Race, Ethnicity, and Pediatric Postsurgical Mortality: Current Trends and Future Projections.

BACKGROUND: No study has contextualized the aggregate human costs attributable to disparities in pediatric postsurgical mortalities in the United States, a critical step needed to convey the scale of racial inequalities to clinicians, policymakers, and the public. METHODS: We conducted a population-based study of 673 677 children from US hospitals undergoing intermediate to high-risk surgery between 2000 and 2019. We estimated the excess deaths that could be avoided if Black and Hispanic children had comparable mortality rates to white children. We estimated the mortality reduction required to eliminate disparities within the next decade. We finally evaluated the impact of policy changes targeting a modest annual 2.5% reduction in disparity-attributable mortality. RESULTS: During 2000 to 2019, risk-adjusted postoperative mortality trended consistently higher for both Black (adjusted RR [aRR]: 1.42, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.36-1.49) and Hispanic children (aRR: 1.22, 95% CI: 1.17-1.27) than for white children. These disparity gaps were driven by higher mortality in Black and Hispanic children receiving surgery in nonteaching hospitals (Black versus white aRR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.38-1.93; Hispanic versus white aRR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.33-1.70). There were 4700 excess deaths among Black children and 5500 among Hispanic children, representing. 10 200 (average: 536 per year) excess deaths among minoritized children. Policy changes achieving an annual 2.5% reduction in postoperative mortality would prevent approximately 1100 deaths among Black children in the next decade. CONCLUSIONS: By exploring the solution, and not just the problem, our study provides a framework to reduce disparities in pediatric postoperative mortality over the next decade.

Fibrinógeno humano liofilizado para solución inyectable / Lyophilized human fibrinogen for solution for injection

