Health-Related Quality of Life and Return to Work after Surgery for Spinal Schwannoma: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Spinal schwannomas are the second most common primary intradural spinal tumor. This study aimed to assess health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the frequency of return to work after the surgical treatment of spinal schwannomas. HRQoL was compared to a sample of the general population. Patients operated for spinal schwannomas between 2006 and 2020 were identified in a previous study and those alive at follow-up (171 of 180) were asked to participate. Ninety-four (56%) responded and were included in this study. Data were compared to the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006, a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the general population. An analysis for any potential non-response bias was performed and showed no significant differences between the groups. HRQoL was equal between the spinal schwannoma sample and the general population sample in all but one dimension; men in the spinal schwannoma sample reported more moderate problems in the usual activities dimension than men in the general population (p = 0.020). In the schwannoma sample, there were no significant differences between men and women in either of the dimensions EQ-5Dindex or EQVAS. Before surgery, a total of 71 (76%) were working full-time and after surgery almost all (94%) returned to work, most of them within 3 months of surgery. Eighty-nine (95%) of the patients responded that they would accept the surgery for their spinal schwannoma if asked again today. To conclude, surgical treatment of spinal schwannomas is associated with good HRQoL and with a high frequency of return to work.

Dysphagia, health-related quality of life, and return to work after occipitocervical fixation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patient-reported outcome measures (PROMS) on dysphagia, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and return to work after occipitocervical fixation (OCF). Postoperative radiographic measurements were evaluated to identify possible predictors of dysphagia. METHODS: All individuals (≥ 18 years) who underwent an OCF at the study center or were registered in the Swedish spine registry (Swespine) between 2005 and 2019, and were still alive when the study was conducted, were eligible for inclusion. There was no overlap between the cohorts. Prospectively collected data on dysphagia (Dysphagia Short Questionnaire DSQ), HRQoL (EQ5D-3L) and return to work were used. Radiological and baseline patient data were retrospectively collected. In addition, HRQoL data of a matched sample of individuals was elicited from the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006. RESULTS: In total, 54 individuals were included. At long-term follow-up, 26 individuals (51%) had no dysphagia, and 25 (49%) reported some degree of dysphagia: 11 (22%) had mild dysphagia, and 14 (27%) had moderate to severe dysphagia. On a group level, the OCF sample scored significantly lower EQVAS and EQ-5Dindex values compared to the general population (60.0 vs. 80.0, p = 0.016; 0.43 vs. 0.80, p < 0.001). Individuals working preoperatively returned to work after surgery. Of those responding, 88% stated that they would undergo the OCF operation if it was offered today. No predictors of dysphagia based on radiographic measurements were identified. CONCLUSION: Occipitocervical fixation results in a high frequency of long-term dysphagia. The HRQoL of OCF patients is significantly reduced compared to matched controls. However, most patients are satisfied with their surgery. No radiographic predictors of long-term dysphagia could be identified. Future prospective and systematic studies with larger samples and more objective outcome measures are needed to elucidate the causes of dysphagia in OCF.

The impact of previous health on the mortality after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: analysis of a prospective Swedish multicenter study.

PURPOSE: There is an an increasing awareness of the importance of health and lifestyle for stroke diseases like spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). However, the importance of pre-existing medical conditions for clinical course and mortality after SAH has not been studied. The aim of the present study was to identify pre-existing conditions contributing to mortality after SAH. METHODS: Data were extracted from a Swedish national prospective study on patients with SAH. Variables were defined for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), clinical condition at admission, and for 10 pre-existing medical conditions. Models predicting mortality in three time intervals with all possible subsets of these variables were generated, compared and selected using Akaike's information criterion. RESULTS: 1155 patients with ruptured aneurysms were included. The mortality within 1 week was 7.6%, 1 month 14.3%, and 1 year 18.7%. The most common pre-existing medical conditions were smoking (57.6%) and hypertension (38.7%). The model's best predicting mortality within 1 week and from 1 week to 1 month included only the level of consciousness at admission and age, and these two variables were present in all the models among the top 200 in Akaike score for each time period. The most predictive model for mortality between 1 month and 1 year added previous stroke, diabetes, psychiatric disease, and BMI as predictors. CONCLUSION: Mortality within the first month was best predicted simply by initial level of consciousness and age, while mortality within from 1 month to 1 year was significantly influenced by pre-existing medical conditions.

