Impact on the incidence of gastrointestinal perforation during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Costa del Sol healthcare system area

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Gastrointestinal perforation is a surgical emergency that is associated with a high mortality rate and requires special care. During the pandemic, there has been competition with COVID-19 patients for health resources, especially ICU bed availability. The primary aim of our study was to compare the incidence of gastrointestinal perforation during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cases registered before the pandemic.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective, observational, single center, cohort study was conducted that included patients that underwent emergency surgery for gastrointestinal perforation in the periods during the pandemic (6 months) and before the pandemic (12 months). Sociodemographic characteristics, comorbidities, duration of hospital and ICU stay, status at discharge, and perforation site were compared.

RESULTS

The study included 67 subjects (33 in the pre-pandemic period and 34 in the pandemic period). There were no significant differences regarding sex, age, or comorbidity. The perforation rate per emergency intervention was 4-times higher during the pandemic. There was an increase in the number of patients that were foreigners (4 [11%]) and nonresidents (6 [17%]). ICU admissions decreased (6 [19%]) but ICU stay increased to 137 h. Hospital stay increased by 5 days and delay in care increased 4.5 h. The number of deaths was higher (from 5 [15.2%] to 10 [29.4%]). Four patients with perforations were positive for COVID-19, were admitted to the ICU, and died.

CONCLUSIONS

During the COVID-19 pandemic there was an increase in the incidence of gastrointestinal perforations at our healthcare system area; symptoms were more advanced, and mortality was higher.

Small bowel anastomosis in peritonitis compared to enterostomy formation: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Anastomotic leakage after small bowel resection in emergency laparotomy is a severe complication. A consensus on the risk factors for anastomotic leakage has not been established, and it is still unclear if peritonitis is a risk factor. This systematic review aimed to evaluate if an entero-entero/entero-colonic anastomosis is safe in patients with peritonitis undergoing abdominal acute care surgery.

METHODS

A systematic literature review based on PRISMA guidelines was performed, searching the databases Pubmed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Science Direct for studies of anastomosis in peritonitis. Patients with an anastomosis after non-planned small bowel resection (ischemia, perforation, or strangulation), including secondary peritonitis, were included. Elective laparotomies and colo-colonic anastomoses were excluded. Due to the etiology, traumatic perforation, in-vitro, and animal studies were excluded.

RESULTS

This review identified 26 studies of small-bowel anastomosis in peritonitis with a total of 2807 patients. This population included a total of 889 small-bowel/right colonic resections with anastomoses, and 242 enterostomies. All studies, except two, were retrospective reviews or case series. The overall mortality rates were 0-20% and anastomotic leakage rates 0-36%. After performing a risk of bias evaluation there was no basis for conducting a meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was rated as low.

CONCLUSION

There was no evidence to refute performing a primary small-bowel anastomosis in acute laparotomy with peritonitis. There is currently insufficient evidence to label peritonitis as a risk factor for anastomotic leakage in acute care laparotomy with small-bowel resection.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The review was registered with the PROSPERO register of systematic reviews on 14/07/2020 with the ID: CRD42020168670.

Outcomes after emergency appendicectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis: a population-based cohort study from England

INTRODUCTION

The mortality risk after appendicectomy in patients with liver cirrhosis is predicted to be higher than in the general population given the associated risk of perioperative bleeding, infections and liver decompensation. This population-based cohort study aimed to determine the 90-day mortality risk following emergency appendicectomy in patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Adult patients undergoing emergency appendicectomy in England between January 2001 and December 2018 were identified from two linked primary and secondary electronic healthcare databases, the clinical practice research datalink and hospital episode statistics data. Length of stay, re-admission, case fatality and the odds ratio of 90-day mortality were calculated for patients with and without cirrhosis, adjusting for age, sex and co-morbidity using logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 40,353 patients underwent appendicectomy and of these 75 (0.19%) had cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis were more likely to be older (p < 0.0001) and have comorbidities (p < 0.0001). Proportionally, more patients with cirrhosis underwent an open appendicectomy (76%) compared with 64% of those without cirrhosis (p = 0.03). The 90-day case fatality rate was 6.67% in patients with cirrhosis compared with 0.56% in patients without cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis had longer hospital length of stay (4 (IQR 3-9) days versus 3 (IQR 2-4) days and higher readmission rates at 90 days (20% vs 11%, p = 0.019). Most importantly, their odds of death at 90 days were 3 times higher than patients without cirrhosis, adjusted odds ratio 3.75 (95% CI 1.35-10.49).