INTRODUCCIÓN: Algunas consideraciones quirúrgicas en pacientes con enfermedades oncológicas se asocian con hemorragias graves. Aunque la causa suele ser multifactorial, la hipofibrinogenemia (nivel de fibrinógeno plasmático <150 a 200 mg/dl) es común. El fibrinógeno es el principal componente estructural en la formación de coágulos y es esencial para una hemostasia eficaz, pero el fibrinógeno es el primer factor que cae a y sangrado quirúrgico2 . Las causas de hipofibrinogenemia incluyen el consumo de factores de coagulación, exacerbado por niveles críticamente bajos en situaciones como hemorragia importante durante cirugías, así como la hemodilución y la hiperfibrinólisis3, 4 Existe una estrecha asociación entre los niveles bajos de fibrinógeno y el sangrado posoperatorio grave5 . Además, la transfusión de componentes sanguíneos después de una cirugía cardíaca se asocia fuertemente con una mayor morbilidad, mortalidad y costos hospitalarios6 . El manejo eficaz de la coagulación es esencial para ayudar a lograr resultados exitosos. La principal coagulopatía observada durante esta cirugía abdominal extensa es la rápida caída de la concentración de fibrinógeno plasmático y, en consecuencia, la disminución de la calidad del coágulo7 . Las directrices recientes de la Asociación Europea de Cirugía Cardiotorácica y la Asociación Europea de Anestesiología Cardiotorácica recomiendan el uso de crioprecipitado o concentrado de fibrinógeno (FC) para el tratamiento de la hipofibrinogenemia adquirida durante la cirugía cardíaca. ACERCA DE LA TECNOLOGÍA SANITARIA: Hay varias fuentes de fibrinógeno disponibles, siendo el crioprecipitado y el concentrado de fibrinógeno humano (HFC) las opciones preferidas en términos de concentración de fibrinógeno. Ambos tipos de productos han demostrado capacidad para aumentar los niveles de fibrinógeno plasmático en pacientes hemorrágicos10,11. El crioprecipitado tiene un contenido variable de fibrinógeno, requiere compatibilidad con el tipo de sangre, tiempo para descongelarse y conlleva riesgos de lesión pulmonar aguda relacionada con transfusiones y transmisión de patógenos, y se ha retirado en algunos países europeos12,13 . El HFC es una preparación altamente purificada que contiene una concentración definida de fibrinógeno, no requiere coincidencia del tipo de sangre y ofrece una mayor seguridad contra patógenos debido a los pasos de inactivación del virus utilizados en la producción. El crioprecipitado se precipita descongelando plasma fresco congelado de donantes, desprovisto de leucocitos, que se centrifuga y se re-suspende en plasma; mientras que FC es una preparación inactivada por virus, altamente purificada y derivada de plasma. Existe un alto grado de variabilidad en la concentración de fibrinógeno en el crioprecipitado, que según se informa contiene entre 3 y 30 g/l de unidades de fibrinógeno. Un estudio encontró que 2 unidades de crioprecipitado por cada 10 kg de peso corporal aumentaban la concentración de fibrinógeno plasmático en 1 g/l18; sin embargo, el contenido de fibrinógeno del crioprecipitado no está estandarizado. Por el contrario, el FC reconstituido contiene un contenido estandarizado de 200 mg/dL de fibrinógeno. METODOLOGÍA: Primero se realizó una revisión de los documentos que fueron enviados a la unidad y se conversó con la Unidad funcional de Banco de Sangre y Medicina Transfusional (Unidad solicitante) del Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN). La segunda parte estuvo enfocada en un análisis de la revisión de la literatura para respaldar la decisión basada en evidencia científica. Se priorizaron estudios por ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) o revisiones sistemáticas (RS), en caso de haber nuevos estudios observacionales que no fueron incluidos en RS se evaluaron su inclusión. ANALISIS DE EVIDENCIA: En Astana, Kazajstán24 se realizó un estudio prospectivo y aleatorizado realizado en pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía cardíaca y desarrollaron hemorragia e hipofibrinogenemia clínicamente significativas después de la cirugía cardiaca con circulación extracorpórea; el crioprecipitado y el fibrinógeno concentrado (FC) eran el estándar de atención en la institución. El estudio incluyó a todos los pacientes adultos de ≥18 años sometidos a cirugía cardíaca con hemorragia significativa e hipofibrinogenemia, definida como un nivel plasmático de fibrinógeno <200 mg/dL confirmado por el método Clauss. Después de la inscripción se aleatorizó en dos grupos, FC calculado como: [nivel de fibrinógeno objetivo (mg/dL) ­ nivel de fibrinógeno medido (mg/dL)] / 1,8 (mg/dL por mg/kg de peso corporal); y crioprecipitado 1 unidad/5-10kg. Además, estimaron costos directos. Ochenta y ocho pacientes adultos con hipofibrinogenemia adquirida (<2,0 g/l) distribuido en crioprecipitado (N = 40) o FC (N = 48), con datos demográficos y laboratoriales similares entre los grupos. En general, se administró una media 9,33±0,94 unidades (rango, 8-10) de crioprecipitado y 1,40±0,49 g (rango 1-2) de FC. Cabe mencionar que antes de la cirugía, los niveles de fibrinógeno plasmático eran ligeramente más bajos en el grupo FC. Después de la administración de crioprecipitado o FC, los niveles medios de fibrinógeno aumentaron en ambos grupos. Desde antes de la administración hasta 24 horas después de la administración, el nivel medio de fibrinógeno plasmático aumentó en una media de 125 ± 65 mg/dL en el grupo de crioprecipitado y 96 ± 65 mg/dL en el grupo de FC (entre grupos, p = 0,4409 para varianzas iguales. 48 horas después de la administración del fármaco del estudio, los niveles de fibrinógeno habían aumentado aún más en ambos grupos y no hubo diferencias significativas en los niveles de fibrinógeno entre los pacientes de los grupos de crioprecipitado y FC. Los autores concluyen que en el estudio mostraron que tanto el FC como el crioprecipitado fueron eficaces para aumentar los niveles de fibrinógeno plasmático en pacientes que requirieron cirugía cardíaca, que sufrieron hemorragia significativa e hipofibrinogenemia. No se informaron problemas de seguridad para ninguno de los medicamentos. Se describió que el concentrado de fibrinógeno era significativamente más barato que el crioprecipitado y ventajoso debido a la velocidad y facilidad de preparación. Debido a la necesidad de cumplir con los protocolos establecidos en el centro hospitalario, las dosis no fueron equivalentes de fibrinógeno. CONCLUSIONES: INFORME N° 000098-2024-UFBSMT- DP-DISAD/INEN remitido por la Dra. Evelyn Norabuena Mautino, Coordinador de la Unidad Funcional de Banco de Sangre y Medicina Transfusional(e) del INEN al Jefe de la Unidad Funcional de Evaluación de Tecnologías Sanitarias del INEN. Existe una estrecha asociación entre los niveles bajos de fibrinógeno y el sangrado posoperatorio grave5. Además, la transfusión de componentes sanguíneos después de una cirugía cardíaca se asocia fuertemente con una mayor morbilidad, mortalidad y costos hospitalarios6. El fibrinógeno se puede complementar mediante la administración de plasma fresco congelado (PFC), crioprecipitado o concentrado de fibrinógeno. El PFC y el crioprecipitado son productos sanguíneos alogénicos que requieren pruebas cruzadas y descongelación antes de su administración y también están relacionados con un mayor riesgo de transmisión de patógenos y reacciones inmunológicas17,18. Alternativamente, el concentrado de fibrinógeno es un derivado del plasma sometido a pasteurización que minimiza el riesgo de reacciones inmunológicas y alérgicas18,19. Se realizó una estrategia de búsqueda en PubMed encontrando un total, de 102 artículos, donde finalmente se seleccionaron 4 estudios. La evidencia científica indica que el análisis de la concentración de fibrinógeno plasmático mostró que el crioprecipitado y el FC tenían una eficacia comparable. Sin embargo, el FC tiene ventajas sobre el crioprecipitado debido a su facilidad de manipulación, menor reacción cruzada y alta pureza. Se puede considerar el uso de concentrado de fibrinógeno para el tratamiento de hemorragias en pacientes con hipofibrinogenemia adquirida en cirugías. El beneficio económico del FC es incierto, teniendo evidencias contradictorias, pero un estudio indica que puede ser competitivo con la crioterapia, si el costo del FC disminuye en un 44% o demostrar que ahorra entre 025 y 066 días de UCI, mientras que otro estudio indica el beneficio neto incremental del concentrado de fibrinógeno frente al crioprecipitado fue positivo (probabilidad de ser rentable 86% y 97% a $0 y USD $1489 disposición a pagar, respectivamente. El beneficio neto fue muy incierto para los pacientes no selectivos y con enfermedades críticas del estudio FIBERS.

