Content, accuracy and completeness of patient consent in a regional vascular surgery unit.

OBJECTIVE: Although the General Medical Council has published guidelines for procedural consent, there is evidence to suggest that deficiencies still occur in completion demographics, documentation of procedural risks and information regarding alternative therapies. We assessed the accuracy and completeness of vascular consent within our unit. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients undergoing vascular intervention between February 2010 and 2011 was performed. Patient chart examination included the analysis of consenting doctors' grade, responsible vascular consultant, completeness of procedural entry, documentation of correct side, use of abbreviations, discussion of benefits and complications, additional information and overall legibility. RESULTS: 323 patient consent forms were reviewed (male 203, mean age 68.0 years, elective surgery 241) including 50 AAA repairs, 27 carotid endarterectomies, 88 peripheral arterial reconstructions, 96 amputations and 69 elective varicose vein surgeries. 294 (91%) consent forms were completed by a specialist registrar or above with 286 (88.5%) forms having the responsible consultant documented. 85.4% of patients were consented within 48 h of surgery. 245 (75.9%) consent forms had legible printed names. However, only 75 (23.2%) had a legible signature. 306 (94.7%) consent forms had the procedure documented in full but 165 (51.0%) had used abbreviations. 103 (31.9%) had documentation of the intended benefits of surgery whilst 293 (90.7%) had documentation of potential complications. Three patients had documented evidence of receiving written information and one patient received a copy of the consent form. Of those surveyed, procedural mortality was discussed in 62.5% of open and 47.3% of endovascular AAA repairs. Stroke was documented in 96.3% of consent forms for carotid endarterectomy. Scarring was included most commonly in patients undergoing venous procedures. CONCLUSION: Vascular consent is a complex process involving a number of discussions and meetings with patients. Our unit has demonstrated compliance of nearly 90% for all consent-related processes and remains consistent with current GMC guidance. However, further improvement including the documentation of intended benefits, provision of additional written information whilst reducing the use of abbreviations is desired.

Implementation of best medical therapy for cardiovascular risk factors in vascular surgery patients treated in a tertiary referral regional unit.

OBJECTIVE: Current clinical evidence reports that antiplatelet, statin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and beta blockade therapies have advantageous effects on vascular surgery patient morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, such patients appear to be less likely to receive optimal medical management when compared with coronary artery disease patients. This study assessed medical therapy prescribing in patients attending a regional vascular surgery unit. METHODS: A retrospective review between February 2010 and February 2011 was performed for patients undergoing aortic aneurysm, carotid, peripheral arterial and amputation surgeries. Gender, age, smoking history, body mass index and cardiovascular risk factors were documented from inpatient charts. Current admission medications and subsequent modification by the vascular team were recorded. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-four patients (male = 165, mean age = 71 years) were identified. Prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia, myocardial infarction, angina, stroke and diabetes was higher than in the general population. A total of 201 (82.3%) patients were on antiplatelets or antithrombotics upon admission to the vascular ward, which was improved to 231 (94.6%) patients on discharge. A total of 180 (73.7%) patients were on lipid-lowering therapy upon admission, which was improved to 213 (87.2%) patients on discharge. A total of 115 (47.1%) patients were on ACE-inhibitor or angiotensin 2 receptor blocker medications on admission and this was improved to 118 (48.3%) upon discharge. A total of 87 (35.6%) patients were on a beta-blocker, which was improved to 93 (38.1%) patients upon discharge. CONCLUSION: Despite increased implementation of best medical therapy in the community with compliance rates greater than 73% for aspirin and statin therapy, further improvement is warranted. Vascular surgeons should remain vigilant for further opportunities to optimise medical therapy in this high-risk patient group particularly with antithrombotic, lipid lowering and antihypertensive therapies.

The impact of endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm on the gastrointestinal and renal function.

