Is type and screen only policy safe for patients undergoing elective lobectomy?

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to establish the safety and feasibility of a recently adopted policy to type and screen (TS) (group and save) only for selected patients who had low likelihood of transfusion requirement. METHODS: The TS only policy was applied to patients undergoing first-time elective lobectomy with Hb of >11 g/dl, aged <70 years, with no clotting abnormality and no history of neoadjuvant therapy. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was made of 208 consecutive patients undergoing elective lobectomy from November 2009 to October 2010. The patients who were only type and screened (Group TS, n = 87) were compared with those who had preoperative cross matching (XM) (Group XM, n = 121). The perioperative characteristics, transfusion requirements and outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Preoperative characteristics of the two groups were similar, except that the XM group were significantly older, with lower mean preoperative haemoglobin levels. Postoperative complications (9 vs 13%, P = 0.24) and hospital mortality (0 vs 0.8%, P = 0.5) were similar between TS and XM, respectively. On the day of operation, 16 patients (13%) required transfusion in the XM group. Six patients in the TS group were cross matched, of whom only 3 (3.4%) actually required transfusion. The mean postoperative Hb levels in XM were also significantly lower (12.96 vs 10.88 gm/dl). In the XM group, 260 units of blood were unnecessarily cross matched and had to be returned to the blood bank compared with zero units in the TS group. There was no delay caused by unavailability of blood at the time of clinical need. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that it is safe and feasible to adopt a policy of type and screen only in selected patients undergoing elective lobectomy, who have low likelihood of transfusion requirement.

Active treatment rates for lung cancer in south Manchester: are we doing enough?

In an effort to improve the current lung cancer treatment outcomes in Britain, National guidelines were published followed by the introduction of National Lung Cancer Audit (LUCADA) project. LUCADA has defined active treatment as any therapeutic intervention with the aim of improving the quality or length of patients' survival irrespective of whether it is curative or palliative. From August 2003 to December 2006, all patients diagnosed to be new primary lung cancer referrals were enrolled into a prospective study. Out of the total of 433 patients the majority of patients were male (62%) and the mean age was 69 years. The histologies were small cell lung cancer (SCLC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and other cancers in 67 (15.5%), 306 (70.7%) and 11 (2.5%) patients, respectively, while 49 (11.3%) patients had no histological confirmation. Overall, the active treatment rate was 72% with 74 (18%), 158 (36%), 66 (15%) and 11 (3%) undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other methods, respectively. The active treatment rates for histologically proven SCLC, NSCLC and all lung cancers excluding SCLC were 83%, 77% and 71%, respectively, compared to the LUCADA national average of 73.5%, 66% and 56.5%, respectively. Among the NSCLC patients overall five-year survival was 27.4%. The stage specific survivals were 64.0%, 58.3%, 24.1% and 11.5%, respectively, for stages I, II, III and IV. These reassuring results show that south Manchester has good active treatment rates for lung cancer with survival outcomes comparable to other major series.

Emergency redo mitral valve replacement and caesarean section in a patient with previous atrioventricular septal defect repair in childhood.

A 19-year-old primigravida, with a history of mechanical mitral prosthesis at the age of six years following previous repair of an atrioventricular septal defect, presented at 26 weeks' gestation with cardiogenic shock secondary to obstruction of the mitral prosthesis. She underwent successful emergency redo mitral valve replacement and caesarean section. At operation the prosthesis was found to be virtually completely obstructed with pannus. Both mother and baby had an excellent outcome following surgery. The case report is presented with a brief review of the literature.

