Airway-Associated Complications With and Without Primary Tracheotomy in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Surgery.

PURPOSE: This study analyzes postoperative airway management, tracheotomy strategies, and airway-associated complications in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma in a tertiary care university hospital setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After institutional approval, airway-associated complications, tracheotomy, length of hospital stay (LOHS), and length of intensive care unit stay were retrospectively recorded. Patients were subdivided in primarily tracheotomized and not-primarily tracheotomized. Subgroup analyses dichotomized the not-primarily tracheotomized patients into secondary tracheotomized and never tracheotomized. Associations were calculated using regression analyses. A multivariate regression model was used to determine risk factors for secondary tracheotomy. RESULTS: A total of 207 patients were included. One hundred fifty-three patients (73.9%) were primarily tracheotomized. Primarily tracheotomized patients showed longer LOHS [odds ratio (OR) 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.07, P =0.008] but decreased need for reventilation within the intensive care unit stay (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.15-0.99, P =0.05) compared with not-primarily tracheotomized patients. Within the not-primarily tracheotomized patients, secondary tracheotomized during the hospital stay was needed in 15 of 54 patients (27.8%). In secondary tracheotomized patients, airway management due to respiratory failure was required in 6/15 (40%) patients resulting in critical airway situations in 3/6 (50%) patients. Multivariate regression model showed secondary tracheotomy-associated with bilateral neck dissection (OR 5.93, 95% CI 1.22-28.95, P =0.03) and pneumonia (OR 16.81, 95% CI 2.31-122.51, P =0.005). CONCLUSION: Primary tracheotomy was associated with extended LOHS, whereas secondary tracheotomy was associated with increased complications rates resulting in extended length of intensive care unit stay. Especially in not-primarily tracheotomized patients, careful individualized patient evaluation and critical re-evaluation during intensive care unit stay is necessary to avoid critical airway events.

Omission of tranexamic acid does not increase the amount of perioperative blood transfusions in patients undergoing one-level spinal fusion surgery: a retrospective propensity score-matched noninferiority study.

INTRODUCTION: Application of tranexamic acid (TXA) in spine surgery is very frequent even without signs of hyperfibrinolysis, although its beneficial blood-saving effects are offset by harmful adverse events such as thromboembolic incidents. Thus, we investigated whether in relatively less invasive spinal procedures such as one-level posterior spinal fusion, omission of TXA affects the requirement for blood transfusions. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective propensity score-matched noninferiority study with 212 patients who underwent one-level posterior spine fusion and who were stratified according to whether they received TXA intraoperatively at our tertiary care center. The primary endpoint was the volume of transfused packed red cells. Testing for noninferiority or equivalence was performed by two one-sided testing procedure (TOST) with a priori defined noninferiority margins ([Formula: see text]). RESULTS: After propensity score matching a total of five patients (11.6%) treated with TXA were transfused compared with five patients (11.6%) who did not receive TXA. The majority of patients (51.2%) had a risk-increasing condition. The risk difference (no TXA-TXA) of intraoperative transfusion was - 4.7% (CI 90% - 13.62 to 4.32%), and omitting TXA was noninferior ([Formula: see text] = [Formula: see text]  10%). The mean intergroup difference in transfused volume (no TXA-TXA) was - 23.26 ml intraoperatively (CI 90% - 69.34 to 22.83 ml) and - 46.51 ml overall (CI 90% - 181.12 to 88.1 ml), respectively, suggesting equivalence of TXA omission ([Formula: see text] = [Formula: see text] 300 ml). The hemoglobin decline between both groups was also equivalent (with [Formula: see text] = [Formula: see text] 1 g/dl) both on the first postoperative day ([Formula: see text] Hb = 0.02 g/dl, CI 90% - 0.53 to 0.56 g/dl) and at discharge ([Formula: see text] Hb = - 0.29 g/dl, CI 90% - 0.89 to 0.31 g/dl). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that requirement of transfusion is rare among one-level fusion surgery and the omission of TXA is noninferior with regard to blood transfusion in high-risk patients undergoing this procedure. Therefore, the prophylactic use of TXA cannot be recommended here, suggesting to focus on alternative blood conservation strategies, if necessary.

