Chronic post-surgical pain following gastrointestinal surgery: Protocol for a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Chronic post-surgical pain (CPSP) significantly impacts people's lives, affecting both socioeconomic aspects as well as their rehabilitation after surgery. Yet, CPSP remains an under-researched field. The prevalence varies depending on type of surgery, which highlights the importance of surgery-specific research. This scoping review aims to investigate CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery in order to map out incidences, risk factors, and impact on quality of life (QoL) as well as identify gaps in research. METHODS: The planned review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) for Scoping Review guidelines. A search strategy will be carried out in major peer-reviewed databases and grey literature will be sought and identified. We will include original studies assessing CPSP after gastrointestinal surgery, with the exception of hernia surgery. We will chart data regarding trial characteristics, patient demographic, surgical diagnosis, risk factors, follow-up times, pain definitions and evaluations as well as impact on QoL. RESULTS: We will present the included studies with a narrative summary, supplemented with descriptive statistics of the quantitative data if appropriate. CONCLUSION: The planned scoping review will map out the current evidence about CPSP in adults following gastrointestinal surgery. We will identify gaps in research that can support the development of further research into CPSP after gastrointestinal surgery.

Prognostic factors of chronic postsurgical pain following gastrointestinal surgery: A systematic review protocol.

BACKGROUND: Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) presents a considerable healthcare challenge, impacting patients, and healthcare providers, particularly in the context of gastrointestinal surgery. The notable incidence of CPSP in this specific surgical domain emphasizes the need to identify patients with a high risk of developing this condition. Despite various studies exploring this topic, a comprehensive systematic review focusing on prognostic factors of CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery is currently lacking. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is, through systematically examination of existing literature, to assess both established and potentially novel prognostic factors, associated with CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: Adhering to the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA-P) checklist, we will use pre-established criteria based on Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome, Timing, and Setting (PICOT-S), to determine eligibility for inclusion. Essentially, this entails studies reporting on prognostic factors of CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery. Relevant studies will be identified through systematic searches in medical databases, examination of reference lists from included studies, and screening of Clinicaltrials.gov. No restrictions will be imposed regarding language, publication time or source, and both randomized trials and observational studies will be included. Data extraction will follow the Checklist for Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of prognostic factor studies (CHARMS-PF) and for quality assessment, we will use the Quality in Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. RESULTS: The aim for the systematic review is to identify and assess the prognostic value of potential factors for the development of CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery. CONCLUSION: By creating a comprehensive overview of important prognostic factors for the development of CPSP following gastrointestinal surgery, the findings of this systematic review have the potential to guide future research and to enhance patient information resources.

Collagenase-producing bacteria are common in anastomotic leakage after colorectal surgery: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Some gut bacteria can produce enzymes (collagenases) that can break down collagen in the intestinal wall. This could be a part of the pathophysiology of anastomotic leakage (AL). This systematic review aimed to investigate if such bacteria were present more frequently in AL patients versus non-AL patients following colorectal surgery. METHODS: This systematic review was reported according to the PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines. Before the literature search, a study protocol was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42022363454). We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Cochrane CENTRAL on April 9th, 2023, for randomized and observational human studies of AL following colorectal surgery with information on gastrointestinal bacteria. The primary outcome was bacteria with the potential to produce collagenase. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, as all studies were observational. RESULTS: We included 15 studies, with a total of 52,945 patients, of which 1,747 had AL, and bacteriological information from feces, mucosa, the resected specimen, or drain fluid was presented. In 10 of the 15 studies, one or more collagenase-producing bacteria were identified in the patients with AL. Neither the bacteria nor the collagenase production were quantified in any of the studies. The studies varied greatly in terms of sample material, analytical method, and time of collection. Studies using DNA sequencing methods did not report findings of collagenase-producing bacteria. CONCLUSION: Collagenase-producing bacteria are more common in patients with AL following colorectal surgery than in patients without AL, but the significance is unclear. From the current studies, it is not possible to determine the pathogenicity of the individual gut bacteria.

