Opportunities and barriers for prehospital emergency medical services research in the Netherlands; results of a mixed-methods consensus study.

INTRODUCTION: Quality improvement in prehospital emergency medical services (EMS) can only be achieved by high-quality research and critical appraisal of current practices. This study examines current opportunities and barriers in EMS research in the Netherlands. METHODS: This mixed-methods consensus study consisted of three phases. The first phase consisted of semi-structured interviews with relevant stakeholders. Thematic analysis of qualitative data derived from these interviews was used to identify main themes, which were subsequently discussed in several online focus groups in the second phase. Output from these discussions was used to shape statements for an online Delphi consensus study among relevant stakeholders in EMS research. Consensus was met if 80% of respondents agreed or disagreed on a particular statement. RESULTS: Forty-nine stakeholders participated in the study; qualitative thematic analysis of the interviews and focus group discussions identified four main themes: (1) data registration and data sharing, (2) laws and regulations, (3) financial aspects and funding, and (4) organization and culture. Qualitative data from the first two phases of the study were used to construct 33 statements for an online Delphi study. Consensus was reached on 21 (64%) statements. Eleven (52%) of these statements pertained to the storage and use of EMS patient data. CONCLUSION: Barriers for prehospital EMS research in the Netherlands include issues regarding the use of patient data, privacy and legislation, funding and research culture in EMS organizations. Opportunities to increase scientific productivity in EMS research include the development of a national strategy for EMS data and the incorporation of EMS topics in research agendas of national medical professional associations.

3D-printed patient specific instruments for corrective osteotomies of the lower extremity.

3D-printing has become a promising adjunct in orthopedic surgery over the past years. A significant drop in costs and increased availability of the required hardware and software needed for using the technique, have resulted in a relatively fast adaptation of 3D-printing techniques for various indications. In this review, the role of 3D-printing for deformity corrections of the lower extremity is described.

First attempt success of video versus direct laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation by ambulance nurses: a prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the rate of first attempt success of endotracheal intubation performed by ambulance nurses in patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 3 using video laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a single, independent ambulance service. Twenty of a total of 65 nurse-staffed ambulances were equipped with a video laryngoscope; a classic direct laryngoscope (Macintosh) was available on all 65 ambulances. The primary outcome was first attempt success of the intubation. Secondary outcomes were overall success, time needed for intubation, adverse events, technical or environmental issues encountered, and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Ambulance nurses were asked if the intubation device had affected the outcome of the intubation. RESULTS: The first attempt success rate in the video laryngoscopy group [53 of 93 attempts (57%)] did not differ from that in the direct laryngoscopy group [61 of 126 (48%); p = 0.221]. However, the second attempt success rate was higher in the video laryngoscopy group [77/93 (83%) versus 80/126 (63%), p = 0.002]. The median time needed for the intubation (53 versus 56 s) was similar in both groups. Ambulance nurses more often expected a positive effect when performing endotracheal intubation with a video laryngoscope (n = 72, 81%) compared with a direct laryngoscope (n = 49, 52%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although no significant effect on the first attempt success was found, video laryngoscopy did increase the overall success rate. Ambulance nurses had a more positive valuation of the video laryngoscope with respect to success chances.

Patterns of injury and outcomes in the elderly patient with rib fractures: a multicenter observational study.

BACKGROUND: High rates of pneumonia and death have been reported among elderly patients with rib fractures. This study aims to identify patterns of injury and risk factors for pneumonia and death in elderly patients with rib fractures. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter observational study was performed using data registered in the national trauma registry between 2008 and 2015 in the South West Netherlands Trauma region. Data regarding demographics, mechanism of injury, pulmonary and cardiovascular history, pattern of extra-thoracic and intrathoracic injuries, ICU admission, length of stay, and morbidity and mortality following admission were collected. RESULTS: Eight hundred eighty-four patients were included. Median age was 76 years (P25-P75 70-83). 235 patients (26.6%) were 81 years or older. Moderate or worse extra-thoracic injuries were present in 456 patients (51.6%), of whom 146 (16.6%) had severe head injuries and 45 (5.1%) severe spinal injuries. Median ISS was 9 (P25-P75 5-18). The rate of pneumonia was 10% (n = 84). Ten percent of patients (n = 88) died. Risk factors for in-hospital mortality included age (OR 3.4; p = 0.003), presence of COPD (OR 1.3; p = 0.01), presence of cardiac disease (OR 2.6; p = 0.003), severe or worse head (OR 3.5; p < 0.001), abdominal (OR 6.8; p = 0.004) and spinal injury (OR 4.6; p = 0.011) by AIS, number of rib fractures (OR 2.6; p = 0.03), and need for chest tube drainage (OR 2.1; p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Pneumonia and death occur in about 10% of elderly patients with rib fractures. Apart from the severity of thoracic injuries, the presence and severity of extra-thoracic injuries and cardiopulmonary comorbidities are associated with poor outcome.