Impaired vascular endothelial function as a perioperative risk predictor - a prospective observational trial.

BACKGROUND: In the recent years, an increasing number of patients with multiple comorbidities (e.g. coronary artery disease, diabetes, hypertension) presents to the operating room. The clinical risk factors are accompanied by underlying vascular-endothelial dysfunction, which impairs microcirculation and may predispose to end-organ dysfunction and impaired postoperative outcome. Whether preoperative endothelial dysfunction identifies patients at risk of postoperative complications remains unclear. In this prospective observational study, we tested the hypothesis that impaired flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a non-invasive surrogate marker of endothelial function, correlates with Days at Home within 30 days after surgery (DAH30). DAH30 is a patient-centric metric that captures postoperative complications and importantly also hospital re-admissions. METHODS: Seventy-one patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were enrolled. FMD was performed pre-operatively prior to major abdominal surgery and patients were dichotomised at a threshold value of 10%. FMD was then correlated with DAH30 (primary endpoint) and postoperative complications (secondary endpoints). RESULTS: DAH30 did not differ between patients with reduced FMD and normal FMD (14 (4) (median (IQR)) vs. 15 (8), P = 0.8). Similary, no differences between both groups were found for CCI (normal FMD: 21 (30) (median (IQR)), reduced FMD: 26 (38), P = 0.4) or frequency of major complications (normal FMD: 7 (19%) (n (%)), reduced FMD: 12 (35%), P = 0.12). The regression analyses revealed that FMD in combination with ASA status and surgery duration had no additional significant predictive effect for DAH30, CCI or Clavien-Dindo score. CONCLUSION: FMD does not add predictive value with regards to DAH30, CCI or Clavien-Dindo score within our study cohort of patients undergoing abdominal surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register ( DRKS00005472 ), prospectively registered on 25/11/2013.

Volumetric Analysis and Clinical Outcome in 54 Patients with Retrobulbar Hematoma.

PURPOSE: Retrobulbar hematoma (RBH) is a rare but serious vision threatening emergency. We analyze the relationship between hematoma volume, visual impairment and outcome. METHODS: Fifty-four patients with RBH receiving orbital decompression were retrospectively included. Volumetric analysis of RBH was performed by semi-automatic segmentation based on preoperative CT scans using ITK-SNAP software. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurements were obtained and correlated in 2 groups (no light perception (NLP), severe visual impairment) with the hematoma volume. RESULTS: NLP was documented preoperatively in 5/28 and postoperatively in 9/43 patients. Preoperative NLP was significantly associated with a larger hematoma volume (P = .03) and higher hematoma/orbital volume ratio (P = .03). Postoperative severe visual impairment showed significant associations with a larger hematoma volume (P = .02) as well as higher hematoma/orbital volume ratio (P = .02). CONCLUSION: Eyes with severe visual impairment and large hematoma volumes preoperatively are at high risk of permanent vision loss. Hematoma volume calculation might represent an additional prognostic parameter for visual outcome after RBH.

Acute Exercise Increases the Expression of KIR2DS4 by Promoter Demethylation in NK Cells.

