Consequences of kidney donation by age in Japanese living kidney donors: a single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Elderly living kidney donors (LKDs) are becoming increasingly important in countries with a high prevalence of living-donor kidney transplants and an aging society. This study explored the features of elderly LKDs, focusing on their subsequent outcomes. METHODS: This single-center, retrospective, observational study included eligible LKDs who donated their kidneys between April 2008 and July 2022. LKDs were categorized into an elderly (≥70 years at donation) or a non-elderly group (<70 years). We examined pre-operative characteristics and post-operative outcomes, such as kidney function, complications, development of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), and mortality. RESULTS: Of the 188 LKDs observed for a median of 5.7 years, 31 were in the elderly group (16.5%) and 157 (83.5%) were in the non-elderly group (mean age 72.5 ± 2.7 and 58.2 ± 7.3 years, respectively). No significant differences were observed in hospital stay length or peri-operative complications between groups. Both groups experienced a similar decline in post-donation estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)-approximately 37%. In the elderly group, four LKDs died, and one progressed to ESKD. In the non-elderly group, two LKDs died, and none progressed to ESKD. The cause of death was not strongly suspected to be associated with the donation. CONCLUSIONS: eGFR was maintained even in elderly LKDs post-donation. Prioritizing LKDs' safety is paramount; however, donations from elderly people would be acceptable, considering their life expectancy. This can expand the pool of living kidney donors and address the growing demand for kidney transplants.

One month follow-up of carotid endarterectomy with in-hospital preoperative aspirin monotherapy and postoperative dual antiplatelet therapy in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients: A multi-center study.

Background: There is currently no consensus regarding the optimal perioperative antiplatelet strategy for carotid artery surgery. This multicentre study aimed to analyse the association between preoperative aspirin monotherapy following postoperative dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and the risk for stroke and death after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Methods: This cohort study included 821 patients with carotid artery stenosis who underwent CEA. Primary outcomes included any stroke or death up to the one-month postoperative follow-up. Multilevel multivariate regression analyses and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: Patients were predominantly male (53 %), with a mean age of 66.2 years. The primary outcome occurred in 1.6 % of patients. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibited a high risk for stroke or death (P = 0.011). The occurrence of any local complications in the neck was accompanied by an increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (P = 0.007). Patients with a high systolic blood pressure (SBP) (P = 0.002) experienced a longer operative duration. The length of hospital stay was longer in the patients with COPD (P = 0.020), minor stroke (P = 0.011), and major stroke (P = 0.001). A positive linear correlation was found between SBP and operative duration in the overall population (ß 0.4 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.1-0.7]; P = 0.002). The resultant curve for DBP and any local complications in the neck exhibited a two-stage change and one breakpoint in the entire population (k = 68 mmHg, <68; odds ratio [OR] 0.9 [95 % CI 0.7-1.1], P = 0.461; ≥68: OR 1.1 [95 % CI 1.0-1.1], P = 0.003). Conclusions: Preoperative aspirin monotherapy and postoperative DAPT were safe and effective antiplatelet treatments for patients who underwent CEA.

Uncemented Hemiarthroplasty in Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures is associated with Higher Perioperative Surgical Complications but Lower Medical Complications: Analysis from the National Inpatient Database.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze and compare the perioperative outcomes of cemented and uncemented hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures by utilizing the data from the National Inpatient Sample database. Methods: Data from the National Inpatient Sample Database was analyzed to identify patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty following a displaced femoral neck fracture (cemented and uncemented. Demographic data, comorbidities, length of stay, total charges, and perioperative complications were analyzed. Results: 27390 patients were identified in the cemented group and 29406 in the uncemented group. The patients who underwent uncemented hemiarthroplasty demonstrated a higher incidence of prosthetic dislocation (Odds Ratio (OR) 3.348, p < 0.001), periprosthetic mechanical complications (OR 2.597, p < 0.001), wound dehiscence (OR 2.883, p < 0.001), superficial surgical site infection (OR 2.396, p = 0.043), deep surgical site infection (OR 1.686, p < 0.001), and periprosthetic fractures (OR 2.292, p < 0.001) as compared with patients who underwent cemented hemiarthroplasty. However, patients with uncemented fixation demonstrated a lower incidence of death (OR 0.567, p < 0.001), pulmonary embolism (OR 0.565, p < 0.001), deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (OR 0.746, p < 0.001), myocardial infarction (OR 0.772, p = 0.025) and blood loss anemia (OR 0.869, p < 0.001) as compared with cemented fixation. Conclusion: Our study on displaced femoral neck fractures utilizing the National Inpatient database found that uncemented hemiarthroplasty was associated with a higher incidence of perioperative surgical complications. Cemented hemiarthroplasty, however, was associated with a statistically significant higher rate of death, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, and myocardial infarction.