Implications of a negative bronchoscopy on waiting times to treatment for lung cancer patients: results of a prospective tracking study.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the causes of delays in treatment to all patients presenting to our centre with a working diagnosis of lung cancer. All were entered prospectively into a 'tracking study'. METHODS: Of 342 consecutive confirmed cases of newly diagnosed lung cancer presenting between September 2003 and December 2005, 193 were general practitioner referrals and 149 presented through casualty and internal referrals. The former group formed the basis of the study. Of GP referral patients, 92 had a positive diagnostic bronchoscopy (group Bronch+). Their waiting times were compared with 94 others with negative result (group Bronch-). For uniformity of comparison the non-GP referral patients were excluded from this study. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the age, clinical presentation or clinical staging of the two groups. Bronch+ had higher proportion of male patients (p=0.05). Bronch+ group had higher proportion of small cell and squamous cell carcinoma whereas Bronch- group had higher prevalence of adenocarcinoma (p=0.02). More patients in Bronch- underwent curative (36 vs 18, p=0.01) intent treatment. Though the median intervals (days) between the referral to first chest outpatient appointments were similar between the two groups (1 vs 1, p=0.89), the intervals from out-patient to decision-to-treat (33 vs 57, p=0.001) and decision-to-treat to treatment (8 vs 12, p=0.05) were significantly longer for Bronch- group. Overall the median referral to treatment interval for Bronch- was significantly longer compared to Bronch+ (45 vs 75, p=0.001). Most of these delays occurred in the intervals from outpatient appointments to decision-to-treat. CONCLUSIONS: A negative initial bronchoscopy in a suspected lung cancer patient implies a greater potential for excessive delays in diagnosis and treatment in spite of a greater chance of curative treatment. Most of the delay occurs in the interval from the outpatient appointment to decision-to-treat. Patients with negative bronchoscopy require a more concerted effort to achieve a timely diagnosis and treatment.

Long-term event-free survival with an embolised prosthetic valve leaflet in the thoracic aorta.

We report the case of a patient who underwent a redo surgery for a leaflet escape from a Bjork-Shiley tilting disc mitral prosthesis inserted 18 years previously. The escaped disc remained lodged in the thoracic aorta without any complication. She ultimately died of terminal heart failure 13 years after the second operation. We believe this to be the longest survival with a dislodged leaflet from a mechanical valve. Removal of dislodged disc is recommended in literature but there may be a place for watchful observation in exceptional cases with no haemodynamic compromise.

Cardiac compression following cardiac surgery due to unrecognised hiatus hernia.

A 76-year-old man who had undergone a routine coronary artery bypass grafting operation developed severe haemodynamic instability in the early postoperative period in spite of multiple inotropic supports. Due to persistent instability of haemodynamics and worsening acidosis his chest was re-explored with detection of no obvious abnormality. An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) was inserted for additional support. The chest had to be left open overnight and closed formally next morning. A chest X-ray at that stage showed a large hiatus hernia with huge gastric dilatation compressing the heart. Decompressions of the stomach lead to dramatic improvement in his circulatory status with rapid weaning of inotropes and IABP and he could be extubated. This case illustrates the importance of recognising the presence of hiatus hernia in preoperative chest X-ray and prophylactic NG tube insertion at the time of cardiac surgery in these cases.

Lung cancer resection rate in south Manchester: is it comparable to international standards? Results of a prospective tracking study.

The UK has been reported to have the lowest resection and survival rates for lung cancer patients. These reports were based largely on retrospective data from the cancer registry and are now outdated. To monitor the present day surgical resection rate at our institution all newly diagnosed cases of lung cancer presenting to us were enrolled into a prospective tracking study. From September 2003 to March 2005 all suspected primary lung cancer referrals to the North West Lung Centre were tracked to identify patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer. The histology of 247 patients confirmed to be new lung cancer cases were small cell (SCLC), non-small cell (NSCLC) and mixed cancers in 33 (16%), 170 (83.5%) and 1 (0.5%) patients, respectively, while 43 patients had no histological confirmation. Overall, 43 patients (17%) underwent surgery while chemotherapy and radiotherapy were used in 91 (38%) and 43 (17%), respectively. Out of 170 confirmed NSCLC patients, 43 (25%), 65 (38%) and 27 (16%) patients underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, respectively. The remaining 35 (20%) did not receive any treatment because of patient wishes or poor condition. The surgical resection rates were 17% for all lung cancers and 25% for NSCLC. Current surgical resection rates at the South Manchester University Hospital are comparable to international standards. Similar data from the rest of the UK are required to determine the national resection rate, which may not be as low as once thought to be.

Are we achieving the current waiting time targets in lung cancer treatment? Result of a prospective study from a large United kingdom teaching hospital.

