Lombard Aorfix high angulation device, sac behavior following implantation.

OBJECTIVE: Short neck length, and angulated infrarenal aortic necks, are historically associated with sac expansion following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Aorfix (Lombard Medical, Inc, Irvine, Calif), a conformable stent graft US Food and Drug Administration approved for highly angulated necks, was investigated in the US Pythagoras Trial. We investigated the incidence of, and factors related to, sac regression and expansion following implantation of the Aorfix device. METHODS: Pythagoras trial data was assessed with mutivariable modeling for factors associated with sac regression or expansion (defined as change in maximum aneurysm diameter of ≥5 mm on annual follow-up computed tomography compared with last preoperative scan). All anatomic measurements were performed per protocol by a core laboratory (M2S; West Lebanon, NH). RESULTS: A total of 218 patients were enrolled; neck angle was ≥60° in 151 (69.3%), <60° in 67 (30.7%). Follow-up, including computed tomography imaging, was available at 1 year (n = 165), 2 years (n = 142), 3 years (n = 106), and 4 years (n = 70). Sac size decreased or was unchanged in 98.8% (1 year), 95.1% (2 years), 94.3% (3 years), and 92.9% (4 years). Mean neck length for the entire cohort was 22.3 mm; mean proximal neck angle was 71.4°. Maximum aneurysm diameter was 57.5 mm. Sac regression or expansion was not statistically associated with neck length, neck diameter, maximal aneurysm diameter, or patient sex (or 19 other demographic and medical history variables). Neck angle was not statistically associated with sac regression or expansion. CONCLUSIONS: In this study cohort, there is a low incidence of sac expansion with the Aorfix device. We were unable to demonstrate an association between neck length/angulation and sac expansion.

The impact of vascular surgery wound complications on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: In addition to traditional surgical outcomes, perioperative quality of life is being scrutinized as a patient-centric metric. As part of a prospective study in a contemporary surgical cohort, subjective health states were examined in context of postoperative wound complications (WCs). We hypothesized that WCs negatively affect quality of life. METHODS: The EuroQol (EQ)-5D subjective health state data, comprising five domains with 1 (good) to 3 (poor) ordinal scoring, plus visual analog score, were collected at the day of surgery and at 2 and 4 weeks of follow-up in a study evaluating silver-eluting dressings in 500 patients at three centers. A preference-weighted index was calculated. Groups were defined by no complication (NC) or presence of one or more postoperative WCs. RESULTS: Patients (72% male) were a mean age of 67.6 years. Primary indications included critical limb ischemia (41.4%), claudication (31.6%), and abdominal aortic aneurysm (11.2%; open groin access for endovascular aneurysm repair). At least one WC occurred in 148 patients (29.6%). Baseline demographics were similar except mean age (NC group, 67.9 years; WC group, 65.7 years; P = .042) and body mass index (NC group, 27.0 kg/m2; WC group, 28.2 kg/m2). WCs were associated with use of conduit for reconstruction (P = .002), below-knee incisions (P = .002), and incision length (P < .001). Compared with the NC group, there was a decrement in quality-of-life scores in the WC group at 2 weeks (mean change, -0.217; P = .001) but not at 4 weeks (mean change, +0.044; P = .065) postoperatively. Subgroup analysis showed quality-of-life change after WC was most significant in the claudication group (P = .008). The EQ-5D visual analog scale score was lowest in groups with rest pain (57.0) and tissue loss (55.1) and highest in the abdominal aortic aneurysm cohort (71.8). CONCLUSIONS: EQ-5D identified a significantly decreased quality-of-life score 2 weeks after WCs in a cohort undergoing elective infrainguinal arterial surgery. This effect was not present 4 weeks postoperatively.

Ruptured and unruptured mycotic superior mesenteric artery aneurysms.

Aneurysms of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and branches thereof are uncommon but have a high rate of rupture and mortality relative to other visceral artery aneurysms. Historically, the predominant etiology has been infectious; with a renewed rise in intravenous drug abuse rates in the last decade, we hypothesize a resurgence in septic embolic complications may occur in the coming years. Here, we describe the presentation and management of 2 cases of intravenous drug users presenting with infectious endocarditis and SMA main trunk and branch aneurysms, one of which was ruptured. In addition, we review the literature on these rare clinical entities.

