Making a difference? A retrospective review of peripherally inserted central catheters: A single-center experience in Colombia.

Introduction: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are an effective tool as a medical device in patients who require them. However, it is a procedure that has been associated with multiple complications and possible negative outcomes for the health of the patients. This paper seeks to describe the main complications derived from the insertion and maintenance of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs), based on the experience of a vascular accesses group in a cardiovascular center in Colombia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional analytical study of the adult population undergoing PICC insertion at the Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología, during the period between 2019 and 2020 by the vascular access program, was performed. Results: The frequency of any registered complication was 15.9% for 2019 and 11.2% for 2020. Bleeding at the procedure site occurred in 15.3% during 2019 and 7.0% in 2020, making it the most frequent complication during the procedure. All the variables of complications associated with infection (bacteremia, phlebitis, and catheter-related infection) showed a decrease in 2020 compared to the previous year. The central line-associated bloodstream infection registered for the year 2019 was 1.94 bacteremia's/1000 catheters-day compared to 0.29 bacteremia's/1000 catheters-day. Conclusions: There has been a 4.7% reduction in the frequency of any registered complication after the implementation of the vascular access groups. Global and specific complications decreased significantly from 2019 to 2020. Notably, bacteremia, a common post-procedure complication, showed a substantial decrease in frequency compared to national and worldwide literature. It is also been described that complications associated with infection showed a decrease in 2020 compared to 2019. Whether or not all these findings are directly or somewhat related to the results stemming from the vascular access groups still needs further investigation.

Mortalidad perioperatoria en Tolima, perspectivas del cuarto indicador de The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery: Un análisis preliminar de la cohorte prospectiva del estudio Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS) / Perioperative mortality in Tolima and perspectives of the fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery: A preliminary analysis of the prospective cohort of the Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS)

Introducción. La mortalidad perioperatoria en el mundo representa 4,2 millones de muertes anuales. El cuarto indicador de The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery permite estandarizar la mortalidad perioperatoria. En Colombia, existen aproximaciones por datos secundarios, limitando el análisis y las intervenciones aplicables a nuestra población. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir la mortalidad perioperatoria a través de datos primarios que permitan sustentar políticas públicas. Métodos. Se hizo el análisis preliminar de un estudio observacional, de cohorte prospectiva, multicéntrico en 6 instituciones del departamento de Tolima. Se incluyeron los pacientes llevados a procedimientos quirúrgicos por una semana, con posterior seguimiento hasta el egreso, fallecimiento o 30 días de hospitalización. La mortalidad perioperatoria fue el desenlace primario. Resultados. Fueron incluidos 378 pacientes, con mediana de 49 años (RIC 32-66), buen estado funcional (ASA I-II 80 %) y baja complejidad quirúrgica (42 %). Las cirugías más comunes fueron por Ortopedia (25,4 %) y Cirugía plástica (23,3 %). El 29,7 % presentaron complicaciones postoperatorias, las más comunes fueron síndrome de dificultad respiratoria agudo e íleo postoperatorio. La mortalidad perioperatoria fue de 1,3 %. Discusión. La mortalidad perioperatoria discrepó de la reportada en otros estudios nacionales, aun cuando los pacientes tenían un bajo perfil de riesgo y baja complejidad de los procedimientos. Sin embargo, coincide con la reportada internacionalmente y nos acerca a la realidad del país. Conclusión. La determinación del cuarto indicador es de vital importancia para mejorar la atención quirúrgica en Colombia. Este es el primer acercamiento con datos primarios que nos permite tener información aplicable a nuestra población

Introduction. Perioperative mortality accounts for 4.2 million deaths annually. The fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery allows standardizing perioperative mortality. In Colombia, there are approximations based on secondary data, limiting the analysis and interventions applicable to our population. The objective of this study is to describe perioperative mortality through primary data that allow supporting public policies. Methods. A preliminary analysis of an observational, prospective cohort, multicenter study was carried out at six institutions in the District of Tolima. Patients undergoing surgical procedures were included for one week, for subsequent follow-up until discharge, death, or 30 days of hospitalization. Perioperative mortality was the primary outcome and was presented as a proportion. Results. A total of 378 patients were included, with a median age of 49 years (RIC 32-66), low-risk profile (ASA I-II 80%), and low surgical complexity (42%). The most common surgeries were Orthopedic (25.4%) and Plastic Surgery (23.3%). Postoperative complications occurred in 29.7%, the most common were ARDS and postoperative ileus. Perioperative mortality was 1.3%. Discussion. Perioperative mortality differed from that reported in national studies, even when the patients had a low-risk profile and low complexity of the procedures. However, it coincides with that reported internationally and brings us closer to the reality of the country. Conclusion. The determination of the fourth indicator is of vital importance to improving surgical care in Colombia. This is the first approach with primary data that allows us to have applicable information for our population