Transanal endoscopic surgery for complications of prior rectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Long-term complications of previous rectal surgery (e.g., enterovisceral fistula, anastomotic stricture, rectal stenosis) can be challenging problems for which transabdominal or transperineal surgery with or without definitive fecal diversion is often required. Transanal endoscopic surgery (TES) might allow for local treatment of these complications, thereby saving patients from otherwise major surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients undergoing TES in the IJsselland Hospital (NL) since 1996 were recorded in a prospective database, of which twenty patients were treated for complications after previous rectal surgery. Data on prior treatment, surgical techniques, outcomes, and need for additional surgery were collected. RESULTS: Twenty patients were identified from the database (rectourinary fistula n = 3, rectovaginal fistula n = 5, anastomotic stricture n = 8, and rectal stenosis n = 4). One of the three (33 %) rectourinary fistulas and two of five (40 %) rectovaginal fistulas were successfully treated with TES. Anastomotic strictures were successfully treated in 5/8 (63 %) patients. Strictures after local excision of rectal tumors were successfully treated in 3/4 (75 %) patients. No minor complication and one major complication occurred (rectovaginal fistula after stenoplasty eventually requiring Hartmann's procedure). CONCLUSIONS: Transanal treatment of anastomotic strictures, rectal stenosis, and fistula after prior rectal surgery is safe and effective in a large proportion of patients. TES should be considered as a first step in all patients presenting with these late complications after rectal surgery.

Sarcopenia impairs survival in patients with potentially curable hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: A reduction in skeletal muscle mass (sarcopenia) independently predicts poor survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing treatment with curative intent. Whether this is due to an increased risk of recurrence and disease specific death, or due to an increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality is currently unclear. In this study, we investigate the association between sarcopenia and death in a cohort of HCC patients undergoing treatment with curative intent. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical resection or radiofrequency ablation for lesions ≤ 3 cm between 2002 and 2013 were identified. Clinicopathological characteristics, CT-assessed sarcopenia and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 90 patients, 52 (57.8%) were found to be sarcopenic. Sarcopenic patients had a limited overall survival (median: 33 months vs. non-sarcopenic median: 105 months; P = 0.002), but not disease-free survival. Sarcopenia was an independent predictor for overall survival in multivariate Cox-regression analysis (HR 3.756; P = 0.001). Major complications (32.7% vs. 13.2%, P = 0.033) and treatment-related mortality (17.3% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.029) were more frequent in sarcopenic patients. CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia impairs survival in patients with potentially curable hepatocellular carcinoma, mainly due to an increase in treatment-related mortality.

Behavior of tip-steerable needles in ex vivo and in vivo tissue.

Robotic needle steering is a promising technique to improve the effectiveness of needle-based clinical procedures, such as biopsies and ablation, by computer-controlled, curved insertions of needles within solid organs. In this paper, we explore the capabilities, challenges, and clinical relevance of asymmetric-tip needle steering through experiments in ex vivo and in vivo tissue. We evaluate the repeatability of needle insertion in inhomogeneous biological tissue and compare ex vivo and in vivo needle curvature and insertion forces. Steerable needles curved more in kidney than in liver and prostate, likely due to differences in tissue properties. Pre-bent needles produced higher insertion forces in liver and more curvature in vivo than ex vivo. When compared to straight stainless steel needles, steerable needles did not cause a measurable increase in tissue damage and did not exert more force during insertion. The minimum radius of curvature achieved by prebent needles was 5.23 cm in ex vivo tissue, and 10.4 cm in in vivo tissue. The curvatures achieved by bevel tip needles were negligible for in vivo tissue. The minimum radius of curvature for bevel tip needles in ex vivo tissue was 16.4 cm; however, about half of the bevel tip needles had negligible curvatures. We also demonstrate a potential clinical application of needle steering by targeting and ablating overlapping regions of cadaveric canine liver.

