Treating periprocedural bleeding in patients with cirrhosis.

Patients with cirrhosis are known to have an abnormal coagulation status, which is a particular concern when planning invasive procedures in which blood loss is possible or predictable. Careful consideration must be given to the bleeding risk for each individual patient and coagulation management strategies should be established in advance of procedural interventions, where possible. Perioperative clinical decision-making should utilize viscoelastic testing in addition to usual assessments, where possible, and focus on the well-established three pillars of patient blood management: optimization of erythropoiesis, minimization of bleeding and blood loss, and management of anemia. Restrictive transfusion policies, careful hemostatic monitoring, and a proactive approach to predicting and preventing bleeding on an individual patient basis should be central to managing perioperative bleeding in the fragile patient population with cirrhosis. This review discusses coagulation assessments and bleeding management techniques necessary before, during, and after surgical interventions in patients with cirrhosis, and provides expert clinical opinion and physician experience on the perioperative management of these patients.

Risk factors associated with blood transfusion in liver transplantation.

To explore preoperative and operative risk factors for red blood cell (RBC) transfusion requirements during liver transplantation (LT) and up to 24 h afterwards. We evaluated the associations between risk factors and units of RBC transfused in 176 LT patients using a log-binomial regression model. Relative risk was adjusted for age, sex, and the model for end-stage liver disease score (MELD) (adjustment 1) and baseline hemoglobin concentration (adjustment 2). Forty-six patients (26.14%) did not receive transfusion. Grafts from cardiac-death donors were used in 32.61% and 31.54% of non-transfused and transfused patients, respectively. The transfused group required more reoperation for bleeding (P = 0.035), longer mechanical ventilation after LT (P < 0.001), and longer ICU length of stay (P < 0.001). MELD and hemoglobin concentrations determined RBC requirements. For each unit of increase in the MELD score, 2% more RBC units were transfused, and non-transfusion was 0.83-fold less likely. For each 10-g/L higher hemoglobin concentration at baseline, 16% less RBC transfused, and non-transfusion was 1.95-fold more likely. Ascites was associated with 26% more RBC transfusions. With an increase of 2 mm from the baseline in the A10FIBTEM measurement of maximum clot firmness, non-transfusion was 1.14-fold more likely. A 10-min longer cold ischemia time was associated with 1% more RBC units transfused, and the presence of post-reperfusion syndrome with 45% more RBC units. We conclude that preoperative correction of anemia should be included in LT. An intervention to prevent severe hypotension and fibrinolysis during graft reperfusion should be explored.Trial register: European Clinical Trials Database (EudraCT 2018-002,510-13) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01539057).

Clinical use of tranexamic acid: evidences and controversies

Abstract Tranexamic acid (TXA) significantly reduces blood loss in a wide range of surgical procedures and improves survival rates in obstetric and trauma patients with severe bleeding. Although it mainly acts as a fibrinolysis inhibitor, it also has an anti-inflammatory effect, and may help attenuate the systemic inflammatory response syndrome found in some cardiac surgery patients. However, the administration of high doses of TXA has been associated with seizures and other adverse effects that increase the cost of care, and the administration of TXA to reduce perioperative bleeding needs to be standardized. Tranexamic acid is generally well tolerated, and most adverse reactions are considered mild or moderate. Severe events are rare in clinical trials, and literature reviews have shown tranexamic acid to be safe in several different surgical procedures. However, after many years of experience with TXA in various fields, such as orthopedic surgery, clinicians are now querying whether the dosage, route and interval of administration currently used and the methods used to control and analyze the antifibrinolytic mechanism of TXA are really optimal. These issues need to be evaluated and reviewed using the latest evidence to improve the safety and effectiveness of TXA in treating intracranial hemorrhage and bleeding in procedures such as liver transplantation, and cardiac, trauma and obstetric surgery.