Perioperative mortality in Colombia: perspectives of the fourth indicator in The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery - Colombian Surgical Outcomes Study (ColSOS) - a protocol for a multicentre prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Death following surgical procedures is a global health problem, accounting for 4.2 million deaths annually within the first 30 postoperative days. The fourth indicator of The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery is essential as it seeks to standardise postoperative mortality. Consequently, it helps identify the strengths and weaknesses of each country's healthcare system. Accurate information on this indicator is not available in Colombia, limiting the possibility of interventions applied to our population. We aim to describe the in-hospital perioperative mortality of the surgical procedures performed in Colombia. The data obtained will help formulate public policies, improving the quality of the surgical departments. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: An observational, analytical, multicentre prospective cohort study will be conducted throughout Colombia. Patients over 18 years of age who have undergone a surgical procedure, excluding radiological/endoscopic procedures, will be included. A sample size of 1353 patients has been projected to achieve significance in our primary objective; however, convenience sampling will be used, as we aim to include all possible patients. Data collection will be carried out prospectively for 1 week. Follow-up will continue until hospital discharge, death or a maximum of 30 inpatient days. The primary outcome is perioperative mortality. A descriptive analysis of the data will be performed, along with a case mix analysis of mortality by procedure-related, patient-related and hospital-related conditions ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Fundación Cardioinfantil-Instituto de Cardiología Ethics Committee approved this study (No. 41-2021). The results are planned to be disseminated in three scenarios: the submission of an article for publication in a high-impact scientific journal and presentations at the Colombian Surgical Forum and the Congress of the American College of Surgeons. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05147623.

Multidisciplinary approach as a treatment option for abdominal wall reconstruction in patients with heart failure: A case report.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Incisional hernias are among the most frequent complications of abdominal surgery, with an incidence of 4-10 % of patients [1]. The multidisciplinary approach according to the patient's needs and their comorbidities has been shown to improve postoperative outcomes. This case report highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach including cardiology, general surgery, plastic surgery anesthesiology and intensive care unit for abdominal wall reconstruction in a patient with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 61-year-old patient with long-standing incisional hernia, without surgical correction due to the patient's condition and multiple comorbidities, advanced heart failure with reduced left ejection fraction (10-15 %) who underwent a multidisciplinary approach by cardiology, plastic surgery, anesthesiology, intensive care unit, and general surgery. DISCUSSION: The patient underwent abdominal wall reconstruction without complications. Due to multiple comorbidities, the patient was admitted in the ICU in the immediate postoperative period. He was discharged 9 days after surgery. The patient did not report long-term complications. CONCLUSION: Heart failure is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications during surgical hospitalization. In patients with multiple comorbidities, the multidisciplinary approach represents an essential strategy in order to improve the surgical outcome, reduce costs to the health care system, and improve the patient's quality of life.

Early preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum for a symptomatic giant abdominal incisional hernia.

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Early preoperative progressive pneumoperitoneum (PPP) is a technique that helps large eventrations with loss of domain to reintroduce protruded organs. However, a standardized technique has not been developed. This technique has been proved in elective patients, but the evidence is scarce in patients with a high risk of incarceration/strangulation. CLINICAL FINDINGS AND INVESTIGATIONS: We present a 61-year-old patient with history of a thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair, developed a massive incisional hernia with loss of domain. At admission, he presented with abdominal pain and inability to reduce the hernia by himself, however it reduced after clinical examination. Aortic syndromes were excluded. INTERVENTIONS AND OUTCOME: After a multidisciplinary meeting, early PPP was initially performed. Later he was taken to surgery and admitted in the ICU to prevent abdominal hypertension. Medical complications resolved within 14 days. The patient did not report long-term complications. RELEVANCE AND IMPACT: PPP is a technique that pursues the prevention of abdominal hypertension syndrome in patients with large hernias with loss of domain electively. For patients with high risk of hernia complications, the evidence is limited regarding the applicability of early PPP. A multidisciplinary team can improve decision making and therefore reduce the risk of long-term complications. We show a case where PPP was performed in an acute painful, reducible hernia with a high risk of incarceration, showing that this approach can be an option for acutely ill patients.

