Utilising the impact of COVID-19 on trauma throughput to adapt elective care models for more efficient trauma care.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has necessitated adaptations in local trauma services, with implementation of novel methods of practice, strategic adaptations, and shifting of resource management. Many of these may serve the driver for landmark changes to future healthcare provision. AIM: To analyse the impact of COVID-19 on service provision by comparing throughput and productivity metrics with preceding years to identify differences in practice that were successful, cost-effective, and sustainable. METHODS: We quantified orthopaedic trauma care provision at a single University Teaching Hospital over a three consecutive year period, from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2020. Each year was split into four phases based on the 2020 national COVID-19 pandemic periods. We quantitatively analysed change in rates of inpatient trauma operative case load, sub-specialty variation, theatre throughput, and changes in management strategy. Qualitative analysis was based on multidisciplinary team interviews to highlight changes to care pathways. RESULTS: Of 1704 cases were admitted in 2020, 11.9% and 12.4% fewer than 2019 and 2018, respectively. During phase 1, hip fractures encompassed the majority (48.8%) of trauma throughput, with all other subspecialties seeing a reduction. Mean length of stay was shorter during phase 1 (5.7 d); however, the time in theatre was longer (144.3 min). Both, Charlson (0.90) and Elixhauser (1.55) Comorbidity Indices indicated the most co-morbid admissions during 2020 phase 1. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 has resulted in a paradigm shift in how care is accessed and delivered, with many evolving changes and adaptations likely to leave an impression upon healthcare provision in the future.

Dupuytren's interventions surgery versus collagenase (DISC) trial: study protocol for a pragmatic, two-arm parallel-group, non-inferiority randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dupuytren's contracture is a fibro-proliferative disease of the hands affecting over 2 million UK adults, particularly the white, male population. Surgery is the traditional treatment; however, recent studies have indicated that an alternative to surgery-collagenase clostridium histolyticum (collagenase)-is better than a placebo in the treatment of Dupuytren's contracture. There is however no robust randomised controlled trial that provides a definitive answer on the clinical effectiveness of collagenase compared with limited fasciectomy surgery. Dupuytren's intervention surgery vs collagenase trial (DISC) trial was therefore designed to fill this evidence gap. METHODS/DESIGN: The DISC trial is a multi-centre pragmatic two-arm parallel-group, randomised controlled trial. Participants will be assigned 1:1 to receive either collagenase injection or surgery (limited fasciectomy). We aim to recruit 710 adult participants with Dupuytren's contracture. Potential participants will be identified in primary and secondary care, screened by a delegated clinician and if eligible and consenting, baseline data will be collected and randomisation completed. The primary outcome will be the self-reported patient evaluation measure assessed 1 year after treatment. Secondary outcome measures include the Unité Rhumatologique des Affections de la Main Scale, the Michigan Hand Questionnaire, EQ-5D-5L, resource use, further procedures, complications, recurrence, total active movement and extension deficit, and time to return to function. Given the limited evidence comparing recurrence rates following collagenase injection and limited fasciectomy, and the importance of a return to function as soon as possible for patients, the associated measures for each will be prioritised to allow treatment effectiveness in the context of these key elements to be assessed. An economic evaluation will assess the cost-effectiveness of treatments, and a qualitative sub-study will assess participants' experiences and preferences of the treatments. DISCUSSION: The DISC trial is the first randomised controlled trial, to our knowledge, to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness of collagenase compared to limited fasciectomy surgery for patients with Dupuytren's contracture. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical.Trials.gov ISRCTN18254597 . Registered on April 11, 2017.

