Predictive value of POSSUM scoring system for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The POSSUM scoring system, widely employed in assessing surgical risks, offers a simplified and objective approach for the prediction of complications and mortality in patient. Despite its effectiveness in various surgical fields, including orthopedics and cardiovascular surgery, yet its utilization in elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery is infrequent. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the predictive value of POSSUM scoring system for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly with colorectal cancer. METHODS: 306 elderly colorectal cancer patients were grouped according to the complications and death within 30 days after surgery. Among them, 108 cases in complication group, 198 cases in non-complication group, 16 cases in death group and 290 cases in survival group. POSSUM scores of all subjects were obtained and its predictive value for postoperative complications and mortality of elderly was conducted by ROC curve. RESULTS: No apparent difference were observed in complications and mortality among patients with different disease types, operation types and operation timing (P> 0.05). The R2 in complication group was higher than non-complication group (P< 0.05). The R1 in death group were higher than survival group (P< 0.05). The AUC of R2 for predicting postoperative complications was 0.955 with a sensitivity of 88.89% and a specificity of 94.44% and the AUC of R1 for evaluating postoperative mortality of elderly with colorectal cancer was 0.783 with a sensitivity of 56.25% and a specificity of 82.93%. CONCLUSION: POSSUM score system has a certain predictive value for postoperative complications and mortality in elderly with colorectal cancer. However, the predicted mortality rate is higher than actual mortality rate.

Postoperative Outcomes in Surgical Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: Patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-COV-2) who require surgical procedures are likely to experience higher postoperative mortality and morbidity. Our objective was to evaluate the perioperative course of patients infected with SARS-COV-2 undergoing surgical procedures. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, outcomes, and the effect of the presence of symptoms. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort. METHODS: We analyzed the records of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection who underwent surgical procedures from March 2020 to March 2021. Patients with ongoing infection at the time of surgery and those who had recently recovered were included. The primary outcome measure was 30-day in-hospital mortality after surgery. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of stay in ICU, postoperative length of stay, and complications. FINDINGS: Data from 102 patients were analyzed. Twenty-four patients (23.5%) died postoperatively in the hospital within 30 days. Forty-four patients required ICU admission (average stay 13 days). The median postoperative length of stay was 8 days (interquartile range, 3.75 to 19.25 days). Pulmonary, thromboembolic, and surgical complications were noted in 29 (28.4%), 14 (13.7%), and 18 (17.6%), respectively. Patients aged 41 to 60 years experienced higher rates of pulmonary and thromboembolic complications. Comparison of asymptomatic versus symptomatic patients revealed significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality (9 [15%] vs 15 [35.7%], P = .019), ICU admission (17 [28.3%] vs 27 [64.3%], P < .001), length of stay in ICU (3 [2 to 11.5] vs 18 [7 to 27], P = .001), postoperative length of stay (6 [3 to 10.75] vs 12 [5 to 25.25], P = .016) and pulmonary complication rates (11 [18.3%] vs 18 [42.9%], P = .008) in the symptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Symptomatic SARS-COV-2 patients undergoing surgical procedures experience significantly higher 30-day in-hospital mortality, ICU admission, longer ICU and hospital stay, and pulmonary complications.

Does surgeon or hospital volume influence outcome in dedicated colorectal units?-A Viennese perspective.

OBJECTIVE: A clear relationship between higher surgeon volume and improved outcomes has not been convincingly established in rectal cancer surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of individual surgeon's caseload and hospital volume on perioperative outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 336 consecutive patients undergoing oncological resection for rectal cancer at two Viennese hospitals between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2020. The effect of baseline characteristics as well as surgeons' caseloads (low volume: 0-5 cases per year, high volume > 5 cases per year) on postoperative complication rates (Clavien-Dindo Classification groups of < 3 and ≥ 3) were evaluated. RESULTS: No differences in baseline characteristics were found between centers in terms of sex, smoking status, or comorbidities of patients. Interestingly, only 14.7% of surgeons met the criteria to be classified as high-volume surgeons, while accounting for 66.3% of all operations. There was a significant difference in outcomes depending on the treating center in univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis (odds ratio (OR) = 2.403, p = 0.008). Open surgery was associated with lower complication rates than minimally invasive approaches in univariate analysis (OR = 0.417, p = 0.003, 95%CI = 0.232-0.739) but not multivariate analysis. This indicated that the center's policy rather than surgeon volume or mode of surgery impact on postoperative outcomes. CONCLUSION: Treating center standards impacted on outcome, while individual caseload of surgeons or mode of surgery did not independently affect complication rates in this analysis. The majority of rectal cancer resections are performed by a small number of surgeons in Viennese hospitals.