Introduction. Systemic effects of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) may be altered by the mode of surgery. This study aimed to determine systemic effects of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) compared to open repair (OR). Patients and Methods. Consecutive patients with rAAA were repaired by OR or EVAR according to computerised tomographic (CT) findings. Renal function was monitored by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), serum urea and creatinine, and urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR). Hepatic function was assessed postoperatively for 5 days. Intestinal function was determined by the paracetamol absorption test. Intestinal permeability was assessed by urinary lactulose/mannitol ratio. Results. 30 rAAA patients were included. Fourteen had eEVAR and sixteen eOR. Serum urea were higher in eOR, while creatinine was similar between groups. Hepatic function showed no intergroup difference. Paracetamol absorption was increased in eEVAR group at day 3 compared to day 1 (P = 0.03), with no similar result in eOR (P = 0.24). Peak lactulose/mannitol ratio was higher in eOR (P = 0.03), with higher urinary L/M ratio in eOR at day 3 (P = 0.02). Clinical intestinal function returned quicker in eEVAR (P = 0.02). Conclusion. EVAR attenuated the organ dysfunction compared to open repair. However, a larger comparative trial would be required to validate this. The clinical trial is registered with reference number EUDRACT: 2013-003373-12.

Disordered vascular compliance in haemochromatosis.

BACKGROUND: A relationship may exist between body iron stores, endothelial dysfunction and overall cardiovascular risk. AIMS: To compare vascular compliance, biochemical endothelial function and antioxidant status between patients with homozygous hereditary haemochromatosis and healthy controls. METHODS: Haemochromatosis patients and healthy controls were recruited. Measures of vascular compliance were assessed by applanation tonometry. Serological markers of endothelial function (plasma lipid hydroperoxides, cell adhesion molecules), antioxidant levels (ascorbate, lipid soluble antioxidants) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) were also measured. RESULTS: Thirty-five hereditary haemochromatosis patients (ten females, mean age 54.6) and 36 controls (27 female, mean age 54.0) were recruited. Haemochromatosis patients had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was significantly higher in male haemochromatosis patients (9.90 vs. 8.65 m/s, p = 0.048). Following adjustment for age and blood pressure, male haemochromatosis patients continued to have a trend for higher PWVs (+1.37 m/s, p = 0.058). Haemochromatosis patients had significantly lower levels of ascorbate (46.11 vs. 72.68 µmol/L, p = 0.011), retinol (1.17 vs. 1.81 µmol/L, p = 0.001) and g-tocopherol (2.51 vs. 3.14 µmol/L, p = 0.011). However, there was no difference in lipid hydroperoxides (0.46 vs. 0.47 nmol/L, p = 0.94), cell adhesion molecule levels (ICAM: 348.12 vs. 308.03 ng/mL, p = 0.32 and VCAM: 472.78 vs. 461.31 ng/mL, p = 0.79) or high-sensitivity CRP (225.01 vs. 207.13 mg/L, p = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: Haemochromatosis is associated with higher PWVs in males and diminished antioxidants across the sexes but no evidence of endothelial dysfunction or increased lipid peroxidation.

The inflammatory response to ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is altered by endovascular repair.

Introduction. Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) causes a significant inflammatory response. The study aims to investigate this response following endovascular and open repair of ruptured AAA. Patients and Methods. Consecutive rAAA patients had either endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) or open repair (OR). Blood samples were taken for cytokines, lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), antioxidants, and neutrophil elastase/ α 1-anti-trypsin complexes (NE/AAT) before surgery, 6 hours after clamp release and 1, 3, 5 days postoperatively. Results. 30 patients were included in the study, with 14 undergoing eEVAR and 16 eOR, with comparable baseline comorbidities, age, and parameters. IL-6 peaked higher in eOR patients (P = 0.04), while p75TNFr was similar between groups except at day 5 (P = 0.04). The NE/AAT concentrations were higher in eOR patients (P = 0.01), particularly in the first postoperative day, and correlated with blood (r = 0.398, P = 0.029) and platelet (r = 0.424, P = 0.020) volume transfused. C-reactive protein rose and lipid hydroperoxide fell in both groups without significant intergroup difference. Vitamins C and E, lycopene, and ß -carotene levels were similar between groups. Conclusion. EVAR is associated with lower systemic inflammatory response compared to OR. Its increased future use may thereby improve outcomes for patients.