Long-Term Follow-Up, Treatment Strategies, Functional Outcome, and Health-Related Quality of Life after Surgery for WHO Grade 2 and 3 Intracranial Meningiomas.

Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for WHO grade 2 and 3 intracranial meningiomas are poorly described, and long-term results and data evaluating the routine use of supplementary fractionated radiotherapy (RT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been inconclusive. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term PFS and OS at a center that does not employ routine adjuvant RT. For this purpose, a retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted of all WHO grade 2 and 3 meningiomas surgically treated between 2005 and 2013. The cohort was uniformly defined according to the WHO 2007 criteria to allow comparisons to previously published reports. Patient records were reviewed, and patients were then prospectively contacted for structured quality-of-life assessments. In total, 51 consecutive patients were included, of whom 43 were WHO grade 2 and 8 were grade 3. A Simpson grade 1-2 resection was achieved in 62%. The median PFS was 31 months for grade 2 tumors, and 3.4 months for grade 3. The median OS was 13 years for grade 2, and 1.4 years for grade 3. The MIB-1-index was significantly associated with an increased risk for recurrence (p = 0.018, OR 1.12). The median PFS was significantly shorter for high-risk tumors compared to the low-risk group (10 vs. 46 months; p = 0.018). The surviving meningioma patients showed HRQoL measures comparable to that of the general population, with the exception of significantly more anxiety and depression. All patients who worked before surgery returned to work after their treatment. In conclusion, we confirm dismal prognoses in patients with grade 2 and 3 meningiomas, with tumor-related deaths resulting in severely reduced OS. However, the cohort was heterogenous, and a large subgroup of both grade 2 and 3 meningiomas was alive at 10 years follow-up, suggesting that a cure is possible. In addition, fractionated radiotherapy and chemotherapy had little benefit when introduced for recurrent and progressive diseases.

Health-Related Quality of Life and Return to Work after Surgery for Spinal Meningioma: A Population-Based Cohort Study.

Spinal meningiomas are the most common primary spinal intradural tumor. This study aimed to assess Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the frequency of return to work in patients surgically treated for spinal meningiomas, in comparison to the general population. Variables were collected from patient charts, EQ-5D-3L, and study specific questionnaires. Patients who had been operated between 2005-2017 were identified in a previous study and those alive in 2020 (104 of 129) were asked to participate. Eighty-four patients (80.8%) with a mean follow-up of 8.7 years, responded and were included. Data was compared to the Stockholm Public Health Survey 2006, a cross-sectional survey of a representative sample of the general population. Analysis for potential non-response bias showed no significant differences. Women in the meningioma sample scored more problems than men with regards to mobility (p = 0.048). There were no significant differences concerning EQ-5Dindex (p = 0.325) or EQVAS (p = 0.116). The correlation between follow-up time and EQ-5Dindex was low (r = 0.167). When comparing HRQoL to the general population sample, no significant differences were found within the EQ-5D-3L dimensions, EQ-5Dindex or EQVAS. Those who postoperatively scored 3-5 on mMCs scored significantly more problems in the EQ-5D-3L dimension mobility (p = 0.023). Before surgery, 41 (48.8%) of the spinal meningioma patients were working and after surgery all returned to work, the majority within three months. Seventy-eight (96%) of the patients would accept surgery for the same diagnosis if asked today. We conclude that surgery for spinal meningiomas is associated with good long-term HRQoL and a high frequency of return to work.

Preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis regimen in brain tumour surgery in Sweden: a quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND: There has been varied clinical practice concerning antibiotic prophylaxis in patients undergoing craniotomy. In Sweden, both Cloxacillin and Cefuroxime have frequently been used. We aimed to study the clinical effectiveness of these two regimens. METHODS: A quasi-experimental design was used. The sample consisted of 580 adult (> 18 years) patients operated 2012-2015, of which 375 received Cloxacillin (pre-intervention group) and 205 received Cefuroxime (intervention group). Primary endpoint was the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) 12 months after surgery, while secondary endpoints were the need for reoperation due to SSI, the amount antibiotics used and the number of visits in the outpatient clinic related to SSI. A control group from another institution was reviewed to rule out clinical trial effects. RESULTS: When analysed by intention to treat, the pre-intervention group had a significant higher incidence of SSI, 13.3% (50/375) vs 5.4% (11/205) in the intervention group (p < 0.01). A treatment per protocol analysis confirmed the result. The number of reoperations due to SSI were significantly reduced in the intervention group, 3.4% (7/205) vs 8.3% (31/375) (p = 0.02), as was the total antibiotic use (p = 0.03) and the number of visits in the outpatient clinic (p < 0.01). In the control group, the reoperation rate as result of SSI was lower (p = 0.02) prior to the opposite change from Cefuroxime to Cloxacillin, 1.8% (27/1529) vs 3.1% (43/1378). CONCLUSION: In Sweden, Cefuroxime as prophylaxis in brain tumour surgery by craniotomy seems to be superior to Cloxacillin.

Operating theatre nurse specialist competence to ensure patient safety in the operating theatre: A discursive paper.

Aim: To discuss specialist operating theatre nurses' competence in relation to the general six core competencies and patient safety. Design: A discursive analysis of legal statutes and scientific articles. Methods: Swedish legal statutes and an overview of scientific articles on operating theatre nursing were deductively analysed and classified into healthcare providers' general six core competencies. Results: All healthcare professionals should possess the general core competencies, regardless of their discipline. The specific content within these competencies differs between disciplines. The specialized operating theatre nurse is the only healthcare professional having the competence to be responsible for asepsis, instrumentation, infection and complication, control and management of biological specimens during the surgical procedure. Besides operating theatre nurses, no other healthcare profession has the formal education, competence or skills to perform operating theatre nursing care in the theatre during the surgical procedure. Operating theatre nurse competence is therefore indispensable to ensure patient safety during surgery.

Patient-reported extremity symptoms after robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe patient-reported extremity symptoms after robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy in patients with bladder cancer. BACKGROUND: Preventive activities for remaining patient safety due to correct positioning play an important part in perioperative nursing care.Extremity injuries are well-known after prolonged surgery, especially in robot-assisted urologic surgery in the steep Trendelenburg position. The risk of injury increases due to patient-related and operative risk factors. METHODS: A quantitative prospective observational study was conducted. Patients were followed up with the QuickDASH (Disabilities in the Arm, Shoulder and Hand), Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) and a study-specific questionnaire 7-10 days and monthly, up to six months after surgery in patients with extremity symptoms. The study adheres to STROBE (strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology) guidelines, see Supporting information File S1. RESULTS: Out of the 94 included participants, 46.8% (n = 44) experienced extremity symptoms 7-10 days after surgery. Pain, numbness and weakness were the most frequent symptoms. There was a discrepancy between the patients reported symptoms and the documentation in the patient records. Only 13.6% (n = 3) of the reported pain was documented, respectively 27.5% (n = 11) of other symptoms. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of the patients report postoperative extremity symptoms after robot-assisted laparoscopic cystectomy. Prevention of complications in the perioperative setting, are together with follow-ups, important nursing activities for maintaining patient safety and may both prevent and detect postoperative extremity symptoms and injuries. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: This study reveals the need of accurate documentation regarding extremity symptoms in digital patient records, as well as continuous follow-ups during the hospital stay and after hospital discharge to enable detection of treatable extremity injuries. The result of this study also indicates the importance of nursing activities such as evidence-based positioning guidelines in the operating theatre for optimal positioning.