Riesgo quirúrgico tras resección pulmonar anatómica en cirugía torácica. Modelo predictivo a partir de una base de datos nacional multicéntrica / Surgical Risk Following Anatomic Lung Resection in Thoracic Surgery: A Prediction Model Derived from a Spanish Multicenter Database

Introducción: El objetivo es obtener un modelo predictor de riesgo quirúrgico en pacientes sometidos a resecciones pulmonares anatómicas a partir del registro del Grupo Español de Cirugía Torácica Videoasistida. Métodos: Se recogen datos de 3.533 pacientes sometidos a resección pulmonar anatómica por cualquier diagnóstico entre el 20 de diciembre de 2016 y el 20 de marzo de 2018.Definimos una variable resultado combinada: mortalidad o complicación Clavien Dindo IV a 90 días tras intervención quirúrgica. Se realizó análisis univariable y multivariable por regresión logística. La validación interna del modelo se llevó a cabo por técnicas de remuestreo. Resultados: La incidencia de la variable resultado fue del 4,29% (IC 95%: 3,6-4,9). Las variables que permanecen en el modelo logístico final fueron: edad, sexo, resección pulmonar oncológica previa, disnea (mMRC), neumonectomía derecha y DLCOppo. Los parámetros de rendimiento del modelo, ajustados por remuestreo, fueron: C-statistic 0,712 (IC 95%: 0,648-0,750), Brier score 0,042 y Booststrap shrinkage 0,854. Conclusiones: El modelo predictivo de riesgo obtenido a partir de la base de datos Grupo Español de Cirugía Torácica Videoasistida es un modelo sencillo, válido y fiable, y constituye una herramienta muy útil a la hora de establecer el riesgo de un paciente que se va a someter a una resección pulmonar anatómica. (AU)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to develop a surgical risk prediction model in patients undergoing anatomic lung resections from the registry of the Spanish Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Group (GEVATS). Methods: Data were collected from 3,533 patients undergoing anatomic lung resection for any diagnosis between December 20, 2016 and March 20, 2018.We defined a combined outcome variable: death or Clavien Dindo grade IV complication at 90 day.s after surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by logistic regression. Internal validation of the model was performed using resampling techniques. Results: The incidence of the outcome variable was 4.29% (95% CI 3.6-4.9). The variables remaining in the final logistic model were: age, sex, previous lung cancer resection, dyspnea (mMRC), right pneumonectomy, and ppo DLCO. The performance parameters of the model adjusted by resampling were: C-statistic 0.712 (95% CI 0.648-0.750), Brier score 0.042 and bootstrap shrinkage 0.854. Conclusions: The risk prediction model obtained from the GEVATS database is a simple, valid, and reliable model that is a useful tool for establishing the risk of a patient undergoing anatomic lung resection. (AU)

