Disparities in prehospital and emergency surgical care among patients with perforated ulcers and a history of mental illness: a nationwide cohort study.

PURPOSE: To compare patients with and without a history of mental illness on process and outcome measures in relation to prehospital and emergency surgical care for patients with perforated ulcer. METHODS: A nationwide registry-based cohort study of patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated ulcer. We used data from the Danish Prehospital Database 2016-2017 and the Danish Emergency Surgery Registry 2004-2018 combined with data from other Danish databases. Patients were categorized according to severity of mental health history. RESULTS: We identified 4.767 patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated ulcer. Among patients calling the EMS with no history of mental illness, 51% were identified with abdominal pain when calling the EMS compared to 31% and 25% among patients with a history of moderate and major mental illness, respectively. Median time from hospital arrival to surgery was 6.0 h (IQR: 3.6;10.7). Adjusting for age, sex and comorbidity, patients with a history of major mental illness underwent surgery 46 min (95% CI: 4;88) later compared to patients with no history of mental illness. Median number of days-alive-and-out-of-hospital at 90-day follow-up was 67 days (IQR: 0;83). Adjusting for age, sex and comorbidity, patients with a history of major mental illness had 9 days (95% CI: 4;14) less alive and out-of-hospital at 90-day follow-up. CONCLUSION: One-third of the population had a history of mental illness or vulnerability. Patients with a history of major mental illness were less likely to be identified with abdominal pain if calling the EMS prior to arrival. They had longer delays from hospital arrival to surgery and higher mortality.

A characterization of trauma laparotomies in a scandinavian setting: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: Despite treatment advances, trauma laparotomy continuous to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Most of the literature originates from high volume centers, whereas patient characteristics and outcomes in a Scandinavian setting is not well described. The objective of this study is to characterize treatments and outcomes of patients undergoing trauma laparotomy in a Scandinavian setting and compare this to international reports. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in the Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet (CUHR). All patients undergoing a trauma laparotomy within the first 24 h of admission between January 1st 2019 and December 31st 2020 were included. Collected data included demographics, trauma mechanism, injuries, procedures performed and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 1713 trauma patients were admitted to CUHR of which 98 patients underwent trauma laparotomy. Penetrating trauma accounted for 16.6% of the trauma population and 66.3% of trauma laparotomies. Median time to surgery after arrival at the trauma center (TC) was 12 min for surgeries performed in the Emergency Department (ED) and 103 min for surgeries performed in the operating room (OR). A total of 14.3% of the procedures were performed in the ED. A damage control strategy (DCS) approach was chosen in 18.4% of cases. Our rate of negative laparotomies was 17.3%. We found a mortality rate of 8.2%. The total median length of stay was 6.1 days. CONCLUSION: The overall rates, findings, and outcomes of trauma laparotomies in this Danish cohort is comparable to reports from similar Western European trauma systems.

[Acute cholangitis due to metal clips in the ductus choledochus after laparoscopic cholecystectomy].

Acute cholangitis caused by migrating clips is a possible complication following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. In this case report, a 50-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with fever, icterus, and epigastric pain. Blood samples and blood cultures showed cholestasis, signs of infection and three different types of bacteria in the blood stream. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a migrating clip in the common bile duct and was extracted using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Migrating clip following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a cause of cholangitis and should be considered in patients presenting with relevant symptoms.

Perioperative clinical management in relation to emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer: A nationwide questionnaire survey.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Perforation is a severe complication of peptic ulcer disease. Evidence regarding perioperative management of patients undergoing surgery for perforated peptic ulcer is scarce without any clear guidelines. This study aimed to investigate the clinical practice and possible differences in the perioperative management of patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcers in Denmark. METHODS: The study was an anonymous, nationwide questionnaire survey. All doctors working at general surgical departments in Denmark were included. The questionnaire consisted of four parts; 1) demographic details including job position, subspecialty, geographic location, and surgical experience, 2) pre- and postoperative use of nasoenteral tubes, 3) routine use of nil-by-mouth (NBM) regime, 4) questions regarding postoperative nutrition.Subgroup analyses were performed according to job position and subspecialty. RESULTS: In total, the questionnaire was answered by 287 surgeons, of which 74% were experienced surgeons being able to perform surgery for perforated peptic ulcers independently.Pre- and postoperative nasoenteral tubes were used routinely by the majority of the respondents. One of five surgeons routinely practiced a postoperative NBM regime. Generally, the respondents allowed clear fluids postoperatively without restrictions but were reluctant to allow free fluids or solid foods. Two of three surgeons routinely used tube- or parental nutrition. The results varied depending on job position and subspecialty. CONCLUSIONS: After emergency surgery, the postoperative management of patients with perforated peptic ulcers varies considerably among general surgeons in Denmark. Evidence-based national or international guidelines are needed to standardize and optimize the clinical practice.