Are anxiety levels associated with the decision to participate in a Swedish colorectal cancer screening programme? A nationwide cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes are commonly challenged by low uptake, limiting their potential to reduce CRC burden. We aimed to investigate anxiety levels related to the decision to participate or not in CRC screening among screening participants and non-participants. Further to explore associations between higher anxiety levels related to the decision and individuals' characteristics. DESIGN: A nationwide cross-sectional study conducted with individuals included in a national randomised controlled CRC screening trial, the Screening of Swedish Colons (SCREESCO). PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1409 individuals, 60-62 years, recruited from SCREESCO during 2015-2016 participated in the study; 1256 had participated in CRC screening (faecal immunochemical test: n=958; colonoscopy: n=298) and 153 had declined screening participation. MEASURES: Anxiety levels were assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) S-Anxiety Scale. Health literacy (HL) was assessed with the Swedish Functional and Communicative and Critical Health Literacy Scales. RESULTS: Altogether, 79% of survey participants reported lower anxiety levels regarding their CRC screening decision (STAI S-Anxiety <40). Anxiety levels did not differ between screening participants and non-participants (mean STAI S-Anxiety score=34.1 vs 33.9, p=0.859). The odds of reporting higher anxiety levels increased by female sex (OR=1.37; CI 1.04 to 1.80; p=0.025) and previous faecal sampling (OR=1.53; CI 1.14 to 2.05; p=0.004), and decreased if living with partner (OR=0.65; CI 0.48 to 0.88; p=0.005), working (OR=0.72; CI 0.53 to 0.96; p=0.027) or having sufficient HL (functional: OR=0.49; CI 0.33 to 0.73, p≤0.001; communicative and critical: OR=0.55; CI 0.38 to 0.82; p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety levels did not differ between screening participants and non-participants. Higher anxiety scores were associated with certain characteristics. Interventions accounting for these characteristics can be applied to reduce anxiety and facilitate programme acceptance. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02078804; Results.

The meaning of person-centred care in the perioperative nursing context from the patient's perspective - an integrative review.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the meaning of person-centred care from the patient's perspective and in the context of perioperative nursing. BACKGROUND: Person-centred care is used, but not defined in the perioperative context. The concept indicates an interest in the patient's own experience of health, illness, needs and preferences. As with many terms that are frequently used, there is a tendency for person-centred care to mean different things to different people in different contexts. DESIGN: Integrative Review. METHODS: A two-part search strategy was employed: first, a computerised database search of PubMed and CINAHL, using Medical Subject Headings and free terms to search articles dating from 2004-2014, was performed, and second, a hand-search of those articles' reference lists was performed. Twenty-three articles were selected, and an integrative review was conducted. RESULTS: Four themes were discovered: 'being recognised as a unique entity and being allowed to be the person you are', 'being considered important by having one's personal wishes taken into account', 'the presence of a perioperative nurse is calming, prevents feelings of loneliness and promotes well-being, which may speed up recovery' and 'being close to and being touched by the perioperative nurse during surgery'. CONCLUSIONS: Person-centred care means respecting the patient as a unique individual, considering the patient's particularities and wishes and involving the patient in their own care. Person-centred care also implies having access to one's own nurse who is present both physically and emotionally through the entire perioperative process and who guides the patient and follows up postoperatively, guaranteeing that the patient is not alone. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: By having a common understanding of the concept of person-centred care, the nurse anaesthetists' and theatre nurses' caring actions or concerns will be directed towards the patient, resulting in personalisation of care rather than simply defining the concept.