Comparison of perioperative outcomes between colorectal operations performed on weekends versus those performed on weekdays.

BACKGROUND: Weekend surgical time is an underused asset. Concerns over a possible weekend effect (substandard care) may be a barrier. METHODS: This study examined whether a weekend effect applies to elective colorectal surgery via a single-center retrospective analysis comparing outcomes between patients who underwent elective colorectal surgery on a weekend versus a weekday. Demographics, length of stay, operative and anesthesia time, the rate of reoperation within 30 days, and the rate of major complications were compared between patient groups. RESULTS: Of the 2,008 patients identified, 1,721 (85.7%) underwent surgery on a weekday, and 287 (14.3%) underwent surgery on a weekend. The proportion of operations with an open approach was higher on weekends than weekdays (49.5% vs. 41.8%, p=0.017). Patients who underwent surgery on the weekend tended to have a shorter mean (SE) length of stay (4.2 (0.2) vs. 6.1 (0.2), p<0.001), anesthesia time (233.8 (6.5) vs. 307.6 (3.3) minutes, p<0.001), and operative time (225.4 (6.4) vs. 297.6 (3.3) minutes, p<0.001). On multivariable analysis, patients who had an operation on a weekend had a 38% lower chance of having a prolonged length of stay (>75th percentile of length of stay) compared to those on a weekday (aOR=0.62, 95% CI (0.42, 0.92)). There were no differences in rates of complications or reoperation for patients undergoing surgery on a weekend compared to a weekday. CONCLUSION: At centers with experienced anesthesiologists, appropriately trained nursing staff, and expert surgeons, colorectal surgery performed on a weekend has similar safety outcomes as surgeries performed on a weekday.

Imaging findings of the postoperative chest: What the radiologist should know.

Thoracic surgical procedures are increasing in recent years, and there are different types of lung resections. Postsurgical complications vary depending on the type of resection and the time elapsed, with imaging techniques being key in the postoperative follow-up. Multidisciplinary management of these patients throughout the perioperative period is essential to ensure an optimal surgical outcome. This pictorial review will review the different thoracic surgical techniques, normal postoperative findings and postsurgical complications.

Retrospective analysis based on a clinical grading system for patients with hepatic hemangioma: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: The optimal approach for managing hepatic hemangioma is controversial. AIM: To evaluate a clinical grading system for management of hepatic hemangioma based on our 17-year of single institution experience. METHODS: A clinical grading system was retrospectively applied to 1171 patients with hepatic hemangioma from January 2002 to December 2018. Patients were classified into four groups based on the clinical grading system and treatment: (1) Observation group with score < 4 (Obs score < 4); (2) Surgical group with score < 4 (Sur score < 4); (3) Observation group with score ≥ 4 (Obs score ≥ 4); and (4) Surgical group with score ≥ 4 (Sur score ≥ 4). The clinico-pathological index and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: There were significantly fewer symptomatic patients in surgical groups (Sur score ≥ 4 vs Obs score ≥ 4, P < 0.001; Sur score < 4 vs Obs score < 4, χ² = 8.60, P = 0.004; Sur score ≥ 4 vs Obs score < 4, P < 0.001). The patients in Sur score ≥ 4 had a lower rate of in need for intervention and total patients with adverse event than in Obs score ≥ 4 (P < 0.001; P < 0.001). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in need for intervention and total patients with adverse event between the Sur score < 4 and Obs score < 4 (P > 0.05; χ² = 1.68, P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: This clinical grading system appeared as a practical tool for hepatic hemangioma. Surgery can be suggested for patients with a score ≥ 4. For those with < 4, follow-up should be proposed.