Simulation in thoracic surgery-A mini review of a vital educational tool to maximize peri-operative care and minimize complications.

Thoracic surgery is an increasingly expanding field, and the addition of national screening programs has resulted in increasing operative numbers and complexity. Thoracic surgery overall has an approximately 2% mortality and 20% morbidity with common specific complications including persistent air leak, pneumothorax, and fistulas. The nature of the surgery results in complications being unique to thoracic surgery and often very junior members of the surgical team feel underprepared to deal with these complications after very little exposure during their medical school and general surgical rotations. Throughout medicine, simulation is being increasingly used as a method to teach the management of complicated, rare, or significant risk occurrences and has shown significant benefits in learner confidence and outcomes. In this mini review we explain the learning theory and benefits of simulation learning. We also discuss the current state of simulation in thoracic surgery and its potential future in aiding complication management and patient safety.

Editor's Choice - Peri-Operative Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy are Not Improved on Dual Antiplatelet Therapy vs. Aspirin Monotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: A systematic review and meta-analysis of the peri-operative outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) on dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) vs. aspirin monotherapy was carried out, to determine optimal peri-operative management with these antiplatelet agents. DATA SOURCES: The Web of Science, Pubmed, and Embase databases were searched from inception to July 2021. The corresponding authors of excluded articles were contacted to obtain additional data for possible inclusion. REVIEW METHODS: The main outcomes included ischaemic complications (stroke, transient ischaemic attack [TIA], and transcranial Doppler [TCD] measured micro-emboli), haemorrhagic complications (haemorrhagic stroke, neck haematoma, and re-operation for bleeding), and composite outcomes. Pooled estimates using odds ratios (ORs) were combined using a random or fixed effects model based on the results of the chi square test and calculation of I2. RESULTS: In total, 47 411 patients were included in 11 studies, with 14 345 (30.2%) receiving DAPT and 33 066 (69.7%) receiving aspirin only. There was no significant difference in the rates of peri-operative stroke (OR 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72 - 1.05) and TIA (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.52 - 1.17) despite a significant reduction in TCD measured micro-emboli (OR 0.19, 95% CI 0.10 - 0.35) in the DAPT compared with the aspirin monotherapy group. Subgroup analysis did not reveal any significant difference in ischaemic stroke risk between patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic carotid artery stenosis. DAPT was associated with an increased risk of neck haematoma (OR 2.79, 95% CI 1.87 - 4.18) and re-operation for bleeding (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.77 - 2.23) vs. aspirin. Haemorrhagic stroke was an under reported outcome in the literature. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis found that CEA while on DAPT increased the risk of haemorrhagic complications, with similar rates of ischaemic complications, vs. aspirin monotherapy. This suggests that the risks of performing CEA on DAPT outweigh the benefits, even in patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis. The overall quality of studies was low, and improved reporting of CEA outcomes in the literature is necessary.

Effects of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on perioperative blood loss and complications after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Many dietary supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids (ω3), are suspected to affect blood coagulation and platelet function. Despite no clinical evidence, discontinuation is recommended before radical prostatectomy. However, long-chain ω3 (LCω3) appear beneficial against prostate cancer progression. Here, we aim to determine the effect of LCω3 supplements on perioperative bleeding, hemoglobin, platelets, and postoperative complications after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: This is a planned exploratory analysis of 130 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer grade group 2 or greater enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (NCT02333435) testing the effects of LCω3, on prostate cancer biological and pathological outcomes at radical prostatectomy as main outcomes. The LCω3 intervention (MAG-EPA 3 g daily) or equivalent placebo was given 4-10 weeks prior to radical prostatectomy. An intention-to-treat analysis approach was used with bi-variate statistical testing of bleeding and complications outcomes. We also estimated the difference between groups using linear regression and non-parametric quantile regression models. All models were adjusted for confounding variables selected on clinical relevance. RESULTS: We found no clinically significant effect of LCω3 versus placebo on perioperative bleeding, laboratory tests or postoperative complications. In contrast, as expected, we found a significant increase in perioperative bleeding in open retropubic radical prostatectomy compared to robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (adjusted difference 115.8 mL, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ω3 supplements can be safely taken before radical prostatectomy without increasing surgical bleeding risk. These findings are relevant since ω3 may beneficially affect prostate cancer evolution.