BACKGROUND: Recent United Kingdom National Cancer Plan guidelines have specified a number of waiting time targets to prevent delays in the treatment of lung cancer. This study was performed to compare our waiting times with national recommendations. METHODS: All newly diagnosed cases of lung cancer presenting to our institution were entered into a prospective tracking study by a dedicated audit officer. From September 2003 to December 2005, a total of 342 patients were entered into the study. Of these, 193 (56%) were referred by general practitioners; the remaining 114 (46%) were internal referrals. The Cancer Plan waiting time targets are mainly applicable to general practitioners referrals, which formed the study group. RESULTS: All the patients were seen in chest outpatient clinics within the recommended 2-week period. However, there was a delay in starting all forms of treatment. The median waiting time to any form of treatment was 60 days (recommendation, 62 days for all patients). From specialist referrals, the median waiting times for radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy were 43, 25, and 16.5 days compared with recommended maximums of 28, 28, and 7 days, respectively. CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that although patients receive outpatient consultation in the recommended time period, the National Cancer Plan treatment target of 62 days for patients referred by general practitioners is not being achieved. A concerted effort by all clinicians is required to meet the prescribed target times.

Primary cardiac sarcoma: reports of two cases and a review of current literature.

Primary cardiac sarcomas are rare tumors with an unfavourable prognosis. Complete surgical resection is currently the only mode of therapy proven to show any benefit. We report the cases of two patients presenting with features of obstruction and embolism and a presumed diagnosis of left atrial myxoma. At operation they were unexpectedly found to have large tumours raising strong suspicions of malignancy. Due to the extensive involvement of intracardiac structures with little possibility of reconstruction together with poor general condition of the patient, debulking was deemed to be the only viable option. Subsequent histology confirmed the diagnosis of sarcoma in both patients. Surgery produced immediate and effective symptom relief. The first patient died four months after the operation and second patient is still alive at 12 months after her operation. A brief review of literature on cardiac sarcoma is presented.

UK waiting time targets in lung cancer treatment: are they achievable? Results of a prospective tracking study.

BACKGROUND: Recent guidelines have specified a number of waiting time targets to prevent delay in the treatment of lung cancer. This study was carried out to assess the quality of lung cancer services and compare with national recommendations. METHODS: All newly diagnosed cases of lung cancer presenting to our institution via general practitioner referral were entered into a prospective tracking study by a dedicated audit officer. From September 2003 to March 2005 a total of 247 patients were entered into the study. Of these 133 (54%) were referred by general practitioners and the remainder 114 (46%) were internal referrals. The Cancer Plan waiting time targets are mainly applicable to GP referrals, which formed the study group. RESULTS: All the patients were seen in chest out-patients clinic within the recommended two weeks period. However there was a delay in starting all forms of treatment. The median waiting time to any form of treatment was 60 days (recommendation 62 days for all patients). CONCLUSION: This data demonstrates that although patients receive out patient consultation in the recommended time period, the National Cancer Plan 62 days GP referral to treatment target is not being achieved. A concerted effort by all clinicians is required to meet the prescribed target times.

Effect of risk-adjusted, non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction on mortality and morbidity following coronary artery bypass surgery: a multi-centre study.

OBJECTIVE: As little is known about the impact of non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction on short- and mid-term outcomes following coronary surgery we have conducted a large multi-centre study comparing patients with no history of renal dysfunction to those with preoperative renal dysfunction. METHODS: Data was prospectively collected on 19,625 consecutive patients undergoing isolated coronary surgery between 1997 and 2003 from four institutions. Sixty-seven patients had a history of dialysis support prior to coronary surgery, and were excluded from the main analysis of the study. The remaining 19,558 patients were divided into two groups based on preoperative serum creatinine level, patients with preoperative renal dysfunction with serum creatinine levels >200 micromol/L without dialysis support and control patients with preoperative serum creatinine levels <200 micromol/L. Case-mix was accounted for by developing a propensity score, which was the probability of belonging to the non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction group, and included in the multivariable analyses. RESULTS: There were 19,172 patients with preoperative serum creatinine levels <200 micromol/L and 386 patients with serum creatinine levels >200 micromol/L without dialysis support. The propensity score included sex, body mass index, co-morbidity factors (respiratory disease, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia), ejection fraction, left main stem stenosis, emergency status, prior cardiac surgery, off-pump surgery, and the logistic EuroSCORE. After adjusting for the propensity score, patients with preoperative non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction had significantly higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted odds ratio 3.0, p < 0.001), stroke (adjusted odds ratio 2.0, p = 0.033), atrial arrhythmia (adjusted odds ratio 1.5, p = 0.003), prolonged ventilation (adjusted odds ratio 2.1, p < 0.001), and post-op stay > 6 days (adjusted odds ratio 2.6, p < 0.001). One thousand one hundred and eighty-three (6.1%) deaths occurred during 58,062 patient-years follow-up. After adjusting for the propensity score, the adjusted hazard ratio of mid-term mortality for non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction was 2.7 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing coronary surgery with non-dialysis-dependent renal dysfunction have significantly increased perioperative morbidity and mortality. Mid-term survival is also significantly reduced at 5-years.

