Predictors of major postoperative complications in cytoreductive surgery with or without hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) ± Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is associated with a high incidence of postoperative morbidity. Our aim was to identify independent, potentially actionable perioperative predictors of major complications. METHODS: We reviewed patients who underwent CRS ± HIPEC from June 2020 to January 2022 at a high-volume center. Postoperative complications were categorized using the Comprehensive Complication Index, with the upper quartile defining major complications. Multivariate logistic analysis identified predictive and protective factors. RESULTS: Of 168 patients, 119 (70.8%) underwent HIPEC. Mean Comprehensive Complication Index was 12.6 (12.7) and upper quartile cut-off was 22.6. Medical complications were more frequent but less severe than surgical (63% vs 18%). Forty-six patients (27.4%) comprised the "major complications" group (mean CCI 30.1 vs 6.3). Multivariate logistic regression showed that heart disease (RR 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1 to 3.3), number of anastomoses (RR 2.4; 95% CI:1.3 to 4.6) and first 24-h fluid balance (RR 1.1; 95% CI: 1.1 to 1.2), were independently associated as risk factors for major complications, while opioid-free anesthesia (RR 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3 to 0.9) and high preoperative hemoglobin (RR 0.9; CI 95%: 0.9 to 0.9) were independent-protective factors. CONCLUSION: Preoperative heart diseases, number of anastomoses and first 24 h-fluid balance are independent risk factors for major postoperative complications, while high preoperative hemoglobin and opioid-free anesthesia are protective. Correction of anemia prior to surgery, avoiding positive fluid balance and incorporation of opioid-free anesthesia strategy are potential actionable measures to reduce postoperative morbidity.

Coagulation Alterations in Major Burn Patients: A Narrative Review.

Major burn patients (MBP) can present multifactorial coagulation alterations induced by trauma and endothelial damage, fluid replacement therapy, hypothermia, hypoperfusion, acidosis, and activation of the inflammatory cascade. However, the multiple coagulation alterations that occur are still poorly defined. The aim of this review is to combine the results of the different coagulation tests currently used to study coagulation changes in these patients. The PubMed database was searched for articles reporting factor levels or coagulation tests using the keywords "Burns" and "Blood Coagulation". Of the 720 articles retrieved from the search, 20 were finally included in the review. Coagulopathy in the MBP differs from that of the trauma patient, insofar as the former present with an increase in factors VIII, IX, and vW on admission accompanied by an increase in fibrin and thrombin production. This is followed by activation of fibrinolysis and prolonged prothrombin (PT) and thromboplastin (aPTT) times in the first 24 hours, increased fibrinogen after 48 hours, and thrombocytosis between the second and third week. Viscoelastic testing shows a pattern that shifts from normal coagulation to a hypercoagulable state with no evidence of hyperfibrinolysis. Alterations in PT and aPTT together with elevated Factor VIII have been associated with mortality, while normalization of antithrombin, and protein C and S levels are associated with a good prognosis. Although standard coagulation tests initially show alterations, the MBP does not appear to be hypocoagulable, and viscoelastic testing shows a trend toward hypercoagulability over time. Coagulation disorders affect prognosis in the MBP.

Perioperative Management for the First Uterine Transplant in Southern Europe: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to describe perioperative management concerning the living donor uterine transplantation program at the Hospital Clinic (Barcelona, Spain), in the first successful procedure in Southern Europe. METHODS: Before the date of surgery, both the donor and the recipient are evaluated in the outpatient clinic to detect any possible comorbidities that might complicate or altogether disallow the procedure. In the donor, with a robotically performed surgery, complications regarding cerebral and upper airway edema, as well as reduced access to the patient once docking occurs, are of utmost importance. An aggressive antithrombotic regimen must be in place that includes heparin administered both to the donor and the recipient and aspirin to the recipient. Different strategies to reduce ischemia-reperfusion injury have been studied, with reduced ischemia times currently being the most effective. RESULTS: After surgery, both donor and recipient were taken to the intensive care unit overnight, transferred to the conventional ward the following day and discharged from the hospital within the week. The recipient had her first menstrual period 47 days after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The description of challenges regarding perioperative care of women who undergo uterine transplant programs and the rationale in anesthetic management may help other teams implant this program as a solution for a disease that profoundly impairs quality of life.

Comparison between epidural technique and mid-axillary ultrasound-guided TAP block for postoperative analgesia of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: a quasi-randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Our goal was to evaluate whether TAP block offers the same analgesic pain control compared to epidural technique in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy surgery through the morphine consumption in the first 48 hours. METHODS: In this study, 45 patients were recruited and assigned to either TAP or epidural. The main study outcome was morphine consumption during the first 48 hours after surgery. Other data recorded were pain at rest and upon movement, technique-related complications and adverse effects, surgical and postoperative complications, length of surgery, need for rescue analgesia, postoperative nausea and vomiting, start of intake, sitting and perambulation, first flatus, and length of in-hospital stay. RESULTS: From a total of 45 patients, two were excluded due to reconversion to open surgery (TAP group = 20; epidural group = 23). There were no differences in morphine consumption (0.96 vs. 0.8 mg; p = 0.78); mean postoperative VAS pain scores at rest (0.7 vs. 0.5; p = 0.72); or upon movement (1.6 vs. 1.6; p = 0.32); in the TAP vs. epidural group, respectively. Sitting and perambulation began sooner in TAP group (19 vs. 22 hours, p = 0.03; 23 vs. 32 hours, p = 0.01; respectively). The epidural group had more technique-related adverse effects. CONCLUSION: TAP blocks provide the same analgesic quality with optimal pain control than epidural technique, with less adverse effects.

