 (36.1%) patients, mostly while dissecting the gallbladder from its bed (n=197, 82.1%). GP was not recorded in the operation notes in 177 (73.8%) cases. Among the studied parameters, there was no significant risk factor for GP, except preoperatively elevated alanine transaminase level (p=0.005), but the sensitivity and specificity of this measure in predicting GP were 14.2% and 7.4%, respectively. The two groups had similar outcomes, but the operation time (35.4±17.5 vs 41.4±18.7 min, p=0.000) and incidence of drain use (25% vs 45.8%, p=0.000) increased in the GP group. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals that GP occurs in 36.1% of patients who undergo laparoscopic elective cholecystectomy, but it may not be recorded in most cases. We did not find any reliable risk factor that increases the possibility of GP. GP causes an increase in the operation time and incidence of drain use; however, the other outcomes were found to be similar in patients with GP and those without. PMID:29607432

  4. Elective decompression of the left ventricle in pediatric patients may reduce the duration of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

    PubMed

    Hacking, Douglas F; Best, Derek; d'Udekem, Yves; Brizard, Christian P; Konstantinov, Igor E; Millar, Johnny; Butt, Warwick

    2015-04-01

    We aimed to determine the effect of elective left heart decompression at the time of initiation of central venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) on VA ECMO duration and clinical outcomes in children in a single tertiary ECMO referral center with a large pediatric population from a national referral center for pediatric cardiac surgery. We studied 51 episodes of VA ECMO in a historical cohort of 49 pediatric patients treated between the years 1990 and 2013 in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. The cases had a variety of diagnoses including congenital cardiac abnormalities, sepsis, myocarditis, and cardiomyopathy. Left heart decompression as an elective treatment or an emergency intervention for left heart distension was effectively achieved by a number of methods, including left atrial venting, blade atrial septostomy, and left ventricular cannulation. Elective left heart decompression was associated with a reduction in time on ECMO (128 h) when compared with emergency decompression (236 h) (P = 0.013). Subgroup analysis showed that ECMO duration was greatest in noncardiac patients (elective 138 h, emergency 295 h; P = 0.02) and in patients who died despite both emergency decompression and ECMO (elective 133 h, emergency 354 h; P = 0.002). As the emergency cases had a lower pH, a higher PaCO2 , and a lower oxygenation index and were treated with a higher mean airway pressure, positive end-expiratory pressure, and respiratory rate prior to receiving VA ECMO, we undertook multivariate linear regression modeling to show that only PaCO2 and the timing of left heart decompression were associated with ECMO duration. However, elective left heart decompression was not associated with a reduction in length of PICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, or duration of oxygen therapy. Elective left heart decompression was not associated with improved ECMO survival or survival to PICU discharge

  5. Preoperative carbohydrate treatment for enhancing recovery after elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Smith, Mark D; McCall, John; Plank, Lindsay; Herbison, G Peter; Soop, Mattias; Nygren, Jonas

    2014-08-14

    Preoperative carbohydrate treatments have been widely adopted as part of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) or fast-track surgery protocols. Although fast-track surgery protocols have been widely investigated and have been shown to be associated with improved postoperative outcomes, some individual constituents of these protocols, including preoperative carbohydrate treatment, have not been subject to such robust analysis. To assess the effects of preoperative carbohydrate treatment, compared with placebo or preoperative fasting, on postoperative recovery and insulin resistance in adult patients undergoing elective surgery. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2014, Issue 3), MEDLINE (January 1946 to March 2014), EMBASE (January 1947 to March 2014), the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (January 1980 to March 2014) and Web of Science (January 1900 to March 2014) databases. We did not apply language restrictions in the literature search. We searched reference lists of relevant articles and contacted known authors in the field to identify unpublished data. We included all randomized controlled trials of preoperative carbohydrate treatment compared with placebo or traditional preoperative fasting in adult study participants undergoing elective surgery. Treatment groups needed to receive at least 45 g of carbohydrates within four hours before surgery or anaesthesia start time. Data were abstracted independently by at least two review authors, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. Data were abstracted and documented pro forma and were entered into RevMan 5.2 for analysis. Quality assessment was performed independently by two review authors according to the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. When available data were insufficient for quality assessment or data analysis, trial authors were contacted to request needed information. We collected trial data on

  6. Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane block in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair: 0.125% bupivacaine provides similar analgesic effect compared to 0.25% bupivacaine.

    PubMed

    Erdoğan Arı, Dilek; Yıldırım Ar, Arzu; Karadoğan, Firdevs; Özcabı, Yetkin; Koçoğlu, Ayşegül; Kılıç, Fatih; Akgün, Fatma Nur

    2016-02-01

    To evaluate the effectiveness of 0.125% bupivacaine compared to 0.25% bupivacaine for ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair. Randomized, double-blind study. Educational and research hospital. Forty adult patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-III undergoing elective primary unilateral open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia. Patients in group I received 20 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, whereas patients in group II received 20 mL of 0.125% bupivacaine for TAP block at the end of the surgery. Pain intensity was assessed at rest and during coughing using 10-cm visual analog scale score at 5, 15, 30, and 45 minutes and 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 hours after TAP block. Morphine consumption and time to first morphine requirement were recorded. Visual analog scale scores at rest and during coughing were not significantly different between groups at all time points measured. Twenty-four hours of morphine consumption (7.72±7.33 mg in group I and 6.06±5.20 mg in group II; P=.437) and time to first morphine requirement (182.35±125.16 minutes in group I and 143.21±87.28 minutes in group II; P=.332) were not different between groups. 0.125% Bupivacaine provides similar analgesic effect compared to 0.25% bupivacaine for ultrasound-guided TAP block in patients undergoing open inguinal hernia repair. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Hypovitaminosis D in patients undergoing kidney transplant: the importance of sunlight exposure

    PubMed Central

    Vilarta, Cristiane F.; Unger, Marianna D.; dos Reis, Luciene M.; Dominguez, Wagner V.; David-Neto, Elias; Moysés, Rosa M.; Titan, Silvia; Custodio, Melani R.; Hernandez, Mariel J.; Jorgetti, Vanda

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have shown a high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, defined as a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level less than 30 ng/ml, in both healthy populations and patients with chronic kidney disease. Patients undergoing kidney transplant are at an increased risk of skin cancer and are advised to avoid sunlight exposure. Therefore, these patients might share two major risk factors for hypovitaminosis D: chronic kidney disease and low sunlight exposure. This paper describes the prevalence and clinical characteristics of hypovitaminosis D among patients undergoing kidney transplant. METHODS: We evaluated 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in a representative sample of patients undergoing kidney transplant. We sought to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, compare these patients with a control group, and identify factors associated with hypovitaminosis D (e.g., sunlight exposure and dietary habits). RESULTS: Hypovitaminosis D was found in 79% of patients undergoing kidney transplant, and the major associated factor was low sunlight exposure. These patients had higher creatinine and intact parathyroid hormone serum levels, with 25-hydroxyvitamin D being inversely correlated with intact parathyroid hormone serum levels. Compared with the control group, patients undergoing kidney transplant presented a higher prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D deficiency and lower serum calcium, phosphate and albumin but higher creatinine and intact parathyroid hormone levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed the high prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in patients undergoing kidney transplant. Therapeutic strategies such as moderate sunlight exposure and vitamin D supplementation should be seriously considered for this population. PMID:28793001

  8. Management of Complications Following Emergency and Elective Surgery for Diverticulitis.

    PubMed

    Holmer, Christoph; Kreis, Martin E

    2015-04-01

    The clinical spectrum of sigmoid diverticulitis (SD) varies from asymptomatic diverticulosis to symptomatic disease with potentially fatal complications. Sigmoid colectomy with restoration of continuity has been the prevailing modality for treating acute and recurrent SD, and is often performed as a laparoscopy-assisted procedure. For elective sigmoid colectomy, the postoperative morbidity rate is 15-20% whereas morbidity rates reach up to 30% in patients who undergo emergency surgery for perforated SD. Some of the more common and serious surgical complications after sigmoid colectomy are anastomotic leaks and peritonitis, wound infections, small bowel obstruction, postoperative bleeding, and injuries to the urinary tract structures. Regarding the management of complications, it makes no difference whether the complication is a result of an emergency or an elective procedure. The present work gives an overview of the management of complications in the surgical treatment of SD based on the current literature. To achieve successful management, early diagnosis is mandatory in cases of deviation from the normal postoperative course. If diagnostic procedures fail to deliver a correlate for the clinical situation of the patient, re-laparotomy or re-laparoscopy still remain among the most important diagnostic and/or therapeutic principles in visceral surgery when a patient's clinical status deteriorates. The ability to recognize and successfully manage complications is a crucial part of the surgical treatment of diverticular disease and should be mastered by any surgeon qualified in this field.

  9. Preoperative predictive model for acute kidney injury after elective cardiac surgery: a prospective multicentre cohort study.

    PubMed

    Callejas, Raquel; Panadero, Alfredo; Vives, Marc; Duque, Paula; Echarri, Gemma; Monedero, Pablo

    2018-05-11

    Predictive models of CS-AKI include emergency surgery and patients with haemodynamic instability. Our objective was to evaluate the performance of validated predictive models (Thakar and Demirjian) in elective cardiac surgery and to propose a better score in the case of poor performance. A prospective, multicentre, observational study was designed. Data were collected from 942 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, after excluding emergency surgery and patients with an intraaortic balloon pump. The main outcome measure was CS-AKI defined by the composite of requiring dialysis or doubling baseline creatinine values. Both models showed poor discrimination in elective surgery (Thakar's model, AUROC = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.50-0.64 and Demirjian's model, AUROC= 0.64, 95% CI = 0.58-0.71). We generated a new model whose significant independent predictors were: anaemia, age, hypertension, obesity, congestive heart failure, previous cardiac surgery and type of surgery. It classifies patients with scores 0-3 as low risk (< 5%), scores 4-7 as medium risk (up to 15%) and scores > 8 as high risk (>30%) of developing CS-AKI with a statistically significant correlation (p <0.001). Our model reflects acceptable discriminatory ability (AUC = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.66-0.78) which is significantly better than Thakar and Demirjian's models (p<0.01). We developed a new simple predictive model of CS-AKI in elective surgery based on available preoperative information. Our new model is easy to calculate and can be an effective tool for communicating risk to patients and guiding decision-making in the perioperative period. The study requires external validation.

  10. Examining the "July effect" on patients undergoing pituitary surgery.

    PubMed

    Bashjawish, Bassel; Patel, Shreya; Kılıç, Suat; Hsueh, Wayne D; Liu, James K; Baredes, Soly; Eloy, Jean Anderson

    2018-06-15

    Our aim in this study was to assess the impact of the turnover of residents in July on patients undergoing pituitary surgery. This work was a retrospective cohort study of cases from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS). Patients who underwent pituitary surgery from 2005 to 2012 were selected in the NIS. Patients undergoing surgery in July and in non-July months were compared to determine differences in demographics, comorbidities, and complications. Of the 12,939 patients, 1098 (8.5%) underwent pituitary surgery in July. Patients receiving surgery in July had similar demographics and Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality comorbidity values compared with patients receiving surgery in other months. There were no significant differences in mortality, cerebral edema, cerebrospinal fluid leakage, iatrogenic pituitary complications, iatrogenic cerebrovascular accidents, urinary tract infections, pulmonary edema, pulmonary complications, or acute cardiac complications. There were no differences in the rate of postoperative fistulas, hematomas, perforations, or infections. The use of meningeal suturing, pedicled or free-flap reconstruction, and skin reconstruction was more frequent in July. Finally, hospitalization costs in July were similar to costs in other months. The turnover of new residents in July showed no change in complication rates for patients undergoing pituitary surgery. Patient care in July is similar to care during other months, demonstrating that hospitals are adequately supervising surgical residents during this transition. © 2018 ARS-AAOA, LLC.

  11. Preoperative blood glucose and prognosis in diabetic patients undergoing lower extremity amputation.

    PubMed

    Nayak, Raj Kumar; Kirketerp-Møller, Klaus

    2016-04-01

    Previous work has shown that uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is associated with adverse surgical outcomes. The purpose of the present study was to establish if a high peri-operative random blood sugar (RBS) concentration among patients with diabetes with non-traumatic lower-extremity amputation (LEA) is a decisive factor behind post-operative outcomes (re-amputation/mortality) within three months after the first amputation. In this retrospective cohort study, the independent sample t-test, Pearson's chi-squared test and a Cox proportional hazards model were used. A total of 270 patients underwent non-traumatic LEA of whom 105 had diabetes, whereas 81 patients were included for this study. The mean age was 71 years (standard deviation: ± 11.8). Mortality was 27% and 16% were re-amputated within three months after their first amputation.The median pre-operative RBS level was 8.6 mmol/l (range: 4.6-18.7 mmol/l) with tertile ranges as follows: Q1 4.0-7.0 mmol/l; Q2 7.1-11.0 mmol/l; Q3 > 11.0 mmol/l. For the Q3 tertile, the age-adjusted hazard ratio for re-amputation was 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.16-3.62) and for mortality it was 1.90 (95% CI: 0.50-7.22), with the Q1 tertile as the reference group. This study does not confirm that a high peri-operative RBS level can predict increased mortality or re-amputation among patients with diabetes who undergo non-traumatic LEA. Furthermore, based on our results, we cannot inform clinical decision-making about whether to delay or to avoid elective surgery in patients with a high RBS preoperatively. Further investigation is warranted. none. This trial was registered with the Danish Data Protection Agency (record no. 01975 HVH-2012-053).

  12. Safety of elective hand surgery following axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer.

    PubMed

    Hershko, Dan D; Stahl, Shalom

    2007-01-01

    The development of lymphedema is the most feared complication shared by breast cancer survivors undergoing hand surgery after prior axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Traditionally, these patients are advised to avoid any interventional procedures in the ipsilateral upper extremity. However, the appropriateness of some of these precautions was recently challenged by some surgeons claiming that elective hand operations can be safely performed in these patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate our experience and determine the safety of elective hand operations in breast cancer survivors. The medical records of patients operated for different hand conditions after prior breast surgery and ALND at our institution between 1983 and 2002 were reviewed. The techniques and preventive measures performed, use of antibiotics, and upper extremity complications associated with the operations were analyzed. Overall, we operated on 27 patients after prior ALND performed for breast cancer. Follow-up was available for 25 patients. Four patients had pre-existing lymphedema. The surgical technique used was similar to that performed in patients without prior ALND and antibiotic prophylaxis was not given. Delayed wound healing was observed in one patient and finger joint stiffness in another. Two patients with pre-existing lymphedema developed temporary worsening of their condition. None of the patients developed new lymphedema. The results of the present study support the few previous studies, suggesting that hand surgery can be safely performed in patients with prior ALND. Based on these findings, the appropriateness of the rigorous precautions and prohibitions regarding the care and use of the ipsilateral upper extremity may need to be reconsidered.

  13. Accuracy and trending ability of the fourth-generation FloTrac/Vigileo System™ in patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.

    PubMed

    Maeda, Takuma; Hattori, Kohshi; Sumiyoshi, Miho; Kanazawa, Hiroko; Ohnishi, Yoshihiko

    2018-06-01

    The fourth-generation FloTrac/Vigileo™ improved its algorithm to follow changes in systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI). This revision may improve the accuracy and trending ability of CI even in patients who undergo abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery which cause drastic change of SVRI by aortic clamping. The purpose of this study is to elucidate the accuracy and trending ability of the fourth-generation FloTrac/Vigileo™ in patients with AAA surgery by comparing the FloTrac/Vigileo™-derived CI (CI FT ) with that measured by three-dimensional echocardiography (CI 3D ). Twenty-six patients undergoing elective AAA surgery were included in this study. CI FT and CI3 D were determined simultaneously in eight points including before and after aortic clamp. We used CI 3D as the reference method. In the Bland-Altman analysis, CI FT had a wide limit of agreement with CI 3D showing a percentage error of 46.7%. Subgroup analysis showed that the percentage error between CO 3D and CO FT was 56.3% in patients with cardiac index < 2.5 L/min/m 2 and 28.4% in patients with cardiac index ≥ 2.5 L/min/m 2 . SVRI was significantly higher in patients with cardiac index < 2.5 L/min/m 2 (1703 ± 330 vs. 2757 ± 798; p < 0.001). The tracking ability of fourth generation of FloTrac/Vigileo™ after aortic clamp was not clinically acceptable (26.9%). The degree of accuracy of the fourth-generation FloTrac/Vigileo™ in patients with AAA surgery was not acceptable. The tracking ability of the fourth-generation FloTrac/Vigileo™ after aortic clamp was below the acceptable limit.

  14. Cardiac Emergencies in Neurosurgical Patients

    PubMed Central

    Petropolis, Andrea; Cappellani, Ronald B.

    2015-01-01

    Perioperative safety concerns are a major area of interest in recent years. Severe cardiac perturbation such as cardiac arrest is one of the most dreaded complications in the intraoperative period; however, little is known about the management of these events in the patients undergoing elective neurosurgery. This special group needs further attention, as it is often neither feasible nor appropriate to apply conventional advanced cardiac life support algorithms in patients undergoing neurosurgery. Factors such as neurosurgical procedure and positioning can also have a significant effect on the occurrence of cardiac arrest. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to describe the various causes and management of cardiac emergencies with special reference to cardiac arrest during elective neurosurgical procedures, including discussion of position-related factors and resuscitative considerations in these situations. This will help to formulate possible guidelines for management of such events. PMID:25692145

  15. Effect of milrinone on short term outcome of patients with myocardial dysfunction undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft: a randomized clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Hadadzadeh, Mehdi; Hosseini, Seyed Habib; Mostafavi Pour Manshadi, Seyed Mohammad Yousof; Naderi, Nafiseh; Emami Meybodi, Mahmood

    2013-01-01

    Myocardial dysfunction is a major complication in cardiac surgery that needs inotropic support. This study evaluates the effect of milrinone on patients with low ventricular ejection fraction undergoing off- pump coronary artery bypass graft (OPCAB). The present study is designed to evaluate the effect of milrinone on myocardial dysfunction. Eighty patients with low ventricular ejection fraction (<35%), candidate for elective OPCAB, were enrolled in this study. They were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received milrinone (50 μg/kg) intravenously and another group received a saline as placebo followed by 24 hours infusion of each agent (0.5 μg/kg/min). Short outcome of patients such as hemodynamic parameters and left ventricular ejection fraction were variables evaluated. Serum levels of creatine phosphokinase, the MB isoenzyme of creatine kinase, occurrence of arrhythmias and mean duration of mechanical ventilation were significantly lower in milrinone group (P<0.05). The mean post operative left ventricular ejection fraction was significantly higher in milrinone group (P=0.031). There were no statistical significant differences between the two groups in terms of intra-aortic balloon pump, inotropic support requirement, myocardial ischemia, myocardial infarction, duration of inotropic support, duration of intensive care unit stay, mortality and morbidity rate. Administration of milrinone in patients undergoing OPCAB with low ventricular ejection fraction is useful and effective.

  16. Preoperative oral antibiotics and intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis reduce the incidence of surgical site infections in patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing IPAA.

    PubMed

    Oshima, Tsutomu; Takesue, Yoshio; Ikeuchi, Hiroki; Matsuoka, Hiroki; Nakajima, Kazuhiko; Uchino, Motoi; Tomita, Naohiro; Sasako, Mitsuru

    2013-10-01

    The usefulness of preoperative oral antibiotics for the prevention of surgical site infection in elective colorectal surgery remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the effects of oral antimicrobial prophylaxis in addition to intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis on patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing restorative proctocolectomy. This study was a randomized, nonblinded, single-center clinical trial. This study was conducted between July 1, 2006, and April 30, 2009, at Hyogo College of Medicine. Two hundred patients with ulcerative colitis scheduled to undergo restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA with an open approach were randomly assigned to either group A or B (n = 100). Combined use of preoperative oral antibiotics and intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis were given to group A, and intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis alone was given to group B. Patients in group A received oral antibiotics the day before surgery (500 mg of kanamycin and 500 mg of metronidazole at 2:00 P.M., 3:00 P.M., and 9:00 P.M.), whereas those in group B did not. All patients underwent preoperative mechanical bowel preparation, and intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis with second-generation cephalosporin was given for 24 hours. The primary end point of this study was the incidence of overall surgical site infection according to intention-to-treat analysis. The incidence of overall surgical site infection was significantly lower in group A (6/97 patients, 6.1%) than in group B (22/98 patients, 22.4%) (p = 0.0024). In multivariate analysis, the administration of oral antibiotics (OR, 0.178; 95% CI, 0.057-0.552; p = 0.003) and ASA score ≥3 (OR, 5.343; 95% CI, 1.595-17.891; p = 0.007) were independent risk factors for surgical site infection. This study is limited because of its open-label nature. Combined oral and intravenous antimicrobial prophylaxis in patients with ulcerative colitis undergoing restorative proctocolectomy with IPAA contributed to the

  17. Impact of the viral respiratory season on postoperative outcomes in children undergoing cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Spaeder, Michael C; Carson, Kathryn A; Vricella, Luca A; Alejo, Diane E; Holmes, Kathryn W

    2011-08-01

    To compare postoperative outcomes in children undergoing cardiac surgery during the viral respiratory season and nonviral season at our institution. This was a retrospective cohort study and secondary matched case-control analysis. The setting was an urban academic tertiary-care children's hospital. The study was comprised of all patients <18 years of age who underwent cardiac surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital from October 2002 through September 2007. Patients were stratified by season of surgery, complexity of cardiac disease, and presence or absence of viral respiratory infection. Measurements included patient characteristics and postoperative outcomes. The primary outcome was postoperative length of stay (LOS). A total of 744 patients were included in the analysis. There was no difference in baseline characteristics or outcomes, specifically, no difference in postoperative LOS, intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, and mortality, among patients by seasons of surgery. Patients with viral respiratory illness were more likely to have longer postoperative LOS (p < 0.01) and ICU LOS (p < 0.01) compared with matched controls. We identified no difference in postoperative outcomes based on season in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Children with viral respiratory infection have significantly worse outcomes than matched controls, strengthening the call for universal administration of influenza vaccination and palivizumab to appropriate groups. Preoperative testing for respiratory viruses should be considered during the winter months for children undergoing elective cardiac surgery.

  18. Clinicopathological analysis of colorectal cancer: a comparison between emergency and elective surgical cases.

    PubMed

    Ghazi, Sam; Berg, Elisabeth; Lindblom, Annika; Lindforss, Ulrik

    2013-06-11

    Approximately 15 to 30% of colorectal cancers present as an emergency, most often as obstruction or perforation. Studies report poorer outcome for patients who undergo emergency compared with elective surgery, both for their initial hospital stay and their long-term survival. Advanced tumor pathology and tumors with unfavorable histologic features may provide the basis for the difference in outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and pathologic profiles of emergency and elective surgical cases for colorectal cancer, and relate these to gender, age group, tumor location, and family history of the disease. The main outcome measure was the difference in morphology between elective and emergency surgical cases. In total, 976 tumors from patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer between 2004 and 2006 in Stockholm County, Sweden (8 hospitals) were analyzed in the study. Seventeen morphological features were examined and compared with type of operation (elective or emergency), gender, age, tumor location, and family history of colorectal cancer by re-evaluating the histopathologic features of the tumors. In a univariate analysis, the following characteristics were found more frequently in emergency compared with elective cases: multiple tumors, higher American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC), tumor (T) and node (N) stage, peri-tumor lymphocytic reaction, high number of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, signet-ring cell mucinous carcinoma, desmoplastic stromal reaction, vascular and perineural invasion, and infiltrative tumor margin (P<0.0001 for AJCC stage III to IV, N stage 1 to 2/3, and vascular invasion). In a multivariate analysis, all these differences, with the exception of peri-tumor lymphocytic reaction, remained significant (P<0.0001 for multiple tumors, perineural invasion, infiltrative tumor margin, AJCC stage III, and N stage 1 to 2/3). Colorectal cancers that need surgery as an emergency case generally show a more aggressive

  19. Sleep-Disordered Breathing and Postoperative Outcomes After Elective Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Hovda, Margaret D.; Vekhter, Benjamin; Arora, Vineet M.; Chung, Frances; Meltzer, David O.

    2013-01-01

    Background: Systematic screening and treatment of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in presurgical patients would impose a significant cost burden; therefore, it is important to understand whether SDB is associated with worse postoperative outcomes. We sought to determine the impact of SDB on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing four specific categories of elective surgery (orthopedic, prostate, abdominal, and cardiovascular). The primary outcomes were in-hospital death, total charges, and length of stay (LOS). Two secondary outcomes of interest were respiratory and cardiac complications. Methods: Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database. Regression models were fitted to assess the independent association between SDB and the outcomes of interest. Results: The cohort included 1,058,710 hospitalized adult patients undergoing elective surgeries between 2004 and 2008. SDB was independently associated with decreased mortality in the orthopedic (OR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.45-0.95; P = .03), abdominal (OR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.22-0.65; P = .001), and cardiovascular surgery groups (OR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.40-0.73; P < .001) but had no impact on mortality in the prostate surgery group. SDB was independently associated with a small, but statistically significant increase in estimated mean LOS by 0.14 days (P < .001) and estimated mean total charges by $860 (P < .001) in the orthopedic surgery group but was not associated with increased LOS or total charges in the prostate surgery group. In the abdominal and cardiovascular surgery groups, SDB was associated with a significant decrease in adjusted mean LOS of 1.1 days and 0.35 days, respectively (P < .001 for both groups), and adjusted mean total charges of $3,814 and $4,592, respectively (P < .001 for both groups). SDB was independently associated with a significantly increased OR for emergent intubation and mechanical ventilation, noninvasive ventilation, and atrial

  20. Intraoperative Goal-directed Fluid Therapy in Elective Major Abdominal Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Rollins, Katie E.; Lobo, Dileep N.

    2016-01-01

    Objectives: To compare the effects of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) with conventional fluid therapy, and determine whether there was a difference in outcome between studies that did and did not use Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. Methods: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of adult patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery comparing intraoperative GDFT versus conventional fluid therapy. The outcome measures were postoperative morbidity, length of stay, gastrointestinal function and 30-day mortality. Results: A total of 23 studies were included with 2099 patients: 1040 who underwent GDFT and 1059 who received conventional fluid therapy. GDFT was associated with a significant reduction in morbidity (risk ratio [RR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66–0.89, P = 0.0007), hospital length of stay (LOS; mean difference −1.55 days, 95% CI −2.73 to −0.36, P = 0.01), intensive care LOS (mean difference −0.63 days, 95% CI −1.18 to −0.09, P = 0.02), and time to passage of feces (mean difference −0.90 days, 95% CI −1.48 to −0.32 days, P = 0.002). However, no difference was seen in mortality, return of flatus, or risk of paralytic ileus. If patients were managed in an ERAS pathway, the only significant reductions were in intensive care LOS (mean difference −0.63 days, 95% CI −0.94 to −0.32, P < 0.0001) and time to passage of feces (mean difference −1.09 days, 95% CI −2.03 to −0.15, P = 0.02). If managed in a traditional care setting, a significant reduction was seen in both overall morbidity (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57 to −0.84, P = 0.0002) and total hospital LOS (mean difference −2.14, 95% CI −4.15 to −0.13, P = 0.04). Conclusions: GDFT may not be of benefit to all elective patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, particularly those managed in an ERAS setting. PMID:26445470

  1. Provision of a surgeon's performance data for people considering elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Henderson, Amanda; Henderson, Simon

    2015-02-09

    A consumer model of health supports that people undergoing elective surgery should be informed about the past operative performance of their surgeon before making two important decisions: 1. to consent to the proposed surgery, and 2. to have a particular doctor perform the surgery. This information arguably helps empower patients to participate in their care. While surgeons' performance data are available in some settings, there continues to be controversy over the provision of such data to patients, and the question of whether consumers should, or want to, be provided with this information. To assess the effects of providing a surgeon's performance data to people considering elective surgery on patient-based and service utilisation outcomes. For the original review, we searched: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library, 2009, Issue 4); MEDLINE (Ovid) (1950 to 28 September 2009); EMBASE (Ovid) (1988 to 28 September 2009); PsycINFO (Ovid) (1806 to 28 September 2009); CINAHL (EBSCO) (1982 to 20 October 2009); Current Contents (Ovid) (1992 to 23 November 2009); and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (1861 to 20 October 2009).For this update, we searched: CENTRAL (2009 to 3 March 2014); MEDLINE (Ovid) (2009 to 3 March 2014); EMBASE (Ovid) (2009 to 3 March 2014); PsycINFO (Ovid) (2009 to 9 March 2014); CINAHL (EBSCO) (2009 to 9 March 2014), Current Contents (Web of Science) (November 2009 to 21 March 2014), and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (2009 to 21 March 2014). We applied no language restrictions. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, quasi-RCTs and controlled before and after studies (CBAs), in which an individual surgeon's performance data were provided to people considering elective surgery. We considered the CBAs for inclusion from 2009 onwards. Two review authors (AH, SH) independently assessed all titles, abstracts, or both of retrieved citations. We identified no studies for inclusion. Consequently, we

  2. An evidence-based approach to perioperative nutrition support in the elective surgery patient.

    PubMed

    Miller, Keith R; Wischmeyer, Paul E; Taylor, Beth; McClave, Stephen A

    2013-09-01

    In surgical practice, great attention is given to the perioperative management of the elective surgical patient with regard to surgical planning, stratification of cardiopulmonary risk, and postoperative assessment for complication. However, growing evidence supports the beneficial role for implementation of a consistent and literature-based approach to perioperative nutrition therapy. Determining nutrition risk should be a routine component of the preoperative evaluation. As with the above issues, this concept begins with the clinician's first visit with the patient as risk is assessed and the severity of the surgical insult considered. If the patient is an appropriate candidate for benefit from preoperative support, a plan for initiation and reassessment should be implemented. Once appropriate nutrition end points have been achieved, special consideration should be given to beneficial practices the immediate day preceding surgery that may better prepare the patient for the intervention from a metabolic standpoint. In the operating room, consideration should be given to the potential placement of enteral access during the index operation as well as judicious and targeted intraoperative resuscitation. Immediately following the intervention, adequate resuscitation and glycemic control are key concepts, as is an evidence-based approach to the early advancement of an enteral/oral diet in the postoperative patient. Through the implementation of perioperative nutrition therapy plans in the elective surgery setting, outcomes can be improved.

  3. Dissemination of Election Returns Information: The News Election Service during Election 1980.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Garrison, Bruce

    In 1964, the Associated Press, ABC News, CBS News, NBC News, and United Press International formed a consortium called the News Election Service (NES) that was designed to collect one set of election returns for the entire United States. A study was made of NES operations during the presidential election year of 1980 to determine (1) the nature of…

  4. Local anesthesia with ropivacaine for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy

    PubMed Central

    Liu, Yu-Yin; Yeh, Chun-Nan; Lee, Hsiang-Lin; Wang, Shang-Yu; Tsai, Chun-Yi; Lin, Chih-Chung; Chao, Tzu-Chieh; Yeh, Ta-Sen; Jan, Yi-Yin

    2009-01-01

    AIM: To investigate the effect of pain relief after infusion of ropivacaine at port sites at the end of surgery. METHODS: From October 2006 to September 2007, 72 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) were randomized into two groups of 36 patients. One group received ropivacaine infusion at the port sites at the end of LC and the other received normal saline. A visual analog scale was used to assess postoperative pain when the patient awakened in the operating room, 6 and 24 h after surgery, and before discharge. The amount of analgesics use was also recorded. The demographics, laboratory data, hospital stay, and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was no difference between the two groups preoperatively in terms of demographic and laboratory data. After surgery, similar operation time, blood loss, and no postoperative morbidity and mortality were observed in the two groups. However, a significantly lower pain score was observed in the patients undergoing LC with local anesthesia infusion at 1 h after LC and at discharge. Regarding analgesic use, the amount of meperidine used 1 h after LC and the total used during admission were lower in patients undergoing LC with local anesthesia infusion. This group also had a shorter hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Local anesthesia with ropivacaine at the port site in LC patients significantly decreased postoperative pain immediately. This explains the lower meperidine use and earlier discharge for these patients. PMID:19452582

  5. Survey of Intraoperative Bacterial Contamination in Dogs Undergoing Elective Orthopedic Surgery.

    PubMed

    Andrade, Natalia; Schmiedt, Chad W; Cornell, Karen; Radlinsky, MaryAnn G; Heidingsfelder, Lauren; Clarke, Kevin; Hurley, David J; Hinson, Whitney D

    2016-02-01

    To investigate the frequency, source, and risk factors of intraoperative (IO) surgeon and patient bacterial contamination during clean orthopedic surgeries, and to investigate the relationship between IO contamination and surgical site infection (SSI) in dogs. Prospective clinical study. Client-owned dogs undergoing stifle surgery (n = 100). IO cultures were taken in each case from surgical foot wrap, peri-incisional skin, surgical gloves, and the surgical team's hands. The environment (operating room [OR] lights, computers, scrub sink faucet, anesthesia gurney, and radiology table) was sampled every 5 months. Bacteria were identified and the contamination of each case was categorized. All gloves from the surgical team were collected and tested for perforations using a water infusion test. Cases were followed for at least 8 weeks to determine the presence or absence of SSI. Perioperative variables were evaluated for association with IO contamination and SSI. Bacterial isolates were yielded from 81% of procedures from 1 or more sources; 58% had positive hand cultures, 46% had positive glove cultures, 23% had positive patient skin cultures, and 12% had positive foot wrap cultures. Staphylococcus spp. was the most commonly recovered bacteria. There was no apparent association between IO contamination and SSI. The highest level of environmental contamination was associated with the scrub sink faucet, followed by the radiology table, anesthesia gurney, and OR computers. The IO glove perforation rate was 18%. Clean orthopedic procedures commonly had clinically insignificant bacterial contamination. In our study, bacteria responsible for SSI did not appear to colonize the patient in the OR. © Copyright 2016 by The American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

  6. The Effect of High Dose Cilostazol and Rosuvastatin on Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients with Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

    PubMed Central

    H., Ari; N., Emlek; S., Ari; S., Coşar; K., Doğanay; C., Aydin; E., Tenekecioğlu; A., Tütüncü; O.C., Yontar; M., Gürdoğan; T., Bozat; M., Melek

    2015-01-01

    Background The aim of our study was to assess the effect of pretreatment with cilostazol and rosuvastatin combination before elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on peri-procedural myocardial injury (PPMIJ). Methods We randomly assigned 172 patients with stable angina pectoris scheduled for elective PCI to pre- treatment with Cilostazol 200mg and Rosuvastatin 40 mg (group 1), or to pretreatment with Rosuvastatin 40 mg group (group 2). The primary end-point was the occurrence of PPMIJ defined as any cardiac troponin I (Tn I) level elevated above the upper normal limit (UNL). The occurrence of peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PPMIN) was defined as a post-procedural increase in cTnI level ≥ 5 times above the UNL. Results There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between group 1 (n = 86) and group 2 (n = 86). The rate of PPMIJ (21% vs. 24%, p = 0.58) and PPMIN (2.3% vs. 7%, p = 0.27) were similar between the two study groups. Subgroup analysis performed on those patients without statin therapy before PCI (53 patients in group 1 and 50 patients in group 2) showed that the incidence of PPMIJ was significantly lower in the group 1 patients without chronic statin treatment [17% (9/53) versus 34% (17/50); p = 0.04], but the rate of PPMIN was similar between the two groups for those patients without chronic statin treatment [1.9% (1/53) versus 10% (5/50); p = 0.07]. Conclusions We found that adjunct cilostazol and rosuvastatin pre-treatment did not significantly reduce PPMIJ after elective PCI in patients with stable angina pectoris. However, adjunct cilostazol pre-treatment could reduce PPMIJ in patients without chronic statin therapy before elective PCI. PMID:27122885

  7. The Effect of High Dose Cilostazol and Rosuvastatin on Periprocedural Myocardial Injury in Patients with Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

    PubMed

    H, Ari; N, Emlek; S, Ari; S, Coşar; K, Doğanay; C, Aydin; E, Tenekecioğlu; A, Tütüncü; O C, Yontar; M, Gürdoğan; T, Bozat; M, Melek

    2015-07-01

    The aim of our study was to assess the effect of pretreatment with cilostazol and rosuvastatin combination before elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on peri-procedural myocardial injury (PPMIJ). We randomly assigned 172 patients with stable angina pectoris scheduled for elective PCI to pre- treatment with Cilostazol 200mg and Rosuvastatin 40 mg (group 1), or to pretreatment with Rosuvastatin 40 mg group (group 2). The primary end-point was the occurrence of PPMIJ defined as any cardiac troponin I (Tn I) level elevated above the upper normal limit (UNL). The occurrence of peri-procedural myocardial infarction (PPMIN) was defined as a post-procedural increase in cTnI level ≥ 5 times above the UNL. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between group 1 (n = 86) and group 2 (n = 86). The rate of PPMIJ (21% vs. 24%, p = 0.58) and PPMIN (2.3% vs. 7%, p = 0.27) were similar between the two study groups. Subgroup analysis performed on those patients without statin therapy before PCI (53 patients in group 1 and 50 patients in group 2) showed that the incidence of PPMIJ was significantly lower in the group 1 patients without chronic statin treatment [17% (9/53) versus 34% (17/50); p = 0.04], but the rate of PPMIN was similar between the two groups for those patients without chronic statin treatment [1.9% (1/53) versus 10% (5/50); p = 0.07]. We found that adjunct cilostazol and rosuvastatin pre-treatment did not significantly reduce PPMIJ after elective PCI in patients with stable angina pectoris. However, adjunct cilostazol pre-treatment could reduce PPMIJ in patients without chronic statin therapy before elective PCI. Cilostazol; Myocardial injury; Percutaneous coronary intervention; Statin.

  8. Metabolic syndrome in patients with prostate cancer undergoing androgen suppression.

    PubMed

    Morote, J; Ropero, J; Planas, J; Celma, A; Placer, J; Ferrer, R; de Torres, I

    2014-06-01

    Cardiovascular mortality is the leading cause of death in patients with prostate cancer (PC), metabolic syndrome (MS) being related to it. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of MS in patients with CP undergoing androgen suppression (AS). We performed a retrospective study of cases and controls that included 159 patients. The study group was made up of 53 patients with PC undergoing SA for a period exceeding 12 months. The control group was formed by 53 patients with PC at the time of diagnosis and 53 patients with negative prostate biopsy. All patients were evaluated for presence of MS according to NCEP-ATPIII criteria. Prevalence of MS in patients without PC was 32.1% and in those with non-treated PC 35.8%, P = .324. In patients with PC undergoing AS, prevalence of MS was 50.9%, P < .001. When AS duration was less than 36 months, prevalence of MS was 44.0% and when greater than 36 months 57.1%, P < .001. Waist circumference and hyperglycemia were the two MS components that significantly increased. AS and its duration were independent predictors factors for the development of MS. Continuous AS therapy increases the prevalence of MS and especially waist circumference and hyperglycemia. Development of MS increases according to AS duration. Copyright © 2013 AEU. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  9. Preoperative prognostic nutritional index predicts postoperative surgical site infections in gastrointestinal fistula patients undergoing bowel resections.

    PubMed

    Hu, Qiongyuan; Wang, Gefei; Ren, Jianan; Ren, Huajian; Li, Guanwei; Wu, Xiuwen; Gu, Guosheng; Li, Ranran; Guo, Kun; Deng, Youming; Li, Yuan; Hong, Zhiwu; Wu, Lei; Li, Jieshou

    2016-07-01

    Recent studies have implied a prognostic value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in postoperative septic complications of elective colorectal surgeries. However, the evaluation of PNI in contaminated surgeries for gastrointestinal (GI) fistula patients is lack of investigation. The purpose of this study was to explore the predictive value of PNI in surgical site infections (SSIs) for GI fistula patients undergoing bowel resections.A retrospective review of 290 GI patients who underwent intestinal resections between November 2012 and October 2015 was performed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify risk factors for SSIs, and receiver operating characteristic cure was used to quantify the effectiveness of PNI.SSIs were diagnosed in 99 (34.1%) patients, with incisional infection identified in 54 patients (18.6%), deep incisional infection in 13 (4.5%), and organ/space infection in 32 (11.0%). receiver operating characteristic curve analysis defined a PNI cut-off level of 45 corresponding to postoperative SSIs (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.72, 76% sensitivity, 55% specificity). Furthermore, a multivariate analysis indicated that the PNI < 45 [odd ratio (OR): 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-4.61, P = 0.029] and leukocytosis (OR: 3.70, 95% CI: 1.02-13.42, P = 0.046) were independently associated with postoperative SSIs.Preoperative PNI is a simple and useful marker to predict SSIs in GI fistula patients after enterectomies. Measurement of PNI is therefore recommended in the routine assessment of patients with GI fistula receiving surgical treatment.

  10. Fulfilment of knowledge expectations among family members of patients undergoing arthroplasty: a European perspective.

    PubMed

    Sigurdardottir, Arun K; Leino-Kilpi, Helena; Charalambous, Andreas; Katajisto, Jouko; Stark, Åsa Johansson; Sourtzi, Panayota; Zabalegui, Adelaida; Valkeapää, Kirsi

    2015-12-01

    In the recovery process of arthroplasty patients, their family members play an important role due to short hospital stay and increased age of patients. Family members need to have knowledge to be able to support the patient. The aim of this study was to explore expected and received knowledge in family members of arthroplasty patients and describe the relationships between the differences in received and expected knowledge and background factors, country, information and control preferences and access to knowledge. The study was conducted in six European countries (Cyprus, Greece, Finland, Iceland, Spain and Sweden). The study design was cross-cultural, prospective and comparative with two measurement points: pre-operative and at discharge from hospital. Knowledge Expectations of significant other-scale and Krantz Health Opinion Survey were used before surgery and Received Knowledge of significant other-scale and Access to Knowledge at discharge. Patients undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty in seventeen hospitals were asked to identify one family member. The sample size was decided by power calculation. A total of 615 participants answered the questionnaires at both measurements. Family members perceived to receive less knowledge than they expected to have, most unfulfilled knowledge expectations were in the financial, social and experiential dimensions of knowledge. Seventy-four per cent of participants had unfulfilled knowledge expectations. Increased access to information from healthcare providers decreased the difference between received and expected knowledge. Compared to family members in southern Europe, those in the Nordic countries had more unfulfilled knowledge expectations and less access to information from healthcare providers. The evidence from this study highlights the need to involve the family members in the educational approach. © 2015 Nordic College of Caring Science.

  11. Do patients fear undergoing general anesthesia for oral surgery?

    PubMed

    Elmore, Jasmine R; Priest, James H; Laskin, Daniel M

    2014-01-01

    Many patients undergoing major surgery have more fear of the general anesthesia than the procedure. This appears to be reversed with oral surgery. Therefore, patients need to be as well informed about this aspect as the surgical operation.

  12. Impact of Music Therapy on Hospitalized Patients Post-Elective Orthopaedic Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Gallagher, Lisa M; Gardner, Vickie; Bates, Debbie; Mason, Shelley; Nemecek, Jeanine; DiFiore, Jacquelyn Baker; Bena, James; Li, Manshi; Bethoux, Francois

    Music therapy (MT) research has demonstrated positive effects on fatigue, depressed mood, anxiety, and pain in perioperative care areas. However, there has been limited research on the effects of MT for surgical patients on orthopaedic units. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of MT sessions on post-elective orthopaedic surgery patients' pain, mood, nausea, anxiety, use of narcotics and antiemetics, and length of stay. This was a randomized controlled study with an experimental arm (MT sessions) and a control arm (standard medical care). Patients received MT within 24 hours of admission to the unit, as well as every day of their stay. Same-day pre- and postdata were collected 30 minutes apart for both arms, including patient self-reported mood, pain, anxiety, and nausea. Use of medications and length of stay were gleaned from the electronic medical record. Data were obtained for 163 patients, age 60.5 ± 11.1 years, 56% of whom were male. Joints targeted by surgeries were hips (54%), knees (42%), and shoulders (4%). There were significantly greater changes favoring the MT group on Day 1 (pain, anxiety, and mood), Day 2 (pain, anxiety, mood, and nausea), and Day 3 (pain, anxiety, and mood). Among participants with a pre-pain score of 2 or more on Day 1, a decrease of at least 2 points was noted in 36% of the MT group and 10% of the control group (P < .001). Overall, 73% of MT patients versus 41% of control patients reported improved pain (P < .001). No significant between-group differences in medications or length of stay were noted. We observed greater same-day improvements of pain, emotional status, and nausea with MT sessions, compared to usual care, in patients hospitalized after elective orthopaedic surgeries. Effects on narcotic and antiemetic usage, as well as length of stay, were not observed. More research needs to be conducted to better understand the benefits of MT pre- and post-elective orthopaedic surgery.

  13. The effects of nitrous oxide on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor 1 (VEGFR1) in patient undergoing urological surgery

    PubMed Central

    Hakimoglu, Yasemin; Can, Murat; Hakimoglu, Sedat; Gorkem Mungan, Ayca; Acikgoz, Sereften; Cikcikoglu Yildirim, Nuran; Aydin Mungan, Necmettin; Ozkocak Turan, Isil

    2014-01-01

    Objective: Anesthesia and surgical intervention, leads to the development of systemic inflammatory response. The severity of the inflammatory response depends on the pharmacological effects of anesthetic agents and duration of anesthesia. Objective of the study was to investigate the effect of nitrous oxide on VEGF and VEGFR1 levels in patients undergoing surgery. Methods: Forty-four patients undergoing elective urological surgery were included in the study. Anesthesia maintenance was provided with 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O2 50%, N2O 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 1 (n=22) and 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O2 50%, air 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 2 (n=22) Venous blood samples for the measurement of VEGF and VEGFR1 were taken before the induction of anaesthesia, 60 minutes of anesthesia induction, at the end of anaesthesia and 24 hours after operation. In statistical analysis Bonferroni test and analysis of variance at the repeated measures were used Results: In the postoperative period serum VEGF levels had decreased significantly in both group whereas VEGFR1 did not show a significant change. Conclusions: Nitrous oxide showed significant effect on angiogenic parameters. Further detailed studies are required to evaluate the effect of nitrous oxide. PMID:24639829

  14. The effects of nitrous oxide on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its soluble receptor 1 (VEGFR1) in patient undergoing urological surgery.

    PubMed

    Hakimoglu, Yasemin; Can, Murat; Hakimoglu, Sedat; Gorkem Mungan, Ayca; Acikgoz, Sereften; Cikcikoglu Yildirim, Nuran; Aydin Mungan, Necmettin; Ozkocak Turan, Isil

    2014-01-01

    Anesthesia and surgical intervention, leads to the development of systemic inflammatory response. The severity of the inflammatory response depends on the pharmacological effects of anesthetic agents and duration of anesthesia. OBJECTIVE of the study was to investigate the effect of nitrous oxide on VEGF and VEGFR1 levels in patients undergoing surgery. Forty-four patients undergoing elective urological surgery were included in the study. Anesthesia maintenance was provided with 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O2 50%, N2O 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 1 (n=22) and 1-2 MAC sevoflurane, O2 50%, air 50% in 4L/m transporter gase for group 2 (n=22) Venous blood samples for the measurement of VEGF and VEGFR1 were taken before the induction of anaesthesia, 60 minutes of anesthesia induction, at the end of anaesthesia and 24 hours after operation. In statistical analysis Bonferroni test and analysis of variance at the repeated measures were used Results: In the postoperative period serum VEGF levels had decreased significantly in both group whereas VEGFR1 did not show a significant change. Nitrous oxide showed significant effect on angiogenic parameters. Further detailed studies are required to evaluate the effect of nitrous oxide.

  15. Changes in quality of life after elective surgery: an observational study comparing two measures.

    PubMed

    Kronzer, Vanessa L; Jerry, Michelle R; Ben Abdallah, Arbi; Wildes, Troy S; McKinnon, Sherry L; Sharma, Anshuman; Avidan, Michael S

    2017-08-01

    Our main objective was to compare the change in a validated quality of life measure to a global assessment measure. The secondary objectives were to estimate the minimum clinically important difference (MCID) and to describe the change in quality of life by surgical specialty. This prospective cohort study included 7902 adult patients undergoing elective surgery. Changes in the Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey (VR-12), composed of a physical component summary (PCS) and a mental component summary (MCS), were calculated using preoperative and postoperative questionnaires. The latter also contained a global assessment question for quality of life. We compared PCS and MCS to the global assessment using descriptive statistics and weighted kappa. MCID was calculated using an anchor-based approach. Analyses were pre-specified and registered (NCT02771964). By the change in VR-12 scores, an equal proportion of patients experienced improvement and deterioration in quality of life (28% for PCS, 25% for MCS). In contrast, by the global assessment measure, 61% reported improvement, while only 10% reported deterioration. Agreement with the global assessment was slight for both PCS (kappa = 0.20, 57% matched) and MCS (kappa = 0.10, 54% matched). The MCID for the overall VR-12 score was approximately 2.5 points. Patients undergoing orthopedic surgery showed the most improvement in quality of life measures, while patients undergoing gastrointestinal/hepatobiliary or urologic surgery showed the most deterioration. Subjective global quality of life report does not agree well with a validated quality of life instrument, perhaps due to patient over-optimism.

