The Use of Inflammatory Markers for Treatment Response Monitoring in Acute Cholangitis: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: In acute cholangitis (AC), monitoring treatment response to antimicrobial therapy allows for making timely decisions on early biliary decompression. The aims of this study were to compare the discriminating powers of traditional blood inflammatory markers and propose new inflammatory markers that have a better ability to distinguish between patients with and without biliary tract infection. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography for AC and those without biliary tract inflammation were randomly selected in the 4:3 ratio of their hospital admissions from our hospital endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreaticography database. The exclusion criterion was the absence of C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements. RESULTS: The discriminating powers of the neutrophil count, lymphocytes, albumin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and CRP were superior to that of white blood cell (P1 < 0.005; P2 = 0.004; P3 < 0.0005; P4 < 0.0005; P5 < 0.0005). In monitoring treatment response in AC, lymphocyte count, albumin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and CRP were better than neutrophil count (P6 = 0.037, P7 < 0.005, P8, 9 < 0.0005). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of CRP was higher than the AUC for lymphocytes, 96% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 94-98%) versus 81% (95% CI: 76-86%) (P < 0.0005), and larger than the AUC for albumin, 88% (95% CI: 84-92%) (P < 0.0005), indicating a greater discriminating power of CRP. However, the discriminating power of CRP-to-lymphocyte ratio (CLR) was more than that for CRP (P = 0.006) but equal to CRP-to-(lymphocytes∗albumin) ratio (CLAR) (P = 0.249). The AUCs of CLR and CLAR were both 98% (95% CI: 96-99%). CONCLUSIONS: CLR and CLAR have superior discriminating powers than traditional inflammatory markers used for monitoring treatment response in AC.

The impact of timing, type, and method of instillation of intraperitoneal local anaesthetic in laparoscopic abdominal surgery: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pain is common after laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Intraperitoneal local anaesthetic (IPLA) is effective in reducing pain and opioid use after laparoscopic surgery, although the optimum type, timing, and method of administration remains uncertain. We aimed to determine the optimal approach for delivering IPLA which minimises opioid consumption and pain after laparoscopic abdominal surgery. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases were systematically searched for randomised controlled trials comparing different combinations of the type (bupivacaine vs lidocaine vs levobupivacaine vs ropivacaine), timing (pre-vs post-pneumoperitoneum at the beginning or end of surgery), and method (aerosol vs liquid) of IPLA instillation in patients undergoing any laparoscopic abdominal surgery. A network meta-analysis was conducted to ascertain the optimum approach for delivering IPLA resulting in the least cumulative opioid consumption and pain (overall and localising to the shoulder) 24 h after surgery. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) assessments (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022307595). RESULTS: Twenty-five RCTs were included, among which 15 different combinations of delivering IPLA were analysed across 2401 participants. Aerosolised bupivacaine instilled at the end of surgery, before deflation of the pneumoperitoneum, was associated with significantly less postoperative opioid consumption compared with all other approaches for delivering IPLA (98.7% of comparisons; moderate certainty), aside from liquid levobupivacaine instilled before surgery and during or after creation of the pneumoperitoneum (mean difference -11.6, 95% credible interval: -26.1 to 2.5 i.v. morphine equivalent doses). There were no significant differences between different IPLA approaches regarding overall pain scores and incidence of shoulder pain up to 24 h after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There are limited studies and low-quality evidence to conclude on the optimum method of delivering IPLA in laparoscopic abdominal surgery. While aerosolised bupivacaine instilled at the end of surgery but before deflation of the pneumoperitoneum minimises postoperative opioid consumption, pain scores up to 24 h did not differ between the different modalities of delivering IPLA. The generalisability of these results is limited by the lack of utilisation of non-opioid analgesics in most trials. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42022307595.