Perfil tromboelastométrico y coagulopatía aguda del paciente politraumatizado: implicaciones clínicas y pronósticas / Thromboelastometric Profile and Acute Coagulopathy of the Polytraumatized Patient: Clinical and Prognostic Implications

Introducción: El 25-35% de los pacientes politraumatizados presentan profundas alteraciones de la coagulación a su llegada al hospital (coagulopatía aguda traumática [CAT]). Los test viscoelásticos (ROTEM®) valoran rápidamente la capacidad hemostática y detectan precozmente la CAT. Los objetivos de este estudio son describir el tromboelastograma inicial de estos enfermos y determinar la prevalencia de CAT según unos perfiles tromboelastográficos predefinidos. Métodos: Estudio unicéntrico, observacional y prospectivo en pacientes politraumatizados. Se realizó analítica, prueba tromboelastográfica (ROTEM®) y se registraron datos prehospitalarios y hospitalarios, transfusiones, intervenciones quirúrgicas/arteriografía iniciales, paradas cardiorrespiratorias y fallecimientos. Los pacientes fueron clasificados en grupos según su ROTEM® inicial: «normal», «hipercoagulabilidad», «hipocoagulabilidad», «hipocoagulabilidad + hiperfibrinólisis» e «hiperfibrinólisis aislada». Resultados: Se analizaron 123 pacientes. En 32 casos (26%) se objetivó CAT: 15 pacientes presentaron hipocoagulabilidad, 9 hiperfibrinólisis aislada y 8 hipocoagulabilidad +hiperfibrinólisis. El grupo con CAT, respecto al grupo «normal», presentó mayor ISS (23 vs. 16; p < 0,01), mayor transfusión de hemoderivados (2,5 vs. 0; p = 0,001), más episodios de PCR (19 vs. 1%, p < 0,01) y mayor mortalidad (34 vs. 5%, p < 0,01). El subgrupo con hipocoagulabilidad +hiperfibrinólisis, respecto a los grupos con hipocoagulabilidad o hiperfibrinólisis aislada, presentó mayor ISS (41 vs. 25 vs. 15, p < 0,01), mayor necesidad de arteriografía (62% vs. 13% vs. 0%, p < 0,01) y mortalidad superior (75% vs. 33% vs. 0%, p = 0,05). Conclusiones: El 26% de los enfermos politraumatizados presenta coagulopatía precoz evaluada mediante tromboelastografía, asociada a mayor consumo de hemoderivados y menor supervivencia. El perfil combinado de «hipocoagulabilidad +hiperfibrinólisis» se asocia a mayor gravedad y necesidades superiores de hemoderivados y arteriografía (AU)

Introduction: About 25-35% of polytraumatized patients have a profound alteration of hemostasis on arrival at the hospital (acute traumatic coagulopathy [CAT]). Viscoelastic tests (ROTEM®) measure the hemostatic capacity and provide an early detection of CAT. The objectives of this study are to describe the initial thromboelastogram of these patients and to determine the prevalence of CAT according to predefined thromboelastographic profiles. Methods: Single-center, observational, prospective study in polytraumatic patients. Initial blood nd thromboelastographic test (ROTEM®) were made, and pre-hospital, hospital, transfusion, initial surgical/angiographic interventions, cardiac arrest and mortality data were collected. ROTEM®-based, patients were classified as: normal, hypercoagulable, hypocoagulable, hipocoagulable + hyperfibrinolytic and isolated hyperfibrinolysis. Results: One hundred and twenty-three patients were analyzed. 32 cases (26%) with CAT: 15 patients with hypocoagulability, 9 with hyperfibrinolysis alone and 8 with hypocoagulability + hyperfibrinolysis. The CAT group, related to the normal group, presented higher ISS (23 vs. 16, P < .01), higher blood products transfusion (2.5 vs. 0; P = .001), more cardiac arrest (19 vs. 1%, P < .01), and higher mortality (34 vs. 5%, P < .01). The subgroup with hypocoagulability/hyperfibrinolysis, related to the groups with hypocoagulability or hyperfibrinolysis alone, presented a higher ISS (41 vs. 25 vs. 15, P < .01), higher angiographic procedures (62% vs. 13% vs. 0%, P < .01) and higher mortality (75% vs. 33% vs. 0%, P=.05). Conclusions: Twenty-six percent of the polytrauma patients presented early coagulopathy assessed by thromboelastography. It is associated with higher consumption of blood products and lower survival. The presence of hypocoagulability + hyperfibrinolysis is associated with greater severity and a higher requirement of blood products (AU)

