A retrospective review of outcomes after hyperbaric oxygen therapy for the treatment of calciphylaxis.

BACKGROUND: Calciphylaxis is a thrombotic vasculopathy characterized by painful necrotic ulcerations. There are no Food and Drug Administration approved therapies despite high mortality. OBJECTIVE: To compare mortality and wound healing outcomes in patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in addition to intravenous sodium thiosulfate (IV STS) versus patients who received IV STS only. Findings were stratified by dialysis status and modality. METHODS: 93 patients were included, with 57 patients in the control group (IV STS) and 36 patients in the treatment group (HBOT + IV STS). Mortality data were analyzed with traditional survival analyses and Cox proportional hazard models. Longitudinal wound outcomes were analyzed with mixed effects modeling. RESULTS: Univariate survival analyses showed that full HBOT treatment was associated with significantly (P = .016) longer survival time. Increasing number of HBOT sessions was associated with improved mortality outcomes, with 1, 5, 10 and 20 sessions yielding decreasing hazard ratios. There was also a significant (P = .042) positive association between increasing number of HBOT sessions and increased wound score. LIMITATIONS: Data collection was retrospective. CONCLUSION: HBOT may have a role in the treatment of calciphylaxis with benefits demonstrated in both mortality and wound healing. Larger prospective studies are needed to identify which patients would most benefit from this intervention.

Incidence of airway complications associated with deep extubation in adults.

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal extubation is the most crucial step during emergence from general anesthesia and is usually carried out when patients are awake with return of airway reflexes. Alternatively, extubations can also be accomplished while patients are deeply anesthetized, a technique known as "deep extubation", in order to provide a "smooth" emergence from anesthesia. Deep extubation is seldomly performed in adults, even in appropriate circumstances, likely due to concerns for potential respiratory complications and limited research supporting its safety. It is in this context that we designed our prospective study to understand the factors that contribute to the success or failure of deep extubation in adults. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 300 patients, age ≥ 18, American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status (ASA PS) Classification I - III, who underwent head-and-neck and ocular surgeries. Patients' demographic, comorbidity, airway assessment, O2 saturation, end tidal CO2 levels, time to exit OR, time to eye opening, and respiratory complications after deep extubation in the OR were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty (13%) out of 300 patients had at least one complication in the OR, as defined by persistent coughing, desaturation SpO2 < 90% for longer than 10s, laryngospasm, stridor, bronchospasm and reintubation. When comparing the complication group to the no complication group, the patients in the complication group had significantly higher BMI (30 vs 26), lower O2 saturation pre and post extubation, and longer time from end of surgery to out of OR (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The complication rate during deep extubation in adults was relatively low compared to published reports in the literature and all easily reversible. BMI is possibly an important determinant in the success of deep extubation.

Using Texting for Clinical Communication in Surgery: A Survey of Academic Staff Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: Text messaging has become ubiquitous and is being increasingly used within the health care system. The purpose of this study was to understand texting practices for clinical communication among staff surgeons at a large academic institution. METHODS: Staff surgeons in 4 subspecialties (vascular, plastics, urology, and general surgery) were surveyed electronically. RESULTS: A total of 62 surgeons from general surgery (n = 33), vascular surgery (n = 6), plastic surgery (n = 13), and urology (n = 10) completed the study (response rate 30%). When conveying urgent patient-related information, staff surgeons preferred directly calling other staff surgeons (61.5%) and trainees (58.8%). When discussing routine patient information, staff surgeons used email to reach other staff surgeons (54.9%) but preferred texting (62.7%) for trainees. The majority of participants used texting because it is fast (65.4%), convenient (69.2%) and allows transmitting information to multiple recipients simultaneously (63.5%). Most felt that texting enhances patient care (71.5%); however, only half believed that it enhanced trainees' educational experiences. The majority believed that texting identifiable patient information breaches patient confidentiality. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed high adoption of text messaging for clinical communication among surgeons, particularly with trainees. The majority of surgeons acknowledge security concerns inherent in texting for patient care. Existing mobile communication platforms fail to meet the needs of academic surgeons. Further research should include guidelines related to texting in clinical practice, educational implications of texting, and technologies to better meet the needs of clinicians working in an academic surgical settings.

Smartphones and Patient Care: Exploring the Use of Text-Based Messaging for Patient-Related Communication.