Positive effects of exercise on cancer prevention and progression have been proposed to be mediated by stimulating natural killer (NK) cells. Because NK cell receptors are regulated by epigenetic modifications, we investigated whether acute aerobic exercise and training change promoter DNA methylation and gene expression of the activating KIR2DS4 and the inhibiting KIR3DL1 gene. Sixteen healthy women (50-60 years) performed a graded exercise test (GXT) and were randomized into either a passive control group or an intervention group performing a four-week endurance exercise intervention. Blood samples (pre-, post-GXT and post-training) were used for isolation of DNA/RNA of NK cells to assess DNA promoter methylation by targeted deep-amplicon sequencing and gene expression by qRT-PCR. Potential changes in NK cell subsets were determined by flow cytometry. Acute and chronic exercise did not provoke significant alterations of NK cell proportions. Promoter methylation decreased and gene expression increased for KIR2DS4 after acute exercise. A high gene expression correlated with a low methylation of CpGs that were altered by acute exercise. Chronic exercise resulted in a minor decrease of DNA methylation and did not alter gene expression. Acute exercise provokes epigenetic modifications, affecting the balance between the activating KIR2DS4 and the inhibiting KIR3DL1, with potential benefits on NK cell function.

A novel histopathological scoring system for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Tumor invasion into blood and/or lymphatic vessels, perineural invasion, and histopathological grading are evaluated to assess the biological aggressiveness of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). We aim to assess the prognostic impact of a novel scoring system, based upon the aforementioned histological parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 334 patients with treatment-naive squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. Statistical analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate analysis. Histological grade G1 or G2 were assigned 0 points and G3 or G4 1 point. Invasion of the lymphatic vessels, blood vessels, or perineural space was given 1 point. Zero points were given, when invasion was not detectable. The final score was conducted through addition of each parameter. Therefore, our scoring system ranged between 0 and 4 points. RESULTS: T-classification (p < 0.001), N-classification (p < 0.001), UICC stage (p < 0.001), extracapsular spread (p < 0.001), locoregional recurrence (p < 0.001), and overall survival (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the OSCC-Histoscore. In multivariate analysis, T-classification (p = 0.001), N-classification (p = 0.039), resection margins (p = 0.038), and OSCC-Histoscore (p < 0.001) were independent prognostic markers for overall survival rate. CONCLUSION: Our presented OSCC-Histoscore serves as a strong independent prognostic parameter for 5-year overall survival (OS) and predicts OS better than T-classification, N-classification, and resection margins. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our presented histoscore improves prediction of the overall survival of patients with OSCC.

Novel Navigated Ultrasound Compared With Conventional Ultrasound for Vascular Access­a Prospective Study in a Gel Phantom Model.

OBJECTIVES: The authors hypothesized that, compared with conventional ultrasound (CUS), the use of a novel navigated ultrasound (NUS) technology would increase success rates and decrease performance times of vascular access procedures in a gel phantom model. DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, crossover study. SETTING: A university Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 44 anesthesiologists with varying clinical experience. INTERVENTIONS: Anesthesiologists performed in-plane and out-of-plane vascular access procedures using both NUS and CUS for needle visualization in a gel phantom model. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Procedure time was measured from needle insertion to verbalization of final needle positioning by the participants, and successful needle placement into the simulated vessel was verified by aspiration of simulated blood. By employing ultrasound navigation capabilities in addition to real-time ultrasound imaging during in-plane/long-axis vascular access procedures, median procedure time showed a nonsignificant decrease (7.5 seconds v 13.0 seconds; p = 0.028), and the observed increase in procedure success rate (90.9% v 100%; p = 0.125) did not reach statistical significance. For out-of-plane/short-axis vascular access procedures, a significant reduction in median procedure time (5.0 seconds v 11.5 seconds; p<0.001) and a significant increase in procedure success rate (75% v 100%; p<0.001) were achieved by using navigation technology combined with real-time ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: NUS technology improved the performance times and success rates of vascular access procedures conducted by anesthesiologists in a gel phantom model.