Anesthetic requirements measured by bilateral bispectral analysis and femoral blockade in total knee arthroplasty / Necessidade de anestésicos avaliada com a análise do índice bispectral bilateral e bloqueio femoral em artroplastia total de joelho

Abstract Background and objectives A continuous peripheral nerve blockade has proved benefits on reducing postoperative morphine consumption; the combination of a femoral blockade and general anesthesia on reducing intraoperative anesthetic requirements has not been studied. The objective of this study was to determine the relevance of timing in the performance of femoral block to intraoperative anesthetic requirements during general anesthesia for total knee arthroplasty. Methods A single-center, prospective cohort study on patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty, were sequentially allocated to receive 20 mL of 2% mepivacaine throughout a femoral catheter, prior to anesthesia induction (Preoperative) or when skin closure started (Postoperative). An algorithm based on bispectral values guided intraoperative anesthetic management. Postoperative analgesia was done with an elastomeric pump of levobupivacaine 0.125% connected to the femoral catheter and complemented with morphine patient control analgesia for 48 hours. The Kruskall Wallis and the chi-square tests were used to compare variables. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results There were 94 patients, 47 preoperative and 47 postoperative. Lower fentanyl and sevoflurane were needed intraoperatively in the Preoperative group; median values and range: 250 (100-600) vs 450 (200-600) µg and 21 (12-48) vs 32 (18-67) mL p = 0.001, respectively. There were no differences in the median verbal numeric rating scale values 4 (0-10) vs 3 (0-10); and in median morphine consumption 9 (2-73) vs 8 (0-63) mg postoperatively. Conclusions A preoperative femoral blockade is useful in decreasing anesthetic requirements in total knee arthroplasty surgery but no added effect in the postoperative analgesic control.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos O bloqueio contínuo de nervos periféricos provou ser benéfico para reduzir o consumo de morfina no pós-operatório. A combinação de um bloqueio femoral e anestesia geral para reduzir a necessidade de anestésicos no intraoperatório ainda não foi avaliada. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a relevância do momento propício durante o bloqueio femoral para a necessidade de anestésicos no intraoperatório durante a anestesia geral para artroplastia total de joelho (ATJ). Métodos Estudo prospectivo de coorte de pacientes agendados para ATJ. Os pacientes foram sequencialmente alocados em grupos para receber mepivacaína a 2% (20 mL) durante a inserção do cateter femoral, antes da indução da anestesia (pré-operatório) ou no início do fechamento da pele (pós-operatório). Um algoritmo com base nos valores do BIS orientou o manejo da anestesia no intraoperatório. Analgesia no pós-operatório foi administrada via bomba elastomérica de levobupivacaína a 0,125% conectada ao cateter femoral e complementada com analgesia (morfina) controlada pelo paciente durante 48 horas. Os testes de Kruskall-Wallis e do qui-quadrado foram usados para comparar as variáveis. A significância estatística foi estabelecida em p < 0,05. Resultados Foram estudados 94 pacientes, 47 no pré-operatório e 47 no pós-operatório. Houve menos necessidade de fentanil e sevoflurano durante o período intraoperatório no grupo pré-operatório; medianas e variações dos valores: 250 (100-600) vs. 450 (200-600) µg e 21 (12-48) vs. 32 (18-67) mL p = 0,001, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças nas medianas dos valores das escalas de classificação numérica e verbal, 4 (0-10) vs. 3 (0-10), e nas medianas do consumo de morfina, 9 (2-73) vs. 8 (0-63) mg no pós-operatório. Conclusões O bloqueio femoral no pré-operatório é útil para diminuir a necessidade de anestésicos em ATJ, mas não tem efeito adicional no controle da analgesia no pós-operatório.