Effect of hospital-admission volume on outcomes following acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment-requiring acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a common, potentially life-threatening emergency. This study investigated whether hospital admittance volume of patients with NVUGIB was associated with reduced mortality, reduced lasting failure of haemostatic procedures defined as rate of re-endoscopy with repeated haemostasis intervention (ReWHI), transfusion requirements and conversion to surgery. METHODS: Data on Danish nationwide admissions of patients with acute NVUGIB from 2011-2013 were analysed to estimate 30-day mortality, re-bleeding (ReWHI), transfusion rates and rates of conversion to surgery. Data were analysed by regression modelling while controlling for confounders including age, admission haemoglobin, the American College of Anesthesiologists score, comorbidities and the Forrest classification. RESULTS: A total of 3,537 patients with acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding were included in the study. The hospital admission volume of patients with NVUGIB was positively associated with a significant increase in ReWHI with an odds ratio of 1.27; p = 1.91 × 10-6. There was no significant association between admission volume and conversion to surgery, 30-day mortality or transfusion rates. CONCLUSIONS: A positive association between admission volumes of patients with NVUGIB and ReWHI was identified. No association between admission volumes and 30-day mortality or other failure of haemostasis events could be identified. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not applicable.

The effect of fluid resuscitation strategy on monocyte and T-cell surface markers.

BACKGROUND: Despite initial lifesaving benefits, posttraumatic resuscitation strategies have been associated with immunologic complications leading to systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, multiple organ failure, and late trauma death. Nevertheless, the direct effect on immunologic surface markers remains inadequately described. We hypothesized that changes in monocyte and T-cell surface markers were associated with initial posttraumatic fluid resuscitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the inflammation and host response to injury (Glue Grant) study. Blood samples were drawn from 492 patients on days 0, 1, 4, 7, 14, and 28 and analyzed for 31 monocyte and T-cell surface markers. Resuscitation strategies during the initial 48 h were quantified, including transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelets, and crystalloids. Longitudinal surface marker concentration changes were quantified by the calculation of a within-patient signal intensity change and were associated with resuscitation strategy while controlling confounders. P-values were post hoc corrected using the false detection rate q-value. RESULTS: The monocyte surface marker (CD83) trajectory (as measured by a within-patient signal intensity change) was found to be positively associated with volume of PRBCs transfused (q = 0.002) and negatively associated with the transfused volume of FFP (q = 0.004). T-cell surface marker (CD3) was found to be negatively associated with volume of PRBCs transfused (q = 854 × 10-9) and positively associated with the transfused volume of FFP (q = 0.022). Platelets and crystalloid transfusion volumes were not associated with any surface marker trajectories. CONCLUSIONS: PRBC and FFP transfusion was associated with opposing effects on CD3 and CD83 trajectories, which may in part explain some of the protective effects of a high FFP:PRBC ratio in trauma-related resuscitation.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) - The Evidence in Geriatric Emergency Surgery: A Systematic Review.

Background: Geriatric surgery is rising and projected to continue at a greater rate. There is already concern about the poor outcomes for the emergency surgery in elderly. How to manage the available resources to improve outcomes in this group of patients is an important object of debate. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the feasibility and safety of applying ERAS pathways to emergency elderly surgical patients. METHOD: Two searches were undertaken for ERAS protocols in elderly patients and emergency surgery, in order to gather evidence in relation to ERAS in geriatric emergency patients. Primary outcomes were postoperative complications, mortality, hospital length of stay and readmission rates. Results: Eighteen studies were included. The majority of patients were older than 70. Elderly patients had fewer postoperative complications and a reduced hospitalization with ERAS compared to conventional care. Emergency surgical patients also had fewer postoperative complications with ERAS compared to conventional care. Hospital stay was reduced in 2 out of 3 studies for emergency surgery. Conclusions: ERAS can be safely applied to elderly and emergency patients with a reduction in postoperative complications, hospitalization and readmission rates. There is evidence to suggest that ERAS is feasible and beneficial for geriatric emergency patients.

Self-evaluated competence in trauma reception.

