Reducing Unnecessary Instruments in Tonsil Hemorrhage Trays at a Canadian Tertiary Care Center: A Quality Improvement Project.

BACKGROUND: In the emergency department (ED), there are pre-assembled tonsillar hemorrhage trays for management of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage and peritonsillar abscess. After use, the tray is sent to the medical device reprocessing (MDR) department for decontamination, sterilization, and re-organization, all at a significant cost to the hospital and environment. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this project was to reduce unnecessary instruments on the tonsil hemorrhage tray by 30% by 1 year and report on the associated cost and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions savings. METHODS: This quality improvement project was framed according to the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's Model for Improvement. ED and Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery staff and residents were surveyed to determine which instruments on the tonsil hemorrhage trays were used regularly. Based on results, a new tray was developed and compared to the old tray using MDR data and existing CO2 emissions calculations. RESULTS: Tray optimization resulted in a total cost reduction from $1092.63 to $330.21 per tray per year, decreased processing time from 12 to 6-8 minutes per tray, and decreased CO2 emissions from 6.11 to 2.85 kg per year for the old versus new tray, respectively. Overall, the new tray contains half the number of instruments, takes half the time to assemble, produces 50% less CO2 emissions, and will save the hospital approximately $100,000 over 10 years. CONCLUSION: Healthcare costs and environmental sustainability are collective responsibilities. Surgical and procedure tray optimization is a simple, effective, and scalable form of eco-action.

Postoperative bleeding after complex abdominal wall reconstruction: A post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Abdominal wall reconstruction requires extensive dissection of the abdominal wall, exposure of the retroperitoneum, and aggressive chemoprophylaxis to reduce the risk of thromboembolic complications. The need for early anticoagulation puts patients at risk for bleeding. We aimed to quantify postoperative blood loss, incidence of transfusion and reoperation, and associated risk factors in patients undergoing complex abdominal wall reconstruction. METHODS: All patients underwent a posterior component separation with transversus abdominis release and placement of retromuscular mesh for ventral hernias <20 cm wide and were enrolled in a clinical trial assessing the utility of trans-fascial mesh fixation. A post hoc analysis was performed to quantify postoperative hemoglobin drop, blood transfusions, and procedural interventions for ongoing bleeding during the first 30 postoperative days. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify predictors of transfusion. RESULTS: In 325 patients, hemoglobin decreased by 3.61 (±1.58) g/dL postoperatively. Transfusion incidence was 9.5% (n = 31), and 3.1% (n = 10) required a surgical intervention for bleeding. Initiation of therapeutic anticoagulation postoperatively resulted in a higher likelihood of requiring surgical intervention for bleeding (odds ratio 10.4 [95% confidence interval 2.75-43.8], P < .01). Use of perioperative therapeutic anticoagulation was associated with higher rates of transfusion (odds ratio 3.51 [95% confidence interval 1.34-8.53], P < .01). Neither intraoperative blood loss nor operative times were associated with an increased transfusion requirement or need for operative intervention. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing transversus abdominis release are at a high risk of postoperative bleeding that can require transfusion and reoperation. Patients requiring postoperative therapeutic anticoagulation are at particularly high risk.

Postoperative delayed massive bleeding in gastric cancer: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative delayed bleeding of gastric cancer is a complication of radical gastrectomy with low incidence rate and high mortality. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report presents the case of a 63-year-old female patient of Mongolian ethnicity who was diagnosed with gastric malignancy during a routine medical examination and underwent Billroth's I gastric resection in our department. However, on the 24th day after the surgery, she was readmitted due to sudden onset of hematemesis. Gastroscopy, abdominal CT, and digital subtraction angiography revealed postoperative anastomotic fistula, rupture of the duodenal artery, and bleeding from the abdominal aorta. The patient underwent three surgical interventions and two arterial embolizations. The patient's condition stabilized, and she was discharged successfully. CONCLUSION: Currently, there are no specific guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pseudoaneurysms in the abdominal cavity resulting from gastric cancer surgery. Early digital subtraction angiography examination should be performed to assist in formulating treatment plans. Early diagnosis and treatment contribute to an improved overall success rate of rescue interventions.