Sarcopenia negatively impacts short-term outcomes in patients undergoing hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastasis.

BACKGROUND: As indications for liver resection expand, objective measures to assess the risk of peri-operative morbidity are needed. The impact of sarcopenia on patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) was investigated. METHODS: Sarcopenia was assessed in 259 patients undergoing liver resection for CRLM by measuring total psoas area (TPA) on computed tomography (CT). The impact of sarcopenia was assessed after controlling for clinicopathological factors using multivariate modelling. RESULTS: Median patient age was 58 years and most patients (60%) were male. Forty-one (16%) patients had sarcopenia (TPA ≤ 500 mm(2) /m(2) ). Post-operatively, 60 patients had a complication for an overall morbidity of 23%; 26 patients (10%) had a major complication (Clavien grade ≥3). The presence of sarcopenia was strongly associated with an increased risk of major post-operative complications [odds ratio (OR) 3.33; P= 0.008]. Patients with sarcopenia had longer hospital stays (6.6 vs. 5.4 days; P= 0.03) and a higher chance of an extended intensive care unit (ICU) stay (>2 days; P= 0.004). On multivariate analysis, sarcopenia remained independently associated with an increased risk of post-operative complications (OR 3.12; P= 0.02). Sarcopenia was not significantly associated with recurrence-free [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.07] or overall (HR = 1.05) survival (both P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia impacts short-, but not long-term outcomes after resection of CRLM. While patients with sarcopenia are at an increased risk of post-operative morbidity and longer hospital stay, long-term survival is not impacted by the presence of sarcopenia.

Development of hepatic pseudotumors for image-guided interventional and surgical research in a large animal model.

PURPOSE: Real-time image guidance and navigation have become increasingly important in an era of minimally invasive interventional and surgical procedures in the liver. To develop, test, and implement tools for real-time image guidance, the authors sought to create an in vivo tumor mimic with realistic imaging and treatment capabilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatic pseudotumors were created by injecting 1-2 mL of alginate (a hydrocolloid) directly into the liver parenchyma in eight live pigs and two dog cadavers. Tumors were imaged by B-mode ultrasound (US), US elasticity imaging, multi-detector row computed tomography (CT), CT fluoroscopy, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging to assess imaging capabilities. Procedures performed with the alginate pseudotumors included radiofrequency (RF) ablation and robotic needle guidance. RESULTS: Twenty-four hepatic pseudotumors were created, ranging in size from 10 mm to 28 mm at an average depth of 6 mm. Average time of preparation and insertion was 3 minutes. All tumors were palpable under the surface of the liver and were easily visible on B-mode US, US elasticity imaging, CT, and MR imaging. Tumors were successfully "treated" with RF ablation, and gross examination of the liver showed good encompassment of the tumor by the zone of thermal coagulation. In addition, the pseudotumors allowed for easy introduction of various types of needles, including RF ablation probes and experimental steerable needles. CONCLUSIONS: Alginate pseudotumors can easily be imaged and allow for different procedures to be performed. This model can be used for various research purposes.

Safety and efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for hepatocellular adenoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2000 to 2009, 170 patients with HCA were referred to a single tertiary hepatobiliary center. Medical records of 18 patients treated with RF ablation were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All patients were female, and the majority had a history of hormonal contraceptive use. Ten patients (56%) had multiple HCAs, with a median number of two lesions (range, one to 12) per patient. Median size of HCA at the time of RF ablation was 3.0 cm (range, 0.8-7.3 cm). A total of 45 HCAs were ablated in 32 sessions (open, n = 4; percutaneous, n = 28). RF ablation was complete after the first session in 26 HCAs (57.8%), and the majority of patients underwent multiple RF ablation sessions to fully ablate all HCAs. Major complications developed in two patients. CONCLUSIONS: RF ablation can be used effectively in the treatment of HCA. However, multiple sessions are often required, and signs of residual adenoma might persist in some patients despite repetitive treatment. RF ablation might be especially beneficial in cases not amenable to surgery or in patients who would require major hepatic resection otherwise.

Therapeutic efficacy of combined intraoperative ablation and resection for colorectal liver metastases: an international, multi-institutional analysis.