  16. Cortical spreading depression occurs during elective neurosurgical procedures.

    PubMed

    Carlson, Andrew P; William Shuttleworth, C; Mead, Brittany; Burlbaw, Brittany; Krasberg, Mark; Yonas, Howard

    2017-01-01

    OBJECTIVE Cortical spreading depression (CSD) has been observed with relatively high frequency in the period following human brain injury, including traumatic brain injury and ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke. These events are characterized by loss of ionic gradients through massive cellular depolarization, neuronal dysfunction (depression of electrocorticographic [ECoG] activity) and slow spread (2-5 mm/min) across the cortical surface. Previous data obtained in animals have suggested that even in the absence of underlying injury, neurosurgical manipulation can induce CSD and could potentially be a modifiable factor in neurosurgical injury. The authors report their initial experience with direct intraoperative ECoG monitoring for CSD. METHODS The authors prospectively enrolled patients undergoing elective craniotomy for supratentorial lesions in cases in which the surgical procedure was expected to last > 2 hours. These patients were monitored for CSD from the time of dural opening through the time of dural closure, using a standard 1 × 6 platinum electrode coupled with an AC or full-spectrum DC amplifier. The data were processed using standard techniques to evaluate for slow potential changes coupled with suppression of high-frequency ECoG propagating across the electrodes. Data were compared with CSD validated in previous intensive care unit (ICU) studies, to evaluate recording conditions most likely to permit CSD detection, and identify likely events during the course of neurosurgical procedures using standard criteria. RESULTS Eleven patients underwent ECoG monitoring during elective neurosurgical procedures. During the periods of monitoring, 2 definite CSDs were observed to occur in 1 patient and 8 suspicious events were detected in 4 patients. In other patients, either no events were observed or artifact limited interpretation of the data. The DC-coupled amplifier system represented an improvement in stability of data compared with AC-coupled systems. Compared

  17. Evaluation of safety and efficacy of elective PCI in patients with cardiac insufficiency.

    PubMed

    Jing, Jiang-Xin; Zhong, Xiao-Lan; Chen, Sheng-Guo

    2017-02-01

    We analyzed the safety and the efficacy of the treatment with elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with cardiac insufficiency. We enrolled 217 patients diagnosed with chronic ischemic heart disease complicated with cardiac failure. According to the type of treatment they received, patients were divided into 3 groups: i) The conservative treatment group with 60 patients (they received standard medication); ii) the early PCI group with 82 cases (their condition was stabilized, surgical risk was assessed and PCI was taken as early as possible); and iii) the advanced PCI group with 75 cases (ischemic myocardium was corrected and then elective PCI was applied and for aggravated myocardial ischemia cases, PCI was applied after assessing the risk of surgery). Follow-up visits were set for approximately 3 years and clinical outcomes were compared. Our results showed that the survival time in the early PCI group was significantly prolonged and the survival rate was considerably increased during 3 years. Left ventricular ejection fraction in the early PCI group markedly increased and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and pro-BNP level decreased significantly. The occurrence rates of perioperative complications in the early PCI group and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during the follow-up period were significantly reduced. Quality of life scores in the early PCI group markedly improved. We concluded that in patients with coronary heart disease complicated with cardiac insufficiency, early PCI treatment was safe and effective.

  18. Sleep Trajectories of Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: Effects on Body Weight and Psychological Well-Being.

    PubMed

    Tzeng, Ya-Ling; Chen, Shu-Ling; Chen, Chuen-Fei; Wang, Fong-Chen; Kuo, Shu-Yu

    2015-01-01

    After cesarean section (CS), women may be at great risk for sleep disturbance, but little is known about temporal changes in their sleep patterns and characteristics. We had two aims: 1) to identify distinct classes of sleep-disturbance trajectories in women considering elective CS from third-trimester pregnancy to 6 months post-CS and 2) to examine associations of sleep trajectories with body mass index (BMI), depressive symptoms, and fatigue scores. We analyzed data from a prospective cohort study of 139 Taiwanese pregnant women who elected CS. Sleep components were assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index in third-trimester pregnancy, 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months post-CS. Data were collected on depressive symptoms, fatigue symptoms, and BMI. Sleep-quality trajectories were identified by group-based trajectory modeling. We identified three distinct trajectories: stable poor sleep (50 women, 36.0%), progressively worse sleep (67 women, 48.2%), and persistently poor sleep (22 women, 15.8%). Poor sleep was significantly associated with pre-pregnancy BMI and more baseline (third-trimester pregnancy) depressive and fatigue symptoms. At 6 months post-CS, women classified as progressively worse or persistently poor sleepers showed a trend toward higher BMI (p<0.03), more depressive symptoms (p<0.001), and higher fatigue scores (p<0.001) than those with stable poor sleep. Women had three distinct sleep-disturbance trajectories before and after elective CS. These poor-sleep courses were associated with BMI and psychological well-being. Our findings suggest a need to continuously assess sleep quality among women considering elective CS and up to 6 months post-CS.

  19. Tranexamic Acid in Patients Undergoing Coronary-Artery Surgery.

    PubMed

    Myles, Paul S; Smith, Julian A; Forbes, Andrew; Silbert, Brendan; Jayarajah, Mohandas; Painter, Thomas; Cooper, D James; Marasco, Silvana; McNeil, John; Bussières, Jean S; McGuinness, Shay; Byrne, Kelly; Chan, Matthew T V; Landoni, Giovanni; Wallace, Sophie

    2017-01-12

    Tranexamic acid reduces the risk of bleeding among patients undergoing cardiac surgery, but it is unclear whether this leads to improved outcomes. Furthermore, there are concerns that tranexamic acid may have prothrombotic and proconvulsant effects. In a trial with a 2-by-2 factorial design, we randomly assigned patients who were scheduled to undergo coronary-artery surgery and were at risk for perioperative complications to receive aspirin or placebo and tranexamic acid or placebo. The results of the tranexamic acid comparison are reported here. The primary outcome was a composite of death and thrombotic complications (nonfatal myocardial infarction, stroke, pulmonary embolism, renal failure, or bowel infarction) within 30 days after surgery. Of the 4662 patients who were enrolled and provided consent, 4631 underwent surgery and had available outcomes data; 2311 were assigned to the tranexamic acid group and 2320 to the placebo group. A primary outcome event occurred in 386 patients (16.7%) in the tranexamic acid group and in 420 patients (18.1%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.81 to 1.05; P=0.22). The total number of units of blood products that were transfused during hospitalization was 4331 in the tranexamic acid group and 7994 in the placebo group (P<0.001). Major hemorrhage or cardiac tamponade leading to reoperation occurred in 1.4% of the patients in the tranexamic acid group and in 2.8% of the patients in the placebo group (P=0.001), and seizures occurred in 0.7% and 0.1%, respectively (P=0.002 by Fisher's exact test). Among patients undergoing coronary-artery surgery, tranexamic acid was associated with a lower risk of bleeding than was placebo, without a higher risk of death or thrombotic complications within 30 days after surgery. Tranexamic acid was associated with a higher risk of postoperative seizures. (Funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and others; ATACAS Australia New Zealand

  20. Xenon as an Adjuvant to Propofol Anesthesia in Patients Undergoing Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

    PubMed

    Al Tmimi, Layth; Devroe, Sarah; Dewinter, Geertrui; Van de Velde, Marc; Poortmans, Gert; Meyns, Bart; Meuris, Bart; Coburn, Mark; Rex, Steffen

    2017-10-01

    Xenon was shown to cause less hemodynamic instability and reduce vasopressor needs during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery when compared with conventionally used anesthetics. As xenon exerts its organ protective properties even in subanesthetic concentrations, we hypothesized that in patients undergoing OPCAB surgery, 30% xenon added to general anesthesia with propofol results in superior hemodynamic stability when compared to anesthesia with propofol alone. Fifty patients undergoing elective OPCAB surgery were randomized to receive general anesthesia with 30% xenon adjuvant to a target-controlled infusion of propofol or with propofol alone. The primary end point was the total intraoperative dose of norepinephrine required to maintain an intraoperative mean arterial pressure >70 mm Hg. Secondary outcomes included the perioperative cardiorespiratory profile and the incidence of adverse and serious adverse events. Adding xenon to propofol anesthesia resulted in a significant reduction of norepinephrine required to attain the predefined hemodynamic goals (cumulative intraoperative dose: median [interquartile range]: 370 [116-570] vs 840 [335-1710] µg, P = .001). In the xenon-propofol group, significantly less propofol was required to obtain a similar depth of anesthesia as judged by clinical signs and the bispectral index (propofol effect site concentration [mean ± SD]: 1.8 ± 0.5 vs 2.8 ± 0.3 mg, P≤ .0001). Moreover, the xenon-propofol group required significantly less norepinephrine during the first 24 hours on the intensive care unit (median [interquartile range]: 1.5 [0.1-7] vs 5 [2-8] mg, P = .048). Other outcomes and safety parameters were similar in both groups. Thirty percent xenon added to propofol anesthesia improves hemodynamic stability by decreasing norepinephrine requirements in patients undergoing OPCAB surgery.

  1. A national survey on current practice of preanaesthetic assessment in elective surgery patients in Spain.

    PubMed

    Mata, J; Cabrera, S; Valldeperas, M I; Fernández, S; Aguilar, J L; Atanassoff, P G

    2012-01-01

    To analyse the preanaesthetic assessment prior to elective surgery in hospitals of the Spanish National Health Care System. A prospective cross-sectional descriptive observational survey was performed. Primary variables were patient characteristics, type of preanaesthetic evaluation and the evaluator, as well as type of support the evaluator received during patient assessment. Secondary variables included the number of operating rooms available for elective surgery, as well as preanaesthesia clinic facilities. Data were analysed by univariate and bivariate descriptive analysis. A total of 214 hospitals of the Spanish Health Care System were invited to participate, and 203 centres responded, with all of them having a preanaesthesia assessment clinic. In 183 of them (90%), elective surgerypatients were interviewed prior to their surgical intervention, and in 202 hospitals (99.5%) a anaesthesiologist physician performed the interview. In 128 hospitals (63%), anaesthesiologists were helped during preoperative assessment by nurses alone (49%) or together with auxillary nurses (14%). In 68 of hospitals (33%) they were supported only by auxillary nurses and in 7 hospitals (3%) they obtained no help at all. In 14 centres (7%) anaesthesia nurses assessed patients directly (under supervision of an anaesthesiologist physician). Hospitals with a higher volume of patients performed more preanaesthesia interviews. Hospitals with more running operating rooms received more nurse support in the preanaesthesia assessment clinic. Some kind of preanaesthesia assessment clinic exists in all Anaesthesia Departments of public Spanish hospitals, although there are differences in design and organisation. Copyright © 2011 Sociedad Española de Anestesiología, Reanimación y Terapéutica del Dolor. Published by Elsevier España. All rights reserved.

  2. FASTING IN ELECTIVE SURGICAL PATIENTS: COMPARISON AMONG THE TIME PRESCRIBED, PERFORMED AND RECOMMENDED ON PERIOPERATIVE CARE PROTOCOLS

    PubMed Central

    FRANCISCO, Saionara Cristina; BATISTA, Sandra Teixeira; PENA, Geórgia das Graças

    2015-01-01

    Background: Prolonged preoperative fasting may impair nutritional status of the patient and their recovery. In contrast, some studies show that fasting abbreviation can improve the response to trauma and decrease the length of hospital stay. Aim: Investigate whether the prescribed perioperative fasting time and practiced by patients is in compliance with current multimodal protocols and identify the main factors associated. Methods: Cross-sectional study with 65 patients undergoing elective surgery of the digestive tract or abdominal wall. We investigated the fasting time in the perioperative period, hunger and thirst reports, physical status, diabetes diagnosis, type of surgery and anesthesia. Results: The patients were between 19 and 87 years, mostly female (73.8%). The most performed procedure was cholecystectomy (47.69%) and general anesthesia the most used (89.23%). The most common approach was to start fasting from midnight for liquids and solids, and most of the patients received grade II (64.6%) to the physical state. The real fasting average time was 16 h (9.5-41.58) was higher than prescribed (11 h, 6.58 -26.75). The patients submitted to surgery in the afternoon were in more fasting time than those who did in the morning (p<0.001). The intensity of hunger and thirst increased in postoperative fasting period (p=0.010 and 0.027). The average period of postoperative fasting was 18.25 h (3.33-91.83) and only 23.07% restarted feeding on the same day. Conclusion: Patients were fasted for prolonged time, higher even than the prescribed time and intensity of the signs of discomfort such as hunger and thirst increased over time. To better recovery and the patient's well-being, it is necessary to establish a preoperative fasting abbreviation protocol. PMID:26734794

  3. The HRQoL of Chinese patients undergoing haemodialysis.

    PubMed

    Yu, Hui-Dan; Petrini, Marcia A

    2010-03-01

    With the transition from infectious disease and acute illness to chronic disease and degenerative illness as leading causes of death, health-related quality of life has become an important aspect in assessing the burden of chronic disease. The quality of life of haemodialysis patients has been studied extensively; however, very limited research using exploratory descriptive design has been carried out in this area in China. The aim of this study was to explore health-related quality of life of end-stage renal disease patients undergoing haemodialysis in China. This study used the qualitative research design approach. A semi-structured, in-depth interview was conducted with 16 haemodialysis patients in two hospitals using Colaizzi's phenomenological method to transcribe and analyse the data. The results of this study showed that dialysis patients show improvement in physical competence, but they also experienced emotional instability and psychological distress, financial burdens, inadequate disease knowledge and less social support which influenced their quality of life. To optimise the patients undergoing dialysis health-related quality of life, support of psycho-social-economical aspects should be enhanced. Health care providers should give haemodialysis patients thorough health education, individualised psychological and emotional intervention and adequate social support to optimise health-related quality of life.

  4. Patients' perception of physician-initiated prayer prior to elective ophthalmologic surgery.

    PubMed

    Siatkowski, R Michael; Cannon, Sterling L; Farris, Bradley K

    2008-02-01

    Prayer is an important part of many patients' and physicians' lives. There is little data in the literature regarding patients' perception of prayer from or with their doctors. To assess in a masked fashion patients' impression of prayer's role in a medical setting, and their perception of being offered and receiving prayer from their physician. Confidential survey of 567 consecutive patients who were offered prayer by their physician before elective eye surgery. Proportion of patients favoring physician-initiated prayer and weighted Likert responses to various positive and negative sentiments regarding their experience. Survey response rate was 53% (300 patients). Ninety-six percent of patients identified themselves as Christian. At least 90% of Christian patients responded favorably toward their prayer experience to each Likert question. Among the non-Christian patients, the proportion of negative impressions to the prayer experience ranged from 0 to 25%. Physician-initiated Christian-based prayer before surgery is well-received by a strong majority of Christian patients. Although the data are few, only a minority of non-Christians felt negatively regarding this experience.

  5. Chest physiotherapy during immediate postoperative period among patients undergoing upper abdominal surgery: randomized clinical trial.

    PubMed

    Manzano, Roberta Munhoz; Carvalho, Celso Ricardo Fernandes de; Saraiva-Romanholo, Beatriz Mangueira; Vieira, Joaquim Edson

    2008-09-01

    Abdominal surgical procedures increase pulmonary complication risks. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy during the immediate postoperative period among patients undergoing elective upper abdominal surgery. This randomized clinical trial was performed in the post-anesthesia care unit of a public university hospital. Thirty-one adults were randomly assigned to control (n = 16) and chest physiotherapy (n = 15) groups. Spirometry, pulse oximetry and anamneses were performed preoperatively and on the second postoperative day. A visual pain scale was applied on the second postoperative day, before and after chest physiotherapy. The chest physiotherapy group received treatment at the post-anesthesia care unit, while the controls did not. Surgery duration, length of hospital stay and postoperative pulmonary complications were gathered from patients' medical records. The control and chest physiotherapy groups presented decreased spirometry values after surgery but without any difference between them (forced vital capacity from 83.5 +/- 17.1% to 62.7 +/- 16.9% and from 95.7 +/- 18.9% to 79.0 +/- 26.9%, respectively). In contrast, the chest physiotherapy group presented improved oxygen-hemoglobin saturation after chest physiotherapy during the immediate postoperative period (p < 0.03) that did not last until the second postoperative day. The medical record data were similar between groups. Chest physiotherapy during the immediate postoperative period following upper abdominal surgery was effective for improving oxygen-hemoglobin saturation without increased abdominal pain. Breathing exercises could be adopted at post-anesthesia care units with benefits for patients.

  6. A prospective study on elective umbilical hernia repair in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.

    PubMed

    Eker, Hasan H; van Ramshorst, G H; de Goede, B; Tilanus, H W; Metselaar, H J; de Man, R A; Lange, J F; Kazemier, G

    2011-09-01

    Patients with both cirrhosis and ascites have a 20% risk of developing umbilical hernia. A retrospective study from our center comparing conservative management of umbilical hernia with elective repair in these patients showed a significant risk of mortality as a result of hernia incarceration in conservatively treated patients. The goal of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of elective umbilical hernia repair in these patients prospectively. Patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites presenting with an umbilical hernia were included in this study. For all patients, the expected time to liver transplantation was more than 3 months, and they did not have a patent umbilical vein in the hernia sac. The following data were collected prospectively for all patients: Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) classification, model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, kidney failure, cardiovascular comorbidity, operation-related complications, and duration of hospital stay. Mortality rates were registered in hospital records and verified in government records during follow-up. Mortality rates were registered in hospital records and verified in government records during follow-up. On completion of the study, a retrospective survey was performed to search for any patients who met the study inclusion criteria but were left out of the study cohort. In total, 30 patients (25 males) underwent operation at a mean age of 58 years (standard deviation [SD] ± 9 years). Of these 30 patients, 6 were classified as CPT grade A (20%), 19 (63%) as grade B, and 5 (17%) as grade C. The patients' median MELD score was 12 (interquartile range [IQR], 8-16). In 10 (33%) of the 30 patients hernia repair was performed with mesh. The median duration of hospital stay was 3 days (IQR, 2-4). None of the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Postoperative complications included pneumonia and decompensation of cirrhosis (1 case each,) resulting in prolonged hospital stay for those 2

  7. Pediatric Oncology Branch - training- resident electives | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Resident Electives Select pediatric residents may be approved for a 4-week elective rotation at the Pediatric Oncology Branch. This rotation emphasizes the important connection between research and patient care in pediatric oncology. The resident is supervised directly by the Branch’s attending physician and clinical fellows. Residents attend daily in-patient and out-patient

  8. Aspirin reload before elective percutaneous coronary intervention: impact on serum thromboxane b2 and myocardial reperfusion indexes.

    PubMed

    Basili, Stefania; Tanzilli, Gaetano; Raparelli, Valeria; Calvieri, Camilla; Pignatelli, Pasquale; Carnevale, Roberto; Dominici, Marcello; Placanica, Attilio; Arrivi, Alessio; Farcomeni, Alessio; Barillà, Francesco; Mangieri, Enrico; Violi, Francesco

    2014-08-01

    Microvascular obstruction seems to predict poor outcome in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), but the underlying mechanism is still unclear. We analyzed whether serum thromboxane B2, a stable metabolite of thromboxane A2, may be implicated in post-PCI microvascular obstruction. We enrolled 91 patients (74 males, 66±10 years) on chronic low-dose aspirin therapy (aspirin, 100 mg daily) scheduled for elective PCI and randomly assigned to receive aspirin reload (325 mg orally, n=46) or no reload (control group, n=45) ≥1 hour before elective PCI. Serum levels of thromboxane B2, reperfusion indexes (corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction frame count and myocardial blush grade), and serum cardiac troponin I were assessed before and after PCI. Serum thromboxane B2 significantly increased after 120 minutes (P=0.0447) from PCI in control but not in aspirin reload group. After PCI, both groups showed a statistically significant reduction in corrected Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction frame count more evident in aspirin reload group (P=0.0023). Moreover, after PCI, 61% of patients allocated to aspirin reload and only 32% of patients allocated to control group reached normal microcirculatory reperfusion (myocardial blush grade=3); patients with myocardial blush grade=3 exhibited lower values of serum thromboxane B2 compared with those with myocardial blush grade <3 (P=0.05). Periprocedural cardiac troponin I significantly increased (F=3.64; P=0.01334) and correlated with serum thromboxane B2 (ρ=0.31; P=0.0413) in control but not in aspirin reload group. In addition, left ventricular ejection fraction significantly increased after PCI only in the aspirin reload group (P=0.0005). Aspirin loading dose before elective PCI improves myocardial reperfusion and injury indexes, suggesting a possible role of platelet thromboxane A2 in microvascular occlusion. http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01374698. © 2014

  9. Obstetrical outcomes of emergency compared with elective cervical cerclage.

    PubMed

    Gluck, Ohad; Mizrachi, Yossi; Ginath, Shimon; Bar, Jacob; Sagiv, Ron

    2017-07-01

    To study obstetric outcomes of emergency cerclage compared with elective cerclage. Retrospective cohort study of pregnancy outcomes of patients who underwent cervical cerclage, performed according to ACOG guidelines, between January 2006 and December 2014. Patients who underwent emergency cerclage, due to cervical shortening or cervical dilation (emergency cerclage group) were compared with patients who underwent history-indicated cerclage (elective cerclage group). Emergency cerclage was not performed in patients with uterine contractions, vaginal bleeding, or signs of chorioamnionitis. Procedure-related complications were defined as rupture of membranes or chorioamnionitis occurring after cerclage placement and before 24 weeks of gestation. Overall, 154 patients with elective cerclage and 47 patients with emergency cerclage were included. Mean gestational age at cerclage operation was 13.1 ± 1 and 20.2 ± 3 weeks, respectively. There were no differences between the emergency cerclage group and the elective cerclage group regarding mean gestational age at delivery (36.1 ± 3 versus 35.6 ± 3, respectively, p = 0.7), rate of deliveries beyond 34 weeks of gestation (81.81% versus 78.72%, respectively, p = 0.67), rate of deliveries beyond 37 weeks of gestation (64.93% versus 59.57%, respectively, p = 0.6), cesarean deliveries (33.11% versus 39.13%, p = 0.48, respectively), or birthweight (2848 versus 2862 grams, respectively, p = 0.9). Regarding procedure-related complications, there were no differences between the elective and the emergency cerclage groups in the rate of chorioamnionitis (1.29% versus 4.34%, respectively, p = 0.22), or ruptured membranes (1.29% versus 4.34%, respectively, p = 0.22). Pregnancy outcomes of emergency cerclage are comparable with those of elective cerclage.

  10. Changes in oral anticoagulation for elective cardioversion: results from a European cardioversion registry

    PubMed Central

    Papp, Judit; Zima, Endre; Bover, Ramon; Karaliute, Rasa; Rossi, Andrea; Szymanski, Catherine; Troccoli, Rossella; Schneider, Jonas; Fagerland, Morten Wang; Camm, A John; Atar, Dan

    2017-01-01

    Abstract Aims In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) pharmacological or electrical cardioversion may be performed to restore sinus rhythm. The procedure is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events, which can be significantly reduced by adequate anticoagulation (OAC). Our aim was to create a partly prospective, partly retrospective cardioversion registry, particularly focusing on OAC strategies in different European countries, and on emerging choice of OAC over time. Methods From September 2014 to October 2015, cardioversions due to AF performed in six European city hospitals in five European countries (Hungary: Budapest-1 and -2; Italy: Bari and Pisa; France: Amiens; Spain: Madrid; and Lithuania: Kaunas) were recorded in the registry. Results A total of 1101 patients (retrospective/prospective: 679/422, male/female: 742/359, mean age: 67.3 years ± 11.2) were registered. Most of the cardioversions were electrical (97%). Oral anticoagulants were administered in 87% of the patient, the usage of non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) vs Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) was 31.5% vs 68.5%, respectively. Seventy seven percent of the patients were given oral anticoagulants more than 3 weeks prior to the procedure, and 86% more than 4 weeks after the procedure. When using VKA, international normalized ratio (INR) at cardioversion was above 2.0 in 76% of the cases. A decline in VKA usage (P = 0.033) in elective cardioversion over approximately 1 year was observed. During the observation period, there was an increase in apixaban (P < 0.001), a slight increase in rivaroxaban (P = 0.028) and no changes in dabigatran (P = 0.34) usage for elective cardioversion. There were differences in use of OAC between the countries: Spain used most VKA (89%), while France used least VKA (39%, P < 0.001). Conclusion According to current AF guidelines, NOACs are adequate alternatives to VKA for thromboembolic prevention in AF patients undergoing elective

  11. Short-term versus long-term administration of single prophylactic antibiotic in elective gastric tumor surgery.

    PubMed

    Wang, Fang; Chen, Xin-Zu; Liu, Jie; Yang, Kun; Zhang, Bo; Chen, Zhi-Xin; Chen, Jia-Ping; Hu, Jian-Kun; Zhou, Zong-Guang; Mo, Xian-Min; Mo, Xian-Min

    2012-09-01

    To evaluate short-term versus long-term single prophylactic antibiotic for elective gastric tumor surgery. Patients in a single surgical team undergoing elective gastric tumor surgery were enrolled from November 2009 to December 2010. The included patients were aged from 18 to 70 years without conditions as severe comorbidity, preoperative infectious diseases, antibiotic administration 48 h before surgery, exploratory laparotomy only or combined colorectal resection, neoadjuvant chemotherapy, or steroid administration before surgery. The overall and infection-related postoperative complications and also economic outcomes were analyzed. The software SPSS 17.0 and TreeAge Pro 2007 were used for statistics. Patients (n=158 (45 vs. 113)) were enrolled in short-term and long-term groups. No death cases occurred. Overall postoperative complication rates were 8.9% and 8.0%, respectively (p=1.000). The rates of infection related complications were 8.9% and 4.4%, respectively (p=0.231). No surgical site infection (SSI) occurred in the short-term group, whereas SSI was 1.8% in the long-term group. Total hospitalization cost (THC) of short-term branch was 36,557RMB per patients and preferable against 39,523RMB of long-term branch. Incremental cost-effectiveness analysis showed there was a 10 times interval between the extra healthcare expenditure of benefit and harm. Short-term administration did not increase the risk of postoperative complications and was more cost-effective.

  12. Anesthetic Considerations in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery: A Review Article

    PubMed Central

    Soleimanpour, Hassan; Safari, Saeid; Sanaie, Sarvin; Nazari, Mehdi; Alavian, Seyed Moayed

    2017-01-01

    Context This article discusses the anesthetic considerations in patients undergoing bariatric surgery in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of surgery. Evidence Acquisition This review includes studies involving obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Searches have been conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Review using the terms obese, obesity, bariatric, anesthesia, perioperative, preoperative, perioperative, postoperative, and their combinations. Results Obesity is a major worldwide health problem associated with many comorbidities. Bariatric surgery has been proposed as the best alternative treatment for extreme obese patients when all other therapeutic options have failed. Conclusions Anesthetists must completely assess the patients before the surgery to identify anesthesia- related potential risk factors and prepare for management during the surgery. PMID:29430407

  13. The effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

    PubMed

    Ro, You-Ja; Ha, Hyae-Chung; Kim, Chun-Gill; Yeom, Hye-A

    2002-08-01

    This study was designed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. The participants were 29 adult patients living in Seoul, Korea. Thirteen patients were assigned to the experimental group and received the aromatherapy massage on the arm 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pruritus score, skin pH, stratum corneum hydration, and pruritus-related biochemical markers were measured before and after the treatment. The results showed that pruritus score was significantly decreased after aromatherapy. Skin pH showed no significant changes in either group while stratum corneum hydration increased significantly in the experimental group after aromatherapy. The results support the use aromatherapy as a useful and effective method of managing pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

  14. Dermatological Manifestations in Patients Undergoing In Vitro Fertilisation: A Prospective Study.

    PubMed

    Sood, Aradhana; Sahu, Suvash; Karunakaran, Sandeep; Joshi, Rajneesh K; Raman, Deep Kumar

    Changing sociodemographic patterns with an increase in the age of childbirth have affected fertility rates worldwide. With advancing reproductive medicine, assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) are becoming common. While dermatological manifestations in normal pregnancies have been well documented, there is a paucity of data regarding cutaneous manifestations in patients undergoing ART. The objectives of our study were to estimate the incidence and types of dermatological manifestations in patients undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and to study their associations with age, type of infertility, and outcome of the procedure. A prospective cohort of 200 patients undergoing IVF in a tertiary care centre was observed for occurrence of any dermatological manifestations from initiation of the IVF protocol to the outcome of the procedure at 3 weeks after embryo transfer. Dermatological manifestations were seen in 27% of the study group, with urticaria being the most common cutaneous finding seen in 13.5%, followed by acneform eruptions (3%). Twenty-six (96.3%) of patients who manifested with urticaria were on progesterone. No statistically significant association was found between the occurrence of dermatological manifestations and the outcome of IVF, type of infertility, history of ART, and ovum donation in our study. Association between the age of the patient and the outcome of IVF cycle was statistically significant. Dermatological manifestations are seen in almost one-quarter of patients undergoing IVF, with progesterone-induced urticaria being the most common. Occurrence of cutaneous manifestations has no significant association with the outcome of IVF.

  15. The role of Rajyoga meditation for modulation of anxiety and serum cortisol in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery: A prospective randomized control study.

    PubMed

    Kiran, Usha; Ladha, Suruchi; Makhija, Neeti; Kapoor, Poonam Malhotra; Choudhury, Minati; Das, Sambhunath; Gharde, Parag; Malik, Vishwas; Airan, Balram

    2017-01-01

    Rajyoga meditation is a form of mind body intervention that is promoted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. This form of meditation can be easily performed without rituals or mantras and can be practiced anywhere at any time. The practice of Rajyoga meditation can have beneficial effects on modulating anxiety and cortisol level in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. A prospective randomized control study was carried out in a single tertiary care center. One hundred and fifty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized in two groups namely, Group 1 (Rajyoga group) and Group 2 (Control Group). Anxiety was measured on a visual analog scale 1-10 before the start of Rajyoga training or patient counseling (T1), on the morning of the day of surgery (T2), on the 2nd postoperative day (T3), and on the 5th postoperative day (T4). The serum cortisol level was measured in the morning of the day of surgery (T1), on the 2nd postoperative day (T2) and on the 5th postoperative day (T3), respectively. In the study, it was seen that the anxiety level of the patients before the surgery (T1) and on the day of surgery (T2) were comparable between the two groups. However on the 2nd postoperative day (T3), the patients who underwent Rajyoga training had lower anxiety level in comparison to the control group (3.12 ± 1.45 vs. 6.12 ± 0.14, P < 0.05) and on the 5th postoperative day (T4) it was seen that Rajyoga practice had resulted in significant decline in anxiety level (0.69 ± 1.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.38, P < 0.05). The serum cortisol level was also favorably modulated by the practice of Rajyoga meditation. Mindbody intervention is found to effective in reducing the anxiety of the patients and modulating the cortisol level in patients undergoing wellknown stressful surgery like coronary artery bypass surgery.

  16. Cultural implications of differing rates of medically indicated and elective cesarean deliveries for foreign-born versus native-born taiwanese mothers.

    PubMed

    Huang, Chun-Che; Li, Chung-Yi; Yang, Chiang-Hsing

    2012-07-01

    The study aimed to assess the number of medically indicated and elective cesarean deliveries among foreign-born and native-born mothers in Taiwan. National Health Insurance (NHI) inpatient datasets in Taiwan between 2001 and 2003 showed 673,830 singleton deliveries, of which 66,687 were to foreign-born mothers and 607,143 were to Taiwan-born mothers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate the likelihood of using inpatient services for medically indicated and elective cesarean delivery. During the study period, foreign-born mothers were significantly less likely to undergo medically indicated (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.79-0.85) and elective (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.47-0.53) cesarean delivery than Taiwan-born mothers after adjusting for clinical and nonclinical factors. Foreign-born mothers aged 18-50 years are less likely to undergo medically indicated and elective cesarean delivery under Taiwan's NHI coverage. As the birth rate for immigrant women increases, cross-cultural maternity care during pregnancy and childbirth for immigrant mothers needs to be addressed.

  17. Systemic perioperative prophylaxis in elective oncological colorectal surgery: cefotetan versus clindamicin plus aztreonam.

    PubMed

    Bellantone, R; Pacelli, F; Sofo, L; Doglietto, G B; Bossola, M; Ratto, C; Crucitti, F

    1988-01-01

    A prospective randomized study was performed with 65 patients undergoing elective surgery for colorectal cancer, to evaluate the prophylactic effect of two different parenteral antibiotic regimens. All patients underwent rigorous mechanical cleansing of the bowel (enemas, laxatives), received low-residue diet 3 days pre-operatively, and were given oral metronidazole (250 mg) five times a day for 3 days preoperatively. They were divided into two groups comparable in age, nutritional status and operative procedure. The patients in group A (36) received 2 g i.v. of cefotetan at induction of anaesthesia and two other administrations every 12 h. Patients in group B (29) were given clindamicin (600 mg, i.v.) at induction of anaesthesia plus aztreonam (1 g, i.v.); two other doses of the same combined antibiotics were administered every 8 h. Five patients were excluded from the study because they underwent Miles procedure; two others because they underwent explorative laparotomy only. The overall incidence of post-operative septic complications was 6.9% (4/58). No significant differences were found in terms of the rate of surgical infections: 3.1 in group A (1/32) and 0% in group B. Urinary tract infections (1 case) and respiratory tract infections (2 cases) were observed only in group B: the rate was found to be 11.5% (3/26); two anastomotic leakages were observed in group A (6.25%) and one in group B (3.8%). These data suggest that cefotetan appears to be as effective as clindamicin plus aztreonam in prophylaxis against infection in elective colorectal surgery.

  18. Sinusitis in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation - a review.

    PubMed

    Drozd-Sokolowska, Joanna Ewa; Sokolowski, Jacek; Wiktor-Jedrzejczak, Wieslaw; Niemczyk, Kazimierz

    Sinusitis is a common morbidity in general population, however little is known about its occurrence in severely immunocompromised patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The aim of the study was to analyze the literature concerning sinusitis in patients undergoing allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. An electronic database search was performed with the objective of identifying all original trials examining sinusitis in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. The search was limited to English-language publications. Twenty five studies, published between 1985 and 2015 were identified, none of them being a randomized clinical trial. They reported on 31-955 patients, discussing different issues i.e. value of pretransplant sinonasal evaluation and its impact on post-transplant morbidity and mortality, treatment, risk factors analysis. Results from analyzed studies yielded inconsistent results. Nevertheless, some recommendations for good practice could be made. First, it seems advisable to screen all patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation with Computed Tomography (CT) prior to procedure. Second, patients with symptoms of sinusitis should be treated before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), preferably with conservative medical approach. Third, patients who have undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation should be monitored closely for sinusitis, especially in the early period after transplantation. Copyright © 2016 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

  19. Managing direct oral anticoagulants in patients undergoing dentoalveolar surgery.

    PubMed

    Patel, J P; Woolcombe, S A; Patel, R K; Obisesan, O; Roberts, L N; Bryant, C; Arya, R

    2017-02-24

    Our objective was to describe our experience of managing a cohort of adult patients prescribed direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) undergoing dentoalveolar procedures between November 2012 and May 2016. Prior to conducting a procedure a formal assessment was made of each patient's anticoagulation treatment. A specific plan was then formulated, balancing the risk of bleeding with the risk of thrombosis. Patients received a telephone consultation one week following treatment to assess any post-operative bleeding. Eighty-two patients underwent 111 oral surgical procedures, the majority of which were dental extractions. In the case of 35 (32%) procedures, advice was given to omit the DOAC, either before or after treatment. There was no bleeding following the majority of procedures. Persistent bleeding followed 15 (13.5%) procedures, of which 7 (6.3%) procedures required specific intervention. The majority of patients prescribed DOACs can undergo dentoalveolar procedures safely. Important considerations when planning treatment are: (i) when the patient usually takes their dose of DOAC, (ii) the time the procedure is performed and, (iii) when the DOAC is taken post-procedure. In our experience, if these factors are considered carefully, omission of DOAC doses is unlikely to be required for most patients.

  20. Knowledge of electromyography (EMG) in patients undergoing EMG examinations

    PubMed Central

    Mondelli, Mauro; Aretini, Alessandro; Greco, Giuseppe

    2014-01-01

    Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate knowledge of electromyography (EMG) in patients undergoing the procedure. In one year, 1,586 consecutive patients (mean age 56 years; 58.8% women) were admitted to two EMG labs to undergo EMG for the first time. The patients found to be “informed” about the how an EMG examination is performed and about the purpose of EMG numbered 448 (28.2%), while those found to be “informed” only about the manner of its execution or only about its purpose numbered 161 (10.2%) and 151 (9.5%), respectively. The remaining 826 (52.1%) patients had either no information, or the information they had was very poor or incorrect (this was particularly true if they had been consulting websites). Being “informed” was associated with level of education (high), type of referring physician (specialist) and with an appropriate referral diagnosis specified in the EMG request. The quality of patient information on EMG was found to be very poor and could be improved. Physicians referring patients for EMG examinations, especially general practitioners, should assume primary responsibility for patient education and counseling in this field. PMID:25473740

  1. Management of Patients with Orthopaedic Implants Undergoing Dental Procedures.

    PubMed

    Quinn, Robert H; Murray, Jayson N; Pezold, Ryan; Sevarino, Kaitlyn S

    2017-07-01

    The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, in collaboration with the American Dental Association, has developed Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for the Management of Patients with Orthopaedic Implants Undergoing Dental Procedures. Evidence-based information, in conjunction with the clinical expertise of physicians, was used to develop the criteria to improve patient care and obtain best outcomes while considering the subtleties and distinctions necessary in making clinical decisions. The Management of Patients with Orthopaedic Implants Undergoing Dental Procedures AUC clinical patient scenarios were derived from indications of patients with orthopaedic implants presenting for dental procedures, as well as from current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and supporting literature to identify the appropriateness of the use of prophylactic antibiotics. The 64 patient scenarios and 1 treatment were developed by the writing panel, a group of clinicians who are specialists in this AUC topic. Next, a separate, multidisciplinary, voting panel (made up of specialists and nonspecialists) rated the appropriateness of treatment of each patient scenario using a 9-point scale to designate a treatment as Appropriate (median rating, 7 to 9), May Be Appropriate (median rating, 4 to 6), or Rarely Appropriate (median rating, 1 to 3).

  2. Equity of access to elective surgery: reflections from NZ clinicians.

    PubMed

    McLeod, Deborah; Dew, Kevin; Morgan, Sonya; Dowell, Anthony; Cumming, Jackie; Cormack, Donna; McKinlay, Eileen; Love, Tom

    2004-10-01

    To explore factors potentially influencing equitable access to elective surgery in New Zealand by describing clinicians' perceptions of equity and the factors they consider when prioritising patients for elective surgery. A qualitative study in selected New Zealand localities. A purposive sample of 49 general practitioners, specialists and registrars were interviewed. Data were analysed thematically. General practitioners described unequal opportunities for patients to access primary and secondary care and, in particular, private sector elective surgery. They felt that socio-economically disadvantaged patients were less able to advocate for themselves and were more vulnerable to being lost to the elective surgical booking system as well as being less able to access private care. Both GPs and secondary care clinicians described situations where they would personally advocate for individual patients to improve their access. Advocacy was related to clinicians' perceptions of the 'value' that patients would receive from the surgery and patients' needs for public sector funding. The structure of the health system contributes to inequities in access to elective care in New Zealand. Subjective decision making by clinicians has the potential to advantage or disadvantage patients through the weighting clinicians place on socio-demographic factors when making rationing decisions. Review of the potential structural barriers to equitable access, further public debate and guidance for clinicians on the relative importance of socio-demographic factors in deciding access to rationed services are required for allocation of services to be fair.

  3. 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.

  4. Hospital costs associated with smoking in veterans undergoing general surgery.

    PubMed

    Kamath, Aparna S; Vaughan Sarrazin, Mary; Vander Weg, Mark W; Cai, Xueya; Cullen, Joseph; Katz, David A

    2012-06-01

    Approximately 30% of patients undergoing elective general surgery smoke cigarettes. The association between smoking status and hospital costs in general surgery patients is unknown. The objectives of this study were to compare total inpatient costs in current smokers, former smokers, and never smokers undergoing general surgical procedures in Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals; and to determine whether the relationship between smoking and cost is mediated by postoperative complications. Patients undergoing general surgery during the period of October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006 were identified in the VA Surgical Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) data set. Inpatient costs were extracted from the VA Decision Support System (DSS). Relative surgical costs (incurred during index hospitalization and within 30 days of operation) for current and former smokers relative to never smokers, and possible mediators of the association between smoking status and cost were estimated using generalized linear regression models. Models were adjusted for preoperative and operative variables, accounting for clustering of costs at the hospital level. Of the 14,853 general surgical patients, 34% were current smokers, 39% were former smokers, and 27% were never smokers. After controlling for patient covariates, current smokers had significantly higher costs compared with never smokers: relative cost was 1.04 (95% Cl 1.00 to 1.07; p = 0.04); relative costs for former smokers did not differ significantly from those of never smokers: 1.02 (95% Cl 0.99 to 1.06; p = 0.14). The relationship between smoking and hospital costs for current smokers was partially mediated by postoperative respiratory complications. These findings complement emerging evidence recommending effective smoking cessation programs in general surgical patients and provide an estimate of the potential savings that could be accrued during the preoperative period. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  5. Population Pharmacokinetics of Vancomycin in Patients Undergoing Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation.

    PubMed

    Okada, Akira; Kariya, Misato; Irie, Kei; Okada, Yutaka; Hiramoto, Nobuhiro; Hashimoto, Hisako; Kajioka, Ryosuke; Maruyama, Chika; Kasai, Hidefumi; Hamori, Mami; Nishimura, Asako; Shibata, Nobuhito; Fukushima, Keizo; Sugioka, Nobuyuki

    2018-05-15

    Vancomycin is a commonly used antimicrobial agent for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Vancomycin has large inter- and intraindividual pharmacokinetic variability, which is mainly described by renal function; various studies have indicated that vancomycin pharmacokinetics are altered in special populations. However, little is known regarding vancomycin pharmacokinetics in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Therefore, we aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PopPK) model of vancomycin in patients undergoing allo-HSCT for effective and safe antimicrobial therapy and to develop a vancomycin dosing nomogram for a vancomycin optimal-dosing strategy. In total, 285 observations from 95 patients undergoing allo-HSCT were available. The final PopPK parameter estimates were central volume of distribution (V1, L), 39.2; clearance (L/h), 4.25; peripheral volume of distribution (V2, L), 56.1; and intercompartmental clearance (L/h), 1.95. The developed vancomycin model revealed an increase in V1 and V2 compared with those in the general population that consisted of patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Moreover, serum creatinine was reduced because of an increase in the plasma fraction because of destruction of hematopoietic stem cells accompanying allo-HSCT pretreatment, suggesting that the Cockcroft-Gault equation-based creatinine clearance value was overestimated. To our knowledge, this is the first PopPK study to develop a dosing nomogram for vancomycin in patients undergoing allo-HSCT and was proven to be useful in optimizing the dosage and dosing interval of vancomycin in these patients. This strategy will provide more useful information for vancomycin therapy with an evidence-based dose adjustment. © 2018, The American College of Clinical Pharmacology.

  6. MORTALITY OF URGENCY VERSUS ELECTIVE VIDEOLAPAROSCOPIC CHOLECYSTECTOMY FOR ACUTE CHOLECYSTITIS.

    PubMed

    Felício, Saulo José Oliveira; Matos, Ediriomar Peixoto; Cerqueira, Antonio Maurício; Farias, Kurt Wolfgang Schindler Freire de; Silva, Ramon de Assis; Torres, Mateus de Oliveira

    2017-01-01

    Surgical approach is still controversial in patients with acute cholecystitis: to treat clinically the inflammatory process and operate electively later or to operate immediately on an emergency basis? To test the hypothesis that urgent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in acute cholecystitis has a higher mortality than elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. From the data available in Datasus, mortality was compared between patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy for cholelithiasis and in urgency. Calculations were made of the relative reduction in risk of death, absolute reduction of risk of death and number needed to treat. From 2009 to 2014 in Brazil, there were 250.439 laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 74.6% were electives. Mortality in the emergency group was 4.8 times higher compared to the elective group (0.0023% vs. 0.00048%). Despite the relative reduction in risk of death (RRR) was 83%, in the calculation of absolute risk was found 0.0018 and number needed to treat of 55,555. Despite the relative risk reduction for mortality was high comparing elective vs. urgent basis, the absolute risk reduction was minimal, since this outcome is very low in both groups, suggesting that mortality should not have much influence on surgical decision. Continua controversa a conduta nos pacientes com colecistite aguda: compensar o processo inflamatório e operar eletivamente ou operar imediatamente em caráter de urgência? Testar a hipótese de que a colecistectomia videolaparoscópica de urgência por colecistite aguda apresenta maior mortalidade que a colecistectomia videolaparoscópica eletiva. A partir dos dados disponíveis no Datasus, foi comparada a mortalidade entre os pacientes submetidos à colecistectomia videolaparoscópica eletiva por colelitíase e a de urgência. Foram realizados cálculos da redução relativa de risco de morte, redução absoluta do risco de morte e número necessário para tratar . De 2009 a 2014 no Brasil, foram realizadas

  7. Randomized trial of one-hour sodium bicarbonate vs standard periprocedural saline hydration in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing cardiovascular contrast procedures.

    PubMed

    Kooiman, Judith; de Vries, Jean-Paul P M; Van der Heyden, Jan; Sijpkens, Yvo W J; van Dijkman, Paul R M; Wever, Jan J; van Overhagen, Hans; Vahl, Antonie C; Aarts, Nico; Verberk-Jonkers, Iris J A M; Brulez, Harald F H; Hamming, Jaap F; van der Molen, Aart J; Cannegieter, Suzanne C; Putter, Hein; van den Hout, Wilbert B; Kilicsoy, Inci; Rabelink, Ton J; Huisman, Menno V

    2018-01-01

    Guidelines advise periprocedural saline hydration for prevention of contrast induced-acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). We analysed whether 1-hour sodium bicarbonate hydration administered solely prior to intra-arterial contrast exposure is non-inferior to standard periprocedural saline hydration in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing elective cardiovascular diagnostic or interventional contrast procedures. We performed an open-label multicentre non-inferiority trial between 2011-2014. Patients were randomized to 1 hour pre-procedure sodium bicarbonate hydration (250 ml 1.4%, N = 168) or 4-12 hours saline hydration (1000 ml 0.9%, N = 165) prior to and following contrast administration (2000 ml of saline total). Primary outcome was the relative serum creatinine increase (%) 48-96 hours post contrast exposure. Secondary outcomes were: incidence of CI-AKI (serum creatinine increase>25% or >44μmol/L), recovery of renal function, the need for dialysis, and hospital costs within two months follow-up. Mean relative creatinine increase was 3.1% (95%CI 0.9 to 5.2%) in the bicarbonate and 1.1% (95%CI -1.2 to 3.5%) in the saline arm, mean difference 1.9% (95%CI -1.2 to 5.1%, p-non-inferiority <0.001). CI-AKI occurred in 11 (6.7%) patients randomized to sodium bicarbonate and 12 (7.5%) to saline (p = 0.79). Renal function did not fully recover in 40.0% and 44.4% of CI-AKI patients, respectively (p = 0.84). No patient required dialysis. Mean costs for preventive hydration and clinical preparation for the contrast procedure were $1158 for sodium bicarbonate vs. $1561 for saline (p < 0.001). Short hydration with sodium bicarbonate prior to elective cardiovascular diagnostic or therapeutic contrast procedures is non-inferior to standard periprocedural saline hydration in CKD patients with respect to renal safety and results in considerable healthcare savings. Netherlands Trial Register (http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/index.asp), Nr NTR2699.

  8. Randomized trial of one-hour sodium bicarbonate vs standard periprocedural saline hydration in chronic kidney disease patients undergoing cardiovascular contrast procedures

    PubMed Central

    de Vries, Jean-Paul P. M.; Van der Heyden, Jan; Sijpkens, Yvo W. J.; van Dijkman, Paul R. M.; Wever, Jan J.; van Overhagen, Hans; Vahl, Antonie C.; Aarts, Nico; Verberk-Jonkers, Iris J. A. M.; Brulez, Harald F. H.; Hamming, Jaap F.; van der Molen, Aart J.; Cannegieter, Suzanne C.; Putter, Hein; van den Hout, Wilbert B.; Kilicsoy, Inci; Rabelink, Ton J.; Huisman, Menno V.

    2018-01-01

    Background Guidelines advise periprocedural saline hydration for prevention of contrast induced-acute kidney injury (CI-AKI). We analysed whether 1-hour sodium bicarbonate hydration administered solely prior to intra-arterial contrast exposure is non-inferior to standard periprocedural saline hydration in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing elective cardiovascular diagnostic or interventional contrast procedures. Methods We performed an open-label multicentre non-inferiority trial between 2011–2014. Patients were randomized to 1 hour pre-procedure sodium bicarbonate hydration (250 ml 1.4%, N = 168) or 4–12 hours saline hydration (1000 ml 0.9%, N = 165) prior to and following contrast administration (2000 ml of saline total). Primary outcome was the relative serum creatinine increase (%) 48–96 hours post contrast exposure. Secondary outcomes were: incidence of CI-AKI (serum creatinine increase>25% or >44μmol/L), recovery of renal function, the need for dialysis, and hospital costs within two months follow-up. Results Mean relative creatinine increase was 3.1% (95%CI 0.9 to 5.2%) in the bicarbonate and 1.1% (95%CI -1.2 to 3.5%) in the saline arm, mean difference 1.9% (95%CI -1.2 to 5.1%, p-non-inferiority <0.001). CI-AKI occurred in 11 (6.7%) patients randomized to sodium bicarbonate and 12 (7.5%) to saline (p = 0.79). Renal function did not fully recover in 40.0% and 44.4% of CI-AKI patients, respectively (p = 0.84). No patient required dialysis. Mean costs for preventive hydration and clinical preparation for the contrast procedure were $1158 for sodium bicarbonate vs. $1561 for saline (p < 0.001). Conclusion Short hydration with sodium bicarbonate prior to elective cardiovascular diagnostic or therapeutic contrast procedures is non-inferior to standard periprocedural saline hydration in CKD patients with respect to renal safety and results in considerable healthcare savings. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register (http

  9. Elective induction of labor: part 2.

    PubMed

    Crosby, Warren

    2008-12-01

    The elective induction of labor has become commonplace, and many are concerned that the practice introduces risks for the woman and the fetus that would not be incurred if labor had been allowed to begin spontaneously. This second paper of a two-part communication reviews the risks and benefits of the elective induction of labor, and concludes that the risks of the induction of labor are few when the patient is properly screened medically and appropriately informed. The principal worry is a doubled risk of Cesarean delivery among primigravidas (not multiparas) in whom labor is electively induced. The benefits of selecting the date of delivery are powerful incentives for busy working women. But the benefits are primarily social, and add to the convenience of both the patient and her doctor. The risks, however, are medical, and are not confined to the pregnancy at risk. Appropriately informed consent is the key to balance the risks and benefits.

  10. International electives in neurology training

    PubMed Central

    Lyons, Jennifer L.; Coleman, Mary E.; Engstrom, John W.