Somatostatin Therapy Improves Stellate Cell Activation and Early Fibrogenesis in a Preclinical Model of Extended Major Hepatectomy.

Liver resection treats primary and secondary liver tumors, though clinical applicability is limited by the remnant liver mass and quality. Herein, major hepatic resections were performed in pigs to define changes associated with sufficient and insufficient remnants and improve liver-specific outcomes with somatostatin therapy. Three experimental groups were performed: 75% hepatectomy (75H), 90% hepatectomy (90H), and 90% hepatectomy + somatostatin (90H + SST). Animals were followed for 24 h (N = 6) and 5 d (N = 6). After hepatectomy, portal pressure gradient was higher in 90H versus 75H and 90H + SST (8 (3-13) mmHg vs. 4 (2-6) mmHg and 4 (2-6) mmHg, respectively, p < 0.001). After 24 h, changes were observed in 90H associated with stellate cell activation and collapse of sinusoidal lumen. Collagen chain type 1 alpha 1 mRNA expression was higher, extracellular matrix width less, and percentage of collagen-staining areas greater at 24 h in 90H versus 75H and 90H + SST. After 5 d, remnant liver mass was higher in 75H and 90H + SST versus 90H, and Ki-67 immunostaining was higher in 90H + SST versus 75H and 90H. As well, more TUNEL-staining cells were observed in 90H versus 75H and 90H + SST at 5 d. Perioperative somatostatin modified portal pressure, injury, apoptosis, and stellate cell activation, stemming changes related to hepatic fibrogenesis seen in liver remnants not receiving treatment.

Perioperative considerations for kidney and pancreas-kidney transplantation.

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice in patients with end-stage renal disease, as it improves survival and quality of life. Living donor kidney transplant prior to pancreas transplantation, or simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation are discussed. Patients usually present comorbidities and extensive preoperative workups are recommended, especially cardiac assessment, though type and frequency of surveillance is not established. Nephroprotective strategies include adequate fluid status and goal-directed therapy. The conventional use of diuretics has not demonstrated a real nephroprotective effect at follow-up. Thromboprophylaxis regimes, especially for the pancreatic graft outcome, are of importance. Notably, transplantation in the obese population has increased in recent decades. Strict preoperative evaluation and pulmonary considerations must be kept in mind. Finally, robotic kidney transplant is a recent approach that presents anesthetic challenges, mainly related to steep Trendelenburg position and fluid restriction.

Resultados de morbimortalidad en cáncer colorrectal en paciente quirúrgico frágil. Implementación de un Área de Atención al Paciente Quirúrgico Complejo / Colorectal carcinoma in the frail surgical patient. Implementation of a Work Area focused on the Complex Surgical Patient improves postoperative outcome

INTRODUCCIÓN: La edad avanzada y la presencia de comorbilidades repercuten en la morbimortalidad postoperatoria del paciente quirúrgico frágil. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar los resultados de morbimortalidad tras cirugía por cáncer colorrectal en el paciente quirúrgico frágil tras la implementación de un Área de Atención al paciente Quirúrgico Complejo (AAPQC). MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo con recogida prospectiva de datos. Un total de 91 pacientes consecutivos considerados como frágiles (ASAIV o ASAIII con Barthel < 80 i/o Pfeiffer>3) fueron intervenidos entre 2013 y 2015 con diagnóstico de cáncer colorrectal con intención curativa. Grupo I (AAPQC): 35 pacientes incluidos en AAPQC durante 2015. Grupo II (No AAPQC): 56 pacientes intervenidos entre 2013 y 2014 previa implementación del AAPQC. Se analizó homogeneidad de grupos, complicaciones, estancia media, mortalidad, reintervenciones, reingresos y costes en función del GRD. RESULTADOS: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en edad, sexo, ASA, índex de masa corporal, estadio tumoral y tipo de intervención quirúrgica entre los dos grupos. Las complicaciones mayores (Clavien-DindoIII-IV) (11,4% vs. 28,5%, p = 0,041), la estancia media (12,6 ± 6 días vs. 15,2 ± 6 días, p = 0,043), los reingresos (11,4% vs. 28,3%, p = 0,041) y el peso específico del episodio (3,29 ± 1 vs 4,3 ± 1, p = 0,008) fueron significativamente menores en el grupo AAPQC. No hubo diferencias en re intervenciones (6,2% vs. 5,3%) ni mortalidad (6,2% vs 7,1%). El 96,9% de pacientes del grupo I manifestó una atención y calidad de vida satisfactoria. CONCLUSIONES: La implementación de una AAPQC en pacientes frágiles que deben ser intervenidos de cáncer colorrectal comporta una reducción de las complicaciones, estancia y reingresos, y es una medida coste-efectiva