CONCLUSION

Patients with cirrhosis have a threefold increased odds of 90-day mortality after emergency appendicectomy compared to those without cirrhosis.

Perioperative mortality of emergency and elective surgical patients in a low-income country: a single institution experience

BACKGROUND

The perioperative mortality rate is an indicator of access to safe anesthesia and surgery. Studies showed higher perioperative mortality rates among low- and middle-income countries. But the specific causes and factors contributing to perioperative death have not been adequately studied in the Ethiopian context.

METHODS

This is a retrospective institutional study of the largest academic medical center in Ethiopia. Data of all patients who were admitted to surgical wards or intensive care and underwent surgical interventions were evaluated for perioperative mortality rate determination. All mortality cases were then evaluated in depth.

RESULTS

Of the 3295 patients evaluated, a total of 148 patients (4.5%) died within 30 days of surgery. By the 7th postoperative day, 69.5% of the perioperative mortality had already occurred. Septic shock contributed to 54.2% of deaths. Emergency surgery patients had more than a twofold higher mortality rate than elective surgery patients (p value < 0.001) and had a 2.6-fold higher rate of dying within 7 days of surgery (p value of 0.02). Patients with ASA performance status of 3 or more had a 1.7-fold higher rate of death within 72 h of surgery (p value of 0.015).

CONCLUSION

More than two thirds of patients died within 7 postoperative days. More emergency patients died than elective counterparts, and emergency cases had a higher rate of dying within 7 days of surgery. Poor ASA performance score was associated with earlier postoperative death. Further prospective multi-institutional studies are warranted to elucidate the factors that contribute to higher postoperative mortality in low-income country patients.

Medicolegal Cases in Bariatric Surgery in the United Kingdom

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the current state of bariatric medicolegal activity and explore the reasons of litigation in bariatric surgery. The underlying legal principles in bariatric medicolegal cases and most frequent pitfalls will also be discussed.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is a growing number of litigations in bariatric surgery, particularly relating to complications and long waiting lists for bariatric surgery within the public-funded health systems. The main issues are related to consent, lack of follow-up, delayed identification of complications and lack of appropriate emergency management of complications, involving bariatric surgeons, clinicians, general practitioners and multidisciplinary team members. Appropriate multidisciplinary involvement pre- and postoperatively and robust follow-up protocols can help to mitigate the risks. Bariatric surgery requires a unique paradigm with a multidisciplinary approach both pre- and postoperatively to improve the long-term functional outcomes of patients. There is a rising incidence of medicolegal claims following bariatric surgery. The underlying reasons for this are multifactorial including an increase in the volume of surgery, high patient expectations, the incidence of long-term postoperative complications and the requirement of long-term follow-up.

Analysis of risk factors for recurrence and prognosis of adhesive small bowel obstruction

OBJECTIVE

The recurrence of adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) limits the effectiveness of clinical treatments, making its significant clinical issues. Clinical features, perioperative parameters, and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed, to provide basis for screening the high risk factors in patients of recurrent ASBO.

METHODS

A review of medical records of patients with ASBO at Chongqing University Central Hospital, from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019 was conducted. We compared the clinical characteristics, intra-operative findings, and history surgery of ASBO "relapse-free" and relapsing patients. Logistic proportional hazard model was used to identify recurrence risks.

RESULTS

Based on specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 279 patients were included in this study. Participants' mean age was 63.0 (13.1) years; 49.4% (138 of 279) of them were male. Using multivariate Logistic regression analysis, the history of emergency abdominal surgery (hazard ratio, 0.241, p < 0.0001) was significantly associated with recurrence, as were multiple abdominal surgeries (hazard ratio, 0.250, p < 0.0001) and diabetes mellitus (hazard ratio, 0.182, p < 0.0001). Patients with recurrence, who underwent surgery had longer operative times, blood loss, and a higher incidence of wound complications than those without recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The history of emergency abdominal surgery, multiple abdominal surgeries, and diabetes mellitus independently increased the chances of ASBO recurrence. Patients with ASBO recurrence had a higher incidence of postoperative complications.