    2014-01-01

    Objective: To ascertain the current status of global health training and humanitarian relief opportunities in US and Canadian postgraduate neurology programs. Background: There is a growing interest among North American trainees to pursue medical electives in low- and middle-income countries. Such training opportunities provide many educational and humanitarian benefits but also pose several challenges related to organization, human resources, funding, and trainee and patient safety. The current support and engagement of neurology postgraduate training programs for trainees to pursue international rotations is unknown. Methods: A survey was distributed to all program directors in the United States and Canada (December 2012–February 2013) through the American Academy of Neurology to assess the training opportunities, institutional partnerships, and support available for international neurology electives. Results: Approximately half of responding programs (53%) allow residents to pursue global health–related electives, and 11% reported that at least 1 trainee participated in humanitarian relief during training (survey response rate 61%, 143/234 program directors). Canadian programs were more likely to allow residents to pursue international electives than US programs (10/11, 91% vs 65/129, 50%, p = 0.023). The number of trainees participating in international electives was low: 0%–9% of residents (55% of programs) and 10%–19% of residents (21% of programs). Lack of funding was the most commonly cited reason for residents not participating in global health electives. If funding was available, 93% of program directors stated there would be time for residents to participate. Most program directors (75%) were interested in further information on global health electives. Conclusions: In spite of high perceived interest, only half of US neurology training programs include international electives, mostly due to a reported lack of funding. By contrast, the majority

  11. Elective oocyte cryopreservation for deferred childbearing.

    PubMed

    Goldman, Kara N; Grifo, Jamie A

    2016-12-01

    Elective oocyte cryopreservation for deferred childbearing has gained popularity worldwide, commensurate with increased knowledge regarding age-related fertility decline. The purpose of this review is to summarize recent data regarding trends in delayed childbearing, review recent findings surrounding age-related fertility decline, acknowledge significant gaps in knowledge among patients and providers regarding fertility decline and review outcomes following elective oocyte cryopreservation. Despite an inevitable decline in fertility and increase in miscarriage with increasing female age, there is a growing worldwide trend to delay childbearing. Patients and providers alike demonstrate large gaps in knowledge surrounding age-related fertility decline. Oocyte cryopreservation is clinically approved for medically indicated fertility preservation, but a growing number of women are using oocyte cryopreservation to defer childbearing and maintain reproductive autonomy. Mounting data support the efficacy and safety of oocyte cryopreservation when used to electively defer childbearing, with recent studies demonstrating rates of euploidy, implantation and live birth rates equivalent to in-vitro fertilization (IVF) with fresh oocytes. Oocyte cryopreservation provides women with an option to defer childbearing and maintain reproductive autonomy, with IVF success rates on par with fresh IVF. However, it is critical that patients understand the limitations of oocyte cryopreservation. Greater education regarding age-related fertility decline should be geared toward patients and providers to prevent unintended childlessness.

  12. Reducing psychological distress in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Milanti, Ariesta; Metsälä, Eija; Hannula, Leena

    Psychological distress is a common problem among patients with cancer, yet it mostly goes unreported and untreated. This study examined the association of a psycho-educational intervention with the psychological distress levels of breast cancer and cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The design of the study was quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design with a comparison group. One hundred patients at a cancer hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia, completed Distress Thermometer screening before and after chemotherapy. Fifty patients in the intervention group were given a psycho-educational video with positive reappraisal, education and relaxation contents, while receiving chemotherapy. Patients who received the psycho-educational intervention had significantly lower distress levels compared with those in the control group. Routine distress screening, followed by distress management and outcome assessment, is needed to improve the wellbeing of cancer patients.

  13. Peginesatide in patients with anemia undergoing hemodialysis.

    PubMed

    Fishbane, Steven; Schiller, Brigitte; Locatelli, Francesco; Covic, Adrian C; Provenzano, Robert; Wiecek, Andrzej; Levin, Nathan W; Kaplan, Mark; Macdougall, Iain C; Francisco, Carol; Mayo, Martha R; Polu, Krishna R; Duliege, Anne-Marie; Besarab, Anatole

    2013-01-24

    Peginesatide, a synthetic peptide-based erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA), is a potential therapy for anemia in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. We conducted two randomized, controlled, open-label studies (EMERALD 1 and EMERALD 2) involving patients undergoing hemodialysis. Cardiovascular safety was evaluated by analysis of an adjudicated composite safety end point--death from any cause, stroke, myocardial infarction, or serious adverse events of congestive heart failure, unstable angina, or arrhythmia--with the use of pooled data from the two EMERALD studies and two studies involving patients not undergoing dialysis. In the EMERALD studies, 1608 patients received peginesatide once monthly or continued to receive epoetin one to three times a week, with the doses adjusted as necessary to maintain a hemoglobin level between 10.0 and 12.0 g per deciliter for 52 weeks or more. The primary efficacy end point was the mean change from the baseline hemoglobin level to the mean level during the evaluation period; noninferiority was established if the lower limit of the two-sided 95% confidence interval was -1.0 g per deciliter or higher in the comparison of peginesatide with epoetin. The aim of evaluating the composite safety end point in the pooled cohort was to exclude a hazard ratio with peginesatide relative to the comparator ESA of more than 1.3. In an analysis involving 693 patients from EMERALD 1 and 725 from EMERALD 2, peginesatide was noninferior to epoetin in maintaining hemoglobin levels (mean between-group difference, -0.15 g per deciliter; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.30 to -0.01 in EMERALD 1; and 0.10 g per deciliter; 95% CI, -0.05 to 0.26 in EMERALD 2). The hazard ratio for the composite safety end point was 1.06 (95% CI, 0.89 to 1.26) with peginesatide relative to the comparator ESA in the four pooled studies (2591 patients) and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.77 to 1.17) in the EMERALD studies. The proportions of patients with adverse and serious

  14. The impact of endovascular aneurysm repair on mortality for elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in England and the United States.

    PubMed

    Karthikesalingam, Alan; Holt, Peter J; Vidal-Diez, Alberto; Bahia, Sandeep S; Patterson, Benjamin O; Hinchliffe, Robert J; Thompson, Matthew M

    2016-08-01

    Procedural mortality is of paramount importance for patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. Previous comparative studies have demonstrated international differences in the care of ruptured AAA. This study compared the use of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and in-hospital mortality for elective AAA repair in England and the United States. The English Hospital Episode Statistics and the U.S. Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) were interrogated for elective AAA repair from 2005 to 2010. In-hospital mortality and the use of EVAR were analyzed separately for each health care system, after within-country risk adjustment for age, gender, year, and an accepted national comorbidity index. The study included 21,272 patients with AAA in England, of whom 86.61% were male, with median (interquartile range) age of 74 (69-79) years. There were 196,113 AAA patients in the United States, of whom 76.14% were male, with median (interquartile range) age of 73 (67-78) years. In-hospital mortality was greater in England (4.09% vs 1.96 %; P < .01) and EVAR less common (37.33% vs 64.36%; P < .01). These observations persisted in age- and gender-matched comparison. In both countries, lower mortality and greater use of EVAR were seen in centers performing greater numbers of AAA repairs per annum. In England, lower mortality and greater use of EVAR were seen in teaching hospitals with larger bed capacity. In-hospital survival and the uptake of EVAR are lower in England than in the United States. In both countries, mortality was lowest in high-caseload centers performing a greater proportion of cases with endovascular repair. These common factors suggest strategies for improving outcomes for patients requiring elective AAA repair. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  15. Age at death of patients with colorectal cancer and the effect of lead-time bias on survival in elective vs emergency surgery.

    PubMed

    MacDonald, A J; McEwan, H; McCabe, M; Macdonald, A

    2011-05-01

    Colorectal cancer survival depends on stage at presentation, and current strategies aim for improvements through early detection. Previous studies have demonstrated improved survival from diagnosis but not increased life expectancy. While lead-time bias may account for variations in known prognostic indicators and also influence screening programmes, only age at death provides a true representation of the effectiveness of an intervention. We aimed to compare age at death for patients with colorectal cancer presenting on an emergency or elective basis. Patients presenting with colorectal cancer (2000-2006) were entered into a prospective database (analysis 1 December 2008). Fields included age at death, emergency/elective presentation, palliative/curative intent and disease stage. One thousand six hundred and fifty patients (922 men) were identified. Elective patients presented younger than emergency patients (67.9 vs 70.6 years; P < 0.005). Dukes B patients presented older than Dukes D (P = 0.02). Mortality was 41% at time of analysis; no difference was seen in mean age at death between emergency and elective presentation (72.8 vs 72.0 years; P = 0.379) or palliative and curative intent (72.0 vs 72.5 years; P = 0.604). Colorectal cancer is common in a population where actuarial life expectancy is limited. Current colorectal cancer early detection strategies may improve cancer-specific survival by increasing lead-time bias but do not influence overall life expectancy. © 2011 The Authors. Colorectal Disease © 2011 The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

  16. Role of genetic testing in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

    PubMed

    Moon, Jae Youn; Franchi, Francesco; Rollini, Fabiana; Rivas Rios, Jose R; Kureti, Megha; Cavallari, Larisa H; Angiolillo, Dominick J

    2018-02-01

    Variability in individual response profiles to antiplatelet therapy, in particular clopidogrel, is a well-established phenomenon. Genetic variations of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 enzyme, a key determinant in clopidogrel metabolism, have been associated with clopidogrel response profiles. Moreover, the presence of a CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele is associated with an increased risk of atherothrombotic events among clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), prompting studies evaluating the use of genetic tests to identify patients who may be potential candidates for alternative platelet P2Y 12 receptor inhibiting therapies (prasugrel or ticagrelor). Areas covered: The present manuscript provides an overview of genetic factors associated with response profiles to platelet P2Y 12 receptor inhibitors and their clinical implications, as well as the most recent developments and future considerations on the role of genetic testing in patients undergoing PCI. Expert commentary: The availability of more user-friendly genetic tests has contributed towards the development of many ongoing clinical trials and personalized medicine programs for patients undergoing PCI. Results of pilot investigations have shown promising results, which however need to be confirmed in larger-scale studies to support the routine use of genetic testing as a strategy to personalize antiplatelet therapy and improve clinical outcomes.

  17. Development of Postoperative Diabetes Mellitus in Patients Undergoing Distal Pancreatectomy versus Whipple Procedure.

    PubMed

    Nguyen, Adrienne; Demirjian, Aram; Yamamoto, Maki; Hollenbach, Kathryn; Imagawa, David K

    2017-10-01

    Because the islets of Langerhans are more prevalent in the body and tail of the pancreas, distal pancreatectomy (DP) is believed to increase the likelihood of developing new onset diabetes mellitus (NODM). To determine whether the development of postoperative diabetes was more prevalent in patients undergoing DP or Whipple procedure, 472 patients undergoing either a DP (n = 122) or Whipple (n = 350), regardless of underlying pathology, were analyzed at one month postoperatively. Insulin or oral hypoglycemic requirements were assessed and patients were stratified into preoperative diabetic status: NODM or preexisting diabetes. A retrospective chart review of the 472 patients between 1996 and 2014 showed that the total rate of NODM after Whipple procedure was 43 per cent, which was not different from patients undergoing DP (45%). The incidence of preoperative diabetes was 12 per cent in patients undergoing the Whipple procedure and 17 per cent in the DP cohort. Thus, the overall incidence of diabetes after Whipple procedure was 54 and 49 per cent in the DP group. The development of diabetes was unrelated to the type of resection performed. Age more than 65 and Caucasian ethnicity were associated with postoperative diabetes regardless of the type of resection performed.

  18. Effects of preoperative aspirin and clopidogrel therapy on perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

    PubMed

    Shim, Jae Kwang; Choi, Yong Seon; Oh, Young Jun; Bang, Sou Ouk; Yoo, Kyung Jong; Kwak, Young Lan

    2007-07-01

    Preoperative exposure to clopidogrel and aspirin significantly increases postoperative bleeding in patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Off-pump coronary bypass grafting has been proposed as an alternative technique to attenuate postoperative bleeding associated with clopidogrel. This study aimed to determine the effects of aspirin and clopidogrel therapy on perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. One hundred six patients scheduled for off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were divided into three groups: aspirin and clopidogrel discontinued more than 6 days before surgery (group 1, n = 35), aspirin and clopidogrel continued until 3 to 5 days before surgery (group 2, n = 51), and both medications continued within 2 days of surgery (group 3, n = 20). Thromboelastographic tracings were analyzed before induction of anesthesia. Routine coagulation profiles were measured before and after surgery. A cell salvage device was used during surgery and salvaged blood was reinfused. Chest tube drainage and blood transfusion requirement were recorded postoperatively. Patient characteristics, operative data, and thromboelastographic tracings were similar among the groups. There were significant decreases in hematocrit level and platelet count and prolongation in prothrombin time postoperatively in all groups without any intergroup differences. The amounts of perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion required were all similar among the groups. Preoperative clopidogrel and aspirin exposure even within 2 days of surgery does not increase perioperative blood loss and blood transfusion requirements in patients undergoing elective off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

  19. Management patterns of medicare patients undergoing treatment for upper urinary tract calculi.

    PubMed

    Matlaga, Brian R; Meckley, Lisa M; Kim, Micheline; Byrne, Thomas W

    2014-06-01

    We conducted this study to identify differences in the re-treatment rates and ancillary procedures for the two most commonly utilized stone treatment procedures in the Medicare population: ureteroscopy (URS) and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). A retrospective claims analysis of the Medicare standard analytical file 5% sample was conducted to identify patients with a new diagnosis of urolithiasis undergoing treatment with URS or SWL from 2009-2010. Outcomes evaluated: (1) repeat stone removal procedures within 120 days post index procedure, (2) stent placement procedures on the index date, 30 days prior to and 120 days post index date, and (3) use of general anesthesia. We identified 3885 eligible patients, of which 2165 (56%) underwent SWL and 1720 (44%) underwent URS. Overall, SWL patients were 1.73 times more likely to undergo at least one repeat procedure than URS patients, and twice as likely to require multiple re-treatments compared to URS. Among those with ureteral stones, SWL patients were 2.27 times more likely to undergo repeat procedures. The difference was not statistically significant in renal stone patients. Overall, SWL patients were 1.41 times more likely than URS patients to have a stent placed prior to index procedure, and 1.33 times more likely to have a stent placed subsequent to the index procedure. The majority of URS patients (77.8%) had a stent placed at the time of index procedure. There was no significant difference in anesthetic approaches between SWL and URS. Patients undergoing SWL are significantly more likely to require re-treatments than URS patients. SWL patients are also significantly more likely to require ureteral stent placement as a separate event. SWL and URS patients have similar rates of general anesthesia.

  20. Cardiovascular Events During General Elections In Bayamon, Puerto Rico

    PubMed Central

    Pérez-Mercado, Arnaldo E.; Maldonado-Martínez, Gerónimo; del Rio, José Rivera; Mellado, Robert F. Hunter

    2013-01-01

    Emotional stress has been linked to acute coronary events. We examined whether the emotional response to elections in Puerto Rico induced a similar response. Methods We reviewed records at HIMA San Pablo Hospital (HIMASP) and Ramon Ruiz Arnau University Hospital (HURRA) in Bayamón and identified patients admitted with ICD-9 codes 410, 411, and 413 or corresponding diagnoses during a period surrounding the general elections and compared them with the same time period in non-election years. Results Cardiovascular events accounted for 3.24% of election-year admissions vs. 5.51% during non-election years in HURRA (p=0.036, N=37), while accounting for 2.86% of election-year admissions in HIMASP vs. 3.27% during non-election years (non-significant). Discussion There was a trend towards a lower rate of admission for cardiovascular events during general elections in both hospitals, reaching statistical significance at HURRA. Further study may elucidate reasons for this behavior and determine whether similar trends hold true in other populations. PMID:23875518

  1. The role of colonic mast cells and myenteric plexitis in patients with diverticular disease.

    PubMed

    Bassotti, Gabrio; Villanacci, Vincenzo; Nascimbeni, Riccardo; Antonelli, Elisabetta; Cadei, Moris; Manenti, Stefania; Lorenzi, Luisa; Titi, Amin; Salerni, Bruno

    2013-02-01

    Gut mast cells represent an important cell population involved in intestinal homeostasis and inflammatory processes. However, their possible role has not to date been investigated in colonic diverticular disease. This study aims to evaluate colonic mast cells in patients undergoing surgery for diverticular disease. Surgical resection samples from 27 patients undergoing surgery for diverticular disease (12 emergency procedures for severe disease and 15 elective procedures) were evaluated. The number of mast cells was assessed in the various layers by means of a specific antibody (tryptase) and compared with those evaluated in ten controls. In patients with mast cells degranulation, double immunohistochemistry, also assessing nerve fibres, was carried out. In addition, the presence of myenteric plexitis was sought. Compared with controls, the number of mast cells in diverticular patients was significantly increased, both as an overall figure and in the various layers of the large bowel. In patients in whom mast cells degranulation was present, these were always closed to nerve fibres. No differences were found between the two subgroups of patients with respect to the number and distribution of mast cells; however, all patients undergoing emergency surgery (but none of those undergoing elective procedures) had myenteric plexitis, represented by lymphocytic infiltration in 67 % and eosinophilic infiltration in 33 % of cases. Patients with diverticular disease display an increase of mast cells in the large bowel. The presence of myenteric plexitis in those with complicated, severe disease, suggest that this could represent a histopathologic marker of more aggressive disease.

  2. The Surgical Apgar score combined with Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment improves short- but not long-term outcome prediction in older patients undergoing abdominal cancer surgery.

    PubMed

    Kenig, Jakub; Mastalerz, Kinga; Mitus, Jerzy; Kapelanczyk, Agata

    2018-05-30

    Frailty increases the risk of poor surgical outcomes in the older population. Some measurable intraoperative factors may also influence the final outcome. The Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) is a simple system predicting postoperative mortality and morbidity. However, the usefulness of the SAS remains unknown in fit and frail older patients. We aimed to test this, as well as investigate whether SAS can increase the predictive value of frailty in this group of patients. Consecutive patients ≥70 years of age, needing elective abdominal surgery for cancer were enrolled in a prospective study. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment was used to determine frailty. Logistic regression was conducted investigating the association between the scores and 30-day postoperative outcomes and 1-year mortality. The study included 165 older patients with a median age of 77 (range 70-93) years. The prevalence of frailty was 38.2%. The most significant predictors of short-term morbidity and mortality were frailty [OR 6.2 (95%CI 2.9-13.4) and 14.9 (95%CI 5.9-38)] and the SAS [OR 12.5 (95%CI 2.8-45) and 29.5 (95%CI 6.3-125)]. At long-term follow-up frailty was the best predictor of mortality: OR 4.6 (95%CI 1.8-17.6). Frailty and the SAS, not age, were significant predictors of 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality both in fit and frail older patients undergoing elective abdominal cancer surgery. At 1-yearfollow-up frailty, not the SAS, was an independent risk factor of mortality. The combination of frailty and the SAS increased predictive accuracy and may be a target of care. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Dyspnea predicts mortality among patients undergoing coronary computed tomographic angiography.

    PubMed

    Nakanishi, Rine; Gransar, Heidi; Rozanski, Alan; Rana, Jamal S; Cheng, Victor Y; Thomson, Louise E J; Miranda-Peats, Romalisa; Dey, Damini; Hayes, Sean W; Friedman, John D; Min, James K; Berman, Daniel S

    2016-02-01

    The prognostic implications of dyspnea and typical angina in patients referred for coronary CT angiography have not been examined. We examined features associated with incident mortality risk among individuals undergoing coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) presenting with dyspnea, typical angina, and neither of these symptoms. 1147 consecutive individuals without known CAD (mean 61 years, 61.6 %men) undergoing CCTA comprised the study population 132 with dyspnea, 218 with typical angina, and 797 without dyspnea or typical angina (reference group). Mortality risk in relation to dyspnea or typical angina was evaluated with multivariable Cox proportional hazards models compared to reference. In addition, the prognosis associated with dyspnea or typical angina was assessed among age matched subgroups. Patients with dyspnea had a greater prevalence of C70 % stenosis (p\\0.001) and coronary segments with plaque (p = 0.02) compared to the other two groups. During a follow-up of 3.1 years, 52 individuals died. By multivariable Cox models, compared to patients in reference group, dyspnea patients experienced higher mortality (HR 2.0, 95 % CI 1.0–4.0, p = 0.049) while typical angina patients did not (HR 1.1, 95 % CI 0.6–2.3, p = 0.76). In the matched group, the patients with dyspnea (HR 2.2, 95 % CI 1.1–4.3, p = 0.03) still had significantly reduced survival compared to the other two groups, while those with typical angina did not (HR 1.2, 95 % CI 0.6–2.6,p = 0.62). Dyspnea is associated with increased mortality ate compared to patients with typical angina and those with neither of these symptoms among patients undergoing CCTA.

  4. Impact of an Elective Course in Community and Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Practices on Student Perception of Patient Care

    PubMed Central

    Maguire, Michelle; Bennett, Marialice S.

    2015-01-01

    Objective. To determine the impact of an elective course on students’ perception of opportunities and of their preparedness for patient care in community and ambulatory pharmacy settings. Design. Each course meeting included a lecture and discussion to introduce concepts and active-learning activities to apply concepts to patient care or practice development in a community or ambulatory pharmacy setting. Assessment. A survey was administered to students before and after the course. Descriptive statistics were used to assess student responses to survey questions, and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to analyze the improvement in student responses with an alpha level set at 0.05. Students felt more prepared to provide patient care, develop or improve a clinical service, and effectively communicate recommendations to other health care providers after course completion. Conclusion. This elective course equipped students with the skills necessary to increase their confidence in providing patient care services in community and ambulatory settings. PMID:27168617

  5. An unanticipated cardiac arrest and unusual post-resuscitation psycho-behavioural phenomena/near death experience in a patient with pregnancy induced hypertension and twin pregnancy undergoing elective lower segment caesarean section.

    PubMed

    Panditrao, Mridul M; Singh, Chanchal; Panditrao, Minnu M

    2010-09-01

    A case report of a primigravida, who was admitted with severe pregnancy induced hypertension (BP 160/122 mmHg) and twin pregnancy, is presented here. Antihypertensive therapy was initiated. Elective LSCS under general anaesthesia was planned. After the birth of both the babies, intramyometrial injections of Carboprost and Pitocin were administered. Immediately, she suffered cardiac arrest. Cardio pulmonary resucitation (CPR) was started and within 3 minutes, she was successfully resuscitated. The patient initially showed peculiar psychological changes and with passage of time, certain psycho-behavioural patterns emerged which could be attributed to near death experiences, as described in this case report.

  6. What are the Risk Factors for Cerebrovascular Accidents After Elective Orthopaedic Surgery?

    PubMed

    Minhas, Shobhit V; Goyal, Preeya; Patel, Alpesh A

    2016-03-01

    Perioperative cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) are one of the leading causes of patient morbidity, mortality, and medical costs. However, little is known regarding the rates of these events and risk factors for CVA after elective orthopaedic surgery. Our goals were to (1) establish the national, baseline proportion of patients experiencing a 30-day CVA and the timing of CVA; and (2) determine independent risk factors for 30-day CVA rates after common elective orthopaedic procedures. Patients undergoing elective TKA, THA, posterior or posterolateral lumbar fusion, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, and total shoulder arthroplasty, from 2006 to 2012, were identified from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program(®) database. A total of 42,150 patients met inclusion criteria. Thirty-day CVA rates were recorded for each procedure, and patients were assessed for characteristics associated with CVA through univariate analysis. Multivariate regression models were created to identify independent risk factors for CVA. A total of 55 (0.13%) patients experienced a CVA within 30 days of the procedure, occurring a median of 2 days after surgery (range, 1-30 days) with 0.08% of patients experiencing a CVA after TKA, 0.15% after THA, 0.00% after single-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion, 0.38% after multilevel anterior cervical discectomy and fusions, 0.20% after single-level posterior or posterolateral lumbar fusion, 0.70% after multilevel posterior or posterolateral lumbar fusion, and 0.22% after total shoulder arthroplasty. Independent risk factors for CVA included age of 75 years or older (odds ratio [OR], 2.50; 95% CI, 1.44-4.35; p = 0.001), insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (OR, 3.08; CI, 1.47-6.45; p = 0.003), hypertension (OR, 2.71; CI, 1.19-6.13; p = 0.017), history of transient ischemic attack (OR, 2.83; CI, 1.24-6.45; p = 0.013), dyspnea (OR, 2.51; CI, 1.30-4.86; p = 0.006), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

  7. Evaluation of the quality of information on the Internet available to patients undergoing cervical spine surgery.

    PubMed

    Weil, Alexander G; Bojanowski, Michel W; Jamart, Jacques; Gustin, Thierry; Lévêque, Marc

    2014-01-01

    To evaluate the quality of information available on the Internet to patients with a cervical pathology undergoing elective cervical spine surgery. Six key words ("cervical discectomy," "cervical foraminotomy," "cervical fusion," "cervical disc replacement," "cervical arthroplasty," "cervical artificial disc") were entered into two different search engines (Google, Yahoo!). For each key word, the first 50 websites were evaluated for accessibility, comprehensibility, and website quality using the DISCERN tool, transparency and honesty criteria, and an accuracy and exhaustivity scale. Of 5,098,500 evaluable websites, 600 were visited; 97 (16%) of these websites were evaluated for quality and comprehensiveness. Overall, 3% of sites obtained an excellent global quality score, 7% obtained a good score, 25% obtained an above average score, 15% obtained an average score, 37% obtained a poor score, and 13% obtained a very poor score. High-quality websites were affiliated with a professional society (P = 0.021), had bibliographical references (P = 0.030), and had a recent update within 6 months (r = 0.277, P < 0.001). No correlation between global quality score and other variables was observed. This study shows that the search for medical information on the Internet is time-consuming and often disappointing. The Internet is a potentially misleading source of information. Surgeons and professional societies must use the Internet as an ally in providing optimal information to patients. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  8. Aortic Wall Extracellular Matrix Proteins Correlate with Syntax Score in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Chiong, Terri; Cheow, Esther S. H.; Woo, Chin C.; Lin, Xiao Y.; Khin, Lay W.; Lee, Chuen N.; Hartman, Mikael; Sze, Siu K.; Sorokin, Vitaly A.

    2016-01-01

    Aims: The SYNTAX score correlate with major cardiovascular events post-revascularization, although the histopathological basis is unclear. We aim to evaluate the association between syntax score and extracellular matrix histological characteristics of aortic punch tissue obtained during coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG). This analysis compares coronary artery bypass surgery patients with High and Low syntax score which were followed up for one year period. Methods and Results: Patients with High (score ≥ 33, (n=77)) and Low Syntax Scores (score ≤ 22, (n=71)) undergoing elective CABG were recruited prospectively. Baseline clinical characteristics and surgical risks were well matched. At 1 year, EMACCE (Sum of cardiovascular death, stroke, congestive cardiac failure, and limb, gut and myocardial ischemia) was significantly elevated in the High syntax group (P=0.022). Mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative iTRAQ proteomic results validated on independent cohort by immunohistochemistry (IHC) revealed that the High syntax group had significantly upraised Collagen I (P<0.0001) and Elastin (P<0.0001) content in ascending aortic wall. Conclusion: This study shows that aortic extracellular matrix (ECM) differ between High and Low syntax groups with up-regulation of Collagen I and Elastin level in High Syntax Score group. This identifies aortic punches collected during CABG as another biomarker source related with atherosclerosis severity and possible clinical outcome. PMID:27347220

  9. Is a sedentary lifestyle an independent predictor for hospital and early mortality after elective cardiac surgery?

    PubMed

    Noyez, L; Biemans, I; Verkroost, M; van Swieten, H

    2013-10-01

    This study evaluates whether a sedentary lifestyle is an independent predictor for increased mortality after elective cardiac surgery. Three thousand one hundred fifty patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery between January 2007 and June 2012 completed preoperatively the Corpus Christi Heart Project questionnaire concerning physical activity (PA). Based on this questionnaire, 1815 patients were classified as active and 1335 patients were classified as sedentary. The endpoints of the study were hospital mortality and early mortality. The study population had a mean age of 69.7 ± 10.1 (19-95) years and a mean logistic EuroSCORE risk of 5.1 ± 5.6 (0.88-73.8). Sedentary patients were significantly older (p = 0.001), obese (p = 0.001), had a higher EuroSCORE risk (p = 0.001), and a higher percentage of complications. Hospital mortality (1.1 % versus 0.4 % (p = 0.014)) and early mortality (1.5 % versus 0.6 % (p = 0.006)) were significantly higher in the sedentary group compared with the active group. However, a sedentary lifestyle was not identified as an independent predictor for hospital mortality (p = 0.61) or early mortality (p = 0.70). Sedentary patients were older, obese and had a higher EuroSCORE risk. They had significantly more postoperative complications, higher hospital mortality and early mortality. Despite these results, sedentary behaviour could not be identified as an independent predictor for hospital or early mortality.

  10. Coexisting lumbar spondylosis in patients undergoing TKA: how common and how serious?

    PubMed

    Chang, Chong Bum; Park, Kun Woo; Kang, Yeon Gwi; Kim, Tae Kyun

    2014-02-01

    Information on the coexistence of lumbar spondylosis and its influence on overall levels of pain and function in patients with advanced knee osteoarthritis (OA) undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) would be valuable for patient consultation and management. The purposes of this study were to document the prevalence and severity of coexisting lumbar spondylosis in patients with advanced knee OA undergoing TKA and to determine whether the coexisting lumbar spondylosis at the time of TKA adversely affects clinical scores in affected patients before and 2 years after TKA. Radiographic lumbar spine degeneration and lumbar spine symptoms including lower back pain, radiating pain at rest, and radiating pain with activity were assessed in 225 patients undergoing TKA. In addition, the WOMAC score and the SF-36 scores were evaluated before and 2 years after TKA. Potential associations of radiographic lumbar spine degeneration and lumbar spine symptom severities with pre- and postoperative WOMAC subscales and SF-36 scores were examined. All 225 patients had radiographic degeneration of the lumbar spine, and the large majority (89% [200 of 225]) had either moderate or severe spondylosis (72% and 17%, respectively). A total of 114 patients (51%) had at least one moderate or severe lumbar spine symptom. No association was found between radiographic severity of lumbar spine degeneration and pre- and postoperative clinical scores. In terms of lumbar spine symptoms, more severe symptoms were likely to adversely affect the preoperative WOMAC and SF-36 physical component summary (PCS) scores, but most of these adverse effects improved by 2 years after TKA with the exception of the association between severe radiating pain during activity and a poorer postoperative SF-36 PCS score (regression coefficient = -5.41, p = 0.015). Radiographic lumbar spine degeneration and lumbar spine symptoms are common among patients with advanced knee OA undergoing TKA. Severe lumbar spine symptoms

  11. Elective course in acute care using online learning and patient simulation.

    PubMed

    Seybert, Amy L; Kane-Gill, Sandra L

    2011-04-11

    To enhance students' knowledge of and critical-thinking skills in the management of acutely ill patients using online independent learning partnered with high-fidelity patient simulation sessions. Students enrolled in the Acute Care Simulation watched 10 weekly Web-based video presentations on various critical care and advanced cardiovascular pharmacotherapy topics. After completing each online module, all students participated in groups in patient-care simulation exercises in which they prepared a pharmacotherapeutic plan for the patient, recommended this plan to the patient's physician, and completed a debriefing session with the facilitator. Students completed a pretest and posttest before and after each simulation exercise, as well as midterm and final evaluations and a satisfaction survey. Pharmacy students significantly improved their scores on 9 of the 10 tests (p ≤ 0.05). Students' performance on the final evaluation improved compared with performance on the midterm evaluation. Overall, students were satisfied with the unique dual approach to learning and enjoyed the realistic patient-care environment that the simulation laboratory provided. Participation in an elective course that combined self-directed Web-based learning and hands-on patient simulation exercises increased pharmacy students' knowledge and critical-thinking skills in acute care.

  12. Role of Genetic Testing in Patients undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

    PubMed Central

    Moon, Jae Youn; Franchi, Francesco; Rollini, Fabiana; Rios, Jose R. Rivas; Kureti, Megha; Cavallari, Larisa H.; Angiolillo, Dominick J.

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Variability in individual response profiles to antiplatelet therapy, in particular clopidogrel, is a well-established phenomenon. Genetic variations of the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 enzyme, a key determinant in clopidogrel metabolism, have been associated with clopidogrel response profiles. Moreover, the presence of a CYP2C19 loss-of-function allele is associated with an increased risk of atherothrombotic events among clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), prompting studies evaluating the use of genetic tests to identify patients who may be potential candidates for alternative platelet P2Y12 receptor inhibiting therapies (prasugrel or ticagrelor). Areas covered The present manuscript provides an overview of genetic factors associated with response profiles to platelet P2Y12 receptor inhibitors and their clinical implications, as well as the most recent developments and future considerations on the role of genetic testing in patients undergoing PCI. Expert Commentary The availability of more user-friendly genetic tests has contributed towards the development of many ongoing clinical trials and personalized medicine programs for patients undergoing PCI. Results of pilot investigations have shown promising results, which however need to be confirmed in larger-scale studies to support the routine use of genetic testing as a strategy to personalize antiplatelet therapy and improve clinical outcomes. PMID:28689434

  13. Racial Variation in the Use of Life-Sustaining Treatments among Patients Who Die After Major Elective Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Hernandez, Roland A.; Hevelone, Nathanael D.; Lopez, Lenny; Finlayson, Samuel R.G.; Chittenden, Eva; Cooper, Zara

    2015-01-01

    Background Although various studies have documented increased Life-Sustaining Treatments (LST) among racial minorities in medical patients, whether similar disparities exist in surgical patients is unknown. Methods Retrospective cohort study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (2006–2011) examining patients >39 years who died following elective colectomy. Primary predictor variable was race and main outcome was use of LST. Results In univariate analysis, significant differences existed in use of CPR (Black-35.9%, Hispanic-29.0%, Other-24.5%, White-11.7%, p = 0.002) and re-intubation (Hispanic-75.0%, Other-69.0%, Black-52.3%, White-45.2%, p = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, Black (OR3.67, p=0.01) and Hispanic (4.21, p=0.03) patients were more likely to have undergone CPR, and Hispanic patients (4.24, p=0.01) were more likely to have been re-intubated (reference: White). Conclusions Blacks and Hispanics had increased odds of experiencing CPR, and Hispanics were more likely to have been re-intubated before death following a major elective operation. These variations may imply worse quality of death and increased associated costs. PMID:25465749

  14. Elections and Deforestation

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Sanford, L.

    2017-12-01

    When do politicians' re-election strategies cause serious environmental damage? This paper focuses on a case of deforestation, and argues that the protection of forested areas is a long-term public good while their destruction provides short-term, private goods for local voters and elected officials. Politicians give voters access to forested areas for commercial use of timber and small-scale farming in exchange for electoral support. I test the theory that competitive elections are associated with higher rates of deforestation using remote sensed satellite data of forest cover and data on national elections cross-nationally. The findings suggest that rates of forest cover loss are 50% higher in anocracies during election years, and more than double the average rate in years when there are competitive elections in anocracies and democracies. This suggests that democratic elections can be an important source of environmental damage, such as deforestation, contrary to the conventional wisdom that democratization improves environmental protection.

  15. Clostridium difficile colitis in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery.

    PubMed

    Skovrlj, Branko; Guzman, Javier Z; Silvestre, Jason; Al Maaieh, Motasem; Qureshi, Sheeraz A

    2014-09-01

    Retrospective database analysis. To investigate incidence, comorbidities, and impact on health care resources of Clostridium difficile infection after lumbar spine surgery. C. difficile colitis is reportedly increasing in hospitalized patients and can have a negative impact on patient outcomes. No data exist on estimates of C. difficile infection rates and its consequences on patient outcomes and health care resources among patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample was examined from 2002 to 2011. Patients were included for study based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification, procedural codes for lumbar spine surgery for degenerative diagnoses. Baseline patient characteristics were determined and multivariable analyses assessed factors associated with increased incidence of C. difficile and risk of mortality. The incidence of C. difficile infection in patients undergoing lumbar spine surgery is 0.11%. At baseline, patients infected with C. difficile were significantly older (65.4 yr vs. 58.9 yr, P<0.0001) and more likely to have diabetes with chronic complications, neurological complications, congestive heart failure, pulmonary disorders, coagulopathy, and renal failure. Lumbar fusion (P=0.0001) and lumbar fusion revision (P=0.0003) were associated with increased odds of postoperative infection. Small hospital size was associated with decreased odds (odds ratio [OR], 0.5; P<0.001), whereas urban hospitals were associated with increased odds (OR, 2.14; P<0.14) of acquiring infection. Uninsured (OR, 1.62; P<0.0001) and patients with Medicaid (OR, 1.33; P<0.0001) were associated with higher odds of acquiring postoperative infection. C. difficile increased hospital length of stay by 8 days (P<0.0001), hospital charges by 2-fold (P<0.0001), and inpatient mortality to 4% from 0.11% (P<0.0001). C. difficile infection after lumbar spine surgery carries a 36.4-fold increase in mortality and costs

  16. Trending elective preterm deliveries using administrative data.

    PubMed

    Korst, Lisa M; Fridman, Moshe; Lu, Michael C; Fleege, Laura; Mitchell, Connie; Gregory, Kimberly D

    2013-01-01

    We propose a methodology for identifying and analysing 'elective' preterm births (PTBs) using administrative data, and apply this methodology to California data with the objective of providing a framework to further explore the potential rationales for early delivery. Using the California linked birth cohorts for 1999, 2002 and 2005, singleton PTBs were identified using birth certificate gestational age ≥ 24 and <37 weeks. Through a hierarchical scheme that first removed cases with standard or 'hard' indications for early delivery (e.g. severe preeclampsia, placenta previa), cases of 'elective' PTB were identified with coding for medical intervention, that is, elective caesarean or labour induction. We calculated rates of elective PTB, with subanalyses of early (<34 weeks of gestational age) and late PTB (34 to <37 weeks of gestational age) using hierarchical logistic regression models. Of 1 387 565 singleton deliveries, 99 614 (7.2%) were preterm. Elective PTBs increased 27.7% over the 6-year study period, with nearly all cases confined to the late PTB stratum; elective late PTB rates rose from 10.5% to 13.5% of all late PTBs (P < 0.0001). Indications for delivery in this Elective Group ('soft indications') included prior pelvic floor repair, mental health conditions, fetal anomalies, malpresentation and oligohydramnios. Six per cent of patients with a late PTB had a medical intervention with no hard or soft indication for delivery. Using administrative data, we developed a method for identifying and trending the proportion of PTBs that is 'elective'. This method can be used to explore and monitor potential strategies for the prevention of elective PTB. © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

  17. Is the use of minimally invasive fusion technologies associated with improved outcomes after elective interbody lumbar fusion? Analysis of a nationwide prospective patient-reported outcomes registry.

    PubMed

    McGirt, Matthew J; Parker, Scott L; Mummaneni, Praveen; Knightly, John; Pfortmiller, Deborah; Foley, Kevin; Asher, Anthony L

    2017-07-01

    Over the last decade, clinical investigators and biomedical industry groups have used significant resources to develop advanced technologies that enable less invasive spine fusions. These minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technologies often require increased expenditures by hospitals and payers. Although several small single center studies have suggested MIS technologies decrease surgical morbidity and reduce hospital stay, evidence documenting benefit from a patient perspective remains limited. Furthermore, MIS outcomes have yet to be evaluated from the perspective of multiple practice types representing the broad spectrum of US spine surgery. This study aimed to examine a population of patients who underwent one- or two-level interbody lumbar fusion diagnosed with lumbar stenosis or Grade 1 spondylolisthesis in an observational, prospective national registry for the purposes of determining how MIS and traditional open technologies affect postsurgical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This study used observational analysis of prospectively collected data. The sample consisted of cases from the National Neurosurgery Quality and Outcomes Database (N 2 QOD). Numeric rating scale for back and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, EuroQol-5D, return to work, and perioperative morbidity were the outcome measures. The N 2 QOD is a prospective PROs registry enrolling patients undergoing elective spine surgery from 60 hospitals in 27 US states via representative sampling. We analyzed the N 2 QOD aggregate dataset (2010-2014) to identify one- and two-level lumbar interbody fusion procedures performed for lumbar stenosis or Grade 1 spondylolisthesis with 12 months' follow-up where surgical instrumentation and implant types were clearly identified. Perioperative and 1-year outcomes were compared between cases performed with MIS enabling technologies versus traditional open technologies before and after propensity matching. There were 467 (24%) patients who underwent

  18. Music and ambient operating room noise in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.

    PubMed

    Ayoub, Chakib M; Rizk, Laudi B; Yaacoub, Chadi I; Gaal, Dorothy; Kain, Zeev N

    2005-05-01

    Previous studies have indicated that music decreases intraoperative sedative requirements in patients undergoing surgical procedures under regional anesthesia. In this study we sought to determine whether this decrease in sedative requirements results from music or from eliminating operating room (OR) noise. A secondary aim of the study was to examine the relationship of response to intraoperative music and participants' culture (i.e., American versus Lebanese). Eighty adults (36 American and 54 Lebanese) undergoing urological procedures with spinal anesthesia and patient-controlled IV propofol sedation were randomly assigned to intraoperative music, white noise, or OR noise. We found that, controlling for ambient OR noise, intraoperative music decreases propofol requirements (0.004 +/- 0.002 mg . kg(-1) . min(-1) versus 0.014 +/- 0.004 mg . kg(-1) . min(-1) versus 0.012 +/- 0.002 mg . kg(-1) . min(-1); P = 0.026). We also found that, regardless of group assignment, Lebanese patients used less propofol as compared with American patients (0.005 +/- 0.001 mg . kg(-1) . min(-1) versus 0.017 +/- 0.003 mg . kg(-1) . min(-1); P = 0.001) and that, in both sites, patients in the music group required less propofol (P < 0.05). We conclude that when controlling for ambient OR noise, intraoperative music decreases propofol requirements of both Lebanese and American patients who undergo urological surgery under spinal anesthesia.

  19. Renal insufficiency predicts mortality in geriatric patients undergoing emergent general surgery.

    PubMed

    Yaghoubian, Arezou; Ge, Phillip; Tolan, Amy; Saltmarsh, Guy; Kaji, Amy H; Neville, Angela L; Bricker, Scott; De Virgilio, Christian

    2011-10-01

    Clinical predictors of perioperative mortality in geriatric patients undergoing emergent general surgery have not been well described. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of postoperative morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients and factors associated with mortality. A retrospective review of patients 65 years of age or older undergoing emergent general surgery at a public teaching hospital was performed over a 7-year period. Data collected included demographics, comorbidities, laboratory studies, perioperative morbidities, and mortality. Descriptive statistics and predictors of morbidity and mortality are described. The mean age was 74 years. Indications for surgery included small bowel obstruction (24%), diverticulitis (20%), perforated viscous (16%), and large bowel obstruction (9%). The overall complication rate was 41 per cent with six cardiac complications (14%) and seven perioperative (16%) deaths. Mean admission serum creatinine was significantly higher in patients who died (3.6 vs 1.5 mg/dL, P = 0.004). Mortality for patients with an admission serum creatinine greater than 2.0 mg/dL was 42 per cent (5 of 12) compared with 3 per cent (2 of 32) for those 2.0 mg/dL or less (OR, 10.7; CI, 1.7 to 67; P = 0.01). Morbidity and mortality in geriatric patients undergoing emergency surgery remains high with the most significant predictor of mortality being the presence of renal insufficiency on admission.

  20. [Current status of the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis C in patients undergoing hemodialysis].

    PubMed

    Yang, G L; Lei, X Z

    2017-03-20

    Patients undergoing hemodialysis have a higher rate of hepatitis C virus infection than the general population, and due to various factors including hemodialysis and immunosuppression, it is difficult to make a diagnosis. The appearance of direct-acting antiviral agents greatly promotes the treatment of hepatitis C, but there are still no adequate data on their effect and safety in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This article discusses the prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis C in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

  1. Predicting Maintenance Doses of Vancomycin for Hospitalized Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

    PubMed

    El Nekidy, Wasim S; El-Masri, Maher M; Umstead, Greg S; Dehoorne-Smith, Michelle

    2016-01-01

    Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of death in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, controversy exists about the optimal dose of vancomycin that will yield the recommended pre-hemodialysis serum concentration of 15-20 mg/L. To develop a data-driven model to optimize the accuracy of maintenance dosing of vancomycin for patients undergoing hemodialysis. A prospective observational cohort study was performed with 164 observations obtained from a convenience sample of 63 patients undergoing hemodialysis. All vancomycin doses were given on the floor after completion of a hemodialysis session. Multivariate linear generalized estimating equation analysis was used to examine independent predictors of pre-hemodialysis serum vancomycin concentration. Pre-hemodialysis serum vancomycin concentration was independently associated with maintenance dose ( B = 0.658, p < 0.001), baseline pre-hemodialysis serum concentration of the drug ( B = 0.492, p < 0.001), and interdialytic interval ( B = -2.133, p < 0.001). According to the best of 4 models that were developed, the maintenance dose of vancomycin required to achieve a pre-hemodialysis serum concentration of 15-20 mg/L, if the baseline serum concentration of the drug was also 15-20 mg/L, was 5.9 mg/kg with interdialytic interval of 48 h and 7.1 mg/kg with interdialytic interval of 72 h. However, if the baseline pre-hemodialysis serum concentration was 10-14.99 mg/L, the required dose increased to 9.2 mg/kg with an interdialytic interval of 48 h and 10.0 mg/kg with an interdialytic interval of 72 h. The maintenance dose of vancomycin varied according to baseline pre-hemodialysis serum concentration of the drug and interdialytic interval. The current practice of targeting a pre-hemodialysis concentration of 15-20 mg/L may be difficult to achieve for the majority of patients undergoing hemodialysis.

  2. The importance of intraoperative selenium blood levels on organ dysfunction in patients undergoing off-pump cardiac surgery: a randomised controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Stevanovic, Ana; Coburn, Mark; Menon, Ares; Rossaint, Rolf; Heyland, Daren; Schälte, Gereon; Werker, Thilo; Wonisch, Willibald; Kiehntopf, Michael; Goetzenich, Andreas; Rex, Steffen; Stoppe, Christian

    2014-01-01

    Cardiac surgery is accompanied by an increase of oxidative stress, a significantly reduced antioxidant (AOX) capacity, postoperative inflammation, all of which may promote the development of organ dysfunction and an increase in mortality. Selenium is an essential co-factor of various antioxidant enzymes. We hypothesized a less pronounced decrease of circulating selenium levels in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery due to less intraoperative oxidative stress. In this prospective randomised, interventional trial, 40 patients scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass grafting were randomly assigned to undergo either on-pump or OPCAB-surgery, if both techniques were feasible for the single patient. Clinical data, myocardial damage assessed by myocard specific creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), circulating whole blood levels of selenium, oxidative stress assessed by asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, antioxidant capacity determined by glutathionperoxidase (GPx) levels and perioperative inflammation represented by interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured at predefined perioperative time points. At end of surgery, both groups showed a comparable decrease of circulating selenium concentrations. Likewise, levels of oxidative stress and IL-6 were comparable in both groups. Selenium levels correlated with antioxidant capacity (GPx: r = 0.720; p<0.001) and showed a negative correlation to myocardial damage (CK-MB: r =  -0.571, p<0.001). Low postoperative selenium levels had a high predictive value for the occurrence of any postoperative complication. OPCAB surgery is not associated with less oxidative stress and a better preservation of the circulating selenium pool than on-pump surgery. Low postoperative selenium levels are predictive for the development of complications. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01409057.

  3. Evaluation of self-esteem in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment1

    PubMed Central

    Leite, Marilia Aparecida Carvalho; Nogueira, Denismar Alves; Terra, Fábio de Souza

    2015-01-01

    Objective: to evaluate the self-esteem of cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Method: descriptive analytical cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Around 156 patients that attended an oncology unit of a mid-sized hospital participated in the study. Results: we found a higher frequency of patients with high self-esteem, but some of them showed average or low self-esteem. The scale showed a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.746, by considering its acceptable internal consistency for the evaluated items. No independent variables showed significant associations with self-esteem. Conclusion: the cancer patients evaluated have presented high self-esteem; thus, it becomes crucial for nursing to plan the assistance of patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments, which enables actions and strategies that meet their physical and psychosocial conditions, aiming to maintain and rehabilitate these people's emotional aspects. PMID:26625999

  4. Using the Safer Clinical Systems approach and Model for Improvement methodology to decrease Venous Thrombo-Embolism in Elective Surgical Patients.

    PubMed

    Humphries, Angela; Peden, Carol; Jordan, Lesley; Crowe, Josephine; Peden, Carol

    2016-01-01

    A significant incidence of post-procedural deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus (PE) was identified in patients undergoing surgery at our hospital. Investigation showed an unreliable peri-operative process leading to patients receiving incorrect or missed venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis. The Trust had previously participated in a project funded by the Health Foundation using the "Safer Clinical Systems" methodology to assess, diagnose, appraise options, and implement interventions to improve a high risk medication pathway. We applied the methodology from that study to this cohort of patients demonstrating that the same approach could be applied in a different context. Interventions were linked to the greatest hazards and risks identified during the diagnostic phase. This showed that many surgical elective patients had no VTE risk assessment completed pre-operatively, leading to missed or delayed doses of VTE prophylaxis post-operatively. Collaborative work with stakeholders led to the development of a new process to ensure completion of the VTE risk assessment prior to surgery, which was implemented using the Model for Improvement methodology. The process was supported by the inclusion of a VTE check in the Sign Out element of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist at the end of surgery, which also ensured that appropriate prophylaxis was prescribed. A standardised operation note including the post-operative VTE plan will be implemented in the near future. At the end of the project VTE risk assessments were completed for 100% of elective surgical patients on admission, compared with 40% in the baseline data. Baseline data also revealed that processes for chemical and mechanical prophylaxis were not reliable. Hospital wide interventions included standardisation of mechanical prophylaxis devices and anti-thromboembolic stockings (resulting in a cost saving of £52,000), and a Trust wide awareness and education programme. The education included

  5. Changes in oral anticoagulation for elective cardioversion: results from a European cardioversion registry.

    PubMed

    Papp, Judit; Zima, Endre; Bover, Ramon; Karaliute, Rasa; Rossi, Andrea; Szymanski, Catherine; Troccoli, Rossella; Schneider, Jonas; Fagerland, Morten Wang; Camm, A John; Atar, Dan

    2017-07-01

    In patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) pharmacological or electrical cardioversion may be performed to restore sinus rhythm. The procedure is associated with an increased risk of thromboembolic events, which can be significantly reduced by adequate anticoagulation (OAC). Our aim was to create a partly prospective, partly retrospective cardioversion registry, particularly focusing on OAC strategies in different European countries, and on emerging choice of OAC over time. From September 2014 to October 2015, cardioversions due to AF performed in six European city hospitals in five European countries (Hungary: Budapest-1 and -2; Italy: Bari and Pisa; France: Amiens; Spain: Madrid; and Lithuania: Kaunas) were recorded in the registry. A total of 1101 patients (retrospective/prospective: 679/422, male/female: 742/359, mean age: 67.3 years ± 11.2) were registered. Most of the cardioversions were electrical (97%). Oral anticoagulants were administered in 87% of the patient, the usage of non-VKA oral anticoagulants (NOACs) vs Vitamin K antagonists (VKA) was 31.5% vs 68.5%, respectively. Seventy seven percent of the patients were given oral anticoagulants more than 3 weeks prior to the procedure, and 86% more than 4 weeks after the procedure. When using VKA, international normalized ratio (INR) at cardioversion was above 2.0 in 76% of the cases. A decline in VKA usage (P = 0.033) in elective cardioversion over approximately 1 year was observed. During the observation period, there was an increase in apixaban (P < 0.001), a slight increase in rivaroxaban (P = 0.028) and no changes in dabigatran (P = 0.34) usage for elective cardioversion. There were differences in use of OAC between the countries: Spain used most VKA (89%), while France used least VKA (39%, P < 0.001). According to current AF guidelines, NOACs are adequate alternatives to VKA for thromboembolic prevention in AF patients undergoing elective cardioversion. Our results indicate that

  6. Pediatric Oncology Branch - training- resident electives | Center for Cancer Research

    Cancer.gov

    Resident Electives Select pediatric residents may be approved for a 4-week elective rotation at the Pediatric Oncology Branch. This rotation emphasizes the important connection between research and patient care in pediatric oncology. The resident is supervised directly by the Branch’s attending physician and clinical fellows. Residents attend daily in-patient and out-patient rounds, multiple weekly Branch conferences, and are expected to research relevant topics and present a 30-minute talk toward the end of their rotation.