INTRODUCTION: No formal training requirements exist for trauma teams in Denmark. The aim of this study was to investigate the point prevalence level of training and the self-evaluated competence of doctors involved in trauma care. METHODS: On two nights, all doctors on call at departments involved in trauma care were interviewed and answered a structured questionnaire pertaining to their level of training and self-evaluated level of competence in relevant skills. These skills included the ability to perform diagnostics and interventions as mandated by the Advanced Trauma Life Support and Definitive Surgical Trauma Care curriculums. RESULTS: All contacted doctors replied to the questionnaire. 58% of doctors were specialists; most often anaesthesiologists (AN) (86%) and doctors working at hospitals with a dedicated trauma centre designation (100%). In total, 45% of orthopaedic (OS) and gastrointestinal surgeons (GS) were specialists. In terms of self-evaluated competence, 95% of AN felt competent performing damage control resuscitation, 82% of OS felt competent performing damage control surgery on extremities, whereas 55% of GS felt competent performing damage control surgery in the abdomen. A total of 20% of the respondents had not attended any relevant trauma course, the majority of these were GS. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that, at the point of sampling, trauma reception in Denmark was handled by AN specialists in the majority of cases, but by surgical trainees. Self-perceived competencies evaluation revealed preparedness to perform damage control resuscitation, but discrepancies in the ability to perform surgical damage control procedures. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

The effect of resuscitation strategy on the longitudinal immuno-inflammatory response to blunt trauma.

INTRODUCTION: Resuscitation strategies following blunt trauma have been linked to immuno-inflammatory complications leading to systemic inflammatory syndrome (SIRS), sepsis and multiple organ failure (MOF). The effect of resuscitation strategy on longitudinal inflammation marker trajectories is, however, unknown. We hypothesized that the effect of resuscitation strategy extends beyond the trauma-related coagulopathy, perhaps affecting the longitudinal immuno-inflammatory response to injury. METHODS: We analyzed data prospectively collected for the Inflammation and Host Response to Injury (Glue Grant) study. Blood sampling for inflammation marker analyses from blunt trauma patients was done on admission days 0, 1, 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28 where applicable. Total volume transfused of packed red blood cells (PRBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), platelets (PLT), and crystalloids during the initial 48h was extracted, along with an analysis for an array of cytokines by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) technique. A within patient concentration change (WPCC) was calculated to quantify longitudinal alterations in cytokine levels, while controlling for potential confounders. To account for the multiple comparisons performed, p-values obtained from the multivariate regression model were post-hoc corrected by the false detection rate (FDR) q-value. RESULTS: No longitudinal trajectories of inflammatory markers were found to be associated with PRBC- or PLT transfusion. Three proinflammatory cytokines (Il-1ß, MIP-1ß, and TNFR2) were negatively associated with volume of FFP transfused (q=0.02, q<0.001 and q=0.007 respectively), and one proinflammatory cytokine (MIP-1ß) was positively associated with crystalloid infusion (q=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Resuscitation strategy employed following blunt trauma has limited association to longitudinal inflammation marker trajectories, with a potential association between the strategy employed and IL-1ß, TNFR2, and MIP-1ß trajectories, respectively.

Enhanced Recovery after Emergency Surgery: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current scientific evidence for the applicability, safety and effectiveness of pathways of enhanced recovery after emergency surgery (ERAS). METHODS: We undertook a search using PubMed and Cochrane databases for ERAS protocols in emergency cases. The search generated 65 titles; after eliminating the papers not meeting search criteria, we selected 4 cohort studies and 1 randomized clinical trial (RCT). Data extracted for analysis consisted of: patient age, type of surgery performed, ERAS elements implemented, surgical outcomes in terms of postoperative complications, mortality, length of stay (LOS) and readmission rate. RESULTS: The number of ERAS items applied was good, ranging from 11 to 18 of the 20 recommended by the ERAS Society. The implementation resulted in fewer postoperative complications. LOS for ES patients was shorter when compared to conventional care. Mortality, specifically reported in three studies, was equal or lower with ERAS. Readmission rates varied widely and were generally higher for the intervention group but without statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The studies reviewed agreed that ERAS in emergency surgery (ES) was feasible and safe with generally better outcomes. Lower compliance with some of the ERAS items shows the need for the protocol to be adapted to ES patients. More evidence is clearly required as to what can improve outcomes and how this can be formulated into an effective care pathway for the heterogeneous ES patient.