Predictors for surgical site infection in patients undergoing therapeutic or prophylactic intra-abdominal onlay mesh (IPOM) implantation in clean and contaminated surgical fields

BACKGROUND

Prophylactic intra-abdominal onlay mesh (IPOM) implantation has been shown to reduce the rate of fascial dehiscence and incisional hernia. However, surgical site infection (SSI) in presence of an IPOM remains a concern. The aim of this study was to assess predictors for SSI following IPOM placement in hernia and non-hernia abdominal surgery in clean and contaminated surgical fields.

METHODS

Observational study including patients undergoing IPOM placement at a Swiss tertiary care hospital 2007-2016. IPOM implantation was performed in hernia and non-hernia elective and emergency abdominal surgery, including contaminated and infected surgical fields. The incidence of SSI was prospectively assessed by Swissnoso according to CDC criteria. The effect of disease- and procedure-related factors on SSI was assessed in multivariable regression analysis, adjusting for patient-related factors.

RESULTS

A total of 1072 IPOM implantations were performed. Laparoscopy was performed in 415 patients (38.7%), laparotomy in 657 patients (61.3%). SSI occurred in 172 patients (16.0%). Superficial, deep, and organ space SSI were found in 77 (7.2%), 26 (2.4%), and 69 (6.4%) patients, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed emergency hospitalization (OR 1.787, p = 0.006), previous laparotomy (1.745, p = 0.029), duration of operation (OR 1.193, p < 0.001), laparotomy (OR 6.167, p < 0.001), bariatric (OR 4.641, p < 0.001), colorectal (OR 1.941, p = 0.001), and emergency (OR 2.510, p < 0.001) surgery, wound class ≥ 3 (OR 3.878, p < 0.001), and non-polypropylene mesh (OR 1.818, p = 0.003) as independent predictors for SSI. Hernia surgery was independently associated with a lower risk for SSI (OR 0.165, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed emergency hospitalization, previous laparotomy, duration of operation, laparotomy, as well as bariatric, colorectal, and emergency surgery, abdominal contamination or infection, and usage of non-polypropylene mesh as independent predictors for SSI. In contrast, hernia surgery was associated with a lower risk for SSI. The knowledge of these predictors will help to balance benefits of IPOM implantation against the risk for SSI.

Successful management of strangulated incisional hernia in pregnancy - A case report

INTRODUCTION

Abdominal hernias, including incisional hernias, can occur due to weakness in the abdominal wall. Incisional hernias commonly occur following surgical incisions, and factors such as poor closure technique and patient-related factors can contribute to their development.

CASE PRESENTATION

In this case, the patient was presented with a painful, irreducible lump over a previous laparotomy scar, along with bowel obstruction symptoms. The diagnosis was supported by ultrasound findings showing obstructed bowel loop in the hernial sac. Emergency open surgical reduction and mesh repair were performed to treat the strangulated hernia and ensure the mother and fetus's safety. The patient had an uneventful postoperative period and was discharged after three days.

DISCUSSION

Incisional hernias can be diagnosed through clinical evaluation, and imaging studies may be necessary in complex cases. However, imaging techniques such as X-rays and Computed Tomography scans are limited in pregnant women due to the radiation risks. Ultrasonography (USS) is preferred in pregnant women for its safety and non-invasiveness, although it may have reduced sensitivity in obese patients. Complicated hernias should be treated with emergency surgical repair, while elective surgery can be considered for asymptomatic or non-complicated hernias. Laparoscopic surgery offers advantages such as shorter hospital stays and fewer complications. Mesh repair reduces the recurrence risk in subsequent pregnancies (relate the discussion with the case).

CONCLUSION

Overall, surgical management of hernias in pregnancy requires careful consideration of individual circumstances and the use of appropriate techniques to ensure the safety of both the mother and fetus.

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia: Case report of atypical origin

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Traumatic abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is an injury that occurs after an abdominal wall blunt trauma consisting of fasciomuscular rupture and does not present skin penetration. Documenting unique and rare clinical cases, such as traumatic hernia without skin penetration, enriches the medical literature and provides valuable information to identify innovative and optimised approaches for the treatment of similar cases in the future.