Can acute care surgeons perform emergency colorectal procedures with good outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Acute care surgeons (ACS) perform emergency colorectal procedures but may have lower case volumes when compared with their general surgical and colorectal colleagues, which may compromise outcomes. In the acute populations, the elderly may be at particular risk. METHODS: Records of all elderly patients (age >65 years) presenting to a tertiary center with a colorectal emergency requiring operation over a 7-year period were reviewed. Data abstracted included presenting characteristics, pre- and postoperative diagnosis, procedural details, surgeon, and outcomes. Surgeons were stratified based on the number of elective colorectal cases they performed over the same time period. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t test were used, and logistic regression models controlled for patient characteristics. p < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: There were 293 emergent colorectal operations. Mortality before stratification for perioperative risk factors was 15% (43 of 293). ACS mortality was higher than other surgeons (23.2% versus 12.4%; odds ratio, 2.14; p = 0.034). Length of stay, intensive care unit length of stay, and ventilator days were longer for ACS although not significant. On risk stratification by multivariate analysis preoperative hypotension, American Society of Anesthesiology class, age, time to operating room, and management with an open abdominal technique predicted mortality but surgeon type did not. CONCLUSIONS: ACS caring for colorectal emergencies encounter critically ill patients with significant comorbidities, often from extended care facilities. If patient characteristics are considered when scrutinizing outcomes of emergency colorectal procedures, ACS perform as well as their colleagues who perform a higher volume of elective resections.

Development of a computed tomography-based scoring system for necrotizing soft-tissue infections.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing soft-tissue infections (NSTIs) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, but a definitive nonsurgical diagnostic test remains elusive. Despite the widespread use of computed tomography (CT) as a diagnostic adjunct, there is little data that definitively correlate CT findings with the presence of NSTI. Our goal was the development of a CT-based scoring system to discriminate non-NSTI from NSTI. METHODS: Patients older than 17 years undergoing CT for evaluation of soft-tissue infection at a tertiary care medical center over a 10-year period (2000-2009) were included. Abstracted data included comorbidities and social history, physical examination, laboratory findings, and operative and pathologic findings. NSTI was defined as soft-tissue necrosis in the dictated operative note or the accompanying pathology report. CT scans were reviewed by a radiologist blinded to clinical and laboratory data. A scoring system was developed and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was calculated. RESULTS: During the study period, 305 patients underwent CT scanning (57% men; mean age, 47.4 years). Forty-four patients (14.4%) evaluated had an NSTI. A scoring system was retrospectively developed (table). A score >6 points was 86.3% sensitive and 91.5% specific for the diagnosis of NSTI (positive predictive value, 63.3%; negative predictive value, 85.5%). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.928 (95% confidence interval, 0.893-0.964). The mean score of the non-NSTI group was 2.74. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a CT scoring system that is both sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of NSTIs. This system may allow clinicians to more accurately diagnose NSTIs. Prospective validation of this scoring system is planned.

Contrast-induced nephropathy in elderly trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard for the identification of occult injuries, but the intravenous (IV) contrast used in CT scans is potentially nephrotoxic. Because elderly patients have decreased renal function secondary to aging and chronic disease, we sought to determine the rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) in elderly trauma patients exposed to IV contrast. METHODS: Medical records of patients older than 55 years evaluated at a level-one trauma center between January 2003 and July 2008 were reviewed. Contrast was nonionic, isosmolar, and administered in standard volumes. Groups were based on administration of contrast. AKI was defined as a 25% relative or 0.5 mg/dL absolute increase in serum creatinine within 72 hours of presentation [corrected]. RESULTS: During the study period 1,371 patients older than 55 years were evaluated, and 1,152 met the inclusion criteria. CT was performed on 1,071 patients (96%); 71% of this group received IV contrast. There was no significant difference between the contrast and noncontrast groups in terms of baseline characteristics. Criteria for AKI were satisfied in 2.1% of all patients, including 1.9% the contrast group versus 2.4% in the noncontrast group. AKI diagnosed within 72 hours of patient presentation was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality and prolonged length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: IV contrast media in elderly trauma patients is not associated with an increased risk of AKI. Development of AKI within 72 hours of admission is associated with mortality and increased length of stay.