Stent-Graft Placement for Hepatic Arterial Hemorrhage after Pancreaticobiliary Surgery: Long-Term Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and long-term clinical outcomes of stent-graft placement to treat hepatic arterial hemorrhage after pancreaticobiliary surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Outcomes were retrospectively evaluated in 61 patients (50 men and 11 women; mean age, 63 years) who underwent stent-graft placement for delayed arterial hemorrhage (after 24 hours) after pancreaticobiliary surgery from 2006 to 2023. Bleeding sites included the gastroduodenal artery stump (n = 54), common or proper hepatic artery (n = 5), and right hepatic artery (n = 2). The stent-grafts used were Viabahn (n = 27), Comvi (n = 11), Jostent (n = 3), Covera (n = 11), and Lifestream (n = 7). Technical and clinical success and adverse events (AE) were evaluated. After stent-graft placement, overall survival (OS), hemorrhage-free survival (HFS), and stent patency were evaluated. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates of stent-graft placement were 97% and 93%, respectively. The severe AE rate was 12% and was significantly higher in patients who underwent pylorus-sacrificing rather than pylorus-preserving surgery (P = .001). None of the severe AEs were associated with patient mortality. Median OS after stent-graft placement was 854 days, and median HFS was 822 days. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year stent patency rates were 87%, 84%, 79%, and 72%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-graft placement was safe and provided long-term control of hepatic arterial hemorrhage after pancreaticobiliary surgery.

Transcatheter arterial embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate for postoperative hemorrhage treatment following pancreatoduodenectomy.

PURPOSE: Postoperative hemorrhage (PPH) is a severe complication of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with a mortality rate of 5-20.2% and mortality due to hemorrhage of 11-58%. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has been widely recommended for PPH, however, TAE with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for PPH treatment has been reported rarely. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TAE with NBCA for PPH treatment following PD. METHODS: This retrospective study included 14 male patients (mean age, 60.93 ± 10.97 years) with postoperative hemorrhage following PD treated with TAE using NBCA as the main embolic agent from October 2019 to February 2022. The clinical data, technical and success rate, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 14 patients who underwent TAE, the technical and clinical success rates were 100 and 85.71%, respectively. Angiography revealed contrast extravasation in 12 cases and a pseudoaneurysm in 3 cases. One patient developed a serious infection and died 2 days after the TAE. CONCLUSION: TAE with NBCA for PPH treatment following PD, especially for massive hemorrhage caused by a pancreatic fistula, biliary fistula, or inflammatory corrosion, can result in rapid and effective hemostasis with high safety.

Clinical Management of Major Postoperative Bleeding After Bariatric Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Major postoperative bleeding (mPOB) is the most common complication after bariatric surgery. Its intesity varies from self-limiting to life-threatening situations. Comprehensive decision-making and treatment strategies are mandatory but not established yet. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzied our prospectively collected database of our bariatric patients during 2012-2022. The primary study endpoint was major postoperative bleeding (mPOB) defined as hemoglobin drop > 2 g/dl or clinically relevant bleeding requiring intervention (transfusion, endoscopy or surgery). Secondary endpoints were overall complications according to Clavien-Dindo-Classification and comprehensive-complication-index (CCI). RESULTS: We identified 1017 patients, of whom 667 underwent gastric bypass (GB) and 350 sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Major postoperative bleeding occured in 39 patients (total 3.8%; 5.1% after GB and 2.3% after SG). Patients with mPOB were more often diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.039), chronic kidney failure (p = 0.013) or received antiplatelet drug treatment (p = 0.003). The interval from detection to intervention within 24 h was 92.1% (35/39). Blood transfusions were necessary in 20/39 cases (total 51.3%; 45.2% after GB and 75% after SG; p = 0.046). Luminal bleeding only occured after GB (19/31; 61.3%), while all mPOB after SG were intraabdominal (p = 0.002). Reoperations were performed in 21/39 (total 53.8%; 48.4% after GB and 75% after SG; p = 0.067). CCI in patients with mPOB was 34.7 overall, with 31.2 after GB and 47.9 after SG (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: The clinical appearance of mPOB depends on the type of surgery with severe bleedings after SG. We suggest a surgery first approach for mPOB after SG and an endoscopy first approach after GB.