Fluidoterapia: conceptos y racionalidad en su aplicación / Intravenous fluids: Concepts and rationality of use

No disponible

Respuesta a la carta en relación con el editorial: Sabate A, Koo M. Intravenous fluids: Concepts and rationality of use. Cir Esp. 2016;94:369-371 / The authors reply: in relation to the editorial: Sabate A, Koo M. Intravenous fluids: Concepts and rationality of use. Cir Esp. 2016;94:369-371

No disponible

A gravidade e a região da lesão corporal correlacionam com resultados a longo prazo em paciente com traumatismo grave? / Do the severity and the body region of injury correlate with long-term outcome in the severe traumatic patient? / ¿La gravedad y la región de la lesión corporal se correlacionan conlos resultados a largo plazo en un paciente con traumatismo grave?

Justificativa e objetivos: investigar se o índice de gravidade da lesão (ISS) e a escala abreviada de lesões (AIS) estão correlacionados com a qualidade de vida em longo prazo em pacientes com traumatismo grave. Métodos: pacientes que sofreram lesões de 2005 a 2007, com IGL≥15, foram pesquisados 16-24 meses após as lesões. O questionário de avaliação da saúde (HAQ-DI) foi usado para medir o estado funcional e o modelo abreviado do questionário com 12 itens (Short Form-12 [SF-12]) foi usado para medir o estado de saúde dividido em seus dois componentes: o resumo do componente saúde física (PCS) e o resumo do componente saúde mental (MCS). Os resultados dos questionários foram comparados com os componentes do ISS e da AIS. Os resultados do SF-12 foram comparados com os valores esperados da população geral. Resultados: preencheram os questionários 74 pacientes (taxa de resposta de 28%). A média dos escores foi: PCS 42,6 ± 13,3; MCS 49,4 ± 1,4; HAQ-DI 0,5 ±0,7. Houve correlação com HAQ-DI e PCS (Rho de Spearman: -0,83; p < 0,05) e nenhuma correlação entre HAQ-DI e MCS ou entre MCS e PCS (Rho de Spearman = -0,21 e 0,01, respectivamente). Os escores cutâneo-externo e extremidades-pélvico da AIS correlacionaram com o PCS (Rho de Spearman: -0,39 e -0,34, p < 0,05) e com o HAQ-DI (Rho de Spearman: 0,31 e 0,23; p < 0,05). A condição física em comparação com a população normal foi pior, exceto para os grupos com idades entre 65-74 e 55-64 anos. Conclusões: os pacientes com fraturas pélvicas e de extremidades são mais propensos a apresentar incapacidade em longo prazo. A gravidade das lesões externas influenciou a deficiência em longo prazo. .

Background and objectives: To investigate if the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) are correlated with the long-term quality of life in severe trauma patients. Methods: Patients injured from 2005 to 2007 with an ISS ≥ 15 were surveyed 16-24 months after injury. The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ-DI) was used for measuring the functional status and the Short Form-12 (SF-12) was used for measuring the health status divided into its two components, the PCS (Physical Component Summary) and the MCS (Mental Component Summary). The results of the questionnaires were compared with the ISS and AIS components. Results of the SF-12 were compared with the values expected from the general population. Results: Seventy-four patients filled the questionnaires (response rate 28%). The mean scores were: PCS 42.6 ± 13.3; MCS 49.4 ± 1.4; HAQ-DI 0.5 ± 0.7. Correlation was observed with the HAQ-DI and the PCS (Spearman's Rho: -0.83; p < 0.05) and no correlation between the HAQ-DI and the MCS neither between the MCS and PCS (Spearman's Rho = -0.21; and 0.01 respectively). The cutaneous-external and extremities-pelvic AIS punctuation were correlated with The PCS (Spearman's Rho: -0.39 and -0.34, p < 0.05) and with the HAQ-DI (Spearman's Rho: 0.31 and 0.23; p < 0.05). The physical condition compared with the regular population was worse except for the groups aged between 65 -74 and 55 -64. Conclusions: Patients with extremities and pelvic fractures are more likely to suffer long-term disability. The severity of the external injuries influenced the long-term disability. .