Acute intraoperative malfunction of aortic valve due to surgical glue.

The use of surgical glues in aortic surgery has gained wide popularity due to their hemostatic and tissue reinforcing properties. Reports of acute complications associated with application of glue are rare. We report the case of a 52-year-old fragile, steroid-dependent woman who developed acute intraoperative dysfunction of an aortic prosthetic valve due to use of BioGlue surgical adhesive. A brief literature review of the acute and long-term complications of the glue is presented.

Off pump coronary artery bypass grafting in a patient with tracheopathia osteoplastica.

Tracheopathia osteoplastica is a rare disease of the tracheobronchial tree, which is often misdiagnosed and recognised only at post-mortem. We report the case of a 66-year-old man with this condition, mistakenly thought to be suffering from chronic bronchiectasis. He underwent successful coronary artery bypass grafting for unstable angina using an off-pump technique. A case report and brief literature review is presented.

Benign gastro-bronchial fistula - an uncommon complication of esophagectomy: case report.

BACKGROUND: Gastro-bronchial fistula (GBF) is a rare and devastating complication following esophagectomy. Making the correct diagnosis is difficult and there is no agreement on the treatment for this rare condition. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 56-year-old man who presented with features of repeated aspiration and chest infections six years following an esophagectomy for Barrett's esophagus. Despite extensive investigations the cause of symptoms was difficult to determine. The correct diagnosis of fistula from stomach to right main stem bronchus was made at bronchoscopy under general anesthesia. After ruling out local recurrence of cancer, a successful primary repair was carried out by resection of fistula and direct repair of gastric conduit and bronchus. He is well after 6 months of treatment. CONCLUSION: Late development of gastro-bronchial fistula is a rare complication of esophageal resection that may be difficult to diagnose. Surgical resection and direct closure is the treatment of choice, although the method of treatment should be tailored according to the anatomy of the fistula and the patient's condition.

Congenital bronchoesophageal fistula in a patient with Crohn's disease: a cautionary tale.

We present the case of a young lady suffering from Crohn's disease who was diagnosed as having a disabling bronchoesophageal fistula. This was mistakenly thought to be due to the Crohn's disease, and surgery was declined for fear of further complications. She required multiple admissions for frequent chest infections. At review, 5 years later for a second opinion, the fistula was deemed congenital in origin. The fistula was successfully resected, and the histology confirmed the diagnosis.

Preoperative angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition can cause severe post CPB vasodilation--current UK opinion.

Preoperative use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in cardiac surgery patients is thought to cause extreme vasodilatation in post cardiopulmonary bypass period. Opinions are divided as to whether it is beneficial or not to stop it prior to operation. A national survey in the UK was carried out on this issue. Questionnaires were sent to 167 currently practicing UK cardiac surgeons, out of which 105 (62%) replied back. Their responses were analyzed. Among the surgeons who replied to the questionnaires, the majority (63%) were of the opinion that the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors leads to vasodilatation resulting in increased usage of fluids, inotropes and vasoconstrictors. However, there was no agreement on the issue of stopping it prior to surgery. Forty one (39%) felt it was beneficial to stop the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors prior to surgery whereas 40 (38%) of them thought it was harmful to stop it. Twenty one (20%) were of the opinion that it made no difference. 39% of respondents practiced stopping the drug prior to planned operation. This national survey revealed differences in management of patients on angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors undergoing cardiac surgery. Recommendations from available literature are equally varied, highlighting the need for multicenter randomized trials to address this clinical problem.

Aortic pseudoaneurysm complicating sternal wound infection following CABG.

Pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta following coronary artery bypass grafting is a rare complication. In this report we present two such cases. We were successful in repairing the false aneurysm and sternal dehiscence in one case. The clinical features, diagnosis and surgical management are discussed.