National Surgical Quality Improvement Program audit of contemporary perioperative care for radical cystectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of increased compliance to contemporary perioperative care measures, as outlined by enhanced recover after surgery (ERAS) guidelines, among patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database we captured patients undergoing RC between 2019 and 2021. We identified five perioperative care measures: regional anaesthesia block, thromboembolism prophylaxis, ≤24 h perioperative antibiotic administration, absence of bowel preparation, and early oral diet. We stratified patients by the number of measures utilised (one to five). Statistical endpoints included 30-day complications, hospital length of stay (LOS), readmissions, and optimal RC outcome. Optimal RC outcome was defined as absence of any postoperative complication, re-operation, prolonged LOS (75th percentile, 8 days) with no readmission. Multivariable regressions with Bonferroni correction were performed to assess the association between use of contemporary perioperative care measures and outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 3702 patients who underwent RC, 73 (2%), 417 (11%), 1010 (27%), 1454 (39%), and 748 (20%) received one, two, three, four, and five interventions, respectively. On multivariable analysis, increased perioperative care measures were associated with lower odds of any complication (odds ratio [OR] 0.66, 99% confidence interval [CI] 0.6-0.73), and shorter LOS (ß -0.82, 99% CI -0.99 to -0.65). Furthermore, patients with increased compliance to contemporary care measures had increased odds of an optimal outcome (OR 1.38, 99% CI 1.26-1.51). CONCLUSIONS: Among the measures we assessed, greater adherence yielded improved postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing RC. Our work supports the efficacy of ERAS protocols in reducing the morbidity associated with RC.

Risk factors and nomogram predictive model of severe postoperative complications in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures.

Objective: To analyze risk factors of severe postoperative complications in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures (ITF), and to construct a predictive model. Methods: The medical records of 316 elderly patients with ITF who underwent surgical treatment in Suzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine from January 2020 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of severe postoperative complications. A nomogram prediction model was constructed using the RMS package of R4.1.2 software. Accuracy and stability of the model was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and decision curve analysis. Results: Age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grading, combined medical diseases, preoperative bedridden condition, frailty, and preoperative albumin levels were all risk factors for severe postoperative complications in ITF patients were noted. These factors were then used to build a risk prediction model that had an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.899 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.846-0.951). The internal validation results of the Bootstrap method showed that the C-index value of the model was 0.899, and the calibration curve had a good fit with the ideal curve. Conclusions: Age, ASA grading, combined medical diseases, preoperative bedridden condition, frailty, and preoperative albumin levels were independent risk factors for severe postoperative complications in elderly ITF patients. The constructed prediction model based on the above risk factors has a high predictive value.

A retrospective study examining the association between polypharmacy and complications after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Polypharmacy is an escalating public health concern across various healthcare settings worldwide. We aimed to comprehensively investigate postoperative complications after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer and explore their association with polypharmacy. As laparoscopic surgery is widespread, clarifying the association between polypharmacy and postoperative complications is clinically important. METHODS: We retrospectively surveyed the medical charts of adult inpatients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer at Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital between April 2019 and March 2023. Postoperative complications were determined using the Clavien-Dindo classification. We explored the factors related to postoperative complications and calculated the cut-off values for the number of medication ingredients. RESULTS: Among the 236 patients, 32 (13.6%) developed postoperative complications. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the number of regularly used medication ingredients (odds ratio = 1.160, 95% confidence interval 1.050-1.270, p = 0.002) was identified as a factor related to postoperative complications. The identified cut-off value for complications was 10 ingredients. Patients using 10 or more ingredients had approximately 3.5 times higher occurrence of postoperative complications than those using fewer than 10 ingredients (33.3% vs. 9.3%, p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: Our study comprehensively investigated postoperative complications and examined their association with polypharmacy. We found that the number of regularly used medication ingredients may be linked to complications following laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. These findings have important implications for perioperative management and patient care, providing valuable insights that may influence clinical practices and enhance patient outcomes.