Long-term outcome of cruroplasty reinforcement with human acellular dermal matrix in large paraesophageal hiatal hernia.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic repair of a large hiatal hernia using simple sutures only for the cruroplasty is associated with a high recurrence rate. The solution was to place synthetic mesh over the cruroplasty thereby decreasing recurrence rates in exchange for complications, such as gastric and esophageal erosions. Our initial report investigated the use of human acellular dermal matrix (AlloDerm) as a more suitable alternative. This study highlights our long-term results>1 year of cruroplasty reinforcement with AlloDerm in the repair of large hiatal hernias. METHODS AND MATERIAL: This is a retrospective study performed at our university. Between 2005 and 2006, 52 consecutive patients with large hiatal hernias had the cruroplasty site reinforced with AlloDerm. The variables analyzed were age, sex, weight, height, hiatal hernia size, operative time, length of hospital stay, follow-up, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The mean for age was 56.7 years, for weight was 87.9 kg, for height 117 cm, for hernia size was 5.75 cm, operative time was 121 min, and for hospital stay was 1.36 days. Complication included pneumothorax, 3 (5.5%); atelectasis, 1 (1.9%); urinary retention, 1 (1.9%); and recurrence, 2 (3.8%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with reinforcement using human acellular dermal matrix can be performed safely with a short hospital stay and low rate of complications, especially a low rate of recurrence.

Prophylactic cholecystectomy with gastric bypass operation: incidence of gallbladder disease.

BACKGROUND: Morbid obesity is one of the major risk factors for gallbladder disease, and this risk is even greater following rapid weight loss. Because of this, prophylactic cholecystectomy has been offered to our patients undergoing the transected silastic ring vertical Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (TSRVRYGBP). A study was undertaken to determine the incidence of pathologic gallbladders in patients undergoing this prophylactic cholecystectomy. METHOD: The records of all patients who underwent TSRVRYGBP from June 1999 through December 2000 were reviewed. Pathologic findings of the gallbladder were documented as cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, cholesterolosis, polyps or normal. RESULTS: 761 patients underwent the operation. 178 patients (23%) had cholecystectomy before the surgery. 154 (20%) had gallstones documented by ultrasound and had cholecystectomy at the time of the surgery. 324 of the 429 patients with negative preoperative findings by ultrasound had pathologic evidence of gallbladder disease. CONCLUSION: Because of the high incidence of gallbladder disease even with negative preoperative findings in morbidly obese patients and the lack of significant morbidity with cholecystectomy in experienced hands, routine cholecystectomy at the time of the weight loss operation is justified.

Gastric bypass in patients with BMI < 40 but > 32 without life-threatening co-morbidities: preliminary report.

BACKGROUND: Surgical intervention is currently indicated for patients with BMI > 40 or > 35 with life-threatening comorbidities. Patients with BMI 32-40 without these comorbidities not only have the increased propensity to develop them but also suffer from similar psychosocioeconomic consequences. These patients may not respond to non-surgical treatment of obesity any better than those with BMI > 40. The question has been raised whether to offer them surgical intervention. METHODS: A study was carried out to determine outcome of surgery on patients with BMI > 32 but < 40 without life-threatening comorbidities but with either psychological, economic or social impairments affecting their quality of life. The approval of our Hospital Internal Review Board was obtained. In addition to routine evaluation for surgical intervention, these patients were required to have the approval of their primary care physician, be seen pre-operatively by a psychiatrist, and have a member of the family or a very close friend present at the time of discussion of operative risks and follow-up requirements. Patients committed to at least a 5-year follow-up. They were to be self-paying patients. The transected silastic ring vertical gastric bypass with a temporary gastrostomy was used. RESULTS: 50 patients, 49 women and one man, were entered into the study between May 1, 1999 and April 30, 2000. 50% were self-pay, and the other 50% were able to obtain coverage through their insurance companies. There were few peri-operative complications and no deaths. The late complications include incisional hernias, dumping and transient alopecia. Hospital stay averaged 3.7 days. Follow-up has been 18-27 months. Weight loss has been excellent. CONCLUSION: Preliminary results of surgical intervention extended to patients with BMI 32-40 without life-threatening comorbidities but with psychosocioeconomic ramifications are very promising. Long term follow-up and comparison with other bariatric patients are planned.