Interventions to Improve Patient Care on Surgical Ward Rounds: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Ward rounds are an essential component of surgical and perioperative care. However, the relative effectiveness of different interventions to improve the quality of surgical ward rounds remains uncertain. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of various ward round interventions among surgical patients. METHODS: A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE (OVID), Scopus, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health (CINAHL), and PsycInfo databases was performed on 7 October 2022 in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. All studies investigating surgical ward round quality improvement strategies with measurable outcomes were included. Data were analysed via narrative synthesis based on commonly reported themes. RESULTS: A total of 28 studies were included. Most were cohort studies (n = 25), followed by randomised controlled trials (n = 3). Checklists/proformas were utilised most commonly (n = 22), followed by technological (n = 3), personnel (n = 2), and well-being (n = 1) quality improvement strategies. The majority of checklist interventions (n = 21, 95%) showed significant improvements in documentation compliance, staff understanding, or patient satisfaction. Other less frequently reported ward round interventions demonstrated improvements in communication, patient safety, and reductions in patient stress levels. CONCLUSIONS: Use of checklists, technology, personnel, and well-being improvement strategies have been associated with improvements in ward round documentation, communication, as well as staff and patient satisfaction. Future studies should investigate the ease of implementation and long-term durability of these interventions, in addition to their impact on clinically relevant outcomes such as patient morbidity and mortality.

International Delphi consensus guidelines for follow-up after prophylactic total gastrectomy: the Life after Prophylactic Total Gastrectomy (LAP-TG) study.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic total gastrectomy (PTG) remains the only means of preventing gastric cancer for people with genetic mutations predisposing to Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC), mainly in the CDH1 gene. The small but growing cohort of people undergoing PTG at a young age are expected to have a life-expectancy close to the general population, however, knowledge of the long-term effects of, and monitoring requirements after, PTG is limited. This study aims to define the standard of care for follow-up after PTG. METHODS: Through a combination of literature review and two-round Delphi consensus of major HDGC/PTG units and physicians, and patient advocates, we produced a set of recommendations for follow-up after PTG. RESULTS: There were 42 first round, and 62 second round, responses from clinicians, allied health professionals and patient advocates. The guidelines include recommendations for timing of assessments and specialties involved in providing follow-up, micronutrient supplementation and monitoring, bone health and the provision of written information. CONCLUSION: While the evidence supporting the guidelines is limited, expert consensus provides a framework to best manage people following PTG, and could support the collection of information on the long-term effects of PTG.

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer: updated clinical practice guidelines.

Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) is an autosomal dominant cancer syndrome that is characterised by a high prevalence of diffuse gastric cancer and lobular breast cancer. It is largely caused by inactivating germline mutations in the tumour suppressor gene CDH1, although pathogenic variants in CTNNA1 occur in a minority of families with HDGC. In this Policy Review, we present updated clinical practice guidelines for HDGC from the International Gastric Cancer Linkage Consortium (IGCLC), which recognise the emerging evidence of variability in gastric cancer risk between families with HDGC, the growing capability of endoscopic and histological surveillance in HDGC, and increased experience of managing long-term sequelae of total gastrectomy in young patients. To redress the balance between the accessibility, cost, and acceptance of genetic testing and the increased identification of pathogenic variant carriers, the HDGC genetic testing criteria have been relaxed, mainly through less restrictive age limits. Prophylactic total gastrectomy remains the recommended option for gastric cancer risk management in pathogenic CDH1 variant carriers. However, there is increasing confidence from the IGCLC that endoscopic surveillance in expert centres can be safely offered to patients who wish to postpone surgery, or to those whose risk of developing gastric cancer is not well defined.

Direct access surgery for cholecystectomy - can we speed up the process?

