Diagnostic nomogram for closed-loop small bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to build a diagnostic model of closed-loop small bowel obstruction (CL-SBO) using clinical information, blood test results, and computed tomography (CT) findings. METHODS: All patients who were diagnosed with small bowel obstruction (SBO) and underwent surgery between January 1, 2018, and October 31, 2021, in the affiliated hospital of Qingdao university were reviewed, and their relevant preoperative information was collected. All variables were selected using univariate analysis and backward stepwise regression to build a diagnostic nomogram model. K-fold cross-validation and bootstrap resampling techniques were used for internal validation, and data from Qingdao Central Hospital were used for external validation. We also evaluated the diagnostic performance of each CT finding and performed subgroup analysis according to bowel ischemia in the closed-loop small bowel obstruction (CL-SBO) group. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients (95 in the CL-SBO group and 124 in the open-loop small bowel obstruction [OL-SBO] group) were included in our research. D-dimers (median 1085 vs. 690, P = 0.019), tenderness (77.9% vs. 59.7%, P = 0.004), more than one beak sign (65.3% vs. 30.6%, P < 0.001), radial distribution (18.9% vs. 6.5%, P = 0.005), whirl sign (35.8% vs. 8.9%, P < 0.001), and ascites (71.6% vs. 53.2%, P = 0.006) were selected as the predictive variables of the nomogram. This model's Harrell's C statistic was 0.786 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.724-0.848), and the Brier score was 0.182. The Harrell's C statistic of external validation was 0.784 (95%CI, 0.664-0.905); the Brier score was 0.190. Regarding the CT findings, radial distribution, U/C-shaped loop, and whirl sign had high specificity (93.5%, 96.0%, and 91.1%, respectively), but low sensitivity (18.9%, 8.4%, and 35.8%, respectively). D-dimer levels and tenderness were also associated with bowel ischemia. CONCLUSION: The nomogram accurately predicted CL-SBO in patients with SBO, and surgery should be considered when patients have a high risk for developing CL-SBO.

Diagnosis and Management of Intraabdominal Infection: Guidelines by the Chinese Society of Surgical Infection and Intensive Care and the Chinese College of Gastrointestinal Fistula Surgeons.

The Chinese guidelines for IAI presented here were developed by a panel that included experts from the fields of surgery, critical care, microbiology, infection control, pharmacology, and evidence-based medicine. All questions were structured in population, intervention, comparison, and outcomes format, and evidence profiles were generated. Recommendations were generated following the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system or Best Practice Statement (BPS), when applicable. The final guidelines include 45 graded recommendations and 17 BPSs, including the classification of disease severity, diagnosis, source control, antimicrobial therapy, microbiologic evaluation, nutritional therapy, other supportive therapies, diagnosis and management of specific IAIs, and recognition and management of source control failure. Recommendations on fluid resuscitation and organ support therapy could not be formulated and thus were not included. Accordingly, additional high-quality clinical studies should be performed in the future to address the clinicians' concerns.

Multivariate logistic regression analysis of postoperative complications and risk model establishment of gastrectomy for gastric cancer: A single-center cohort report.

BACKGROUND: Reporting of surgical complications is common, but few provide information about the severity and estimate risk factors of complications. If have, but lack of specificity. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data on 2795 gastric cancer patients underwent surgical procedure at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between June 2007 and June 2012, established multivariate logistic regression model to predictive risk factors related to the postoperative complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. RESULTS: Twenty-four out of 86 variables were identified statistically significant in univariate logistic regression analysis, 11 significant variables entered multivariate analysis were employed to produce the risk model. Liver cirrhosis, diabetes mellitus, Child classification, invasion of neighboring organs, combined resection, introperative transfusion, Billroth II anastomosis of reconstruction, malnutrition, surgical volume of surgeons, operating time and age were independent risk factors for postoperative complications after gastrectomy. Based on logistic regression equation, p=Exp∑BiXi / (1+Exp∑BiXi), multivariate logistic regression predictive model that calculated the risk of postoperative morbidity was developed, p = 1/(1 + e((4.810-1.287X1-0.504X2-0.500X3-0.474X4-0.405X5-0.318X6-0.316X7-0.305X8-0.278X9-0.255X10-0.138X11))). The accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the model to predict the postoperative complications were 86.7%, 76.2% and 88.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This risk model based on Clavien-Dindo grading severity of complications system and logistic regression analysis can predict severe morbidity specific to an individual patient's risk factors, estimate patients' risks and benefits of gastric surgery as an accurate decision-making tool and may serve as a template for the development of risk models for other surgical groups.