Abnormal bleeding after lumbar vertebrae surgery because of acquired factor XIII deficiency: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Abnormal bleeding due to low fibrinogen (Fib) and coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) levels after lumbar vertebral surgery is exceedingly rare. Excessive bleeding is also associated with secondary hyperfibrinolysis. This report presents a case of abnormal incision bleeding caused by coagulation factor XIII deficiency (FXIIID) and secondary hyperfibrinolysis in a state of low fibrinogen after lumbar vertebral surgery. PATIENT CONCERNS: A middle-aged woman experienced prolonged incision and excessive bleeding after lumbar vertebral surgery. DIAGNOSIS: Combined with coagulation factors, coagulation function tests, and thromboelastography, the patient clinical presentation supported the diagnosis of FXIIID and secondary hyperfibrinolysis in a hypofibrinogenemic state. INTERVENTIONS: Cryoprecipitat, Fresh Frozen Plasma, Fibrinogen Concentrate, Leukocyte-depleted Red Blood Cells, Hemostatic (Carbazochrome Sodium Sulfonate; Hemocoagulase Bothrops Atrox for Injection; Tranexamic Acid). OUTCOMES: After approximately a month of replacement therapy and symptom treatment, the patient coagulation function significantly improved, and the incision healed without any hemorrhage during follow-up. LESSONS: Abnormal postoperative bleeding may indicate coagulation and fibrinolysis disorders that require a full set of coagulation tests, particularly coagulation factors. Given the current lack of a comprehensive approach to detect coagulation and fibrinolysis functions, a more comprehensive understanding of hematology is imperative. The current treatment for FXIIID involves replacement therapy, which requires supplementation with both Fib and FXIII to achieve effective hemostasis.

Targeted versus Empiric Embolization for Delayed Postpancreatectomy Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Study of 312 Patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and clinical effectiveness of empiric embolization (EE) compared with targeted embolization (TE) in the treatment of delayed postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of patients with delayed PPH between January 2012 and August 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. In total, 312 consecutive patients (59.6 years ± 10.8; 239 men) were included. The group was stratified into 3 cohorts according to angiographic results and treatment strategies: TE group, EE group, and no embolization (NE) group. The χ2 or Fisher exact test was implemented for comparing the clinical success and 30-day mortality. The variables related to clinical failure and 30-day mortality were identified by univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS: Clinical success of transcatheter arterial embolization was achieved in 70.0% (170/243) of patients who underwent embolization. There was no statistical difference in clinical success and 30-day mortality between the EE and TE groups. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that malignant disease (odds ratio [OR] = 5.76), Grade C pancreatic fistula (OR = 7.59), intra-abdominal infection (OR = 2.54), and concurrent extraluminal and intraluminal hemorrhage (OR = 2.52) were risk factors for clinical failure. Moreover, 33 patients (13.6%) died within 30 days after embolization. Advanced age (OR = 2.59) and intra-abdominal infection (OR = 5.55) were identified as risk factors for 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: EE is safe and as effective as TE in preventing rebleeding and mortality in patients with angiographically negative delayed PPH.

Management and outcomes of hemorrhage after distal pancreatectomy: a multicenter study at high volume centers.

BACKGROUND: Data on clinically relevant post-pancreatectomy hemorrhage (CR-PPH) are derived from series mostly focused on pancreatoduodenectomy, and data after distal pancreatectomy (DP) are scarce. METHODS: All non-extended DP performed from 2014 to 2018 were included. CR-PPH encompassed grade B and C PPH. Risk factors, management, and outcomes of CR-PPH were evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 1188 patients were included, of which 561 (47.2 %) were operated on minimally invasively. Spleen-preserving DP was performed in 574 patients (48.4 %). Ninety-day mortality, severe morbidity and CR-POPF rates were 1.1 % (n = 13), 17.4 % (n = 196) and 15.5 % (n = 115), respectively. After a median interval of 8 days (range, 0-37), 65 patients (5.5 %) developed CR-PPH, including 28 grade B and 37 grade C. Reintervention was required in 57 patients (87.7 %). CR-PPH was associated with a significant increase of 90-day mortality, morbidity and hospital stay (p < 0.001). Upon multivariable analysis, prolonged operative time and co-existing POPF were independently associated with CR-PPH (p < 0.005) while a chronic use of antithrombotic agent trended towards an increase of CR-PPH (p = 0.081). As compared to CR-POPF, the failure-to-rescue rate in patients who developed CR-PPH was significantly higher (13.8 % vs. 1.3 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CR-PPH after DP remains rare but significantly associated with an increased risk of 90-day mortality and failure-to-rescue.

Influencing Factors of Massive Hemorrhage and High-Grade Renal Vascular Injury after PCNL: A Retrospective Comparative Study.