Inferior vena cava thrombosis: a review of current practice.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis remains under-recognised as it is often not pursued as a primary diagnosis. The aetiology of IVC thrombosis can be divided into congenital versus acquired, with all aetiological factors found among Virchow's triad of stasis, injury and hypercoagulability. Signs and symptoms are related to aetiology and range from no symptoms to cardiovascular collapse. Painful lower limb swelling combined with lower back pain, pyrexia, dilatation of cutaneous abdominal wall veins and a concurrent rise in inflammatory markers are suggestive of IVC thrombosis. Following initial lower limb venous duplex, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the optimal non-invasive imaging tool. Aetiology directs treatment, which ranges from anticoagulation and lower limb compression to open surgery, with endovascular therapies increasingly favoured. The objective of this review is to assess current literature on the aetiology, presentation, investigation, treatment, prognosis and other factors pertaining to IVC thrombosis.

Spontaneous dissection of the external iliac artery secondary to golf club manufacturing.

Spontaneous dissection of the external iliac artery in the absence of aortic disease is extremely uncommon. We report the conservative treatment of a 46-year-old male patient who presented with acute left lower limb ischemia due to an isolated dissection of the external iliac artery secondary to repetitive swinging movements during golf club manufacturing. Although syndromes of nonatherosclerotic vascular disease secondary to repetitive movements in high-level athletic activity have been previously described in cyclists, long distance runners, and rugby players, we believe this to be the first occupational case associated with golf.

Quantification of tumour and circulating vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with oesophagogastric cancer: a long-term follow-up study.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an angiogenic cytokine that regulates tumour angiogenesis. The prognostic significance of VEGF expression remains incompletely investigated for patients with oesophagogastric cancer. This study assesses the significance of tumour VEGF (T-VEGF) and circulating VEGF (C-VEGF) expression in a 10-year follow-up of patients with oesophagogastric cancer. Patients undergoing surgical resection were prospectively recruited between February 1999 and August 2000. Circulating VEGF, derived both from plasma (P-VEGF) and serum (S-VEGF), and T-VEGF were assessed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As platelet count may contribute to C-VEGF, pre-operative platelet levels were also recorded to exclude a confounding effect. Patients were followed up over a 10-year period using the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry. Sixty-one patients were recruited (men=45) with a mean age of 65.7 years. The 10-year survival was 19.7% (n=12) with a median follow-up of 808 days (inter-quartile range [IQR]: 349.5-2358.5). Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) tumour staging was Stage I=9 (14.8%), Stage II=15 (24.6%), Stage III=33 (54.1%) and Stage IV=4 (6.6%). The only significant relationship between clinicopathological features and the study variables was for S-VEGF, which was elevated in patients with advanced T-stage (P = 0.05). Circulating VEGF did not correlate with platelet count. Although a trend towards decreased survival was observed for patients who had positive lymph nodes (P = 0.08) and advanced UICC stage (P = 0.09) on univariate analysis, only lymphovascular invasion significantly predicted poor prognosis in this cohort (P = 0.05). Therefore, ELISA quantification of circulatory or tumour VEGF does not appear to be a significant predictor of mortality in patients with oesophagogastric cancer.

Bone marrow micrometastases in esophageal carcinoma: a 10-year follow-up study.