Background Text messaging (texting) has become a routine medium of communication in society. However, its use among clinicians has not been fully characterized. We explored general surgery residents' practices and views on texting for patient-related communication. Methods An email survey was distributed to all general surgery residents at a large Canadian medical school. Results Overall, 46 (57%) of those surveyed responded. All used texting for patient-related communication. Eleven percent of residents did not have a password on their cell phone and 89% did not have encrypted phones. Texting was the most common way (41%) by which residents communicated routine patient-related information with staff physicians. Most (85%) residents agreed that texting enhances patient care. The majority (66%) did not know if their hospital had a policy on texting and were unaware of legislation surrounding texting in patient care (89%). Conclusions Most general surgery residents use texting for communication of routine patient-related care issues. However, they acknowledge concerns regarding the security of this medium.

Preoperative Evaluation of Patients Undergoing Eye Surgery.

Ophthalmic surgery encompasses a wide range of procedures addressing various ocular conditions. Although generally considered low risk, a thorough preoperative evaluation is still crucial in optimizing patient outcomes and ensuring safe surgical interventions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the preoperative assessment and management of patients presenting for ophthalmic surgery, specifically focusing on cataract surgery. We discuss the role of routine preoperative testing, the assessment of intraocular factors, and the evaluation of systemic comorbidities and medications. The review emphasizes the importance of individualized decision-making based on patient-specific factors and collaborative efforts between ophthalmologists and the health-care team.

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Alone or Combined with EGFR-Directed Targeted Therapy or Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy for Locally Advanced Lacrimal Sac and Nasolacrimal Duct Carcinomas.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We describe our findings in patients with locally advanced lacrimal sac and nasolacrimal duct (NLD) carcinoma who received neoadjuvant systemic therapy. METHODS: We identified patients with locally advanced primary lacrimal sac/NLD carcinoma treated with neoadjuvant systemic intravenous therapy at our institution during 2017-2019. RESULTS: The study included seven patients, four men and three women; the mean age was 60.4 years (range: 43-76). All patients had locally advanced disease with significant orbital soft tissue invasion with or without skull base invasion making eye-sparing surgery not feasible as an initial step. Three patients had poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma; two, invasive carcinoma with basaloid and squamous features; one, high-grade carcinoma with features suggestive of sebaceous differentiation; and one, undifferentiated carcinoma. The neoadjuvant regimens were cisplatin and docetaxel (n = 1); carboplatin and docetaxel (n = 1); paclitaxel and cetuximab (n = 1); carboplatin, paclitaxel, and cetuximab (EGFR inhibitor) (n = 2); cisplatin, docetaxel, and pembrolizumab (anti-PD-1 immunotherapy) (n = 1); and carboplatin, paclitaxel, and pembrolizumab (n = 1). All patients had radiologic disease regression, and one patient had radiologic near-complete response. After neoadjuvant therapy, all patients underwent wide local excision and adjuvant concurrent chemoradiation. Two patients had a complete pathologic response. At a median follow-up period of 13 months after chemoradiation (range, 8-54 months), all patients were alive without evidence of disease. One patient had nodal metastasis treated with lymph node dissection and adjuvant chemoradiation. CONCLUSIONS: Neoadjuvant systemic therapy can shrink tumors in patients with locally advanced primary lacrimal sac/NLD carcinoma with orbital or skull base invasion.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors for treatment of periorbital squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To report on the outcomes of immunotherapy in patients with locally advanced periorbital squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of seven consecutive patients with locally advanced periorbital cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma treated with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Treatments and therapeutic outcomes were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the seven patients, six were treated with cemiplimab, and one was treated with pembrolizumab. Five patients were treated with immunotherapy as neoadjuvant therapy before planned surgical resection; two patients received immunotherapy for treatment of advanced recurrent lesions deemed unresectable following multiple previous excisions and radiation therapy. In all seven patients, measurable clinical and/or radiologic response was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support the emerging role of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in the management of locally advanced periorbital cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

A case of drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome complicating airway management.