  7. The Role of Rajyoga Meditation for Modulation of Anxiety and Serum Cortisol in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Control Study

    PubMed Central

    Kiran, Usha; Ladha, Suruchi; Makhija, Neeti; Kapoor, Poonam Malhotra; Choudhury, Minati; Das, Sambhunath; Gharde, Parag; Malik, Vishwas; Airan, Balram

    2017-01-01

    Introduction: Rajyoga meditation is a form of mind body intervention that is promoted by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University. This form of meditation can be easily performed without rituals or mantras and can be practiced anywhere at any time. The practice of Rajyoga meditation can have beneficial effects on modulating anxiety and cortisol level in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized control study was carried out in a single tertiary care center. One hundred and fifty patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomized in two groups namely, Group 1 (Rajyoga group) and Group 2 (Control Group). Anxiety was measured on a visual analog scale 1–10 before the start of Rajyoga training or patient counseling (T1), on the morning of the day of surgery (T2), on the 2nd postoperative day (T3), and on the 5th postoperative day (T4). The serum cortisol level was measured in the morning of the day of surgery (T1), on the 2nd postoperative day (T2) and on the 5th postoperative day (T3), respectively. Results: In the study, it was seen that the anxiety level of the patients before the surgery (T1) and on the day of surgery (T2) were comparable between the two groups. However on the 2nd postoperative day (T3), the patients who underwent Rajyoga training had lower anxiety level in comparison to the control group (3.12 ± 1.45 vs. 6.12 ± 0.14, P < 0.05) and on the 5th postoperative day (T4) it was seen that Rajyoga practice had resulted in significant decline in anxiety level (0.69 ± 1.1 vs. 5.6 ± 1.38, P < 0.05). The serum cortisol level was also favorably modulated by the practice of Rajyoga meditation. Conclusion: Mindbody intervention is found to effective in reducing the anxiety of the patients and modulating the cortisol level in patients undergoing wellknown stressful surgery like coronary artery bypass surgery. PMID:28393774

  8. The effect of cyclosporin-A on peri-operative myocardial injury in adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a randomised controlled clinical trial

    PubMed Central

    Hausenloy, DJ; Kunst, G; Boston-Griffiths, E; Kolvekar, S; Chaubey, S; John, L; Desai, J; Yellon, DM

    2014-01-01

    Objective Cyclosporin-A (CsA) has been reported to reduce myocardial infarct size in both the experimental and clinical settings. This protective effect is dependent on its ability to prevent the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, a critical determinant of cell death in the setting of acute ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Whether CsA can reduce the extent of peri-operative myocardial injury (PMI) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is unknown, and is investigated in this randomised controlled clinical trial. Methods 78 adult patients undergoing elective CABG surgery were randomised to receive either an intravenous bolus of CsA (2.5 mg/kg) or placebo administered after induction of anaesthesia and prior to sternotomy. PMI was assessed by measuring serum cardiac enzymes, troponin T (cTnT) and CK-MB at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after surgery. Results There was no significant difference in mean peak cTnT levels between control (n=43) and CsA treatment (n=40) patients (0.56±0.06 ng/mL with control vs 0.35±0.05 ng/mL with CsA; p=0.07). However, in higher-risk patients with longer cardiopulmonary bypass times, there was a significant reduction in PMI with CsA therapy (p=0.049), with a reduced postoperative cTnT rise by 0.03 ng/mL for every 10 min, when compared with control. Conclusions In patients with longer cardiopulmonary bypass times, a single intravenous bolus of CsA administered prior to CABG surgery reduced the extent of PMI. PMID:24488610

  9. Association between preoperative anaemia with length of hospital stay among patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty in Singapore: a single-centre retrospective study.

    PubMed

    Abdullah, Hairil Rizal; Sim, Yilin Eileen; Hao, Ying; Lin, Geng Yu; Liew, Geoffrey Haw Chieh; Lamoureux, Ecosse L; Tan, Mann Hong

    2017-06-08

    Studies in western healthcare settings suggest that preoperative anaemia is associated with poor outcomes after elective orthopaedic surgery. We investigated the prevalence of preoperative anaemia among patients with primary unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in Singapore and its association with length of hospital stay (LOS), perioperative blood transfusion and hospital readmission rates. Retrospective cohort study performed in a tertiary academic medical centre in Singapore, involving patients who underwent primary unilateral TKA between January 2013 and June 2014. Demographics, comorbidities, preoperative haemoglobin (Hb) level, LOS and 30-day readmission data were collected. Anaemia was classified according to WHO definition. Prolonged LOS was defined as more than 6 days, which corresponds to >75th centile LOS of the data. We analysed 2394 patients. The prevalence of anaemia was 23.7%. 403 patients (16.8%) had mild anaemia and 164 patients (6.8%) had moderate to severe anaemia. Overall mean LOS was 5.4±4.8 days. Based on multivariate logistic regression, preoperative anaemia significantly increased LOS (mild anaemia, adjusted OR (aOR) 1.71, p<0.001; moderate/severe anaemia, aOR 2.29, p<0.001). Similar effects were seen when preoperative anaemia was defined by Hb level below 13 g/dL, regardless of gender. Transfusion proportionately increased prolonged LOS (1 unit: aOR 2.12, p=0.006; 2 or more units: aOR 6.71, p<0.001). Repeat operation during hospital stay, previous cerebrovascular accidents, general anaesthesia and age >70 years were associated with prolonged LOS. Our 30-day related readmission rate was 1.7% (42) cases. Anaemia is common among patients undergoing elective TKA in Singapore and is independently associated with prolonged LOS and increased perioperative blood transfusion. We suggest measures to correct anaemia prior to surgery, including the use of non-gender-based Hb cut-off for establishing diagnosis. © Article author(s) (or their

  10. Predictive Factors of Postoperative Pain and Postoperative Anxiety in Children Undergoing Elective Circumcision: A Prospective Cohort Study

    PubMed Central

    Tsamoudaki, Stella; Ntomi, Vasileia; Yiannopoulos, Ioannis; Christianakis, Efstratios; Pikoulis, Emmanuel

    2015-01-01

    Background Although circumcision for phimosis in children is a minor surgical procedure, it is followed by pain and carries the risk of increased postoperative anxiety. This study examined predictive factors of postoperative pain and anxiety in children undergoing circumcision. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of children scheduled for elective circumcision. Circumcision was performed applying one of the following surgical techniques: sutureless prepuceplasty (SP), preputial plasty technique (PP), and conventional circumcision (CC). Demographics and base-line clinical characteristics were collected, and assessment of the level of preoperative anxiety was performed. Subsequently, a statistical model was designed in order to examine predictive factors of postoperative pain and postoperative anxiety. Assessment of postoperative pain was performed using the Faces Pain Scale (FPS). The Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire study was used to assess negative behavioral manifestations. Results A total of 301 children with a mean age of 7.56 ± 2.61 years were included in the study. Predictive factors of postoperative pain measured with the FPS included a) the type of surgical technique, b) the absence of siblings, and c) the presence of postoperative complications. Predictive factors of postoperative anxiety included a) the type of surgical technique, b) the level of education of mothers, c) the presence of preoperative anxiety, and d) a history of previous surgery. Conclusions Although our study was not without its limitations, it expands current knowledge by adding new predictive factors of postoperative pain and postoperative anxiety. Clearly, further randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm its results. PMID:26495079

  11. A review of illicit psychoactive drug use in elective surgery patients: Detection, effects, and policy.

    PubMed

    Selvaggi, Gennaro; Spagnolo, Antonio G; Elander, Anna

    2017-12-01

    Limited information is present in literature regarding detection of illicit drug users visiting physicians when planning elective surgery; also, there is no update manuscript that is illustrating the effects of illicit drugs use that require reconstructive surgery interventions. Aims of this manuscript are: 1) to summarize existing knowledge, and give surgeons information how to detect patients who might possible use illicit drugs; 2) to review the effects of illicit drug use that specifically require reconstructive surgery interventions; 3) to assess on existing policies on asymptomatic illicit drug users when planning elective surgery. Studies were identified by searching systematically in the electronic databases PubMed, Medline, The Cochrane Library and SveMed+. Because of the nature of research questions to be investigated (drug policy and surgery), a "systematic review" was not possible. In spite of some existing policies to detect illicit drug use in specific situations such as workplaces or acute trauma patients, there is a lack of data and lack of information, and subsequently no policy has ever been made, for detection and management of illicit drug use asymptomatic patients requesting or referred for plastic surgery interventions. This manuscript poses questions for further ethical evaluations and future policy. Copyright © 2017 IJS Publishing Group Ltd. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  12. Management of antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing elective invasive procedures. Proposals from the French Working Group on perioperative haemostasis (GIHP) and the French Study Group on thrombosis and haemostasis (GFHT). In collaboration with the French Society for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR).

    PubMed

    Godier, Anne; Fontana, Pierre; Motte, Serge; Steib, Annick; Bonhomme, Fanny; Schlumberger, Sylvie; Lecompte, Thomas; Rosencher, Nadia; Susen, Sophie; Vincentelli, André; Gruel, Yves; Albaladejo, Pierre; Collet, Jean-Philippe

    2018-01-05

    The French Working Group on Perioperative Haemostasis (GIHP) and the French Study Group on Haemostasis and Thrombosis (GFHT) in collaboration with the French Society for Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (SFAR) drafted up-to-date proposals for the management of antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing elective invasive procedures. The proposals were discussed and validated by a vote; all proposals but one could be assigned with a high strength. The management of antiplatelet therapy is based on their indication and the procedure. The risk of bleeding related to the procedure can be divided into high, moderate and low categories depending on the possibility of performing the procedure in patients receiving antiplatelet agents (none, monotherapy and dual antiplatelet therapy respectively). If discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy is indicated before the procedure, a last intake of aspirin, clopidogrel, ticagrelor and prasugrel 3, 5, 5 and 7 days before surgery respectively is proposed. The thrombotic risk associated with discontinuation should be assessed according to each specific indication of antiplatelet therapy and is higher for patients receiving dual therapy for coronary artery disease (with further refinements based on a few well-accepted items) than for those receiving monotherapy for cardiovascular prevention, for secondary stroke prevention or for lower extremity arterial disease. These proposals also address the issue of the potential role of platelet functional tests and consider management of antiplatelet therapy for regional anaesthesia, including central neuraxial anaesthesia and peripheral nerve blocks, and for coronary artery surgery. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.

  13. Effect of nutritional status on mortality in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

    PubMed

    Keskin, Muhammed; İpek, Göktük; Aldağ, Mustafa; Altay, Servet; Hayıroğlu, Mert İlker; Börklü, Edibe Betül; İnan, Duygu; Kozan, Ömer

    2018-04-01

    The prognostic effects of poor nutritional status and cardiac cachexia on coronary artery disease (CAD) are not clearly understood. A well-accepted nutritional status parameter, the prognostic nutritional index (PNI), which was first demonstrated to be valuable in patients with cancer and those undergoing gastrointestinal surgery, was introduced to patients requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic value of PNI in patients with CAD undergoing CABG. We evaluated the in-hospital and long-term (3-y) prognostic effect of PNI on 644 patients with CAD undergoing CABG. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared among the patients by PNI and categorized accordingly: Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4. Patients with lower PNI had significantly higher in-hospital and long-term mortality. Patients with lower PNI levels (Q1) had higher in-hospital mortality and had 12 times higher mortality rates than those with higher PNI levels (Q4). The higher PNI group had the lower rates and was used as the reference. Long-term mortality was higher in patients with lower PNI (Q1)-4.9 times higher than in the higher PNI group (Q4). In-hospital and long-term mortality rates were similar in the non-lower PNI groups (Q2-4). The present study demonstrated that PNI, calculated based on serum albumin level and lymphocyte count, is an independent prognostic factor for mortality in patients undergoing CABG. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Randomized controlled trial of tranexamic acid among parturients at increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage undergoing cesarean delivery.

    PubMed

    Sujata, Nambiath; Tobin, Raj; Kaur, Ranjeet; Aneja, Anjila; Khanna, Mona; Hanjoora, Vijay M

    2016-06-01

    To assess the effects of tranexamic acid among patients undergoing cesarean delivery who were at high risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Between August 1, 2012, and April 30, 2013, a randomized controlled trial was performed at a tertiary care center in India. Women undergoing an elective or emergency cesarean delivery who were at high risk for postpartum hemorrhage were enrolled. They were randomly assigned using sealed, opaque envelopes to receive 10mg/kg tranexamic acid or normal saline 10min before skin incision. Anesthesiologists were not masked to group assignment, but patients and obstetricians were. The primary outcome was need for additional uterotonic drugs within 24h after delivery. Analyses were by intention to treat. Thirty patients were assigned to each group. Additional uterotonic drugs were required in 7 (23%) patients assigned to tranexamic acid and 25 (83%) patients in the control group (P<0.001). Intravenous tranexamic acid, administered before skin incision, significantly reduced the requirement for additional uterotonics among women at increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage. Clinical Trials Registry India: CTRI/2015/05/005752. Copyright © 2016 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. Inspiratory Muscle Training and Functional Capacity in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery.

    PubMed

    Cordeiro, André Luiz Lisboa; de Melo, Thiago Araújo; Neves, Daniela; Luna, Julianne; Esquivel, Mateus Souza; Guimarães, André Raimundo França; Borges, Daniel Lago; Petto, Jefferson

    2016-04-01

    Cardiac surgery is a highly complex procedure which generates worsening of lung function and decreased inspiratory muscle strength. The inspiratory muscle training becomes effective for muscle strengthening and can improve functional capacity. To investigate the effect of inspiratory muscle training on functional capacity submaximal and inspiratory muscle strength in patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This is a clinical randomized controlled trial with patients undergoing cardiac surgery at Instituto Nobre de Cardiologia. Patients were divided into two groups: control group and training. Preoperatively, were assessed the maximum inspiratory pressure and the distance covered in a 6-minute walk test. From the third postoperative day, the control group was managed according to the routine of the unit while the training group underwent daily protocol of respiratory muscle training until the day of discharge. 50 patients, 27 (54%) males were included, with a mean age of 56.7±13.9 years. After the analysis, the training group had significant increase in maximum inspiratory pressure (69.5±14.9 vs. 83.1±19.1 cmH2O, P=0.0073) and 6-minute walk test (422.4±102.8 vs. 502.4±112.8 m, P=0.0031). We conclude that inspiratory muscle training was effective in improving functional capacity submaximal and inspiratory muscle strength in this sample of patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

  16. Effect of intraoperative amino acids with or without glucose infusion on body temperature, insulin, and blood glucose levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy: a preliminary report.

    PubMed

    Fujita, Yasuki; Tokunaga, Chiharu; Yamaguchi, Sayo; Nakamura, Kayo; Horiguchi, Yuu; Kaneko, Michiko; Iwakura, Takeo

    2014-09-01

    Amino acid administration helps to prevent intraoperative hypothermia but may enhance thermogenesis when combined with glucose infusion. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of intraoperative amino acid administration, with or without glucose infusion, on temperature regulation during laparoscopic colectomy. Twenty-one patients whose physical status was classified I or II by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, and who were undergoing elective laparoscopic colectomy were enrolled. The exclusion criteria were a history of diabetes and/or obesity, preoperative high levels of C-reactive protein, high blood glucose and/or body temperature after anesthesia induction, and surgical time >500 minutes. Each patient received an acetate ringer solution and was randomly assigned to one of three groups. Group A patients were given only amino acids. Group AG patients were given amino acids and glucose. Group C patients were given neither amino acids nor glucose. Tympanic membrane temperatures and blood glucose and insulin levels were measured intraoperatively. Intraoperative amino acid infusion significantly increased body temperature during surgery as compared with either Group AG or C. The blood glucose levels in Group AG were significantly higher than those in Groups A and C. However, there were no significant differences between Groups A and C. Two hours after anesthesia induction, serum insulin levels in Groups A and AG significantly increased compared with Group C. No significant differences in the postoperative complications or patient hospitalization lengths were detected between the groups. Intraoperative amino acid infusion without glucose administration maintains body temperature more effectively than combined amino acid and glucose infusion in patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy, despite unaltered intraoperative insulin levels. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  17. Patients with glycogen storage diseases undergoing anesthesia: a case series.

    PubMed

    Gurrieri, Carmelina; Sprung, Juraj; Weingarten, Toby N; Warner, Mary E

    2017-10-06

    Glycogen storage diseases are rare genetic disorders of glycogen synthesis, degradation, or metabolism regulation. When these patients are subjected to anesthesia, perioperative complications can develop, including hypoglycemia, rhabdomyolysis, myoglobinuria, acute renal failure, and postoperative fatigue. The objective of this study was to describe the perioperative course of a cohort of patients with glycogen storage diseases. This is a retrospective review of patients with glycogen storage diseases undergoing anesthetic care at our institution from January 1, 1990, through June 30, 2015 to assess perioperative management and outcomes. We identified 30 patients with a glycogen storage disease who underwent 41 procedures under anesthesia management. Intraoperative lactic acidosis developed during 4 major surgeries (3 liver transplants, 1 myectomy), and in all cases resolved within 24 postoperative hours. Lactated Ringer solution was used frequently. Preoperative and intraoperative hypoglycemia was noted in some patients with glycogen storage disease type I, all of which responded to administration of dextrose-containing solutions. No serious postoperative complications occurred. Patients with glycogen storage disease, despite substantial comorbid conditions, tolerates the anesthetic management without major complications. Several patients who experienced self-limited metabolic acidosis were undergoing major surgical procedures, during which acidosis could be anticipated. Close monitoring and management of blood glucose levels of patients with glycogen storage disease type I is prudent.

  18. Can the combination of laparoscopy and enhanced recovery improve long-term survival after elective colorectal cancer surgery?

    PubMed

    Curtis, N J; Taylor, M; Fraser, L; Salib, E; Noble, E; Hipkiss, R; Allison, A S; Dalton, R; Ockrim, J B; Francis, Nader K

    2018-02-01

    Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes and laparoscopic techniques both provide short-term benefits to patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery. ERAS protocol compliance may improve long-term survival in those undergoing open colorectal resection but as laparoscopic data has not been reported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of the combination of laparoscopy and ERAS management on 5-year overall survival. A dedicated prospectively populated colorectal cancer surgery database was reviewed. Patient inclusion criteria were biopsy-proven colorectal adenocarcinoma, undergoing elective surgery undertaken with curative intent. All patients were managed within an established ERAS programme and routinely followed up for 5 years. Overall survival was measured using the log-rank Kaplan-Meier method at 5 years. Eight hundred fifty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Four hundred eighty-one (56%) cases were laparoscopic with 98 patients (20%) requiring conversion. There were no differences in patient or tumour demographics between the surgical groups. Median ERAS protocol compliance was 93% (range 53-100%). Five-year overall survival was superior in laparoscopic cases compared with that of converted and open surgery (78 vs 68 vs 70%, respectively, p < 0.007). An open approach (HR 1.55, 95%CI 1.16-2.06, p = 0.002) and delayed hospital discharge (> 7 days, HR 1.5, 95%CI 1.13-1.9, p = 0.003) were the only modifiable risk factors associated with poor survival. The use of a laparoscopic approach with enhanced recovery after surgery management appears to have long-term survival benefits following colorectal cancer resection.

  19. Memory for the 2008 Presidential election in healthy aging and Mild Cognitive Impairment

    PubMed Central

    Waring, Jill D.; Seiger, Ashley N.; Solomon, Paul R.; Budson, Andrew E.; Kensinger, Elizabeth A.

    2014-01-01

    Objective The present study examined memory accuracy and confidence for personal and public event details of the 2008 Presidential election in healthy older adults and those with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Method Participants completed phone interviews within a week after the election and after a 10-month delay. Results MCI patients and healthy older adults had comparable emotional reactions to learning the outcome of the election, with most people finding it to be a positive experience. After the delay period, details about the election were better remembered by all participants than a less emotionally arousing comparison event. However, MCI patients had more difficulty than healthy older adults correctly recalling details of public information about the election, although often the MCI patients could recognize the correct details. Conclusion This is the first study to show that MCI patients’ memory can benefit from emotionally arousing positive events, complementing the literature demonstrating similar effects for negative events. PMID:24533684

  20. [Hereditary heterozygous factor VII deficiency in patients undergoing surgery : Clinical relevance].

    PubMed

    Woehrle, D; Martinez, M; Bolliger, D

    2016-10-01

    A hereditary deficiency in coagulation factor VII (FVII) may affect the international normalized ratio (INR) value. However, FVII deficiency is occasionally associated with a tendency to bleed spontaneously. We hypothesized that perioperative substitution with coagulation factor concentrates might not be indicated in most patients. In this retrospective data analysis, we included all patients with hereditary heterozygous FVII deficiency who underwent surgical procedures at the University Hospital Basel between December 2010 and November 2015. In addition, by searching the literature, we identified publications reporting patients with FVII deficiency undergoing surgical procedures without perioperative substitution. We identified 22 patients undergoing 46 surgical procedures, resulting in a prevalence of 1:1500-2000. Coagulation factor concentrates were administered during the perioperative period in 15 procedures (33 %), whereas in the other 31 procedures (66 %), FVII deficiency was not substituted. No postoperative bleeding or thromboembolic events were reported. In addition, we found no differences in pre- and postoperative hemoglobin and coagulation parameters, with the exception of an improved postoperative INR value in the substituted group. In the literature review, we identified five publications, including 125 patients with FVII deficiency, undergoing 213 surgical procedures with no perioperative substitution. Preoperative substitution using coagulation factor concentrates does not seem to be mandatory in patients with an FVII level ≥15 %. For decision-making on preoperative substitution, patient history of an increased tendency to bleed may be more important than the FVII level or increased INR value.

  1. Ultrathin, bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents versus thin, durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents in patients undergoing coronary revascularisation (BIOFLOW V): a randomised trial.

    PubMed

    Kandzari, David E; Mauri, Laura; Koolen, Jacques J; Massaro, Joseph M; Doros, Gheorghe; Garcia-Garcia, Hector M; Bennett, Johan; Roguin, Ariel; Gharib, Elie G; Cutlip, Donald E; Waksman, Ron

    2017-10-21

    The development of coronary drug-eluting stents has included use of new metal alloys, changes in stent architecture, and use of bioresorbable polymers. Whether these advancements improve clinical safety and efficacy has not been shown in previous randomised trials. We aimed to examine the clinical outcomes of a bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent compared with a durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent in a broad patient population undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. BIOFLOW V was an international, randomised trial done in patients undergoing elective and urgent percutaneous coronary intervention in 90 hospitals in 13 countries (Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Israel, the Netherlands, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, and the USA). Eligible patients were those aged 18 years or older with ischaemic heart disease undergoing planned stent implantation in de-novo, native coronary lesions. Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to either an ultrathin strut (60 μm) bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent or to a durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent. Randomisation was via a central web-based data capture system (mixed blocks of 3 and 6), and stratified by study site. The primary endpoint was 12-month target lesion failure. The primary non-inferiority comparison combined these data from two additional randomised trials of bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent and durable polymer everolimus-eluting stent with Bayesian methods. Analysis was by intention to treat. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02389946. Between May 8, 2015, and March 31, 2016, 4772 patients were recruited into the study. 1334 patients met inclusion criteria and were randomly assigned to treatment with bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stents (n=884) or durable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (n=450). 52 (6%) of 883 patients in the bioresorbable polymer sirolimus-eluting stent group and 41 (10%) of

  2. Electives in complementary medicine: are we preaching to the choir?

    PubMed

    Kemper, Kathi J; Larrimore, Deborah; Dozier, Jean; Woods, Charles

    2005-11-01

    Many medical schools offer electives on complementary medicine, but little is known about the characteristics of students who sign up for such electives compared with those who do not. Compare enrollees to nonenrollees in an elective course on therapeutic touch and healing touch (TTHT). Cross-sectional survey. Wake Forest University School of Medicine, second-year course on medicine as a profession. Second-year medical students who returned surveys: 22 who signed up for an elective on TTHT and 58 who did not. Anonymous surveys included questions about demographics, attitudes, practices, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Those who signed up for the elective were more likely to be women (73% for TTHT vs 33% for others, P < .01). Nearly all students thought that being centered and compassionate were very important. Students who signed up for TTHT were less likely to report feeling confident in being able to be centered when it was quiet (41% vs 64%, respectively, very confident, P < .04) and less confident in their ability to demonstrate nonverbal comforting behaviors (9% vs 43%, respectively, very confident, P = .02). Only 18% of elective vs 66% of others reported being centered during patient encounters (P < .001). The TTHT students and their classmates reported comparable levels of burnout. Elective students were no more likely than classmates to believe that it is very important to be centered and to extend compassion toward patients; they reported being less confident and practicing these skills less often than their classmates. Burnout was not less common among those in the elective. Electives may not be "preaching to the choir." Future studies need to determine whether training enhances confidence and skills and whether it protects against developing burnout.

  3. Nursing Care of Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy Desensitization: Part II.

    PubMed

    Jakel, Patricia; Carsten, Cynthia; Carino, Arvie; Braskett, Melinda

    2016-04-01

    Chemotherapy desensitization protocols are safe, but labor-intensive, processes that allow patients with cancer to receive medications even if they initially experienced severe hypersensitivity reactions. Part I of this column discussed the pathophysiology of hypersensitivity reactions and described the development of desensitization protocols in oncology settings. Part II incorporates the experiences of an academic medical center and provides a practical guide for the nursing care of patients undergoing chemotherapy desensitization.
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  4. The influence of lunar phases and zodiac sign 'Leo' on perioperative complications and outcome in elective spine surgery.

    PubMed

    Joswig, Holger; Stienen, Martin N; Hock, Carolin; Hildebrandt, Gerhard; Surbeck, Werner

    2016-06-01

    Many people believe that the moon has an influence on daily life, and some even request elective surgery dates depending on the moon calendar. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 'unfavorable' lunar or zodiac constellations on perioperative complications and outcome in elective surgery for degenerative disc disease. Retrospective database analysis including 924 patients. Using uni- and multivariate logistic regression, the likelihood for intraoperative complications and re-do surgeries as well as the clinical outcomes at 4 weeks was analyzed for surgeries performed during the waxing moon, full moon, and dates when the moon passed through the zodiac sign 'Leo.' In multivariate analysis, patients operated on during the waxing moon were 1.54 times as likely as patients who were operated on during the waning moon to suffer from an intraoperative complication (OR 1.54, 95 % CI 1.07-2.21, p = 0.019). In contrast, there was a trend toward fewer re-do surgeries for surgery during the waxing moon (OR 0.51, 95 % CI 0.23-1.16, p = 0.109), while the 4-week responder status was similar (OR 0.73, 95 % CI 0.47-1.14, p = 0.169). A full moon and the zodiac sign Leo did not increase the likelihood for complications, re-do surgeries or unfavorable outcomes. We found no influence of 'unfavorable' lunar or zodiac constellations on the 4-week responder status or the revision rate that would justify a moon calendar-based selection approach to elective spine surgery dates. However, the fact that patients undergoing surgery during the waxing moon were more likely to suffer from an intraoperative complication is a surprising curiosity and defies our ability to find a rational explanation.

  5. Validation of risk assessment scoring systems for an audit of elective surgery for gastrointestinal cancer in elderly patients: an audit.

    PubMed

    Wakabayashi, Hisao; Sano, Takanori; Yachida, Shinichi; Okano, Keiichi; Izuishi, Kunihiko; Suzuki, Yasuyuki

    2007-10-01

    The goal of this study was to validate the usefulness of risk assessment scoring systems for a surgical audit in elective digestive surgery for elderly patients. The validated scoring systems used were the Physiological and Operative Severity Score for enUmeration of Mortality and morbidity (POSSUM) and the Portsmouth predictor equation for mortality (P-POSSUM). This study involved 153 consecutive patients aged 75 years and older who underwent elective gastric or colorectal surgery between July 2004 and June 2006. A retrospective analysis was performed on data collected prior to each surgery. The predicted mortality and morbidity risks were calculated using each of the scoring systems and were used to obtain the observed/predicted (O/E) mortality and morbidity ratios. New logistic regression equations for morbidity and mortality were then calculated using the scores from the POSSUM system and applied retrospectively. The O/E ratio for morbidity obtained from POSSUM score was 0.23. The O/E ratios for mortality from the POSSUM score and the P-POSSUM were 0.15 and 0.38, respectively. Utilizing the new equations using scores from the POSSUM, the O/E ratio increased to 0.88. Both the POSSUM and P-POSSUM over-predicted the morbidity and mortality in elective gastrointestinal surgery for malignant tumors in elderly patients. However, if a surgical unit makes appropriate calculations using its own patient series and updates these equations, the POSSUM system can be useful in the risk assessment for surgery in elderly patients.

  6. Impact of the Medicare Short Stay Transfer Policy on Patients undergoing Major Orthopedic Surgery

    PubMed Central

    FitzGerald, John D; John Boscardin, W; Hahn, Bevra H; Ettner, Susan L

    2007-01-01

    Objective To examine the impact of the Short Stay Transfer Policy (SSTP) on practice patterns. Data Sources This study uses data from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Medicare Provider Analysis and Review (MEDPAR) file, Home Health Standard Analytical File, 1999 Provider of Service file, and data from the 2000 United States Census. Study Design An interrupted time-series analysis was used to examine the length of stay (LOS) and probability of “early” discharge to post acute care (PAC). Data Collection Separate 100percent samples of all fee-for-service Medicare recipients undergoing either elective joint replacement (JR) surgery or surgical management of hip fracture (FX) between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2000 were selected. Principal Findings Prior to implementation of the SSTP. LOS had been falling by 0.37 and 0.30 days per year for JR and FX patients respectively. After implementation of the SSTP, there was an immediate increase in LOS by 0.20 and 0.17 days, respectively. Thereafter, LOS remained flat. The proportion of patients discharged “early” to PAC had been rising by 4.4 and 2.6 percentage points per year for JR and FX patients respectively, to a peak of 28.8percent and 20.4percent early PAC utilization in September 1998. Immediately after implementation of the SSTP, there was a 4.3 and 3.0 percentage point drop in utilization of “early” PAC. Thereafter utilization of early PAC increased at a much slower rate (for JR) or remained flat (for FX). There was significant regional variation in the magnitude of response to the policy. Conclusion Implementation of the SSTP reduced the financial incentive to discharge patients early to PAC. This was accomplished primarily through longer LOS without meaningful change in PAC utilization. With the recent expansion of the SSTP to 29 DRGs (representing 34percent of all discharges), these findings have important implications regarding patient care. PMID:17355580

  7. Effective and safe mannitol administration in patients undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery: A prospective, randomized and double blind study.

    PubMed

    Akcil, Eren Fatma; Dilmen, Ozlem Korkmaz; Karabulut, Esra Sultan; Koksal, Serdar Selcuk; Altindas, Fatis; Tunali, Yusuf

    2017-08-01

    Although osmotic diuresis with mannitol is commonly used to provide brain relaxation, there is no consensus regarding its optimal dose and combination with loop diuretics. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects of mannitol and combination of furosemide with different doses of mannitol on brain relaxation and on blood electrolytes, lactate level, urine output, fluid balance and blood osmolarity in patients undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery. This prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled study included 51 patients (ASA I-III) scheduled for elective supratentorial craniotomy. Different doses and combinations of diuretics were administered after the bone flap removal. The Group 1 received mannitol at 0.5gkg -1 and furosemide at 0.5mgkg -1 , the Group 2 received mannitol at 1gkg -1 and furosemide at 0.5mgkg -1 , and the Group 3 received mannitol at 0.5gkg -1 and placebo. The primary end-point of the present study is to evaluate the effects of mannitol and combination of furosemide with different doses of mannitol on brain relaxation and the secondary end-points are to evaluate their effects on blood electrolytes, lactate level, urine output, fluid balance and blood osmolarity. This study shows that mannitol alone (0.5gkg -1 ), and the combinations of furosemide (0.5mgkg -1 ) with different doses of mannitol (0.5gkg -1 -1gkg -1 ) provides adequate brain relaxation. However, administration of furosemide with low or high doses of mannitol may cause reduction in the sodium and chloride levels as well as rise in the lactate level. Moreover it may cause high urine output and negative intra-operative fluid balance. Administration of 0.5gkg -1 mannitol provides adequate brain relaxation without causing systemic side effects in patients undergoing supratentorial tumor surgery. This study is registered to clinical trials (Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT02712476). Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  8. Intraoperative Goal-directed Fluid Therapy in Elective Major Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

    PubMed

    Rollins, Katie E; Lobo, Dileep N

    2016-03-01

    To compare the effects of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) with conventional fluid therapy, and determine whether there was a difference in outcome between studies that did and did not use Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of adult patients undergoing elective major abdominal surgery comparing intraoperative GDFT versus conventional fluid therapy. The outcome measures were postoperative morbidity, length of stay, gastrointestinal function and 30-day mortality. A total of 23 studies were included with 2099 patients: 1040 who underwent GDFT and 1059 who received conventional fluid therapy. GDFT was associated with a significant reduction in morbidity (risk ratio [RR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.66-0.89, P = 0.0007), hospital length of stay (LOS; mean difference -1.55 days, 95% CI -2.73 to -0.36, P = 0.01), intensive care LOS (mean difference -0.63 days, 95% CI -1.18 to -0.09, P = 0.02), and time to passage of feces (mean difference -0.90 days, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.32 days, P = 0.002). However, no difference was seen in mortality, return of flatus, or risk of paralytic ileus. If patients were managed in an ERAS pathway, the only significant reductions were in intensive care LOS (mean difference -0.63 days, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.32, P < 0.0001) and time to passage of feces (mean difference -1.09 days, 95% CI -2.03 to -0.15, P = 0.02). If managed in a traditional care setting, a significant reduction was seen in both overall morbidity (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57 to -0.84, P = 0.0002) and total hospital LOS (mean difference -2.14, 95% CI -4.15 to -0.13, P = 0.04). GDFT may not be of benefit to all elective patients undergoing major abdominal surgery, particularly those managed in an ERAS setting.

  9. Celiac disease or positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies in patients undergoing renal biopsies.

    PubMed

    Nurmi, Rakel; Metso, Martti; Pörsti, Ilkka; Niemelä, Onni; Huhtala, Heini; Mustonen, Jukka; Kaukinen, Katri; Mäkelä, Satu

    2018-01-01

    An association between celiac disease and renal diseases has been suggested, but the results are controversial. To investigate the prevalence of celiac disease autoimmunity among individuals undergoing renal biopsies and to evaluate whether co-existent celiac autoimmunity influences the clinical outcome of the renal disease. The prevalence of celiac autoimmunity (previous diagnosis of celiac disease or positive tissue transglutaminase antibodies) was determined in 827 consecutive patients undergoing kidney biopsies due to clinical indications. Up to 15 years' follow-up data on kidney function and co-morbidities were obtained. Celiac autoimmunity was found in 45 (5.4%) patients. Among the IgA nephropathy patients, 8.2% of had celiac autoimmunity. At the time of kidney biopsy and after a median follow-up of 5 to 6 years, renal function measured by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was inferior in IgA nephropathy patients with celiac autoimmunity compared to those without it (P=0.048 and P=0.022, respectively). The prevalence of celiac autoimmunity seems to be high in patients undergoing renal biopsies, especially in patients with IgA nephropathy. Such autoimmunity may be associated with worse renal function in IgA nephropathy. Hence the co-existence of celiac disease should be taken into consideration when treating patients with renal diseases. Copyright © 2017 Editrice Gastroenterologica Italiana S.r.l. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  10. Adoption of Laparoscopy for Elective Colorectal Resection: A Report from Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program

    PubMed Central

    Kwon, Steve; Billingham, Richard; Farrokhi, Ellen; Florence, Michael; Herzig, Daniel; Horvath, Karen; Rogers, Terry; Steele, Scott; Symons, Rebecca; Thirlby, Richard; Whiteford, Mark; Flum, David

    2012-01-01

    Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate the adoption of laparoscopic colon surgery and assess its impact in the community at large. Study Design The Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program (SCOAP) is a quality improvement (QI) benchmarking initiative in the Northwest using medical record-based data. We evaluated the use of laparoscopy and a composite of adverse events (CAE; death or clinical reintervention) for patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery at 48 hospitals from 4th quarter of 2005 through 4th quarter of 2010. Results Of the 9,705 patients undergoing elective colorectal surgeries (mean age 60.6 ± 15.6 (SD) yrs; 55.2% women), 38.0% were performed laparoscopically (17.8% laparoscopic procedures converted to open). The use of laparoscopic procedures increased from 23.3% in 2005 quarter 4 to 41.6% in 2010 quarter 4 (trend over study period, p<0.001). After adjustment (age, sex, albumin levels, diabetes, body mass index, comorbidity index, cancer diagnosis, year, hospital bed size and urban vs. rural location), the risk of transfusions [odds ratio (OR) 0.52, 95% CI 0.39–0.7], wound infections (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.34–0.61), and CAEs (OR 0.58; 95%CI 0.43–0.79) were all significantly lower with laparoscopy. Within those hospitals that had been in SCOAP since 2006, hospitals where laparoscopy was most commonly used also had a significant increase in the volume of all types of colon surgery (202 cases per hospital in 2010 from 112 cases per hospital in 2006, 80.4% increase), and in particular the number of resections for non-cancer diagnoses and right sided pathology. Conclusions The use of laparoscopic colorectal resection increased in the Northwest. Increased adoption of laparoscopic colectomies was associated with greater use of all types of colorectal surgery. PMID:22533998

  11. Racial/Ethnic Differences in Illness Perceptions in Minority Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis

    PubMed Central

    Kim, Youngmee; Pavlish, Carol; Evangelista, Lorraine S.; Kopple, Joel D.; Phillips, Linda R.

    2012-01-01

    This study examined whether racial/ethnic differences in illness perceptions exist among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. One hundred sixty-one patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (20% African Americans, 44% Hispanics, 9% Filipinos, and 27% Koreans) completed the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire. Korean participants had higher emotional disturbance than their counterparts, whereas African-American participants had higher negative perceptions of personal intervention or medical treatment controlling their disease. This study indicates that patients from different racial/ethnic backgrounds undergoing maintenance hemodialysis may perceive their disease differently. This phenomenon could affect clinical outcomes and may require different therapeutic approaches. PMID:22480051

  12. Protective, elective lung irradiation in non-metastatic Ewing's sarcoma.

    PubMed

    Marinova, L; Hristozova, I; Mihaylova, I; Perenovska, P

    2015-07-01

    Ewing's sarcoma in childhood is a disease from family of the peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumours. For a period of 16 y (1984-2000), 34 children with Ewing's sarcoma were treated and followed in our department. Twenty-seven of these patients were without distant metastases. Complex treatment was applied to all these patients-chemotherapy VACA (vincristine, actinomycin D, cyclophosphamide, adriamycin), local radiotherapy to a total dose of 50-56 Gy +/- surgery. After, a local tumour control was achieved in 11 children with non-metastatic Ewing's sarcoma, elective whole lung irradiation to a total dose of 12-15 Gy was applied. Our experience in these 11 patients with non-metastatic Ewing's sarcoma, in whom elective lung irradiation was applied, showed significant reduction in the lung metastases, improved free of disease survival and overall survival. The achieved good treatment results necessitate extending this treatment approach through defining the risk groups of patients, suitable for elective lung radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy in non-metastatic Ewing's sarcoma. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  13. 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

  14. Comparison between oral antibiotics and probiotics as bowel preparation for elective colon cancer surgery to prevent infection: prospective randomized trial.

    PubMed

    Sadahiro, Sotaro; Suzuki, Toshiyuki; Tanaka, Akira; Okada, Kazutake; Kamata, Hiroko; Ozaki, Toru; Koga, Yasuhiro

    2014-03-01

    We have already reported that, for patients undergoing elective colon cancer operations, perioperative infection can be prevented by a single intravenous dose of an antibiotic given immediately beforehand if mechanical bowel preparation and the administration of oral antibiotics are implemented. Synbiotics has been reported to reduce the rate of infection in patients after pancreatic cancer operations. The effectiveness of oral antibiotics and probiotics in preventing postoperative infection in elective colon cancer procedures was examined in a randomized controlled trial. Three hundred ten patients with colon cancer randomly were assigned to one of three groups. All patients underwent mechanical bowel preparation and received a single intravenous dose of flomoxef immediately before operation. Probiotics were administered in Group A; oral antibiotics were administered in Group B; and neither probiotics nor oral antibiotics were administered in Group C. Stool samples were collected 9 and 2 days before and 7 and 14 days after the procedure. Clostridium difficile toxin and the number of bacteria in the intestine were determined. The rates of incisional surgical-site infection were 18.0%, 6.1%, and 17.9% in Groups A, B, and C, and the rates of leakage were 12.0%, 1.0%, and 7.4% in Groups A, B, and C, respectively, indicating that both rates were lesser in Group B than in Groups A and C (P = .014 and P = .004, respectively). The detection rates of C. difficile toxin were not changed among the three groups. We recommend oral antibiotics, rather than probiotics, as bowel preparation for elective colon cancer procedures to prevent surgical-site infections. Copyright © 2014 Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

  15. Effect of the duration of food withholding prior to anesthesia on gastroesophageal reflux and regurgitation in healthy dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.

    PubMed

    Viskjer, Sivert; Sjöström, Lennart

    2017-02-01

    OBJECTIVE To compare the incidence of and risk factors for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and regurgitation associated with preanesthetic food withholding for periods of 18 hours (overnight) and 3 hours in healthy dogs undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. ANIMALS 82 healthy (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification I or II) client-owned dogs. PROCEDURES Food was withheld for 18 hours (18-hour group [n = 41]) or each dog was allowed to consume half its daily ration of canned food approximately 3 hours (3-hour group [n = 41]) prior to induction of anesthesia. In each anesthetized dog, a pH catheter was introduced through the oropharynx into the distal portion of the esophagus; the pH was continuously recorded throughout the period of anesthesia. Gastroesophageal reflux was defined as pH < 4.0. RESULTS Gastroesophageal reflux was significantly associated with age, dorsal recumbency, and duration of preanesthetic food withholding. Regurgitation was significantly associated with duration of GER and duration of preanesthetic food withholding. During anesthesia, 25 (61%) dogs in the 3-hour group had GER and 12 (48%) of those dogs regurgitated gastric content; 18 (43.9%) dogs in the 18-hour group had GER and 2 (11.1%) of those dogs regurgitated gastric content. The mean lowest pH measured in the refluxate in the 3-hour group (2.3) was significantly greater than that in the 18-hour group (1.3). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Among the study dogs undergoing orthopedic surgery, consumption of a light meal 3 hours prior to anesthesia was associated with significantly greater odds of reflux and regurgitation, compared with overnight food withholding.

  16. Factors That Influence the Practice of Elective Induction of Labor

    PubMed Central

    Moore, Jennifer; Low, Lisa Kane

    2012-01-01

    Elective induction of labor has been linked to increased rates of prematurity and rising rates of cesarean birth. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate current trends in induction of labor scholarship focusing on evidence-based factors that influence the practice of elective induction. A key word search was conducted to identify studies on the practice of elective induction of labor. Analysis of the findings included clustering and identification of recurrent themes among the articles with 3 categories being identified. Under each category, the words/phrases were further clustered until a construct could be named. A total of 49 articles met inclusion criteria: 7 patient, 6 maternity care provider, and 4 organization factors emerged. Only 4 of the articles identified were evidence based. Patient factors were divided into preferences/convenience, communication, fear, pressure/influence, trust, external influences, and technology. Provider factors were then divided into practice preferences/convenience, lack of information, financial incentives, fear, patient desire/demand, and technology. Organization factors were divided into lack of enforcement/accountability, hospital culture, scheduling of staff, and market share issues. Currently, there is limited data-based information focused on factors that influence elective induction of labor. Despite patient and provider convenience/preferences being cited in the literature, the evidence does not support this practice. PMID:22843006

  17. Report from a quality assurance program on patients undergoing the MILD procedure.

    PubMed

    Durkin, Brian; Romeiser, Jamie; Shroyer, A Laurie W; Schiller, Robin; Bae, Jin; Davis, Raphael P; Peyster, Robert; Benveniste, Helene

    2013-05-01

    To characterize trends in pain and functional outcomes and identify risk factors in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and neurogenic claudication undergoing the "Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression" (MILD) procedure. Retrospective observational cohort study. Academic multidisciplinary pain center at Stony Brook Medicine. Patients undergoing the MILD procedure from October 2010 to November 2012. De-identified perioperative, pain and function related data for 50 patients undergoing MILD were extracted from the Center for Pain Management's quality assessment database. Data included numerical rating scale (NRS), symptom severity and physical function (Zurich Claudication Questionnaire), functional status (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), pain interference scores (National Institutes of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS]), and patients' self-reported low back and lower extremity pain distribution. No MILD patient incurred procedure-related complications. Average NRS scores decreased postoperatively and 64.3% of patients reported less pain at 3 months. Clinically meaningful functional ODI improvements of at least 20% from baseline were present in 25% of the patients at 6 months. Preliminary analysis of changes in PROMIS scores at 3 months revealed that pre-MILD "severe" lumbar canal stenosis may be associated with high risk of "no improvement." No such impact was observed for NRS or ODI outcomes. Overall, pain is reduced and functional status improved in LSS patients following the MILD procedure at 3 and 6 months. Given the small sample size, it is not yet possible to identify patient subgroups at risk for "no improvement." Continued follow-up of longer-term outcomes appears warranted to develop evidence-based patient selection criteria. Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  18. A Survey on Awareness about the Role of Anesthesia and Anesthesiologists among the Patients Undergoing Surgeries in a Tertiary Care Teaching Women and Children Hospital.

    PubMed

    Marulasiddappa, Vinay; Nethra, H N

    2017-01-01

    Although anesthesiology has grown tremendously and although anesthesiologists play a crucial role in the perioperative management of patients and also outside operating theater (OT) such as critical care, pain clinic, and labor analgesia, they do not get due recognition. We conducted a study to assess the awareness about the role of anesthesia and anesthesiologists among patients scheduled to undergo surgery in a Government Tertiary Care Teaching Women and Children Hospital. A prospective cross-sectional survey with a sample size of 100 patients. Patients scheduled to undergo elective surgery in the age group of 18-65 years with the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grades 1 and 2, who are willing to participate and given written informed consent. Patients whose age <18 years and more than 65 years, ASA health status Class 3 and above were excluded. Statistical analysis was done by calculating percentages using Chi-square test. Twenty percent of the participants were illiterate and of the educated, none were graduates or postgraduates. Patients with higher level of education had better knowledge of anesthesiology and role of an anesthesiologist with P < 0.05 than those with lesser education. Forty-eight percent of the participants had no idea about anesthesia despite the majority (62%) having previous surgery with no statistically significant difference ( P > 0.05) between those with previous surgery and those without previous surgery regarding their knowledge of anesthesiology and anesthesiologist. Ninety percent did not know the complications, types of anesthesia and 44% did not know that anesthesiologist is a doctor. Most of the participants were not aware of the role of anesthesia and anesthesiologists inside and outside OT. Although this could be attributed to their lower level of education, the fraternity of anesthesiologists has to educate patients and surgeons about the role of anesthesia.

  19. The use of novel oral anticoagulants for thromboprophylaxis after elective major orthopedic surgery

    PubMed Central

    Rachidi, Saleh; Aldin, Ehab Saad; Greenberg, Charles; Sachs, Barton; Streiff, Michael; Zeidan, Amer M

    2014-01-01

    Venous thromboembolism is a common cause of morbidity and mortality among patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery. Due to the high incidence of venous thromboembolism in this setting, perioperative anticoagulation is the recommended approach for thromboprophylaxis. Low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), fondaparinux and warfarin are the agents commonly used for thromboprophylaxis. The well-recognized limitations of warfarin and the inconvenience and discomfort associated with the subcutaneous administration of low molecular weight heparin and fondaparinux inspired intense investigation to develop novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) with more predictable pharmacokinetics, fewer drug interactions and no need for regular laboratory monitoring. Three NOACs have been demonstrated to be effective for thromboprophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in large randomized controlled trials. Here we review the pharmacology of rivaroxaban, dabigatran, and apixaban, summarize the major clinical trials of these agents in thromboprophylaxis after THA and TKA, and discuss the clinical factors to be considered by providers when selecting a NOAC for their patients. PMID:24219550

  20. Surgical RF ablation of atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing mitral valve repair for Barlow disease.

    PubMed

    Rostagno, Carlo; Droandi, G; Gelsomino, S; Carone, E; Gensini, G F; Stefàno, P L

    2013-01-01

    At present, limited experience exists on the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing mitral valve repair (MVR) for Barlow disease. The aim of this investigation was to prospectively evaluate the radiofrequency ablation of AF in patients undergoing MVR for severe regurgitation due to Barlow disease. From January 1, 2007 to December 31, 2010, out of 85 consecutive patients with Barlow disease, 27 with AF underwent RF ablation associated with MVR. They were examined every 4 months in the first year after surgery and thereafter twice yearly. At follow-up, AF was observed in 4/25 (16.0%). NYHA (New York Heart Association) functional class improved significantly, with no patients in class III or IV (before surgery, 81.5% had been). Otherwise, among 58 patients in sinus rhythm, 6 (11%) developed AF during follow-up. No clinical or echocardiographic predictive factor was found in this subgroup. Results from our investigation suggest that radiofrequency ablation of AF in patients with Barlow disease undergoing MVR for severe regurgitation is effective and should be considered in every patient with Barlow disease and AF undergoing valve surgical repair. Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

  1. Drivers of 30-Day Readmission in Elderly Patients (>65 Years Old) After Spine Surgery: An Analysis of 500 Consecutive Spine Surgery Patients.