Randomized clinical trial comparing octreotide and scopolamine butylbromide in symptom control of patients with inoperable bowel obstruction due to advanced ovarian cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this randomized controlled study was to determine whether octreotide (OCT) or scopolamine butylbromide (SB) was the more effective antisecretive drug controlling gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms due to malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) caused by advanced ovarian cancer. METHODS: Ninety-seven advanced ovarian cancer patients with inoperable MBO were randomized to OCT 0.3 mg/day (OCT group, n = 48) or SB 60 mg/day (SB group, n = 49) for 3 days through a continuous subcutaneous infusion. The following parameters were measured: episodes of vomiting, nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and continuous and colicky pain, using a Likert scale corresponding to a numerical value (none 0, slight 1, moderate 2, severe 3) recorded before starting the treatment (T0) and 24 h (T1), 48 h (T2), and 72 h after (T3) and the daily quantity of GI secretions through the Nasogastric tube (NGT) during the period of study. One patient in the SB group is not included in any assessments since she withdrew consent prior to receiving any treatment because of rapidly progressing cancer. RESULTS: OCT significantly reduced the amount of GI secretions at T1, T2, and T3 (P < 0.05) compared with SB. NGT secretions significantly reduced at T1, T2, and T3 compared with T0 (P < 0.05) in the OCT group, while in the SB group, only at T3, NGT secretions significantly reduced compared with T0. OCT treatment induced a significantly rapid reduction in the number of daily episodes of vomiting and intensity of nausea compared with SB treatment. No significant changes were observed in dry mouth, drowsiness, and colicky pain after either drug. Continuous pain values were significantly lower in the OCT group than in the SB group at T2 and T3 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: At the doses used in this study, OCT was more effective than SB in controlling gastrointestinal symptoms of bowel obstruction. Further studies are necessary to understand the role of hydration more clearly in such a clinical situation.

MiR-139-5p Inhibits the Development of Gastric Cancer through Targeting TPD52.

BACKGROUND: Many researchers have confirmed that miRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC). This study focused on investigating the specific functions of miR-139-5p in GC. METHODS: MiR-139-5p and TPD52 expressions were observed by qRT-PCR or western blot in GC. The functional mechanism of miR-139-5p was explored by the luciferase reporter assay, transwell assay, and MTT assay. RESULTS: MiR-139-5p downregulation and TPD52 upregulation were detected in GC. Adverse clinical features and prognosis in GC patients were related to low miR-139-5p expression. MiR-139-5p overexpression restrained GC cell proliferation and metastasis. Furthermore, miR-139-5p directly targeted TPD52. TPD52 silencing blocked GC progression. And TPD52 upregulation weakened the antitumor effect of miR-139-5p in GC. CONCLUSION: MiR-139-5p inhibits GC cell proliferation and metastasis through downregulating TPD52.