[Translated article] Surgical Risk Following Anatomic Lung Resection in Thoracic Surgery: A Prediction Model Derived From a Spanish Multicenter Database / Riesgo quirúrgico tras resección pulmonar anatómica en cirugía torácica. Modelo predictivo a partir de una base de datos nacional multicéntrica

Introduction: The aim of this study was to develop a surgical risk prediction model in patients undergoing anatomic lung resections from the registry of the Spanish Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Group (GEVATS). Methods: Data were collected from 3,533 patients undergoing anatomic lung resection for any diagnosis between December 20, 2016 and March 20, 2018.We defined a combined outcome variable: death or Clavien Dindo grade IV complication at 90 day.s after surgery. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed by logistic regression. Internal validation of the model was performed using resampling techniques. Results: The incidence of the outcome variable was 4.29% (95% CI 3.6-4.9). The variables remaining in the final logistic model were: age, sex, previous lung cancer resection, dyspnea (mMRC), right pneumonectomy, and ppo DLCO. The performance parameters of the model adjusted by resampling were: C-statistic 0.712 (95% CI 0.648-0.750), Brier score 0.042 and bootstrap shrinkage 0.854. Conclusions: The risk prediction model obtained from the GEVATS database is a simple, valid, and reliable model that is a useful tool for establishing the risk of a patient undergoing anatomic lung resection. (AU)

Introducción: El objetivo es obtener un modelo predictor de riesgo quirúrgico en pacientes sometidos a resecciones pulmonares anatómicas a partir del registro del Grupo Español de Cirugía Torácica Videoasistida. Métodos: Se recogen datos de 3.533 pacientes sometidos a resección pulmonar anatómica por cualquier diagnóstico entre el 20 de diciembre de 2016 y el 20 de marzo de 2018.Definimos una variable resultado combinada: mortalidad o complicación Clavien Dindo IV a 90 días tras intervención quirúrgica. Se realizó análisis univariable y multivariable por regresión logística. La validación interna del modelo se llevó a cabo por técnicas de remuestreo. Resultados: La incidencia de la variable resultado fue del 4,29% (IC 95%: 3,6-4,9). Las variables que permanecen en el modelo logístico final fueron: edad, sexo, resección pulmonar oncológica previa, disnea (mMRC), neumonectomía derecha y DLCOppo. Los parámetros de rendimiento del modelo, ajustados por remuestreo, fueron: C-statistic 0,712 (IC 95%: 0,648-0,750), Brier score 0,042 y Booststrap shrinkage 0,854. Conclusiones: El modelo predictivo de riesgo obtenido a partir de la base de datos Grupo Español de Cirugía Torácica Videoasistida es un modelo sencillo, válido y fiable, y constituye una herramienta muy útil a la hora de establecer el riesgo de un paciente que se va a someter a una resección pulmonar anatómica. (AU)

Esplendor y ocaso de la cirugía experimental. Recuerdo histórico / Splendor and sunset of experimental surgery. Historical memory

La cirugía experimental ha sido en las últimas décadas la base del desarrollo del conocimiento y de la técnica quirúrgica. Hanexistido numerosos centros que ha dispuesto de este tipo de infraestructuras casi siempre ligados a los hospitales. Por otro lado, lacirugía ha evolucionado a procedimientos mínimamente invasivos con un claro cambio del perfil de la técnica quirúrgica, abandonándose en parte los procedimientos tradicionales. Además, se han desarrollado de forma relevante las nuevas tecnologías yen especial la informática que han aportado nuevas prestaciones. Todo ello ha hecho que se haya reconsiderado estratégicas yplanificaciones del pasado que ha quedado superadas por nuevos enfoques. Se analiza en el trabajo las aportaciones de la cirugíaexperimental, se valora su utilidad actual y se discute su utilidad futura. (AU)

Experimental surgery has been in recent decades the basis for the development of knowledge and surgical technique. There havebeen numerous centers that have had this type of infrastructure almost always linked to hospitals. On the other hand, surgery hasevolved to minimally invasive procedures with a clear change in the profile of the surgical technique, partially abandoning traditional procedures. On the other hand, new technologies have been developed in a relevant way, especially computing, which has provided new features. All this has led to a reconsideration of past strategies and plans that have been superseded by new approaches.The contributions of experimental surgery are analyzed in the work, its current usefulness is assessed and its future usefulness isanalyzed. (AU)

Examining the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on the operative volumes of US general surgery residents.