Evaluation of the use of anti-platelet therapy throughout the peri-operative period in patients with femoral neck fracture surgery. A retrospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Fracture neck of femur (hip fracture) is a very common problem among old age group. Such elderly patients usually have some comorbidities for which they may use anti-platelet therapy (such as clopidogrel, aspirin, or others) for long duration (chronic use). These anti-platelet medications might make the blood thin and increase bleeding tendency. So, if these elderly people present with fracture neck of femur requiring surgical intervention, they might be at increased risk of bleeding and other complications if the use of these anti-platelet agents was continued throughout the peri-operative period. OBJECTIVES: This current study aims to find out whether it is safe or not to continue the use of anti-platelet drugs during the peri-operative period in patients with hip fracture surgery. If it is safe and there are no complications, then there is no harm to continue the use of these drugs peri-operatively without any surgical delay. But if it is unsafe and there is increased risk of bleeding or blood transfusion or other complications, then such medications must be stopped peri-operatively. Thus, the medical practice and care will be improved to achieve patient safety. METHODS: It was a retrospective study which reviewed files and notes of patients who had hip fracture surgery. These patients were divided into 2 groups. First group was on long-term anti-platelet treatment (APTG), and the use of these medicines continued during the peri-operative phase. The second group was not on anti-platelet treatment at all (NAPTG). Then, a comparison was done between both groups in terms of the following parameters during the peri-operative (pre- and post-operative) period: (i) intra-operative blood loss, (ii) operative time in minutes (length of surgery), (iii) pre-operative haemoglobin level, (iv) the need for blood transfusion, (v) haematoma formation, (vi) re-operation for any reason, (vii) post-operative wound infection, and (viii) duration in days to achieve complete wound healing post-operatively. So these measures are good parameters to assess bleeding tendency and bleeding risk. Data was collected, and statistical analysis was done using Pearson's chi-squared test and independent sample t test as appropriate. RESULTS: 325 participants were enrolled in the study. There were 163 patients in the APTG (Anti-Platelet Treatment Group) and 162 patients in the NAPTG (Non-Anti-Platelet Treatment Group). It has been found that there was no statistically significant difference between the APTG and NAPTG in terms of these peri-operative parameters: (i) intra-operative blood loss, (ii) operative time in minutes (length of surgery), (iii) pre-operative haemoglobin level, (iv) the need for blood transfusion, (v) haematoma formation, (vi) re-operation for any reason, (vii) post-operative wound infection, and (viii) duration in days to achieve complete wound healing post-operatively (P > 0.650). CONCLUSION: It is safe to continue the use of anti-platelet therapy throughout the peri-operative phase in patients with hip fracture surgery. The continuation of such therapy is not associated with increased risk of bleeding or blood transfusion or other complications in patients who had surgical treatment for femoral neck fracture.

Riesgo coronario en pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica tributarios de tratamiento quirúrgico / Coronary risk in patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing surgical treatments

Introducción: Los pacientes con enfermedad arterial periférica sometidos a cirugía vascular no cardíaca programada presentan un riesgo significativo de complicaciones cardiovasculares, debido a la enfermedad cardíaca sintomática o asintomática subyacente. Objetivo: Valorar el riesgo coronario en los pacientes tributarios de cirugía vascular no cardíaca. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo prospectivo en 35 pacientes del Servicio de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular del Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Hermanos Ameijeiras. El período de estudio osciló entre octubre de 2013 y mayo de 2016. Las variables cualitativas se expresaron como frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Se evaluó la asociación entre las variables mediante el test de Fischer, se usó el coeficiente de Pearson para relacionar los valores del índice de presiones tobillo brazo y los niveles del calcio score. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino y la edad menor de 60 años. El tabaquismo y la hipertensión arterial fueron los factores de riesgo de mayor frecuencia. A pesar de no existir diferencia significativa (p = 0,563) al asociar el calcio score y el índice de presiones tobillo-brazo, sí existió una correlación lineal negativa entre ellos. Las complicaciones perioperatorias presentadas en el grupo de moderado-alto riesgo quirúrgico fueron la fibrilación ventricular, el infarto agudo de miocardio y el paro cardíaco. Conclusiones: La valoración del riesgo coronario es una herramienta útil en la detección de lesiones coronarias significativas que pueden favorecer la aparición de complicaciones perioperatorias en los pacientes que son tributarios de tratamiento quirúrgico revascularizador no cardíaco(AU)