Slowly cutting, loose seton ligature and staged fistulotomy for healing of idiopathic perianal fistula and influence on anal continence.

PURPOSE: To investigate the ability of a "slowly cutting, loose seton ligature and staged fistulotomy" to heal perianal fistulas, the time needed with the seton ligature, recurrence rate, influence on anal continence, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and patient satisfaction. METHODS: Observational single-center study. We reviewed the medical records of all patients with primary surgeries from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2018. The patients answered a questionnaire pre- and postoperative on anal continence (St. Mark's incontinence score) and HRQoL (The Short Health Scale). Satisfaction with the operation was answered postoperatively. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (37 men, 6 women) were included. Initially 41 of 43 healed (95%). Three patients (7%) had a recurrence, two healed after retreatment. The median follow-up was 55 months (IQR, 4). Thirty-four patients (79%) responded to the questionnaire. At follow-up, forty (93%) patients were healed. The median time treated with a seton ligature in the healed patients was 13 months (IQR, 14). St. Mark's incontinence score preoperative was median 2 (IQR, 9) and after the operation median 1 (IQR, 4). The Short Health Scale improved from median 20 (IQR, 5) preoperatively to 5 (IQR, 5) postoperatively, p < 0.001. Patient satisfaction was median 1 (= very satisfied) (IQR, 1). CONCLUSION: A "slowly cutting, loose seton ligature followed by a staged fistulotomy", heals the vast majority of perianal fistulas with minor or none influence on continence and few recurrences. Patient-reported HRQoL improves greatly, and patient satisfaction is high.

Goal-directed fluid therapy in emergency abdominal surgery: a randomised multicentre trial.

BACKGROUND: More than 50% of patients have a major complication after emergency gastrointestinal surgery. Intravenous (i.v.) fluid therapy is a life-saving part of treatment, but evidence to guide what i.v. fluid strategy results in the best outcome is lacking. We hypothesised that goal-directed fluid therapy during surgery (GDT group) reduces the risk of major complications or death in patients undergoing major emergency gastrointestinal surgery compared with standard i.v. fluid therapy (STD group). METHODS: In a randomised, assessor-blinded, two-arm, multicentre trial, we included 312 adult patients with gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. Patients in the GDT group received i.v. fluid to near-maximal stroke volume. Patients in the STD group received i.v. fluid following best clinical practice. Postoperative target was 0-2 L fluid balance. The primary outcome was a composite of major complications or death within 90 days. Secondary outcomes were time in intensive care, time on ventilator, time in dialysis, hospital stay, and minor complications. RESULTS: In a modified intention-to-treat analysis, we found no difference in the primary outcome between groups: 45 (30%) (GDT group) vs 39 (25%) (STD group) (odds ratio=1.24; 95% confidence interval, 0.75-2.05; P=0.40). Hospital stay was longer in the GDT group: median (inter-quartile range), 7 (4-12) vs 6 days (4-8.5) (P=0.04); no other differences were found. CONCLUSION: Compared with pressure-guided i.v. fluid therapy (STD group), flow-guided fluid therapy to near-maximal stroke volume (GDT group) did not improve the outcome after surgery for bowel obstruction or gastrointestinal perforation but may have prolonged hospital stay. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: EudraCT number 2015-000563-14; the Danish Scientific Ethics Committee and the Danish Data Protection Agency (REG-18-2015).