Justificación y objetivos: investigar si el Índice de Gravedad de la Lesión (Injury Severity Score [ISS]) y la Escala Abreviada de Lesiones (Abbreviated Injury Score [AIS]) están correlacionados con la calidad de vida a largo plazo en pacientes con traumatismo grave. Métodos: pacientes que sufrieron lesiones entre 2005 y 2007, con un ISS ≥ 15, fueron encuestados 16-24 meses después de las lesiones. Se usó el Cuestionario de Evaluación de la Salud-Índice de Incapacidad (Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index [HAQ-DI]) para medir el estado funcional, y el modelo abreviado del cuestionario con 12 ítems (Short Form-12 [SF-12]) para medir el estado de salud dividido en 2 componentes: el índice de salud física (Physical Component Summary [PCS]) y el índice de salud mental (Mental Component Summary [MCS]). Los resultados de los cuestionarios fueron comparados con los componentes del ISS y del AIS. Los resultados del SF-12 fueron comparados con los valores esperados en la población general. Resultados: setenta y cuatro pacientes rellenaron los cuestionarios (tasa de respuesta de un 28%). Las puntuaciones medias fueron: PCS 42,6 ± 13,3; MCS 49,4 ± 1,4; HAQ-DI 0,5 ± 0,7. Se registró una correlación con HAQ-DI y PCS (rho de Spearman: −0,83; p < 0,05) y ninguna correla-ción entre HAQ-DI y MCS o entre MCS y PCS (rho de Spearman = −0,21; y 0,01, respectivamente). Las puntuaciones cutáneo-externas y extremidades-pélvicas de la AIS se correlacionaron con el PCS (rho de Spearman: −0,39 y −0,34; p < 0,05) y con el HAQ-DI (rho de Spearman: 0,31 y 0,23; p < 0,05). La condición física en comparación con la población normal fue peor, excepto para los grupos con edades entre 65-74 y 55-64 años. Conclusiones: los pacientes con fracturas pélvicas y de extremidades ...

Incidencia de la infección de la herida quirúrgica en cirugía colorrectal electiva y su relación con factores perioperatorios / Incidence of surgical wound infection in elective colorectal surgery and its relationship with preoperative factors

Introducción La infección de la herida quirúrgica en cirugía colorrectal presenta una incidencia de hasta el 26%. En su desarrollo intervienen factores del propio enfermo y perioperatorios. La administración correcta del antibiótico, la normotermia y la hiperoxigenación representan una tríada de común aplicación. El objetivo fue valorar la incidencia de infección de la herida quirúrgica en pacientes sometidos a cirugía colorrectal a los que se aplicó un protocolo preventivo de infección quirúrgica; como segundo objetivo se relacionó la infección quirúrgica con factores perioperatorios. Material y métodos Se realizó un estudio observacional incluyendo a 100 pacientes de cirugía colorrectal electiva. Se recogieron datos demográficos, datos relacionados con el intraoperatorio y el postoperatorio. Se definió la infección de la herida quirúrgica según los criterios del Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Hospital Infection. Resultados La mediana de edad fue de 68 años (rango 25-88), el 65% eran hombres, el 59% eran ASA 3-4, el cumplimiento del protocolo se realizó en más del 80% en los distintos apartados y se realizó acceso laparoscópico en el 31%. La incidencia de la infección de la herida quirúrgica superficial y profunda fue del 25%. Los pacientes con infección presentaron una mayor prevalencia de diabetes (48 vs 24%), de transfusión (56 vs 28%), de íleo paralítico (48 vs 18,7%) y de absceso intraabdominal (16 vs 3%). El analisis multivariante relacionó la hemoglobina y la glucemia preoperatorias, y la duración de la cirugía con la infección incisional. Conclusiones El protocolo de prevención no influyó en la incidencia de infección de la herida quirúrgica (AU)