PURPOSE: Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a severe multi-system reaction defined by fever, rash, eosinophilia, and internal organ involvement. The condition typically occurs one to eight weeks following exposure to inciting medications. In severe cases, it can develop into multi-organ system failure and death. We present a case of DRESS syndrome with mucosal edema that led to extreme difficulties with airway management. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 65-yr-old male treated for an esophageal perforation with broad-spectrum antibiotics developed fever, eosinophilia, and extensive rash consistent with DRESS syndrome. This condition resulted in a rapid progression to multi-organ system dysfunction, severe hemodynamic instability, and the need for high-dose vasopressors and tracheal intubation. Extensive mucous membrane involvement led to significant complications with airway management and a nearly impossible tracheal intubation, features in the disease not previously described. With the airway secure, initiation of steroids resulted in regression of the disease within 24 hr, resolution of airway edema, and uneventful tracheal extubation a few days later. CONCLUSION: We emphasize the need for early identification of DRESS syndrome as well as the possible airway implications associated with this increasingly recognized clinical entity.

Assessment of Preoperative Functional Status Prior to Major Head and Neck Surgery: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate feasibility of a recently developed preoperative assessment tool, the Vulnerable Elders Surgical Pathways and Outcomes Analysis (VESPA), to characterize the baseline functional status of patients undergoing major head and neck surgery and to examine the relationship between preoperative functional status and postoperative outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with planned data collection. SETTING: Two tertiary care academic hospitals. METHODS: The VESPA was administered prospectively in the preoperative setting. Data on patient demographics, ablative and reconstructive procedures, and outcomes including total length of stay, discharge disposition, delay in discharge, or complex discharge planning (delay or change in disposition) were collected via retrospective chart review. VESPA scores were calculated and risk categories were used to estimate risk of adverse postoperative outcomes using multivariate logistic regression for categorical outcomes and linear regression for continuous variables. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients met study inclusion criteria. The mean (SD) age was 66.4 (11.9) years, and 58.4% of patients were male. Nearly one-fourth described preoperative difficulty in either a basic or instrumental activity of daily living, and 17% were classified as low functional status (ie, high risk) according to the VESPA. Low functional status did not independently predict length of stay but was associated with delayed discharge (odds ratio [OR], 5.0; 95% CI, 1.2-21.3; P = .030) and complex discharge planning (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 1.34-24.2; P = .018). CONCLUSION: The VESPA can identify major head and neck surgical patients with low preoperative functional status who may be at risk for delayed or complex discharge planning. These patients may benefit from enhanced preoperative counseling and more comprehensive discharge preparation.

Post-anesthesia care unit desaturation in adult deep extubation patients.

OBJECTIVE: Deep extubation refers to endotracheal extubation performed while a patient is deeply anesthetized and without airway reflexes. After deep extubation, patients are sent to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) to recover, an area with notably different management and staffing than the operating room (OR). One of the most frequent and concerning complications to occur in the PACU is hypoxemia. As such, this study seeks to evaluate the incidence of desaturation, defined by SpO2 < 90% for longer than 10 s, in the PACU following deep extubation. Additionally, we hope to assess the consequence of desaturation on perioperative workflow by comparing PACU recovery times. RESULTS: Following deep extubation, 4.3% of patients (13/300) experienced desaturation in the PACU. Every episode was notably minor, with patients reverting to normal saturation levels within a minute. Of the 26 case factors assessed, 24 had no significant association desaturation in the PACU, including the amount of time spent in the PACU. History of asthma was the only statistically significant factor found to be positively associated with desaturation. We find that PACU desaturation episodes following deep extubation are rare. Our findings suggest that deep extubation is a viable and safe option for patients without significant respiratory tract pathology.

Dramatic recovery of vision in patient with acute central retinal artery occlusion treated with local intra-arterial tissue plasminogen activator.

Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a devastating disease resulting in severe visual loss in most cases. It has no proven treatment, and a variety of management options used clinically all have dismal rate of success. We report outcome of treatment with local intra-arterial thrombolysis administered 2.75 hours after devastating visual loss from incomplete CRAO.

A Case of Pseudomonas Orbital Cellulitis Following Glaucoma Device Implantation.

PURPOSE: Orbital cellulitis is a rare complication of aqueous tube shunt surgery. Nine cases have been described in the literature, though the microbiologic etiology is rarely reported. Management with intravenous antibiotics and/or explantation has been described. METHODS: This is a case report and literature review. CASE: A 64-year-old woman developed pain, periorbital swelling, limited extraocular motility, proptosis, and conjunctival injection 3 days following implantation of an Ahmed Glaucoma Valve. Computed tomography of the orbits with contrast showed soft tissue fat stranding consistent with orbital inflammation. Initial medical management with topical and intravenous ceftriaxone and vancomycin was unsuccessful. Surgical removal of the implant was performed and intraoperative cultures demonstrated florid Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth. Antibiotic coverage was changed to Piperacillin-Tazobactam for 3 days, with eventual resolution of her orbital symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first case of orbital cellulitis after implantation of a glaucoma device associated with P. aeruginosa. Failure of intravenous and topical antibiotics led to explantation of the valve and targeted intravenous antibiotic therapy with subsequent clinical improvement.