Detection of bone marrow micrometastases (BMMs) in patients with esophageal carcinoma may indicate a metastatic phenotype. We assessed if the presence of BMMs had adverse prognostic significance in a 10-year follow-up study. Patients undergoing surgery for esophageal cancer were prospectively recruited between February 1999 and August 2000. Bone marrow aspirates were obtained from the iliac crest of patients under general anesthesia at the time of surgery. Immunocytochemical analysis using anticytokeratin antibodies CAM 5.2 and AE1/AE3 was undertaken to determine the presence of BMMs. Union International Contre le Cancer staging was recorded for all patients. Patient follow-up was completed over a 10-year period through analysis of the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry. Forty-two patients (male = 35) were included, with a mean age of 67.2 years (range 39-83). BMMs were detected in 19 patients (45.2%). International Contre le Cancer tumor staging was stage I = 6, stage II = 10, stage III = 24, and stage IV = 2. BMMs were associated with lymphovascular invasion (P= 0.02) and advanced T stage (P= 0.02). Overall, 10-year survival was 21.4% (n= 9), with a median follow-up of 877.5 days (interquartile range 391.5-2546.3). There was no statistically significant difference between the survival of patients with or without BMMs (1451.4 vs. 1431.6 days, P= 0.99). Univariate analysis demonstrated a trend toward decreased survival for patients with positive lymph nodes (P= 0.07), an increased T stage (P= 0.06), and lymphovascular invasion (P= 0.07). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that none of the variables were significant predictors of mortality. Although the presence of BMMs correlates with recognized adverse tumor characteristics in patients with esophageal cancer, micrometastases detected in the bone marrow at time of surgery does not influence long-term survival.

A carotid artery aneurysm with a twist: case report and review.

BACKGROUND: Since their original description in 1687, aneurysms of the extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) remain rare and account for less than 2% of all carotid operations (Zwolak et al. in: J Vasc Surg 1:415-422, 1984; El-Sabrout, Cooley in: J Vasc Surg 31:702-712, 2000). Cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality rates remain high without intervention (Zwolak et al. in: Vasc Surg 1:415-422, 1984). CASE REPORT: We report an unusual case of a saccular extracranial ICA aneurysm associated with kinking of the ICA and highlight the potential complications and risks associated with such an extreme anatomical deformation. CONCLUSION: Extracranial ICA aneurysm can be associated with unusual anatomical variations which can lead to unstable clinical symptomatology due to the variable presence of atherosclerotic material. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, surgical repair is not without risks and patients need to be informed of the potential complications.

Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for a late solitary renal cell cancer metastasis to the ipsilateral adrenal gland.

BACKGROUND: Metastases to the adrenal gland are the second most common type of adrenal mass lesion after adrenocortical adenomas [1, 2]. However, less than 2% of those patients who develop a metachronous metastasis after resection of a primary renal tumour will present with a solitary adrenal tumour [3]. Most of these patients present within several years of the primary diagnosis [4]. CASE REPORT: A 66-year-old man with a history of left nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma 18 years previously was investigated for recent weight loss. Computed tomography scanning identified a lesion in the ipsilateral adrenal gland. Hormonal investigations were consistent with a non-functioning mass. Magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography scans suggested a malignant lesion. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed without complication and histopathological examination confirmed metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The patient remains well with no evidence of recurrence at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe, effective treatment in the treatment of late solitary renal cell cancer metastasis to the ipsilateral adrenal gland.

Endovascular repair of an inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysm causing bilateral ureteric obstruction.

BACKGROUND: Conventional open repair of inflammatory abdominal aortic aneurysms (IAAA) remains challenging through the presence of extensive peri-aortic inflammation and fibrosis which makes dissection and vascular control difficult with a risk of inadvertent injury to adjacent visceral structures such as the ureters, duodenum, inferior vena cava, left renal vein and sigmoid colon. METHODS: We describe a case of a 69-year-old gentleman who presented with acute renal failure due to bilateral ureteric obstruction in association with an IAAA and discuss the various management options available. CONCLUSION: IAAAs and the associated peri-aortic inflammation and fibrosis can be successfully treated using endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair with concurrent ureteric stenting.