The Influence of Perioperative Fluid Therapy on N-terminal-pro-brain Natriuretic Peptide and the Association With Heart and Lung Complications in Patients Undergoing Colorectal Surgery: Secondary Results of a Clinical Randomized Assessor-blinded Multicenter Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of intravenous (iv) fluid volumes on the secretion of N-terminal-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-Pro-BNP) in colorectal surgical patients and its association with cardiopulmonary complications (CPC). In addition, to examine if preoperative NT-Pro-BNP can predict the risk for postoperative CPC. METHODS: Blood samples from patients enrolled in a previously published clinical randomized assessor-blinded multicenter trial were analyzed. Included were adult patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery with the American-Society-of-Anesthesiologists-scores of 1-3. Samples from 135 patients were available for analysis. Patients were allocated to either a restrictive (R-group) or a standard (S-group) iv-fluid regimen, commencing preoperatively and continuing until discharge. Blood was sampled every morning until the fourth postoperative day. The primary outcome for this study was NT-Pro-BNP changes and its association with fluid therapy and CPC. RESULTS: The S-group received more iv-fluid than the R-group on the day-of-surgery [milliliter, median (range) 6485 (4401-10750) vs 3730 (2250-8510); P < 0.001] and on the first postoperative day. NT-Pro-BNP was elevated in the S-group compared with the R-group on all postoperative days [area under the curve: median (interquartile range) pg/mL: 3285 (1697-6179) vs 1290 (758-3719); P < 0.001 and in patients developing CPC vs no-CPC (area under the curve), median (interquartile range): 5196 (1823-9061) vs 1934 (831-5301); P = 0.005]. NT-pro-BNP increased with increasing fluid volumes all days (P < 0.003). Preoperative NT-Pro-BNP predicted CPC [odds ratio (confidence interval): 1.573 (0.973-2.541), P = 0.032; positive predictive value = 0.257, negative predictive value = 0.929]. CONCLUSIONS: NT-pro-BNP increases with iv-fluid volumes given to colorectal surgical patients, and the level of NT-Pro-BNP is associated with CPC. Preoperative NT-Pro-BNP is predictive for CPC, but the diagnostic value is low.Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03537989.