Straight intramedullary MultiLoc nails for displaced proximal humeral fractures: health status, radiographic results, clinical outcome, and complications.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of the displaced proximal humerus fractures (PHF) still facing a lot of unsolved problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effect of MultiLoc nails for the treatment of PHF and present outcomes of patients with different Neer's classification and reduction quality. METHODS: Adult patients with PHFs were recruited and treated with MultiLoc nail. Intraoperative data, radiographic and functional outcomes, as well as occurrence of postoperative complications were assessed. RESULTS: 48 patients met inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in this study. The DASH Score were 32.2 ± 3.1 points at 12 months, and 37.3 ± 2.5 points at the final follow-up. The mean ASES score at 12 months and final follow-up were 74.4 ± 6.2 and 78.8 ± 5.1, respectively. The mean CM Score in all 48 patients reached 68 ± 6.4 points at the final follow-up, relative side related CM Score 75.2 ± 7.7% of contralateral extremity. The incidence rate of complications was 20.8%. Patients with fracture mal-union, adhesive capsulitis were observed but no secondary surgeries were performed. There was no significantly difference of DASH Score 12 months after surgery and at the last follow-up among patients with different Neer's classification or reduction quality. However, functional outcomes such as ASES score and CM score were significantly influenced by severity of fracture and the quality of fracture reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that MultiLoc nails is well suited for proximal humeral fractures, with satisfactory health status recovery, good radiographic results, positive clinical outcomes and low rates of complications. The treatment for four part PHF still faces great challenges. Accurate fracture reduction was an important factor for good functional result.

Comparison of the effect of combined usage of povidone-iodine irrigation and topical vancomycin powder to the use of povidone-iodine irrigation alone on the periprosthetic joint infection incidence rate in patients undergoing primary total hip and knee arthroplasty: a protocol for multicenter prospective randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: With the increasing number of joint replacement surgeries, periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has become a significant concern in orthopedic practice, making research on PJI prevention paramount. Therefore, the study will aim to compare the effect of combined usage of povidone-iodine and topical vancomycin powder to the use of povidone-iodine alone on the PJI incidence rate in patients undergoing primary total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: The prospective randomized clinical trial will be conducted in two independent voivodeship hospitals with extensive experience in lower limb arthroplasties. The studied material will comprise 840 patients referred to hospitals for primary THA or TKA. The patients will be randomly allocated to two equal groups, receiving two different interventions during joint replacement. In group I, povidone-iodine irrigation and consecutively topical vancomycin powder will be used before wound closure. In group II, only povidone-iodine lavage irrigation will be used before wound closure. The primary outcome will be the incidence rate of PJI based on the number of patients with PJI occurrence within 90 days after arthroplasty. The occurrence will be determined using a combined approach, including reviewing hospital records for readmissions and follow-up phone interviews with patients. The infection will be diagnosed based on Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria. The chi-square test will be used to compare the infection rates between the two studied groups. Risk and odds ratios for the between-groups comparison purposes will also be estimated. Medical cost analysis will also be performed. DISCUSSION: A randomized clinical trial comparing the effect of combined usage of povidone-iodine irrigation and vancomycin powder to the use of povidone-iodine irrigation alone in preventing PJIs after primary arthroplasty is crucial to advancing knowledge in orthopedic surgery, improving patient outcomes, and guiding evidence-based clinical practices. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05972603 . Registered on 2 August 2023.

Clinical application of the dissection of the preperitoneal space without electrocoagulation in laparoscopic transperitoneal inguinal hernia repair throughout of the whole process.

Introduction: The dissection of the preperitoneal space is performed using a monopolar instrument to prevent bleeding in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (TAPP). It may also cause energy injuries and nerve damage. Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety of dissection of the preperitoneal space without electrocoagulation (DPSWE) in TAPP throughout the process. Material and methods: A retrospective analysis of data of 134 patients was made. The electrocoagulation group (EG) relied on monopolar instruments. In the non-electrocoagulation group (NEG) mainly scissors were used without electrocoagulation. The patients were followed for up for 3 months. Intraoperative and postoperative conditions and other complications were observed. Results: The VAS scores in the NEG were lower than those in the EG (p < 0.05). The operation time in the NEG was shorter than that in the EG (p < 0.05). Hospitalization expenses, scrotal seroma formation, and rupture of hernia sac in the NEG were lower than those in the EG (p < 0.05). The intraoperative bleeding volume above 20 ml in the NEG was higher than that in the EG. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative bleeding, vas deferens injury, intestinal injury, surgical site infection, length of hospital stay, urinary retention and hernia recurrence in the NEG and the EG (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs) in the NEG and the EG. Conclusions: DPSWE is effective and safe. DPSWE may reduce postoperative pain and have no significant increase in postoperative bleeding.