    PubMed

    Adogwa, Owoicho; Elsamadicy, Aladine A; Han, Jing; Karikari, Isaac O; Cheng, Joseph; Bagley, Carlos A

    2017-01-01

    Early readmission after spine surgery is being used as a proxy for quality of care. One-fifth of patients are rehospitalized within 30 days after spine surgery, and more than one-third within 90 days; however, there is a paucity of data about the cause of early readmissions in elderly patients after elective spine surgery. A total of 500 elderly patients (>65 years old) undergoing elective spine surgery at a major academic hospital were included in the study. We identified all unplanned readmissions within 30 days of discharge. Unplanned readmissions were defined to have occurred as a result of either a surgical or a nonsurgical complication. Patient records were reviewed to determine the cause of readmission and the length of hospital stay. A total of 50 (10%) unplanned early readmissions were identified. The mean ± SD age was 72.54 ± 5.84 years. The mean ± SD number of days from discharge to readmission was 11.02 ± 7.25 days, and the average length of hospital stay for the readmissions was 7.7 days. The majority of patients that were readmitted presented to the emergency department from home (46%), whereas 38% were readmitted from a skilled nursing facility. The most common causes for readmission were infection or a concern for infection (42%) and pain (14%), with 32% of readmissions requiring a return to the operating room. Our study suggests that in elderly patients undergoing elective spine surgery, infection or a concern for infection, pain, and altered mental status were the most common primary reasons for unplanned readmission. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  2. Some patients don't need analgesics after surgery.

    PubMed Central

    McQuay, H J; Bullingham, R E; Moore, R A; Evans, P J; Lloyd, J W

    1982-01-01

    Postoperative analgesic requirements of 410 patients undergoing elective orthopaedic limb surgery were studied. Premedication and anaesthetic were standardized with no narcotic. Twenty-three patients required no analgesic at all during their hospital stay. The importance of acknowledging the existence of this group of patients is discussed. The distribution of time to first analgesic requirement for the other patients was obtained. The importance of knowing the distribution for particular operative procedures and the effect of analgesic interventions such as premedication is discussed. PMID:7120254

  3. Incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis and its association with outcomes in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma. An international collaborative study

    PubMed Central

    Amit, Moran; Binenbaum, Yoav; Sharma, Kanika; Ramer, Naomi; Ramer, Ilana; Agbetoba, Abib; Glick, Joelle; Yang, Xinjie; Lei, Delin; Bjørndal, Kristine; Godballe, Christian; Mücke, Thomas; Wolff, Klaus-Dietrich; Fliss, Dan; Eckardt, André M.; Copelli, Chiara; Sesenna, Enrico; Palmer, Frank; Ganly, Ian; Patel, Snehal; Gil, Ziv

    2016-01-01

    Background The patterns of regional metastasis in adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck and its association with outcome is not established. Methods We conducted a retrospective multicentered multivariate analysis of 270 patients who underwent neck dissection. Results The incidence rate of neck metastases was 29%. The rate observed in the oral cavity is 37%, and in the major salivary glands is 19% (p = .001). The rate of occult nodal metastases was 17%. Overall 5-year survival rates were 44% in patients undergoing therapeutic neck dissections, and 65% and 73% among those undergoing elective neck dissections, with and without nodal metastases, respectively (p = .017). Multivariate analysis revealed that the primary site, nodal classification, and margin status were independent predictors of survival. Conclusion Our findings support the consideration of elective neck treatment in patients with ACC of the oral cavity. PMID:25060927

  4. Liver enzymes in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis.

    PubMed

    Liberato, Isabella Ramos de Oliveira; Lopes, Edmundo Pessoa de Almeida; Cavalcante, Maria Alina Gomes de Mattos; Pinto, Tiago Costa; Moura, Izolda Fernades; Loureiro Júnior, Luiz

    2012-01-01

    The present study was designed to analyze the serum levels of aspartate and alanine aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and the hematocrit in patients with chronic kidney disease who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. Twenty patients on peritoneal dialysis and 40 on hemodialysis were assessed, and the patients were matched according to the length of time that they had been on dialysis. Blood samples were collected (both before and after the session for those on hemodialysis) to measure the enzymes and the hematocrit. In the samples from the patients who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis, the aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels were slightly higher compared with the samples collected from the patients before the hemodialysis session and slightly lower compared with the samples collected after the hemodialysis session. The levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase in the hemodialysis patients were slightly higher than the levels in the patients who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis. In addition, the levels of aminotransferases and gamma-glutamyl transferase that were collected before the hemodialysis session were significantly lower than the values collected after the session. The hematocrit levels were significantly lower in the patients who were on peritoneal dialysis compared with the patients on hemodialysis (both before and after the hemodialysis session), and the levels were also significantly lower before hemodialysis compared with after hemodialysis. The aminotransferase levels in the patients who were undergoing peritoneal dialysis were slightly higher compared with the samples collected before the hemodialysis session, whereas the aminotransferase levels were slightly lower compared with the samples collected after the session. The hematocrits and the aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels of the samples collected after the hemodialysis session were significantly higher than the samples collected before

  5. [Preoperatory sonography efficiency in paediatric patients with cholelithiasis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

    PubMed

    Riñón, C; de Mingo, L; Cortés, M J; Ollero, J C; Alvarez, M; Espinosa, R; Rollán, V

    2009-01-01

    Biliary lithiasis is not much frequent in paediatric patients. The manegement of cholelithiasis in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still controversial. We propose the preoperatory echographic study of the biliary tree 24-48 h before surgery, as the first choice, instead of the intraoperatory cholangiography. We made a retrospective study of 42 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy due to symptomatic biliary lithiasis during the last 15 years, with ages between 18 months and 17-years-old (mean age 9,6-years-old) and weight between 11 and 70 kg (mean weight 42 kg) at the moment of surgery. Six of them had haematological illnesses, 17 came to the hospital because of acute abdominal pain, 10 had been studied because of recurrent abdominal pain and 9 had casual diagnoses. Abdominal sonography was performed in all patients 24-48 hours before surgery. Four children were diagnosed of biliary duct lithiasis: two choledocolithiasis and two stones in the cystic duct. One of the cystic stones was extracted in the operating room and the rest resolved spontaneously. One patient presented dilatation of choledocal duct after surgery, without any stones' evidence. Also this patient resolved spontaneously. We had no complications. Biliary lithiasis is not frequent in children, even if it seems to be increasing. A few of these patients will suffer of choledocolithiasis. The intraoperatory exploration of the biliary tree during laparoscopic surgery is technically difficult due the small size of paediatric patients. Cholangiography is not always successful and can produce some important complications as pancreatitis. Preoperative sonography 24-48 hours before surgery is a safe and efficient method for the diagnosis and follow-up of paediatric patients with biliary lithiasis undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. It is safe enough to be performed without intraoperatory cholangiography.

  6. Effects of preoperative and postoperative resistance exercise interventions on recovery of physical function in patients undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer: a systematic review of randomised controlled trials

    PubMed Central

    Hashem, Ferhana; Corbett, Kevin; Bates, Amanda; George, Michelle; Hobbs, Ralph Peter; Hopkins, Malcolm; Hutchins, Irena; Lowery, David Peter; Pellatt-Higgins, Tracy; Stavropoulou, Charitini; Swaine, Ian; Tomlinson, Lee; Woodward, Hazel; Ali, Haythem

    2018-01-01

    Objective To systematically review the effects of preoperative and postoperative resistance exercise training on the recovery of physical function in patients undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer. Data sources A systematic review of English articles using Medline, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library electronic databases was undertaken. Eligibility criteria for selecting studies Studies were included if they used a randomised, quasi-randomised or controlled trial study design and compared the effects of a muscle-strengthening exercise intervention (±other therapy) with a comparative non-exercise group; involved adult participants (≥18 years) who had elected to undergo abdominal surgery for cancer; and used muscle strength, physical function, self-reported functional ability, range of motion and/or a performance-based test as an outcome measure. Results Following screening of titles and abstracts of the 588 publications retrieved from the initial search, 24 studies met the inclusion criteria and were accessed for review of the full-text version of the article, and 2 eligible studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. One exercise programme was undertaken preoperatively and the other postoperatively, until discharge from hospital. The exercise interventions of the included studies were performed for five and eight sessions, respectively. There were no differences between groups in either study. Conclusion The only two studies designed to determine whether preoperative or postoperative resistance muscle-strengthening exercise programmes improved or negatively affected physical function outcomes in patients undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer provide inconclusive results. PMID:29719727

  7. Factors associated with quality of life in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty

    PubMed Central

    Darvishpour, Azar; Javadi-Pashaki, Nazila; Salari, Arsalan; Sadeghi, Tahere; Taleshan-Nejad, Marayam

    2017-01-01

    Objective: Percutaneous coronary intervention has been effective in increasing longevity of patients with cardiovascular disease. However, the evidence shows that the quality of life after the intervention is still lower than optimal level. The quality of life can be affected by various factors. The aim of this study is to determine the quality of life and its related factors in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 106 patients undergoing coronary angioplasty during 2015-2016. This study population included all patients who referred to a cardiac clinic in Rasht, Iran, were passed 3 months after their angioplasty. Research samples met the inclusion criteria and were willing to participate to the study, were selected gradually (continually). Research tools were a self-structured questionnaire regarding factors associated with the quality of life and the MacNew quality of life questionnaire. Data were collected through asking patients questions and using patient’s medical records. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that independent variables of age (P = 0.0001), the number of diseased vessels (P = 0.0001), and the number of comorbidities (P < 0.05) were the most important factors associated with the quality of life. Conclusion: Health-care professionals can play an effective role in promoting the quality of life of patients undergoing coronary angioplasty by modifying lifestyle based on the related factors and to provide comprehensive care programs, especially for elderly. PMID:29085266

  8. Comparison of Three Contemporary Risk Scores for Mortality Following Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair

    PubMed Central

    Grant, S.W.; Hickey, G.L.; Carlson, E.D.; McCollum, C.N.

    2014-01-01

    Objective/background A number of contemporary risk prediction models for mortality following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair have been developed. Before a model is used either in clinical practice or to risk-adjust surgical outcome data it is important that its performance is assessed in external validation studies. Methods The British Aneurysm Repair (BAR) score, Medicare, and Vascular Governance North West (VGNW) models were validated using an independent prospectively collected sample of multicentre clinical audit data. Consecutive, data on 1,124 patients undergoing elective AAA repair at 17 hospitals in the north-west of England and Wales between April 2011 and March 2013 were analysed. The outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Model calibration (observed to expected ratio with chi-square test, calibration plots, calibration intercept and slope) and discrimination (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]) were assessed in the overall cohort and procedural subgroups. Results The mean age of the population was 74.4 years (SD 7.7); 193 (17.2%) patients were women and the majority of patients (759, 67.5%) underwent endovascular aneurysm repair. All three models demonstrated good calibration in the overall cohort and procedural subgroups. Overall discrimination was excellent for the BAR score (AUC 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76–0.89), and acceptable for the Medicare and VGNW models, with AUCs of 0.78 (95% CI 0.70–0.86) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.65–0.84) respectively. Only the BAR score demonstrated good discrimination in procedural subgroups. Conclusion All three models demonstrated good calibration and discrimination for the prediction of in-hospital mortality following elective AAA repair and are potentially useful. The BAR score has a number of advantages, which include being developed on the most contemporaneous data, excellent overall discrimination, and good performance in procedural subgroups. Regular model

  9. Comparison of three contemporary risk scores for mortality following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

    PubMed

    Grant, S W; Hickey, G L; Carlson, E D; McCollum, C N

    2014-07-01

    A number of contemporary risk prediction models for mortality following elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair have been developed. Before a model is used either in clinical practice or to risk-adjust surgical outcome data it is important that its performance is assessed in external validation studies. The British Aneurysm Repair (BAR) score, Medicare, and Vascular Governance North West (VGNW) models were validated using an independent prospectively collected sample of multicentre clinical audit data. Consecutive, data on 1,124 patients undergoing elective AAA repair at 17 hospitals in the north-west of England and Wales between April 2011 and March 2013 were analysed. The outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. Model calibration (observed to expected ratio with chi-square test, calibration plots, calibration intercept and slope) and discrimination (area under receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC]) were assessed in the overall cohort and procedural subgroups. The mean age of the population was 74.4 years (SD 7.7); 193 (17.2%) patients were women and the majority of patients (759, 67.5%) underwent endovascular aneurysm repair. All three models demonstrated good calibration in the overall cohort and procedural subgroups. Overall discrimination was excellent for the BAR score (AUC 0.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.76-0.89), and acceptable for the Medicare and VGNW models, with AUCs of 0.78 (95% CI 0.70-0.86) and 0.75 (95% CI 0.65-0.84) respectively. Only the BAR score demonstrated good discrimination in procedural subgroups. All three models demonstrated good calibration and discrimination for the prediction of in-hospital mortality following elective AAA repair and are potentially useful. The BAR score has a number of advantages, which include being developed on the most contemporaneous data, excellent overall discrimination, and good performance in procedural subgroups. Regular model validations and recalibration will be essential. Copyright

  10. 5 CFR 891.201 - Election.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

    2011-01-01

    ... Administrative Personnel OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT (CONTINUED) CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS (CONTINUED) RETIRED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS Election and Change of Election § 891.201 Election. (a) The original... election. For any other retired employee receiving compensation, changes of election made under this...

  11. Impact of pharmacist interventions on rational prophylactic antibiotic use and cost saving in elective cesarean section.

    PubMed

    Wang, Jingwen; Dong, Mohan; Lu, Yang; Zhao, Xian; Li, Xin; Wen, Aidong

    2015-08-01

    To assess the impact of pharmacist interventions on rational use of prophylactic antibiotics and cost saving in elective cesarean section and the economic outcomes of implementing pharmacist interventions. A pre-to-post intervention design was applied to the practices of prophylactic antibiotic use in the department of gynecology and obstetrics in a Chinese tertiary hospital. Patients admitted during a 3-month period from June to August 2012 and during that from October to December 2012 undergoing elective cesarean section were assigned to the pre-intervention and the post-intervention group, respectively. Pharmacist interventions were performed in the post-intervention group, including obstetrician education, realtime monitoring of clinical records and making recommendations to obstetricians on prophylactic antibiotic prescription based on the criteria set at the beginning of the study. Data from the two groups were then compared to evaluate the outcomes of pharmacist interventions. Cost-outcome analysis was performed to determine the economic effect of implementing pharmacist interventions in preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis. Pharmacist interventions led to significant reductions in antibiotic usage cost/patient-day (p < 0.001), mean antibiotic cost (p < 0.001), mean total drug cost (p < 0.001), mean total hospitalization cost (p < 0.001), the duration of prophylaxis antibiotics (p < 0.001) and a significant increase by 19.29% in the percentage of cases adhering to all of the four criteria (p < 0.001). The ratio of the saving in antibiotic use to the cost of pharmacist time was 27.23 : 1 and the net cost benefit was $65,255.84. This study provides evidence that pharmacist interventions promoted rational use of prophylactic antibiotics and substantial cost saving in elective cesarean section.

  12. Impact of prior permanent pacemaker on long-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

    PubMed

    Li, Yan-Jie; Zhang, Wei-Wei; Yang, Xiao-Xiao; Li, Ning; Qiu, Xing-Biao; Qu, Xin-Kai; Fang, Wei-Yi; Yang, Yi-Qing; Li, Ruo-Gu

    2017-04-01

    The impact of permanent pacemaker (PPM) on long-term clinical outcomes of patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been studied. PPM may increase heart failure (HF) burden on patients undergoing PCI. We recruited consecutive patients undergoing PCI and carried out a nested case-control study. Patients with confirmed PPM undergoing first PCI were identified and matched by age and sex in 1:1 fashion to patients without PPM undergoing first PCI. Clinical data were collected and analyzed. The primary endpoint outcomes were all-cause mortality and hospitalization for HF. The final analysis included 156 patients. The mean follow-up period was 4.6 ± 2.9 years. The overall all-cause mortality was 21.15%, without significant difference between the 2 groups (21.79% vs 20.51%; P = 0.85). However, the rate of HF-related hospitalization was significantly higher in patients with PPM than in controls (26.92% vs 10.26%; P = 0.008). After adjustment for hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, chronic kidney disease, stroke, left ventricular ejection fraction, brain natriuretic peptide, and acute coronary syndrome (ACS), PCI patients with PPM were still associated with a greater hospitalization rate for HF (odds ratio: 4.31, 95% confidence interval: 0.94-19.80, P = 0.061). Further analysis in the ACS subgroup showed VVI-mode pacing enhanced the risk for HF-associated hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio: 8.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.37-49.75, P = 0.02). PPM has no effect on all-cause mortality in patients undergoing first PCI but significantly increases the HF-associated hospitalization rate, especially in ACS patients. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  13. Elective single-embryo transfer.

    PubMed

    2012-04-01

    As in vitro fertilization implantation rates have improved, the practice of transfering multiple embryos must be evaluated. The purpose of this document is to reassess the literature on elective single-embryo transfer, to provide guidance for patient selection, and to discuss barriers to utilization. Copyright © 2012 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  14. Prognosis of venous thromboembolism in orthopaedic surgery or trauma patients and use of thromboprophylaxis.

    PubMed

    Gutiérrez Guisado, J; Trujillo-Santos, J; Arcelus, J I; Bertoletti, L; Fernandez-Capitán, C; Valle, R; Hernandez-Hermoso, J A; Erice Calvo-Sotelo, A; Nieto, J A; Monreal, M

    2018-06-18

    There is scarce evidence about the prognosis of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery and in patients suffering non-surgical trauma. We used the RIETE database (Registro Informatizado de pacientes con Enfermedad Trombo Embólica) to compare the prognosis of venous thromboembolism and the use of thromboprophylaxis in patients undergoing different orthopedic procedures and in trauma patients not requiring surgery. From March 2001 to March 2015, a total of 61,789 patients were enrolled in RIETE database. Of these, 943 (1.52%) developed venous thromboembolism after elective arthroplasty, 445 (0.72%) after hip fracture, 1,045 (1.69%) after non-major orthopedic surgery and 2,136 (3.46%) after non-surgical trauma. Overall, 2,283 patients (50%) initially presented with pulmonary embolism. Within the first 90 days of therapy, 30 patients (0.66%; 95% CI 0.45-0.93) died from pulmonary embolism. The rate of fatal pulmonary embolism was significantly higher after hip fracture surgery (n = 9 [2.02%]) than after elective arthroplasty (n = 5 [0.53%]), non-major orthopedic surgery (n = 5 [0.48%]) or non surgical trauma (n = 11 [0.48%]). Thromboprophylaxis was more commonly used for hip fracture (93%) or elective arthroplasty (94%) than for non-major orthopedic surgery (71%) or non-surgical trauma (32%). Major bleeding was significantly higher after hip fracture surgery (4%) than that observed after elective arthroplasty (1.6%), non-major orthopedic surgery (1.5%) or non-surgical trauma (1.4%). Thromboprophylaxis was less frequently used in lower risk procedures despite the absolute number of fatal pulmonary embolism after non-major orthopedic surgery or non-surgical trauma, exceeded that observed after high risk procedures. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Medicina Interna (SEMI). All rights reserved.

  15. A Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Blind Study Assessing Indices of SNAP II Versus BIS VISTA on Surgical Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia.

    PubMed

    Bergese, Sergio D; Uribe, Alberto A; Puente, Erika G; Marcus, R-Jay L; Krohn, Randall J; Docsa, Steven; Soto, Roy G; Candiotti, Keith A

    2017-02-03

    Traditionally, anesthesiologists have relied on nonspecific subjective and objective physical signs to assess patients' comfort level and depth of anesthesia. Commercial development of electrical monitors, which use low- and high-frequency electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, have been developed to enhance the assessment of patients' level of consciousness. Multiple studies have shown that monitoring patients' consciousness levels can help in reducing drug consumption, anesthesia-related adverse events, and recovery time. This clinical study will provide information by simultaneously comparing the performance of the SNAP II (a single-channel EEG device) and the bispectral index (BIS) VISTA (a dual-channel EEG device) by assessing their efficacy in monitoring different anesthetic states in patients undergoing general anesthesia. The primary objective of this study is to establish the range of index values for the SNAP II corresponding to each anesthetic state (preinduction, loss of response, maintenance, first purposeful response, and extubation). The secondary objectives will assess the range of index values for BIS VISTA corresponding to each anesthetic state compared to published BIS VISTA range information, and estimate the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for both devices. This is a multicenter, prospective, double-arm, parallel assignment, single-blind study involving patients undergoing elective surgery that requires general anesthesia. The study will include 40 patients and will be conducted at the following sites: The Ohio State University Medical Center (Columbus, OH); Northwestern University Prentice Women's Hospital (Chicago, IL); and University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami, FL). The study will assess the predictive value of SNAP II versus BIS VISTA indices at various anesthetic states in patients undergoing general anesthesia (preinduction, loss of response, maintenance, first purposeful response, and extubation). The SNAP

  16. Personality, function and satisfaction in patients undergoing total hip or knee replacement.

    PubMed

    Ramaesh, Rishikesan; Jenkins, Paul; Lane, Judith V; Knight, Sara; Macdonald, Deborah; Howie, Colin

    2014-03-01

    The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between personality and joint-specific function, general physical and general mental health in patients undergoing total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA). One hundred and eighty-four patients undergoing THA and 205 undergoing TKA were assessed using the Eysneck Personality Questionnaire, brief version (EPQ-BV). General physical and mental health was measured using the Short-Form 12 (SF-12) questionnaire and the EuroQol (EQ-5D). Joint-specific function was measured using the Oxford hip or knee score. The "unstable introvert" personality type was associated with poorer pre-operative function and health in patients with hip arthrosis. In patients with knee arthrosis, there was poorer general health in those with "stable extrovert" and "unstable introvert" types. Personality was not an independent predictor of outcome following TKA or THA. The main predictor was pre-operative function and health. Comorbidity was an important covariate of both pre-operative and postoperative function. Personality may play a role in the interaction of these disease processes with function and health perception. It may also affect the response and interpretation of psychometric and patient-reported outcome measures. It may be important to characterise and identify these traits in potential arthroplasty patients as it may help deliver targeted education and management to improve outcomes in certain groups.

  17. Outcomes of gynecologic oncology patients undergoing gastrografin small bowel follow-through studies.

    PubMed

    Walters, Christen L; Sutton, Amelia L M; Huddleston-Colburn, Mary Kathryn; Whitworth, Jenny M; Schneider, Kellie E; Straughn, J Michael

    2014-01-01

    To characterize the outcomes of gynecologic oncology patients undergoing small bowel follow-throughs (SBFTs) with Gastrografin at our institution. We identified all gynecologic oncology patients undergoing an SBFT from January 2004 to December 2009. We characterized the SBFT as normal, delayed transit, partial obstruction, or complete obstruction. Patient outcomes were correlated with the SBFT results. Seventy patients underwent 79 SBFT examinations with Gastrografin to evaluate their bowel dysfunction. The overall rate of operative intervention was 23%. A total of 69% of patients with a complete obstruction underwent surgery as compared to 21% of patients with a partial obstruction (p = 0.002). Return of bowel function was significantly longer in patients with complete obstructions as compared to patients with partial obstructions (48 vs. 8 hours, p = 0.006). Length of stay was longest in patients with complete obstructions. The majority of patients with a complete obstruction on SBFT will require surgical intervention and have a protracted hospital stay. Patients with delayed transit or a partial obstruction on SBFT usually will have resolution of their bowel dysfunction with conservative management.

  18. Comparison of detomidine and romifidine as premedicants before ketamine and halothane anesthesia in horses undergoing elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Taylor, P M; Bennett, R C; Brearley, J C; Luna, S P; Johnson, C B

    2001-03-01

    To compare detomidine hydrochloride and romifidine as premedicants in horses undergoing elective surgery. 100 client-owned horses. After administration of acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg, IV), 50 horses received detomidine hydrochloride (0.02 mg/kg of body weight, IV) and 50 received romifidine (0.1 mg/kg, IV) before induction and maintenance of anesthesia with ketamine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg) and halothane, respectively. Arterial blood pressure and blood gases, ECG, and heart and respiratory rates were recorded. Induction and recovery were timed and graded. Mean (+/- SD) duration of anesthesia for all horses was 104 +/- 28 minutes. Significant differences in induction and recovery times or grades were not detected between groups. Mean arterial blood pressure (MABP) decreased in both groups 30 minutes after induction, compared with values at 10 minutes. From 40 to 70 minutes after induction, MABP was significantly higher in detomidine-treated horses, compared with romifidine-treated horses, although more romifidine-treated horses received dobutamine infusions. In all horses, mean respiratory rate ranged from 9 to 11 breaths/min, PaO2 from 200 to 300 mm Hg, PaCO2 from 59 to 67 mm Hg, arterial pH from 7.33 to 7.29, and heart rate from 30 to 33 beats/min, with no significant differences between groups. Detomidine and romifidine were both satisfactory premedicants. Romifidine led to more severe hypotension than detomidine, despite administration of dobutamine to more romifidine-treated horses. Both detomidine and romifidine are acceptable alpha2-adrenoceptor agonists for use as premedicants before general anesthesia in horses; however, detomidine may be preferable when maintenance of blood pressure is particularly important.

  19. [Liberalisation of preoperative fasting guidelines: effects on patient comfort and clinical practicability during elective laparoscopic surgery of the lower abdomen].

    PubMed

    Meisner, M; Ernhofer, U; Schmidt, J

    2008-09-01

    In this study, the recently liberalised national guidelines for preoperative fasting were evaluated from the view point of the patients and according to their clinical usability. Patients undergoing elective laparoscopic gynaecological surgery were randomised into two groups. Patients in the long-time NPO-group (LTNPO-group) had nothing per mouth after midnight whereas patients in the short-time NPO-group (STNPO-group) did not receive any oral nutrition after midnight but were allowed an unlimited intake of Pfrimmer Nutricia preOP up to 2 hours before scheduled surgery. Patients were asked to assess the incidence of 12 symptoms of perioperative discomfort prior to and 4-6 hours after surgery using a standardised questionnaire. Gastric fluid volume, vital signs during the induction period of anaesthesia and the actual duration of fasting were registered and compared. 42 patients were included into the study (LTNPO-group: n = 23, STNPO-group: n = 19). The actual duration of fasting for solid nutritition was 11.3 h in the LTNPO-group and 10.9 h in the STNPO-group, respectively. The time of fasting for fluids was in the STNPO-group significantly shorter (4.5 h) compared to the LTNPO-group (11.3 h). The patients of the STNPO-group reported preoperatively a significant lower incidence of "feeling cold" and pre- and postoperatively of "thirst / having a dry mouth". No significant differences were reported between the groups with respect to heart rate, blood pressure, gastric volume, need of vasopressors and infusion requirements. The liberation of the national guidelines for preoperative fluid administration with unlimited intake of a carbohydrate drink offers the benefit of a significantly lower incidence of the preoperative item "feeling cold" and of the pre- and postoperative item "thirst / having a dry mouth". However, in daily clinical practice the length of fasting for fluids was conspicuously longer than that postulated by the new recommendations.

  20. Elective percutaneous coronary intervention without on-site surgical backup: a community hospital experience.

    PubMed

    Djelmami-Hani, M; Mouanoutoua, Mouatou; Hashim, Abdelazim; Solis, Joaquin; Bergen, Lawrence; Oldridge, Neil; Egbujiobi, Leo C; Allaqaband, Suhail; Akhtar, Masood; Bajwa, Tanvir

    2007-12-01

    The American College of Cardiology guidelines consider elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without on-site surgical backup (OSB) a Class-III indication. Our objective was to determine the safety of elective PCI without OSB. The study is a prospective analysis of a cohort of patients who underwent elective PCI without OSB at our institution. All patients were at our community satellite institution in Beloit, Wis. Three hundred twenty-one elective interventions were performed (mean age 64 +/-12, 68% male). The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension was 28% and 82.5% respectively. A predefined protocol was designed to transfer patients to a cardiac surgical facility if necessary. An experienced interventional cardiologist reviewed the diagnostic angiograms. Patients with complex lesions were excluded from the study. Any procedure-related death or emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Three hundred eighty-two vessels were stented. Multi-vessel intervention was performed in 61 patients (19%). Only 5% of lesions were type C. Four hundred thirty-seven stents were deployed. IIb-IIIa inhibitors were used in 77 (24%) cases. Procedural success was 99.7%. There were no deaths, myocardial infarctions nor need for urgent target vessel revascularization at 6 months. With careful patient/lesion selection, an experienced interventional cardiologist and a predefined transfer protocol, elective PCI without OSB can be performed safely.

  1. Electronic capture of patient-reported and clinician-reported outcome measures in an elective orthopaedic setting: a retrospective cohort analysis.

    PubMed

    Malhotra, Karan; Buraimoh, Olatunbosun; Thornton, James; Cullen, Nicholas; Singh, Dishan; Goldberg, Andrew J

    2016-06-20

    To determine whether an entirely electronic system can be used to capture both patient-reported outcomes (electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, ePROMs) as well as clinician-validated diagnostic and complexity data in an elective surgical orthopaedic outpatient setting. To examine patients' experience of this system and factors impacting their experience. Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. Single centre series. Outpatient clinics at an elective foot and ankle unit in the UK. All new adult patients attending elective orthopaedic outpatient clinics over a 32-month period. All patients were invited to complete ePROMs prior to attending their outpatient appointment. At their appointment, those patients who had not completed ePROMs were offered the opportunity to complete it on a tablet device with technical support. Matched diagnostic and complexity data were captured by the treating consultant during the appointment. Capture rates of patient-reported and clinician-reported data. All information and technology (IT) failures, language and disability barriers were captured. Patients were asked to rate their experience of using ePROMs. The scoring systems used included EQ-5D-5L, the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain score. Out of 2534 new patients, 2176 (85.9%) completed ePROMs, of whom 1090 (50.09%) completed ePROMs at home/work prior to their appointment. 31.5% used a mobile (smartphone/tablet) device. Clinician-reported data were captured on 2491 patients (98.3%). The mean patient experience score of using Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) was 8.55±1.85 out of 10 and 666 patients (30.61%) left comments. Of patients leaving comments, 214 (32.13%) felt ePROMs did not adequately capture their symptoms and these patients had significantly lower patient experience scores (p<0.001). This study demonstrates the successful implementation of technology into a service improvement programme

  2. Optimal Timing for Elective Early Primary Repair of Tetralogy of Fallot: Analysis of Intermediate Term Outcomes.

    PubMed

    Cunningham, Michael E A; Donofrio, Mary T; Peer, Syed Murfad; Zurakowski, David; Jonas, Richard A; Sinha, Pranava

    2017-03-01

    We have previously demonstrated that early primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary stenosis (TOF) can be safely performed without increase in hospital resource utilization or compromise to surgical technical performance scores (TPS). We sought to identify the optimal timing for elective early primary repair of TOF with respect to intermediate-term reintervention. Retrospective review of all patients with TOF undergoing elective primary repair between September 2004 and December 2013 was performed. Patients were stratified into reintervention group or no reintervention group. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified independent predictors of reintervention. Youden's J-index in receiver operating characteristic analysis identified optimal age cutoff predictive of reintervention. Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test compared reintervention rates stratified by age and TPS. A total of 129 patients with median (interquartile range) age and weight of 78 days (56 to 111) and 5 kg (4.1 to 5.7), respectively, underwent primary repair. After a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 2.3 years (0.1 to 4.6), 18 patients (14%) required a total of 22 reinterventions. Youden's J-index revealed significantly lower risk of intermediate-term reintervention when repaired after 55 days of age (8% for >55 days old versus 31% for ≤55 days of age). Multivariable Cox regression identified age 55 days and younger (hazard ratio [HR] 4.5, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6 to 12.8, p = 0.004), valve sparing repair (HR 15.3, 95% CI 1.8 to 128.5, p < 0.001), residual right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) gradient (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.2, p < 0.001), and inadequate TPS (HR 21.5, 95% CI 7.4 to 63, p < 0.001) as independent predictors of overall intermediate-term reintervention. Elective repair in patients greater than 55 days of age, irrespective of size of the patient, can be safely performed without any increase in reintervention rates. Both residual peak

  3. [Change in Perioperative Hemostatic Function in Patients Undergoing Hepatic Resection for Primary and Metastatic Liver Cancer].

    PubMed

    Komasawa, Nobuyasu; Ueki, Ryusuke; Atagi, Kazuaki; Nishi, Shinichi

    2015-08-01

    Patients undergoing primary hepatic resection often develop hemostatic dysfunction associated with cirrhosis. We retrospectively surveyed pre- and postoperative prothrombin time (PT) and the PT expressed as international normalized ratio (PT-INR) in 39 patients undergoing primary liver resection. We also compared PT changes between primary and metastatic cancer cases (8 cases). Postoperative PT-INR was 1.40 ± 0.38, which was significantly prolonged compared to preoperative PT-INR of 1.08 ± 0.07. Preoperative PT was over 70% in all 39 patients undergoing primary liver resection, whereas postoperative PT was less than 60% in 13 of 39 patients. No significant difference was found in preoperative PT-INR between primary and metastatic cancer cases, but postoperative PT-INR was significantly prolonged in primary cancer cases. Patients undergoing primary liver resection are susceptible to hemostatic dysfunction, even with preoperative PT levels within normal limits.

  4. Regional Differences in Case Mix and Peri-operative Outcome After Elective Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair in the Vascunet Database.

    PubMed

    Mani, K; Venermo, M; Beiles, B; Menyhei, G; Altreuther, M; Loftus, I; Björck, M

    2015-06-01

    National differences exist in the outcome of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The role of case mix variation was assessed based on an international vascular registry collaboration. All elective AAA repairs with aneurysm size data in the Vascunet database in the period 2005-09 were included. AAA size and peri-operative outcome (crude and age adjusted mortality) were analysed overall and in risk cohorts, as well as per country. Glasgow Aneurysm Score (GAS) was calculated as risk score, and patients were stratified in three equal sized risk cohorts based on GAS. Predictors of peri-operative mortality were analysed with multiple regression. Missing data were handled with multiple imputation. Patients from Australia, Finland, Hungary, Norway, Sweden and the UK (n = 5,895) were analysed; mean age was 72.7 years and 54% had endovascular repair (EVAR). There were significant variations in GAS (lowest = Finland [75.7], highest = UK [79.4], p for comparison of all regions < .001), proportion of AAA < 5.5 cm (lowest = UK [6.4%], highest = Hungary [29.0%]; p < .001), proportion undergoing EVAR (lowest = Finland [10.1%], highest = Australia [58.9%]; p < .001), crude mortality (lowest = Norway [2.0%], highest = Finland [5.0%]; p = .006), and age adjusted mortality (lowest = Norway [2.5%], highest = Finland [6.0%]; p = .048). Both aneurysm size and peri-operative mortality were highest among patients with a GAS >82. Of those with a GAS >82, 8.4% of men and 20.8% of women had an AAA <5.5 cm. Important regional differences exist in case selection for elective AAA repair, including variations in AAA size and patient risk profile. These differences partly explain the variations in peri-operative mortality. Further audit is warranted to assess the underlying reasons for the regional variation in case-mix. Copyright © 2015 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  5. 2012 election results

    NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

    Robinson, Robert; Tetzlaff, Doerthe

    2012-10-01

    On 4 October 2012, AGU members completed voting for the 2013-2014 leadership term. Union officers, Board members, section and focus group officers, and student and early career representatives to the Council were elected. All members who joined or renewed their membership by 1 July 2012 were eligible to vote in this year's leadership election. The vote was held electronically, and access to voting was provided to all eligible voters for a period of 31 days. The voting was conducted by Survey and Ballot Systems, Inc. (SBS). SBS, which offers election planning and management services, provided unique login credentials and other support services for eligible voters throughout the election. Voting results were certified by SBS on 8 October and by the AGU Tellers Committee on 9 October. The overall participation rate was 21.9%, an increase over previous AGU elections.

  6. Should patients with Björk-Shiley valves undergo prophylactic replacement?

    PubMed

    Birkmeyer, J D; Marrin, C A; O'Connor, G T

    1992-08-29

    About 85,000 patients have undergone replacement of diseased heart valves with prosthetic Björk-Shiley convexo-concave (CC) valves. These valves are prone to fracture of the outlet strut, which leads to acute valve failure that is usually fatal. Should patients with these valves undergo prophylactic replacement to avoid fracture? The incidence of strut fracture varies between 0% and 1.5% per year, depending on valve opening angle (60 degrees or 70 degrees), diameter (less than 29 mm or greater than or equal to 29 mm), and location (aortic or mitral). Other factors include the patient's life expectancy and the expected morbidity and mortality associated with reoperation. We have used decision analysis to identify the patients most likely to benefit from prophylactic reoperation. The incidence of outlet strut fracture was estimated from the data of three large studies on CC valves, and stratified by opening angle, diameter, and location. A Markov decision analysis model was used to estimate life expectancy for patients undergoing prophylactic valve replacement and for those not undergoing reoperation. Prophylactic valve replacement does not benefit patients with CC valves that have low strut fracture risks (60 degrees aortic valves and less than 29 mm, 60 degrees mitral valves). For most patients with CC valves that have high strut fracture risks (greater than or equal to 29 mm, 70 degrees CC), prophylactic valve replacement increases life expectancy. However, elderly patients with such valves benefit from prophylactic reoperation only if the risk of operative mortality is low. Patient age and operative risk are most important in recommendations for patients with CC valves that have intermediate strut fracture risks (less than 29 mm, 70 degrees valves and greater than or equal to 29 mm, 60 degrees mitral valves). For all patients and their doctors facing the difficult decision on whether to replace CC valves, individual estimates of operative mortality risk that

  7. Transfusion-Free Calvarial Vault Reconstruction Using Multimodal Blood Conservation Strategies in Two Pediatric Jehovah's Witness Patients With Craniosynostosis.

    PubMed

    Reddy, Srijaya K; Swink, Jonathan M; Rogers, Gary F; Myseros, John S; Keating, Robert F; Santos, Domiciano N

    2016-07-15

    Transfusion-free surgery for the Jehovah's Witness patient has been described, but there are few reports in pediatric patients undergoing major elective surgery. We present 2 patients of the Jehovah's Witness faith affected with craniosynostosis who underwent transfusion-free calvarial vault reconstructions using several blood conservation approaches, including the use of antifibrinolytic ε-aminocaproic acid.

  8. Outlier identification in colorectal surgery should separate elective and nonelective service components.

    PubMed

    Byrne, Ben E; Mamidanna, Ravikrishna; Vincent, Charles A; Faiz, Omar D

    2014-09-01

    The identification of health care institutions with outlying outcomes is of great importance for reporting health care results and for quality improvement. Historically, elective surgical outcomes have received greater attention than nonelective results, although some studies have examined both. Differences in outlier identification between these patient groups have not been adequately explored. The aim of this study was to compare the identification of institutional outliers for mortality after elective and nonelective colorectal resection in England. This was a cohort study using routine administrative data. Ninety-day mortality was determined by using statutory records of death. Adjusted Trust-level mortality rates were calculated by using multiple logistic regression. High and low mortality outliers were identified and compared across funnel plots for elective and nonelective surgery. All English National Health Service Trusts providing colorectal surgery to an unrestricted patient population were studied. Adults admitted for colorectal surgery between April 2006 and March 2012 were included. Segmental colonic or rectal resection was performed. The primary outcome measured was 90-day mortality. Included were 195,118 patients, treated at 147 Trusts. Ninety-day mortality rates after elective and nonelective surgery were 4% and 18%. No unit with high outlying mortality for elective surgery was a high outlier for nonelective mortality and vice versa. Trust level, observed-to-expected mortality for elective and nonelective surgery, was moderately correlated (Spearman ρ = 0.50, p< 0.001). This study relied on administrative data and may be limited by potential flaws in the quality of coding of clinical information. Status as an institutional mortality outlier after elective and nonelective colorectal surgery was not closely related. Therefore, mortality rates should be reported for both patient cohorts separately. This would provide a broad picture of the state of

  9. A Prospective, Multicenter, Single-Blind Study Assessing Indices of SNAP II Versus BIS VISTA on Surgical Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

    PubMed Central

    Bergese, Sergio D; Puente, Erika G; Marcus, R-Jay L; Krohn, Randall J; Docsa, Steven; Soto, Roy G; Candiotti, Keith A

    2017-01-01

    Background Traditionally, anesthesiologists have relied on nonspecific subjective and objective physical signs to assess patients’ comfort level and depth of anesthesia. Commercial development of electrical monitors, which use low- and high-frequency electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, have been developed to enhance the assessment of patients’ level of consciousness. Multiple studies have shown that monitoring patients’ consciousness levels can help in reducing drug consumption, anesthesia-related adverse events, and recovery time. This clinical study will provide information by simultaneously comparing the performance of the SNAP II (a single-channel EEG device) and the bispectral index (BIS) VISTA (a dual-channel EEG device) by assessing their efficacy in monitoring different anesthetic states in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Objective The primary objective of this study is to establish the range of index values for the SNAP II corresponding to each anesthetic state (preinduction, loss of response, maintenance, first purposeful response, and extubation). The secondary objectives will assess the range of index values for BIS VISTA corresponding to each anesthetic state compared to published BIS VISTA range information, and estimate the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity for both devices. Methods This is a multicenter, prospective, double-arm, parallel assignment, single-blind study involving patients undergoing elective surgery that requires general anesthesia. The study will include 40 patients and will be conducted at the following sites: The Ohio State University Medical Center (Columbus, OH); Northwestern University Prentice Women's Hospital (Chicago, IL); and University of Miami Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami, FL). The study will assess the predictive value of SNAP II versus BIS VISTA indices at various anesthetic states in patients undergoing general anesthesia (preinduction, loss of response, maintenance, first purposeful

  10. Patients' perception of noise in the operating room--a descriptive and analytic cross-sectional study.

    PubMed

    Hasfeldt, Dorthe; Maindal, Helle Terkildsen; Toft, Palle; Birkelund, Regner

    2014-10-01

    Noise is a general stressor that affects the cardiovascular system, resulting in increased blood pressure and heart rate, both of which can be problematic for the patient preparing for anesthesia and surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate the patient's perception of noise in the OR before anesthesia, the correlation between the actual noise levels and the patient's perception of noise, and if there are particular patient subgroups that are especially vulnerable to noise. This cross-sectional study was performed within a mixed descriptive and analytical design, including 120 patients (60 acute/60 elective) undergoing general anesthesia for orthopaedic surgery. Data collection consisted of registration of demographic variables and measurements of noise levels in the OR combined with a questionnaire. Results showed that 10% of the patients perceived noise levels in the OR as very high and experienced the noise as annoying, disruptive, and stressful. There was no correlation between the actual noise levels to which patients were exposed and their perception of noise. Acute patients perceived significantly more noise than elective patients (P<.01), although they were actually exposed to less noise. Of the acute patients, those undergoing major surgery perceived more noise than patients undergoing minor surgery (P<.01), although actually exposed to less noise. There was a significant correlation between patients' sense of coherence (SOC) and their perception of noise (P<.01). Most patients who perceived noise levels as very high had a SOC below 50 (scale: 13-91). Perianesthesia nurses need to maintain their focus on keeping noise levels in the OR as low as possible. When caring for acute patients, patients undergoing major surgery and patients with a low SOC perianesthesia nurses should be particularly aware, as these patients might be more vulnerable to noise. Copyright © 2014 American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses. Published by Elsevier Inc. All

  11. Predictors of pain control in patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy.

    PubMed

    Lechtzin, N; Rubin, H R; Jenckes, M; White, P; Zhou, L M; Thompson, D A; Diette, G B

    2000-08-01

    The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which patients undergoing flexible bronchoscopy (FOB) experience pain and to identify patient factors and process of care factors that are associated with pain. We conducted a prospective cohort study on 481 patients undergoing FOB. Overall control of pain during FOB was the primary outcome. The mean age of the patients was 48 yr, 50% were male, and 32% required supplemental oxygen prior to FOB. Pain control was excellent in 36% of patients, but 10% considered it to be fair or poor. Patient factors associated with excellent pain control were excellent health (versus poor health, OR = 6.25 [95% CI, 2.28-16.67]), more education (college education versus high school education, OR = 1.72 [95% CI, 1.05-2.86]), and not having asthma (OR = 2.86 [95% CI, 1.09-7.14]). Process of care factors associated with excellent pain control were not being bothered by scope insertion (versus bothered, OR = 3.65 [95% CI, 1.99-6.98]), no memory of FOB (versus some memory, OR = 2.33 [95% CI, 1.24-4.44]), and higher ratings of information about the procedure (per 1-point increase on a 12-point scale, OR = 1.57 [95% CI, 1.41-1.78]). This is the first large-scale, prospective study to evaluate patient and process of care factors that influence pain control during FOB. It demonstrated that there are patient characteristics and process of care factors that need to be considered when evaluating pain during bronchoscopy. Improved preparation of patients with lower education, inferior health status, and asthma may lead to decreased pain during FOB. Bronchoscopists may be able to reduce pain during FOB by identifying methods to decrease pain on scope insertion, by improving the information provided to patients, and by achieving greater levels of amnesia during FOB.

  12. Postoperative Respiratory Exercises Reduce the Risk of Developing Pulmonary Complications in Patients Undergoing Lobectomy.

    PubMed

    Rodriguez-Larrad, Ana; Vellosillo-Ortega, Juan Manuel; Ruiz-Muneta, Carlos; Abecia-Inchaurregui, Luis Carlos; Seco, Jesús

    2016-07-01

    To evaluate the effects of an intensive postoperative physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises in patients undergoing lobectomy by open thoracotomy. Quasi-experimental study. Tertiary referral academic hospital. 208 patients undergoing lobectomy by open thoracotomy. Control group patients (n=102) received standard medical/nursing care, and experimental group patients (n=106) added to the standard clinical pathway a daily physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises until discharge. Analyzed outcomes were the frequency of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) more amenable to physiotherapy (pneumonia, atelectasis and respiratory insufficiency) and length of hospital stay (LOS). Both groups were comparable regarding preoperative and surgical characteristics. Incidence of PPCs was 20.6% in control and 6.6% in experimental group (P=.003). Median (IQR) LOS in control group was 14 (7) days (Huber M estimator 14.21) and 12 (6) days (Huber M estimator 12.81) in experimental. Logistic regression model identified the evaluated physiotherapy program (P=.017; EXP [B] 95% CI 0.081-0.780) and % FEV1 (P=.042; EXP [B] 95% CI 0.941-0.999) as protective factors for the development of PPCs in patients undergoing lobectomy. Implementing a postoperative intensive physiotherapy program focused on respiratory exercises reduces the risk of PPCs and resultant LOS on patients undergoing lobectomy. Copyright © 2016 SEPAR. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

  13. Myocardial infarction and subsequent death in a patient undergoing robotic prostatectomy.

    PubMed

    Thompson, Judy

    2009-10-01

    A 52-year-old patient, ASA physical status IV, undergoing a radical prostatectomy for cancer with a robotic system had a cardiac arrest 3 hours into the case. All attempts to resuscitate were unsuccessful, and several hours later he was pronounced dead. Underlying patient comorbidity and procedural issues contributed to the patient's death. The patient had a history of coronary artery disease that required the placement of drug-eluting stents 2 years before this surgical procedure. The preoperative cardiac evaluation and pharmacological management of patients with drug-eluting coronary stents are reviewed. There are a number of positional and technical considerations for patients undergoing robotic surgical procedures, especially in relation to the requirement of low-lithotomy and steep Trendelenburg positions. The cardiac and respiratory systems are especially vulnerable to the extreme and lengthy head-down position. The needed positioning, combined with the problems associated with insufflation, presents a unique challenge in anesthetic management. This course reviews the current literature on the surgical implications for patients with drug-eluting stents and the physiologic factors related to position and pneumoperitoneum and their associated stressors. By using a review of the contemporary literature, a best-evidence approach to anesthetic management is reviewed.

  14. Medical electives in sub-Saharan Africa: a host perspective.

    PubMed

    Kumwenda, Ben; Dowell, Jon; Daniels, Katy; Merrylees, Neil

    2015-06-01

    Electives are part of most Western medical school curricula. It is estimated that each year 3000-4000 undergraduate medical students from the UK alone undertake an elective in a developing country. The impact of these electives has given some cause for concern, but the views of elective hosts are largely missing from the debate. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the organisation, outcomes and impacts of medical electives in sub-Saharan Africa from a host perspective. A qualitative analysis of 14 semi-structured interviews with elective hosts at seven elective sites in Malawi, Zambia and Tanzania was carried out. A framework analysis approach was used to analyse 483 minutes of audio-recorded data. Hosts were committed to providing elective experiences but their reasons for doing so varied considerably, in particular between urban or teaching hospitals and rural or mission hospitals. Nurturing a group of professionals who will understand the provision of health care from a global perspective was the main reason reported for hosting an elective, along with generating potential future staff. Hosts argued that the quality of supervision should be judged according to local context. Typical concerns cited in the literature with reference to clinical activities, safety and ethics did not emerge as issues for these hosts. However, in under-resourced clinical contexts, the training of local students sometimes had to take priority. Electives could be improved with greater student preparation and some contribution from sending institutions to support teaching, supervision or patient care. The challenge to both students and their sending institutions is to progress towards giving something proportionate back in return for the learning experiences received. There is clearly room to improve electives from the hosts' perspective, but individually host institutions lack the opportunity or ability to achieve change. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  15. In elective arch surgery with circulatory arrest, does the arterial cannulation site really matter? A propensity score analysis of right axillary and innominate artery cannulation.

    PubMed

    Preventza, Ourania; Price, Matt D; Spiliotopoulos, Konstantinos; Amarasekara, Hiruni S; Cornwell, Lorraine D; Omer, Shuab; de la Cruz, Kim I; Zhang, Qianzi; Green, Susan Y; LeMaire, Scott A; Rosengart, Todd K; Coselli, Joseph S

    2018-05-01

    The preferred arterial cannulation site for elective proximal aortic procedures requiring circulatory arrest varies, and different sites have been tried. We evaluated the relationships between arterial cannulation site and adverse outcomes, including stroke, in patients undergoing elective aortic arch surgery. We reviewed the records of 938 patients who underwent elective hemiarch or total arch surgery with circulatory arrest between 2006 and 2016. Five cannulation sites were used: the right axillary (n = 515; 54.9%), innominate (n = 376; 40.1%), and right common carotid arteries (n = 15; 1.6%), each with a side graft; the ascending aorta (n = 19; 2.0%); and the femoral artery (n = 13; 1.4%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to model the effects of cannulation site on adverse outcomes for the entire cohort and for a subcohort of 891 patients who underwent innominate or axillary artery cannulation. Propensity-matching yielded 564 patients (282 pairs) from the right axillary and innominate artery groups. For the entire cohort, mortality, stroke, and composite adverse outcome (operative death or persistent stroke or renal failure at hospital discharge) rates were 7.0%, 4.1%, and 9.8%. In the multivariable analysis of the axillary/innominate subcohort, cannulation site did not independently predict operative mortality, persistent stroke, or composite adverse event. These results were confirmed with the propensity-matched analysis, where both axillary and innominate artery cannulation provided equivalent composite adverse event rates, operative death rates, and overall stroke rates. During elective arch surgery, right axillary artery cannulation and innominate artery cannulation (both via a side graft) produce excellent results and can be used interchangeably. Copyright © 2017 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  16. Effect of different dosages of nitroglycerin infusion on arterial blood gas tensions in patients undergoing on- pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery.