Assessment of the quality of care and financial impact of a virtual renal clinic compared with the traditional outpatient service model.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have better outcomes when they have access to specialist nephrology services early in the course of their disease. However, up to 30% of patients with advanced kidney disease face late referral. Virtual clinics represent a potentially innovative mechanism for early assessment of high patient volumes efficiently and cost effectively while maintaining high standards of care. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was completed over a 4-year period from April 2004 to March 2008 at a regional nephrology centre within Northern Ireland. All new patient attendances at the nephrology clinic were identified and those managed via the virtual renal clinic approach were included in this study. A cost comparison of this innovative modality was made with the traditional outpatient service model. RESULTS: There were 427 patients (51.3% female, 48.7% male) managed through the virtual renal clinic. Comorbidities included 180 patients (42.1%) with known CKD and 31 patients (7.3%) with newly identified kidney disease. A total of 118 patients (27.6%) had hypertension while 6 (1.4%) and 57 (13.3%) had type I and II diabetes mellitus (DM) respectively. Referral indications included 211 patients (49.4%) with abnormal renal biochemistry, 35 (8.2%) with proteinuria, 12 (2.8%) with haematuria and 87 patients (20.4%) with a combination of issues. A conservative treatment plan consisting of biochemical surveillance was appropriate for 246 patients (57.6%) while medication review was completed for 113 patients (26.5%) and surgical referral was indicated in 20 patients (4.7%). The virtual renal clinic provided a minimum cost saving of £111.56 per patient attendance compared with traditional outpatient care resulting in 23.3% of patient referrals being managed by the virtual clinic approach in 2009. CONCLUSION: Delayed referral to a renal specialist adversely affects patient outcomes. This study suggests that the implementation of a virtual renal clinic for non-complex renal pathologies can offer a cost-effective, rapid referral mechanism for patient assessment combined with readily available specialist advice.

Self-expanding metal stent insertion for inoperable esophageal carcinoma in Belfast: an audit of outcomes and literature review.

Successful palliation of dysphagia in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma has a major effect on quality of life. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) are currently recommended for rapid symptomatic relief when life expectancy is less than 3 months. We assessed complication and reintervention rates along with survival outcomes in patients with inoperable esophageal carcinoma undergoing stent insertion. A retrospective audit was performed from April 2007 to June 2009 for all inoperable primary esophageal carcinoma patients who had an esophageal stent inserted for dysphagia. Case notes were reviewed for clinical, pathological, stent and complication details, while ICD-10 causes of death were obtained from the Department of Health and Social Services, Northern Ireland. Fifty-six stents were inserted into 53 patients (66.0% male, mean age of 70 years). Inoperability was defined by metastatic spread (n= 34, 64.2%), locally advanced disease (n= 7, 13.2%), and severe medical comorbidities (n= 12, 22.6%). The median time from diagnosis to stent insertion was 109 (interquartile range [IQR] 43-187) days. Fifty stents (94.3%) were successfully deployed, while three patients (5.7%) required an additional stent as the primary stent had not bridged the tumor (proximal deployment = 2, suboptimal stent length = 1). Post-SEMS dysphagia scores were significantly better than pre-SEMS scores (2.90 vs. 1.54, P < 0.001). There were 27 complications identified in 23 (43.4%) patients (major complications = 9, minor complications = 14). Twelve patients (22.6%) required additional endoscopic procedures. The 30-day mortality rate was 11.3% (n= 6). Only one patient (1.9%) remains alive with a cumulative median survival rate of 84 (IQR 38-156) days. Esophageal stent insertion in this group of patients still presents a clinical challenge, with complication and endoscopic reintervention rates of 43.4 and 22.6%, respectively. Our results are comparable with previously published series, and as a palliative modality stent insertion remains appropriate when expected survival is less than 3 months. A range of SEMS is currently available with broadly similar efficacy and safety profiles. Data regarding the newly available fully covered SEMS suggest that they should be avoided.

Optimal management of peripheral arterial disease for the non-specialist.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) now affects approximately 20% of adults older than 55 years to an estimated total of 27 million people in the Western World. The aim of this paper is to describe the medical management of PAD for the non-vascular specialist, particularly general practitioners, where PAD has now been included in the Northern Ireland Department of Health's Primary Care Service Framework (Directed Enhanced Service).