Minimal Open Hemorrhoidectomy Versus Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization: The Effect on Symptoms: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is limited evidence on the long-term efficacy of transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization compared with hemorrhoidectomy. Most studies investigated short-term effects with postoperative pain as the primary outcome. Being a benign disease, the long-term goal of treatment for hemorrhoids is the resolution of symptoms and improvement of quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of minimal open hemorrhoidectomy versus transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization on patient-reported symptoms. DESIGN: This was an open-label randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS: This was a single-center study. PATIENTS: Patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids grade II to IV (Goligher's classification) were included. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly allocated to minimal open hemorrhoidectomy or transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was symptoms assessed by the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included health-related quality of life, patient satisfaction, postoperative pain and recovery, adverse events, recurrence, and hospital costs. RESULTS: Forty-eight patients received minimal open hemorrhoidectomy, and 50 patients received transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. No difference in symptom score at 1-year follow-up was found. Median (range) symptom score was 3 (0-17) after minimal open hemorrhoidectomy and 5 (0-17) after transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (median difference = -1.0 (95% CI, -3.0 to 0.0); p = 0.15). Residual hemorrhoidal prolapse was reported more frequently (p = 0.008), and more patients had treatment for recurrence after transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (7 vs 0 patients; p = 0.013). Patient satisfaction was higher after minimal open hemorrhoidectomy (p = 0.049). No differences were found in the impact on health-related quality of life, average and peak postoperative pain, recovery, or adverse events (p > 0.05). Transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization was more expensive (median difference = &OV0556;555 (95% CI, &OV0556;472-&OV0556;693); p < 0.001). LIMITATIONS: No blinding was included in this study. CONCLUSION: No difference was found in symptom score 1 year postoperatively. Minimal open hemorrhoidectomy had a better effect on the hemorrhoidal prolapse and higher patient satisfaction. More patients needed treatment for recurrence after transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. Minimal open hemorrhoidectomy has an immediate postoperative course similar to transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B152. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02061176. HEMORROIDECTOMíA MíNIMA ABIERTA VERSUS DESARTERIALIZACIóN HEMORROIDAL TRANSANAL: EL EFECTO SOBRE LOS SíNTOMAS: UN ESTUDIO ABIERTO CONTROLADO Y ALEATORIZADO: Hay evidencia limitada sobre la eficacia a largo plazo de la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal en comparación con la hemorroidectomía. La mayoría de los estudios han investigado los efectos a corto plazo con el dolor postoperatorio como el resultado primario. Al ser una enfermedad benigna, el objetivo a largo plazo del tratamiento de la enfermedad hemorroidal es la resolución de los síntomas y la mejora en la calidad de vida.Comparar el efecto de la hemorroidectomía abierta mínima versus la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal en los síntomas reportados por el paciente.Ensayo controlado aleatorizado abierto.Estudio en sede única.Pacientes con enfermedad hemorroidal sintomática de grado II-IV (clasificación de Goligher).Los pacientes fueron asignados aleatoriamente a hemorroidectomía mínima abierta o desarterialización hemorroidal transanal.El resultado primario fueron los síntomas evaluados por el Score de Síntomas de Enfermedad Hemorroidal un año después de la operación. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, satisfacción del paciente, dolor y recuperación postoperatorios, eventos adversos, recurrencia y costos hospitalarios.Cuarenta y ocho pacientes recibieron hemorroidectomía abierta mínima y cincuenta pacientes recibieron desarterialización hemorroidal transanal. No se encontraron diferencias en la puntuación de los síntomas al año de seguimiento. La puntuación mediana (rango) de síntomas fue 3 (0-17) después de una hemorroidectomía mínima abierta y 5 (0-17) después de la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal (diferencia mediana [IC95%]: -1.0 [-3.0-0.0], p = 0.15). El prolapso hemorroidal residual se informó con mayor frecuencia (p = 0.008) y más pacientes recibieron tratamiento por recurrencia después de la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal (7 frente a 0 pacientes, p = 0.013). La satisfacción del paciente fue mayor después de una hemorroidectomía abierta mínima (p = 0.049). No se encontraron diferencias en el impacto sobre la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud, el dolor postoperatorio promedio y máximo, la recuperación o los eventos adversos (p> 0.05). La desarterialización hemorroidal transanal fue más costosa (diferencia mediana [IC95%]: &OV0556; 555 [472-693], p <0.001).Estudio sin cegamiento.No se encontraron diferencias en la puntuación de los síntomas a un año después de la operación. La hemorroidectomía mínima abierta tuvo un mejor efecto sobre el prolapso hemorroidal y una mayor satisfacción del paciente. Más pacientes necesitaron tratamiento para la recurrencia después de la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal. La hemorroidectomía abierta mínima tiene un curso postoperatorio inmediato similar a la desarterialización hemorroidal transanal. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B152. (Traducción-Dr. Jorge Silva Velazco).ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02061176.

Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and Short Health ScaleHD: New Tools to Evaluate Symptoms and Health-Related Quality of Life in Hemorrhoidal Disease.

BACKGROUND: There are no adequately validated tools to evaluate symptoms or disease-specific health-related quality of life in hemorrhoidal disease. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess validity, reliability, and responsiveness of a symptom score of patient-reported pain, itching, bleeding, soiling, and prolapse (Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score). In addition, the study set out to assess reliability and responsiveness of an instrument to measure health-related quality of life in patients with hemorrhoids (Short Health ScaleHD), with 1 item in its 4 dimensions: symptom load, functional status, disease-specific worries, and general well-being. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional (validity and reliability) and longitudinal (responsiveness) study. SETTINGS: The study was conducted at a single center. PATIENTS: Cohort 1 included 295 patients with hemorrhoids to study validity and 60 patients with test-retest scores to study reliability. Cohort 2 included 128 and 121 patients operated for hemorrhoids to study responsiveness of the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and the Short Health ScaleHD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study evaluated validity, reliability, and responsiveness. Patient-reported symptom load on a 7-point Likert scale was used as comparator, and receiver operating characteristics curve assessed discriminative validity. Interclass correlation assessed reliability. Receiver operating characteristics curve assessed responsiveness, meaning the ability to discriminate between patients with and without improvement after surgery. RESULTS: The Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score demonstrated the ability to discriminate between patients reporting high or low symptom load (area under the curve = 0.786 (95% CI, 0.725-0.848)). The Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score and the Short Health ScaleHD demonstrated adequate reliability and responsiveness, with interclass correlation of 0.822 (95% CI, 0.715-0.891) and 0.763 (95% CI, 0.634-0.851) and area under the curve of 0.843 (95% CI, 0.756-0.929) and 0.840 (95% CI, 0.752-0.929). LIMITATIONS: We had no gold standard comparator to assess validity and responsiveness. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score is valid, reliable, and responsive and that the Short Health ScaleHD is reliable and responsive. Used together, these tools provide a good overview of symptoms and their impact on patient well-being. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A770.

