Comparison of postoperative complications in early versus delayed tracheostomy decannulation in patients undergoing oral cancer surgery with microvascular reconstruction.

The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of early and delayed tracheostomy decannulation protocols on the length of stay, time to oral feeding and incidence of postoperative complications in patients undergoing microvascular reconstruction for oral cancer. A review of all patients who underwent surgical management of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) over the study period from 01/07/2017 to 31/06/2021 was performed. Patients who underwent elective tracheostomy as part of their microvascular reconstruction were included. Two cohorts were identified based on distinct postoperative tracheostomy decannulation protocols; early (Within 7 days) and delayed (≥7 days). Time to oral feeding, length of stay and complication rates was determined for both groups for statistical analysis. A total of 103 patients with OSCC were included in the study. The overall complication rate was 35.9% and were more likely in node positive patients (53.7% vs 23.2%; p = 0.003) and in cases where the geniohyoid muscle complex was disrupted during tumour resection (66.7% vs 31.9%; p = 0.026). Early decannulation was significantly associated with shorter length of hospital stay (10 days vs 15 days) and earlier removal of nasogastric feeding tubes (7 vs 10 days). There was no difference in the overall complication rate between the two groups (33.3% vs 37.5%; p = 0.833). Early decannulation in appropriately selected patients is recommended as it significantly reduces the length of hospital stay and aids in early resumption of oral intake. Furthermore, this approach is not associated with increased rates of complications.

Targeted ordering of investigations reduces costs of treatment for surgical inpatients.

BACKGROUND: Laboratory testing forms an important part of diagnostic investigation in modern medicine; however, the overuse of 'routine blood tests' can result in significant potential harm and financial cost to the patient and the healthcare system. In 2018, a new protocol targeting the ordering of investigations was implemented within the General Surgical Teams of Wollongong Hospital in New South Wales, an Australian tertiary referral hospital, to reduce the number of 'routine blood tests' as a quality improvement initiative. OBJECTIVE: To identify whether there was a reduction in the number of 'routine blood tests' and associated costs following implementation of the new protocol. METHODS: The protocol involved regular review of the laboratory investigations being ordered for the following day with a senior team member. The medical records of all patients admitted under the general surgery service at Wollongong Hospital were retrospectively reviewed over two 10-week periods in 2017 and 2018 (control and study, respectively). The casemix was categorized into Minor, Intermediate, Major or Unscored, depending on case complexity coding. RESULTS: A total of 838 patients were identified during the control period (2017) and 805 patients were identified during the study period (2018). Ten thousand and thirty tests were included in the control period, compared to 8610 over the study period, resulting in a 16% (or greater) reduction in 'routine blood tests' per patient, per day of admission and a 6% reduction in costs in the study group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Targeted ordering of investigations with personalized education and feedback to junior staff during review of clinical status of each patient as a part of normal workflow can reduce inappropriate ordering of 'routine blood tests' and associated costs to the patient and the healthcare system.

Infant Mandibular Distraction for Upper Airway Obstruction: A Clinical Audit.

BACKGROUND: Mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) is an effective method of treating upper airway obstruction (UAO) in micrognathic infants. The short-term outcomes include relief of UAO, avoidance of tracheostomy, and prompt discharge from hospital. However, it is a significant surgical procedure with potential associated morbidities. This study describes a cohort of infants managed using MDO over a twelve-year period. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was undertaken for children who had MDO before the age of 5 years between 2000 and 2012. This was followed by a clinical review of the same cohort specifically looking for dental anomalies, nerve injuries, and scar cosmesis. RESULTS: Seventy-three children underwent MDO at a mean age of 2 months [interquartile range (IQR), 1.7-4.2] for nonsyndromic infants and 3.3 months (IQR, 2.1-7.4) for those with syndromes. Infants were discharged from hospital, on average, 15 days after procedure. After MDO, of the 9 who were previously tracheostomy dependent, 5 (56%) were decannulated within 12 months and none of the nontracheostomy-dependent children required further airway assistance. The majority of children required supplemental feeding preoperatively but, 12 months postoperatively, 97% of the nonsyndromic infants fed orally. Thirty-nine children (53%) were reviewed clinically [median age, 5.1 y (IQR, 3.9-6.5)] with 18 being syndromic. Many of the mandibular first permanent and second primary molars had developmental defects, but there was a low rate of neurosensory deficit and good scar cosmesis. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes further to the evidence base underpinning the management of micrognathic infants with UAO.