Cologastric fistula with a foreign body in a patient with Crohn's disease.

Although the medical management of fistulizing Crohn's disease is improving, a subset of patients does not respond to maximal medical therapy and is referred for surgical consultation. We report a case of Crohn's colitis with an ingested foreign body resulting in a cologastric fistula. The patient underwent segmental colectomy and takedown of the cologastric fistula. At the time of laparotomy, the foreign body was found in the fistulous colonic segment. The presence of an ingested foreign body likely contributed to a rare fistula that was refractory to medical management.

Predictive factors for failure of nonoperative management in perforated appendicitis.

BACKGROUND: Identifying patients on admission with perforated appendicitis who have phlegmon or abscess initially selected for but likely to fail nonoperative management may avoid delays in definitive treatment. METHODS: Patients older than 15 years presenting to a university tertiary care hospital with perforated appendicitis and abscess or phlegmon and planned nonoperative management were reviewed. Comorbidities, clinical findings, laboratory markers, radiographic findings, and nonsurgical treatments associated with failure of nonoperative management were recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients were identified, and 69 were managed successfully to discharge without operation. Length of stay was greater in the failure group (11 days vs. 5 days, p = 0.001), and intensive care unit care was more common (10% vs. 0%, p = 0.049). On univariate and multivariate analyses, smoking (odds ratio [OR], 13.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-142; p = 0.039), tachycardia (OR, 4.93; 95% CI, 1.21-20.06; p = 0.026), and generalized abdominal tenderness (OR, 5.52; 95% CI, 1.40-21.73; p = 0.015) were associated with failure of nonoperative management. On computed tomographic scan, the failure group had higher rates of abscess (75% vs. 55%, p = 0.110), and their abscesses were more likely smaller than 50 mm (OR, 2.83; 95% CI, 1.01-7.92; p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Patients with perforated appendicitis and phlegmon or abscess who smoke or present with tachycardia, generalized abdominal tenderness, and abscesses smaller than 50 mm are more likely to fail nonoperative management and should be considered for early operation. These findings should be validated prospectively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level III.

Bleeding diatheses and preoperative screening.

Bleeding disorders pose a significant perioperative risk. Surgeons and surgical consultants should have a working knowledge of the cell-based coagulation model. Careful screening for bleeding diatheses begins with a careful history and physical examination. It is paramount to ascertain what medications and nonprescribed supplements and herbal preparations a patient is taking, as these medications can have significant effects on perioperative bleeding tendencies. Finally, screening laboratory-based coagulation assays are available. These must be used judiciously with regard to a patient's history and the clinical circumstances surrounding the surgical stressor.

Impact of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction on radiation dose in evaluation of trauma patients.

BACKGROUND: A recent study showed that computed tomographic (CT) scans contributed 93% of radiation exposure of 177 patients admitted to our Level I trauma center. Adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) is an algorithm that reduces the noise level in reconstructed images and therefore allows the use of less ionizing radiation during CT scans without significantly affecting image quality. ASIR was instituted on all CT scans performed on trauma patients in June 2009. Our objective was to determine if implementation of ASIR reduced radiation dose without compromising patient outcomes. METHODS: We identified 300 patients activating the trauma system before and after the implementation of ASIR imaging. After applying inclusion criteria, 245 charts were reviewed. Baseline demographics, presenting characteristics, number of delayed diagnoses, and missed injuries were recorded. The postexamination volume CT dose index (CTDIvol) and dose-length product (DLP) reported by the scanner for CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis and CT scans of the brain and cervical spine were recorded. Subjective image quality was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: For CT scans of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis, the mean CTDIvol (17.1 mGy vs. 14.2 mGy; p < 0.001) and DLP (1,165 mGy·cm vs. 1,004 mGy·cm; p < 0.001) was lower for studies performed with ASIR. For CT scans of the brain and cervical spine, the mean CTDIvol (61.7 mGy vs. 49.6 mGy; p < 0.001) and DLP (1,327 mGy·cm vs. 1,067 mGy·cm; p < 0.001) was lower for studies performed with ASIR. There was no subjective difference in image quality between ASIR and non-ASIR scans. All CT scans were deemed of good or excellent image quality. There were no delayed diagnoses or missed injuries related to CT scanning identified in either group. CONCLUSION: Implementation of ASIR imaging for CT scans performed on trauma patients led to a nearly 20% reduction in ionizing radiation without compromising outcomes or image quality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