    PubMed

    Masoumi, Gholamreza; Pour, Evaz Hidar; Sadeghpour, Ali; Ziayeefard, Mohsen; Alavi, Mostapha; Anbardan, Sanam Javid; Shirani, Shahin

    2012-02-01

    On-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery impairs gas exchange in the early postoperative period. The main object on this study was evaluation of changes in arterial blood gas values in patients underwent on pump CABG surgery receiving different dose of intravenous nitroglycerin (NTG). sixty-seven consecutive patients undergoing elective on-pump CABG randomly enrolled into three groups receiving NTG 50 μg/min (Group N1, n =67), 100 μg/min (Group N2, n = 67), and 150 μg/min (Group N3, n = 67). Arterial blood gas (ABG) tensions were evaluated just before induction of anesthesia, during anesthesia, at the end of warming up period, and 6 h after admission to the intensive care unit. Pao2 and PH had the highest value during surgery in Group N1, Group N2, and Group N3. No significant difference was noted in mean values of Pao2 and PH during surgery between three groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in HCO3 values in different time intervals among three groups (P > 0.05). our results showed that infusing three different dosage of NTG (50, 100, and 150 μg/min) had no significant effect on ABG tensions in patients underwent on-pump CABG surgery.

  17. Incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing breast reconstruction with autologous tissue transfer.

    PubMed

    Konoeda, Hisato; Yamaki, Takashi; Hamahata, Atsumori; Ochi, Masakazu; Osada, Atsuyoshi; Hasegawa, Yuki; Kirita, Miho; Sakurai, Hiroyuki

    2017-05-01

    Background Breast reconstruction is associated with multiple risk factors for venous thromboembolism. However, the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing breast reconstruction is uncertain. Objective The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the incidence of deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing breast reconstruction using autologous tissue transfer and to identify potential risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. Methods Thirty-five patients undergoing breast reconstruction were enrolled. We measured patients' preoperative characteristics including age, body mass index (kg/m 2 ), and risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. The preoperative diameter of each venous segment in the deep veins was measured using duplex ultrasound. All patients received intermittent pneumatic pump and elastic compression stockings for postoperative thromboprophylaxis. Results Among the 35 patients evaluated, 11 (31.4%) were found to have deep vein thrombosis postoperatively, and one patient was found to have pulmonary embolism postoperatively. All instances of deep vein thrombosis developed in the calf and were asymptomatic. Ten of 11 patients underwent free flap transfer, and the remaining one patient received a latissimus dorsi pedicled flap. Deep vein thrombosis incidence did not significantly differ between patients with a free flap or pedicled flap (P = 0.13). Documented risk factors for deep vein thrombosis demonstrated no significant differences between patients with and without deep vein thrombosis. The diameter of the common femoral vein was significantly larger in patients who developed postoperative deep vein thrombosis than in those who did not ( P < 0.05). Conclusions The morbidity of deep vein thrombosis in patients who underwent breast reconstruction using autologous tissue transfer was relatively high. Since only the diameter of the common femoral vein was predictive of developing postoperative deep vein thrombosis, postoperative

  18. Near-death experience in a boy undergoing uneventful elective surgery under general anesthesia.

    PubMed

    Lopez, Ursula; Forster, Alain; Annoni, Jean-Marie; Habre, Walid; Iselin-Chaves, Irène A

    2006-01-01

    Near-death experience (NDE) is a complex subjective experience, which may include affective elements such as a sense of peacefulness, paranormal components such as a sensation of floating out of the body, and a perception of being in a dark tunnel and seeing a brilliant light. It is usually reported to occur in association with a wide range of life-threatening situations, as for instance, cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We report on an episode of NDE that occurred in a 12-year-old boy who underwent a general anesthesia for an elective uncomplicated surgery. To our knowledge, this is the first case of NDE in a child that has been reported in this context.

  19. Avoiding endotracheal intubation of neonates undergoing laser surgery for retinopathy of prematurity.

    PubMed

    Woodhead, D D; Lambert, D K; Molloy, D A; Schmutz, N; Righter, E; Baer, V L; Christensen, R D

    2007-04-01

    Respiratory support of neonates during and following laser surgery for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is commonly accomplished using endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. However, most patients undergoing ROP surgery have been weaned off mechanical ventilation days or weeks before the surgery. When they are electively re-intubated for ROP surgery, it can be difficult to extubate them postoperatively. One of the three level III neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in the Intermountain Healthcare system initiated a program of using nasopharyngeal prongs, rather than endotracheal intubation, for respiratory support during ROP surgery. We performed an historic cohort analysis of all neonates undergoing ROP surgery during their NICU stay at the three level III NICU's between 1 January 2002 and 31 March 2006. Data collected included birth weight, gestational age at delivery and corrected gestational age at ROP surgery, whether or not they were intubated in the days immediately preceding the ROP surgery, whether or not they were electively intubated for the ROP surgery, the respiratory modality used during and the 3 days following ROP surgery, and all blood gas determinations and respiratory charges during this period. Fifty-four patients underwent ROP surgery during this period. All 23 from NICUs 'A' and 'B' had endotracheal intubation for surgery, while in NICU 'C' 24 were managed using nasopharyngeal prongs. The birth weights of those intubated for surgery (661+/-180 g, mean+/-s.d.) were similar to those not intubated (732+/-180 g). Similarly, the gestational age at birth did not differ between those intubated for surgery (25.2+/-1.3 week) and those not (25.6+/-2.1 week). The day following surgery, 77% (23/30) of those who had been intubated for surgery remained intubated and on mechanical ventilation, whereas only one (4%) of those not intubated for surgery was intubated in the postoperative period (P<0.001). On day 3 following surgery, 50% (15/30) of

  20. Disparities in Outcomes for Blacks versus Whites Undergoing Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Literature Review.

    PubMed

    Mehta, Bella Y; Bass, Anne R; Goto, Rie; Russell, Linda A; Parks, Michael L; Figgie, Mark P; Goodman, Susan M

    2018-05-01

    Total hip replacement (THA) surgery is a successful procedure, yet blacks in the United States undergo THA less often and reflect poorer outcomes than whites. The purpose of this study is to systematically review the literature on health-related quality of life after THA, comparing blacks and whites. A librarian-assisted search was performed in Medline through PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library on February 27, 2017. Original cohort studies examining pain, function, and satisfaction in blacks and whites 1 year after elective THA were included. Using the Patient/Population-Intervention-Comparison/Comparator-Outcome (PICO) process format, our population of interest was US black adults, our intervention was elective THA, our comparator was white adults, and our outcomes of interest were pain, function, and satisfaction after elective THA. The protocol was registered under the PROSPERO international register, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Of the articles, 4739 were screened by title, 180 by abstract, 25 by full text, and 4 remained for analysis. The studies represented 1588 THA patients, of whom 240 (15%) were black. All studies noted more pain and worse function for blacks; although differences were statistically significant, they were not clinically significant. One study sought and identified less satisfaction for blacks after THA, and 1 study showed worse fear and anxiety scores in blacks. When measured, there are small differences in THA outcomes between blacks and whites, but most studies do not analyze/collect race. Future studies should address the effect of race and socioeconomic factors on healthcare disparities.

  1. Pre-operative assessment of patients undergoing endoscopic, transnasal, transsphenoidal pituitary surgery.

    PubMed

    Lubbe, D; Semple, P

    2008-06-01

    To demonstrate the importance of pre-operative ear, nose and throat assessment in patients undergoing endoscopic, transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumours. Literature pertaining to the pre-operative otorhinolaryngological assessment and management of patients undergoing endoscopic anterior skull base surgery is sparse. We describe two cases from our series of 59 patients undergoing endoscopic pituitary surgery. The first case involved a young male patient with a large pituitary macroadenoma. His main complaint was visual impairment. He had no previous history of sinonasal pathology and did not complain of any nasal symptoms during the pre-operative neurosurgical assessment. At the time of surgery, a purulent nasal discharge was seen emanating from both middle meati. Surgery was abandoned due to the risk of post-operative meningitis, and postponed until the patient's chronic rhinosinusitis was optimally managed. The second patient was a 47-year-old woman with a large pituitary macroadenoma, who presented to the neurosurgical department with a main complaint of diplopia. She too gave no history of previous nasal problems, and she underwent uneventful surgery using the endoscopic, transnasal approach. Two weeks after surgery, she presented to the emergency unit with severe epistaxis. A previous diagnosis of hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia was discovered, and further surgical and medical intervention was required before the epistaxis was finally controlled. Pre-operative otorhinolaryngological assessment is essential prior to endoscopic pituitary or anterior skull base surgery. A thorough otorhinolaryngological history will determine whether any co-morbid diseases exist which could affect the surgical field. Nasal anatomy can be assessed via nasal endoscopy and sinusitis excluded. Computed tomography imaging is a valuable aid to decisions regarding additional procedures needed to optimise access to the pituitary fossa.

  2. Prevalence of chronic kidney disease among patients undergoing transradial percutaneous coronary interventions.

    PubMed

    Hossain, Mohammad A; Quinlan, Amy; Heck-Kanellidis, Jennifer; Calderon, Dawn; Patel, Tejas; Gandhi, Bhavika; Patel, Shrinil; Hetavi, Mahida; Costanzo, Eric J; Cosentino, James; Patel, Chirag; Dewan, Asa; Kuo, Yen-Hong; Salman, Loay; Vachharajani, Tushar J

    2018-07-01

    While transradial approach to conduct percutaneous coronary interventions offers multiple advantages, the procedure can cause radial artery damage and occlusion. Because radial artery is the preferred site for the creation of an arteriovenous fistula to provide dialysis, patients with chronic kidney disease are particularly dependent on radial artery for their long-term survival. In this retrospective study, we investigated the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients undergoing coronary interventions via radial artery. Stage of chronic kidney disease was based on estimated glomerular filtration rate and National Kidney Foundation - Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative guidelines. A total of 497 patients undergoing transradial percutaneous coronary interventions were included. Over 70.4% (350/497) of the patients had chronic kidney disease. Stage II chronic kidney disease was observed in 243 (69%) patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate = 76.0 ± 8.4 mL/min). Stage III was observed in 93 (27%) patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate = 49 ± 7.5 mL/min). Stage IV chronic kidney disease was observed in 5 (1%) patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate = 25.6 ± 4.3 mL/min) and Stage V chronic kidney disease was observed in 9 (3%) patients (estimated glomerular filtration rate = 9.3 ± 3.5 mL/min). Overall, 107 of 350 patients (30%) had advanced chronic kidney disease, that is, stage III-V chronic kidney disease. Importantly, 14 of the 107 (13%) patients had either stage IV or V chronic kidney disease. This study finds that nearly one-third of the patients undergoing transradial percutaneous coronary interventions have advanced chronic kidney disease. Because many of these patients may require dialysis, the use of radial artery to conduct percutaneous coronary interventions must be carefully considered in chronic kidney disease population.

  3. [Preoperative evaluation of adult patients before elective, noncardiothoracic surgery : Joint recommendation of the German Society of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, the German Society of Surgery, and the German Society of Internal Medicine].

    PubMed

    Zwissler, B

    2017-06-01

    Evaluation of the patient's medical history and a physical examination are the cornerstones of risk assessment prior to elective surgery and may help to optimize the patient's preoperative medical condition and to guide perioperative management. Whether the performance of additional technical tests (e. g. blood chemistry, ECG, spirometry, chest x‑ray) can contribute to a reduction of perioperative risk is often not very well known or is controversial. Similarly, there is considerable uncertainty among anesthesiologists, internists and surgeons with respect to the perioperative management of the patient's long-term medication. Therefore, the German Scientific Societies of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (DGAI), Internal Medicine (DGIM) and Surgery (DGCH) have joined to elaborate recommendations on the preoperative evaluation of adult patients prior to elective, noncardiothoracic surgery, which were initially published in 2010. These recommendations have now been updated based on the current literature and existing international guidelines. In the first part the general principles of preoperative evaluation are described (part A). The current concepts for extended evaluation of patients with known or suspected major cardiovascular disease are presented in part B. Finally, the perioperative management of patients' long-term medication is discussed (part C). The concepts proposed in these interdisciplinary recommendations endorsed by the DGAI, DGIM and DGCH provide a common basis for a structured preoperative risk assessment and management. These recommendations aim to ensure that surgical patients undergo a rational preoperative assessment and at the same time to avoid unnecessary, costly and potentially dangerous testing. The joint recommendations reflect the current state-of-the-art knowledge as well as expert opinions because scientific-based evidence is not always available. These recommendations will be subject to regular re-evaluation and

  4. Frequency & specificity of RBC alloantibodies in patients due for surgery in Iran.

    PubMed

    Reyhaneh, Khademi; Ahmad, Gharehbaghian; Gharib, Karimi; Vida, Vafaiyan; Raheleh, Khademi; Mehdi, Tabrizi Namini

    2013-01-01

    Red blood cell alloimmunization is common in patients receiving multiple blood transfusions. Since the probability of repeat transfusion increases with longer life expectancy, it is important to study to which extent alloimmunized patients with a history of transfusion are prone to form alloantibodies after transfusion events. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the alloimmunization against RBCs among transfused patients who were to undergo elective surgery in Tehran, Iran. A total of 3092 occasionally transfused patients, who were to undergo elective surgery, in four hospitals in Tehran were included in the study. For patients with alloantibodies, the data about sex, date of birth, history of transfusion, surgery, abortion and alloantibody specificity were collected. Clinically significant alloantibodies were found in 30 patients. The presence of positive antibodies in the patients for whom cross-match had been done was one per cent. Most of them had surgery history or transfusion record during the preceding year. The three most frequent alloantibodies were anti-K (23.53%), anti- E (20.59%) and anti-c (17.56%). The most common clinically significant alloantibodies identified in men and women were anti-K and anti-E, respectively. The most common causes of alloimmunization for men were surgery history and transfusion record and for women pregnancy.

  5. Measuring pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis: a review of pain assessment tools

    PubMed Central

    Upadhyay, Chandani; Cameron, Karen; Murphy, Laura; Battistella, Marisa

    2014-01-01

    Background Patients undergoing hemodialysis frequently report pain with multifactorial causes, not limited to that experienced directly from hemodialysis treatment. Their pain may be nociceptive, neuropathic, somatic or visceral in nature. Despite this, pain in this population remains under-recognized and under-treated. Although several tools have been used to measure pain in patients undergoing hemodialysis as reported in the literature, none of them have been validated specifically in this population. The objective for this review was to compare and contrast these pain assessment tools and discuss their clinical utility in this patient population. Methods To identify pain assessment tools studied in patients undergoing hemodialysis, a literature search was performed in PubMed and Medline. An expert panel of dialysis and pain clinicians reviewed each tool. Each pain assessment tool was assessed on how it is administered and scored, its psychometric properties such as reliability, validity and responsiveness to change, and its clinical utility in a hemodialysis population. Brief Pain Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire, Pain Management Index, Edmonton Symptom Assessment System, Visual Analogue Scale and Faces Pain Scale were evaluated and compared. Results This assessment will help clinicians practicing in nephrology to determine which of these pain assessment tools is best suited for use in their individual clinical practice. PMID:25852910

  6. Mucositis and salivary antioxidants in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT)

    PubMed Central

    Mazzeo, Marcelo A.; López, María M.; Linares, Jorge A.; Jarchum, Gustavo; Wietz, Fernando M.; Finkelberg, Ana B.

    2014-01-01

    Objectives: High doses of chemotherapy generate DNA damage in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation (BMT), due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In order to evaluate the local defensive effectiveness of the patient undergoing BMT, the concentrations of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and uric acid (UA) were measured in saliva. Study Design: Basal saliva samples were collected from 20 patients undergoing BMT at the Oncology Department, Sanatorio Allende (Córdoba), in the stages: initial, prior to conditioning therapy (I); middle: 7 to 10 days after BMT (M) and final stage, 30 days after discharge from isolation (F). SOD levels were determined using a RANDOX kit (RANSOD superoxide dismutase manual), and for uric acid enzymatic UOD / PAP spectrophotometric method, ( Trinder Color Kit , Wiener Lab) was used. Results: 85% of the patients developed oral mucositis. SOD concentration in the M stage was significantly higher (p<0.01) compared with stage I, and it reversed in stage F. UA concentration was significantly lower (p<0.001) in stage M compared with stage I, and in stage F it recovered the initial values. Conclusions: SOD increase in stage M coincided with the appearance of mucositis, which could be interpreted as a defensive mechanism of saliva against oxidative stress produced by chemotherapy. UA decrease in stage M would favour the development of higher degrees of mucositis. Key words:Bone marrow transplantation, mucositis, superoxide dismutase, uric acid. PMID:24608218

  7. Determinants of anxiety in patients with advanced somatic disease: differences and similarities between patients undergoing renal replacement therapies and patients suffering from cancer.

    PubMed

    Janiszewska, Justyna; Lichodziejewska-Niemierko, Monika; Gołębiewska, Justyna; Majkowicz, Mikołaj; Rutkowski, Bolesław

    2013-10-01

    Anxiety is the most frequent emotional reaction to the chronic somatic disease. However, little is known about anxiety and coping strategies in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing renal replacement therapies (RRTs). The purpose of the study was to assess the intensity and determinants of anxiety in patients treated with different RRTs in comparison with end-stage breast cancer patients and healthy controls. The study involved (1) ESRD patients undergoing different RRTs: 32 renal transplant recipients, 31 maintenance haemodialysis and 21 chronic peritoneal dialysis patients, (2) women with end-stage breast cancer (n = 25) and (3) healthy persons (n = 55). We used State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Scale of Personal Religiousness, Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, Rotterdam Symptom Checklist with reference to medical history. The data thus obtained were analysed using the analysis of variance, the Tukey's HSD post hoc test and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient. Both ESRD and breast cancer patients revealed higher level of anxiety state and trait than healthy controls; however, there was no statistically significant difference found between both findings. There was a tendency towards higher levels of anxiety state in breast cancer patients when compared to ESRD patients undergoing the RRT treatment and for both groups non-constructive coping strategies correlated with the levels of anxiety state. With ESRD patients undergoing RRTs, the intensity of anxiety state did not depend on the mode of treatment but on the correlation between the levels of anxiety and the general quality of their life, psychological condition and social activity. In patients with advanced somatic disease (ESRD and end-stage breast cancer), non-constructive strategies of coping with the disease require further evaluation and possibly psychological support.

  8. Effect of adding postoperative noninvasive ventilation to usual care to prevent pulmonary complications in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Al Jaaly, Emad; Fiorentino, Francesca; Reeves, Barnaby C; Ind, Philip W; Angelini, Gianni D; Kemp, Scott; Shiner, Robert J

    2013-10-01

    We compared the efficacy of noninvasive ventilation with bilevel positive airway pressure added to usual care versus usual care alone in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. We performed a 2-group, parallel, randomized controlled trial. The primary outcome was time until fit for discharge. Secondary outcomes were partial pressure of carbon dioxide, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, atelectasis, adverse events, duration of intensive care stay, and actual postoperative stay. A total of 129 patients were randomly allocated to bilevel positive airway pressure (66) or usual care (63). Three patients allocated to bilevel positive airway pressure withdrew. The median duration of bilevel positive airway pressure was 16 hours (interquartile range, 11-19). The median duration of hospital stay until fit for discharge was 5 days for the bilevel positive airway pressure group (interquartile range, 4-6) and 6 days for the usual care group (interquartile range, 5-7; hazard ratio, 1.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.31; P = .019). There was no significant difference in duration of intensive care, actual postoperative stay, and mean percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second on day 3. Mean partial pressure of carbon dioxide was significantly reduced 1 hour after bilevel positive airway pressure application, but there was no overall difference between the groups up to 24 hours. Basal atelectasis occurred in 15 patients (24%) in the usual care group and 2 patients (3%) in the bilevel positive airway pressure group. Overall, 30% of patients in the bilevel positive airway pressure group experienced an adverse event compared with 59% in the usual care group. Among patients undergoing elective coronary artery bypass grafting, the use of bilevel positive airway pressure at extubation reduced the recovery time. Supported by trained staff, more than 75% of all patients allocated to bilevel positive airway pressure tolerated it for more

  9. Effect of Genotype-Guided Warfarin Dosing on Clinical Events and Anticoagulation Control Among Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty

    PubMed Central

    Bass, Anne R.; Lin, Hannah; Woller, Scott C.; Stevens, Scott M.; Al-Hammadi, Noor; Li, Juan; Rodríguez, Tomás; Miller, J. Philip; McMillin, Gwendolyn A.; Pendleton, Robert C.; Jaffer, Amir K.; King, Cristi R.; Whipple, Brandi DeVore; Porche-Sorbet, Rhonda; Napoli, Lynnae; Merritt, Kerri; Thompson, Anna M.; Hyun, Gina; Anderson, Jeffrey L.; Hollomon, Wesley; Barrack, Robert L.; Nunley, Ryan M.; Moskowitz, Gerard; Dávila-Román, Victor; Eby, Charles S.

    2017-01-01

    -guided group vs the clinically guided group were 2 vs 8 for major bleeding (RR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.05-1.15), 56 vs 77 for INR of 4 or greater (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.51-0.99), 33 vs 38 for venous thromboembolism (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.54-1.34), and there were no deaths. Conclusions and Relevance Among patients undergoing elective hip or knee arthroplasty and treated with perioperative warfarin, genotype-guided warfarin dosing, compared with clinically guided dosing, reduced the combined risk of major bleeding, INR of 4 or greater, venous thromboembolism, or death. Further research is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of personalized warfarin dosing. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01006733 PMID:28973620

  10. Protocol for a single-centre, randomised controlled study of a preoperative rehabilitation bundle in the frail and elderly undergoing abdominal surgery

    PubMed Central

    Lien, Victoria Peixin; Ong, Hwee Kuan; Er, Pei Ling; Hao, Ying; Khan, Shariq Ali; Liu, Christopher Weiyang

    2017-01-01

    Introduction Frail patients have decreased physiological reserves and consequently, they are unable to recover as quickly from surgery. Frailty, as an entity, is a risk factor of increased morbidity and mortality. It is also associated with a longer time to discharge. This trial is undertaken to determine if a novel prehabilitation protocol (10-day bundle of interventions—physiotherapy, nutritional supplementation and cognitive training) can reduce the postoperative length of stay of frail patients who are undergoing elective abdominal surgery, compared with standard care. Methods and analysis This is a prospective, single-centre, randomised controlled trial with two parallel arms. 62 patients who are frail and undergoing elective abdominal surgery will be recruited and randomised to receive either a novel prehabilitation protocol or standard care. Participants will receive telephone reminders preoperatively to encourage protocol compliance. Data will be collected for up to 30 days postoperatively. The primary outcome of the trial will be the postoperative length of stay and the secondary outcomes are the postoperative complications and functional recovery during the hospital admission. Ethics and dissemination This study has been approved by the Singapore General Hospital Institutional Review Board (CIRB Ref: 2016/2584). The study is also listed on ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial number: NCT02921932). All participants will sign an informed consent form before randomisation and translators will be made available to non-English speaking patients. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals as well as national and international conferences. The data collected will also be made available in a public data repository. Trial registration number NCT02921932 (ClinicalTrials.gov) PMID:28778994

  11. Predictors of major complications after elective abdominal surgery in cancer patients.

    PubMed

    Simões, Claudia M; Carmona, Maria J C; Hajjar, Ludhmila A; Vincent, Jean-Louis; Landoni, Giovanni; Belletti, Alessandro; Vieira, Joaquim E; de Almeida, Juliano P; de Almeida, Elisangela P; Ribeiro, Ulysses; Kauling, Ana L; Tutyia, Celso; Tamaoki, Lie; Fukushima, Julia T; Auler, José O C

    2018-05-09

    Patients undergoing abdominal surgery for solid tumours frequently develop major postoperative complications, which negatively affect quality of life, costs of care and survival. Few studies have identified the determinants of perioperative complications in this group. We performed a prospective observational study including all patients (age > 18) undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer at a single institution between June 2011 and August 2013. Patients undergoing emergency surgery, palliative procedures, or participating in other studies were excluded. Primary outcome was a composite of 30-day all-cause mortality and infectious, cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, renal and surgical complications. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for major perioperative adverse events. Of a total 308 included patients, 106 (34.4%) developed a major complication during the 30-day follow-up period. Independent predictors of postoperative major complications were: age (odds ratio [OR] 1.03 [95% CI 1.01-1.06], p = 0.012 per year), ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status greater than or equal to 3 (OR 2.61 [95% CI 1.33-5.17], p = 0.003), a preoperative haemoglobin level lower than 12 g/dL (OR 2.13 [95% CI 1.21-4.07], p = 0.014), intraoperative use of colloids (OR 1.89, [95% CI 1.03-4.07], p = 0.047), total amount of intravenous fluids (OR 1.22 [95% CI 0.98-1.59], p = 0.106 per litre), intraoperative blood losses greater than 500 mL (2.07 [95% CI 1.00-4.31], p = 0.043), and hypotension needing vasopressor support (OR 4.68 [95% CI 1.55-27.72], p = 0.004). The model had good discrimination with the area under the ROC curve being 0.80 (95% CI 0.75-0.84, p < 0.001). Our findings suggest that a perioperative strategy aimed at reducing perioperative complications in cancer surgery should include treatment of preoperative anaemia and an optimal fluid strategy

  12. Pharmacokinetics of single-dose oral ciprofloxacin in patients undergoing chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

    PubMed Central

    Shalit, I; Greenwood, R B; Marks, M I; Pederson, J A; Frederick, D L

    1986-01-01

    The prevention and treatment of peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis is often complicated by several factors, including nephrotoxicity, requirement for hospitalization, parenteral antibiotic therapy, and infection caused by resistant microorganisms. Ciprofloxacin, a new carboxyquinolone derivative, may offer the advantages of oral administration, a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity, and safety for the management of these patients. The pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in serum and peritoneal fluid of eight adult patients undergoing chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) were investigated. Each patient ingested a single 750-mg dose of ciprofloxacin, and drug concentrations were measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography in serum and peritoneal fluid for 48 h after the dose. Serum concentrations reached a mean peak of 3.6 micrograms/ml 1 to 2 h after the oral dose. The mean terminal serum half-life was 16.8 h, and the mean peritoneal fluid/serum concentration ratio was 0.64. The mean peak ciprofloxacin concentration in peritoneal fluid was 1.3 micrograms/ml, and the bioactivity of the drug in peritoneal fluid was confirmed. These data indicated that therapeutic concentrations of ciprofloxacin against bacterial pathogens commonly associated with peritonitis in CAPD patients may be achievable in the peritoneal fluid after oral administration to patients undergoing CAPD. In addition, the pharmacokinetic data provide guidelines for further clinical studies of oral ciprofloxacin in CAPD patients. PMID:2944477

  13. Preoperative conditioning with oral carbohydrate loading and oral nutritional supplements can be combined with mechanical bowel preparation prior to elective colorectal resection.

    PubMed

    Hendry, P O; Balfour, A; Potter, M A; Mander, B J; Bartolo, D C C; Anderson, D N; Fearon, K C H

    2008-11-01

    Preoperative conditioning with oral fluid and carbohydrate (CHO) loading allows the patient to undergo surgery in the fed state and is associated with reduced postoperative insulin resistance. Further benefit may accrue from oral nutritional supplements (ONS) to counteract the fasting associated with mechanical bowel preparation (MBP). In this study we assess the ability to prescribe, dispense and have patients comply with a protocol combining preoperative ONS and CHO/fluid loading during MBP. One hundred and forty-seven patients undergoing elective left colonic or rectal resection were recruited to an Enhanced Recovery after Surgery (ERAS) programme. All patients were prescribed MBP (2 sachets Picolax). On the daytime prior to surgery, eligible patients were prescribed 2 x 200 ml of ONS (Fortijuice, Nutricia) and in the evening 800 ml oral CHO/fluid loading (Preop(R), Nutricia,). Patients were prescribed a further 400 ml of oral/CHO/fluid on the morning of surgery 2 h prior to induction of anaesthesia. Protocol compliance was audited prospectively. One hundred and forty-seven patients received MBP. Twenty-three patients were ineligible for oral CHO/fluid loading [diabetes (n = 22), allergy to lemon flavoured drinks (n = 1)]. Fourteen patients did not receive the preoperative CHO drinks due to failure to prescribe (n = 8) or dispense (n = 6). One hundred and ten patients were dispensed the combined ONS and CHO/fluid loading regimen, compliance rates were 83% with ONS, 80% with CHO/fluid loading and 74% with both. Approximately 74% of patients undergoing MBP can comply with preoperative conditioning with ONS and CHO/fluid loading. Prescription and dispensing requires close attention to detail.

  14. Variations in 30-day readmissions and length of stay among spine surgeons: a national study of elective spine surgery among US Medicare beneficiaries.

    PubMed

    Singh, Siddhartha; Sparapani, Rodney; Wang, Marjorie C

    2018-06-01

    OBJECTIVE Pay-for-performance programs are targeting hospital readmissions. These programs have an underlying assumption that readmissions are due to provider practice patterns that can be modified by a reduction in reimbursement. However, there are limited data to support the role of providers in influencing readmissions. To study this, the authors examined variations in readmission rates by spine surgeon within 30 days among Medicare beneficiaries undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery for degenerative conditions. METHODS The authors applied validated ICD-9-CM algorithms to 2003-2007 Medicare data to select beneficiaries undergoing elective inpatient lumbar spine surgery for degenerative conditions. Mixed models, adjusting for patient demographics, comorbidities, and surgery type, were used to estimate risk of 30-day readmission by the surgeon. Length of stay (LOS) was also studied using these same models. RESULTS A total of 39,884 beneficiaries were operated on by 3987 spine surgeons. The mean readmission rate was 7.2%. The mean LOS was 3.1 days. After adjusting for patient characteristics and surgery type, 1 surgeon had readmission rates significantly below the mean, and only 5 surgeons had readmission rates significantly above the mean. In contrast, for LOS, the patients of 288 surgeons (7.2%) had LOS significantly lower than the mean, and the patients of 397 surgeons (10.0%) had LOS significantly above the mean. These findings were robust to adjustments for surgeon characteristics and clustering by hospital. Similarly, hospital characteristics were not significantly associated with readmission rates, but LOS was associated with hospital for-profit status and size. CONCLUSIONS The authors found almost no variations in readmission rates by surgeon. These findings suggest that surgeon practice patterns do not affect the risk of readmission. Likewise, no significant variation in readmission rates by hospital characteristics were found. Strategies to reduce

  15. Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Bilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Midline Colorectal Surgeries Using Ropivacaine: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial.

    PubMed

    Qazi, Nahida; Bhat, Wasim Mohammad; Iqbal, Malik Zaffar; Wani, Anisur Rehman; Gurcoo, Showkat A; Rasool, Sahir

    2017-01-01

    Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is done as a part of multimodal analgesia for pain relief after abdominal surgeries. This prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy of bilateral TAP block in patients undergoing midline colorectal surgeries using ropivacaine. Eighty patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgeries involving midline abdominal wall incision under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Group A received TAP block with 20 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine on either side of the abdominal wall, and Group B received 20 ml of normal saline. The time to request for rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption in 24 h, and satisfaction with the anesthetic technique were assessed. The mean visual analog scale scores at rest and on coughing were higher in control group ( P > 0.05). Time (min) to request for the first rescue analgesia was prolonged in study group compared to control group ( P < 0.001). The total tramadol consumption in 24 h postoperatively was significantly high in control group ( P < 0.001). Nausea/vomiting was more common in control group ( P > 0.05). The level of satisfaction concerning postoperative pain control/anesthetic technique was higher in study group ( P < 0.001). TAP block produces effective and prolonged postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing midline colorectal surgery. It is a technically simple block to perform with a high margin of safety. It produces a considerable reduction in mean intravenous postoperative tramadol requirements, reduction in postoperative pain scores, and increased time to first request for further analgesia, both at rest and on movement.

  16. Postoperative Analgesic Efficacy of Bilateral Transversus Abdominis Plane Block in Patients Undergoing Midline Colorectal Surgeries Using Ropivacaine: A Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial

    PubMed Central

    Qazi, Nahida; Bhat, Wasim Mohammad; Iqbal, Malik Zaffar; Wani, Anisur Rehman; Gurcoo, Showkat A.; Rasool, Sahir

    2017-01-01

    Background: Ultrasound-guided transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is done as a part of multimodal analgesia for pain relief after abdominal surgeries. This prospective randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the postoperative analgesic efficacy of bilateral TAP block in patients undergoing midline colorectal surgeries using ropivacaine. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgeries involving midline abdominal wall incision under general anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial. Group A received TAP block with 20 ml of 0.2% ropivacaine on either side of the abdominal wall, and Group B received 20 ml of normal saline. The time to request for rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption in 24 h, and satisfaction with the anesthetic technique were assessed. Results: The mean visual analog scale scores at rest and on coughing were higher in control group (P > 0.05). Time (min) to request for the first rescue analgesia was prolonged in study group compared to control group (P < 0.001). The total tramadol consumption in 24 h postoperatively was significantly high in control group (P < 0.001). Nausea/vomiting was more common in control group (P > 0.05). The level of satisfaction concerning postoperative pain control/anesthetic technique was higher in study group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: TAP block produces effective and prolonged postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing midline colorectal surgery. It is a technically simple block to perform with a high margin of safety. It produces a considerable reduction in mean intravenous postoperative tramadol requirements, reduction in postoperative pain scores, and increased time to first request for further analgesia, both at rest and on movement. PMID:28928585

  17. Fiberoptic intubation in 327 neurosurgical patients with lesions of the cervical spine.

    PubMed

    Fuchs, G; Schwarz, G; Baumgartner, A; Kaltenböck, F; Voit-Augustin, H; Planinz, W

    1999-01-01

    In patients with lesions of the cervical spine, direct laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation entails the risk of injuring the spinal cord. In an attempt to avoid this complication, the authors used flexible fiberoptic nasal intubation in a series of 327 patients with cervical lesions undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures. The nasal route was preferred for laryngeal intubation because it is easier than the oral route and a restraining collar or halo device does not impair the intubating maneuver. Bronchoscopic intubation was possible in all patients. In 12 patients (3.6%), anatomic abnormalities prevented transnasal insertion of the endotracheal tube, and transoral fiberoptic intubation was necessary. Endotracheal intubation was graded as slightly difficult in 85 patients (26%). The minimal peripheral oxygen saturation during intubation exceeded 90% in 289 patients (88%). In the other 38 patients, the mean O2 saturation was 84.2+/-4.3% (range, 72-89%). Intubation was well tolerated by all patients and none had recall of the procedure. Cervical stabilizers did not have to be removed for intubation in any patient. None of the patients had postoperative neurologic deficits attributable to the intubation procedure. The authors consider fiberoptic transnasal intubation to be a useful alternative to direct laryngoscopic tracheal intubation in patients undergoing elective surgical procedures on the cervical spine to avoid potential injury to the cervical spinal cord.

  18. The effect of prophylactic percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement on swallowing and swallow-related outcomes in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Shaw, Stephanie M; Flowers, Heather; O'Sullivan, Brian; Hope, Andrew; Liu, Louis W C; Martino, Rosemary

    2015-04-01

    Patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) often experience malnutrition and dehydration during treatment. As a result, some centres place PEG tubes prophylactically (pPEG) to prevent these negative consequences. However, recent research has suggested that pPEG use may negatively affect swallowing physiology, function and/or quality of life, especially in the long term. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on pPEG use in HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy and to determine its impact on swallowing-related outcomes. The following electronic databases were searched for all relevant primary research published through February 24, 2014: AMED, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Healthstar, Medline, and PsycINFO. Main search terms included HNC, radiotherapy, deglutition disorders, feeding tube(s), and prophylactic or elective. References for all accepted papers were hand searched to identify additional relevant research. Methodological quality was assessed using Cochrane's Risk of Bias. At all levels, two blinded raters provided judgments. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus. The search retrieved 181 unique citations. Twenty studies met our inclusion criteria. Quality assessment revealed that all studies were at risk for bias due to non-randomized sampling and unreported or inadequate blinding. Ten studies demonstrated selection bias with significant baseline differences between pPEG patients and controls. Results regarding the frequency and severity of dysphagia and swallowing-related outcomes were varied and inconclusive. The impact of pPEG use on swallowing and swallowing-related outcomes remains unclear. Well-controlled, randomized trials are needed to determine if pPEG places patients at greater risk for developing long-term dysphagia.

  19. Constipation Risk in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

    PubMed Central

    Celik, Sevim; Atar, Nurdan Yalcin; Ozturk, Nilgun; Mendes, Guler; Kuytak, Figen; Bakar, Esra; Dalgiran, Duygu; Ergin, Sumeyra

    2015-01-01

    Background: Problems regarding bowel elimination are quite common in patients undergoing abdominal surgery. Objectives: To determine constipation risk before the surgery, bowel elimination during postoperative period, and the factors affecting bowel elimination. Patients and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. It was conducted in a general surgery ward of a university hospital in Zonguldak, Turkey between January 2013 and May 2013. A total of 107 patients were included in the study, who were selected by convenience sampling. Constipation Risk Assessment Scale (CRAS), patient information form, medical and nursing records were used in the study. Results: The mean age of the patients was found to be 55.97 ± 15.74 (year). Most of the patients have undergone colon (37.4%) and stomach surgeries (21.5%). Open surgical intervention (83.2%) was performed on almost all patients (96.3%) under general anesthesia. Patients were at moderate risk for constipation with average scores of 11.71 before the surgery. A total of 77 patients (72%) did not have bowel elimination problem during postoperative period. The type of the surgery (P < 0.05), starting time for oral feeding after the surgery (P < 0.05), and mobilization (P < 0.05) were effective on postoperative bowel elimination. Conclusions: There is a risk for constipation after abdominal surgery. Postoperative practices are effective on the risk of constipation. PMID:26380107

  20. Alimentary tract surgery in the nonagenarian: elective vs. emergent operations.

    PubMed

    Blansfield, Joseph A; Clark, Susan C; Hofmann, Mary T; Morris, Jon B

    2004-01-01

    The objective of this study was to compare elective with emergent surgery in patients over the age of 90 years. We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients over 90 years of age who underwent alimentary tract surgery between 1994 and 2002 at a community teaching hospital. Of 100 patients (mean age 92 years; range 90 to 98 years), 82 were women and 18 were men. Seventy-three percent were admitted from private homes or assisted-living facilities, and 27% came from a skilled-nursing facility (SNF). Major comorbid conditions existed in 93%. Procedures included right hemicolectomy (22%), adhesiolysis and/or small bowel resection (19%), cholecystectomy (14%), left-sided or sigmoid colectomy (11%), and perineal proctectomy (8%). Overall morbidity and mortality were 36% and 15%, respectively. Postoperative complications included respiratory failure and pneumonia (11%), arrhythmias (9%), delirium (7%), congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction (6%), and urinary complications (4%). Twenty-eight percent of the operations were elective, and 72% were emergent. Morbidity and mortality were higher in the emergent group (41% and 19%, respectively) than in the elective group (26% and 4%, respectively; P=0.04), especially for patients with an emergent surgical problem who came from a nursing home (22%). Average length of stay was 12 +/- 10 days (range 2 to 69 days) with little difference between elective and emergent cases. Sixty-four percent of patients were discharged to skilled-nursing facilities. Alimentary tract surgery can be performed safely in nonagenarians, and they should not be denied surgical care solely because of age.

  1. Waiting lists and elective surgery: ordering the queue.

    PubMed

    Curtis, Andrea J; Russell, Colin O H; Stoelwinder, Johannes U; McNeil, John J

    2010-02-15

    In the Australian public health system, access to elective surgery is rationed through the use of waiting lists in which patients are assigned to broad urgency categories. Surgeons are principally responsible for referring patients to waiting lists, deciding on the appropriate urgency category, and selecting patients from the waiting list to receive surgery. There are few agreed-upon criteria to help surgeons make these decisions, leading to striking differences between institutions in proportions of patients allocated to urgency categories. In other countries with publicly funded health systems, programs have been developed that aim to make prioritisation more consistent and access to surgery more equitable. As demand for health care increases, similar programs should be established in Australia using relevant clinical and psychosocial factors. Prioritisation methodology adapted for elective surgery may have a role in prioritising high-demand procedures in other areas of health care.

  2. Anaesthesiological strategies in elective craniotomy: randomized, equivalence, open trial--the NeuroMorfeo trial.

    PubMed

    Citerio, Giuseppe; Franzosi, Maria Grazia; Latini, Roberto; Masson, Serge; Barlera, Simona; Guzzetti, Stefano; Pesenti, Antonio

    2009-04-06

    Many studies have attempted to determine the "best" anaesthetic technique for neurosurgical procedures in patients without intracranial hypertension. So far, no study comparing intravenous (IA) with volatile-based neuroanaesthesia (VA) has been able to demonstrate major outcome differences nor a superiority of one of the two strategies in patients undergoing elective supratentorial neurosurgery. Therefore, current practice varies and includes the use of either volatile or intravenous anaesthetics in addition to narcotics. Actually the choice of the anaesthesiological strategy depends only on the anaesthetists' preferences or institutional policies. This trial, named NeuroMorfeo, aims to assess the equivalence between volatile and intravenous anaesthetics for neurosurgical procedures. NeuroMorfeo is a multicenter, randomized, open label, controlled trial, based on an equivalence design. Patients aged between 18 and 75 years, scheduled for elective craniotomy for supratentorial lesion without signs of intracranial hypertension, in good physical state (ASA I-III) and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) equal to 15, are randomly assigned to one of three anaesthesiological strategies (two VA arms, sevoflurane + fentanyl or sevoflurane + remifentanil, and one IA, propofol + remifentanil). The equivalence between intravenous and volatile-based neuroanaesthesia will be evaluated by comparing the intervals required to reach, after anaesthesia discontinuation, a modified Aldrete score > or = 9 (primary end-point). Two statistical comparisons have been planned: 1) sevoflurane + fentanyl vs. propofol + remifentanil; 2) sevoflurane + remifentanil vs. propofol + remifentanil. Secondary end-points include: an assessment of neurovegetative stress based on (a) measurement of urinary catecholamines and plasma and urinary cortisol and (b) estimate of sympathetic/parasympathetic balance by power spectrum analyses of electrocardiographic tracings recorded during anaesthesia; intraoperative

  3. Outcome of elective prostatectomy.

    PubMed Central

    Neal, D. E.; Ramsden, P. D.; Sharples, L.; Smith, A.; Powell, P. H.; Styles, R. A.; Webb, R. J.

    1989-01-01

    OBJECTIVES--To determine the symptomatic and urodynamic outcome of elective prostatectomy and to establish whether the outcome is influenced or can be predicted by preoperative urodynamic measurements. DESIGN--Prospective non-randomised study with follow up at a mean of 11 months after operation. Most men were assessed jointly by a urologist and a general practitioner. SETTING--Department of urology in a teaching hospital serving a large district population. PATIENTS--253 Men listed for elective prostatectomy because of symptoms and low urinary flow rates (less than 15 ml/s) and excluding those already on a waiting list or with acute urinary retention, clinically apparent prostatic cancer, and neurological or cerebrovascular disease; 217 (86%) were followed up. INTERVENTION--Elective prostatectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Classification on the basis of relief of symptoms assessed by patients and urologist and general practitioner and of symptom scores obtained by questionnaire. RESULTS--Of the 217 men followed up, 171 (79%) had a satisfactory subjective review and 155 (72%) had a satisfactory review and also low symptom scores. An unsatisfactory outcome was associated with preoperative symptoms of urge incontinence, small prostatic size and resected weight, low voiding pressures, and low urethral resistance. Preoperative maximum urinary flow rates did not predict outcome. Men with poor outcome could be classified into two groups: those with irritative symptoms who were more likely before operation to have had urge incontinence and detrusor instability and men with symptoms of poor urinary flow who were more likely before operation to have had a small prostate, low voiding pressures, and low urethral resistance. In patients in the second group flow rates or voiding pressures improved little after operation. Men with stable detrusors and either low urethral resistance or low voiding pressures were less likely to do well after prostatectomy, but despite these

  4. 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.

  5. Brain natriuretic peptide levels predict perioperative events in cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery: a prospective study.

    PubMed

    Leibowitz, David; Planer, David; Rott, David; Elitzur, Yair; Chajek-Shaul, Tova; Weiss, A Teddy

    2008-01-01

    Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels correlate with prognosis in patients with cardiac disease and may be useful in the risk stratification of cardiac patients undergoing noncardiac surgery (NCS). The objective of this study was to examine whether BNP levels predict perioperative events in cardiac patients undergoing NCS. Patients undergoing NCS with at least 1 of the following criteria were included: a clinical history of congestive heart failure (CHF), ejection fraction <40%, or severe aortic stenosis. All patients underwent echocardiography and measurement of BNP performed using the ADVIA-Centaur BNP assay (Bayer HealthCare). Clinical endpoints were death, myocardial infarction or pulmonary congestion requiring intravenous diuretics at 30 days of follow-up. Forty-four patients were entered into the study; 15 patients (34%) developed cardiac postoperative complications. The mean BNP level was 1,366 +/- 1,420 pg/ml in patients with events and 167 +/- 194 pg/ml in patients without events, indicating a highly significant difference (p < 0.001). The ROC area under the curve was 0.91 (95% CI 0.83-0.99) with an optimal cutoff of >165 pg/ml (100% sensitivity, 70% specificity). BNP levels may predict perioperative complications in cardiac patients undergoing NCS, and the measurement of BNP should be considered to assess the preoperative cardiac risk. (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel

  6. [Eradication of Staphylococcus aureus in carrier patients undergoing joint arthroplasty].

    PubMed

    Barbero Allende, José M; Romanyk Cabrera, Juan; Montero Ruiz, Eduardo; Vallés Purroy, Alfonso; Melgar Molero, Virginia; Agudo López, Rosa; Gete García, Luis; López Álvarez, Joaquín

    2015-02-01

    Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a complication with serious repercussions and its main cause is Staphylococcus aureus. The purpose of this study is to determine whether decolonization of S.aureus carriers helps to reduce the incidence of PJI by S.aureus. An S.aureus screening test was performed on nasal carriers in patients undergoing knee or hip arthroplasty between January and December 2011. Patients with a positive test were treated with intranasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine soap 5 days. The incidence of PJI was compared with patients undergoing the same surgery between January and December 2010. A total of 393 joint replacements were performed in 391 patients from the control group, with 416 joint replacements being performed in the intervention group. Colonization study was performed in 382 patients (91.8%), of which 102 were positive (26.7%) and treated. There was 2 PJI due S.aureus compared with 9 in the control group (0.5% vs 2.3%, odds ratio [OR]: 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4 to 2.3, P=.04). In our study, the detection of colonization and eradication of S.aureus carriers achieved a significant decrease in PJI due to S.aureus compared to a historical group. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier España, S.L.U. y Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

  7. The Society for Translational Medicine: clinical practice guidelines for mechanical ventilation management for patients undergoing lobectomy.

    PubMed

    Gao, Shugeng; Zhang, Zhongheng; Brunelli, Alessandro; Chen, Chang; Chen, Chun; Chen, Gang; Chen, Haiquan; Chen, Jin-Shing; Cassivi, Stephen; Chai, Ying; Downs, John B; Fang, Wentao; Fu, Xiangning; Garutti, Martínez I; He, Jianxing; He, Jie; Hu, Jian; Huang, Yunchao; Jiang, Gening; Jiang, Hongjing; Jiang, Zhongmin; Li, Danqing; Li, Gaofeng; Li, Hui; Li, Qiang; Li, Xiaofei; Li, Yin; Li, Zhijun; Liu, Chia-Chuan; Liu, Deruo; Liu, Lunxu; Liu, Yongyi; Ma, Haitao; Mao, Weimin; Mao, Yousheng; Mou, Juwei; Ng, Calvin Sze Hang; Petersen, René H; Qiao, Guibin; Rocco, Gaetano; Ruffini, Erico; Tan, Lijie; Tan, Qunyou; Tong, Tang; Wang, Haidong; Wang, Qun; Wang, Ruwen; Wang, Shumin; Xie, Deyao; Xue, Qi; Xue, Tao; Xu, Lin; Xu, Shidong; Xu, Songtao; Yan, Tiansheng; Yu, Fenglei; Yu, Zhentao; Zhang, Chunfang; Zhang, Lanjun; Zhang, Tao; Zhang, Xun; Zhao, Xiaojing; Zhao, Xuewei; Zhi, Xiuyi; Zhou, Qinghua

    2017-09-01

    Patients undergoing lobectomy are at significantly increased risk of lung injury. One-lung ventilation is the most commonly used technique to maintain ventilation and oxygenation during the operation. It is a challenge to choose an appropriate mechanical ventilation strategy to minimize the lung injury and other adverse clinical outcomes. In order to understand the available evidence, a systematic review was conducted including the following topics: (I) protective ventilation (PV); (II) mode of mechanical ventilation [e.g., volume controlled (VCV) versus pressure controlled (PCV)]; (III) use of therapeutic hypercapnia; (IV) use of alveolar recruitment (open-lung) strategy; (V) pre-and post-operative application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP); (VI) Inspired Oxygen concentration; (VII) Non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy; and (VIII) adjuvant pharmacologic options. The recommendations of class II are non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy may be an alternative to conventional one-lung ventilation in selected patients. The recommendations of class IIa are: (I) Therapeutic hypercapnia to maintain a partial pressure of carbon dioxide at 50-70 mmHg is reasonable for patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (II) PV with a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg and PEEP of 5 cmH 2 O are reasonable methods, based on current evidence; (III) alveolar recruitment [open lung ventilation (OLV)] may be beneficial in patients undergoing lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (IV) PCV is recommended over VCV for patients undergoing lung resection; (V) pre- and post-operative CPAP can improve short-term oxygenation in patients undergoing lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (VI) controlled mechanical ventilation with I:E ratio of 1:1 is reasonable in patients undergoing one-lung ventilation; (VII) use of lowest inspired oxygen concentration to maintain satisfactory arterial oxygen saturation is reasonable based on physiologic principles; (VIII) Adjuvant drugs

  8. 5 CFR 891.201 - Election.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-01-01

    ... FEDERAL EMPLOYEES HEALTH BENEFITS Election and Change of Election § 891.201 Election. (a) The original period for election by each eligible retired employee was during the months of March and April 1961... failure is determined by the retirement office to be for cause beyond the control of the retired employee...