Optimising the treatment for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (OPTIMA trial): a protocol for a multicentre, randomised, double-blinded placebo-controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Emerging evidence has shown that an antibiotic first strategy is a viable treatment option for uncomplicated acute appendicitis (AA). Although there has recently been an interest and increase in the use of antibiotics as the primary strategy for treating uncomplicated AA, there is no consensus regarding the optimum antibiotic regimen. In particular, the long-term outcomes of different antibiotic regimens, such as the recurrence rate, still lack evidence. Given that the flora of the appendix is mainly anaerobic bacteria, we hypothesised that antianaerobe regimens could decrease the recurrence rate compared with those that did not include antianaerobic antibiotics. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The OPTIMA(Optimising the treatment for uncomplicated acute appendicitis) trial is a multicentre, double-blinded placebo-controlled superiority randomised study aimed to evaluate the role of antianaerobic antibiotics in the resolution of uncomplicated AA. Patients (18-65 years) with uncomplicated AA (without gangrenous, perforated appendicitis, appendiceal abscess, or appendiceal fecaliths) are eligible for inclusion. The primary endpoint of this study is the success rate of the treatment, defined as the resolution of AA resulting in discharge from the hospital without surgical intervention and recurrent symptoms within one year. Secondary endpoints include mortality, postintervention complications, recurrent symptoms up to one year after treatment, hospital stay, sick leave, treatment cost, pain symptom scores and quality of life. Data are reported as the number of cases (%), median (range) and relative risk, which will be analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test or χ2 test, as appropriate. P-value<0.05 will be considered significant. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Jinling Hospital on 13 November 2018 (2018NZKY-027-01). The trial findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR1800018896.

Septic shock caused by acute appendicitis complicated with abscess formation within mesoappendix: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency and may present with a wide variety of clinical manifestations. In rare circumstances, appendicitis can cause life-threatening complications e.g. septic shock. We present a case of septic shock caused by acute appendicitis complicated with abscess formation within the mesoappendix. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A 42-year-old male was presented with migratory right lower abdominal pain, accompanied by septic shock and acute kidney failure. We performed emergency appendectomy and unexpectedly observed an abscess within the mesoappendix during surgery. The patient received antibiotic therapy perioperatively. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae subspecies were isolated from the intraoperative pus specimen, and Bifidobacterium was isolated from his preoperative blood culture. Histopathology revealed acute suppurative appendicitis. The patient recovered uneventful and was discharged 5 days after surgery. DISCUSSION: We believe that the septic shock was associated with the small abscess formation in the mesoappendix. Bacteria within the mesoappendix could enter the bloodstream through the mesoappendiceal vessel and then septic shock and kidney failure occurred sequentially. We assume that the abscess within the mesoappendix was caused by a tiny perforation from the mesoappendiceal side. CONCLUSION: The case of acute appendicitis complicated with abscess formation within mesoappendix explains one of the causes which may lead to septic shock.

Follistatin­like protein 1 knockdown elicits human gastric cancer cell apoptosis via a STAT6­dependent pathway.

Gastric cancer is an aggressive disease and a common cause of cancer­associated mortality worldwide. Recent studies have indicated that follistatin­like protein 1 (FSTL­1) is expressed and serves essential roles in tumorigenesis; however, the specific functional mechanism of FSTL­1 in gastric cancer progression remains ambiguous. CellTiter­Glo Luminescent Cell Viability and lactate dehydrogenase assays were used to measure cell survival and cell cytotoxicity, respectively. Cell apoptosis was ascertained using the Cell Death Detection ELISA assay and caspase­3/9 activity kits. Reverse transcription­quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to detect the expression levels of FSTL­1. The present study confirmed that FSTL­1 was highly expressed in gastric cancer cells compared with in control cells. Subsequently, FSTL­1 inhibition by small interfering RNA significantly reduced cancer cell survival and induced cytotoxic effects. In addition, knockdown of FSTL­1 in gastric cancer cells promoted apoptosis by increasing caspase­3 and caspase­9 expression. A decrease in signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) phosphorylation was observed in FSTL­1 knockdown cells, and the results confirmed that STAT6 phosphorylation was essential for FSTL­1 knockdown­induced cell apoptosis of cancer cells. Taken together, these results demonstrated that FSTL­1 knockdown may promote cell apoptosis via the STAT6 signaling pathway; therefore, FSTL1 may be considered a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.