BACKGROUND: In appropriate patients, direct referral from general practitioners to surgery without pre-operative clinic assessment can streamlining the process and allow more efficient use of clinical time. This study aimed to look at the feasibility of a direct access cholecystectomy pathway in patients with symptomatic gallstones and their satisfaction of it. METHODS: In 2012, Bay of Plenty general practitioners (GP) were invited to refer fit patients (ASA 1 or 2, BMI <35 and <60 years old) with symptomatic cholelithiasis directly to a surgical list. One surgeon oversaw each referral and the process. The patients GP provided written and visual information and pre-operative health preoperative health questionnaire. Patients presented on the day of surgery, were seen, consented and underwent day stay cholecystectomy. Post-operative follow up was GP lead. RESULTS: 41 patients were referred via the Direct Access Surgery pathway. 37 patients were deemed appropriate with 35 proceeded to surgery. Waiting time from referral to operation was reduced from 120 (standard pathway) to 59.3 days. 30 patients (86%) had day stay procedures. Three patients (8%) re-presented with ongoing right upper quadrant pain within one year requiring further investigation. A written voluntary questionnaire was sent to all patients who underwent DAS with an 80% response rate. Overall the majority of patients (24/28; 85%) agreed or strongly agreed that they felt fully informed regarding the operation and were happy with the process. CONCLUSION: Direct Access Surgery is an effective way to streamline healthy patients' access to operative intervention.

Intraoperative Enteroscopy: A Rare Case of Blue Rubber Bleb Nevus Syndrome and a Rare Complication of Cyanoacrylate Glue.

Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome (BRBNS) is a rare disorder characterized by venous malformations predominantly affecting the skin and gastrointestinal tract, commonly the small bowel. Small bowel gastrointestinal bleeding is often the presenting complaint and is difficult to diagnose and treat. Push enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy, and intraoperative enteroscopy are techniques described for the localization and management of small bowel bleeding. We present the case of a 68-year-old male with BRBNS who presented with symptomatic anemia and melena. Initial endoscopic evaluations identified intraluminal vascular blebs, which were injected; however, bleeding continued, prompting intraoperative enteroscopy. During the procedure, multiple small bowel vascular malformations consistent with BRBNS were identified. Cyanoacrylate glue was used endoscopically to treat active bleeding sites. The patient developed a rare postoperative complication of small bowel ischemia and obstruction secondary to cyanoacrylate glue, necessitating surgical resection. Small bowel bleeding in BRBNS poses diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Intraoperative enteroscopy together with cyanoacrylate glue offers a valuable approach to localization and intervention. While cyanoacrylate glue is generally considered safe, rare complications, including ischemic events, have been reported. This case highlights the utility of intraoperative enteroscopy and endoscopic cyanoacrylate glue in managing small bowel bleeding associated with BRBNS. While effective, clinicians must be vigilant regarding potential complications, including ischemic events, associated with endoscopic hemostatic agents.

National survey of fluid therapy in acute pancreatitis: current practice lacks a sound evidence base.

BACKGROUND: Fluid therapy (FT) is a critical intervention in managing acute pancreatitis (AP). There is a paucity of evidence to guide FT and virtually no data on current prescribing practice. This survey aims to characterize current practice and opinion with regard to FT in AP throughout New Zealand. METHODS: Information was collected on fluid selection, administration, and goal-directed FT. The survey was distributed online and in print to all doctors employed in General Surgery Departments in New Zealand on 1 May 2012. Monthly email reminders were sent for 6 months. RESULTS: The overall response rate was 47 % (n = 190/408). Crystalloids were the preferred initial fluid for all categories of severity; however, colloid use increased with severity (p < 0.001). Fluid volume also increased with severity (p = 0.001), with 74 % of respondents prescribing >4 L for AP with organ failure (OF). Clinicians treating 26-50 patients per year with AP were less likely to prescribe colloid for AP with OF (8 vs 43 %) (p = 0.001). Rate of fluid administration in AP with OF varied according to physicians' seniority (p = 0.004); consultants prescribed >4 L more than other groups (83 vs 68 %). Only 17 % of respondents reported the use of guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: This survey reveals significant variation in prescription of FT for AP, and aggressive FT is commonly prescribed for AP with OF. There is little adherence to published guidelines or best available evidence.