  9. Surgical Technical Evidence Review for Elective Total Joint Replacement Conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery

    PubMed Central

    Siletz, Anaar E.; Singer, Emily S.; Faltermeier, Claire; Hu, Q. Lina; Ko, Clifford Y.; Golladay, Gregory J.; Kates, Stephen L.; Wick, Elizabeth C.; Maggard-Gibbons, Melinda

    2018-01-01

    Background: Use of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) can improve patient outcomes, yet national implementation of these pathways remains low. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ; funder), the American College of Surgeons, and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute for Patent Safety and Quality have developed the Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery—a national effort to catalyze implementation of practices to improve perioperative care and enhance recovery of surgical patients. This review synthesizes evidence that can be used to develop a protocol for elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). Study Design: This review focuses on potential components of the protocol relevant to surgeons; anesthesia components are reported separately. Components were identified through review of existing pathways and from consultation with technical experts. For each, a structured review of MEDLINE identified systematic reviews, randomized trials, and observational studies that reported on these components in patients undergoing elective TKA/THA. This primary evidence review was combined with existing clinical guidelines in a narrative format. Results: Sixteen components were reviewed. Of the 10 preoperative components, most were focused on risk factor assessment including anemia, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, obesity, nutrition, immune-modulating therapy, and opiates. Preoperative education, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, and bathing/Staphylococcus aureus decolonization were also included. The routine use of drains was the only intraoperative component evaluated. The 5 postoperative components included early mobilization, continuous passive motion, extended duration VTE prophylaxis, early oral alimentation, and discharge planning. Conclusion: This review synthesizes the evidence supporting potential surgical components of an ERP for elective TKA/THA. The AHRQ Safety Program for Improving

  10. Surgical Technical Evidence Review for Elective Total Joint Replacement Conducted for the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery.

    PubMed

    Childers, Christopher P; Siletz, Anaar E; Singer, Emily S; Faltermeier, Claire; Hu, Q Lina; Ko, Clifford Y; Golladay, Gregory J; Kates, Stephen L; Wick, Elizabeth C; Maggard-Gibbons, Melinda

    2018-01-01

    Use of enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) can improve patient outcomes, yet national implementation of these pathways remains low. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ; funder), the American College of Surgeons, and the Johns Hopkins Medicine Armstrong Institute for Patent Safety and Quality have developed the Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery-a national effort to catalyze implementation of practices to improve perioperative care and enhance recovery of surgical patients. This review synthesizes evidence that can be used to develop a protocol for elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA). This review focuses on potential components of the protocol relevant to surgeons; anesthesia components are reported separately. Components were identified through review of existing pathways and from consultation with technical experts. For each, a structured review of MEDLINE identified systematic reviews, randomized trials, and observational studies that reported on these components in patients undergoing elective TKA/THA. This primary evidence review was combined with existing clinical guidelines in a narrative format. Sixteen components were reviewed. Of the 10 preoperative components, most were focused on risk factor assessment including anemia, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, obesity, nutrition, immune-modulating therapy, and opiates. Preoperative education, venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis, and bathing/ Staphylococcus aureus decolonization were also included. The routine use of drains was the only intraoperative component evaluated. The 5 postoperative components included early mobilization, continuous passive motion, extended duration VTE prophylaxis, early oral alimentation, and discharge planning. This review synthesizes the evidence supporting potential surgical components of an ERP for elective TKA/THA. The AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Surgical Care and Recovery aims to guide hospitals and

  11. Implementation of Preoperative Screening Criteria Lowers Infection and Complication Rates Following Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty and Total Knee Arthroplasty in a Veteran Population.

    PubMed

    Nussenbaum, Fernando D; Rodriguez-Quintana, David; Fish, Sara M; Green, David M; Cahill, Catherine W

    2018-01-01

    Total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are common procedures with a risk of complications. Attempting to minimize complications, our institution implemented preoperative screening criteria for patients undergoing elective total joint replacement. Our study aimed to determine if screening criteria lowered total complications and/or surgical site infections (SSI). Two groups of consecutive patients undergoing TKA and THA at a single Veterans Affairs facility were evaluated prior to and after implementation of screening criteria, 520 and 475 respectively. Screening criteria included hemoglobin A1c ≤7, hemoglobin ≥11, body mass index ≤35, and albumin ≥3.5. Groups were analyzed for demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and postoperative complications. Rates of total complications and SSI were compared. Average follow-up was at least 2 years with minimum of 1 year. Demographics and comorbidities outside the screening criteria were similar. Total complication rate was reduced from 35.4% to 14.8% (P < .01) after implementation of screening criteria. For TKA, total complications were reduced from 33.1% to 15.0% (P < .01) and for THA they were reduced from 42.4% to 14.2% (P < .01). SSI rates for combined TKA and THA were reduced from 4.4% to 1.3% (P < .01). For knees, SSI was reduced from 4.6% to 1.3% (P = .01) and was statistically significant. For THA, SSI decreased from 3.8% to 1.2% (P < .05). Our institution saw a statistically significant decrease in both SSI and total complications following implementation of preoperative screening criteria for elective TKA and THA. Published by Elsevier Inc.

  12. Liquid discharges from patients undergoing 131I treatments.

    PubMed

    Barquero, R; Basurto, F; Nuñez, C; Esteban, R

    2008-10-01

    This work discusses the production and management of liquid radioactive wastes as excretas from patients undergoing therapy procedures with 131I radiopharmaceuticals in Spain. The activity in the sewage has been estimated with and without waste radioactive decay tanks. Two common therapy procedures have been considered, the thyroid cancer (4.14 GBq administered per treatment), and the hyperthyroidism (414 MBq administered per treatment). The calculations were based on measurements of external exposure around the 244 hyperthyroidism patients and 23 thyroid cancer patients. The estimated direct activity discharged to the sewage for two thyroid carcinomas and three hyperthyroidisms was 14.57 GBq and 1.27 GBq, respectively, per week; the annual doses received by the most exposed individual (sewage worker) were 164 microSv and 13 microSv, respectively. General equations to calculate the activity as a function of the number of patient treated each week were also obtained.

  13. Pregabalin versus tramadol for postoperative pain management in patients undergoing lumbar laminectomy: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

    PubMed Central

    Kumar, Koramutla Pradeep; Kulkarni, Dilip Kumar; Gurajala, Indira; Gopinath, Ramachandran

    2013-01-01

    Prevention and treatment of postoperative pain continues to be a major challenge in postoperative care. Opioid analgesics, with their well-known side effects, continue to represent a cornerstone in postoperative pain control. Anticonvulsant medications are established treatments for neuropathic pain. Pregabalin (S-[+]-3-isobutylgaba), a structural analog of gamma-Aminobutyric acid, has been used for the treatment of various neuropathic pain and also as an adjunctive therapy for adults with partial onset seizures. This study was thus taken up to primarily assess and compare the analgesic and anxiolytic effects of administering pregabalin and tramadol preoperatively for patients undergoing elective decompressive lumbar laminectomy. The study group included 75 patients between the ages of 20–60 years belonging to American Society of Anesthesiology-1 (ASA) and ASA-2 patients. The patients were randomly allocated into three groups of 25 patients each. The placebo group received a placebo capsule, the tramadol group received a 100 mg capsule, while the pregabalin group received a 150 mg capsule orally 1 hour before anesthetic induction. Pregabalin showed statistically significant analgesic effects compared to placebo, but the effect was found to be less prevalent compared to tramadol. The need for rescue analgesia was the least prevalent in tramadol patients followed by pregabalin patients, and reached a maximum in the control group. Pregabalin showed statistically significant anxiolytic effects compared to placebo, and this was associated with less sedation in comparison to tramadol. Pregabalin had fewer numbers of postoperative complications of nausea, vomiting, and drowsiness in comparison to tramadol. The results of this study support the clinical use of pregabalin in the postsurgical setting for pain relief, as it is well tolerated, and usually presents with transient adverse effects. PMID:23837006

  14. [Effectiveness of Paradontax toothpaste in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment].

    PubMed

    Silin, A V; Satygo, E A; Reutskaya, K V

    The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of toothpaste Parodontax in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. The results showed that fixed orthodontic appliances deteriorated oral hygiene, increased the viscosity of saliva and reduced mineralizing capacity of saliva (MCS). Use of Parodontax toothpaste based on sodium bicarbonate improved OHI-S, reduced the viscosity of saliva, increased MCS and normalized oral microbiota.

  15. A Comparison of the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 Tool With the Subjective Global Assessment Tool to Detect Nutritional Status in Chinese Patients Undergoing Surgery With Gastrointestinal Cancer.

    PubMed

    Chi, Juntao; Yin, Shaohua; Zhu, Yongjian; Gao, Fengli; Song, Xinna; Song, Zhenlan; Lv, Junying; Li, Miaomiao

    The objectives of this study were to describe the nutritional status of Chinese patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery and to compare the ease of use, diversity, and concordance of the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 with the Subjective Global Assessment in the same patients. A total of 280 gastrointestinal cancer patients admitted for elective surgery were evaluated by the Nutritional Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) tools within 48 hours of admission from April to October 2012. Related opinions about ease of using the tools were obtained from 10 nurses. The prevalence of patients at nutritional risk with the SGA and NRS 2002 was 33.9% and 53.2% on admission. In the total group, ≤70 age group, and >70 age group, respectively, consistency was observed in 214 (76.4%), 175 (91.1%), and 39 (44.3%); and kappa values were 0.54 (p < .001), 0.81 (p < .001), and 0.085 (p = .096). McNemar paired chi-square test showed a significant difference between the NRS 2002 and SGA in the total group and >70 age group (p < .001); however, no difference was observed in the ≤70 age group (p = .14). Nurses reported ease of use of the NRS 2002 as a "very easy" or "easy" to complete (3-5 minutes) and the SGA as an "easy" or "fair" tool to complete (5-10 minutes). The diversity and concordance between the SGA and NRS 2002 were varied in different age groups. The NRS 2002 is more suitable in nursing practice than the SGA to identify the nutritional status of patients with gastrointestinal cancer undergoing surgery, but it appeared to detect more patients at nutritional risk in the >70 age group.

  16. 29 CFR 452.103 - Primary elections.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-07-01

    ... fifteen-day election notice requirement applies to any runoff election which may be held after an... election advises the members of the possibility of a runoff election and specifies such details as the time and place of such runoff election as may be necessary. ...

  17. [Anti-rheumatic therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing hemodialysis].

    PubMed

    Akiyama, Yuji

    2011-01-01

    Hemodialysis (HD) patients have been increasing recently. Some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients need hemodialysis (HD), though the proportion is not high. At present, such patients are almost treated with corticosteroids and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs alone, even if they have a high disease activity that would require disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy, partly because the safety of DMARDs in RA patients with end-stage renal disease has not been confirmed. Their joint destruction would be inevitable and lead to impaired activities of daily living. As there are no guidelines for the use of DMARDs in HD patients, here I reviewed the previous reports about the treatment of DMARDs including biologics for patients with RA undergoing HD.

  18. Election '88: Teacher Packet.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    North Carolina State Dept. of Public Instruction, Raleigh. Div. of Social Studies Education.

    This materials packet contains information on teaching about the electoral process and the elections of 1988, and on participation in a mock election for students whose schools would take part in the 1988 North Carolina Mock Election. Suggestions for teachers' preparations are given, including a classroom skit and a mock candidates' election…

  19. The effect of royal jelly on oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

    PubMed

    Erdem, Ozden; Güngörmüş, Zeynep

    2014-01-01

    This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of royal jelly on oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The study population consisted of 103 patients undergoing radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Oral mucositis was graded according to the World Health Organization criteria, and patients were divided into 2 groups. All patients received mouthwash therapy with benzydamine hydrochloride and nystatin rinses. In addition, patients in the experimental group received royal jelly. The mean resolution time of oral mucositis in the royal jelly group was significantly shorter than that of the control group. As a result, the study results demonstrate that royal jelly administrated by a certain procedure improved the signs and symptoms of oral mucositis and markedly shortened its healing time.

  20. Patient satisfaction with the consent discussion is not improved by showing patients their computed tomography or angiography images before they undergo vascular surgery.

    PubMed

    LeBlanc, Dominic; Power, Adam H; DeRose, Guy; Duncan, Audra; Dubois, Luc

    2018-05-18

    Patient-based decision aids and other multimedia tools have been developed to help enrich the preoperative discussion between surgeon and patient. Use of these tools, however, can be time-consuming and logistically challenging. We investigated whether simply showing patients their images from preoperative computed tomography (CT) or angiography would improve patients' satisfaction with the preoperative discussion. We also examined whether this improved the patient's understanding and trust and whether it contributed to increased preoperative anxiety. Patients undergoing either elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair or lower limb revascularization were randomly assigned to either standard perioperative discussion or perioperative discussion and review of images (CT image or angiogram). Randomization was concealed and stratified by surgeon. Primary outcome was patient satisfaction with the preoperative discussion as measured by a validated 7-item scale (score, 0-28), with higher scores indicating improved satisfaction. Secondary outcomes included patient understanding, patient anxiety, patient trust, and length of preoperative discussion. Scores were compared using t-test. Overall, 51 patients were randomized, 25 to the intervention arm (discussion and imaging) and 26 to the control arm. Most patients were male (69%), and the average age was 70 years. Forty percent of patients underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, whereas 60% underwent lower limb revascularization. Patient satisfaction with the discussion was generally high, with no added improvement when preoperative images were reviewed (mean score, 24.9 ± 3.02 vs 24.8 ± 2.93; P = .88). Similarly, there was no difference in the patient's anxiety, level of trust, or understanding when the imaging review was compared with standard discussion. There was a trend toward longer preoperative discussions in the group that underwent imaging review (8.18 vs 6.35 minutes; P = .07). Showing patients their CT

  1. Laparoscopic colon resection: To prep or not to prep? Analysis of 1535 patients.

    PubMed

    Allaix, Marco Ettore; Arolfo, Simone; Degiuli, Maurizio; Giraudo, Giuseppe; Volpatto, Silvio; Morino, Mario

    2016-06-01

    Mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) before elective open colon resection does not reduce the rate of postoperative anastomotic leakage. However, MBP is still routinely used in many countries, and there are very limited data regarding the utility of preoperative MBP in patients undergoing laparoscopic colon resection (LCR). The aim of this study was to challenge the use of MBP before elective LCR. It is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected database. All patients undergoing elective LCR with primary anastomosis and no stoma were included. Preoperative MBP with polyethylene glycol solution was used routinely between April 1992 and December 2004, and then it was abandoned. The early postoperative outcomes in patients who had preoperative MBP (MBP group) and in patients who underwent LCR without preoperative MBP (No-MBP group) were compared. From April 1992 to December 2014, 1535 patients underwent LCR: 706 MBP patients and 829 No-MBP patients. There were no differences in demographic data, indication for surgery and type of procedure performed between MBP and No-MBP group patients. The incidence of anastomotic leakage was similar between the two groups (3.4 vs. 3.6 %, p = 0.925). No differences were observed in intra-abdominal abscesses (0.6 vs. 0.8 %, p = 0.734), wound infections (0.6 vs. 1.4 %, p = 0.149), infectious extra-abdominal complications (1.8 vs. 3 %, p = 0.190), and non-infectious complications (6.1 vs. 6.8 %, p = 0.672). The overall reoperation rate was 4.6 % for MBP patients and 5 % for No-MBP patients (p = 0.813). The use of preoperative MBP does not seem to be associated with lower incidence of intra-abdominal septic complications after LCR.

  2. 26 CFR 1.4-2 - Elections.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY INCOME TAX INCOME TAXES Normal Taxes and Surtaxes § 1.4-2 Elections. (a) Making of election. The election to pay the optional tax imposed under section 3... tax under section 3 as an election to take the standard deduction, and for treating an election to...

  3. Management of sickle cell disease in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Crawford, Todd C; Carter, Michael V; Patel, Rina K; Suarez-Pierre, Alejandro; Lin, Sophie Z; Magruder, Jonathan Trent; Grimm, Joshua C; Cameron, Duke E; Baumgartner, William A; Mandal, Kaushik

    2017-02-01

    Sickle cell disease is a life-limiting inherited hemoglobinopathy that poses inherent risk for surgical complications following cardiac operations. In this review, we discuss preoperative considerations, intraoperative decision-making, and postoperative strategies to optimize the care of a patient with sickle cell disease undergoing cardiac surgery. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  4. Toward reciprocity: host supervisor perspectives on international medical electives.

    PubMed

    Bozinoff, Nikki; Dorman, Katie P; Kerr, Denali; Roebbelen, Erica; Rogers, Erin; Hunter, Andrea; O'Shea, Tim; Kraeker, Christian

    2014-04-01

    An increasing number of medical students are engaging in international medical electives, the majority of which involve travel from northern, higher-income countries to southern, lower-income countries. Existing research has identified benefits to students participating in these experiences. However, reports on the impacts on host communities are largely absent from the literature. The current study aims to identify host country perspectives on international medical electives. Questionnaires were delivered to a convenience sample of supervisors hosting international elective students (n = 39) from a Canadian medical school. Responses represented 22 countries. Conventional content analysis of the qualitative data was used to identify themes in host supervisor perspectives on the impact of international medical electives. Host country supervisors identified that in addition to the benefits realised by the elective students, supervisors and their institutions also benefited from hosting Canadian students. Although some host supervisors denied the occurrence of any harm, others expressed concern that international elective students may negatively impact the local community in terms of resource use and patient care. Host country supervisors also identified potential harms to travelling students including health risks and emotional distress. Ideas for improving international electives were identified and were largely centred around increasing the bidirectional flow of students by establishing formal partnerships between institutions. This research provides important insights into the impacts of international medical student electives from the perspective of host country supervisors. This research may be a starting point for further research and the establishment of meaningful partnerships that incorporate the self-identified needs of receiving institutions, especially those in lower-income settings. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  5. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Program Implementation in 2 Surgical Populations in an Integrated Health Care Delivery System.

    PubMed

    Liu, Vincent X; Rosas, Efren; Hwang, Judith; Cain, Eric; Foss-Durant, Anne; Clopp, Molly; Huang, Mengfei; Lee, Derrick C; Mustille, Alex; Kipnis, Patricia; Parodi, Stephen

    2017-07-19

    Novel approaches to perioperative surgical care focus on optimizing nutrition, mobility, and pain management to minimize adverse events after surgical procedures. To evaluate the outcomes of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program among 2 target populations: patients undergoing elective colorectal resection and patients undergoing emergency hip fracture repair. A pre-post difference-in-differences study before and after ERAS implementation in the target populations compared with contemporaneous surgical comparator groups (patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery and emergency orthopedic surgery). Implementation began in February and March 2014 and concluded by the end of 2014 at 20 medical centers within the Kaiser Permanente Northern California integrated health care delivery system. A multifaceted ERAS program designed with a particular focus on perioperative pain management, mobility, nutrition, and patient engagement. The primary outcome was hospital length of stay. Secondary outcomes included hospital mortality, home discharge, 30-day readmission rates, and complication rates. The study included a total of 3768 patients undergoing elective colorectal resection (mean [SD] age, 62.7 [14.1] years; 1812 [48.1%] male) and 5002 patients undergoing emergency hip fracture repair (mean [SD] age, 79.5 [11.8] years; 1586 [31.7%] male). Comparator surgical patients included 5556 patients undergoing elective gastrointestinal surgery and 1523 patients undergoing emergency orthopedic surgery. Most process metrics had significantly greater changes in the ERAS target populations after implementation compared with comparator surgical populations, including those for ambulation, nutrition, and opioid use. Hospital length of stay and postoperative complication rates were also significantly lower among ERAS target populations after implementation. The rate ratios for postoperative complications were 0.68 (95% CI, 0.46-0.99; P = .04) for patients

  6. Dose audit for patients undergoing two common radiography examinations with digital radiology systems.

    PubMed

    İnal, Tolga; Ataç, Gökçe

    2014-01-01

    We aimed to determine the radiation doses delivered to patients undergoing general examinations using computed or digital radiography systems in Turkey. Radiographs of 20 patients undergoing posteroanterior chest X-ray and of 20 patients undergoing anteroposterior kidney-ureter-bladder radiography were evaluated in five X-ray rooms at four local hospitals in the Ankara region. Currently, almost all radiology departments in Turkey have switched from conventional radiography systems to computed radiography or digital radiography systems. Patient dose was measured for both systems. The results were compared with published diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) from the European Union and International Atomic Energy Agency. The average entrance surface doses (ESDs) for chest examinations exceeded established international DRLs at two of the X-ray rooms in a hospital with computed radiography. All of the other ESD measurements were approximately equal to or below the DRLs for both examinations in all of the remaining hospitals. Improper adjustment of the exposure parameters, uncalibrated automatic exposure control systems, and failure of the technologists to choose exposure parameters properly were problems we noticed during the study. This study is an initial attempt at establishing local DRL values for digital radiography systems, and will provide a benchmark so that the authorities can establish reference dose levels for diagnostic radiology in Turkey.

  7. Equiosmolar Solutions of Hypertonic Saline and Mannitol Do Not Impair Blood Coagulation During Elective Intracranial Surgery.

    PubMed

    Hernández-Palazón, Joaquín; Fuentes-García, Diego; Doménech-Asensi, Paloma; Piqueras-Pérez, Claudio; Falcón-Araña, Luis; Burguillos-López, Sebastián

    2017-01-01

    The authors investigated the effect of equiosmolar, equivolemic solutions of 3% hypertonic saline (HS) and 20% mannitol on blood coagulation assessed by rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) and standard coagulation tests during elective craniotomy. In a prospective, randomized, double-blind trial, 40 patients undergoing elective craniotomy were randomized to receive 5 mL/kg of either 20% mannitol or 3% HS for intraoperative brain relaxation. Fibrinogen, activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count were simultaneously measured intraoperatively with ROTEM for EXTEM, INTEM, and FIBTEM analysis. ROTEM parameters were: clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), maximum clot firmness (MCF), and α-angle. No significant differences between groups were found in ROTEM variables CT, CFT, MCF, α-angle (EXTEM and INTEM), and MCF (FIBTEM) nor standard coagulation tests. ROTEM parameters did not show changes after administration of hyperosmolar solutions relating to basal values, except for an increase of CFT EXTEM (118±28 vs. 128±26 s) and decrease of CT INTEM (160±18 vs. 148±15 s) with values within normal range. Significant decreases from baseline levels were observed for hematocrit (-7%), platelet count (-10%), and fibrinogen (-13%) after HS infusion, and hematocrit (-9%), platelet count (-13%), and fibrinogen (-9%) after mannitol infusion, but remaining normal. The use of 5 mL/kg of equiosmolar solutions of 3% HS and 20% mannitol applied to reach a brain relaxation during elective craniotomy does not induce coagulation impairment as evidenced by ROTEM and standard coagulation tests.

  8. An updated meta-analysis on the effectiveness of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing breast surgical procedures.

    PubMed

    Sajid, Muhammad S; Hutson, Kristian; Akhter, Naved; Kalra, Lorain; Rapisarda, Ignacio F; Bonomi, Ricardo

    2012-01-01

    To systematically analyze published randomized trials on the effectiveness of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing breast surgical procedures. Trials on the effectiveness of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing breast surgery were selected and analyzed to generate summated data (expressed as risk ratio [RR]) by using RevMan 5.0. Nine randomized controlled trials encompassing 3720 patients undergoing breast surgery were retrieved from the electronic databases. The antibiotics group comprised a total of 1857 patients and non-antibiotics group, 1863 patients. There was no heterogeneity [χ(2) = 7.61, d.f. = 7, p < 0.37; I(2) = 8%] amongst trials. Therefore, in the fixed-effects model (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.50-0.83; z = 3.48; p < 0.0005), the use of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in patients undergoing breast surgical procedures was statistically significant in reducing the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI). Furthermore, in the fixed-effects model (RR, 1.30; 95% CI, 0.89-1.90; z = 1.37; p < 0.17), adverse reactions secondary to the use of prophylactic antibiotics was not statistically significant between the two groups. Preoperative prophylactic antibiotics significantly reduce the risk of SSI after breast surgical procedures. The risk of adverse reactions from prophylactic antibiotic administration is not significant in these patients. Therefore, preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in breast surgery patients may be routinely administered. Further research is required, however, on risk stratification for SSI, timing and duration of prophylaxis, and the need for prophylaxis in patients undergoing breast reconstruction versus no reconstruction. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

  9. Patient Compliance with Surveillance Following Elective Endovascular Aneurysm Repair

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

    Godfrey, Anthony D., E-mail: deangodfrey@yahoo.co.uk; Morbi, Abigail H. M., E-mail: a.morbi@soton.ac.uk; Nordon, Ian M., E-mail: ian.nordon@uhs.nhs.uk

    PurposeIntegral to maintaining good outcomes post-endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a robust surveillance protocol. A significant proportion of patients fail to comply with surveillance, exposing themselves to complications. We examine EVAR surveillance in Wessex (UK), exploring factors that may predict poor compliance.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 179 consecutive elective EVAR cases [2008–2013] was performed. 167 patients were male, with the age range of 50–95. Surveillance was conducted centrally (tertiary referral trauma centre) and at four spoke units. Surveillance compliance and predictors of non-compliance including age, gender, co-morbid status, residential location and socioeconomic status were analysed for univariate significance.ResultsFifty patients (27.9 %) were non-compliantmore » with surveillance; 14 (8.1 %) had no imaging post-EVAR. At 1 year, 56.1 % (of 123 patients) were compliant. At years 2 and 3, 41.5 and 41.2 % (of 65 and 34 patients, respectively) were compliant. Four years post-EVAR, only one of eight attended surveillance (12.5 %). There were no statistically significant differences in age (p = 0.77), co-morbid status or gender (p = 0.64). Distance to central unit (p = 0.67) and surveillance site (p = 0.56) was non-significant. While there was a trend towards compliance in upper-middle-class socioeconomic groups (ABC1 vs. C1C2D), correlating with >50 % of non-compliant patients living within <10 mile radius of the central unit, overall predictive value was not significant (p = 0.82).ConclusionsCompliance with surveillance post-EVAR is poor. No independent predictor of non-compliance has been confirmed, but socioeconomic status appears to be relevant. There is a worrying drop-off in attendance beyond the first year. This study highlights a problem that needs to be addressed urgently, if we are to maintain good outcomes post-EVAR.« less

  10. Reduced 30-day mortality in men after elective coronary artery bypass surgery with minimized extracorporeal circulation-a propensity score analysis

    PubMed Central

    2012-01-01

    Background Impact of minimized extracorporeal circulation (MECC) for coronary surgery on mortality remains controversial and gender significantly influence outcome. Methods We analyzed 3,139 male patients undergoing elective coronary surgery between 01/2004 and 05/2009. Using propensity score matching after binary logistic regression, 1,005 patients (from 1,119 patients) undergoing surgery with MECC could be matched with 1,005 patients (from 2,020 patients) undergoing surgery with conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC). Primary outcome was 30-day mortality. Results Unadjusted 30-day mortality was 2.7% in patients with CECC and 0.8% in those with MECC (mean difference -1.9%; p < 0.001). The adjusted mean difference (average treatment effect of the treated) after matching was -1.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) -2.6 to -0.4; p = 0.006). Postoperative hospital stay was shorter in patients operated with minimized systems (adjusted mean difference -0.8 days; 95% CI -1.46 to -0.09; p = 0.03) and incidence of postoperative neurocognitive dysfunction was also lower (adjusted mean difference -1.3%; 95% CI -2.2 to -0.4; p = 0.001). Chest tube drainage (adjusted mean difference +22 mL; 95% CI -47 to 91; p = 0.5) and risk for acute kidney injury, kidney injury and failure according to RIFLE criteria (adjusted mean difference -1.0%; 95% CI -2.5 to 0.6; p = 0.24) proved to be insignificant between both groups. Apart from reduced 30-day mortality, however, average treatment effects for intensive care unit stay, postoperative hospital stay, chest tube drainage and kidney injury did not significantly differ. Conclusion Using propensity score analysis, we observed an association between MECC and reduced 30-day mortality in men, but our results call for further analysis. PMID:22424497

  11. Multiple Testing, Cumulative Radiation Dose, and Clinical Indications in Patients Undergoing Myocardial Perfusion Imaging

    PubMed Central

    Einstein, Andrew J.; Weiner, Shepard D.; Bernheim, Adam; Kulon, Michal; Bokhari, Sabahat; Johnson, Lynne L.; Moses, Jeffrey W.; Balter, Stephen

    2013-01-01

    Context Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) is the single medical test with the highest radiation burden to the US population. While many patients undergoing MPI receive repeat MPI testing, or additional procedures involving ionizing radiation, no data are available characterizing their total longitudinal radiation burden and relating radiation burden with reasons for testing. Objective To characterize procedure counts, cumulative estimated effective doses of radiation, and clinical indications, for patients undergoing MPI. Design, Setting, Patients Retrospective cohort study evaluating, for 1097 consecutive patients undergoing index MPI during the first 100 days of 2006 at Columbia University Medical Center, all preceding medical imaging procedures involving ionizing radiation undergone beginning October 1988, and all subsequent procedures through June 2008, at that center. Main Outcome Measures Cumulative estimated effective dose of radiation, number of procedures involving radiation, and indications for testing. Results Patients underwent a median (interquartile range, mean) of 15 (6–32, 23.9) procedures involving radiation exposure; 4 (2–8, 6.5) were high-dose (≥3 mSv, i.e. one year's background radiation), including 1 (1–2, 1.8) MPI studies per patient. 31% of patients received cumulative estimated effective dose from all medical sources >100mSv. Multiple MPIs were performed in 39% of patients, for whom cumulative estimated effective dose was 121 (81–189, 149) mSv. Men and whites had higher cumulative estimated effective doses, and there was a trend towards men being more likely to undergo multiple MPIs than women (40.8% vs. 36.6%, Odds ratio 1.29, 95% confidence interval 0.98–1.69). Over 80% of initial and 90% of repeat MPI exams were performed in patients with known cardiac disease or symptoms consistent with it. Conclusion In this institution, multiple testing with MPI was very common, and in many patients associated with very high cumulative

  12. Protocol for a single-centre, randomised controlled study of a preoperative rehabilitation bundle in the frail and elderly undergoing abdominal surgery.

    PubMed

    Abdullah, Hairil Rizal; Lien, Victoria Peixin; Ong, Hwee Kuan; Er, Pei Ling; Hao, Ying; Khan, Shariq Ali; Liu, Christopher Weiyang

    2017-08-04

    Frail patients have decreased physiological reserves and consequently, they are unable to recover as quickly from surgery. Frailty, as an entity, is a risk factor of increased morbidity and mortality. It is also associated with a longer time to discharge. This trial is undertaken to determine if a novel prehabilitation protocol (10-day bundle of interventions-physiotherapy, nutritional supplementation and cognitive training) can reduce the postoperative length of stay of frail patients who are undergoing elective abdominal surgery, compared with standard care. This is a prospective, single-centre, randomised controlled trial with two parallel arms. 62 patients who are frail and undergoing elective abdominal surgery will be recruited and randomised to receive either a novel prehabilitation protocol or standard care. Participants will receive telephone reminders preoperatively to encourage protocol compliance. Data will be collected for up to 30 days postoperatively. The primary outcome of the trial will be the postoperative length of stay and the secondary outcomes are the postoperative complications and functional recovery during the hospital admission. This study has been approved by the Singapore General Hospital Institutional Review Board (CIRB Ref: 2016/2584). The study is also listed on ClinicalTrials.gov (Trial number: NCT02921932). All participants will sign an informed consent form before randomisation and translators will be made available to non-English speaking patients. The results of this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals as well as national and international conferences. The data collected will also be made available in a public data repository. NCT02921932 (ClinicalTrials.gov). © Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2017. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.

  13. VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF THE SPIRITUAL COPING STRATEGIES SCALE ARABIC VERSION IN SAUDI PATIENTS UNDERGOING HAEMODIALYSIS.

    PubMed

    Cruz, Jonas P; Baldacchino, Donia R; Alquwez, Nahed

    2016-06-01

    Patients often resort to religious and spiritual activities to cope with physical and mental challenges. The effect of spiritual coping on overall health, adaptation and health-related quality of life among patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) is well documented. Thus, it is essential to establish a valid and reliable instrument that can assess both the religious and non-religious coping methods in patients undergoing HD. This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Spiritual Coping Strategies Scale Arabic version (SCS-A) in Saudi patients undergoing HD. A convenience sample of 60 Saudi patients undergoing HD was recruited for this descriptive, cross-sectional study. Data were collected between May and June 2015. Forward-backward translation was used to formulate the SCS-A. The SCS-A, Muslim Religiosity Scale and the Quality of Life Index Dialysis Version III were used to procure the data. Internal consistency reliability, stability reliability, factor analysis and construct validity tests were performed. Analyses were set at the 0.05 level of significance. The SCS-A showed an acceptable internal consistency and strong stability reliability over time. The EFA produced two factors (non-religious and religious coping). Satisfactory construct validity was established by the convergent and divergent validity and known-groups method. The SCS-A is a reliable and valid tool that can be used to measure the religious and non-religious coping strategies of patients undergoing HD in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim and Arabic-speaking countries. © 2016 European Dialysis and Transplant Nurses Association/European Renal Care Association.

  14. Effect of cinacalcet on cardiovascular disease in patients undergoing dialysis.

    PubMed

    Chertow, Glenn M; Block, Geoffrey A; Correa-Rotter, Ricardo; Drüeke, Tilman B; Floege, Jürgen; Goodman, William G; Herzog, Charles A; Kubo, Yumi; London, Gerard M; Mahaffey, Kenneth W; Mix, T Christian H; Moe, Sharon M; Trotman, Marie-Louise; Wheeler, David C; Parfrey, Patrick S

    2012-12-27

    Disorders of mineral metabolism, including secondary hyperparathyroidism, are thought to contribute to extraskeletal (including vascular) calcification among patients with chronic kidney disease. It has been hypothesized that treatment with the calcimimetic agent cinacalcet might reduce the risk of death or nonfatal cardiovascular events in such patients. In this clinical trial, we randomly assigned 3883 patients with moderate-to-severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (median level of intact parathyroid hormone, 693 pg per milliliter [10th to 90th percentile, 363 to 1694]) who were undergoing hemodialysis to receive either cinacalcet or placebo. All patients were eligible to receive conventional therapy, including phosphate binders, vitamin D sterols, or both. The patients were followed for up to 64 months. The primary composite end point was the time until death, myocardial infarction, hospitalization for unstable angina, heart failure, or a peripheral vascular event. The primary analysis was performed on the basis of the intention-to-treat principle. The median duration of study-drug exposure was 21.2 months in the cinacalcet group, versus 17.5 months in the placebo group. The primary composite end point was reached in 938 of 1948 patients (48.2%) in the cinacalcet group and 952 of 1935 patients (49.2%) in the placebo group (relative hazard in the cinacalcet group vs. the placebo group, 0.93; 95% confidence interval, 0.85 to 1.02; P=0.11). Hypocalcemia and gastrointestinal adverse events were significantly more frequent in patients receiving cinacalcet. In an unadjusted intention-to-treat analysis, cinacalcet did not significantly reduce the risk of death or major cardiovascular events in patients with moderate-to-severe secondary hyperparathyroidism who were undergoing dialysis. (Funded by Amgen; EVOLVE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00345839.).

  15. A randomised controlled trial comparing ProSeal laryngeal mask airway, i-gel and Laryngeal Tube Suction-D under general anaesthesia for elective surgical patients requiring controlled ventilation.

    PubMed

    Das, Bikramjit; Varshney, Rahul; Mitra, Subhro

    2017-12-01

    The ProSeal™ laryngeal mask airway (PLMA), i-gel™ and Laryngeal Tube Suction-D (LTS-D™) have previously been evaluated alone or in pair-wise comparisons but differing study designs make it difficult to compare the results. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical performance of these three devices in terms of efficacy and safety in patients receiving mechanical ventilation during elective surgical procedures. This prospective, randomised, double-blind study was conducted on 150 American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients, randomly allocated into 3 groups, undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia. PLMA, i-gel™ or LTS-D™ appropriate for weight or/and height was inserted. Primary outcome measured was airway sealing pressure. Insertion time, ease of insertion, number of attempts, overall success rate and the incidence of airway trauma and complications were also recorded. Intergroup differences were compared using one-way analysis of variance with post hoc correction for continuous data and Chi-square test for categorical variables. Overall success rate was comparable between the three devices (i-gel™ 100%, LTS-D™ 94%, PLMA 96%). Airway sealing pressure was lower with i-gel™ (23.38 ± 2.06 cm H 2 O) compared to LTS-D™ (26.06 ± 2.11 cm H 2 O) and PLMA (28.5 ± 2.8 cm H 2 O; P < 0.0005). The mean insertion time was significantly more in PLMA (38.77 ± 3.2 s) compared to i-gel™ (27.9 ± 2.53 s) and LTS-D™ (21.66 ± 2.31 s; P < 0.0005). Airway sealing pressure and insertion time were significantly higher in PLMA compared to i-gel™ and LTS-D™.

  16. Comparative analysis of the outcomes of elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair in England and Sweden

    PubMed Central

    Karthikesalingam, A.; Holt, P. J.; Vidal‐Diez, A.; Thompson, M. M.; Wanhainen, A.; Bjorck, M.; Mani, K.

    2018-01-01

    Background There is substantial international variation in mortality after abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair; many non‐operative factors influence risk‐adjusted outcomes. This study compared 90‐day and 5‐year mortality for patients undergoing elective AAA repair in England and Sweden. Methods Patients were identified from English Hospital Episode Statistics and the Swedish Vascular Registry between 2003 and 2012. Ninety‐day mortality and 5‐year survival were compared after adjustment for age and sex. Separate within‐country analyses were performed to examine the impact of co‐morbidity, hospital teaching status and hospital annual caseload. Results The study included 36 249 patients who had AAA treatment in England, with a median age of 74 (i.q.r. 69–79) years, of whom 87·2 per cent were men. There were 7806 patients treated for AAA in Sweden, with a median of age 73 (68–78) years, of whom 82·9 per cent were men. Ninety‐day mortality rates were poorer in England than in Sweden (5·0 versus 3·9 per cent respectively; P < 0·001), but were not significantly different after 2007. Five‐year survival was poorer in England (70·5 versus 72·8 per cent; P < 0·001). Use of EVAR was initially lower in England, but surpassed that in Sweden after 2010. In both countries, poor outcome was associated with increased age. In England, institutions with higher operative annual volume had lower mortality rates. Conclusion Mortality for elective AAA repair was initially poorer in England than Sweden, but improved over time alongside greater uptake of EVAR, and now there is no difference. Centres performing a greater proportion of EVAR procedures achieved better results in England. PMID:29468657

  17. Infection Rate in 1033 Elective Neurosurgical Procedures at a University Hospital in South China.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Hongwei; Liu, Xiyao; Wang, Zhanxiang

    2017-09-01

    Objective  Infection following surgery is a serious complication, especially in neurosurgery. The aim of the study is to report the change of incidence rates of infection in patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures at a university hospital in South China as well as the risk factors. Material and Methods  The medical records and postoperative courses for patients undergoing 1,033 neurosurgical procedures from 2008 to 2014 were reviewed retrospectively to determine the incidence of neurosurgical infection, the identity of the offending organisms, and the factors associated with infection. Results  A total of 33 patients (40 cases) experienced postoperative infection representing 3.19% of the study population. Twenty cases were incision infections (1.94%), and 20 were cranial/spinal infections (1.94%) including 15 intracranial infections and 5 intraspinal infections. The 2.4-fold greater incidence of postoperative infection in 2008 to 2010 was compared with that in 2011 to 2014 with perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis ( p <0.01). The neurosurgical procedure associated with the highest rate of infection was cranioplasty (6.85%); the lowest rate of infection was associated with functional neurosurgery (1.08%). The most common offending organism was Staphylococcus aureus (27.5%). Foreign body implantation, operative time > 4 hours, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (13 infections in 158 patients; p <0.001) were risk factors for infections ( p <0.05). Conclusion  The neurosurgical infection rate is usually low with perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis even in developing countries. Less foreign body implantation, shorter operative times, and controlling CSF leak could reduce infection rates. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

  18. Attitudes, beliefs, and practices regarding electronic nicotine delivery systems in patients scheduled for elective surgery.

    PubMed

    Kadimpati, Sandeep; Nolan, Margaret; Warner, David O

    2015-01-01

    Smokers are at increased risk of postoperative complications. Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS; or electronic cigarettes) could be a useful tool to reduce harm in the perioperative period. This pilot study examined the attitudes, beliefs, and practices of smokers scheduled for elective surgery regarding ENDS. This was a cross-sectional survey of current cigarette smokers who were evaluated in a preoperative clinic before elective surgery at Mayo Clinic. Measures included demographic characteristics, smoking history, 2 indices assessing the perception of how smoking affected health risks, ENDS use history, and 3 indices assessing interest in, perceived benefits of, and barriers to using ENDS in the perioperative period. Of the 112 smokers who completed the survey, 62 (55%) had tried ENDS and 24 (21%) reported current use. The most commonly stated reason for using ENDS was to quit smoking. Approximately 2 in 3 participants would be willing to use ENDS to help them reduce or eliminate perioperative cigarette use, and similar proportions perceived health benefits of doing so. Of the factors studied, only attempted to quit within the last year was significantly associated with increased interest in the perioperative use of ENDS (P=.03). Compared with participants who had tried ENDS (n=62), those who had never tried ENDS (n=50) had a significantly increased interest in the perioperative use of ENDS. A substantial proportion of patients scheduled for elective surgery had tried ENDS and would consider using ENDS to reduce perioperative use of cigarettes. Copyright © 2015 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  19. A Pilot Study: Nailing Indian Elections with the Indelible Ink Mark

    PubMed Central

    Abraham, Anil; Roga, Gillian; Thomas, Naveen

    2015-01-01

    Context: The indelible ink that's used in our elections was developed by National Physical Laboratories (NPL), Delhi in 1962, and has been used ever since. Though formulated by NPL, it is manufactured by Mysore Paints and Varnish Ltd. owned by the Karnataka Government. Earlier, the ink mark was applied on the cuticle but with effect from February 01, 2006 the ink is applied on the voter's left index fingernail from the distal end proximally until the cuticle using an applicator. This idea of the ink mark applied during elections was used as a simple tool to measure the rate of nail growth in a busy outpatient department of a Tertiary Hospital in South India. Aims: To assess the feasibility of using the ink mark during elections as a method of obtaining data of nail growth across the spectrum of the entire country. Subjects and Methods: In 74 patients presenting to a hospital, the rate of nail growth was measured. The voter's mark on the left index fingernail of patients during the recent elections was used as a marker for measuring the length of the nail. Results: The average rate of nail growth was 0.113 mm/day. The rate of nail growth was found to be more in females, younger individuals, pregnancy, patients on nutritional supplementation, psoriasis. Conclusion: This study which was conducted on 74 patients using the election ink mark successfully confirmed the possibility of using it as an efficient tool in measuring the rate of nail growth. The findings revealed the slightly higher rate of nail growth as compared to a study done by Rani et al. However, the limited sample size in this study was the major limitation. PMID:26677268

  20. Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality After Elective Cesarean Delivery

    PubMed Central

    Signore, Caroline; Klebanoff, Mark

    2008-01-01

    As overall cesarean delivery rates have continued to rise, there has been growing interest in the rates of elective cesarean delivery (ECD), and its relative benefits and harms for the mother and neonate. This article explores the effects of elective cesarean delivery at term on neonatal morbidity and mortality. Available data are subject to a number of limitations, and do not provide conclusive evidence regarding the safety of planned elective cesarean versus planned vaginal delivery. Nevertheless, some data suggest an association between ECD and increased neonatal respiratory morbidity and lacerations, and possibly decreased central and peripheral nervous system injury. Potentially increased risks of neonatal mortality with ECD at term may be counterbalanced by risks of fetal demise in ongoing pregnancies. Patients and physicians considering ECD should carefully review competing risks and benefits; further research is needed to inform these discussions. PMID:18456074

  1. A Medical Outreach Elective Course

    PubMed Central

    Storer, Amanda; Caldwell, David; Smith, Jennifer

    2013-01-01

    Objective. To design and implement a Medical Outreach Experience elective course and assess its impact on students’ level of confidence in organizing future medical outreach trips, providing population-specific pharmaceutical care, and achieving learning outcomes. Design. A 2-credit hour elective course was designed for second- and third-year pharmacy students. The course was structured to include 3 sections over 1 semester, a 10-week training and preparation phase, followed by a weeklong international outreach experience and post-outreach reflection. Assessment. Student achievement of curricular outcomes was measured using in-class activities, readings, reflections, and longitudinal projects, as well as performance during the outreach trip. Results from pre- and post-course surveys demonstrated significant improvement in student-rated confidence in several components of outreach trip organization and provision of pharmaceutical care. Conclusions. Students completing the course exhibited increased confidence in their abilities to organize and practice on a medical outreach trip. All students met the learning outcomes of the course, which included providing comprehensive patient-specific pharmaceutical care, communicating effectively, promoting health improvement and self-care, thinking critically, and appropriately managing and using resources of the healthcare system. Students agreed that the elective course was a valuable addition to the curriculum. PMID:23716746

  2. Comparison of Accessibility, Cost, and Quality of Elective Coronary Revascularization Between Veterans Affairs and Community Care Hospitals.

    PubMed

    Barnett, Paul G; Hong, Juliette S; Carey, Evan; Grunwald, Gary K; Joynt Maddox, Karen; Maddox, Thomas M

    2018-02-01

    The Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care (CC) Program supplements VA care with community-based medical services. However, access gains and value provided by CC have not been well described. To compare the access, cost, and quality of elective coronary revascularization procedures between VA and CC hospitals and to evaluate if procedural volume or publicly reported quality data can be used to identify high-value care. Observational cohort study of veterans younger than 65 years undergoing an elective coronary revascularization, controlling for differences in risk factors using propensity adjustment. The setting was VA and CC hospitals. Participants were veterans undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and veterans undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures between October 1, 2008, and September 30, 2011. The analysis was conducted between July 2014 and July 2017. Receipt of an elective coronary revascularization at a VA vs CC facility. Access to care as measured by travel distance, 30-day mortality, and costs. In the 3 years ending on September 30, 2011, a total of 13 237 elective PCIs (79.1% at the VA) and 5818 elective CABG procedures (83.6% at the VA) were performed in VA or CC hospitals among veterans meeting study inclusion criteria. On average, use of CC was associated with reduced net travel by 53.6 miles for PCI and by 73.3 miles for CABG surgery compared with VA-only care. Adjusted 30-day mortality after PCI was higher in CC compared with VA (1.54% for CC vs 0.65% for VA, P < .001) but was similar after CABG surgery (1.33% for CC vs 1.51% for VA, P = .74). There were no differences in adjusted 30-day readmission rates for PCI (7.04% for CC vs 7.73% for VA, P = .66) or CABG surgery (8.13% for CC vs 7.00% for VA, P = .28). The mean adjusted PCI cost was higher in CC ($22 025 for CC vs $15 683 for VA, P < .001). The mean adjusted CABG cost was lower in CC ($55 526 for CC vs $63 144 for VA, P

  3. A questionnaire based assessment of numbers, motivation and medical care of UK patients undergoing liver transplant abroad.