BACKGROUND: In March 2020, the COVID-19 virus global pandemic forced healthcare systems to institute regulations including the cancellation of elective surgical cases, which likely decreased resident operative experience. The objective of this study was to determine whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected operative experiences of US general surgery residents. METHODS: The operative experience of general surgery residents was examined nationally and locally. Aggregate Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) case logs for 2018 to 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2019 to 2020 (COVID) graduates were compared using national mean cumulative operative volume for total major and surgeon chief cases. Locally, ACGME case logs were used to analyze the operative experience among residents at a single, academic center. Average operative volumes per month per resident during peak COVID-19 quarantine months were compared with those the previous year. RESULTS: Compared with 2019 graduates, 2020 graduates completed 1.5% fewer total major cases (1055 ± 155 vs 1071 ± 150, P = .011). This was most evident during chief year, with 8.4% fewer surgeon chief cases logged in 2020 compared with 2019 (264 ± 67 vs 289 ± 69, P < .001). Institutional data revealed that during the peak of the pandemic, residents across all levels completed 42.5% fewer total major operations (12 ± 11 vs 20 ± 14, P < .001). This effect was more pronounced among junior residents compared with senior and chief residents. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with decreased resident case volume. The ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic for operative competency and autonomy should be carefully examined.

Trends in the Surgical Incidence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Uzbekistan from 2011 to 2018.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis with a cosmopolitan distribution caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato tapeworms. Although Uzbekistan and other countries in Central Asia are considered endemic, estimates of disease burden are lacking. We present data regarding surgically managed cases of CE obtained from Uzbekistan's national disease surveillance registry. These data are from medical centers in Uzbekistan authorized to treat the disease and reported to the Uzbek Center for Sanitation and Epidemiology from the period 2011 to 2018. Information included patient age class (children 14 years or younger versus adults 15 years and older), but no data regarding cyst location. Incidence rates were calculated using data from the national population registry, and the Cuzick nonparametric test for trends was used to test for differences in the incidence over time at the country and regional levels. A total of 7,309 CE cases were reported. Of these, 857 (11.73%) involved pediatric patients. The mean incidence rates were 4.4 per 100,000 population in 2011 and 2.3 per 100,000 population in 2018 (P = 0.016). One region (Republic of Karalpakistan) showed a nonstatistically significant increase (P = 0.824). All other regions except three showed a statistically significant decrease. We present data showing a decrease in the overall incidence of surgically treated CE in Uzbekistan from 2011 to 2018. However, the presence of cases involving children suggests ongoing parasite transmission. The absence of clinical information (starting with cyst stage and localization) needs to be addressed to improve the national surveillance system. Field studies are also needed to further explore the epidemiology of CE in the country.