Brachial artery reactivity and vascular reactive hyperemia for preoperative anaesthesia risk assessment - an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive measures of vascular reactivity have emerged to refine cardiovascular risk. However, limited data exists investigating vascular reactivity as a preoperative diagnostic tool for anesthesiologists. In this study, we compare the utility of two non-invasive techniques, Brachial Artery Reactivity Testing (BART) and Digital Thermal Monitoring (DTM), as surrogates for measuring vascular reactivity. METHODS: Following IRB approval, 26 patients scheduled for major thoracic surgery (e.g. esophagectomy and pneumonectomy) were studied prospectively. BART [Flow mediated dilation (FMD) and Peak flow velocity (PFV)] and DTM [Temperature rebound (TR%)] were performed preoperatively at baseline using 5 minute blood pressure cuff occlusion of the upper arm. Statistical summaries were provided for the comparison of BART and DTM with select patient characteristics, and correlations were used to investigate the strength of the relationship between BART and DTM measurements. RESULTS: Patients preoperatively diagnosed with hyperlipidemia were associated with lower FMD% values {Median (Range): 14.8 (2.3, 38.1) vs. 6.2 (0.0, 14.3); p = 0.006}. There were no significant associations between BART and DTM techniques in relation to cardiovascular risk factors or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that impaired vascular reactivity as measured by BART is associated with the incidence of hyperlipidemia. Also, using a novel technique such as DTM may provide a simpler and more accessible point of care testing for vascular reactivity in a perioperative setting. Both non-invasive techniques assessing vascular function warrant further refinement to better assist preoperative optimization strategies aimed at improving perioperative vascular function.

Survival After Ditching in Motorized Aircraft, 1989-2022.

INTRODUCTION: Although an unintended aircraft landing on water (referred to as ditching) is a rare event, the potential for occupant injury/fatality increases immediately following the event due to adverse conditions. However, to date, few studies have addressed the subject. Herein, ditching events and post-ditching survival were investigated.METHODS: Ditchings (1982-2022) in the United States were identified from the National Transportation Safety Board database. Occupant injury severity, aircraft type, pilot experience, flight conditions, and number of occupants were extracted. Poisson distribution, the Chi-squared test (2-tailed), Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance were employed.RESULTS: A total of 96 ditchings were identified. A systematic survey was hampered by the lack of a standardized reporting matrix in the reports. In total, 77 reports were included in the analysis. Across all ditchings, 128 of 169 (76%) occupants survived ditching and were rescued. Importantly, the initial ditching event was survived by 95% of all occupants. However, 32 (19%) occupants died post-ditching by drowning (21/32 cases) or for undetermined reasons. Considering probability per ditching event, in 26 (34%) of all ditchings, one or more occupants was/were fatally injured.DISCUSSION: Initial survival of the emergency ditching is high. Drowning was the leading cause of death after ditching and reduced the overall survival to 76%. Further investigation is needed to identify risk factors for fatal outcomes and/or improve probability of survival after ditching.Schick VC, Boyd DD, Hippler C, Hinkelbein J. Survival after ditching in motorized aircraft, 1989-2022. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2024; 95(5):254-258.

Laryngeal Mask Airway Versus Endotracheal Intubation during Lacrimal Duct Stenosis Surgery in Children-A Retrospective Analysis.

Background: The use of laryngeal masks in the surgical treatment of infantile lacrimal duct stenosis is controversial due to the potential risk of aspiration. Aims: This study investigates airway procedures in children aged <6 years for surgery of lacrimal duct stenosis in a tertiary care university hospital. Methods: After institutional approval, airway procedures, duration of anesthesiological measures, and airway-related complications were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the airway procedures used (endotracheal tube [ET] vs. laryngeal mask [LMA] airway). Associations were calculated using the Chi-square test or Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Clinical data of 84 patients (ET n = 36 [42.9%] vs. LMA n = 48 [57.1%]) were analyzed. There were no significant differences in surgical treatment, age distribution, and pre-existing conditions between the groups. None of the patients showed evidence of tracheal aspiration or changes in measured oxygen saturation. LMA airway shortened time for anesthesia induction (p = 0.006) and time for recovery/emergence period (p = 0.03). In contrast, the time to discharge from the recovery room was significantly prolonged using LMA (p = 0.001). A total of 7 adverse events were recorded. Five of these were directly or indirectly related to ET (laryngo-/bronchospasm; muscle relaxant residual). Conclusions: LMA airway for infantile lacrimal duct stenosis seems to be a safe procedure and should be used in appropriate pediatric patients due to its lower invasiveness, low complication rate, and time savings.