Impacts of the surgical safety checklist on postoperative clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal tumor patients: A single-center cohort study.

A 19-item surgical safety checklist (SSC) was published by the World Health Organization in 2008 and was proved to reduce postoperative complications. To date, however, the impacts of SSC implementation in China have not been evaluated clearly. The study was performed to evaluate the impacts of the SSC on postoperative clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal tumor patients.Between April 2007 and March 2013, 7209 patients with gastrointestinal tumor who underwent elective surgery at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University were studied. Data on the clinical records and outcomes of 3238 consecutive surgeries prior to SSC implementation were retrospectively collected; data on another 3971 consecutive surgeries performed after SSC implementation were prospectively collected. The clinical outcomes (including mortality, morbidity, readmission, reoperation, unplanned intervention and postoperative hospital stay) within postoperative 30 days were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify independent factors for postoperative complications.The rates of morbidity and in-hospital mortality before and after SSC implementation were 16.43% vs 14.33% (P = .018), 0.46% vs 0.18% (P = .028), respectively. Median of postoperative hospital stay in post-implementation group was shorter than that in pre-implementation group (8 vs 9 days, P < .001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that the SSC was an independent factor influencing postoperative complications (odds ratio = 0.860; 95% CI, 0.750-0.988).Implementation of the SSC could improve the clinical outcomes in gastrointestinal tumor patients undergoing elective surgery in China.

Modified method of hepatic portal choledochoplasty to treat benign strictures of hilar biliary ducts.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy (RYHJ) is usually used to treat benign strictures of hilar bile ducts. However, RYHJ might also induce ascending cholangitis and recurrent hepatolithiasis. The present study aims to introduce a modified hepatic portal choledochoplasty with a pedicled graft of gallbladder (HPC) to treat this disease. METHODS: One hundred and forty-nine patients, who had undergone HPC or RYHJ from January 1997 to January 2006 in our institutions, were included in this study, and the clinical data were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The incidences of perioperative bile leakage and inflammatory ileus in patients treated with HPC were slightly lower than RYHJ without significant difference (1.89% vs 2.08% and 3.77% vs 5.21%, both P > 0.05). However, in a long-term follow up, patients treated with HPC had significantly lower incidences of cholangitis and recurrent hepatolithiasis (5.66% and 3.77%, respectively) than those treated with RYHJ (cholangitis, 21.88%; hepatolithiasis, 16.67%; both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared to RYHJ, HPC is a safer and more efficient method to treat benign strictures of hilar biliary ducts. It preserves the sphincter of Oddi and normal biliary duct pressure, thus avoiding bile reflux into the bile duct.