The association of the perioperative fluid balance and cardiopulmonary complications in emergency gastrointestinal surgery: exploration of a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: The association between perioperative fluid administration and risk of complications following emergency surgery is poorly studied. We tested the association between the perioperative fluid balance and postoperative complications following emergency surgery for gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. METHODS: We performed a re-assessment of data from the Goal-directed Fluid Therapy in Urgent Gastrointestinal Surgery Trial (GAS-ART) studying intra-operative stroke volume optimization and postoperative zero-balance fluid therapy versus standard fluid therapy. The cohort was divided into three groups at a perioperative fluid balance (FB) of low < 0 L, moderate 0-2 L, or high > 2 L. We used a propensity adjusted logistic regression to analyse the association with cardiopulmonary (primary outcome), renal, infectious, and wound healing complications. Further, the risk of complications was explored on a continuous scale of the FB. RESULTS: We included 303 patients: 44 patients belonged to the low-FB group, 108 to the moderate-FB group, and 151 to the high-FB group. The median [interquartile range] perioperative FB was -0.9 L [-1.4, -0.6], 0.9 L [0.5, 1.3], and 3.8 L [2.7, 5.3]. The risk of cardiopulmonary complications was significantly higher in the High-FB group 3.4 (1.5-7.6), p = 0.002 (odds ratio (95% confidence interval). On a continuous scale of the fluid balance, the risk of cardiopulmonary complications was minimal at -1 L to 1 L. CONCLUSION: Following emergency surgery for gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation, a fluid balance < 2.0 L was associated with decreased risk of cardiopulmonary complications without increasing renal complications.

Quality of life in patients with hemorrhoidal disease.

Background: Operation for hemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common operations performed globally. However, we know little about the impact of the disease on health-related quality of life (HRQoL), or the importance of the observed clinical and anatomical changes. Method: This was a single-center cross-sectional and cohort study. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form 12 and 36 (SF12 and SF36), EuroQoL 5-dimensions 5-levels (EQ-5D), and a disease specific questionnaire; Short Health Scale for Hemorrhoidal Disease (SHSHD). SF12 and EQ-5D scores in 257 patients with symptomatic hemorrhoids referred to our proctologic outpatient clinic were compared to a Danish background population adjusting for age, gender, body mass index and educational status.Symptoms were assessed using the Hemorrhoidal Disease Symptom Score. The anatomical pathology was graded using Goligher's classification. The associations between clinical characteristics and HRQoL were tested. The impact of surgical treatment was assessed in 111 patients followed one year postoperatively. Results: Patients reporting a high symptom load had lower SF12 physical health scores compared with the background population. The EQ-5D indexes indicated impaired HRQoL in men, women <50 years and patients with higher education. Improvements in all three HRQoL measures were seen after surgery.Symptom burden had a negative association with HRQoL measures, whereas the surgeon's grading of anatomical pathology had no association. Conclusion: Hemorrhoidal disease has a negative impact on HRQoL related to the degree of symptoms. Surgical treatment improve the QoL. The surgeon's grading of anal pathology had no association with QoL.