Opioid prescribing patterns following common general surgery procedures in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

BACKGROUND: Global increases in opioid prescribing and misuse have prompted calls for closer regulation. Opioid prescription following surgery may lead to long term opioid use. A study was conducted evaluating opioid prescriptions on hospital discharge following common general surgery operations in the Bay of Plenty. METHODS: Retrospective observational study over a two-year period in two regional New Zealand hospitals. Six hundred and eleven patients aged 18-64 years were assessed. Patients with complications, readmission, and a prescription of opioids in the preceding 3 months were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 460 patients (165 Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy (LC), 200 Laparoscopic Appendicectomy (LA) and 95 Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (OIHR)) were included in analysis. Opioids were prescribed to 53% of LC, 55% of LA, and 60% of OIHR patients, with a mean of 75.8 Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MMEs), 75.3 MMEs, and 82.8 MMEs respectively. Seven percent of patients (18/254) received a second opioid prescription within 3 months, and of those only 1.6% (4/254) received a further prescription between 3 and 6 months from discharge. Opioid prescribing did not correlate with operation, ethnicity, age, length of stay, or gender, except for males receiving a more MMEs than females following LC (mean 102.0 MMEs versus 65.4 MMEs, P = 0.017). CONCLUSION: This study shows a rate of opioid prescribing lower than the USA, and greater than seen in an Australian setting. Substantial amounts of opioids were prescribed following uncomplicated surgery, with significant variability. Improvements in training in post-operative opioid prescribing are needed. Fortunately, rates of ongoing opioid use were low.

Motivators and barriers to general surgery as a career among junior doctors and medical students in New Zealand.

AIM: Increasing diversity among surgeons is a priority of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS).1 This study aimed to identify motivators and barriers to general surgery among junior doctors (JD) and medical students (MS) to help guide the recruitment of under-represented minorities into surgical training. METHODS: An online survey was sent to 2,170 participants-1,327 JD in New Zealand and 843 MS at The University of Auckland (UA). Participants were asked about motivators or barriers to a career in general surgery. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent (452/2170) completed the survey. Most were female (65.1%), NZ European (53.6%) and MS (62.4%). Factors guiding career decision include interest in clinical and practical aspects (weighted average 4.43 and 4.34, respectively) and work-life balance (weighted average 4.11). Barriers to training were long hours and feeling overwhelmed (weighted average 4.05 and 3.64, respectively). There were perceived biases with 79.7% reporting a gender bias and 99.7% reporting male over-representation. Similarly, 68.4% reported an ethnicity bias; 97% reporting NZ European over-representation. 92.2% considered mentorship important but only 15.3% have a mentor. CONCLUSION: This study identified motivators and barriers to general surgery and perceived gender and ethnicity biases. With demand for a diverse surgical workforce, there should be focus on recruitment of underrepresented minorities and mentorship.

Targin®: An effective opiate analgesia with minimal gastrointestinal side effects-An observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of Targin® (oral oxycodone:naloxone combination) in the perioperative setting. DESIGN: A single center prospective observational pilot study at a regional hospital. SETTING: Thirty-eight eligible patients undergoing major general surgical operations were recruited. Thirty-two patients completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were given Targin twice daily from day 2 post-operatively with twice daily measures of pain scores, gut function, and mobility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary end points were analgesic efficacy and the rate of ileus. Secondary end points were gastrointestinal (GI) recovery and the need for opioid requirement on discharge, at 1 week and 1 month. RESULTS: Average pain score over 5 days at rest was one and on movement was four out of 10. All patients mobilized to a chair by day 3. Twenty-six participants (81.3 percent) experienced nausea at some point during the study, and four participants (12.5 percent) were diagnosed with a post-operative ileus (POI). There was no serious adverse event reported. Only two patients were on opioids at 1-month discharge. This was due to them having Orthopaedic surgery not related to this study.