Acute cholecystitis in the elderly: use of computed tomography and correlation with ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: Elderly patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis (AC) may undergo both ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT). METHODS: A total of 475 patients (age, >64 y) with AC were included. RESULTS: Groups included US alone (n = 240), CT alone (n = 60), and CT + US (n = 168). Sixty patients (35.7%) in the US + CT group had inflammation in both studies, 34 (20.2%) had inflammation only on US, and 32 (19.0%) had inflammation only on CT. In the US + CT group, detection of cholelithiasis was not different, but mean common bile duct size did not correlate. There was no difference among the groups in age, sex, medical service admission, nonambulatory status, dementia, diabetes, or coronary artery disease. Peritonitis, leukocytosis, and acidosis were more frequent in the 2 groups undergoing CT. The cholecystectomy rate was lowest (and the complication rate was highest) in the CT + US group. CONCLUSIONS: CT often is used in the diagnosis of AC in the elderly, especially those with more acute presentations. CT and US findings may be complementary in AC.

Ischemic colitis: risk factors for eventual surgery.

BACKGROUND: Ischemic colitis is a common disorder often without clear indications for surgical management. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors that predict the need for surgery. METHODS: Patients were identified retrospectively based on International Classification of Disease codes and admission over an 8-year period. RESULTS: A total of 253 patients presented with ischemic colitis. A total of 205 patients were managed nonsurgically, 12 underwent immediate surgery (within 12 hours of presentation), and 36 had delayed surgery. On univariate analysis, risk factors that predicted delayed surgery were peripheral vascular disease, atrial fibrillation, hypotension, tachycardia, absence of bleeding per rectum, free intraperitoneal fluid on computed tomography scan, intensive care unit admission, vasopressors, mechanical ventilation, and increased lactate level on admission. Intraperitoneal fluid on computed tomography scan and absence of bleeding per rectum were predictive of surgical intervention on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ischemic colitis, several risk factors were associated with the need for subsequent surgery during the same admission. These factors could be used to select patients for immediate surgery before worsening of their clinical condition.

Factors predicting morbidity and mortality in emergency colorectal procedures in elderly patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify rapidly modifiable risk factors that would improve surgical outcomes in elderly patients undergoing emergent colorectal procedures who are at high risk for morbidity and mortality. DESIGN: Retrospective review. Patients were identified on the basis of Current Procedural Terminology codes and admission through the emergency department. Medical records were reviewed and data were abstracted for comorbidities, procedural details, and in-hospital morbidity and mortality. SETTING: University tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Two hundred ninety-two patients 65 years or older undergoing emergency colorectal procedures from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2006. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative morbidity (intensive care unit days, ventilator days, pneumonia, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, myocardial infarction, and cerebrovascular accident) and mortality. RESULTS: The most frequent presenting diagnoses were obstructing or perforated colorectal carcinoma (30%) and perforated diverticulitis (25%). Average age at presentation was 78.1 years, and in-hospital mortality was 15%. One hundred one patients (35%) experienced a total of 195 complications. Pneumonia (25%), persistent or recurrent respiratory failure (15%), and myocardial infarction (12%) were the most frequent complications. Operative time, shock, renal insufficiency, and significant intra-abdominal contamination or frank peritonitis were associated with morbidity. Age, septic shock at presentation, large estimated intraoperative blood loss, delay to operation, and development of a complication were associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Emergent colorectal procedures in the elderly are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Minimizing the delay to definitive operative care may improve outcomes. These procedures frequently involve locally advanced colorectal cancer, emphasizing the need for improved colorectal cancer screening.