    PubMed

    Kerr Winter, Ben; Odedra, Anand; Green, Steve

    Medical tourism, where patients travel abroad intentionally to access medical treatment, is a growing trend. Some of these patients travel to undergo organ transplantation. This study aims to quantify the number of UK patients who undergo liver transplantation abroad, assessing their motivations and management. Questionnaires were sent to all seven UK liver transplant units enquiring about liver patients receiving transplant abroad. Included were questions on destination, motivation, and pre and post-transplant care. Responses were received from six of the seven transplant centres (86%). A total of 12 patients were identified as having undergone liver transplantation overseas. The top destinations were India, China and Egypt. Four units responded to questions regarding pre-transplant screening. One unit reported Hepatitis B and C screening not taking place. Four units responded to questions regarding post-transplant antimicrobial therapy. This revealed examples of patients inappropriately not receiving valganciclovir, co-trimoxazole, anti-fungal treatment and Hepatitis B immunoglobulins. UK patients are undergoing liver transplant abroad, albeit in small numbers. Pre and post-transplant management of these patients is of a lower standard than that provided to those undergoing transplantation in the UK. Information transfer between overseas and UK based transplant teams is poor. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. The Society for Translational Medicine: clinical practice guidelines for mechanical ventilation management for patients undergoing lobectomy

    PubMed Central

    Zhang, Zhongheng; Brunelli, Alessandro; Chen, Chang; Chen, Chun; Chen, Gang; Chen, Haiquan; Chen, Jin-Shing; Cassivi, Stephen; Chai, Ying; Downs, John B.; Fang, Wentao; Fu, Xiangning; Garutti, Martínez I.; He, Jianxing; Hu, Jian; Huang, Yunchao; Jiang, Gening; Jiang, Hongjing; Jiang, Zhongmin; Li, Danqing; Li, Gaofeng; Li, Hui; Li, Qiang; Li, Xiaofei; Li, Yin; Li, Zhijun; Liu, Chia-Chuan; Liu, Deruo; Liu, Lunxu; Liu, Yongyi; Ma, Haitao; Mao, Weimin; Mao, Yousheng; Mou, Juwei; Ng, Calvin Sze Hang; Petersen, René H.; Qiao, Guibin; Rocco, Gaetano; Ruffini, Erico; Tan, Lijie; Tan, Qunyou; Tong, Tang; Wang, Haidong; Wang, Qun; Wang, Ruwen; Wang, Shumin; Xie, Deyao; Xue, Qi; Xue, Tao; Xu, Lin; Xu, Shidong; Xu, Songtao; Yan, Tiansheng; Yu, Fenglei; Yu, Zhentao; Zhang, Chunfang; Zhang, Lanjun; Zhang, Tao; Zhang, Xun; Zhao, Xiaojing; Zhao, Xuewei; Zhi, Xiuyi; Zhou, Qinghua

    2017-01-01

    Patients undergoing lobectomy are at significantly increased risk of lung injury. One-lung ventilation is the most commonly used technique to maintain ventilation and oxygenation during the operation. It is a challenge to choose an appropriate mechanical ventilation strategy to minimize the lung injury and other adverse clinical outcomes. In order to understand the available evidence, a systematic review was conducted including the following topics: (I) protective ventilation (PV); (II) mode of mechanical ventilation [e.g., volume controlled (VCV) versus pressure controlled (PCV)]; (III) use of therapeutic hypercapnia; (IV) use of alveolar recruitment (open-lung) strategy; (V) pre-and post-operative application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP); (VI) Inspired Oxygen concentration; (VII) Non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy; and (VIII) adjuvant pharmacologic options. The recommendations of class II are non-intubated thoracoscopic lobectomy may be an alternative to conventional one-lung ventilation in selected patients. The recommendations of class IIa are: (I) Therapeutic hypercapnia to maintain a partial pressure of carbon dioxide at 50–70 mmHg is reasonable for patients undergoing pulmonary lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (II) PV with a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg and PEEP of 5 cmH2O are reasonable methods, based on current evidence; (III) alveolar recruitment [open lung ventilation (OLV)] may be beneficial in patients undergoing lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (IV) PCV is recommended over VCV for patients undergoing lung resection; (V) pre- and post-operative CPAP can improve short-term oxygenation in patients undergoing lobectomy with one-lung ventilation; (VI) controlled mechanical ventilation with I:E ratio of 1:1 is reasonable in patients undergoing one-lung ventilation; (VII) use of lowest inspired oxygen concentration to maintain satisfactory arterial oxygen saturation is reasonable based on physiologic principles; (VIII) Adjuvant drugs

  5. Trend in and Correlates of Undergoing Radiotherapy in Taiwanese Cancer Patients' Last Month of Life.

    PubMed

    Hung, Yen-Ni; Cheng, Skye Hung-Chun; Liu, Tsang-Wu; Chang, Wen-Cheng; Chen, Jen-Shi; Tang, Siew Tzuh

    2016-09-01

    A significant proportion of cancer patients at end of life (EOL) undergo radiotherapy, but this evidence is not from nationwide population-based studies. The aims of this population-based study were to investigate the trend in undergoing radiotherapy among Taiwanese cancer patients' last month of life (EOL radiotherapy) in 2001-2010 and to identify factors associated with EOL radiotherapy. This was a population-based retrospective cohort study analyzing data from Taiwan's national death registry, cancer registry, and National Health Insurance claims for EOL radiotherapy using multilevel generalized linear mixed modeling. Participants were Taiwanese cancer patients (N = 339,546) who died in 2001-2010. Overall, 8.59% (7.97%-9.85%) of patients underwent EOL radiotherapy with a decreasing trend over time. Correlates of EOL radiotherapy included male gender, younger age, residing in less urbanized areas, diagnosis of lung cancer, metastatic disease, death within two years of diagnosis, and without comorbidities. Cancer patients were more likely to undergo EOL radiotherapy if they received primary care from medical oncologists and pediatricians, in a nonprofit, teaching hospital with a larger case volume of terminally ill cancer patients, and greater EOL care intensity. Approximately one-tenth of Taiwanese cancer patients underwent EOL radiotherapy with a decreasing trend over time. Undergoing EOL radiotherapy was associated with demographics, disease characteristics, physician specialty, and primary hospital's characteristics and EOL care practice patterns. Clinical and financial interventions should target hospitals/physicians that tend to aggressively treat at-risk cancer patients at EOL to carefully evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of using EOL radiotherapy. Copyright © 2016 American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  6. Pulmonary hypertension: an important predictor of outcomes in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

    PubMed

    Kaw, Roop; Pasupuleti, Vinay; Deshpande, Abhishek; Hamieh, Tarek; Walker, Esteban; Minai, Omar A

    2011-04-01

    Perioperative risk associated with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery (NCS) remains poorly defined. We report perioperative outcomes in a large cohort of patients undergoing NCS, comparing those with and without PH. Patients undergoing NCS at our institution between January 2002 and December 2006, were cross matched with a Right Heart Catheterization (RHC) database for the same period. Patients were excluded if they were <18 years old and if they underwent cardiac surgery prior to NCS or minor procedures using local anesthesia or sedation. Controls were defined as patients who underwent similar NCS with mean pulmonary arterial pressure (MPAP) ≤ 25 mmHg. 173 patients underwent RHC and NCS during the specified period and were included in the analysis. Of these 96 (55%) had PH. Mean pulmonary arterial pressure (p = 0.001), American Association of Anesthesiology Class (p = 0.02), and chronic renal insufficiency (p = 0.03) were determined as independent risk factors for post-operative morbidity. Patients with PH were more likely to develop congestive heart failure (p < 0.001; OR: 11.9), hemodynamic instability (p < 0.002), sepsis (p < 0.0005), and respiratory failure (p < 0.004). Patients with PH needed longer ventilatory support (p < 0.002), stayed longer in the ICU (p < 0.04), and were more frequently readmitted to the hospital within 30 days (p < 008; OR 2.4). In addition to the traditionally known risk factors for outcomes after NCS such as coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, chronic renal insufficiency, American Society of Anesthesiology class, the presence of underlying PH can have a significant negative impact on perioperative outcomes. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  7. 26 CFR 1.1335-1 - Elective method; time and manner of making election and effect thereof.

    Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

    2010-04-01

    ... Elective method; time and manner of making election and effect thereof. (a) In general. If the taxpayer... election and effect thereof. 1.1335-1 Section 1.1335-1 Internal Revenue INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE... election to all taxable years of the taxpayer beginning after December 31, 1941. Thus, the taxpayer need...

  8. Early elective cesarean delivery before 36 weeks vs late spontaneous delivery in infants with gastroschisis.

    PubMed

    Hadidi, Ahmed; Subotic, Ulrike; Goeppl, Maximilian; Waag, Karl-L

    2008-07-01

    The aim of this study is to assess the value of early elective cesarean delivery for patients with gastroschisis in comparison with late spontaneous delivery. Analysis of infants with gastroschisis admitted between 1986 and 2006 at a tertiary care center was performed. The findings were analyzed statistically. Eighty-six patients were involved in the study. This included 15 patients who underwent emergency cesarean delivery (EM CD group) because of fetal distress and/or bowel ischemia. The remaining 71 patients born electively were stratified into 4 groups. The early elective cesarean delivery (ECD) group included 23 patients born by ECD before 36 weeks; late vaginal delivery (LVD) group included 23 patients who had LVD after 36 weeks; 24 patients had LCD after 36 weeks because of delayed diagnosis that resulted in late referral; and 1 patient had early spontaneous vaginal delivery (EVD group) before 36 weeks. The mean time to start oral feeding, incidence of complications, and primary closure were significantly better in the ECD group than in the LVD group. The duration of ventilation and the length of stay were shorter in ECD group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Elective cesarean delivery before 36 weeks allows earlier enteral feeding and is associated with less complications and higher incidence of primary closure (statistically significant).

  9. Platelet function measurement-based strategy to reduce bleeding and waiting time in clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery: the timing based on platelet function strategy to reduce clopidogrel-associated bleeding related to CABG (TARGET-CABG) study.

    PubMed

    Mahla, Elisabeth; Suarez, Thomas A; Bliden, Kevin P; Rehak, Peter; Metzler, Helfried; Sequeira, Alejandro J; Cho, Peter; Sell, Jeffery; Fan, John; Antonino, Mark J; Tantry, Udaya S; Gurbel, Paul A

    2012-04-01

    Aspirin and clopidogrel therapy is associated with a variable bleeding risk in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). We evaluated the role of platelet function testing in clopidogrel-treated patients undergoing CABG. One hundred eighty patients on background aspirin with/without clopidogrel therapy undergoing elective first time isolated on-pump CABG were enrolled in a prospective single-center, nonrandomized, unblinded investigation (Timing Based on Platelet Function Strategy to Reduce Clopidogrel-Associated Bleeding Related to CABG [TARGET-CABG] study) between September 2008 and January 2011. Clopidogrel responsiveness (ADP-induced platelet-fibrin clot strength [MA(ADP)]) was determined by thrombelastography; CABG was done within 1 day, 3-5 days, and >5 days in patients with an MA(ADP) >50 mm, 35-50 mm, and <35 mm, respectively. The primary end point was 24-hour chest tube drainage and key secondary end point was total number of transfused red blood cells. Equivalence was defined as ≤25% difference between groups. ANCOVA was used to adjust for confounders. Mean 24-hour chest tube drainage in clopidogrel-treated patients was 93% (95% confidence interval, 81-107%) of the amount observed in clopidogrel-naive patients, and the total amount of red blood cells transfused did not differ between groups (1.80 U versus 2.08 U, respectively, P=0.540). The total waiting period in clopidogrel-treated patients was 233 days (mean, 2.7 days per patient). A strategy based on preoperative platelet function testing to determine the timing of CABG in clopidogrel-treated patients was associated with the same amount of bleeding observed in clopidogrel-naive patients and ≈50% shorter waiting time than recommended in the current guidelines. URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00857155.

  10. Optimizing perioperative outcomes for older patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing arthroplasty: emphasis on medication management.

    PubMed

    Goodman, Susan M

    2015-05-01

    Patients with rheumatoid arthritis continue to undergo arthroplasty despite widespread use of potent disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs), including the biologic tumor necrosis-α inhibitors. In fact, over 80 % of RA patients are taking DMARDs or biologics at the time of arthroplasty. While many RA-specific factors including disease activity and disability may contribute to the increase in infection in RA patients undergoing arthroplasty, immunosuppressant medications may also play a role. As the age of patients with RA undergoing arthroplasty is rising, and the incidence of arthroplasty among the older population is increasing, optimal perioperative management of DMARDs and biologics in older patients with RA is an increasing challenge. Although evidence is sparse, most evidence supports withholding tumor necrosis-α inhibitors and other biologics prior to surgery based on the dosing interval, and continuing methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine through the perioperative period. There is no consensus regarding leflunomide, and rituximab risk does not appear related to the interval between infusion and surgery. This paper reviews arthroplasty outcomes including complications in patients with RA, and discusses the rationale for strategies for the optimal medication management of DMARDs and biologics in the perioperative period to minimize complications and improve outcomes.

  11. Glomerular Filtration Rate in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis Undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation and Treated With Cyclophosphamide.

    PubMed

    Ruiz-Argüelles, Alejandro; Gastélum-Cano, Jose M; Méndez-Huerta, Mariana A; Rodríguez-Gallegos, Alma B; Ruiz-Argüelles, Guillermo J

    2018-06-15

    Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is partially impaired in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). When given chemotherapy before receiving hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation, GFR might be further deteriorated. To measure the effect of cyclophosphamide on GFR in patients with MS who undergo chemotherapy. We estimated GFR based on creatinine and cystatin C plasma concentrations in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation to treat their MS. Baseline GFR values were lower in the 28 patients with MS than in the 20 healthy individuals. Also, according to the Chronic Kidney Disease-Epidemiology Collaborative Group (CKD-EPI) 2012 Creat-CysC equation criteria, 4 of 28 patients were classified as having chronic kidney disease (CKD) before receiving the chemotherapy drugs. After receiving 4 × 50 mg per kg body weight cyclophosphamide, abnormal GFR results were recorded in 12 of 28 patients. Renal function must be monitored in patients with MS undergoing autologous stem-cell transplantation. Also, chemotherapy should be constrained as much as possible to prevent further deterioration of renal function.

  12. The effectiveness of systematic perioperative oral hygiene in reduction of postoperative respiratory tract infections after elective thoracic surgery in adults: a systematic review.

    PubMed

    Pedersen, Preben U; Larsen, Palle; Håkonsen, Sasja Jul

    2016-01-01

    Nosocomial infections are a significant contributor to patient morbidity and mortality. Nosocomial infections significantly increase hospital length of stay and total hospital costs. Thoracic surgery, mechanical ventilation and/or admission to an intensive care unit are known to increase patients' risk for nosocomial respiratory tract infection. To identify, appraise and synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of systematic perioperative oral hygiene in the reduction of postoperative respiratory airway infections in adult patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery. Patients over the age of 18 years who had been admitted for elective thoracic surgery, regardless of gender, ethnicity, diagnosis severity, co-morbidity or previous treatment.Perioperative systematic oral hygiene (such as mechanical removal of dental biofilm or plaques and/or systematic use of mouth rinse) performed by patients themselves or by healthcare staff (such as nurses).Randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies.Nosocomial infections, specifically respiratory tracts infections, and surgical site infections Multiple databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, Swemed+, Health Technology Assessment Database and Turning Research Into Practice [TRIP] database) were searched from 1980 to December 2014. Studies published in English, German, Danish, Swedish and Norwegian were considered for inclusion in this review. Two independent reviewers used the standard critical appraisal tool from the Joanna Briggs Institute to assess the methodological quality of studies. The process of data extraction was undertaken independently by two reviewers using tools from the Joanna Briggs Institute. Quantitative results were synthesized in meta-analysis. This review includes six studies: three randomized controlled trials and three quasi-experimental studies.The absolute magnitude of the summary effect sizes were: for nosocomial infections relative risk (RR) 0.65 (95% confidence

  13. Granisetron plus dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery: A meta-analysis

    PubMed Central

    Zhu, Min; Zhou, Chengmao; Huang, Bing; Ruan, Lin; Liang, Rui

    2017-01-01

    Objective This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of granisetron plus dexamethasone for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Methods We searched the literature in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI. Results In total, 11 randomized controlled trials were enrolled in this analysis. The meta-analysis showed that granisetron in combination with dexamethasone was significantly more effective than granisetron alone in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopy surgery. No significant differences in adverse reactions (dizziness and headache) were found in association with dexamethasone. Conclusion Granisetron in combination with dexamethasone was significantly more effective than granisetron alone in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, with no difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. Granisetron alone or granisetron plus dexamethasone can be used to prevent PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. PMID:28436248

  14. Granisetron plus dexamethasone for prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery: A meta-analysis.

    PubMed

    Zhu, Min; Zhou, Chengmao; Huang, Bing; Ruan, Lin; Liang, Rui

    2017-06-01

    Objective This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of granisetron plus dexamethasone for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery. Methods We searched the literature in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE, and CNKI. Results In total, 11 randomized controlled trials were enrolled in this analysis. The meta-analysis showed that granisetron in combination with dexamethasone was significantly more effective than granisetron alone in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopy surgery. No significant differences in adverse reactions (dizziness and headache) were found in association with dexamethasone. Conclusion Granisetron in combination with dexamethasone was significantly more effective than granisetron alone in preventing PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery, with no difference in adverse reactions between the two groups. Granisetron alone or granisetron plus dexamethasone can be used to prevent PONV in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

  15. Out-of-office hours' elective surgical intensive care admissions and their associated complications.

    PubMed

    Morgan, David J R; Ho, Kwok Ming; Ong, Yang Jian; Kolybaba, Marlene L

    2017-11-01

    The 'weekend' effect is a controversial theory that links reduced staffing levels, staffing seniority and supportive services at hospitals during 'out-of-office hours' time periods with worsening patient outcomes. It is uncertain whether admitting elective surgery patients to intensive care units (ICU) during 'out-of-office hours' time periods mitigates this affect through higher staffing ratios and seniority. Over a 3-year period in Western Australia's largest private hospital, this retrospective nested-cohort study compared all elective surgical patients admitted to the ICU based on whether their admission occurred 'in-office hours' (Monday-Friday 08.00-18.00 hours) or 'out-of-office hours' (all other times). The main outcomes were surgical complications using the Dindo-Clavien classification and length-of-stay data. Of the total 4363 ICU admissions, 3584 ICU admissions were planned following elective surgery resulting in 2515 (70.2%) in-office hours and 1069 (29.8%) out-of-office hours elective ICU surgical admissions. Out-of-office hours ICU admissions following elective surgery were associated with an increased risk of infection (P = 0.029), blood transfusion (P = 0.020), total parental nutrition (P < 0.001) and unplanned re-operations (P = 0.027). Out-of-office hours ICU admissions were also associated with an increased hospital length-of-stay, with (1.74 days longer, P < 0.0001) and without (2.8 days longer, P < 0.001) adjusting for severity of acute and chronic illnesses and inter-hospital transfers (12.3 versus 9.8%, P = 0.024). Hospital mortality (1.2 versus 0.7%, P = 0.111) was low and similar between both groups. Out-of-office hours ICU admissions following elective surgery is common and associated with serious post-operative complications culminating in significantly longer hospital length-of-stays and greater transfers with important patient and health economic implications. © 2017 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

  16. Nonselective carotid artery ultrasound screening in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: Is it necessary?

    PubMed Central

    Masabni, Khalil; Sabik, Joseph F.; Raza, Sajjad; Carnes, Theresa; Koduri, Hemantha; Idrees, Jay J.; Beach, Jocelyn; Riaz, Haris; Shishehbor, Mehdi H.; Gornik, Heather L.; Blackstone, Eugene H.

    2016-01-01

    Objectives To determine whether nonselective preoperative carotid artery ultrasound screening alters management of patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and whether such screening affects neurologic outcomes. Methods From March 2011 to September 2013, preoperative carotid artery ultrasound screening was performed on 1236 of 1382 patients (89%) scheduled to undergo CABG. Carotid artery stenosis (CAS) was classified as none or mild (any type 0%–59% stenosis), moderate (unilateral 60%-79% stenosis), or severe (bilateral 60%-79% stenosis or unilateral 80%–100% stenosis). Results A total of 1069 (86%) hadpatients with patients with ≥moderate CAS, 1 of 19 (5.3%) undergoing CABG + CEA and 3 of 148 (2.0%) undergoing CABG alone experienced stroke (P = .4). In patients with moderate CAS, stroke occurred in 1 of 11 (9.1%) off-pump and 1 of 79 (1.3%) on-pump patients (P = .2). In patients with severe CAS, stroke occurred in 1 of 6 (17%) off-pump and 1 of 71 (1.4%) on-pump patients (P = .15). Conclusions Routine preoperative carotid artery evaluation altered the management of a minority of patients undergoing CABG; this did not translate into perioperative stroke risk. Hence, a more targeted approach for preoperative carotid artery evaluation should be adopted. PMID:26586360

  17. Forced-Air Warmers and Surgical Site Infections in Patients Undergoing Knee or Hip Arthroplasty.

    PubMed

    Austin, Paul N

    2017-01-01

    The majority of the evidence indicates preventing inadvertent perioperative hypothermia reduces the incidence of many perioperative complications. Among the results of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia are increased bleeding, myocardial events, impaired wound healing, and diminished renal function. Most researchers agree there is an increased incidence of surgical site infections in patients who experience inadvertent perioperative hypothermia. Forced-air warming is effective in preventing inadvertent perioperative hypothermia. Paradoxically, forced-air warmers have been implicated in causing surgical site infections in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty. The results of investigations suggest these devices harbor pathogens and cause unwanted airflow disturbances. However, no significant increases in bacterial counts were found when forced-air warmers were used according to the manufacturer's directions. The results of one study suggested the incidence of surgical site infections in patients undergoing total joint arthroplasty was increased when using a forced-air warmer. However these researchers did not control for other factors affecting the incidence of surgical site infections in these patients. Current evidence does not support forced-air warmers causing surgical site infections in patients undergoing total knee or hip arthroplasty. Clinicians must use and maintain these devices as per the manufacturer's directions. They may consider using alternative warming methods. Well-conducted studies are needed to help determine the role of forced-air warmers in causing infections in these patients.

  18. Defining the Relationship between Patient Decisions to Undergo Breast Reconstruction and Contralateral Prophylactic Mastectomy

    PubMed Central

    Agarwal, Shailesh; Kidwell, Kelley M.; Kraft, Casey T.; Kozlow, Jeffrey H.; Sabel, Michael S.; Chung, Kevin C.; Momoh, Adeyiza O.

    2016-01-01

    BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that the decision to undergo breast reconstruction and contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) are closely related. Here we describe the relationship between method of reconstruction and decision to undergo CPM. We also evaluate recent trends in CPM use in the context of literature questioning its oncologic benefit. STUDY DESIGN Female patients with unilateral breast cancer were identified and data extracted from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2000 through 2010. Logistic regression analyses were performed to study the relationship between having CPM and key demographic, oncologic and reconstructive factors among women with unilateral breast cancer. RESULTS A total of 157,042 patients with unilateral breast cancer were included. CPM rate increased from 7.7% to 28.3% during the study period, and the proportion of reconstructed patients who underwent CPM increased from 19% to 46%. Reconstruction was associated with higher odds of CPM (odds ratio (OR) 2.79, 95% CI 2.70-2.88, p<0.0001) after controlling for oncologic and demographic factors. Among women who had reconstruction, implant-based reconstruction was associated with significantly higher odds of CPM than autologous tissue reconstruction (OR 1.38, p<0.0001). Over the study period Implant reconstruction rates increased from 28.2% to 43.5% while autologous reconstruction rates decreased from 32.2% to 27.3% in CPM patients. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of CPM continues to increase in spite of literature questioning its oncologic benefit. Our study confirms that reconstruction and the decision to undergo CPM are closely related, with implant reconstruction dominating in patients who undergo CPM. Given the relationship between reconstruction and the choice for CPM, plastic surgeons should play an active role in educating patients to avoid decisions made based on inaccurate information. PMID:25719688

  19. Effect of preadmission bowel preparation on outcomes of elective colorectal procedures in young children.

    PubMed

    Ares, Guillermo J; Helenowski, Irene; Hunter, Catherine J; Madonna, Marybeth; Reynolds, Marleta; Lautz, Timothy

    2018-04-01

    The utility of mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) to minimize infectious complications in elective colorectal surgery is contentious. Though data is scarce in children, adult studies suggest a benefit to MBP when administered with oral antibiotics (OAB). After IRB approval, the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS) was queried for young children undergoing elective colon surgery from 2011 to 2014. Patients were divided into: no bowel preparation (Group 1), MBP (Group 2), and MBP plus OAB (Group 3). Statistical significance was determined using univariate and multivariate analysis with GEE models accounting for clustering by hospital. One thousand five hundred eighty-one patients met study criteria: 63.7% in Group 1, 27.1% in Group 2, and 9.2% in Group 3. Surgical complication rate was higher in Group 1 (23.3%) compared to Groups 2 and 3 (14.2% and 15.5%; P<0.001). However, median length of stay was shorter in Group 1 (4, IQR 4days) compared to Group 2 (5, IQR 3) and Group 3 (6, IQR 3) (P<0.001). 30-day readmission rates were similar. In multivariate analysis compared to patients in Group 1, the odds of surgical complications were 0.72 (95% CI 0.40-1.29, P=0.28) with MBP alone (Group 2), 1.79 (95% CI 1.28-2.52, P=0.0008) with MBP+OAB (Group 3), and 1.13 (95% CI 0.81-1.58, P=0.46) for the aggregate Group 2 plus 3. Utilization of bowel preparation in children is variable across children's hospitals nationally, and the benefit is unclear. Given the discrepancy with adult literature, a three-armed pediatric-specific randomized controlled trial is warranted. Level III treatment study - retrospective comparative study. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  20. Fast-track eligibility of geriatric patients undergoing short urologic surgery procedures.

    PubMed

    Fredman, Brian; Sheffer, Offer; Zohar, Edna; Paruta, Irena; Richter, Santiago; Jedeikin, Robert; White, Paul F

    2002-03-01

    Our primary objective was to assess the feasibility of geriatric patients (>65 yr) bypassing the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after ambulatory surgery. A secondary objective was to compare recovery profiles when using three different maintenance anesthetics. Ninety ASA physical status I--III consenting outpatients (>65 yr) undergoing short urologic procedures were randomly assigned to one of three anesthetic treatment groups. After a standardized induction with fentanyl and propofol, anesthesia was maintained with propofol (75-150 microg center dot kg(-1) center dot min(-1) IV), isoflurane (0.7%-1.2% end tidal), or desflurane (3%-6% end tidal), in combination with nitrous oxide 70% in oxygen. In all three groups, the primary anesthetic was titrated to maintain an electroencephalographic-bispectral index value of 60-65. Recovery times, postanesthesia recovery scores, and therapeutic interventions in the PACU were recorded. Although emergence times were similar in the three groups, the time to achieve a fast-track discharge score of 14 was significantly shorter in patients receiving desflurane compared with propofol and isoflurane (22 +/- 23 vs 33 +/- 25 and 44 +/- 36 min, respectively). On arrival in the PACU, a significantly larger percentage of patients receiving desflurane were judged to be fast-track eligible compared with those receiving either isoflurane and propofol (73% vs 43% and 44%, respectively). The number of therapeutic interventions in the PACU was also significantly larger in the Isoflurane group when compared with the Propofol and Desflurane groups (21 vs 11 and 7, respectively). In conclusion, use of desflurane for maintenance of anesthesia should facilitate PACU bypass ("fast-tracking") of geriatric patients undergoing short urologic procedures. Geriatric outpatients undergoing brief urologic procedures more rapidly achieve fast-tracking discharge criteria after desflurane (versus isoflurane and propofol) anesthesia. Use of isoflurane was also

  1. Eosinophilic esophagitis prevalence in an adult population undergoing upper endoscopy in southeastern Mexico.

    PubMed

    De la Cruz-Patiño, E; Ruíz Juárez, I; Meixueiro Daza, A; Grube Pagola, P; Roesch-Dietlen, F; Remes-Troche, J M

    2015-01-01

    Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) prevalence fluctuates according to the population studied and varies from 0.4% in an open population to 6.5% in subjects with esophageal symptoms. Even though this entity has been described in North American and European populations, it is still considered an 'unusual' condition in Latin America. The study aimed to determine EoE prevalence in patients undergoing elective endoscopy in a tertiary referral center in southeastern Mexico. Consecutive patients were evaluated that had been referred to the Medical and Biological Research Institute, Veracruz, Mexico, for upper endoscopy due to gastrointestinal symptoms. Demographic variables and symptoms were analyzed in all the cases. Eight mucosal biopsies of the esophagus (four proximal and four distal) were obtained and were reviewed by a blinded pathologist. Histological diagnosis was established when the mean eosinophil count at a large magnification was ≥15. A total of 235 subjects (137 women, 51.16 years) were evaluated, and EoE prevalence was 1.7% (4/235 95% confidence interval 0.2-3.6%). In all four cases, pH test were normal. Among patients with histological diagnosis of EoE, a greater number of patients with a past history of asthma (50% vs. 19.3%, P = 0.04) and a tendency for a greater frequency of dysphagia (50% vs. 25%, P = 0.10). There were no differences in the endoscopic findings (rings, grooves, plaques, or stricture) when compared with the patients presenting with erosive esophagitis. EoE prevalence among patients undergoing upper endoscopy from southeastern Mexico was 1.7%, which can be regarded as intermediate to low. © 2014 International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus.

  2. Influence of prophylactic probiotics and selective decontamination on bacterial translocation in patients undergoing pancreatic surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

    PubMed

    Diepenhorst, Gwendolyn M P; van Ruler, Oddeke; Besselink, Marc G H; van Santvoort, Hjalmar C; Wijnandts, Paul R; Renooij, Willem; Gouma, Dirk J; Gooszen, Hein G; Boermeester, Marja A

    2011-01-01

    Bacterial translocation (BT) is suspected to play a major role in the development of infections in surgical patients. However, the clinical association between intestinal barrier dysfunction, BT, and septic morbidity has remained unconfirmed. The objective of this study was to study BT in patients undergoing major abdominal surgery and the effects of probiotics, selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD), and standard treatment on intestinal barrier function. In a randomized controlled setting, 30 consecutive patients planned for elective pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) were allocated to receive perioperatively probiotics, SDD, or standard treatment. To assess intestinal barrier function, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (mucosal damage) and polyethylene glycol recovery (intestinal permeability) in urine were measured perioperatively. BT was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) harvested early (baseline control) and at the end of surgery ("end-of-surgery" MLNs, after 3h in PPPD patients). Polymerase chain reaction detected bacterial DNA in 18 of 27 end-of-surgery MLNs and in 13 of 23 control MLNs (P = 0.378). Probiotics and SDD had no significant effect on the number of positive MLNs or the change in bacterial DNA during operation. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis showed significantly increased expression of only 4 of 30 inflammatory mediator-related genes in end-of-surgery compared with early sampled MLN (P < 0.05). Polyethylene glycol recovery was unaffected by operation, probiotics and SDD as compared with standard treatment. Intestinal fatty acid-binding protein levels were increased shortly postoperatively only in patients treated with SDD (P = 0.02). Probiotics and SDD did not influence BT, intestinal permeability, or inflammatory mediator expression. Bacterial translocation after abdominal surgery

  3. Smoking, drinking, and depression: comorbidity in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

    PubMed

    McCarter, Kristen; Baker, Amanda L; Britton, Benjamin; Wolfenden, Luke; Wratten, Chris; Bauer, Judith; Halpin, Sean A; Carter, Gregory; Beck, Alison K; Leigh, Lucy; Oldmeadow, Christopher

    2018-04-19

    We aimed to determine the prevalence and co-occurrence of tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, and depressive symptoms among a sample of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy. A total of 307 HNC patients participated in a multi-site stepped-wedge randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of a dietitian-delivered health behavior intervention in patients with HNC undergoing radiotherapy. During week one of radiotherapy patients completed measures of smoking, alcohol consumption, and level of depression. Approximately one-fifth (21%) of patients had two or more co-occurring problems: current smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and/or likely presence of a major depressive episode (MDE). Approximately one-third (34%) of the sample were current smokers, one-third (31%) were drinking hazardously and almost one-fifth (19%) had likely cases of depression. Comorbidity of smoking, hazardous alcohol use, and MDE is high in HNC patients, and interventions need to address this cluster of cancer risk factors. © 2018 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  4. Dose audit for patients undergoing two common radiography examinations with digital radiology systems

    PubMed Central

    İnal, Tolga; Ataç, Gökçe

    2014-01-01

    PURPOSE We aimed to determine the radiation doses delivered to patients undergoing general examinations using computed or digital radiography systems in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS Radiographs of 20 patients undergoing posteroanterior chest X-ray and of 20 patients undergoing anteroposterior kidney-ureter-bladder radiography were evaluated in five X-ray rooms at four local hospitals in the Ankara region. Currently, almost all radiology departments in Turkey have switched from conventional radiography systems to computed radiography or digital radiography systems. Patient dose was measured for both systems. The results were compared with published diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) from the European Union and International Atomic Energy Agency. RESULTS The average entrance surface doses (ESDs) for chest examinations exceeded established international DRLs at two of the X-ray rooms in a hospital with computed radiography. All of the other ESD measurements were approximately equal to or below the DRLs for both examinations in all of the remaining hospitals. Improper adjustment of the exposure parameters, uncalibrated automatic exposure control systems, and failure of the technologists to choose exposure parameters properly were problems we noticed during the study. CONCLUSION This study is an initial attempt at establishing local DRL values for digital radiography systems, and will provide a benchmark so that the authorities can establish reference dose levels for diagnostic radiology in Turkey. PMID:24317331

  5. Blood glucose management in the patient undergoing cardiac surgery: A review

    PubMed Central

    Reddy, Pingle; Duggar, Brian; Butterworth, John

    2014-01-01

    Both diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia per se are associated with negative outcomes after cardiac surgery. In this article, we review these associations, the possible mechanisms that lead to adverse outcomes, and the epidemiology of diabetes focusing on those patients requiring cardiac surgery. We also examine outpatient and perioperative management of diabetes with the same focus. Finally, we discuss our own efforts to improve glycemic management of patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution, including keys to success, results of implementation, and patient safety concerns. PMID:25429332

  6. Electrophysiological effects of acute atrial stretch on persistent atrial fibrillation in patients undergoing open heart surgery.

    PubMed

    Elvan, Arif; Adiyaman, Ahmet; Beukema, Rypko J; Sie, Hauw T; Allessie, Maurits A

    2013-03-01

    The electrophysiologic effects of acute atrial dilatation and dedilatation in humans with chronic atrial fibrillation remains to be elucidated. To study the electrophysiological effects of acute atrial dedilatation and subsequent dilatation in patients with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) with structural heart disease undergoing elective cardiac surgery. Nine patients were studied. Mean age was 71 ± 10 years, and left ventricular ejection was 46% ± 6%. Patients had at least moderate mitral valve regurgitation and dilated atria. After sternotomy and during extracorporal circulation, mapping was performed on the beating heart with 2 multielectrode arrays (60 electrodes each, interelectrode distance 1.5 mm) positioned on the lateral wall of the right atrium (RA) and left atrium (LA). Atrial pressure and size were altered by modifying extracorporal circulation. AF electrograms were recorded at baseline after dedilation and after dilatation of the atria afterward. At baseline, the median AF cycle length (mAFCL) was 184 ± 27 ms in the RA and 180 ± 17 ms in the LA. After dedilatation, the mAFCL shortened significantly to 168 ± 13 ms in the RA and to 168 ± 20 ms in the LA. Dilatation lengthened mAFCL significantly to 189 ± 17 ms in the RA and to 185 ± 23 ms in the LA. Conduction block (CB) at baseline was 14.3% ± 3.6% in the RA and 17.3% ± 5.5% in the LA. CB decreased significantly with dedilatation to 7.4% ± 2.9% in the RA and to 7.9% ± 6.3% in the LA. CB increased significantly with dilatation afterward to 15.0% ± 8.3% in the RA and to 18.5% ± 16.0% in the LA. Acute dedilatation of the atria in patients with long-standing persistent AF causes a decrease in the mAFCL in both atria. Subsequent dilatation increased the mAFCL. The amount of CB decreased with dedilatation and increased with dilatation afterward in both atria. Copyright © 2013 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  7. Book club elective to facilitate student learning of the patient experience with chronic disease.

    PubMed

    Plake, Kimberly S

    2010-04-12

    To evaluate the impact of a book club experience on pharmacy students' learning about chronic illness. Students read autobiographies/biographies regarding the patient experience of chronic illness. Similar to a traditional book club, small group discussions were held based on questions submitted by students. Other activities included written reflections, a final paper, and an oral presentation. A retrospective pretest and posttest were administered at the end of the course. Students indicated improvement in the key aspects of the course with significant differences (p < 0.01) between retrospective pretest and posttest scores for all course objectives assessed. Students also indicated that the course contributed to their development as pharmacists, motivated them to learn about new topics, and helped them reconsider their attitudes. A book club elective course was successful in helping students understand the patient experience.

  8. Surgery-Independent Language Function Decline in Patients Undergoing Awake Craniotomy.

    PubMed

    Gonen, Tal; Sela, Gal; Yanakee, Ranin; Ram, Zvi; Grossman, Rachel

    2017-03-01

    Despite selection process before awake-craniotomy, some patients experience an unexpected decline in language functions in the operating room (OR), compared with their baseline evaluation, which may impair their functional monitoring. To investigate this phenomenon we prospectively compared language function the day before surgery and on entrance to the OR. Data were collected prospectively from consecutive patients undergoing awake-craniotomy with intraoperative cortical mapping for resection of gliomas affecting language areas. Language functions of 79 patients were evaluated and compared 1-2 days before surgery and after entering the OR. Changes in functional linguistic performance were analyzed with respect to demographic, clinical, and pathologic characteristics. There was a significant decline in language function, beyond sedation effect, after entering the OR, (from median/interquartile range: 0.94/0.72-0.98 to median/interquartile range: 0.86/0.51-0.94; Z = -7.19, P < 0.001). Univariate analyses revealed that this decline was related to age, preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale, tumor location, tumor pathology, and preexisting language deficits. Multivariate stepwise regression identified tumor pathology and the presence of preoperative language deficit as significant independent predictors for this functional decline. Patients undergoing awake-craniotomy may experience a substantial decline in language functioning after entering the OR. Tumor grade and the presence of preoperative language deficits were significant risk factors for this phenomenon, suggesting a possible relation between cognitive reserve, psychobehavioral coping abilities and histologic features of a tumor involving language areas. Capturing and identifying this unique population of patients who are prone to experience such language decline may improve our ability in the future to select patients eligible for awake-craniotomy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Outcomes in adult pectus excavatum patients undergoing Nuss repair

    PubMed Central

    Ewais, MennatAllah M; Chaparala, Shivani; Uhl, Rebecca

    2018-01-01

    Pectus excavatum (PEx) is one of the most common congenital chest wall deformities. Depending on the severity, presentation of PEx may range from minor cosmetic issues to disabling cardiopulmonary symptoms. The effect of PEx on adult patients has not been extensively studied. Symptoms may not occur until the patient ages, and they may worsen over the years. More recent publications have implied that PEx may have significant cardiopulmonary implications and repair is of medical benefit. Adults presenting for PEx repair can undergo a successful repair with a minimally invasive “Nuss” approach. Resolution of symptoms, improved quality of life, and satisfying results are reported. PMID:29430201

  10. The pharmacokinetics of propofol in ICU patients undergoing long-term sedation.

    PubMed

    Smuszkiewicz, Piotr; Wiczling, Paweł; Przybyłowski, Krzysztof; Borsuk, Agnieszka; Trojanowska, Iwona; Paterska, Marta; Matysiak, Jan; Kokot, Zenon; Grześkowiak, Edmund; Bienert, Agnieszka

    2016-11-01

    The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics (PK) of propofol in ICU patients undergoing long-term sedation and to assess the influence of routinely collected covariates on the PK parameters. Propofol concentration-time profiles were collected from 29 patients. Non-linear mixed-effects modelling in NONMEM 7.2 was used to analyse the observed data. The propofol pharmacokinetics was best described with a three-compartment disposition model. Non-parametric bootstrap and a visual predictive check were used to evaluate the adequacy of the developed model to describe the observations. The typical value of the propofol clearance (1.46 l/min) approximated the hepatic blood flow. The volume of distribution at steady state was high and was equal to 955.1 l, which is consistent with other studies involving propofol in ICU patients. There was no statistically significant covariate relationship between PK parameters and opioid type, SOFA score on the day of admission, APACHE II, predicted death rate, reason for ICU admission (sepsis, trauma or surgery), gender, body weight, age, infusion duration and C-reactive protein concentration. The population PK model was developed successfully to describe the time-course of propofol concentration in ICU patients undergoing prolonged sedation. Despite a very heterogeneous group of patients, consistent PK profiles were observed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  11. A randomized study comparing outcomes of stapled and hand-sutured anastomoses in patients undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery.

    PubMed

    Chandramohan, S M; Gajbhiye, Raj Narenda; Agwarwal, Anil; Creedon, Erin; Schwiers, Michael L; Waggoner, Jason R; Tatla, Daljit

    2013-08-01

    Although stapling is an alternative to hand-suturing in gastrointestinal surgery, recent trials specifically designed to evaluate differences between the two in surgery time, anastomosis time, and return to bowel activity are lacking. This trial compared the outcomes of the two in subjects undergoing open gastrointestinal surgery. Adult subjects undergoing emergency or elective surgery requiring a single gastric, small, or large bowel anastomosis were enrolled into this open-label, prospective, randomized, interventional, parallel, multicenter, controlled trial. Randomization was assigned in a 1:1 ratio between the hand-sutured group (n = 138) and the stapled group (n = 142). Anastomosis time, surgery time, and time to bowel activity were collected and compared as primary endpoints. A total of 280 subjects were enrolled from April 2009 to September 2010. Only the time of anastomosis was significantly different between the two arms: 17.6 ± 1.90 min (stapled) and 20.6 ± 1.90 min (hand-sutured). This difference was deemed not clinically or economically meaningful. Safety outcomes and other secondary endpoints were similar between the two arms. Mechanical stapling is faster than hand-suturing for the construction of gastrointestinal anastomoses. Apart from this, stapling and hand-suturing are similar with respect to the outcomes measured in this trial.

  12. Effect of preoperative multimedia information on perioperative anxiety in patients undergoing procedures under regional anaesthesia.

    PubMed

    Jlala, H A; French, J L; Foxall, G L; Hardman, J G; Bedforth, N M

    2010-03-01

    Provision of preoperative information can alleviate patients' anxiety. However, the ideal method of delivering this information is unknown. Video information has been shown to reduce patients' anxiety, although little is known regarding the effect of preoperative multimedia information on anxiety in patients undergoing regional anaesthesia. We randomized 110 patients undergoing upper or lower limb surgery under regional anaesthesia into the study and control groups. The study group watched a short film (created by the authors) depicting the patient's in-hospital journey including either a spinal anaesthetic or a brachial plexus block. Patients' anxiety was assessed before and after the film and 1 h before and within 8 h after their operation, using the Spielberger state trait anxiety inventory and a visual analogue scale. There was no difference in state and trait anxiety between the two groups at enrollment. Women had higher baseline state and trait anxiety than men (P=0.02). Patients in the control group experienced an increase in state anxiety immediately before surgery (P<0.001), and patients in the film group were less anxious before operation than those in the control group (P=0.04). After operation, there was a decrease in state anxiety from baseline in both groups, but patients in the film group were less anxious than the control group (P=0.005). Preoperative multimedia information reduces the anxiety of patients undergoing surgery under regional anaesthesia. This type of information is easily delivered and can benefit many patients.

  13. Video Material as an Effective Educational Tool to Address Informational and Educational Needs of Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy.

    PubMed

    Nathoo, Dilshad

    2017-06-01

    With increasing rates of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy, the treatment itself can cause patients significant amounts of anxiety and distress. This can be attributed to the diagnosis of the disease, lack of knowledge of what radiation therapy is, expectations and management of side effects, and the lack of knowledge of supportive care for patients and their families. Providing patients with effective educational tools to meet the informational needs of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy can empower patients and allow them to participate in treatment decision-making and their own healthcare. This discussion paper will evaluate several studies on the psychological impact of cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy and how video material can effectively meet the informational and educational needs of this patient population group.

  14. Frailty and falls among adult patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis: a prospective cohort study

    PubMed Central

    2013-01-01

    Background Patients undergoing hemodialysis are at high risk of falls, with subsequent complications including fractures, loss of independence, hospitalization, and institutionalization. Factors associated with falls are poorly understood in this population. We hypothesized that insights derived from studies of the elderly might apply to adults of all ages undergoing hemodialysis; we focused on frailty, a phenotype of physiological decline strongly associated with falls in the elderly. Methods In this prospective, longitudinal study of 95 patients undergoing hemodialysis (1/2009-3/2010), the association of frailty with future falls was explored using adjusted Poisson regression. Frailty was classified using the criteria established by Fried et al., as a combination of five components: shrinking, weakness, exhaustion, low activity, and slowed walking speed. Results Over a median 6.7-month period of longitudinal follow-up, 28.3% of study participants (25.9% of those under 65, 29.3% of those 65 and older) experienced a fall. After adjusting for age, sex, race, comorbidity, disability, number of medications, marital status, and education, frailty independently predicted a 3.09-fold (95% CI: 1.38-6.90, P=0.006) higher number of falls. This relationship between frailty and falls did not differ for younger and older adults (P=0.57). Conclusions Frailty, a validated construct in the elderly, was a strong and independent predictor of falls in adults undergoing hemodialysis, regardless of age. Our results may aid in identifying frail hemodialysis patients who could be targeted for multidimensional fall prevention strategies. PMID:24131569

  15. Dietary and fluid restriction perceptions of patients undergoing haemodialysis: an exploratory study.

    PubMed

    Hong, Leting Isabella; Wang, Wenru; Chan, Ee Yuee; Mohamed, Fatimah; Chen, Hui-Chen

    2017-11-01

    To explore the perspectives of patients undergoing haemodialysis in Singapore on an imposed dietary and fluid restriction regime. Adherence to prescribed dietary and fluid restriction constructs the fundamental basis of self-care with improved morbidity and mortality. However, most patients have struggled to adhere in this aspect. Existing studies have presented limited understanding on the facilitators and barriers of dietary and fluid adherence among haemodialysis patients. An exploratory qualitative study. A purposive sample of 14 patients undergoing haemodialysis was recruited from a renal unit of a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Data were collected through face-to-face individual interviews and subsequently analysed by thematic analysis. Four themes emerged: (1) Pessimism, (2) Existing struggles, (3) Perceived quality of support, and (4) Immensity of self-discipline. The imposed dietary and fluid restriction is a constant struggle and a cause of suffering among haemodialysis patients in Singapore. Nonetheless, they are generally submissive to their fluid restrictions for the sake of survival or to meet the expectations of their loved ones. The imposed dietary restrictions are generally neglected. The findings from this study can provide useful information in reviewing existing educational strategies, policies and nursing care. This is especially important because most patients exhibit high reliance on healthcare professionals. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

  16. Teaching about Presidential Elections. ERIC Digest.

    ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

    Vontz, Thomas S.; Nixon, William A.

    Although elections are an annual theme in many social studies classrooms, presidential election years prompt increased interest among students in the electoral process and offer an opportunity to teach about a national election as it happens. This ERIC Digest describes the legal requirements and traditions of U.S. presidential elections, processes…

  17. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

    PubMed

    Goto, Koji; Nakai, Kentaro; Shizuta, Satoshi; Morimoto, Takeshi; Shiomi, Hiroki; Natsuaki, Masahiro; Yahata, Mitsuhiko; Ota, Chihiro; Ono, Koh; Makiyama, Takeru; Nakagawa, Yoshihisa; Furukawa, Yutaka; Kadota, Kazushige; Takatsu, Yoshiki; Tamura, Takashi; Takizawa, Akinori; Inada, Tsukasa; Doi, Osamu; Nohara, Ryuji; Matsuda, Mitsuo; Takeda, Teruki; Kato, Masayuki; Shirotani, Manabu; Eizawa, Hiroshi; Ishii, Katsuhisa; Lee, Jong-Dae; Takahashi, Masaaki; Horie, Minoru; Takahashi, Mamoru; Miki, Shinji; Aoyama, Takeshi; Suwa, Satoru; Hamasaki, Shuichi; Ogawa, Hisao; Mitsudo, Kazuaki; Nobuyoshi, Masakiyo; Kita, Toru; Kimura, Takeshi

    2014-07-01

    The prevalence, intensity, safety, and efficacy of oral anticoagulation (OAC) in addition to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in "real-world" patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) have not yet been fully evaluated. In the Coronary REvascularization Demonstrating Outcome Study in Kyoto registry cohort-2, a total of 1,057 patients with AF (8.3%) were identified among 12,716 patients undergoing first PCI. Cumulative 5-year incidence of stroke was higher in patients with AF than in no-AF patients (12.8% vs 5.8%, p <0.0001). Although most patients with AF had CHADS2 score ≥2 (75.2%), only 506 patients (47.9%) received OAC with warfarin at hospital discharge. Cumulative 5-year incidence of stroke in the OAC group was not different from that in the no-OAC group (13.8% vs 11.8%, p = 0.49). Time in therapeutic range (TTR) was only 52.6% with an international normalized ratio of 1.6 to 2.6, and only 154 of 409 patients (37.7%) with international normalized ratio data had TTR ≥65%. Cumulative 5-year incidence of stroke in patients with TTR ≥65% was markedly lower than that in patients with TTR <65% (6.9% vs 15.1%, p = 0.01). In a 4-month landmark analysis in the OAC group, there was a trend for higher cumulative incidences of stroke and major bleeding in the on-DAPT (n = 286) than in the off-DAPT (n = 173) groups (15.1% vs 6.7%, p = 0.052 and 14.7% vs 8.7%, p = 0.10, respectively). In conclusion, OAC was underused and its intensity was mostly suboptimal in real-world patients with AF undergoing PCI, which lead to inadequate stroke prevention. Long-term DAPT in patients receiving OAC did not reduce stroke incidence. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  18. Touryan Elected Chairman

    Science.gov Websites

    Touryan Elected Chairman of Proliferation Prevention Advisory Board For information contact: e:mail ) National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was elected chairman of the Inter-Laboratory Advisory Board for opportunities and a means of rapid commercialization of defense technologies. It creates a win-win situation for

  19. Haptoglobin 2-2 Phenotype Is Associated With Increased Acute Kidney Injury After Elective Cardiac Surgery in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus.

    PubMed

    Feng, Chenzhuo; Naik, Bhiken I; Xin, Wenjun; Ma, Jennie Z; Scalzo, David C; Thammishetti, Swapna; Thiele, Robert H; Zuo, Zhiyi; Raphael, Jacob

    2017-10-05

    Recent studies reported an association between the 2-2 phenotype of haptoglobin (Hp 2-2) and increased cardiorenal morbidity in nonsurgical diabetic patients. Our goal was to determine whether the Hp 2-2 phenotype was associated with acute kidney injury (AKI) after elective cardiac surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus. We prospectively enrolled 99 diabetic patients requiring elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. Haptoglobin phenotypes were determined by gel electrophoresis. Cell-free hemoglobin, haptoglobin, and total serum bilirubin were quantified as hemolysis markers. The primary outcome was postoperative AKI, as defined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network classification. The incidence of AKI was significantly higher in Hp 2-2 patients compared with patients without this phenotype (non-Hp-2-2; 55.6% versus 27%, P <0.01). The need for renal replacement therapy was also significantly higher in the Hp 2-2 group (5 patients versus 1 patient, P =0.02). Thirty-day mortality (3 versus 0 patients, P =0.04) and 1-year mortality (5 versus 0 patients, P <0.01) were also significantly higher in patients with the Hp 2-2 phenotype. In multivariable analysis, Hp 2-2 was an independent predictor of postoperative AKI ( P =0.01; odds ratio: 4.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-12.48). Hp 2-2 phenotype is an independent predictor of postoperative AKI and is associated with decreased short and long-term survival after cardiac surgery in patients with diabetes mellitus. © 2017 The Authors. Published on behalf of the American Heart Association, Inc., by Wiley.

  20. Effects of an alveolar recruitment maneuver on subdural pressure, brain swelling, and mean arterial pressure in patients undergoing supratentorial tumour resection: a randomized crossover study.

    PubMed

    Flexman, Alana M; Gooderham, Peter A; Griesdale, Donald E; Argue, Ruth; Toyota, Brian

    2017-06-01

    Although recruitment maneuvers have been advocated as part of a lung protective ventilation strategy, their effects on cerebral physiology during elective neurosurgery are unknown. Our objectives were to determine the effects of an alveolar recruitment maneuver on subdural pressure (SDP), brain relaxation score (BRS), and cerebral perfusion pressure among patients undergoing supratentorial tumour resection. In this prospective crossover study, patients scheduled for resection of a supratentorial brain tumour were randomized to undergo either a recruitment maneuver (30 cm of water for 30 sec) or a "sham" maneuver (5 cm of water for 30 sec), followed by the alternative intervention after a 90-sec equilibration period. Subdural pressure was measured through a dural perforation following opening of the cranium. Subdural pressure and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were recorded continuously. The blinded neurosurgeon provided a BRS at baseline and at the end of each intervention. During each treatment, the changes in SDP, BRS, and MAP were compared. Twenty-one patients underwent the study procedure. The increase in SDP was higher during the recruitment maneuver than during the sham maneuver (difference, 3.9 mmHg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2 to 5.6; P < 0.001). Mean arterial pressure decreased further in the recruitment maneuver than in the sham maneuver (difference, -9.0 mmHg; 95% CI, -12.5 to -5.6; P < 0.001). Cerebral perfusion pressure decreased 14 mmHg (95% CI, 4 to 24) during the recruitment maneuver. The BRS did not change with either maneuver. Our results suggest that recruitment maneuvers increase subdural pressure and reduce cerebral perfusion pressure, although the clinical importance of these findings is thus far unknown. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02093117.