Introduction: Patients with peripheral arterial disease undergoing scheduled non-cardiac vascular surgery present a significant risk of cardiovascular complications due to underlying symptomatic or asymptomatic heart disease. Objective: To assess coronary risk in patients eligible for non-cardiac vascular surgery. Methods: A prospective descriptive study was carried out in 35 patients of the Angiology and Vascular Surgery service in Hermanos Ameijeiras Hospital. The study was conducted between October 2013 and May 2016. Qualitative variables were summarized as absolute and relative frequencies. It was assessed the association between the variables using the Fischer´s test; Pearson´s coefficient was used to relate the values of the index of ankle- arm pressure and the levels of calcium score. Results: Male sex predominated; and ages less than 60 years. Smoking habit and high blood pressure were the most common risk factors. Although there is no significant difference (p= 0,563) when associating the calcium score and the ankle-brachial pressure index, there was a negative linear correlation between them. The peri-operative complications presented in the moderate to high surgical risk group were ventricular fibrillation, acute myocardial infarction and cardiac arrest. Conclusions: Identification of coronary risk is a useful tool in the detection of significant coronary lesions that may favor the emergence of peri-operative complications in patients who are scheduled for non-cardiac revascularization's surgical treatment(AU)

Peripheral nerve injury arising in anaesthesia practice.

In this article, we will discuss the pathophysiology of peripheral nerve injury in anaesthetic practice, including factors which increase the susceptibility of nerves to damage. We will describe a practical and evidence-based approach to the management of suspected peripheral nerve injury and will go on to discuss major nerve injury patterns relating to intra-operative positioning and to peripheral nerve blockade. We will review the evidence surrounding particular strategies to reduce the incidence of peripheral nerve injury during nerve blockade, including nerve localisation methods, timing of blocks, needle techniques and design, injection pressure-monitoring and local anaesthetic and adjunct choice.

Phase III randomised clinical trial comparing primary surgery versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer with high tumour load (SCORPION trial): Final analysis of peri-operative outcome.

OBJECTIVE: To establishing whether neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) followed by interval debulking surgery (IDS) is superior primary debulking surgery (PDS) in terms of clinical outcome as well as peri-operative morbidity in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (AEOC) endowed with high tumour load (HTL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a single-Institution, superiority, randomised phase III trial enrolling supposed AEOC women. Patients considered pre-operatively eligible were triaged to staging laparoscopy to assess the predictive index (PI) of tumour load. All AEOC women with PI≥8 or≤12 (considered as HTL) were included. They were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to undergo either PDS followed by systemic adjuvant chemotherapy (arm A, standard), or NACT followed by IDS (NACT/IDS) (arm B, experimental). Co-primary outcome measures were postoperative complications (graded according to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center surgical secondary events grading system) and progression free survival (PFS); secondary outcomes were overall survival, and quality of life (QoL). QoL was assessed using the EORTC QoL questionnaires. A sample size of 110 patients was required for the analysis of the first co-primary end-point (major peri-operative morbidity) whereas recruitment is still on-going to achieve the statistical power on PFS. RESULTS: Between October 2011 and November 2014, we registered 280 AEOC. Of the 110 eligible women, 55 were assigned to arm A and 55 to arm B. Despite different extension of surgery, rates of complete residual disease (residual tumour=0 cm) were superimposable between the groups (45.5% versus 57.7%; p=0.206). Twenty-nine patients (52.7%) in arm A experienced early grade III-IV complications versus three patients (5.7%) in IDS (p=0.0001). The most common complication was grade III and consisted of symptomatic pleural effusion requiring thoracic drainage (17/55 women (30.9%) in arm A versus 1/52 (1.9%) in arm B, p=0.0001). Three grade IV (5.4%) (i.e., two re-operations for postoperative haemorrhage and one septic multi-organ failure), and two grade V (3.6%) (two deaths for acute cardiopulmonary failure) early complications were observed in arm A only. Mean QoL scores of several scales/items were shown to ameliorate over time in both arms. Emotional functioning, cognitive functioning, nausea/vomiting, dyspnoea, insomnia and hair loss were statistically and clinically better in NACT/IDS compared to PDS arm. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative moderate/severe morbidity as well as QoL scores were shown to be more favourable in NACT/IDS arm than PDS in AEOC patients with very HTL. Completion of patient enrolment and analysis of survival data will clarify whether PDS with such a high rate of severe complications is an acceptable treatment in AEOC women with HTL.