Introduction Surgical wound infection in colorectal surgery has incidence rate of up to 26%. Peri-operative factors and those of the patients themselves play a part in these infections. The correct administration of the antibiotic, a normal temperature, and hyperoxygenation are a commonly applied triad. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of surgical wound infection in patients subjective to colorectal surgery where a surgical infection prevention protocol was applied. The second objective was the relationship between surgical infection and peri-operative factors. Material and methods An observational study was conducted on 100 patients who had undergone elective colorectal surgery. Demographic data and related surgical and post-surgical data were recorded. A surgical wound infection was defined using the criteria of Disease Control and Prevention Hospital Infection Centres Results The median age of the patients was 68 years (range 25-88), 65% were male, and 59% were ASA 3-4. There was more than 80% compliance to the protocol in its different sections. There was laparoscopic access in 31% of the cases. The incidence of superficial and deep surgical wound infection was 25%. The patients with an infection had a higher prevalence of diabetes (48% vs 24%), transfusion (56% vs 28%), paralytic ileum (48% vs 18.7%), and intra-abdominal abscess (16% vs 3%). The multivariate analysis associated, preoperative haemoglobin and blood glucose, and the duration of the surgery, with incisional infection (AU)

Valor de los índices de Charlson y la escala de riesgo quirúrgico en el análisis de la mortalidad operatoria / Charlson index and the surgical risk scale in the analysis of surgical mortality

Introducción: Existe controversia sobre cómo valorar los riesgos de mortalidad quirúrgica tras distintas intervenciones. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar los factores operatorios que influyeron en la mortalidad quirúrgica y la capacidad de los índices de Charlson y la Escala de Riesgo Quirúrgico (SRS) en determinar los pacientes de bajo riesgo. Material y métodos: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes que fallecieron en el periodo 2004–2007. Se recogió la puntuación de ambos índices. Se escogió el punto de división entre baja y alta probabilidad de muerte una puntuación de «0» para el índice de Charlson y de «8» para el SRS. Se han establecido tres grupos de riesgo: bajo, cuando el Charlson fue=0 y el SRS fue <8 intermedio cuando el charlson fue 0 y SRS <8 o charlson y srs 8805 8 alto cuando el fue 0 y el SRS ≥8. Se han comparado los factores de riesgo pre-intra-postoperatorios entre los grupos. Resultados: Se intervinieron 72.771 pacientes, de los cuales 7.011 lo fueron en régimen de urgencia. Fallecieron uno de cada 1.455 pacientes en el intraoperatorio y 1 de cada 112 pacientes durante su ingreso hospitalario. Trece (2%) pacientes fallecidos pertenecían al grupo bajo riesgo, 199 (30,7%) al de riesgo intermedio y 434 (67,2%) al de riesgo alto. Se asoció enfermedad cardiaca al grupo de alto riesgo. La urgencia fue un factor determinante que se asoció a la complejidad quirúrgica. En el grupo de bajo riesgo predominó la reintervención y la sepsis como causa de muerte; para el resto de grupos predominó la causa cardiaca. Conclusiones: La combinación del índice de Charlson y el SRS, detectó aquellos pacientes de bajo riesgo de muerte siendo una herramienta útil para auditar los resultados operatorios (AU)