Purpose: Severe hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is a rare but alerting event. In this study, we report the factors affecting massive hemorrhage after PCNL, various levels of vascular damage during renal angiography, and the therapeutic effect of superselective renal artery embolization (SRAE). Patients and Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 69 patients with postoperative PCNL hemorrhage who underwent SRAE from January 2010 to March 2021. Inclusion criteria for all cases were failure of conservative treatment for severe renal hemorrhage after surgery and then treatment with SRAE. In addition, 98 patients without significant hemorrhage after PCNL were randomly selected as the control group. All clinical data are confirmed by imaging and laboratory examinations. We performed univariate and multivariate analyses to find risk factors of massive hemorrhage and high-grade renal vascular injury after PCNL. Results: A total of 69 patients underwent angiography, 64 of which received SRAE due to positive hemorrhages detected by angiography. Urinary tract infection (OR (95% CI) = 11.214 (2.804∼44.842)), high blood pressure (OR (95% CI) = 5.686 (1.401∼23.083)), and no hydronephrosis (OR (95% CI) = 0.189 (0.049∼0.724)) are the most important factors leading to massive hemorrhage after PCNL. In patients who need SRAE after hemorrhage, high-grade vascular injury (grade III) is related to advanced age and decreased hemoglobin. Conclusion: During the perioperative period of PCNL, patients with a risk of hypertension, urinary tract infection, and no hydronephrosis should be strengthened to monitor their high risk of postoperative hemorrhage. For patients with postoperative hemorrhage, we can use the patient's age and decreased hemoglobin before and after operation for analysis. In this way, individualized assessment can greatly improve the efficiency of SRAE treatment.

Endovascular treatment of postoperative hemorrhage after pancreatectomy: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Ruptured aneurysm is a serious complication of distal pancreatectomy (DP) or pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. This study aimed to examine the efficacy of a Viabahn stent graft for stopping bleeding after pancreatectomy. METHODS: Between April 2016 and June 2022, we performed 245 pancreatectomies in our institution. Six patients experienced postoperative bleeding and underwent endovascular treatment. RESULTS: All six cases of bleeding occurred post-PD (3.7%). The bleeding was from gastroduodenal artery (GDA) pseudoaneurysms in three patients, and Viabahn stent grafts were inserted. All three patients did not show liver function abnormalities or hepatic blood flow disorders. One patient with a Viabahn stent graft experienced rebleeding, which required further management to obtain hemostasis. Of the six cases in which there was hemorrhage, one case of bleeding from the native hepatic artery could not be managed. CONCLUSIONS: Using the Viabahn stent graft is an effective treatment option for postoperative bleeding from GDA pseudoaneurysms following PD. In most cases, using this device resulted in successful hemostasis, without observed abnormalities in hepatic function or blood flow.

Management of Early Postoperative Bleeding After OAGB: A Single-center Experience.

INTRODUCTION: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has gained popularity among bariatric surgeons due to the shorter operative time, fewer sites for anastomotic leaks and internal herniation, shorter learning curve, ease of reversibility and revision with equivalent results to Roux en Y gastric bypass in terms of weight loss and co-morbidity resolution. We present our experience in managing early postoperative bleeding after OAGB. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent OAGB in Bariatric Surgery Unit, Ain Shams University Hospitals between January 2016 and January 2023 were followed up for 30 days for early postoperative complications. Patients were 210 females (70%) and 90 males, with a mean age of 41.3±7.1 years, and mean preoperative body mass index of 45.2±6.1 kg/m². The incidence of early postoperative bleeding, the sites of the bleeding and management strategy were reported. RESULTS: Fourteen of 300 patients (4.67%) developed early postoperative bleeding after OAGB. Intraluminal bleeding occurred in 4 patients, 3 of which were controlled by endoscopy and one by laparoscopic suturing. Intra-abdominal bleeding occurred in 10 patients, 7 of which were successfully managed conservatively, and 3 required laparoscopic management. Two cases had both intra-abdominal bleeding and intraluminal bleeding in the distal stomach, confirmed by intraoperative endoscopy, and controlled by laparoscopic suturing. CONCLUSION: Early postoperative bleeding after OAGB is a rare complication (4.67%). Conservative treatment is more successful in controlling intra-abdominal bleeding. In case of failed conservative treatment, laparoscopy is the method of choice. Most cases of intra-luminal bleeding need early endoscopic intervention.