Release of Hyaluronan in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage and Cerebral Vasospasm: A Pilot Study Indicating a Shedding of the Endothelial Glycocalyx.

BACKGROUND: This pilot study investigated plasma concentrations of hyaluronan, heparan sulfate, and syndecan-1 as possible biomarkers for glycocalyx integrity after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). METHODS: Daily blood samples for biomarker assay were obtained in aSAH patients on the intensive care unit stay and compared with samples from a historic cohort of 40 healthy controls. In post hoc subgroup analyses in patients with and without cerebral vasospasm, we explored the influence of aSAH-related cerebral vasospasm on biomarker levels. RESULTS: A total of 18 aSAH patients and 40 historic controls were included in the study. Median (interquartile range) plasma levels of hyaluronan were higher in aSAH patients compared with controls (131 [84 to 179] vs. 92 [82 to 98] ng/mL, respectively; P=0.009), whereas heparan sulfate (mean±SD: 754±428 vs. 1329±316 ng/mL; P<0.001) and syndecan-1 (median: 23 [17 to 36] vs. 30 [23 to 52] ng/mL; P=0.02) levels were lower. Patients who developed vasospasm had significantly higher median hyaluronan concentrations at day 7 (206 [165 to 288] vs. 133 [108 to 164] ng/mL, respectively; P=0.009) and at day of first vasospasm detection (203 [155 to 231] vs. 133 [108 to 164] ng/mL, respectively; P=0.01) compared with those without vasospasm. Heparan sulfate and syndecan-1 concentrations were similar in patients with and without vasospasm. CONCLUSIONS: The increased plasma concentrations of hyaluronan after aSAH suggest selective shedding of this component of the glycocalyx. Increased levels of hyaluronan in patients with cerebral vasospasm, underlines a potential role for hyaluronan in vasospasm processes.

Prophylactic removal of titanium osteosynthesis miniplates in patients after midface fractures - A retrospective cohort study.

The aim of the study was to evaluate prophylactic removal of titanium osteosynthesis miniplates in patients after midface fractures. Complaints after fracture treatment and complications after plate removal were analyzed, retrospectively. A total of 205 patients were included. Plate removal was performed in 99 cases. Complaints related to the osteosynthesis material resulted in more frequent plate removal (p < 0.001). Complications were noted in 22 patients after plate removal. Duration of plate removal did not correlate with postoperative complications. In 69 patients, plates were removed without previous symptoms. Of these patients, postoperative complications were recorded in 15 cases. In patients with complaints after osteosynthesis, complications after plate removal occurred in seven (23.3%) patients. Ectropia developed significantly more often with increasing age (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study it seems that prophylactic plate removal is a treatment option that is not associated with an increased complication rate.

End-tidal carbon dioxide in the early phase of cardiopulmonary exercise testing prior to major colorectal cancer surgery associates with postoperative outcome.