A Danish study on emergency or urgent surgery for small bowel obstruction in adults: Incidence, causes, administration of antibiotics, and infectious complications.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel obstruction is potentially life-threatening; however, the incidence of surgery for small bowel obstruction is unknown, the patient characteristics are poorly described, and the triggers for giving antibiotics with possible influence on complications are unclear. The aims of this study were to fill these gaps to describe the incidence and the characteristics of patients undergoing surgery for small bowel obstruction and to identify triggers for giving antibiotics and the association with postoperative infections. METHODS: From July 1, 2014, to July 31, 2015, we included adult patients undergoing surgery for small bowel obstruction at 3 hospitals representing one Danish region. We collected information on patient characteristics, diagnosis, antibiotics, and infectious complications until postoperative day 90 and survival until 1 year. RESULTS: The 3 hospitals serve a population of 656,353 adults, and treatment is free of charge. A total of 192 patients underwent emergency surgery for small bowel obstruction in the period (incidence: 27/100,000 citizens or 1,200 operations in Denmark annually). The patients with small bowel obstruction had adhesive obstruction (62%), neoplasms (11%), or hernias (7%). A total of 83% received antibiotic prophylaxis, and triggers were preoperative elevated C-reactive protein [odds ratio (95% confidence intervals): 2.49 (1.04-5.98), P = .041] or resection of the bowel [3.10 (1.22-7.89), P = .017]. The incidence of postoperative infections was not reduced among patients receiving antibiotics. CONCLUSION: We found that 27/100,000 patients undergo surgery for small bowel obstruction in Denmark each year. Adhesive obstruction was the primary reason (62%). A total of 83% received prophylactic antibiotics triggered by elevated C-reactive protein or bowel resection. We found no association between antibiotic use and infectious complications.

Complications and Their Association with Mortality Following Emergency Gastrointestinal Surgery-an Observational Study.

PURPOSE: Emergency gastrointestinal surgery is followed by a high risk of major complications and death. This study aimed to investigate which complications showed the strongest association with death following emergency surgery for gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. METHODS: We retrospectively included adults who had undergone emergency gastrointestinal surgery for radiologically verified obstruction or perforation at three Danish hospitals between 2014 and 2015. The exposure variables comprised 16 predefined Clavien-Dindo-graded complications. Cox regression with delayed entry was used to analyze the association of these complications with 90-day mortality. We adjusted for hospital, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, pre-operative Sepsis-2 score, cardiac comorbidity, renal comorbidity, hypertension, active cancer, bowel obstruction or perforation, and the surgical procedure. Subgroup analyses were done for patients with gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. RESULTS: Of the 349 included patients, 281 (80.5%) experienced at least one complication. The risk of death was 20.6% (14) for patients with no complications and varied between 21 and 57% for patients with complications. Renal impairment (hazard ratio (HR): 6.8 (95%CI: 3.7-12.4)), arterial thromboembolic events (HR 4.8 (2.3-9.9)), and atrial fibrillation (HR 4.4 (2.8-6.8)) showed the strongest association with 90-day mortality. Atrial fibrillation was the only complication significantly associated with death in patients with gastrointestinal obstruction as well as perforation. CONCLUSION: This study of patients undergoing emergency gastrointestinal surgery revealed that renal impairment, arterial thromboembolic events, and atrial fibrillation had the strongest association with death. Atrial fibrillation may serve as an in-situ marker of patients needing escalation of care.