The dynamics of perioperative serum albumin before and after total knee arthroplasty.

Background: Previous studies have evaluated preoperative serum albumin (SA) for predicting postoperative complications of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of perioperative SA and changes in SA (ΔSA) and identify any influential patient or surgical factors. Methods: In total, 381 patients (483 knees) undergoing primary TKA were recruited. SA values preoperatively (SA0), 1 week postoperatively (SA1W), and 4 weeks postoperatively (SA4W) were investigated. SA values were converted to a percentage of SA0 and differences between timepoints were calculated and expressed as follows: ΔSA1W-0, ΔSA4W-1W, and ΔSA4W-0. Patient and surgical factors previously identified or with the potential to influence SA were evaluated. Results: The median values of SA0, SA1W, and SA4W were 4.4, 3.8, and 4.2 g/dL, respectively; SA0 was significantly different between groups (p < 0.001). The incidence of low SA0 (<3.5 g/dL) was less than 1 %. Median ΔSA values were -13.7 %, 9.6 %, and -4.5 % for ΔSA1W-0, ΔSA4W-1W and ΔSA4W-0, respectively; ΔSA was significantly different between groups (p < 0.001). SA4W recovered to 95.5 % of SA0 with less than 2 % of patients having low SA4W (<3.5 g/dL). Multiple regression analyses showed SA concentration at each timepoint was significantly associated with the other SA timepoint values; age was significantly associated with SA4W and SA1W (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: We identified SA0 and age as significant factors affecting SA dynamics in the perioperative period. Low SA (<3.5 g/dL) was uncommon both preoperatively and at 4 weeks postoperatively; therefore, conventional cutoff values and preventive measures for low SA may need reconsideration.

Safety and Effectiveness of Bone Allografts for Mastoid Obliteration After Mastoidectomy: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Various materials are used to perform post-mastoidectomy mastoid obliteration (MO) to reduce the risk of recurrent infections, stasis of secretions, or caloric dizziness. Autologous materials used as fillers for MO tend to be insufficient owing to shrinkage over time or inadequate volume of these substances. Synthetic materials are unsatisfactory for MO because of the risk of rejection and extrusion. We investigated the safety and effectiveness of bone allografts for post-mastoidectomy MO. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent mastoidectomy with MO between January 2013 and January 2021. In the MO group, bone allografts were additionally used to fill the residual mastoid cavity. In the canal wall down (CWD) group, all patients underwent CWD mastoidectomy with use of additional inferiorly based mucoperiosteal flaps. RESULTS: The study included the MO group (23 ears) and the CWD group (53 ears). In the MO group, compared with the preoperative status, we observed a decrease in the tendency of the air-bone gap postoperatively. Compared with the CWD group, the total complication rate showed a decreasing tendency in the MO group. CONCLUSIONS: No patient showed post-MO shrinkage of the grafted bone allograft or otorrhea. Further large-scale studies are warranted to confirm the advantages of bone allografts for MO, including maintenance with time and sufficient amount.

Preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second and postoperative respiratory outcomes in nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Although the usefulness of pulmonary function tests has been established for lung resection and coronary artery bypass surgeries, the association between preoperative pulmonary function test and postoperative respiratory complications in nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery is inconclusive. The purpose of this study was to determine the association between preoperative forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) on pulmonary function test and the development of postoperative respiratory failure and/or death in patients undergoing major nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery. METHODS: Adult patients aged ≥ 18 years and who underwent nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery with expected moderate to high risk of perioperative complications from June 2012 to March 2019 were included. The primary exposure was preoperative FEV1 measured by pulmonary function test within six months before surgery. The primary outcome was respiratory failure (i.e., invasive positive pressure ventilation for at least 24 h after surgery or reintubation) and/or death within 30 days after surgery. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for the respiratory failure risk index, which is a scoring system that predicts the probability of postoperative respiratory failure based on patient and surgical factors, and to examine the association between preoperative FEV1 and the development of postoperative respiratory failure and/or death. RESULTS: Respiratory failure and/or death occurred within 30 days after surgery in 52 (0.9%) of 5562 participants. The incidence of respiratory failure and/or death in patients with FEV1 ≥ 80%, 70%- < 80%, 60%- < 70%, and < 60% was 0.9%, 0.6%, 1.7%, and 1.2%, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed no significant association between preoperative FEV1 and postoperative respiratory failure and/or death (adjusted odds ratio per 10% decrease in FEV1: 1.01, 95% confidence interval: 0.88-1.17, P = 0.838). Addition of FEV1 information to the respiratory failure risk index did not improve the prediction of respiratory failure and/or death [area under the receiver operating characteristics curve: 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.84) and 0.78 (95% confidence interval: 0.72-0.84), respectively; P = 0.84]. CONCLUSION: We found no association between preoperative FEV1 and postoperative respiratory failure and/or death in patients undergoing major nonpulmonary and noncardiac surgery.