Reconstrucción de la pared abdominal en pacientes con inmunosupresión: experiencia en una institución de alta complejidad / Reconstruction of the abdominal wall in patients with immunosuppression: experience in a high complexity institution

Introducción. Los pacientes con inmunosupresión llevados a cirugía abdominal convencional tienen un mayor riesgo de desarrollar hernias incisionales en el posoperatorio, y cuando ellas ocurren, es necesario individualizar el procedimiento quirúrgico de elección, según las características anatómicas, fisiológicas y clínicas de cada paciente. Este estudio describe las características demográficas y clínicas de los pacientes con inmunosupresión, llevados a reconstrucción de la pared abdominal, y sus desenlaces después de 30 días del procedimiento quirúrgico. Métodos. Serie de casos de pacientes con inmunosupresión llevados a reconstrucción de la pared abdominal, en un centro especializado de cuarto nivel de complejidad. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, operados en el período de enero de 2016 a diciembre de 2019. Resultados. Se presenta una serie de 18 pacientes, cinco (27,7 %) con algún tipo de inmunosupresión primaria y 13 (72,2 %) con algún tipo de inmunosupresión secundaria. La edad promedio fue de 56 años, 11 (61 %) fueron mujeres, el peso promedio de los participantes fue de 73,3 kg. Se encontraron complicaciones en ocho pacientes (44,4 %). Dos pacientes requirieron manejo en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos, por un máximo de tres días. Ninguno de los pacientes presentó recidiva de la hernia ni mortalidad. Discusión. La reconstrucción de la pared abdominal en pacientes inmunosuprimidos representa un reto para cualquier equipo quirúrgico debido a las condiciones especiales de los pacientes y a las variables asociadas al procedimiento. Las tasas de recidiva y de complicaciones de este estudio, se asemejan a las descritas en la literatura

Introduction. Immunosuppressed patients undergoing conventional abdominal surgery have a higher risk of developing incisional hernias postoperatively, and when they do occur, it is necessary to individualize the surgical procedure of choice, according to the anatomical, physiological and clinical characteristics of each patient. This study describes the demographic and clinical characteristics of immunosuppressed patients, who underwent abdominal wall reconstruction and their outcomes 30 days after the surgical procedure.Methods. Series of cases of patients with immunosuppression underwent abdominal wall reconstruction in a specialized center of fourth level of complexity. Patients older than 18 years, operated on from January 2016 to December 2019, were included. Results. A series of 18 patients is analyzed, five (27.7%) with some type of primary immunosuppression and 13 (72.2%) with some type of secondary immunosuppression. The average age was 56 years, 11 (61%) were women, the average weight of the participants was 73.3 kg. Complications were found in eight patients (44.4%). Two patients required management in the ICU, for a maximum of three days. None of the patients had hernia recurrence or mortality. Discussion. Reconstruction of the abdominal wall in immunosuppressed patients represents a challenge for any surgical team due to the special conditions of the patients and the variables associated with the procedure. The recurrence and complication rates in this study are similar to those described in the literature.

Absceso del uraco y obstrucción intestinal en paciente con obesidad mórbida: reporte de caso / Urachal abscess and intestinal obstruction in a morbidly obese patient: A case report

Las anomalías del uraco representan un bajo porcentaje de las patologías abdominales, no obstante, forman parte del diagnóstico diferencial del abdomen agudo por las complicaciones que puede tener. Aunque son de difícil diagnóstico debido a los síntomas inespecíficos, las imágenes diagnósticas son de gran utilidad para su identificación y caracterización. En pacientes con obesidad mórbida, la presentación del cuadro aumenta el riesgo de morbimortalidad. Por ende, en estos pacientes es necesario un control postoperatorio estricto para evaluar complicaciones secundarias a la resección del uraco. Dado los casos limitados en la literatura, se requieren estudios clínicos adicionales, para brindar un seguimiento adecuado, en aras de identificar complicaciones y el tratamiento precoz de estas