BACKGROUND: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) objectively informs preoperative risk stratification prior to major surgery. CPET facilities are resource intensive and therefore more cost-effective triage methods are desirable for scalability. We tested two dynamic CPET parameters (end-tidal CO2 (PetCO2) and heart rate (HR)) to early phase exercise and resting diffusion capacity (DLCO) as potential point of care assessments that could be used outside of formal CPET testing facilities. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 84 patients who underwent CPET prior to elective major abdominal cancer surgery. Data were analyzed for PetCO2 and HR in response to early phase (2 minutes) exercise as well as resting DLCO against postoperative complications and two-year survival. Complications were classified according to Clavien-Dindo classification into less severe and severe (CD>IIIb) grades. Optimal cut points for predicting outcomes were determined using the Youden Index of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Multivariate regression modeling including both logistic and Cox proportional-hazards model adjusted to age and comorbidity burden was used to analyse the association between the selected parameters and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: PetCO2, in response to two minutes of loaded exercise was higher in survivors than in non-survivors (median (IQR) 40.0 (4.2) mmHg vs. 34.5 (5.2) mmHg, P<0.001). There was no association between chronotropic response and postoperative outcome. The optimal cut point for predicting postoperative complications and survival was 38 mmHg and 37.1 mmHg for PetCO2, respectively. Low PetCO2 was associated with considerably lower odds of survival (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03, 0.47; P=0.003) and additionally increased odds of severe postoperative complications (OR 6.77; 95% CI 1.45, 38.4; P=0.019). Reduced age-predicted DLCO% <80% was associated with increased mortality (HR 5.27; 95% CI 1.09, 25.5; P=0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of DLCO at rest and dynamic assessment of PetCO2 during the early phase of exercise may potentially be developed as inexpensive point-of-care triage tools to scale objective preoperative risk assessment.

Surgical side infections of the tracheostomy - A retrospective cohort study of patients with head and neck cancer in intensive care.

This study was conducted to reveal the relevant risk factors for surgical site infections (SSI) of the tracheostomy in ICU tracheostomy patients with oncologic history. Retrospectively, medical and ICU records of patients who received open tracheostomy in a uniform manner were investigated. Of 187 consecutive patients in total, patients with a peri/post-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (POABP) experienced significantly more Organ-Space SSI, whereas patients with a POABP developed less Superficial Incisional SSI and Deep Incisional SSI. Neck Dissection (p = 0.025), especially the more levels are included, and POABP (p = 0.005) have a significant impact on the occurrence of an SSI of the tracheostomy. Deep incisional SSI significantly prolonged a patient's dependency on a ventilator (p = 0.045, M = 3.92, SD = 4.718). The difference between Superficial Incisional, Deep Incisional and Organ-Space SSI should be taken in consideration regarding risk evaluation and treatment. Furthermore, a gram-negative facultative anaerobic biofilm should be taken into consideration in treatment options and thus an escalation regarding antibiotic treatment as a POABP. For fulminant SSI of the tracheostomy the use of piperacillin/tazobactam or 3rd generation cephalosporines or carbapenems is recommendable.

Preoperative exercise induces endothelial progenitor cell mobilisation in patients undergoing major surgery - A prospective randomised controlled clinical proof-of-concept trial.