INTRODUCTION: Advanced age and comorbidity impact on post-operative morbi-mortality in the frail surgical patient. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and individualized care delivered to the frail patient by implementation of a Work Area focused on the Complex Surgical Patient (CSPA). METHODS: Retrospective study with prospective data collection. Ninety one consecutive patients, classified as frail (ASAIII or IV, Barthel<80 and/or Pfeiffer>3) underwent curative radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma between 2013 and 2015. GroupI: 35 patients optimized by the CSPA during 2015. Group II: 56 No-CSPA patients, treated prior to CSPA implementation, during 2014-2015. Group homogeneity, complication rate, length of stay, reoperations, readmissions, costs and overall mortality were analyzed and adjusted by Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in term of age, gender, ASA classification, body mass index, tumor staging and type of surgical intervention between the two groups. Major complications (Clavien-DindoIII-IV) (12.5% vs. 28.5%, P = .04), hospital stay (12.6 ± 6 days vs. 15.2 ± 6 days, P = 0.041), readmissions (12.5% vs. 28.3%, P < 0.041), and patient episode cost weighted according to DRG (3.29 ± 1 vs. 4.3 ± 1, P = 0.008) were statistically inferior in Group CSPA. There were no differrences in reoperations (6.2% vs. 5.3%) or mortality (6.2% vs. 7.1%). 96.9% of patients of Group I manifested having received a satisfactory attention and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a CSPA, delivering surgical care to frail colorectal cancer patients, involves a reduction of complications, length of stay and readmissions, and is a cost-effective arrangement

Heparin but not tissue plasminogen activator improves outcomes in donation after circulatory death liver transplantation in a porcine model.

Ischemic-type biliary lesions (ITBLs) arise most frequently after donation after circulatory death (DCD) liver transplantation and result in high morbidity and graft loss. Many DCD grafts are discarded out of fear for this complication. In theory, microvascular thrombi deposited during donor warm ischemia might be implicated in ITBL pathogenesis. Herein, we aim to evaluate the effects of the administration of either heparin or the fibrinolytic drug tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) as means to improve DCD liver graft quality and potentially avoid ITBL. Donor pigs were subjected to 1 hour of cardiac arrest (CA) and divided among 3 groups: no pre-arrest heparinization nor TPA during postmortem regional perfusion; no pre-arrest heparinization but TPA given during regional perfusion; and pre-arrest heparinization but no TPA during regional perfusion. In liver tissue sampled 1 hour after CA, fibrin deposition was not detected, even when heparin was not given prior to arrest. Although it was not useful to prevent microvascular clot formation, pre-arrest heparin did offer cytoprotective effects during CA and beyond, reflected in improved flows during regional perfusion and better biochemical, functional, and histological parameters during posttransplantation follow-up. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the lack of impact of TPA use in porcine DCD liver transplantation and adds to the controversy over whether the use of TPA in human DCD liver transplantation really offers any protective effect. On the other hand, when it is administered prior to CA, heparin does offer anti-inflammatory and other cytoprotective effects that help improve DCD liver graft quality. Liver Transplantation 24 665-676 2018 AASLD.

Colorectal carcinoma in the frail surgical patient. Implementation of a Work Area focused on the Complex Surgical Patient improves postoperative outcome. / Resultados de morbimortalidad en cáncer colorrectal en paciente quirúrgico frágil. Implementación de un Área de Atención al Paciente Quirúrgico Complejo.

INTRODUCTION: Advanced age and comorbidity impact on post-operative morbi-mortality in the frail surgical patient. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary and individualized care delivered to the frail patient by implementation of a Work Area focused on the Complex Surgical Patient (CSPA). METHODS: Retrospective study with prospective data collection. Ninety one consecutive patients, classified as frail (ASAIII or IV, Barthel<80 and/or Pfeiffer>3) underwent curative radical surgery for colorectal carcinoma between 2013 and 2015. GroupI: 35 patients optimized by the CSPA during 2015. GroupII: 56 No-CSPA patients, treated prior to CSPA implementation, during 2014-2015. Group homogeneity, complication rate, length of stay, reoperations, readmissions, costs and overall mortality were analyzed and adjusted by Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in term of age, gender, ASA classification, body mass index, tumor staging and type of surgical intervention between the two groups. Major complications (Clavien-DindoIII-IV) (12.5% vs. 28.5%, P=.04), hospital stay (12.6±6days vs. 15.2±6days, P=0.041), readmissions (12.5% vs. 28.3%, P<0.041), and patient episode cost weighted according to DRG (3.29±1 vs. 4.3±1, P=0.008) were statistically inferior in Group CSPA. There were no differrences in reoperations (6.2% vs. 5.3%) or mortality (6.2% vs. 7.1%). 96.9% of patients of GroupI manifested having received a satisfactory attention and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a CSPA, delivering surgical care to frail colorectal cancer patients, involves a reduction of complications, length of stay and readmissions, and is a cost-effective arrangement.