BACKGROUND: Only 10-25% of patients presenting with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) are amenable to hepatic resection. By combining resection and ablation, the number of patients eligible for surgery can be expanded. We sought to determine the efficacy of combined resection and ablation for CRLM. METHODS: Between 1984 and 2009, 1,425 patients who underwent surgery for CRLM were queried from an international multi-institutional database. Of these, 125 patients underwent resection combined with ablation as the primary mode of treatment. RESULTS: Patients presented with a median of six lesions. The median number of lesions resected was 4; the median number of lesions ablated was 1. At last follow-up, 84 patients (67%) recurred with a median disease-free interval of 15 months. While total number of lesions treated (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.47, p = 0.23) and number of lesions resected (HR = 1.18, p = 0.43) did not impact risk of intrahepatic recurrence, the number of lesions ablated did (HR = 1.36, p = 0.05). Overall 5-year survival was 30%. Survival was not influenced by the number of lesions resected or ablated (both p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined resection and ablation is associated with long-term-survival in a subset of patients; however, recurrence is common. The number of lesions ablated increases risk of intrahepatic recurrence but does not impact overall survival.

Intra-operative ultrasound elasticity imaging for monitoring of hepatic tumour thermal ablation.

BACKGROUND: Thermal ablation is an accepted therapy for selected hepatic malignancies. However, the reliability of thermal ablation is limited by the inability to accurately monitor and confirm completeness of tumour destruction in real time. We investigated the ability of ultrasound elasticity imaging (USEI) to monitor thermal ablation. OBJECTIVES: Capitalizing on the known increased stiffness that occurs with protein denaturation and dehydration during thermal therapy, we sought to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of USEI for monitoring of liver tumour ablation. METHODS: A model for hepatic tumours was developed and elasticity images of liver ablation were acquired in in vivo animal studies, comparing the elasticity images to gross specimens. A clinical pilot study was conducted using USEI in nine patients undergoing open radiofrequency ablation for hepatic malignancies. The size and shape of thermal lesions on USEI were compared to B-mode ultrasound and post-ablation computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: In both in vivo animal studies and in the clinical trial, the boundary of thermal lesions was significantly more conspicuous on USEI when compared with B-mode imaging. Animal studies demonstrated good correlation between the diameter of ablated lesions on USEI and the gross specimen (r = 0.81). Moreover, high-quality strain images were generated in real time during therapy. In patients undergoing tumour ablation, a good size correlation was observed between USEI and post-operative CT (r = 0.80). CONCLUSION: USEI can be a valuable tool for the accurate monitoring and real-time verification of successful thermal ablation of liver tumours.

Disappearing colorectal liver metastases after chemotherapy: should we be concerned?

BACKGROUND: With increasing efficacy of preoperative chemotherapy for colorectal cancer, more patients will present with one or more disappearing liver metastases (DLM) on preoperative cross-sectional imaging. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted evaluating the radiological response to preoperative chemotherapy for 168 patients undergoing surgical therapy for colorectal liver metastases at Johns Hopkins Hospital between 2000 and 2008. RESULTS: Forty patients (23.8%) had one or more DLM, accounting for a total of 127 lesions. In 22 patients (55%), all DLM sites were treated during surgery. Of the 17 patients with unidentified, untreated DLM, ten patients (59%) developed a local recurrence at the initial site, half of which also developed recurrences in other sites. While the intrahepatic recurrence rate was higher for patients with DLM left in situ (p = 0.04), the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rate was not significantly different for patients with DLM left in situ (93.8%, 63.5%, and 63.5%, respectively) when compared to patients with a radiological chemotherapy response in whom all original disease sites were surgically treated (92.3%, 70.8%, and 46.2%, respectively; p = 0.66). CONCLUSIONS: DLM were frequently observed in patients undergoing preoperative chemotherapy for liver metastases. Survival was comparable in patients with untreated DLM, in spite of high intrahepatic recurrence rates seen in these patients. Therefore, aggressive surgical therapy should be considered in patients with marked response to chemotherapy, even when all DLM sites cannot be identified.

Safety and efficacy of curative intent surgery for peri-ampullary liver metastasis.