Trends in US Surgical Procedures and Health Care System Response to Policies Curtailing Elective Surgical Operations During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Importance: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every aspect of medical care, including surgical treatment. It is critical to understand the association of government policies and infection burden with surgical access across the United States. Objective: To describe the change in surgical procedure volume in the US after the government-suggested shutdown and subsequent peak surge in volume of patients with COVID-19. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using administrative claims from a nationwide health care technology clearinghouse. Claims from pediatric and adult patients undergoing surgical procedures in 49 US states within the Change Healthcare network of health care institutions were used. Surgical procedure volume during the 2020 initial COVID-19-related shutdown and subsequent fall and winter infection surge were compared with volume in 2019. Data were analyzed from November 2020 through July 2021. Exposures: 2020 policies to curtail elective surgical procedures and the incidence rate of patients with COVID-19. Main Outcomes and Measures: Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated from a Poisson regression comparing total procedure counts during the initial shutdown (March 15 to May 2, 2020) and subsequent COVID-19 surge (October 22, 2020-January 31, 2021) with corresponding 2019 dates. Surgical procedures were analyzed by 11 major procedure categories, 25 subcategories, and 12 exemplar operative procedures along a spectrum of elective to emergency indications. Results: A total of 13 108 567 surgical procedures were identified from January 1, 2019, through January 30, 2021, based on 3498 Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. This included 6 651 921 procedures in 2019 (3 516 569 procedures among women [52.9%]; 613 192 procedures among children [9.2%]; and 1 987 397 procedures among patients aged ≥65 years [29.9%]) and 5 973 573 procedures in 2020 (3 156 240 procedures among women [52.8%]; 482 637 procedures among children [8.1%]; and 1 806 074 procedures among patients aged ≥65 years [30.2%]). The total number of procedures during the initial shutdown period and its corresponding period in 2019 (ie, epidemiological weeks 12-18) decreased from 905 444 procedures in 2019 to 458 469 procedures in 2020, for an IRR of 0.52 (95% CI, 0.44 to 0.60; P < .001) with a decrease of 48.0%. There was a decrease in surgical procedure volume across all major categories compared with corresponding weeks in 2019. During the initial shutdown, otolaryngology (ENT) procedures (IRR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.46; P < .001) and cataract procedures (IRR, 0.11; 95% CI, -0.11 to 0.32; P = .03) decreased the most among major categories. Organ transplants and cesarean deliveries did not differ from the 2019 baseline. After the initial shutdown, during the ensuing COVID-19 surge, surgical procedure volumes rebounded to 2019 levels (IRR, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95 to 1.00; P = .10) except for ENT procedures (IRR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.65 to 0.75; P < .001). There was a correlation between state volumes of patients with COVID-19 and surgical procedure volume during the initial shutdown (r = -0.00025; 95% CI, -0.0042 to -0.0009; P = .003), but there was no correlation during the COVID-19 surge (r = -0.00034; 95% CI, -0.0075 to 0.00007; P = .11). Conclusions and Relevance: This study found that the initial shutdown period in March through April 2020, was associated with a decrease in surgical procedure volume to nearly half of baseline rates. After the reopening, the rate of surgical procedures rebounded to 2019 levels, and this trend was maintained throughout the peak burden of patients with COVID-19 in fall and winter; these findings suggest that after initial adaptation, health systems appeared to be able to self-regulate and function at prepandemic capacity.

Hospital Volumes of Inpatient Pediatric Surgery in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative outcomes of children depend on the skill and expertise in managing pediatric patients, as well as integration of surgical, anesthesiology, and medical teams. We compared the types of pediatric patients and inpatient surgical procedures performed in low- versus higher-volume hospitals throughout the United States. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 323,258 hospitalizations with an operation for children age 0 to 17 years in 2857 hospitals included in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) 2016. Hospitals were categorized by their volume of annual inpatient surgical procedures. Specific surgeries were distinguished with the AHRQ Clinical Classification System. We assessed complex chronic conditions (CCCs) using Feudtner and Colleagues' system. RESULTS: The median annual volume of pediatric inpatient surgeries across US hospitals was 8 (interquartile range [IQR], 3-29). The median volume of inpatient surgeries for children with a CCC was 4 (IQR, 1-13). Low-volume hospitals performed significantly fewer types of surgeries (median 2 vs 131 types of surgeries in hospitals with 1-24 vs ≥2000 volumes). Appendectomy and fixation of bone fracture were among the most common surgeries in low-volume hospitals. As the volume of surgical procedures increased from 1 to 24 to ≥2000, the percentage of older children ages 11 to 17 years decreased (70.9%-32.0% [P < .001]) and the percentage of children with a CCC increased (11.2%-60.0% [P < .001]). CONCLUSIONS: Thousands of US hospitals performed inpatient surgeries on few pediatric patients, including those with CCCs who have the highest risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Evaluation of perioperative decision making, workflows, and pediatric clinicians in low- and higher-volume hospitals is warranted.