CASE PRESENTATION

48-year-old female with no significant medical history presented to the emergency room after being directly hit by a 1200 kg vehicle while standing in the street. Clinical examination revealed a TAWH with total elevation and total loss of insertion of all abdominal wall muscles on the right side, and no involvement of the overlying skin secondary to the mechanism of trauma. The patient agreed to surgical management after being thoroughly informed about the procedure. Surgical exploration was performed with the patient in a lateral position, and the incision was made over the hernia sac. A monopolar electrocautery was used to expose the iliac crest and fully visualize the defect before drilling through the iliac crest. Soft macroporous polypropylene mesh repair was guided through the iliac crest and abdominal wall using a suture and secured with knots. The patient showed a satisfactory and favorable progress.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The present surgical technique is recommended for atypical cases of high-strength TAWH.

Impact of perioperative factors on short-term outcomes after emergency surgery for acute traumatic extradural hematoma - A retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Preoperative clinical and imaging findings predict neurological outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Similarly, intraoperative factors such as blood loss and hypotension can also affect outcomes. However, there is not much data regarding the influence of perioperative variables on clinical outcomes in patients with extradural hematoma (EDH). This study aimed to understand the effect of perioperative factors on short-term neurological outcomes in patients operated for acute traumatic EDH.

METHODS

After obtaining institutional ethical approval, we collected data retrospectively from records of patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute traumatic EDH over a two-year period. Data regarding age, gender, preoperative Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score, clinical and imaging findings, surgical and anesthetic details, blood loss and transfusion, duration of hospital stay, and GCS score at discharge were collected. Patients with discharge GCS score of 14-15 were considered to have favorable outcome and <14 as unfavorable outcome. Regression analysis was performed to examine the association between predictors and outcomes. Odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were calculated.

RESULTS

Data of 501 patients were analyzed. Outcome was favorable in 343 (68.5 %) and unfavorable in 158 (31.5 %) patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis (OR, 95 % CI, p value), age (1.03, 1.01-1.05, 0.01), preoperative GCS score (0.68, 0.61-0.76, <0.001), signs of basal skull fracture (1.9, 1.02-3.61, 0.043) and intraoperative blood loss (2.23, 1.2-4.16, 0.01) were independently associated with unfavorable outcome. Pneumonia, neurological deficits, inotrope use and duration of hospital stay was more in this group.

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, poor pre-operative GCS score, signs of basal skull fracture, and intraoperative blood loss were associated with lower discharge GCS score, increased neurological deficits and longer hospital stay in patients operated for acute traumatic EDH.

The surgical care of diabetic feet: a survey about clinics, acute care, and the surgical specialists involved

INTRODUCTION

Diabetic foot problems are becoming increasingly common. Diabetic foot care services are fundamental in managing them, and there is the further issue of acute surgery for foot sepsis. The involvement of different surgical specialists has been variable; this survey aimed to provide information about current service provision.

METHODS

Questionnaires were emailed to Vascular Society members, and targeted approaches were then undertaken.

RESULTS

We aimed to obtain information from 61 localities identified as providing shared services, and received informative responses from 46 (75%). These described diabetic foot clinics each day (11%), or once (50%), twice (13%) or three times (17%) weekly - attended regularly by vascular surgeons, and less frequently by orthopaedic surgeons. The frequency of clinics was considered inadequate by 30% of respondents, and only 75% reported written policies for diabetic foot care pathways. Operations for acute foot sepsis are done by vascular surgeons in 98% of localities and by orthopaedic surgeons in 22% (in some localities by both): the latter are orthopaedic foot specialists in all localities but two. Both specialties perform a range of foot procedures, including toe/foot-preserving operations. Major amputations are done by vascular surgeons in 98% of localities and by orthopaedic surgeons in only 9%. All deformity correction procedures are performed by orthopaedic surgeons.

CONCLUSION

This survey shows that diabetic foot clinics are now held frequently in most localities. There is variation in the involvement of vascular and orthopaedic surgeons. Some localities need to consider increased provision of clinics and better defined pathways of care.

Real-world accuracy of computed tomography in patients admitted with small bowel obstruction: a multicentre prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common surgical emergency. Previous studies have shown the value computed tomography (CT) scanning in both confirming this diagnosis and identifying indications for urgent surgical intervention, such as strangulated bowel or closed loop obstructions. However, most of the literature is based on retrospective expert review of previous imaging and little data regarding the real-time accuracy of CT reporting is available. Here, we investigated the real-world accuracy of CT reporting in patients admitted with SBO.