A comprehensive classification of invasive procedures for treating the local complications of acute pancreatitis based on visualization, route, and purpose.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The lack of a system to classify invasive procedures to treat local complications of acute pancreatitis is an obstacle to comparing interventions. This study aimed to develop and validate a comprehensive multidisciplinary classification. METHODS: Standardized terminology was used to develop a classification of procedures based on three key components: how the lesion is visualized, the route used during the procedure, and the procedure's purpose. Gastroenterologists, radiologists, and surgeons (n = 22) from three New Zealand centers independently classified 15 published technique descriptions. Inter-rater reliability was calculated for each component. The classification's clarity, ease of use, and potential to achieve its objectives were rated on a Likert scale. RESULTS: The classification's clarity, ease of use, and potential to achieve its objectives had median scores of 4/5. Inter-rater reliability for visualization, route, and purpose components was substantial at 0.73 (95% CI 0.63-0.82), 0.79 (95% CI 0.70-0.87), and 0.64 (95% CI 0.53-0.74), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This article describes the development and validation of a comprehensive classification for the wide range of procedures used to treat the local complications of acute pancreatitis. It has substantial inter-rater reliability and high acceptability, which should enhance communication between clinicians and facilitate comparison between procedures.

Ward round checklist improves patient perception of care.

BACKGROUND: Checklists have been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality in medicine by improving documentation and reducing errors. In the modern era of care, where patients are the centre of decision-making, this study examines patient perception of care and error prevention with the use of ward round checklist. METHODS: We conducted a prospective stepped-wedge cluster randomized controlled checklist intervention study using a standardized questionnaire to investigate patients' perception of ward rounds before and after implementation of a ward round checklist. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients completed the questionnaire. The overall percentage of items endorsed increased significantly by 5.1% from 64.8% to 70.0% (P = 0.014). Statistically significant improvements were seen in patients knowing their diagnosis (P = 0.027), the day's plan (P = 0.038), observing a medication chart (P < 0.001) and observation chart review (P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that the use of a ward round checklist leads to patient-perceived improvements in aspects of quality of care.

Perioperative shared decision-making in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand: Audit results from a complex decision pathway quality improvement initiative using a structured communication tool.

Patients presenting for elective surgery in the Bay of Plenty area in New Zealand are increasingly elderly with significant medical comorbidities. For these patients the risk-benefit balance of undergoing surgery can be complex. We recognised the need for a robust shared decision-making pathway within our perioperative medicine service. We describe the setup of a complex decision pathway within our district health board and report on the audit data from our first 49 patients. The complex decision pathway encourages surgeons to identify high-risk patients who will benefit from shared decision-making, manages input from multiple specialists as needed with excellent communication between those specialists, and provides a patient-centred approach to decision-making using a structured communication tool.

Appendicitis presenting as the first manifestation of colorectal carcinoma: a 13-year retrospective study.

AIM: Appendicitis in older adults may present as the first sign of underlying colorectal cancer. We aim to determine whether there was a difference in the rate of diagnosis of colorectal carcinoma for patients ≥45 years following a presentation with appendicitis, compared with New Zealand standardised rates. METHOD: Retrospective study of patients ≥45 years with a confirmed diagnosis of appendicitis from 2003 to 2015 inclusive. The rate of colorectal carcinoma diagnosed during the 36-month follow-up period was calculated and compared to standardised rates, as per the New Zealand cancer registry. RESULTS: Six hundred and twenty-nine patients were included for analysis, 15 had a diagnosis of colorectal cancer in the follow-up period. Patients ≥45 years had a 6.3-fold (CI 3.6-10.2) increased risk of colorectal carcinoma than predicted given the population demographics. Those patients aged between 45-60 years had a 17-fold (95% CI 8-32.2) increased standardised risk ratio. CONCLUSION: This is the first study of its kind conducted in Australasia. This study found patients ≥45 years who present with appendicitis have significantly increased risk of underlying colorectal cancer. Until further research is conducted the authors recommend clinicians consider colonic investigation for older adults following a diagnosis of appendicitis.