[Analysis of high risk factors for acute complex appendicitis in adults].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the high risk factors of adult complex appendicitis, and to provide a reference for the development of a reasonable treatment strategy for acute appendicitis. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted to collect clinical data of 312 adult patients with acute appendicitis confirmed by pathology undergoing appendectomy, including open and laparoscopic surgery, from May 2011 to August 2016 at Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. Age <14 years old, pregnant women, complicating abscess around the appendix, AIDS, blood system diseases, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease or progressive cancer patients were excluded. According to the intra-operative findings and pathological types, patients were divided into complex appendicitis(112 cases, including gangrene and perforation) and non-complex appendicitis (200 cases, including simple and non-perforated appendicitis, ie suppurative appendicitis). After comparing the clinical data of these two groups, statistically significant variables were induded for multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors of complex appendicitis, and to establish a regression model. Enter method was applied to establish the regression equation: P=ExpiΣBiXi/1+ExpΣBiXi, and to calculate the relative risk of each variable. Meanwhile, retrospective and prospective verification was performed on this predictive model (cases of acute appendicitis from September 2016 to December 2017 were further collected). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of complex appendicitis were calculated with the regression model. RESULTS: Comparison of the clinical data between the complex appendicitis group and the non-complex appendicitis group showed that differences of 10 preoperative indexes were statistically significant, including period from abdominal pain to admission [(59.1±42.6) hours vs. (47.5±34.4) hours, t=3.051, P=0.002], white blood cell count [(12.9±3.7)×109/L vs. (9.2±4.0)×109/L, t=9.755, P<0.001], neutrophil count [(9.8±4.0)× 109/L vs.(7.1±3.9)×109/L, t=6.020, P<0.001], neutrophil percentage[(84.5±8.7)% vs.(68.2±16.0)%, t=12.754, P<0.001], C-reactive protein levels [(86.0±45.4) µg/L vs. (55.9±35.8) µg/L, t=7.614, P<0.001], serum albumin levels [(334.0±4.8) g/L vs. ( 41.0±4.3) g/L, t=16.055, P<0.001], vomiting ratio [44.6%(50/112) vs. 23.5%(47/200), χ²=14.980, P<0.001], high fever(≥39°C) ratio [16.1%(18/112) vs. 7.5%(15/200), χ²=5.577, P=0.022], the proportion of patients ≥60 years old [22.3%(25/112) vs. 13.0%(26/200), χ²=4.562, P=0.038] and previous history of appendicitis [16.1%(18/112) vs. 7.5%(15/200), χ²=5.577, P=0.022]. The above 10 variables were included in the logistic regression model for multivariate analysis. The results showed that six variables were associated with complex appendicitis. According to their strength, they were old age (≥60 years old) X1(OR=5.094), high fever (≥39°C) X2(OR=4.464), neutrophil count X6 (OR=1.269), neutrophil percentage X4 (OR=1.077), C-reactive protein level X5 (OR=1.027), and serum albumin level X3 (OR=0.763). A predictive regression model was established: P=1/[1+e(0.557+1.628X1+1.496X2-2.7X3+0.74X4+0.27X5+0.238X6)], whose sensitivity and specificity of judging complex appendicitis were 76.8%(86/112) and 90.0%(180/200),respectively. Sensitivity and specificity for predictive value of complex appendicitis in further prospective validation of the model were 76.2%(48/63) and 81.1% (30/37), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Age ≥ 60 years old, body temperature ≥39°C, increased neutrophil count, neutrophil percentage and C-reactive protein levels, and hypoalbuminemia are risk factors for complex appendicitis. The establishment of predictive model may help determine complex appendicitis.

[Diagnostic value of combined modified Alvarado scores and computed tomography imaging in the pathological types of acute appendicitis in adults].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the diagnostic value of combined modified Alvarado scores (MAS) and computed tomography imaging in the pathological types of acute appendicitis in adults. METHODS: Clinical data of a total of 396 adult patients with acute appendicitis confirmed by surgery and pathology were analyzed retrospectively from June 2007 to July 2010. Case-control study was used to investigate the MAS. CT signs were studied in 115 patients who underwent preoperative CT scan. Univariable analysis was performed using each indicator among different pathological types. Discriminant classification was formed by applying significant variables identified from univariable analysis and a Fisher discriminant function was created. RESULTS: Twenty three variables were statistically significant among different pathological types after univariable analysis(P<0.05) and were selected for discriminant analysis. Six variables including temperature(X1), leucocyte count(X2), the proportion of neutrophil(X3), MAS points(X4), periappendiceal fat stranding(X5), and extraluminal air(X6) were enrolled. The discriminant function equation was Y1=0.012X1+0.041X2+0.069X3-0.039X4+2.653X5+1.418X6, Y2=0.327X1+0.041X2-0.034X3-0.140X4-1.114X5+2.982X6. The accuracy was 76.5%(88/115) in retrospective assessment and 77.8%(21/27) in prospective assessment. CONCLUSION: The combined use of MAS and CT imaging signs is useful in identifying the pathological types of acute appendicitis in adults, so it is helpful in choosing reasonable therapeutic option for surgeons.