METHODS

This was a multicentre prospective study including consecutive patients admitted with SBO. The primary outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of CT scanning for bowel obstruction with ischaemia and closed loop obstruction. Data were retrieved from the original CT reports written by on-call radiologists and compared with operative findings.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-six patients were included, all of whom underwent CT scanning with intravenous contrast followed by operative management of SBO. Bowel obstruction with ischaemia was noted in 20 patients, with a sensitivity and specificity of CT scanning of 40.0% and 85.5%, respectively. Closed loop obstructions were noted in 26 patients, with a sensitivity and specificity of CT scanning of 23.1% and 98.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The real-world accuracy of CT scanning appears to be lower than previously reported in the literature. Strategies to address this could include the development of standardised reporting schemas and to increase the surgeon's own familiarity with relevant CT features in patients admitted with SBO.

Experiences of patients and next of kin on informed consent process for emergency surgery in two Urban university teaching hospitals in Uganda: a comparative cross sectional study

Informed consent for emergency surgery is a process in which a patient or their next of kin must make quick decisions required for surgery in a life-threatening situation or surgery that may have life-altering outcomes. The objective of the study was to describe patients and their next of kin experiences and factors influencing the informed consent process in two urban university teaching hospitals in Uganda.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey involving patients who underwent emergency surgery and their next of kin was conducted in two tertiary care hospitals; one public and one private-not-for profit institution. A questionnaire was administered to collect sociodemographic information, type of Surgery that was done, how informed consent was obtained and experiences and expectations from the informed consent process. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the variables was done.

RESULTS

We collected data from 210 patients from a public hospital and 170 from a private-not-for profit hospital. Overall, most patients did not have the risks of the surgery communicated to them (79.7%), were not given alternative options (87.6%) and had no opportunity to ask questions (57.4%). Patients at the private institution had 3.35 times the odds of expecting the consent form to be explained to them than those at the public institution. Patients at the public hospital had 0.12 times the odds of preferring to have consent administered by a nurse than patients at the private institution OR 0.12 (0.05-0.29, p < 0.001). Patients in the public institution had 0.18 times the odds of preferring to have consent administered by a doctor than patients in the private institution OR 0.18 (0.08-0.45, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Patients in both public and private institutions are not informed about the risks of surgery, alternative options and are not given the opportunity to ask questions. Interpretation of the findings of this study on patient preferences on who administered consent though statistically significant were inconclusive due to the responses not being mutually exclusive.

Evolutionary analysis of patient's morbidity and mortality in emergency surgical care during the pandemic: Retrospective comparison between first and second waves of COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Since the beginning of the pandemic, morbidity and mortality in emergency care of surgical patients have been the subject of several studies. However, most of these have compared this variable with that of the pre-COVID period, ignoring its evolution during the pandemic itself. In order to analyze this possible change, we performed a comparative study of morbidity and mortality in emergency surgery between the first and second waves of the pandemic in our center.

METHODS

Retrospective longitudinal study including all patients over the age of 18 admitted and/or operated in the emergency setting in the two maximum incidence periods (MIP) of COVID-19 infection (1st MIP: 22/03/2020-31/05/2020; 2nd MIP: 26/08/2020-30/11/2020). The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, treatment received, early morbidity and mortality and possible risk factors for complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 173 patients were analyzed (1st MIP: 66; 2nd MIP: 107). The incidence of COVID-19 was higher in the second period (14.95% vs. 4.54%). SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a higher rate of complications; however, no statistically significant differences were observed in morbimortality rate, either in the total sample (P = .746) or in patients with a positive COVID-19 test (P = .582) between both periods. Surgical treatment was found to be associated with a lower complication rate in both the first (P = .006) and second waves (P = .014), and it was more frequent in the second MIP (70.1% vs 57.6%), although statistical significance was not reached (P = .065).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant differences were observed in morbidity and mortality of patients admitted and/or operated in the emergency setting in the two periods of maximum incidence of SARS-CoV-2 at our center. Surgical treatment was associated with lower morbidity and mortality rates, and it was more frequent in the second MIP.