Geometrical Characteristics of Grade III Arteriovenous Malformations That Contribute to Better Outcomes in Endovascular Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Grade III brain arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a distinct subgroup of AVMs that encompasses multiple subtypes according to the Spetzler-Martin classification. METHODS: This retrospective study included 61 patients with grade III AVM who underwent embolization between 2010 and 2022. The study analyzed the angioarchitecture of the AVM nidus and evaluated the outcomes of the embolization procedures. RESULTS: There were 29 patients (47.5%) with subtype S1E1V1, 20 patients (32.8%) with subtype S2E1V0, and 12 patients (19.7%) with subtype S2E0V1. The rate of complete occlusion in all patients was 47.5% (29 patients). The rate of complete occlusion was higher in cases with a compact nidus (P < 0.001). Several parameters were associated with occlusion of the AVM nidus, including ≤3 arterial feeders (P = 0.017) and presentation with hemorrhage (P = 0.007), with the majority of patients with a compact nidus presenting with hemorrhage. Other factors associated with compact geometry were the presence of a single deep vein, ≤3 arterial feeders, ≤2 superficial draining veins, and an AVM nidus size ≤3 cm. CONCLUSIONS: The compact nature of grade III AVM is a crucial predictor for the success of embolization. Several characteristics associated with a compact nidus, such as presentation with hemorrhage and a lower number of arterial feeders, have a significantly higher closure rate. Other factors, such as a single deep draining vein, reduced superficial venous drainage, and small size, show a strong association with complete obliteration.

Serie de casos de sangrado intraluminal postoperatorio en colectomía izquierda / Case series of postoperative intraluminal bleeding in left colectomy

Introducción: El sangrado digestivo intraluminal postoperatorio es una entidad poco frecuente y su manifestación clínica no difiere de la hemorragia digestiva baja de otra etiología. A pesar de que su presentación más habitual es la hematoquecia autolimitada en la primera deposición, en un discreto porcentaje puede requerir transfusiones, tratamiento endoscópico, hemodinámico, o incluso cirugía. Objetivo: Analizar los pacientes con sangrado digestivo intraluminal postoperatorio tratados en un centro de alta complejidad y realizar una revisión bibliográfica del tema. Diseño: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo. Material y métodos: Pacientes con sangrado anastomótico durante el post operatorio inmediato de una colectomía izquierda, operados en el Servicio de Cirugía General y Coloproctología desde enero del 2017 a diciembre del 2021. Las variables estudiadas fueron edad, sexo, anticoagulación y su causa, descenso de hemoglobina, cirugía realizada y su indicación, vía de abordaje, configuración de la anastomosis, electividad de la cirugía, complicaciones, días de internación y manejo terapéutico. Resultados: Se incluyeron 4 pacientes con una edad media de 72 (rango 54-87) años y una distribución por sexo de 1:1. En todos la colectomía izquierda fue programada y en 3 el abordaje fue laparoscópico. La anastomosis fue termino-terminal con sutura mecánica circular. Todos los pacientes presentaron sangrado en las primeras 24 horas postoperatorias. El tratamiento fue decidido de acuerdo a la condición hemodinámica: en los 2 pacientes con estabilidad hemodinámica fue suficiente el tratamiento conservador con reanimación y transfusiones. Los otros 2 que presentaron inestabilidad hemodinámica requirieron manejo intervencionista con endoscopía rígida, videocolonoscopía y cirugía. Conclusión: El sangrado intraluminal es una complicación poco frecuente de la anastomosis colorrectal que requiere manejo intervencionista solo en los pacientes que presentan inestabilidad hemodinámica. (AU)

Introduction: Postoperative intraluminal gastrointestinal bleeding is a rare entity and its clinical manifestation does not differ from lower gastro-intestinal bleeding of another etiology. Despite the fact that its most common presentation is self-limited hematochezia at the first stool, in a small percentage it may require transfusions, endoscopic or hemodynamic management, or even surgery. Aim: To analyze the patients with postoperative intraluminal gastrointestinal bleeding treated in a tertiary center and to carry out a bibliographic review of the subject. Design: Retrospective descriptive study. Material and methods: Patients with immediate postoperative anastomotic bleeding from a left colectomy, operated on at the General Surgery and Coloproctology Service from January 2017 to December 2021 were included. The variables recorded were age, sex, anticoagulation and its cause, decrease in hemoglobin, procedure performed and its indication, surgical approach, type of anastomosis, electiveness of surgery, complications, hospital stay and management. Results: Four patients with a mean age of 72 (range 54-87) years and a 1:1 gender distribution were included. All procedures were elective and 3 laparoscopic. All anastomoses were performed end-to-end with a circular stapler. All patients presented bleeding in the first 24 postoperative hours. The treatment was decided according to the hemodynamic condition; patients with hemodynamic stability (2) received medical treatment while those with hemodynamic instability (2) required interventional management with rigid endoscopy, colonoscopy and surgery. Conclusion: Intraluminal bleeding is a rare complication of colorectal anastomosis that requires interventional management only in patients with hemodynamic instability. (AU)