A unique approach to thoracic duct leak after esophagectomy.

Chylothorax is a severe complication of esophagectomy. Those who do not respond to conservative measures require reoperation. We have described a minimally invasive technique to control a late postoperative chyle leak. A 41-year-old patient underwent an Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. Day 4 after surgery he was found to have an esophageal leak. He underwent thoracotomy and esophageal stent insertion. On day 20, a radiologic drain was placed to control a small supradiaphragmatic collection. The collection was found to be chyle, and 2.5 L was drained per day. As this was 3 weeks after thoracotomy, a technique of sinus track dilatation and cavity visualization was carried out with clipping of the chyle channel. The patient recovered well from the procedure. He was extubated postoperatively and only required simple analgesia.

Management of sigmoid volvulus: is early surgery justifiable?

INTRODUCTION: Sigmoid volvulus typically occurs in older patients who have multiple co-morbidities. Therefore, often, a conservative approach to management is chosen. However, there is little data on long-term outcomes of this approach in Australasia. The aim of this study was to review the recurrence and mortality outcomes of patients admitted to Dunedin Hospital with sigmoid volvulus. METHODS: All cases of sigmoid volvulus admitted to the Department of General Surgery at Dunedin Hospital from January 1989 to January 2009 were identified using a prospective database, the Otago Clinical Audit. Mortality data was accessed from the National Births and Deaths Registry. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients, median age of 68, were included in the study with 84 admissions for sigmoid volvulus. A total of 39 of the 57 patients ultimately had surgery, 26 on the index admission. Thirty-one patients (61%) treated conservatively at index admission had a recurrence at a median of 31 days. Forty-two per cent of the patients treated conservatively a second time suffered a further recurrence at a median of 144 days. There was no recurrence in patients who had surgery. There was no in-hospital mortality reported in either group. There was one anastomotic leak in the surgical group. Minor complications included ileus, respiratory infections, urinary tract infection and a hernia. CONCLUSION: Early elective operation for cases of sigmoid volvulus is encouraged in patients without prohibitive co-morbidities as this study shows a high recurrence rate in conservatively managed patients and a low morbidity and mortality in surgically managed patients.

Survey of trends in minimally invasive intervention for necrotizing pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive techniques to manage infected pancreatic necrosis have been recently developed and changes in their pattern of use are unknown. The aims of this survey were to determine the trends in the role of minimally invasive techniques to manage infected complications of necrotizing pancreatitis and the barriers to performing minimally invasive necrosectomy in Australia and New Zealand. METHODS: Members of the Australian and New Zealand Hepatic Pancreatic and Biliary Association were surveyed. Participant demographics and necrotizing pancreatitis caseload were determined. The perceived role of percutaneous catheter drainage and minimally invasive necrosectomy for pancreatic abscess, infected pseudocyst and infected pancreatic necrosis were scored on Likert scales, comparing 2002 with 2007. Barriers to performing minimally invasive necrosectomy were scored. RESULTS: The response rate was 49% (44/90). Between 2002 and 2007, the role of percutaneous catheter drainage became more important as primary (P= 0.05) and secondary (P= 0.01) treatment for pancreatic abscess, and prior to minimally invasive necrosectomy for abscess, pseudocyst and necrosis (P < 0.01). Minimally invasive necrosectomy became increasingly important as primary treatment for infected necrosis (P < 0.01) and had been used by 47% of respondents. The greatest barriers to performing minimally invasive necrosectomy were lack of training and experience in the techniques, and the anatomical position and complexity of the target lesion. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive techniques have an increasingly important perceived role in the management of pancreatic abscess, infected pseudocyst and infected pancreatic necrosis. Further evidence is required to determine the best techniques for treating each form of infection associated with necrotizing pancreatitis.