[Value of modified APACHE II score in predicting postoperative complications in patients with acute obstructing colorectal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the value of modified acute physiologic and chronic health score (APACHE II score) in predicting postoperative complications in patients with acute obstructing colorectal carcinoma. METHODS: Postoperative complications in 92 patients with acute obstructing colorectal carcinoma were evaluated by APACHE II score and modified APACHE II score (severe organ dysfunction and immune damage in chronic health indicators were replaced by the duration and degree of obstruction, which were considered as the severity of intestinal obstruction). The sensitivity, specificity, and Youden index were compared with regard to complication prediction. Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to calculate area under the curve(AUC). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients developed postoperative complications including 3 deaths. The APACHE-II score(13.72±4.24), modified APACHE II score (19.28±4.92), intestinal obstruction severity score (5.56±2.20) were significantly higher in patients with complications than those in patients without complications (10.58±3.44, 14.69±3.73, 4.10±1.52, all P<0.01). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, Youden index, and AUC were 0.640, 0.940, 0.859, 0.580, and 0.839 for the modified APACHE-II score with 20 being the optimal cut-off point, respectively, and were 0.560, 0.896, 0.804, 0.456, and 0.784 for APACHE-II (14 was the optimal cut-off point), respectively. CONCLUSION: The modified APACHE-II score system with the intestinal obstruction severity score is a better prediction method for the occurrence of postoperative complications in patients with acute obstructing colorectal carcinoma.

[Influence of obesity on short-term surgical outcome in patients with gastric cancer].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the influence of obesity on surgical procedure and short-term surgical outcome in patients with gastric carcinoma. METHODS: A total of 426 patients with gastric carcinoma underwent laparotomy in our hospital during January 2006 and June 2008. All the patients were divided into obesity group and non-obesity group according to body mass index (BMI). The thickness of subcutaneous fat (SCF), abdominal anterior-posterior diameter (APD) and transverse diameter (TD) at the umbilicus level were measured by abdominal CT. Furthermore, the surgical data and postoperative conditions including short-term outcome were reviewed and compared between two groups. RESULTS: The incidence of obesity was 29.8% in gastric carcinoma patients. Mean values of SCF thickness, APD and TD in obesity group and non-obesity group were (21.8+/-7.1) mm vs (14.4+/-7.5) mm, (223.2+/-24.6) mm vs (181.8+/-23.5) mm and (323.6+/-23.8) mm vs (285.8+/-24.4) mm (P=0.000). Longer operative time (P=0.007) and less amount of dissected lymph nodes were found in obesity group as compared to non-obesity group (P=0.000). Also, obesity group lasted a longer postoperative period of fever (P=0.000) and experienced more post-operative complications (P=0.005) than non-obesity group did. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal CT scan may display the abdominal shape of gastric carcinoma patients, hence, it is useful to evaluate the difficulty of surgical procedure. These patients may involve in complicated surgical procedure and worse short-term outcome due to obese abdominal shape. Therefore, perioperative management should be emphasized for these patients.

[Risk factors of intra-abdominal infection following gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the main risk factors associated with intra-abdominal infection(IAI) following gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients. METHODS: Case-control study was used to investigate the clinical data of 1728 gastric carcinoma cases retrospectively by Logistic regressive analysis. RESULTS: Univariate Logistic regressive analysis showed 16 factors, including age, malnutrition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), diabetes mellitus(DM), heart diseases, prothrombin time, lymphocyte count, tumor size, ascites, invasion to the adjacent organ, neoplasm TNM staging (UICC, 1997), methods of gastrectomy, blood loss, operative time, blood transfusion and extent of lymph nodal dissection,were associated with postoperative intra-abdominal infection. Binary Logistic regression analysis found that extent of lymph nodal dissection(N(2)(+) approximately N(3) and N(2)), invasion to the adjacent organ, DM, operative time, age and lymphocyte count were the independent risk factors associated with mortality. CONCLUSION: Necessary interventions should be carried out to prevent IAI referring to above risk factors.