A comparative analysis of Charlson's weighted index of comorbidity and perforated peptic ulcer scores in predicting postoperative mortality and high comprehensive complication index.

BACKGROUND: Limited data exists on Charlson's weighted index of comorbidity (WIC) predictability for postoperative outcomes following perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) surgery. This study assesses the utility of WIC and other predictive scores in forecasting both postoperative mortality and morbidity in PPU. MATERIALS & METHODS: Patients with PPUs operated between 2018 and 2021 in a Malaysian tertiary referral center were included. Clinical data were retrospectively analyzed for association with mortality and morbidity measured with the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI). Predictability of WIC and other predictors were examined using area under receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). RESULTS: Among 110 patients included, 18 died (16.4%) and 36 (32.7%) had significant morbidity postoperatively (High CCI, ≥26.2). Both mortality and high CCI were associated with age >65 years, female sex, comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and renal disease), and American Society of Anesthesiologist score >2. Most patients who died had renal dysfunction, metabolic acidosis, lactate >2 mmol/L upon presentation preoperatively. While surgery >24 h after presentation correlated with mortality and high CCI, the benefit of earlier surgery <6 h or <12 h was not demonstrated. WIC (AUC, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.81-0.99) showed similar predictability to Peptic Ulcer Perforation (PULP) (AUC, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.93-1.00) for mortality. PULP effectively predicted high CCI (AUC, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.73-0.93; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: WIC is valuable in predicting mortality, highlighting the importance of comorbidity in risk assessment. PULP score was effective in predicting both mortality and high CCI. Early identification of patients with high perioperative risk will facilitate patients' triage for escalated care, leading to a better outcome.

Novel calcium infusion regimen after parathyroidectomy for renal hyperparathyroidism.

AIM: Calcium infusion is used after parathyroid surgery for renal hyperparathyroidism to treat postoperative hypocalcaemia. We compared a new infusion regimen to one commonly used in Malaysia based on 2003 K/DOQI guidelines. METHODS: Retrospective data on serum calcium and infusion rates was collected from 2011-2015. The relationship between peak calcium efflux (PER) and time was determined using a scatterplot and linear regression. A comparison between regimens was made based on treatment efficacy (hypocalcaemia duration, total infusion amount and time) and calcium excursions (outside target range, peak and trough calcium) using bar charts and an unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Fifty-one and 34 patients on the original and new regimens respectively were included. Mean PER was lower (2.16 vs 2.56 mmol/h; P = 0.03) and occurred earlier (17.6 vs 23.2 h; P = 0.13) for the new regimen. Both scatterplot and regression showed a large correlation between PER and time (R-square 0.64, SE 1.53, P < 0.001). The new regimen had shorter period of hypocalcaemia (28.9 vs 66.4 h, P = 0.04), and required less calcium infusion (67.7 vs 127.2 mmol, P = 0.02) for a shorter duration (57.3 vs 102.9 h, P = 0.001). Calcium excursions, peak and trough calcium were not significantly different between regimens. Early postoperative high excursions occurred when the infusion was started in spite of elevated peri-operative calcium levels. CONCLUSION: The new infusion regimen was superior to the original in that it required a shorter treatment period and resulted in less hypocalcaemia. We found that early aggressive calcium replacement is unnecessary and raises the risk of rebound hypercalcemia.

A comparative study of anxiety and depression among healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers in Johor, Malaysia during the Covid-19 era.