Evaluation of safety and operative time in tumescent-free robotic nipple-sparing mastectomy: a retrospective single-center cohort study.

Purpose: Tumescent in nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) has been reported to increase the risk of necrosis by impairing blood flow to the skin flap and nipple-areolar complex. At our institution, we introduced a tumescent-free robotic NSM using the da Vinci single-port system (Intuitive Surgical, Inc.). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent tumescent-free robotic NSM between October 2020 and March 2023 at Asan Medical Center (Seoul, Korea). Clinicopathological characteristics, adverse events, and operative time were evaluated. Results: During the study period, 118 patients underwent tumescent-free robotic NSM. Thirty-one patients (26.3%) experienced an adverse event. Five patients (4.2%) were classified as grade III based on the Clavien-Dindo classification and required surgery. The mean total operative time was 467 minutes for autologous tissue reconstruction (n = 49) and 252 minutes for implants (n = 69). No correlation was found between the cumulative number of surgical cases and the breast operative time (P = 0.30, 0.52, 0.59 for surgeons A, B, C) for the 3 surgeons. However, a significant linear relationship (P < 0.001) was observed, with the operative time increasing by 13 minutes for every 100-g increase in specimen weight. Conclusion: Tumescent-free robotic NSM is a safe procedure with a feasible operative time and few adverse events.

Bile duct diffusion-weighted image hyperintensity predicts intrahepatic biliary complications after ABO-incompatible liver transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: We assessed the value of the diffusion-weighted image (DWI) for predicting intrahepatic biliary complications (IHBC) after ABO-incompatible liver transplantation (ABOi-LT), potentially leading to refractory cholangitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study at a single center, 56 patients who underwent ABOi-LT from March 2021 to January 2023 were analyzed. All received magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and DWI during the postoperative hospitalization. MRCP findings, including bile duct DWI hyperintensity, were assessed. Participants suspected of having a biliary infection or obstructive jaundice underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) or percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) during the follow-up. Non-anastomotic biliary strictures on cholangiography were classified as IHBC, as either perihilar or diffuse form. DWI hyperintensity was compared between groups with and without IHBC. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for IHBC. RESULTS: Of the 55 participants (median age 55 years, 39 males), IHBC was diagnosed in eight patients over a median follow-up of 15.9 months (range 5.6-31.1). Bile duct DWI hyperintensity was observed in 18 patients. Those with DWI hyperintensity exhibited a higher IHBC incidence (6/18, 33.3% vs. 2/36, 5.6%; p = 0.01), and more frequently developed the diffuse type IHBC (4/18, 22.2% vs. 1/36, 2.8%; p = 0.04). Regression analysis indicated that bile duct DWI hyperintensity is an independent risk factor for IHBC (odds ratio (OR) 10.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4, 71.2; p = 0.02) and its diffuse form (OR 15.3; 95% CI 1.2, 187.8; p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Postoperative DWI hyperintensity of bile ducts can serve as a biomarker predicting IHBC after ABOi-LT. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: Postoperative diffusion-weighted image hyperintensity of the bile duct can be used as a biomarker to predict intrahepatic biliary complications and aid in identifying candidates who may benefit from additional management for antibody-mediated rejection. KEY POINTS: Intrahepatic biliary complications following ABO-incompatible liver transplantation can cause biliary stricture and biloma formation. Bile duct hyperintensity on early postoperative diffusion-weighted imaging was associated with increased intrahepatic biliary complication risk. This marker is an additional method for identifying individuals who require intensive management to prevent complications.