INTRODUCTION: The management of patients with peri-ampullary liver metastasis remains controversial. We sought to assess the safety and efficacy of curative intent surgery for peri-ampullary liver metastasis. METHODS: Between 1993 and 2009, 40 patients underwent curative intent surgery (resection and/or radiofrequency ablation (RFA)) for peri-ampullary liver metastasis. Clinicopathologic and outcome data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Location of the primary tumor was pancreas head (n = 20), ampulla of Vater (n = 10), distal bile duct (n = 5), or duodenum (n = 5). Most patients (n = 27) presented with synchronous disease, while 13 patients presented with metachronous disease following a median disease-free interval of 22 months. Most patients (n = 25) presented with hepatic metastasis from pancreaticobiliary origin (pancreatic or distal common bile duct) compared with 15 patients who had metastasis from an intestinal-type primary (ampullary or duodenal). There were no differences in metastatic tumor number or size between these groups (P > 0.05). Post-operative morbidity and mortality was 30% and 5% respectively. Overall 1- and 3-year survival was 55% and 18%. Patients who underwent resection of liver metastasis from intestinal-type tumors experienced a longer survival compared with patients who had pancreaticobiliary lesions (median: 13 months vs. 23 months; P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Curative intent surgery for peri-ampullary liver metastasis was associated with post-operative morbidity and a 5% mortality rate. Although the overall survival benefit was modest, patients with liver metastasis from intestinal-type tumors experienced improved survival following resection of liver metastasis compared with pancreaticobiliary lesions.

The effect of steatosis on echogenicity of colorectal liver metastases on intraoperative ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of relative tumor echogenicity and hepatic steatosis in patients undergoing resection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: The Johns Hopkins Hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 126 patients undergoing liver surgery for CRLM from January 1, 1998, through December 31, 2008, in whom 191 lesions had complete intraoperative ultrasonography images for review and adequate linked pathological data available. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The intraoperative ultrasonography images were reviewed and scored for echogenicity (hypoechoic, isoechoic, or hyperechoic). In addition, a histopathologic review of the nontumorous liver tissue was performed, and the extent of steatosis was scored and correlated with tumor echogenicity. RESULTS: Of the patients undergoing surgery, 49 (38.8%) were found to have mild to severe steatosis. Of the 191 total CRLM visualized by intraoperative ultrasonography, 91 (47.6%) were found to be hypoechoic, 65 (34.0%) were isoechoic, and 35 (18.3%) were hyperechoic. In patients with steatosis, lesions were significantly more likely to be hypoechoic when compared with patients without steatosis (odds ratio, 4.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.87-8.47; P = .001). Echogenicity was independent of the cause of steatosis or response to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The echogenicity of CRLM was significantly affected by the presence of liver steatosis, with decreased echogenicity and increased conspicuity of lesions despite overall poorer image quality. These findings might reinforce the usefulness of intraoperative ultrasonography in identifying additional CRLM in patients undergoing surgical therapy, even in those with fatty liver tissue.

Factors determining the sensitivity of intraoperative ultrasonography in detecting colorectal liver metastases in the modern era.

BACKGROUND: With improved preoperative cross-sectional imaging, the added clinical value of intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) in the detection of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) is unclear. Specifically, the ability of IOUS to detect additional liver metastases during surgery and its relationship between clinical and lesion specific ultrasonographic characteristics remains ill-defined. The purpose of the current study was to determine the association of clinical parameters and tumor echogenicity with the ability of IOUS to detect occult CRLM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 213 patients undergoing surgical exploration and IOUS for CRLM between 1998 and 2009 were included in the study. All patients underwent preoperative multidetector computed tomography (CT) imaging and lesion detection was compared with those identified by IOUS. In addition, early (<6 months) intrahepatic recurrence was used as a surrogate for residual disease (e.g., metastases that were undetected on initial IOUS). The influence of various characteristics on the rate in which additional metastases were detected and the rate of early intrahepatic recurrence was examined. RESULTS: Overall, IOUS detected additional liver metastases in 10% of patients (n = 22). Detection of additional metastases was significantly higher in patients with multiple (≥4) tumors (P < 0.001) and hypoechoic tumors (P = 0.007). Of 153 patients undergoing resection only, 17 (11%) had an early intrahepatic recurrence. This was more common in patients with isoechoic metastases during IOUS (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Even with the use of modern cross-sectional preoperative imaging, IOUS detects additional liver metastases in 10% of patients. In addition, the sensitivity of IOUS for detecting occult CRLM is highly dependent on the number and echogenicity of detected tumors.