The outbreak of Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) has a significant impact on the mental health of the global population. Updates are needed regarding the mental health status among the local population since limited studies were done so far. This research compared the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms among HCWs and non-HCWs. We also evaluated the factors associated with anxiety and depression symptoms among these 2 groups. This was a cross-sectional study conducted between September to December 2022. Online questionnaire was distributed to HCWs from 2 tertiary government hospitals. Non-HCWs from various occupational fields were recruited randomly. Generalised Anxiety Disorder 7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) were used to screen for anxiety and depression symptoms respectively. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 28.0. 200 questionnaires were distributed to HCWs and non-HCWs respectively. The response rate was 74.5% from HCWs and 82.5% from non-HCWs (P = .07). A total of 236 individuals (105 HCWs and 131 non-HCWs) were included in the study. Majority were female, married, highly educated and worked more than 8 hours per day. There was no significant difference for the prevalence of anxiety (37.2% vs 44.3%, P = .34) and depression symptoms (37.3% vs 35.1%, P = .75) between HCWs and non-HCWs. Among HCWs, poor workplace support (P = .009) and low income (P = .04) were associated with anxiety symptoms. Younger age (P = .02), single status (P = .01) and poor workplace support (P = .006) were associated with depression symptoms. More non-HCWs with a higher educational level were having anxiety and depression symptoms. Single status (P = .03), working away from home (P = .02), poor family support (P = .03) and quarantine as Covid-19 close contact (P = .04) were also associated with depression symptoms among non-HCWs. There is no significant difference between HCWs and non-HCWs experiencing possible anxiety or depressive symptoms in this study. However, attention should be paid to address associated factors identified among each group to promote good mental health.

COVID-19 related acute limb ischaemia: A case series.

COVID-19 infection or vaccination is rarely associated with arterial occlusive disease of the extremities. The surgical department of a hospital in Johor, Malaysia, recorded a significant increase in the number of COVID-19-related acute limb ischaemia when the rates of COVID-19 were high both locally and internationally. The clinical presentation and management of acute limb ischaemia associated with COVID-19 infection or vaccination are largely underreported in Johor. Herein, we report a case series of 12 patients managed with strategies ranging from purely anticoagulation to catheter-directed thrombolysis and surgical embolectomy. This case series describes the clinical presentation, risk profiles, treatment approaches and limb outcomes of the patients. The amputation rate was high in view of unfavourable factors, including delayed presentation, high-risk factors and severe COVID-19. Three cases of potential COVID-19 vaccine-related acute limb ischaemia were included. COVID-19-related acute limb ischaemia can be minimised with heightened alert, preemptive optimisation with proper hydration and consideration for early prophylactic anticoagulation in high-risk cases.

Post-colonoscopy diverticulitis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Post-colonoscopy diverticulitis is increasingly recognized as a potential complication. However, the evidence is sparse in the literature. AIM: To systematically review all available evidence to describe the incidence, clinical course with management and propose a definition. METHODS: The databases PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched using with the keywords up to June 2020. Additional manual search was performed and cross-checked for additional references. Data collected included demographics, reason for colonoscopy, time to diagnosis, method of diagnosis (clinical vs imaging) and management outcomes. RESULTS: A total of nine studies were included in the final systematic review with a total of 339 cases. The time to diagnosis post-colonoscopy ranged from 2 h to 30 d. Clinical presentation for these patients were non-specific including abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, per rectal bleeding and chills/fever. Majority of the cases were diagnosed based on computed tomography scan. The management for these patients were similar to the usual patients presenting with diverticulitis where most resolve with non-operative intervention (i.e., antibiotics and bowel rest). CONCLUSION: The entity of post-colonoscopy diverticulitis remains contentious where there is a wide duration post-procedure included. Regardless of whether this is a true complication post-colonoscopy or a de novo event, early diagnosis is vital to guide appropriate treatment. Further prospective studies especially registries should include this as a complication to try to capture the true incidence.

Case series of retained rectal foreign body. A Malaysian experience.

Retained rectal foreign body, with its associated social stigma, is a medical condition that is infrequently reported in Malaysia. We report the surgical management of five cases of retained foreign objects in the rectum seen over a one-year period. There were three young and two elderly male patients. One of the elderly patients presented with altered bowel habits and an abdominal mass that mimicked a symptomatic colonic tumor. All patients had an abdominal radiograph which clinched the diagnosis of a retained foreign rectal body. Successfully retrieved objects included two bottles, one bidet device, and two sex toys. Open surgery for retrieval of the impacted rectal foreign body was required in one patient. All underwent successful retrievals without any adverse postoperative complications. In our case series, retained rectal foreign bodies were observed only in the male gender. The age presentation was bimodal, with age groups in the twenties and sixties. The treatment options used for the retrieval of these impacted foreign bodies included transanal extraction or explorative laparotomy. Proximal migration and delayed presentation are possible indications for the latter approach.