Perioperative fluid administration and complications in emergency gastrointestinal surgery-an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The fluid balance associated with a better outcome following emergency surgery is unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the association of the perioperative fluid balance and postoperative complications during emergency gastrointestinal surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively included patients undergoing emergency surgery for gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. A perioperative fluid balance of 2.5 L divided the cohort in a conservative and liberal group. Outcome was Clavien-Dindo graded complications registered 90 days postoperatively. We used logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists' classification, use of epidural analgesia, use of vasopressor, type of surgery, intraabdominal pathology, and hospital. Predicted risk of complications was demonstrated on a continuous scale of the fluid balance. RESULTS: We included 342 patients operated between July 2014 and July 2015 from three centers. The perioperative fluid balance was 1.6 L IQR [1.0 to 2.0] in the conservative vs. 3.6 L IQR [3.0 to 5.3] in the liberal group. Odds ratio of overall 2.6 (95% CI 1.5 to 4.4), p < 0.001, and cardiopulmonary complications 3.2 (95% CI 1.9 to 5.7), p < 0.001, were increased in the liberal group. A perioperative fluid balance of 0-2 L was associated with minimal risk of cardiopulmonary complications compared to 1.5-3.5 L for renal complications. CONCLUSION: We found a perioperative fluid balance above 2.5 L to be associated with an increased risk of overall and cardiopulmonary complications following emergency surgery for gastrointestinal obstruction or perforation. A perioperative fluid balance of 0-2 L was associated with the lowest risk of cardiopulmonary complications and 1.5-3.5 L for renal complications.

Endoscopic treatment of primary aorto-enteric fistulas: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary aorto-enteric fistula (PAEF) is a rare condition, traditionally treated in the acute, bleeding phase with open surgery or endovascular repair. However, these approaches have high morbidity and mortality, indicating a need for new methods. With advances in endoscopic techniques and equipment, haemoclipping of fistulas has now become feasible. Therefore, we present a systematic review of the English literature and a rare case of a PAEF successfully treated by endoscopic haemoclipping. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old man with an abdominal aortic aneurysm presented with symptoms of haemorrhagic shock and bloody stools. An oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopy was performed with haemoclipping of a suspected PAEF in the third part of the duodenum. Afterward, a computed tomography-angiography showed a contrast filled protrusion from the abdominal aortic aneurysm. Based on the clinical presentation and the combined endoscopic and radiographic findings, we argue that this is a case of a PAEF. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic therapy appears capable of achieving haemodynamic stabilisation in patients with bleeding PAEF, serving as a bridge to final therapy.

Goal-directed fluid therapy in urgent GAstrointestinal Surgery-study protocol for A Randomised multicentre Trial: The GAS-ART trial.

INTRODUCTION: Intravenous fluid therapy during gastrointestinal surgery is a life-saving part of the perioperative care. Too little fluid may lead to hypovolaemia, decreased organ perfusion and circulatory shock. Excessive fluid administration increases postoperative complications, worsens pulmonary and cardiac function as well as the healing of surgical wounds. Intraoperative individualised goal-directed fluid therapy (GDT) and zero-balance therapy (weight adjusted) has shown to reduce postoperative complications in elective surgery, but studies in urgent gastrointestinal surgery are sparse. The aim of the trial is to test whether zero-balance GDT reduces postoperative mortality and major complications following urgent surgery for obstructive bowel disease or perforation of the gastrointestinal tract compared with a protocolled standard of care. METHODS/ANALYSIS: This study is a multicentre, randomised controlled trial with planned inclusion of 310 patients. The randomisation procedure is stratified by hospital and by obstructive bowel disease and perforation of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients are allocated into either 'the standard group' or 'the zero-balance GDT group'. The latter receive intraoperative GDT (guided by a stroke volume algorithm) and postoperative zero-balance fluid therapy based on body weight and fluid charts. The protocolled treatment continues until free oral intake or the seventh postoperative day.The primary composite outcome is death, unplanned reoperations, life-threatening thromboembolic and bleeding complications, a need for mechanical ventilation or dialysis. Secondary outcomes are additional complications, length of hospital stay, length of stay in the intensive care unit, length of mechanical ventilation, readmissions and time to death. Follow-up is 90 days.We plan intention-to-treat analysis of the primary outcome. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Danish Scientific Ethics Committee approved the GAS-ART trial before patient enrolment (J: SJ-436). Enrolment of patients began in August 2015 and is proceeding. We expect to publish the GAS-ART results in Summer 2019. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: EudraCT 2015-000563-14.