Complicated appendiceal diverticulitis a extremely rare cause of acute abdomen: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE

Appendiceal diverticulitis (AD) represents a rare cause of acute abdomen. Diagnosis of AD is a challenge because of its rarity and resemblance to other ileocecal diseases like as cecal diverticulitis (CD) and acute appendicitis (AA). Preoperative imaging can be useful to aid diagnosis. Surgery represents the correct treatment of AD.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 48-year-old Caucasian male presented to the Emergency Department with a two-day history of right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain and fever. Physical examination revealed RLQ abdominal pain and rebound tenderness with muscle guarding. Laboratory tests reported high levels of C-reactive protein and neutrophilic leukocytosis. Abdominal computed tomography(CT) scan showed findings of AA and a thin-walled 5 mm appendiceal diverticulum. The patient underwent laparoscopic appendectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful, the patient was discharged on the 5th postoperative day in a stable condition. Gross anatomy confirmed the presence of appendiceal diverticulum in the distal appendix on the mesenteric border. Histopathological examination revealed an inflamed and perforated appendiceal pseudo-diverticulum with surrounding AA and peri-appendicitis.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Appendiceal diverticulosis is an uncommon entity, classified as congenital or acquired based on the number of appendiceal layers herniating through the normal wall. Two thirds of diverticula will develop acute or chronic diverticulitis that can lead to several complications some of which can be life-threatening.

CONCLUSION

AD is a rare surgical emergency and represents often an overlooked diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for reducing morbidity and mortality Appendectomy represents a safe and appropriate treatment of AD.

Correlation of serum albumin level on postoperative day 2 with hospital length of stay in patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND

Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a common emergency surgical condition and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While advances in surgical techniques have improved outcomes for patients with PPU, many factors still affect postoperative hospital stay and overall prognosis. One potential factor is the serum albumin (SA) level, a widely utilized marker of nutritional status that has been associated with length of stay and complications in various surgical procedures.

AIM

To clarify the correlation of SA level on postoperative day 2 with hospital length of stay (HLOS) in patients undergoing emergency surgery for perforated peptic ulcer (PPU).

METHODS

We retrospectively collected and analyzed clinical baseline data, including blood routine and SA levels, of patients who underwent emergency PPU surgery and postoperative treatment at the Lingnan Hospital, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University between December 2012 and September 2021. Patients were grouped according to HLOS with 7 d as the cut-off value, and relevant indicators were analyzed using SPSS 26.0.

RESULTS

Of the 37 patients undergoing emergency surgery for PPU referred to our department, 33 had gastric and 4 had duodenal ulcer perforation. The median HLOS was 10 d. There were 8 patients in the ≤ 7-d group (median HLOS: 7 d) and 29 patients in the > 7-d group (median HLOS: 10 d). The ≤ 7-d group had markedly higher SA on postoperative day 2 than the > 7-d group (37.7 g/L vs 32.6g/L; P < 0.05). The SA level on postoperative day 2 was a protective factor for patients with HLOS > 7 d (Odds ratio = 0.629, P = 0.015). The cut-off of SA on postoperative day 2 was 30.6g/L, with an area under the curve of 0.86 and a negative predictive value of 100% for the prediction of HLOS ≤ 7 d.

CONCLUSION

The SA level on postoperative day 2 was associated with the HLOS in patients undergoing emergency surgery for PPU. The pre- and post-operative albumin levels should be monitored, and infusion of human SA should be considered in a timely manner.

Management of complicated diaphragmatic hernia in the acute setting: a WSES position paper

BACKGROUND

Diaphragmatic hernia (DH) presenting acutely can be a potentially life-threatening condition. Its management continues to be debatable.

METHODS

A bibliographic search using major databases was performed using the terms "emergency surgery" "diaphragmatic hernia," "traumatic diaphragmatic rupture" and "congenital diaphragmatic hernia." GRADE methodology was used to evaluate the evidence and give recommendations.

RESULTS

CT scan of the chest and abdomen is the diagnostic gold standard to evaluate complicated DH. Appropriate preoperative assessment and prompt surgical intervention are important for a clinical success. Complicated DH repair is best performed via the use of biological and bioabsorbable meshes which have proven to reduce recurrence. The laparoscopic approach is the preferred technique in hemodynamically stable patients without significant comorbidities because it facilitates early diagnosis of small diaphragmatic injuries from traumatic wounds in the thoraco-abdominal area and reduces postoperative complications. Open surgery should be reserved for situations when skills and equipment for laparoscopy are not available, where exploratory laparotomy is needed, or if the patient is hemodynamically unstable. Damage Control Surgery is an option in the management of critical and unstable patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Complicated diaphragmatic hernia is a rare life-threatening condition. CT scan of the chest and abdomen is the gold standard for diagnosing the diaphragmatic hernia. Laparoscopic repair is the best treatment option for stable patients with complicated diaphragmatic hernias. Open repair is considered necessary in majority of unstable patients in whom Damage Control Surgery can be life-saving.