BJS commission on surgery and perioperative care post-COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the WHO on 11 March 2020 and global surgical practice was compromised. This Commission aimed to document and reflect on the changes seen in the surgical environment during the pandemic, by reviewing colleagues' experiences and published evidence. METHODS: In late 2020, BJS contacted colleagues across the global surgical community and asked them to describe how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) had affected their practice. In addition to this, the Commission undertook a literature review on the impact of COVID-19 on surgery and perioperative care. A thematic analysis was performed to identify the issues most frequently encountered by the correspondents, as well as the solutions and ideas suggested to address them. RESULTS: BJS received communications for this Commission from leading clinicians and academics across a variety of surgical specialties in every inhabited continent. The responses from all over the world provided insights into multiple facets of surgical practice from a governmental level to individual clinical practice and training. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has uncovered a variety of problems in healthcare systems, including negative impacts on surgical practice. Global surgical multidisciplinary teams are working collaboratively to address research questions about the future of surgery in the post-COVID-19 era. The COVID-19 pandemic is severely damaging surgical training. The establishment of a multidisciplinary ethics committee should be encouraged at all surgical oncology centres. Innovative leadership and collaboration is vital in the post-COVID-19 era.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on operations in general surgery clinics in Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic spread rapidly throughout Turkey from March 2020 onward, and despite modified working conditions in the surgical clinics of our hospitals, some surgical patients became infected with the coronavirus during their perioperative period. AIM: The present study investigates the impact of the novel coronavirus on patients undergoing general surgical operations in our clinics during the Covid-19 pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted of all surgeries performed in the general surgery clinics of two 'pandemic hospitals' between March 19 and April 30, 2020 - a period when all elective surgeries were suspended in hospitals within Turkey. Demographic data, comorbidities, choice of anesthesia method, blood parameters, duration of stay in hospital and the intensive care unit and mortality rates were compared statistically with the frequency of postoperative Covid-19 positivity in these patients. RESULTS: A total of 275 surgical operations were performed during this period. Covid-19 was identified in seven patients during the postoperative period, and was more commonly diagnosed in those who were elderly and those with comorbidities. (p=0.02, p=0.02). Statistically significant correlations were found between a Covid-19 diagnosis and admission to the intensive care unit, the length of hospital stay and the length of stay in intensive care (p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.01). Mortality was observed in two patients who developed Covid-19 postoperatively (p= 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on patients undergoing operations in our general surgery clinics. Precautionary measures taken during postoperative care should be maximized for high-risk patients. KEY WORDS: Covid-19 pandemic, General surgery clinics, Novel coronavirus, Gastrointestinal system surgery.

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Surgical Decision Making.

Background: The use of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) in medical research continues to grow as the amount and availability of clinical data expands. These techniques allow complex interpretation of data and capture non-linear relations not immediately apparent by classic statistical techniques. Methods: This review of the ML/AI literature provides a brief overview for practicing surgeons and clinicians of the current and future roles these methods will have within surgical infection research. Results: A conceptual overview of the techniques is provided along with concrete examples in the surgical infections literature. Further examples of ML/AI techniques in clinical decision support as well as therapy discovery with model-based deep reinforcement learning are illustrated. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence and ML are important and increasingly utilized techniques within the expanding body of surgical infection research. This article provides a minimal baseline literacy in ML/AI to be able to view such projects in an appropriately critical fashion.

Access to pediatric surgery delivered by general surgeons and anesthesia providers in Uganda: Results from 2 rural regional hospitals.

BACKGROUND: Significant limitations in pediatric surgical capacity exist in low- and middle-income countries, especially in rural regions. Recent global children's surgical guidelines suggest training and support of general surgeons in rural regional hospitals as an effective approach to increasing pediatric surgical capacity. METHODS: Two years of a prospective clinical database of children's surgery admissions at 2 regional referral hospitals in Uganda were reviewed. Primary outcomes included case volume and clinical outcomes of children at each hospital. Additionally, the disability-adjusted life-years averted by delivery of pediatric surgical services at these hospitals were calculated. Using a value of statistical life calculation, we also estimated the economic benefit of the pediatric surgical care currently being delivered. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2019, more than 300 surgical procedures were performed at each hospital per year. The majority of cases were standard general surgery cases including hernia repairs and intussusception as well as procedures for surgical infections and trauma. In-hospital mortality was 2.4% in Soroti and 1% in Lacor. Pediatric surgical capacity at these hospitals resulted in over 12,400 disability-adjusted life-years averted/year. This represents an estimated economic benefit of 10.2 million US dollars/year to the Ugandan society. CONCLUSION: This investigation demonstrates that lifesaving pediatric procedures are safely performed by general surgeons in Uganda. General surgeons who perform pediatric surgery significantly increase surgical access to rural regions of the country and add a large economic benefit to Ugandan society. Overall, the results of the study support increasing pediatric surgical capacity in rural areas of low- and middle-income countries through support and training of general surgeons and anesthesia providers.