Introduction: Prehabilitation is increasingly recognised as a therapeutic option to reduce postoperative complications. Investigating the beneficial effects of exercise on cellular mechanisms, we have previously shown that a single episode of exhaustive exercise effectively stimulates endothelial progenitor cells (a cell population associated with vascular maintenance, repair, angiogenesis, and neovascularization) in correlation with fewer postoperative complications, despite the ongoing debate about the appropriate cell surface marker profiles of these cells (common phenotypical definitions include CD45dim, CD133+, CD34+ and/or CD31+). In order to translate these findings into clinical application, a feasible prehabilitation programme achieving both functional and cellular benefits in a suitable timeframe to expedite surgery is necessary. Objective: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that a four-week prehabilitation programme of vigorous-intensity interval exercise training is feasible, increases physical capacity (primary outcome) and the circulatory number of endothelial progenitor cells within peripheral blood. Methods: In this unblinded, parallel-group, randomised controlled proof-of-concept clinical trial (German Clinical Trial Register number: DRKS00000527) conducted between 01st December 2014 and 30th November 2016, fifteen female adult patients scheduled for incontinence surgery with abdominal laparotomy at the University Hospital Cologne were allocated to either an exercise (n = 8, exclusion of 1 patient, analysed n = 7) or non-exercise group (n = 7, exclusion of 1 patient, analysed n = 6). The exercise group's intervention consisted of a vigorous-intensity interval training for four weeks preoperatively. Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing accompanied by peripheral blood collection was performed before and after the (non-)training phase. Cellular investigations were conducted by flow cytometry and cluster-based analyses. Results: Vigorous-intensity interval training over four weeks was feasible in the exercise group (successful completion by 8 out of 8 patients without any harms), with significant improvements in patients' functional capacity (increased oxygen uptake at anaerobic threshold [intervention group mean + 1.71 ± 3.20 mL/min/kg vs. control group mean -1.83 ± 2.14 mL/min/kg; p = 0.042] and peak exercise [intervention group mean + 1.71 ± 1.60 mL/min/kg vs. control group mean -1.67 ± 1.37 mL/min/kg; p = 0.002]) and a significant increase in the circulatory number of endothelial progenitor cells (proportionate CD45dim/CD14dim/CD133+/CD309+/CD34+/CD31 + subpopulation within the circulating CD45-pool [p = 0.016]). Conclusions: We introduce a novel prehabilitation concept that shows effective stimulation of an endothelial progenitor cell subpopulation within four weeks of preoperative exercise, serving as a clinical cell-mediated intervention with the aim to reduce surgical complications. Funding: Institutional funding. DFG (German Research Foundation, 491454339) support for the Article Processing Charge.

Retrospective analysis of open bedside tracheotomies in a German tertiary care university hospital.

OBJECTIVE: Open surgical tracheotomy performed beside (STB) is a standardized procedure in critical ill patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate perioperative complications and the safety of STB in a tertiary care university hospital setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intra- and postoperative complications were retrospectively recorded and associations based on the evaluation of clinical and laboratory parameters were studied using regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 562 patients were included. Early tracheotomy shortened ventilation time after tracheotomy (ventilation before STB ≤ 5 days: mean 9.2 ± 9.1 days; ventilation before STB ≥ 6 days: mean 11.5 ± 10.5 days, p = 0.0001). Overall complications were found in 30/562 cases (5.3%), major complications in 12/562 cases (2.1%). Significant risk factors for overall tracheotomy related complications were higher body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.07, p = 0.02), lower CRP (OR 0.99, CI 0.99-1.00, p = 0.03), higher INR (OR 5.67, CI 1.27-25.34, p = 0.02), longer duration of operation (OR 1.03, CI 1.00-1.06, p = 0.04) and tracheotomy during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support (OR 6.26, CI 1.21-32.44, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: STB represents a safe surgical procedure, also suitable for patients with an increased risk profile. Careful evaluation of individual risk factors should be favored to reduce procedure related complications.

Comparison of Volume-Guaranteed or -Targeted, Pressure-Controlled Ventilation with Volume-Controlled Ventilation during Elective Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

For perioperative mechanical ventilation under general anesthesia, modern respirators aim at combining the benefits of pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) and volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) in modes typically named "volume-guaranteed" or "volume-targeted" pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV-VG). This systematic review and meta-analysis tested the hypothesis that PCV-VG modes of ventilation could be beneficial in terms of improved airway pressures (Ppeak, Pplateau, Pmean), dynamic compliance (Cdyn), or arterial blood gases (PaO2, PaCO2) in adults undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. Three major medical electronic databases were searched with predefined search strategies and publications were systematically evaluated according to the Cochrane Review Methods. Continuous variables were tested for mean differences using the inverse variance method and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Based on the assumption that intervention effects across studies were not identical, a random effects model was chosen. Assessment for heterogeneity was performed with the χ2 test and the I2 statistic. As primary endpoints, Ppeak, Pplateau, Pmean, Cdyn, PaO2, and PaCO2 were evaluated. Of the 725 publications identified, 17 finally met eligibility criteria, with a total of 929 patients recruited. Under supine two-lung ventilation, PCV-VG resulted in significantly reduced Ppeak (15 studies) and Pplateau (9 studies) as well as higher Cdyn (9 studies), compared with VCV [random effects models; Ppeak: CI -3.26 to -1.47; p < 0.001; I2 = 82%; Pplateau: -3.12 to -0.12; p = 0.03; I2 = 90%; Cdyn: CI 3.42 to 8.65; p < 0.001; I2 = 90%]. For one-lung ventilation (8 studies), PCV-VG allowed for significantly lower Ppeak and higher PaO2 compared with VCV. In Trendelenburg position (5 studies), this effect was significant for Ppeak only. This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrates that volume-targeting, pressure-controlled ventilation modes may provide benefits with respect to the improved airway dynamics in two- and one-lung ventilation, and improved oxygenation in one-lung ventilation in adults undergoing elective surgery.