Omitting pre-operative coagulation screening tests in hip fracture patients: stopping the financial cascade?

BACKGROUND: Coagulation screening continues as a standard of care in many hip fracture pathways despite the 2011 guidelines from the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland (AAGBI) which recommend that such screening be performed only if clinically indicated. This study aims to evaluate the use of pre-operative coagulation screening and explore its financial impact. METHODS: Prospective data was collected in accordance with the "Standardised Audit of Hip Fractures in Europe" (SAHFE) protocol. All patients admitted to our hospital with hip fractures during a 12-month period from November 2011 to November 2012 were analysed. Data including coagulation results and the use of vitamin K or blood products were collected retrospectively from the hospital computer system. Patient subgroup analysis was performed for intraoperative blood loss, post-operative blood units transfused, haematoma formation and gastrointestinal haemorrhage. RESULTS: 814 hip fractures were analysed. 91.4% (n=744) had coagulation tests performed and 22.0% (n=164) had an abnormal result. Of these, 55 patients were taking warfarin leaving 109 patients who had abnormal results and were not taking warfarin. When this group (n=109) was compared to those who had normal test results (n=580) and to all other patients (n=705) there was no difference in intraoperative blood loss (p=0.79, 0.78), postoperative transfusion (p=0.38, 0.30), postoperative haematoma formation (p=0.79, 1.00), or gastrointestinal haemorrhage (p=0.45, 1.00), respectively. In those who were not taking warfarin, but had abnormal results, none had treatment to reverse their coagulopathy with either vitamin K or blood products. By omitting pre-operative coagulation tests in patients who are not taking warfarin, we estimate a financial saving of between £66,500 and £432,250 per annum. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the hypothesis that routine pre-operative coagulation screening is unnecessary in hip fracture patients unless they take warfarin or have a known coagulopathy. Moreover, its omission represents significant cost-saving potential.

Influence of changing trends in anaesthetic practice on morbidity and mortality in elderly patients undergoing lower limb surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several changes in the management protocols of anaesthesia for geriatric patients were introduced into clinical practice to improve the outcome. Very few studies have evaluated the impact of these management protocols. The aim of our study was to evaluate impact of some of the changes in the peri-operative management protocols of geriatric patients undergoing elective orthopaedic lower limb surgeries on the outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of thirty-eight surgical patients from 1999 (Group 1999) before the introduction of changes and 107 patients from 2007 (Group 2007) after establishing changes was performed and data of peri-operative variables were collected and analysed. The primary outcome measured was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were occurrence of intra-operative and post-operative complications. Comparison of continuous variables between the two groups was performed using independent sample T test and categorical variables using Chi-square test. Multivariate logistic regression was done to identify independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: The use of beta blockers, deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis with low molecular weight heparin and epidural technique for post-operative analgesia was higher in group 2007. Despite higher prevalence of patients with electrocardiographic changes and anaemia, the incidence of intra-operative or post-operative complications was lower in 2007, though the mortality rate in both the groups was comparable. The independent risk factors for mortality in these geriatric patients were intra-operative hypotension (Odds Ratio (OR) =11.33) and post-operative myocardial ischaemia (OR = 34.5), pulmonary embolism (OR = 17.1) and neurologic changes (OR = 17.1). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of new management practices had significantly reduced the incidence of intra- and post-operative complications.

Safety and efficacy of non-cemented femoral fixation in patients 75 years of age and older.

The aim of this study was to assess peri-operative complications, safety and efficacy of non-cemented femoral fixation in total hip arthroplasty (THA) as compared to cemented femoral fixation in the elderly population. Fifty-two matched pair analysis of patients with 75 years of age and older (104 patients), who underwent primary THA from June 1997 to December 2004, was performed based on age, sex, BMI, and Charnley classification. Mean age was 81 years (75-101) and the average follow up was 3.1 ± 2.9 years (1.2-6.4). There was no difference in peri-operative cardiopulmonary complications, pulmonary failures, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, length of stay, or discharge deposition between the two groups. Non-cemented fixation is safe and effective in patients older than 75 years of age.