Hemorrhage and operation cause a contraction of the extracellular space needing replacement--evidence and implications? A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Hemorrhagic hypotension or operative trauma is believed to cause a contraction of the extracellular fluid volume (ECV) beyond the measured fluid losses. The aim of this review was to explore the evidence and implications of ECV loss. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of original trials measuring ECV changes during hemorrhage or operation. PubMed, relevant periodicals, and reference lists were searched until no further original articles appeared. The quality of both the scientific and the technical methods of the trials were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 61 original articles were found. The pattern appeared that all investigators reporting shock or operation to cause a disparate reduction of the ECV had measured the ECV with the same method. The ECV was calculated from very few blood samples that were withdrawn after 20 to 30 minutes of equilibration of a tracer (the (35)SO(4)-tracer). Trials calculating ECV from multiple blood samples, after longer equilibration times, or using other tracers did not find a contraction of the ECV. On the contrary, trials using a bromide tracer found the ECV to be expanded after operation. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supporting the idea that hemorrhage or operation cause a contraction of the ECV is weak, and probably a result of flawed methodology.

Fluid therapy in the perioperative setting-a clinical review.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hypovolemia and fluid overload have effects on both complications following surgery and on patient survival. Therefore, the administration of intravenous fluids before, during, and after surgery at the right time and in the right amounts is of great importance. This review aims to analyze the literature concerning perioperative fluid therapy in abdominal surgery and to provide evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice. RESULTS: Preoperative oral or intravenous administration of carbohydrate containing fluids has been shown to improve postoperative well-being and muscular strength and to reduce insulin resistance. Hence, the intake of fluid (preferably containing carbohydrates) should be encouraged up to 2 h prior to surgery in order to avoid dehydration. Excessive intravenous fluid administration adds to tissue inflammation and edema formation, thereby compromising tissue healing. During major abdominal surgery a "zero-balance" intraoperative fluid strategy aims at avoiding fluid overload (and comparable to the so-called restrictive approach) as well as goal-directed fluid therapy (GDT). Both proved to significantly reduce postoperative complications when compared to "standard fluid therapy". Trials comparing "restrictive" or zero-balance and GDT have shown equal results, as long as fluid overload is avoided in the GDT group as well (categorized as "zero-balance GDT"). It is possible that high-risk surgical patients, such as those undergoing acute surgery, may benefit from the continuous monitoring of circulatory status that the GDT provides. Data on this group of patients is not available at present, but trials are ongoing. CONCLUSION: In elective surgery, the zero-balance approach has shown to reduce postoperative complications and is easily applied for most patients. It is less expensive and simpler than the zero-balance GDT approach and therefore recommended in this review. In outpatient surgery, 1-2 L of balanced crystalloids reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting and improves well-being.

[Potential number of rehabilitated cancer patients in Denmark--an estimate]. / Potentielt antal cancerrehabiliteringspatienter i Danmark -- et estimat.

INTRODUCTION: Over the last 50 years there has been an increase in the number of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential requirements of these patients with regard to rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with non-melanoma skin tumours were excluded from the number of cancer cases reported to the cancer register in 1995. This left a total of 23,124 cases. The patients were grouped according to the following parameters; age, diagnosis, spread, and the degree of radicality of the primary treatment. They were followed up for a period of up to two years. The time span was divided into six month intervals, which were used to calculate the survival rate. Those with a survival rate of less than six months were assumed primarily to need palliation. RESULT: The maximum number of cancer patients needing rehabilitation was estimated to be 70 per cent of the newly diagnosed cases, equivalent to 16,297 patients requiring education, and 5,500 were younger adults with a probable need for work-related rehabilitation. The largest diagnosis groups among the rehabilitation patients are expected to be colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer in males, and breast cancer, coloractal cancer, and gynaecological cancer in females. DISCUSSION: Examination of the literature has shown a substantial need to define and provide evidence-based programmes for cancer rehabilitation. Comprehensive research and development efforts are needed to describe the actual need and the possibility of achieving an effect with these programmes.