The effect of sporting events on emergency department attendance rates in a district general hospital in Northern Ireland.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported a conflicting relationship between the effect of live and televised sporting events on attendance rates to emergency departments (ED). The objectives of this study were to investigate the relationship of major sporting events on emergency department attendance rates and to determine the potential effects of such events on service provision. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of ED attendances to a district general hospital (DGH) and subsequent admissions over a 24-h period following live and televised sporting activities was performed over a 5-year period. Data were compiled from the hospital's emergency record books including the number of attendances, patient demographics, clinical complaint and outcome. Review patients were excluded. Analysis of sporting events was compiled for live local, regional and national events as well as world-wide televised sporting broadcasts. RESULTS: A total of 137,668 (80,445 men) patients attended from April 2002 to July 2007. Mean attendance rate per day was 80 patients (men = 47). Mean admission rate was 13.6 patients per day. Major sporting events during the study period included; Soccer: 4 FA Cup and 1 World Cup (WC) finals; Rugby: 47 Six Nations, 25 Six nations games involving Ireland, 1 WC final, 2 WC semi-finals, 2 WC quarter-finals and 4 WC games involving Ireland; and Gaelic Football [Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)]: 5 All-Ireland finals, 11 semi-finals, 11 quarter-finals and 5 provincial finals. There was a significantly higher patient admission rate during the soccer FA Cup final, Rugby Six Nations and games involving Ireland and for GAA semi- and quarter-final games (p = 0.001-0.01). There was no difference identified in total attendance or non-admission rates for sporting events throughout the study period. Although there was no correlation identified between any of these sporting events and total emergency department attendances (r < 0.15, p > 0.07), multinomial logistic regression demonstrated that FA Cup final (p = 0.001), Rugby Six Nations (p = 0.019), Rugby WC games involving Ireland (p = 0.003), GAA All-Ireland semi- and quarter-finals (p = 0.016; p = 0.016) were predictors of patient admission rates. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that live or televised sporting events do not significantly affect ED attendances to a DGH. However, some events appeared to be predictors of patient admission rates. Although it may be beneficial to consider the effect of sporting events on service stratification during these periods, the overall effect is probably minimal and should not create a major concern for future service provision despite the implementation of the European Working Time Directive.

Peri-operative blood glucose management in general surgery - a potential element for improved diabetic patient outcomes - an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycaemia impairs many of the physiological processes involved in recovery from surgery but there is limited research on the effect of optimal peri-operative glucose control in diabetic general surgery patients. The objectives of this study were to assess blood glucose management in diabetic general surgical patients and to determine if protocol deviations were associated with adverse outcomes. METHODS: All diabetic patients undergoing elective and emergency general surgical procedures between August 2007 and July 2008 were included in the study. The hospital protocol for peri-operative blood glucose control was based on the Alberti Regimen. Data was collected regarding blood glucose measurements, adherence to protocol and complications following surgery. RESULTS: A total of 69 adult patients (M = 44, F = 25; median age 61, range 15-93 years; T1DM = 35, T2DM = 34) were included. 38 patients underwent elective surgery (cholecystectomy, hernia repair, varicose vein surgery) and 31 underwent emergency surgical procedures (laparotomy, incision and drainage of abscess). 10.3% of capillary blood glucose readings were less than 6.1 mmol/l, 32.8% were between 6.1 and 10.0 mmol/l, 44.6% were greater than 10.0 mmol/l 12.3% of scheduled blood glucose measurements were not completed. An insulin-dextrose infusion was indicated in 30 patients, of which 14 (46.7%) were treated according to protocol. In the 16 protocol-deviation cases, insulin was generally either administered according to a sliding scale (6 patients) or not at all during their time on the ward. While an insulin-dextrose infusion was not indicated in 39 patients, 14 (35.9%) of these patients were inappropriately given insulin either as an infusion (8 patients) or according to a sliding scale (6 patients). Overall, only 39 (56.5%) patients were treated according to protocol. The overall complication rate was 29%, which included 7 out of 39 (17.9%) and 13 out of 30 (43.3%) protocol-based and protocol-deviation patients respectively (p = 0.45). CONCLUSION: Although not statistically significant, optimal glucose homeostasis according to hospital protocol was associated with a 25.4% reduction in peri-operative complications. We recommend careful blood glucose management according to pre-defined guidelines in all diabetic patients undergoing general surgical procedures.