First Feasibility Study and Short-term Outcomes of Laparoscopic-Assisted Anterior Resection in Colorectal Cancer in Malaysia.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic-assisted anterior resection (LAAR) for colorectal cancer in a local Asian population. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all patients with colorectal cancer operated from November 2017 to October 2018. Main variables of interest were demography, type and surgery, length of stay (LOS), and the involvement of proximal and distal doughnut. Postoperative complications were analysed using chi-square or Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney tests. RESULTS: There were 23 patients with a mean age of 62.5 ± 12.2 years. The mean time from diagnosis to surgery was 97.1 ± 154.84 days. There were 12 patients in the LAAR group and 11 in the open anterior resection (OAR) group. Duration of surgery was shorter in OAR (129.58 ± 51.38 minutes) compared to LAAR (147.91 ± 39.37 minutes). Mean LOS was shorter in the LAAR group with 5±1.5 days compared to the OAR group of 7.42 ± 4.25 days. However, there was no significant P-value for both duration of surgery (P = 0.322) or LOS (P = 0.87). A total of 3 complications were recorded after OAR and 2 after LAAR. Both groups had clear proximal and distal margins with 16 (12-18.5) harvested lymph nodes in LAAR and 18 (16-22) in OAR, which were equal (P = 0.155). CONCLUSION: This study reports a shorter LOS in the minimally invasive group of 2 days with similar oncologic resection outcomes. This shows that LAAR is feasible in Malaysia and has potential outcome benefits.

Pyopericardium presenting with echocardiographic features of pericardial tamponade in an elderly man.

A 72-year-old Chinese man presented with mild symptoms of heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography showed signs of cardiac tamponade though clinically he was relatively well. The option of pericardiocentesis was not carried out due to a narrow window for aspiration with only a thin layer of effusion seen surrounding the apex and right ventricle on subcostal view.Pericardial window was done via a left anterolateral thoracotomy. Intraoperatively, 500 cm3 of purulent fluid was drained. Microbiology screens were all negative. We present the atypical clinical course of this elderly man presenting with a large pyopericardium.

Validation of the trauma mortality prediction scores from a Malaysian population.

BACKGROUND: Well-known trauma mortality prediction scores such as New Injury Severity Score (NISS), Revised Trauma Score (RTS), and Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) have been externally validated from high-income countries with established trauma databases. However, these scores were never used in Malaysian population. In this current study, we attempted to validate these scoring systems using our regional trauma surgery database. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the regional Malaysian Trauma Surgery Database was performed over a period of 3 years from May 2011 to April 2014. NISS, RTS, Major Trauma Outcome Study (MTOS)-TRISS, and National Trauma Database (NTrD)-TRISS scores were recorded and calculated. Individual scoring system's performance in predicting trauma mortality was compared by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curve. Youden index and associated optimal cutoff values for each scoring system was calculated to predict mortality. The corresponding positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of the cutoff values were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 2208 trauma patients (2004 blunt and 204 penetrating injuries) with mean age of 36 (SD = 16) years were included. There were 239 deaths with a corresponding mortality rate of 10.8%. The AUC calculated for the NISS, RTS, MTOS-TRISS, and NTrD-TRISS were 0.878, 0.802, 0.812, and 0.848, respectively. The NISS score with a cutoff value of 24, sensitivity of 86.6% and specificity of 74.3%, outperformed the rest (p < 0.001). Mortality was predicted by NISS with an overall accuracy of 75.6%; its positive predictive value was at 29.02% and negative predictive value at 97.86%. CONCLUSION: Amongst the four scores, the NISS score is the best trauma mortality prediction model suited for a local Malaysian trauma population. Further validation with multicentre data in the country may require to ascertain the finding.