The effect of preoperative anemia on perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing emergency surgery: A multicenter prospective cohort study

Introduction

Preoperative anemia is a common finding among surgical patients. It is associated with an increased risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Outcomes among emergency surgical patients are not established. This study aimed to assess the effect of preoperative anemia on perioperative outcomes among patients undergoing emergency surgery in selected Southern Ethiopia governmental teaching hospitals, Southern Ethiopia, 2022.

Method

A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted. Data were collected at selected hospitals, after obtaining ethical approval from the institutional review board. Descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and multivariable binary logistic regression analysis were performed. A P-value less than 0.05 were taken as statistically significant.

Result

A total of 200 patients who underwent emergency surgery were grouped into the anemia group (100 patients) while the rest were in the non-anemia group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding socio-demographic and intraoperative patient characteristics. Based on multivariate logistic regression, anemia group had a significant risk of perioperative transfusion requirement (Relative Risk (RR) = 4.030, p < 0.001), developing postoperative complications (RR = 1.868, p = 0.017), occurring in-hospital mortality (RR = 5.763, p = 0.045), prolong the length of hospital stay (RR = 4.028, p < 0.001), and requiring postoperative intensive care unit admission (RR = 6.332, p = 0.003) compared with non-anemia groups.

Conclusion

Preoperative anemia was associated with a higher rate of perioperative transfusion requirements, along with increased postoperative complication, increased in-hospital mortality, increased Intensive Critical Care Unit admission rate, and prolonged length of hospital stay. We recommend adequate preoperative assessment and correction of hemoglobin concentrations to normal values to improve surgical outcomes and reduce complications.

Emergency surgery of intra-articular calcaneal fractures using sinus tarsi approach with modified reduction technique

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate emergency surgery of calcaneal fractures using the sinus tarsi approach (STA) with modified reduction technique in terms of complication rates, iconography results and functional outcome.

METHODS

We evaluated the outcomes of 26 patients treated in an emergency using STA with modified reduction technique. For that, we assessed Böhler´s angle, Gissane angle, reduction of the calcaneal body, and posterior facet, the visual analog scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, complications, preoperative time, operative time, and in-hospital time.

RESULTS

Recovery of calcaneal anatomy and articular surface were found at final follow-up. The mean Böhler´s angle at final follow-up were 30.68° ± 3.69°, of which was 15.02° ± 3.88° preoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean Gissane angle at final follow-up were 114.54° ± 11.16° of which was 88.86° ±10.96° preoperatively (p < 0.001). All cases had the varus/valgus angle of the tuber within 5 degrees. At the final follow-up, the mean AOFAS score was 89.23 ± 4.63, and the VAS score was 22.73 ± 6.5.

CONCLUSIONS

Emergency surgery using STA with modified reduction technique is reliable, effective, and safe for treatment of calcaneal fractures. This technique can bring good clinical outcomes and a low rate of wound complications, reducing the in-hospital time, costs, and accelerating rehabilitation.

Assessing and managing frailty in emergency laparotomy: a WSES position paper

Many countries are facing an aging population. As people live longer, surgeons face the prospect of operating on increasingly older patients. Traditional teaching is that with older age, these patients face an increased risk of mortality and morbidity, even to a level deemed too prohibitive for surgery. However, this is not always true. An active 90-year-old patient can be much fitter than an overweight, sedentary 65-year-old patient with comorbidities. Recent literature shows that frailty-an age-related cumulative decline in multiple physiological systems, is therefore a better predictor of mortality and morbidity than chronological age alone. Despite recognition of frailty as an important tool in identifying vulnerable surgical patients, many surgeons still shun objective tools. The aim of this position paper was to perform a review of the existing literature and to provide recommendations on emergency laparotomy and in frail patients. This position paper was reviewed by an international expert panel composed of 37 experts who were asked to critically revise the manuscript and position statements. The position paper was conducted according to the WSES methodology. We shall present the derived statements upon which a consensus was reached, specifying the quality of the supporting evidence and suggesting future research directions.

Robotic colorectal surgery in the emergent diverticulitis setting: is it safe? A review of large national database

BACKGROUND

As robotic colorectal surgery continues to advance in conjunction with improved recovery protocols, we began implementing robotic surgery (RS) as an option for emergent diverticulitis surgery. Our hospital system utilizes the Da Vinci Xi system, and staff are required to undergo training, making emergent colorectal surgery a feasible option. However, it is essential to determine the safety with reproducibility of our experiences.