On-board emergency medical equipment of European airlines.

BACKGROUND: Medical emergencies frequently occur in commercial airline flights, but valid data on causes and consequences are rare. Therefore, optimal extent of onboard emergency medical equipment remains largely unknown. Whereas a minimum standard is defined in regulations, additional material is not standardized and may vary significantly between airlines. METHODS: European airlines operating aircrafts with at least 30 seats were selected and interviewed with a 5-page written questionnaire including 81 items. Besides pre-packed and required emergency medical material, drugs, medical devices, and equipment lists were queried. If no reply was received, airlines were contacted up to three times by email and/or phone. Descriptive analysis was used for data interpretation. RESULTS: From a total of 305 European airlines, 253 were excluded from analysis (e.g., no passenger transport). 52 airlines were contacted and data of 22 airlines were available for analysis (one airline was excluded due to insufficient data). A first aid kit is available on all airlines. 82% of airlines (18/22) reported to have a "doctor's kit" (DK) or an "Emergency Medical Kit" (EMK) onboard. 86% of airlines (19/22) provide identical equipment in all aircraft of the fleet, and 65% (14/22) airlines provide an automated external defibrillator. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas minimal required material according to European aviation regulations is provided by all airlines for medical emergencies, there are significant differences in availability of the additional material. The equipment of most airlines is not sufficient for treatment of specific emergencies according to published in-flight medical guidelines (e.g., for CPR or acute myocardial infarction).

The prognostic implications of comorbidity and risk factors for (post)operative complications, days spent in the intensive care unit (ICU), and length of hospitalization in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of comorbidity/risk factors in a cohort of patients with OSCC. METHODS: The prospective study included patients with biopsy-proven primary OSCC. The impact of potential predictors on (post)operative complications, days spent in the ICU, and length of hospitalization was analyzed using both univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Using a microvascular free flap (p = 0.009) and tobacco abuse (p = 0.005) had statistically significant impacts on postoperative complications in univariate, but not in multivariate, analysis. The duration of anesthesia (p < 0.001), type of neck dissection (p = 0.014), reconstruction type (p < 0.001), and red blood cell transfusion during operation (p = 0.007) had statistically significant impacts on spending ≥ 3 days in ICU in univariate analysis, with reconstruction type (p = 0.022) and red blood cell transfusion during operation (p = 0.034) having similar impacts in multivariate analysis. The duration of anesthesia (p < 0.001), pT (p = 0.009), type of neck dissection (p = 0.046), reconstruction type (p < 0.001), and microvascular free flap (p < 0.001) had a statistically significant impacts on length of hospitalization in univariate analysis, with reconstruction type (p < 0.001) also having a significant impact in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: None of the investigated variables showed a significant effect on the prediction of (post)operative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The type of reconstruction proved to be a valid predictor for the time spent in ICU as well as for the overall length of hospitalization. Red blood cell transfusion during operation further predicted the time spent in ICU after operation. Both variables should be taken into account when performing a comprehensive planning of the patients' hospitalization.