'Wouldn't it be easier if you continued to be a guy?' - a qualitative interview study of transsexual persons' experiences of encounters with healthcare professionals.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe transsexual persons' experiences of encounters with healthcare professionals during the sex reassignment process. BACKGROUND: Transsexual persons are individuals who use varying means to alter their natal sex via hormones and/or surgery. Transsexual persons may experience stigma, which increases the risk of psychological distress. Mistreatments by healthcare professionals are common. Qualitative studies addressing transsexual persons' experiences of healthcare are scarce. DESIGN: Qualitative descriptive design. METHODS: A Swedish non-clinical convenience sample was used, consisting of six persons who had been diagnosed as transsexual, gone through sex reassignment surgery or were at the time of the interview awaiting surgery. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken, and data were analysed using manifest qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Three categories and 15 subcategories were identified. The encounters were perceived as good when healthcare professionals showed respect and preserved the transsexual person's integrity, acted in a professional manner and were responsive and built trust and confidence. However, the participants experienced that healthcare professionals varied in their level of knowledge, exploited their position of power, withheld information, expressed gender stereotypical attitudes and often used the wrong name. They felt vulnerable by having a condescending view of themselves, and they could not choose not to be transsexual. They felt dependent on healthcare professionals, and that the external demands were high. CONCLUSIONS: Transsexual persons are in a vulnerable position during the sex reassignment surgery process. The encounters in healthcare could be negatively affected if healthcare professionals show inadequate knowledge, exploit their position of power or express gender stereotypical attitudes. A good encounter is characterised by preserved integrity, respect, responsiveness and trust. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Improved education on transgender issues in nursing and medical education is warranted. Healthcare professionals should be aware of how their attitudes and their level of knowledge affect the care given during the sex reassignment surgery process.

Predictive factors for decompressive hemicraniectomy in malignant middle cerebral artery infarction.

BACKGROUND: The mortality rate of patients with brain oedema after malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction approaches 80 % without surgical intervention. Surgical treatment with ipsilateral decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) has been shown to dramatically improve survival rates. DHC currently lacks established inclusion criteria and additional research is needed to assess the impact of prognostic factors on functional outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of prognostic factors on functional outcome. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study was carried out including 46 patients who underwent DHC at the Karolinska University Hospital between 2004 and 2014. The maximum time to surgery was 5 days after symptom debut. The primary endpoint was a dichotomised score on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 3 months after surgery, with favourable outcome defined as mRS ≤ 4. RESULTS: When the study population was dichotomised according to the primary endpoint, a significant difference between the groups was seen in preoperative Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), blood glucose levels and the infarction's involvement of the basal ganglia (p < 0.05). In a logistic regression model, preoperative GCS contributed significantly with a 59.6 % increase in the probability of favourable outcome for each point gained in preoperative GCS (p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that preoperative GCS, blood glucose and the infarction's involvement of the basal ganglia are strong predictors of clinical outcome. These factors should be considered when assessing the probable outcome of DHC, and additional research based on these factors may contribute to improved inclusion criteria for DHC.

Patient information after ruptured intracranial aneurysm.

AIM: This paper reports an investigation into the effects of increased information for patients treated for intracranial aneurysm rupture. BACKGROUND: Intracranial aneurysm rupture is a grave condition that requires immediate care. It can be treated in two different ways, by surgery or by endovascular procedure. Intracranial aneurysm rupture can mean great changes in life, both for the patient and their spouse or relatives. METHODS: An intervention study was conducted using a quasi-experimental design. Participants were recruited consecutively over a period of 12 months and consisted of 62 patients treated for intracranial aneurysm rupture at a Swedish neurosurgical clinic. They were divided into two groups: an intervention group, who received written and oral information, and a comparison group, who received only oral information. INSTRUMENTS: Self-report questionnaires were sent to patients' homes 1-3 months after the aneurysm rupture. The questionnaires consisted of one study-specific instrument with questions about understanding of the information given and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, which measures worry or anxiety. FINDINGS: The intervention group considered that the information that they received was somewhat easier to understand and that it corresponded more closely to their needs, compared with the comparison group. The majority of patients in both groups expressed a need for more and improved information. Levels of anxiety were high for the majority of patients, but no significant difference was evident between groups. Furthermore, the results showed that the majority of patients were given information without their spouse or relatives being present. CONCLUSION: Increased information seems to be needed for these patients. There is a need to continue the work to improve information-giving to them and their relatives.