Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation is a cost-effective alternative to conventional extracorporeal circulation for coronary artery bypass grafting: propensity matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation has developed with the aim of reducing the impact of the adverse effects associated with conventional extracorporeal circulation. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting using minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation with those performed using conventional extracorporeal circulation. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of patients undergoing minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation coronary artery bypass grafting at a single centre. 2:1 propensity matching was performed to identify control patients undergoing conventional extracorporeal circulation coronary artery bypass grafting. Outcomes were compared using univariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 354 patients were included in the study, with 118 patients undergoing minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation coronary artery bypass grafting. Patients were well matched on baseline characteristics. The mean logistic EuroSCORE was 3.95 ± 4.20. Operative times (3.31 ± 1.52 vs. 3.56 ± 0.73, p = 0.03) were significantly shorter in minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation cases. Patients who underwent surgery with minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation had significantly less 12-hour blood loss (322.3 ± 13.2 mL vs. 380.8 ± 15.2 mL, p < 0.01). Correspondingly, a significantly lower proportion of patients were transfused (25.8% vs. 36%, p = 0.04), and the mean number of red blood cells transfused was lower (0.45 ± 0.95 vs. 0.97 ± 2.13, p = 0.01). Similarly, the number of coagulation products administered was lower (0.161 ± 0.05 vs. 0.40 ± 0.09, p = 0.05). There was a significantly lower incidence of acute kidney injury (11.0% vs. 19.9%, p = 0.03). Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation was associated with a £679.50 cost saving per patient. DISCUSSION: Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation for coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with a reduced requirement for blood transfusion, reduced incidence of acute kidney injury and a significant cost saving. Minimally invasive extracorporeal circulation should be considered as an adjunct for all patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

Spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture as a complication following lung transplantation.

Spontaneous diaphragm rupture is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, requiring urgent surgical intervention. Here we present two patients who developed spontaneous right hemidiaphragm rupture with abdominal visceral herniation into the thoracic cavity several days following bilateral lung transplantation, as an unusual complication. Both patients' surgeries were performed through bilateral anterior thoracotomies and were uneventful. There may be an association with this complication and patients suffering with emphysema, typically receiving donor lungs smaller than their native lungs, and with significant pretransplant exposure to steroids, factors that when combined may contribute to an increased risk of spontaneous diaphragmatic rupture in the absence of a significant precipitant. If a similar clinical picture is seen, teams managing lung transplant recipients should be aware of this potential complication and recognize the need for urgent intervention.

The role of the laparoendoscopic single site totally extraperitoneal approach to inguinal hernia repairs: a review and meta-analysis of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) surgery may have perceived benefits of reduced visible scarring compared to conventional laparoscopic (LAP) totally extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repairs. We reviewed the literature to compare LESS TEP inguinal hernia repairs with LAP TEP repairs. METHODS: We searched electronic databases for research published between January 2008 and January 2012. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies reported on 325 patients. The duration of surgery was 40-98 minutes for unilateral hernia and 41-121 minutes for bilateral repairs. Three studies involving 287 patients compared LESS TEP (n = 128) with LAP TEP (n = 159). There were no significant differences in operative duration for unilateral hernias (p = 0.63) or bilateral repairs (p = 0.29), and there were no significant differences in hospital stay (p > 0.99), intraoperative complications (p = 0.82) or early recurrence rates (p = 0.82). There was a trend toward earlier return to activity in the LESS TEP group (p = 0.07). CONCLUSION: Laparoendoscopic single site surgery TEP hernia repair is a relatively new technique and appears to be safe and effective. Advantages, such as less visible scarring, mean patients may opt for LESS TEP over LAP TEP. Further studies with clear definitions of outcome measures and robust follow-up to assess patient satisfaction, return to normal daily activities and recurrence are needed to strengthen the evidence.

CONTEXTE: La chirurgie laparoendoscopique à orifice unique (LESS) a comme avantage perçu une réduction des cicatrices apparentes comparativement aux réparations laparoscopiques (LAP) classiques totalement extrapéritonéales (TEP) des hernies. Nous avons passé en revue la littérature afin de comparer les réparations des hernies inguinales par chirurgie LESS TEP et par LAP TEP. MÉTHODES: Nous avons interrogé les bases de données électroniques pour y recenser la recherche publiée entre janvier 2008 et janvier 2012. RÉSULTATS: En tout, 13 études ont porté sur 325 patients. La durée de la chirurgie a été de 40 à 98 minutes pour les réparations de hernies unilatérales et de 41 à 121 minutes pour les réparations de hernies bilatérales. Trois études regroupant 287 patients ont comparé la technique LESS TEP (n = 128) à la technique LAP TEP (n = 159). On n'a observé aucune différence significative quant à la durée de la chirurgie des réparations de hernies unilatérales (p = 0,63) ou bilatérales (p = 0,29) et aucune différence significative de durée des séjours hospitaliers (p > 0,99), de complications peropératoires (p = 0,82) ou de taux de récurrences précoces (p = 0,82). On a noté une tendance à un retour plus rapide aux activités dans le groupe soumis à la technique LESS TEP (p = 0,07). CONCLUSION: La réparation de hernie par chirurgie TEP laparoendoscopique à un seul orifice est une technique relativement nouvelle et semble sécuritaire et efficace. Ses avantages, par exemple des cicatrices moins apparentes, pourraient pousser les patients à opter pour la technique LESS TEP plutôt que LAP TEP. Il faudra procéder à d'autres études fondées sur des définitions paramétriques claires et comportant un suivi robuste pour évaluer la satisfaction des patients, la reprise des activités quotidiennes normales et les taux de récurrences afin de consolider les preuves.

Ocular hypotonia following pulmonary endarterectomy.

Significant fluid removal and negative fluid balance is typical of the management of patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension undergoing pulmonary endarterectomy. In this study, we describe severe ocular hypotonia as an unusual clinical sign in a 72-year-old man immediately following pulmonary endarterectomy. Complete resolution occurred with fluid resuscitation overnight and no residual visual disturbance was reported.