Successful intraoperative electrophysiologic monitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve, a multidisciplinary approach: The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary monitoring collaborative protocol with experience in over 3000 cases.

BACKGROUND: Although intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) is utilized increasingly, the information on the related anesthesia technique is limited. This study presents an up-to-date clinical algorithm, including setup and troubleshooting of an IONM system, endotracheal tube placement, and anesthetic parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first interdisciplinary collaborative protocol for monitored neck surgery based on the published evidence and clinical experience. METHODS: The Departments of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Audiology collaboratively developed a protocol for IONM of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) based on published evidence and our experience with 3000 patients over a 16-year period. RESULTS: No complications related to monitoring or endotracheal tube placement were noted when the IONM protocol was implemented at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary (MEEI). The IONM protocol has proven to be vital in standardizing care and in avoiding intraoperative errors. CONCLUSION: An IONM system entails an anesthesiologist who understands the challenges posed by this technique; muscle relaxation must be minimized/eliminated to optimize IONM. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: First-1494, 2016.

Regression of Some High-risk Features of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) in Patients Receiving Intensive Statin Treatment.

IMPORTANCE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) remains the leading cause of blindness in developed countries, and affects more than 150 million worldwide. Despite effective anti-angiogenic therapies for the less prevalent neovascular form of AMD, treatments are lacking for the more prevalent dry form. Similarities in risk factors and pathogenesis between AMD and atherosclerosis have led investigators to study the effects of statins on AMD incidence and progression with mixed results. A limitation of these studies has been the heterogeneity of AMD disease and the lack of standardization in statin dosage. OBJECTIVE: We were interested in studying the effects of high-dose statins, similar to those showing regression of atherosclerotic plaques, in AMD. DESIGN: Pilot multicenter open-label prospective clinical study of 26 patients with diagnosis of AMD and the presence of many large, soft drusenoid deposits. Patients received 80 mg of atorvastatin daily and were monitored at baseline and every 3 months with complete ophthalmologic exam, best corrected visual acuity (VA), fundus photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and blood work (AST, ALT, CPK, total cholesterol, TSH, creatinine, as well as a pregnancy test for premenopausal women). RESULTS: Twenty-three subjects completed a minimum follow-up of 12 months. High-dose atorvastatin resulted in regression of drusen deposits associated with vision gain (+ 3.3 letters, p = 0.06) in 10 patients. No subjects progressed to advanced neovascular AMD. CONCLUSIONS: High-dose statins may result in resolution of drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments (PEDs) and improvement in VA, without atrophy or neovascularization in a high-risk subgroup of AMD patients. Confirmation from larger studies is warranted.

Resource development in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery: an analysis on patient education resource development.

BACKGROUND: There is a need for educational tools in the consenting process of otolaryngology-head and neck procedures. A development strategy for the creation of educational tools in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, particularly pamphlets on the peri-operative period in an adenotonsillectomy, is described. METHODS: A participatory design approach, which engages key stakeholders in the development of an educational tool, is used. Pamphlets were created through a review of traditional and grey literature and then reviewed by a community expert in the field. The pamphlets were then reviewed by an interdisciplinary team including educational experts, and finally by less vulnerable members of the target population. Questionnaires evaluating the pamphlets' content, layout, style, and general qualitative features were included. RESULTS: The pamphlets yielded high ratings across all domains regardless of patient population. General feedback was provided by a non-vulnerable patient population and final pamphlets were drafted. CONCLUSIONS: By using a participatory design model, the pamphlets are written at an appropriate educational level to incorporate a broad audience. Furthermore, this methodology can be used in future resource development of educational tools.

Successful management of a morbidly obese patient for electroconvulsive therapy with elective tracheostomy.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment for affective catatonia and requires multiple general anesthetics. Morbid obesity is an increasingly prevalent condition that may complicate the standard anesthetic management of a patient undergoing ECT. We report the successful airway management of a morbidly obese ECT patient via elective tracheostomy.