National variation in transfusion strategies in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: An optimal transfusion strategy for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) has yet to be established. The national guidelines contain recommendations for patients with life-threating bleeding in general, but no specific recommendations for patients with UGIB. We hypothesised that there are variations in transfusion strategies for patients with UGIB across the Danish regions. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, register-based, analysis on transfusions given to all patients with non-variceal UGIB in Denmark in 2011-2013. We compared the results from the five regions in Denmark in order to discover regional differences. RESULTS: A total of 5,292 admissions with treatment for non-variceal UGIB were identified, and analysis was made for the total group and a massive transfusions group (330 admissions). In the Capital Region, transfusion of platelets was more likely than in any other region for all patients (p < 0.01) including the massive transfusion group (p = 0.03). In the North Region, transfusion of fresh frozen plasma was more likely for the massive transfusion group (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The observed differences warrant further prospective cohort studies in order to provide a foundation for transfusion recommendations for patients with UGIB. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

Effect of Transfusion Strategy in Acute Non-variceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Nationwide Study of 5861 Hospital Admissions in Denmark.

BACKGROUND: Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a common cause of admissions as well as aggressive transfusion of blood products. Whether the transfusion strategy in NVUGIB impacts on hemostasis is unknown and constitutes the focus of this study. METHOD: Retrospective analysis of all hospital admissions in Denmark between 2011 and 2013 where hemostatic endoscopic interventions in either the stomach or duodenum had been employed. Regression modeling was used to predict the effect of units transfused of packed red blood cells (PRBC), fresh frozen plasma (FFP), and platelets (PLT) on primary outcome 30-day mortality as well as secondary hemostasis-related outcomes and need for re-endoscopy and conversion to surgery. The model was corrected for confounders, including transfusion of other blood products (PRBC, FFP, and PLT, respectively), patient age as well as pre-existing medical conditions. RESULTS: 5107 patients received 10783 therapeutic endoscopic interventions. Units of PRBC transfused were identified as a predictor of re-endoscopy, surgery, and 30-day mortality with odds ratio (OR) 1.08 (1.06-1.09, p < 0.01), 1.05 (1.03-1.07, p < 0.01), and 1.04 (1.01-1.06, p < 0.01), respectively. Units of FFP transfused were associated with a higher risk of surgery and 30-day mortality with OR 1.05 (1.02-1.08, p < 0.01) and 1.04 (1.02-1.07, p < 0.01), respectively. Units of PLTs transfused were independently associated with a reduction in risk of re-endoscopy 0.93 (0.87-0.98, p = 0.02). A high ratio of PRBC:FFP:PLT (1:1:1) was associated with reduced need for re-endoscopy OR 0.23 (0.06-0.67, p = 0.01) but increased mortality with OR 3.60 (1.34-11.38, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: PRBC transfusion was associated with adverse events, including 30-day mortality and failure of hemostasis. In contrast, transfusion of PLT was associated with a reduction in need for re-endoscopy.

Histone deactylase gene expression profiles are associated with outcomes in blunt trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, such as valproic acid, increases survival in animal models of trauma and sepsis. Valproic acid is a pan-inhibitor that blocks most of the known HDAC isoforms. Targeting individual HDAC isoforms may increase survival and reduce complications, but little is known of the natural history of HDAC gene expression following trauma. We hypothesized that distinct HDAC isoform gene expression patterns would be associated with differences in outcomes following trauma. METHODS: Twenty-eight-day longitudinal HDAC leukocyte gene expression profiles in 172 blunt trauma patients were extracted from the Inflammation and the Host Response to Injury (Glue Grant) data set. Outcome was classified as complicated (death or no recovery by Day 28, n = 51) or uncomplicated (n = 121). Mixed modeling was used to compare the HDAC expression trajectories between the groups, corrected for Injury Severity Score (ISS), base deficit, and volume of blood products transfused during the initial 12 hours following admission. Weighted gene correlation network analysis identified modules of genes with significant coexpression, and HDAC genes were mapped to these modules. Biologic function of these modules was investigated using the Gene Ontology database. RESULTS: Elevated longitudinal HDAC expression trajectories for HDAC1, HDAC3, HDAC6, and HDAC11 were associated with complicated outcomes. In contrast, suppressed expression of Sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) was associated with adverse outcome (p < 0.01). Weighted gene correlation network analysis identified significant coexpression of HDAC and SIRT genes with genes involved in ribosomal function and down-regulation of protein translation in response to stress (HDAC1), T-cell signaling, and T-cell selection (HDAC3) as well as coagulation and hemostasis (SIRT3). No coexpression of HDAC11 was identified. CONCLUSION: Expression trajectories of HDAC1, HDAC3, HDAC6, HDAC11, and SIRT3 correlate with outcomes following trauma and may potentially serve as biomarkers. They may also be promising targets for pharmacologic intervention. The effects of HDAC and SIRT gene expression in trauma may be mediated through pathways involved in ribosomal and T-cell function as well as coagulation and hemostasis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic study, level III.