Introduction: There is controversy over how to assess surgical mortality risks after different operations. The purpose of this study was to assess the surgical factors that influenced surgical mortality and the ability of the Charlson Index and The Surgical Risk Scale (SRS) to determine low risk patients. Material and methods: All patients who died during the period 2004–2007 were included. The score of both indices (Charlson and SRS) were recorded. A score of «0» for the Charlson Index and «8» for the SRS were chosen as the cut-off point between a low and high probability of death. Three risk groups were established: Low when the Charlson was =0 and SRS was <8 intermediate when the charlson was 0 and the SRS <8 or charlson and srs 8805 8 high when the was 0 and the SRS ≥8. The risks factors before, during and after surgery were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 72,771 patients were surgically intervened, of which 7011 were urgent. One in every 1455 patients died during surgery and 1 in every 112 died during their hospital stay. Thirteen (2%) patients who died belonged to the low risk group, 199 (30.7%) to the intermediate risk group, and 434 (67.2%) to the high risk group. Heart disease was associated with the high risk group. The urgency of the operation was a determining factor associated with surgical complexity. Re-intervention and sepsis predominated as a cause of death in the low risk group, and in the rest of the groups a cardiac cause was the predominant factor. Conclusions: The combination of the Charlson Index and SRS detected those patients with a low risk of death, thus making it a useful tool to audit surgical results (AU)

Factores de riesgo de mortalidad de los pacientes quirúrgicos en un hospital terciario: estudio del registro de pacientes en el periodo 2004¿2006 / Mortality risk factors in surgical patients in a tertiary hospital: a study of patient records in the period 2004¿2006

Objetivo: Determinar los factores de riesgo de mortalidad de los pacientes quirúrgicos. Material y métodos: Se incluyó a todos los pacientes operados que fallecieron en el curso del procedimiento peroperatorio en el periodo 2004¿2006. Se realizó un estudio de corte transversal. Se analizaron variables preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y postoperatorias. Se han analizado los factores de riesgo de muerte en los pacientes intervenidos de urgencia y en los intervenidos electivamente. Se ha realizado un análisis multivariable correlacionando las diferentes variables mediante la prueba de la χ2 de Pearson con un intervalo de confianza del 95%. Resultados: Durante el periodo que abarca el estudio fueron intervenidos 38.815 pacientes con ingreso hospitalario: 6.326 de urgencia y 32.489 de forma electiva. Durante el ingreso hospitalario murió un total de 479 pacientes; 36 intraoperatoriamente y 443 tras la intervención quirúrgica. La hipertensión arterial, la diabetes mellitus y el diagnóstico de neoplasia tuvieron significación estadística con la muerte. Las complicaciones quirúrgicas resultaron significativas para los pacientes que fallecieron en el intraoperatorio. La cirugía de urgencia es un factor de riesgo independiente de mortalidad (5,5% de mortalidad en relación con el 0,4% para la cirugía electiva). Las complicaciones postoperatorias fueron los principales factores de riesgo de mortalidad, en especial la sepsis, los problemas cardíacos y los respiratorios. Conclusiones: La prevención y el correcto tratamiento de todos los factores de riesgo preoperatorios, intraoperatorios y postoperatorios se presume disminuirían de forma significativa los índices de mortalidad y morbilidad de los pacientes intervenidos quirúrgicamente, en especial en aquellos intervenidos de urgencia (AU)

Objective: To determine mortality risk factors in surgical patients. Material and method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on all surgical patients who died while in hospital, over a period of three years (2004¿2006). Pre, intra and postoperative variables were analysed. Comparisons were made between patients operated on as emergencies and elective surgery patients. Multivariate analysis was performed on the pre, intra and postoperative variables, using χ2 of Pearson correlation with a confidence interval of 95%. Results: Surgery was performed on a total of 38 815 patients, of which 6 326 were emergency procedures and 32 489 as elective. There were 479 deaths registered: 36 occurred in the operating theatre and 443 died after the operation. Arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer were significant causes of death. Intraoperative complications were associated with mortality during the surgical procedure. Emergency surgery was an independent risk factor (mortality, 5.5% vs. 0.4% for elective surgery). Sepsis, cardiac and respiratory related deaths were the main risk factors for postoperative death. Conclusions: Prevention and adequate treatment of perioperative risk factors should significantly reduce morbidity and mortality rates, mainly in those patient operated as emergencies (AU)