Current advances in the use of artificial intelligence in predicting and managing urological complications.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising avenue for improving patient care and surgical outcomes in urological surgery. However, the extent of AI's impact in predicting and managing complications is not fully elucidated. OBJECTIVES: We review the application of AI to foresee and manage complications in urological surgery, assess its efficacy, and discuss challenges to its use. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A targeted non-systematic literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar databases to identify studies on AI in urological surgery and its complications. Evidence from the studies was synthesised. RESULTS: Incorporating AI into various facets of urological surgery has shown promising advancements. From preoperative planning to intraoperative guidance, AI is revolutionising the field, demonstrating remarkable proficiency in tasks such as image analysis, decision-making support, and complication prediction. Studies show that AI programmes are highly accurate, increase surgical precision and efficiency, and reduce complications. However, implementation challenges exist in AI errors, human errors, and ethical issues. CONCLUSION: AI has great potential in predicting and managing surgical complications of urological surgery. Advancements have been made, but challenges and ethical considerations must be addressed before widespread AI implementation.

Risk Analysis Index Frailty Score as a Predictor of Otolaryngology Surgical Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The Risk Analysis Index (RAI) score is a screening tool to assess patient frailty. It has been shown to be predictive of postoperative outcomes and mortality in orthopedic, urologic, and neurosurgical patient populations. We sought to evaluate the predictive ability of RAI score for surgical outcomes in an otolaryngology patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Academic tertiary medical center. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of adult patients undergoing otolaryngology surgery at a tertiary medical care center over 21 months. Patients were sent electronic RAI survey questionnaires via direct messaging, which was completed prior to surgery. Endpoint data were analyzed, including demographics, RAI score, and patient outcome data. Univariate analysis, ROC curves, and predictive modeling were utilized. RESULTS: A total of 517 patients responded to the RAI questionnaire, resulting in a 59.6% response rate. Mean RAI score was 21.38 ± 11.83. Higher RAI scores were associated with increased 30-day readmissions (P < .0015), postoperative complications (P < .001), hospital length of stay (P < .001), and discharge with home health (P < .001). Predictive models for RAI score and postoperative outcomes were created, and a cutoff score of RAI = 30 was established to identify frail patients. CONCLUSION: We evaluated if RAI scoring predicted postoperative complications in an otolaryngology patient population. Increased RAI score is significantly associated with poorer surgical outcomes, including increased hospital length of stay, 30-day readmissions, and postoperative complications. We propose a predictive model with suggested RAI cutoff scoring for use in the otolaryngology surgical population.

Short- and Long-Term Advantages of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy for Elderly Patients with Locally Advanced Cancer.

Minimally invasive surgery has provided several clinical advantages in locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) care, although a consensus on its application criteria remains unclear. Surgery remains a careful choice in elderly patients, who frequently present with frailty, comorbidities, and other disabling diseases. This study aims to assess the possible advantages of laparoscopic gastric resections in elderly patients presenting with LAGC. This retrospective study analyzed a single-center series of elderly patients (≥75 years) undergoing curative resections for LAGC between 2015 and 2020. A comparative analysis of open versus laparoscopic approaches was conducted, focusing on postoperative complications, length of hospital stay (LOS), and long-term survival. A total of 62 patients underwent gastrectomy through an open or a laparoscopic approach (31 pts each). The study population did not show statistically significant differences in demographics, operative risk, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The laparoscopic group reported significantly minimized overall complications (45.2 vs. 71%, p = 0.039) and pulmonary complications (0 vs. 9.7%, p = 0.038) as well as a shorter LOS (8 vs. 12 days, p = 0.007). Lymph node harvest was equal between the groups, although long-term overall survival presented significantly better after laparoscopic gastrectomy (p = 0.048), without a relevant difference in terms of disease-free and disease-specific survivals. Laparoscopic gastrectomy proves effective in elderly LAGC patients, offering substantial short- and long-term postoperative benefits.