Percutaneous yttrium aluminum garnet-laser lithotripsy of intrahepatic stones and casts after liver transplantation.

Bile duct stones and casts (BDSs) contribute importantly to morbidity after liver transplantation (LT). The purpose of this study was to estimate the clinical efficacy, safety, and long-term results of percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopic lithotripsy (PTCSL) in transplant recipients and to discuss underlying factors affecting the outcome. A retrospective chart review revealed 18 recipients with BDSs treated by PTCSL laser lithotripsy with a holmium-yttrium aluminum garnet laser probe at 365 to 550 µm. They were analyzed in a median follow-up time of 55 months. In all but 1 patient (17/18 or 94%), it was technically feasible to clear all BDSs with a mean of 1.3 sessions. PTCSL was unsuccessful in 1 patient because of multiple stones impacting the bile ducts bilaterally; 17% had early complications (Clavien II). All biliary casts were successfully cleared; 39% had total remission; 61% needed additional interventions in the form of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and dilation (17%), re-PTCSL (11%), self-expandable metallic stents (22%), or hepaticojejunostomy (6%); and 22% eventually underwent retransplantation. The overall liver graft survival rate was 78%. Two patients died during follow-up for reasons not related to their BDS. Nonanastomotic strictures (NASs) were significantly associated with treatment failure. We conclude that PTCSL in LT patients is safe and feasible. NASs significantly increased the risk of relapse. Repeated minimally invasive treatments, however, prevented graft failure in 78% of the cases.

Increased mortality in the elderly after emergency abdominal surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between preoperative delay and mortality in surgical patients undergoing primary emergency laparotomy (PEL) in an unselected, well-described patient cohort in a university hospital setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of patient charts and perioperative documentation in an unselected consecutive cohort of 131 patients. Covariates for survival outcomes were evaluated in a multivariate analysis. No external funding and no competing interests were declared. The study was approved by The Danish Data Protection Agency; and in pursuance of national Danish research guidelines concerning retrospective studies, approval from ethics committee was not relevant. RESULTS: PEL was performed in 131 patients in the observation period. The median age of the patients was 68 years. The median time from admission to start of operation for all patients was 9.5 hours. No association between a time to operation exceeding six hours and post-operative mortality was found (adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 0.67 (0.25-1.78)). Patients over 75 years of age had a very high mortality (47.8%). Most patients died within 30 days post-operatively. CONCLUSION: Acute admission and emergency laparotomy is associated with a very high mortality, especially in elderly patients. However, delay in the surgical treatment exceeding six hours is not associated with a higher mortality. There may be a considerable potential for improving care and management in these patients through a more systematic approach.

Laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure.

INTRODUCTION: A change in procedure from open to laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's colostomy was implemented at our department between May 2005 and December 2008. The aim of the study was to investigate if this change was beneficial for the patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The medical records of all patients who underwent reversal of a colostomy after a primary Hartmann's procedure during the period May 2005 to December 2008 were reviewed retrospectively in a case-control study. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients were included. Twenty-one had a laparoscopic and 22 an open procedure. The two groups matched with regard to age, sex, American Society of Anestheologists (ASA) score, body mass index and indication for Hartmann's operation. A significantly longer operation time was found for laparoscopic than for open surgery (median 285 versus 158 minutes, p < 0.001), but with less blood loss (median 100 versus 600 ml, p < 0.001), faster return of bowel function (median three versus four days, p < 0.01) and shorter postoperative hospitalization (median four versus six days, p < 0.01). No intraoperative complications occurred. One laparoscopic operation was converted (5%). There was no difference in postoperative complications between the two groups (10 versus 14%), and no anastomotic leaks. The total mortality was 2% as one patient died postoperatively after an open operation. CONCLUSION: It is possible for trained laparoscopic colorectal surgeons to perform laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure as safely as in open surgery and with a faster recovery, shorter hospital stay and less blood loss despite a longer knife time. It therefore seems reasonable to offer patients a laparoscopic procedure at departments which are skilled in laparoscopic surgery and use it for standard colorectal surgery.