Urachal abnormalities represent a low percentage of abdominal pathologies; however, they are part of the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen due to the complications it may have. Although they are difficult to diagnose due to nonspecific symptoms, diagnostic images are especially useful for their identification and characterization. In patients with morbid obesity, the presentation of the picture increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, in these patients, strict postoperative control is necessary to evaluate complications secondary to urachal resection. Given the limited cases in the literature, additional clinical studies are required to provide adequate diagnosis and follow-up in order to identify complications and their early treatment

Beneficios clínicos y de costos de un modelo de estandarización en el manejo de la apendicitis aguda / Clinical and cost benefits of a standardization model in the managementof acute appendicitis

Introducción. La apendicitis aguda es la patología quirúrgica más frecuente en Colombia y en el mundo, con un riesgo de presentación del 7-8 % en la población general. El tratamiento de elección es la apendicectomía, la cual puede realizarse por vía convencional o por vía laparoscópica. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar los desenlaces clínicos y costos de un modelo de estandarización en el manejo de la apendicitis aguda versus la no estandarización. Métodos. Estudio observacional, analítico, para comparar el manejo de atención estandarizado y no estandarizado. Se incluyeron pacientes mayores de 18 años, que ingresaron al servicio de urgencias con diagnóstico de apendicitis aguda en el período de enero de 2016 a diciembre de 2018, y quienes fueron llevados a apendicectomía convencional o laparoscópica en la institución. Resultados. Se incluyeron 1392pacientes, 591 que cumplieron los criterios del modelo estandarizado y 801 que cumplieron los criterios del modelo no estandarizado. Al comparar los procesos de estandarización y no estandarización, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en los resultados crudos de estancia hospitalaria y costos totales. En los estimativos ajustados por variables de confusión no se encontraron diferencias en los costos totales. Discusión. El modelo de estandarización demostró una disminución en los días de hospitalización. No encontró diferencias en términos de costos totales

Introduction. Acute appendicitis is the most frequent surgical pathology in Colombia and in the world, with a risk of presentation of 7-8% in the general population. The treatment of choice is appendectomy, which can be performed conventionally or laparoscopically. The objective of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and costs of a standardization model in the management of acute appendicitis.Methods. Observational, analytical study to compare standardized versus non-standardized care management. Patients older than 18 years, who were admitted to the emergency department with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the period from January 2016 to December 2018 and underwent conventional or laparoscopic appendectomy at the institution were included. Results. 1392 patients were included; 591 met the criteria of the standardized model and 801 met the criteria of the non-standardized model. When comparing the standardization versus non-standardization processes, statistically significant differences were found in the hospital stay and total costs. In the estimates adjusted for confounding variables, no differences were found in total costs. Discussion. The standardization model showed a decrease in hospital length of stay. No differences were found in terms of total costs

Left diaphragmatic hernia following thoracoabdominal aortic repair: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Diaphragmatic hernias are somewhat rare complications of thoracoabdominal interventions. Given their late clinical manifestations and misdiagnosis, their incidence is unknown. These hernias have a high mortality risk when an emergency intervention is warranted due to complications from visceral strangulation. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 67-year-old male with prior history of thoracoabdominal aortic repair, who reconsults due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Upon arrival, imaging shows a left diaphragmatic herniation with migration of the stomach, omentum and spleen to the thoracic cavity. Through laparoscopic approach, a left diaphragmatic hernial defect is identified with protrusion of half the stomach, omentum and the posterior aspect of the spleen with a sub capsular tear. Additionally, a severe adhesion syndrome on the chest wall and diaphragm were also evident, with entrapment of the inferior lobe of the left lung. The contents were successfully reduced, however pulmonary decortication and extensive adhesiolysis through thoracoscopy was required for complete extraction, enabling a primary repair without tension. CONCLUSIONS: We present an infrequent pathology without an established incidence, which has relevant clinical and surgical implications at any level of care, in this case requiring interdisciplinary management. The suspicion of diaphragmatic hernia in a patient with past medical history of thoracoabdominal aortic repair with non-specific gastrointestinal symptoms is essential. We emphasize the importance of clinical suspicion of this complication once the surgical precedent has been identified.