METHODS

A de-identified retrospective review was performed of Intuitive's national database which obtained data from 262 facilities from January 2018 through December 2021. This identified over 22,000 emergent colorectal surgeries. Of those, over 2500 were performed for diverticulitis in which 126 were RS, 446 laparoscopic surgery (LS), and 1952 open surgery (OS). Clinical outcome metrics including conversion rates, anastomotic leaks, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions, length of stay, mortality, and readmissions were obtained. The cohort was defined by patients who were seen in the emergency department (ED) with diverticulitis and proceeded to have a sigmoid colectomy within 24 h of ED arrival.

RESULTS

RS was associated with increased operating time (RS 262, LS 207, OS 182 min), but data has shown many benefits of emergent RS compared to OS. We identified significant decreases in ICU admission rates (OS 19.0%, RS 9.5%, p = 0.01) and anastomotic leak rates (OS 4.4%, RS 0.8%, p = 0.04), with borderline improvement in overall length of stay (OS 9.9, RS 8.9 days, p = 0.05). When compared with LS, RS showed many comparable results. However, RS witnessed a statistically significant improvement in anastomotic leak rates (LS 4.5%, RS 0.8%, p = 0.04). Importantly, there was a striking difference in conversion rates to OS. LS converted over 28.7% of cases to OS, whereas RS only converted 7.9%, p = 0.000005.

CONCLUSION

Given these findings, RS is another MIS tool that could be a safe and feasible option for the acute management of emergent diverticulitis.

The incidence of hypotension during general anesthesia: a single-center study at a university hospital

BACKGROUND

Although intraoperative hypotension (IOH) has been emerging as a serious concern during general anesthesia, the incidence of IOH has not been demonstrated clearly in the Japanese population.

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study investigated the incidence and the characteristics of IOH in non-cardiac surgery at a university hospital. IOH was defined as at least one fall of MAP during general anesthesia, which was categorized into the following groups: mild (65 to < 75 mmHg), moderate (55 to < 65 mmHg), severe (45 to < 55 mmHg), and very severe (< 45 mmHg). The incidence of IOH was calculated as a percentage of the number of events to the total anesthesia cases. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine factors affecting IOH.

RESULTS

Eleven thousand two hundred ten cases out of 13,226 adult patients were included in the analysis. We found moderate to very severe hypotension occurred in 86.3% of the patients for at least 1 to 5 min, and 48.5% experienced severe or very severe hypotension. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated female gender, vascular surgery, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification (ASA-PS) 4 or 5 in emergency surgery, and the combination with the epidural block (EDB) were significant factors of IOH.

CONCLUSIONS

IOH during general anesthesia was very frequent in the Japanese population. Female gender, vascular surgery, ASA-PA 4 or 5 in emergency surgery, and the combination with EDB were independent risk factors associated with IOH. However, the association with patient outcomes were not elucidated.

An ensemble machine learning approach to predict postoperative mortality in older patients undergoing emergency surgery

BACKGROUND

Prediction of preoperative frailty risk in the emergency setting is a challenging issue because preoperative evaluation cannot be done sufficiently. In a previous study, the preoperative frailty risk prediction model used only diagnostic and operation codes for emergency surgery and found poor predictive performance. This study developed a preoperative frailty prediction model using machine learning techniques that can be used in various clinical settings with improved predictive performance.

METHODS

This is a national cohort study including 22,448 patients who were older than 75 years and visited the hospital for emergency surgery from the cohort of older patients among the retrieved sample from the Korean National Health Insurance Service. The diagnostic and operation codes were one-hot encoded and entered into the predictive model using the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) as a machine learning technique. The predictive performance of the model for postoperative 90-day mortality was compared with those of previous frailty evaluation tools such as Operation Frailty Risk Score (OFRS) and Hospital Frailty Risk Score (HFRS) using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

The predictive performance of the XGBoost, OFRS, and HFRS for postoperative 90-day mortality was 0.840, 0.607, and 0.588 on a c-statistics basis, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Using machine learning techniques, XGBoost to predict postoperative 90-day mortality, using diagnostic and operation codes, the prediction performance was improved significantly over the previous risk assessment models such as OFRS and HFRS.