Randomized clinical trial evaluating the need for routine nasogastric decompression after elective hepatic resection

Consensus document from the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation: Enhanced recovery after liver transplantation

The goal of the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation (Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático) is to promote and create consensus documents about current topics in liver transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach. To this end, in November 2022, the 10th Consensus Document Meeting was held, with the participation of experts from the 26 authorized Spanish liver transplantation programs. This edition discusses enhanced recovery after liver transplantation, dividing needed actions into 3periods: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. The evaluated evidence and the consensus conclusions for each of these topics are described.

Placement of Nasogastric Tubes in Pancreaticoduodenectomy Patients: Switching from Immediate Intraoperative Removal to Avoiding Unnecessary Perioperative Use

BACKGROUND

The placement of nasogastric tubes (NGTs) in abdominal surgery has been adopted for decades to attenuate ileus and prevent aspiration pneumonia. In the recent era, the guidelines recommend not using NGT routinely, and even in pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), immediate removal of NGT in operating rooms (ORs) was suggested. However, the clinical outcome and safety of abandoning NGT during the pre-PD and intra-PD periods remain unknown.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center retrospective review on adult PD patients aged between 20 and 75 years from 2013 to 2022. The study population was grouped into the NGT group (NGT was placed before PD and immediately removed in the ORs) and the non-NGT group (NGT was not placed preoperatively). Safety was evaluated by the number of adverse events. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the need of NGT insertion in ORs among PD patients.

RESULTS

The case numbers in the NGT and non-NGT groups were 391 and 578, respectively. No case in the non-NGT group needed the intraoperative insertion of NGT. The rate of pulmonary complications was 2.3% in the NGT group compared to 1.6% in the non-NGT group (P = 0.400). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in terms of rates of major complications (12.8% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.089) or mortality (1.0% vs. 1.0%, P =0.980) between the two groups. The rates of the postoperative insertion of NGT in the NGT and non-NGT groups were 2.6% and 2.8% (P = 0.840), respectively.

CONCLUSION

For selected PD patients, the placement of NGT during pre-PD and intra-PD periods may be safely omitted. This primary study is considered the first foundation stone in the extension of the element of no NGT in PD.

Consensus document from the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation: enhanced recovery after liver transplantation

The goal of the Spanish Society for Liver Transplantation (La Sociedad Española de Trasplante Hepático) is to promote and create consensus documents about current topics in liver transplantation with a multidisciplinary approach. To this end, in November 2022, the 10th Consensus Document Meeting was held, with the participation of experts from the 26 authorized Spanish liver transplantation programs. This edition discusses Enhanced Recovery After Liver Transplantation, dividing needed actions into three periods: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. The evaluated evidence and the consensus conclusions for each of these topics are described.

Predicting early biliary infection after stenting of malignant biliary obstruction: model development and internal validation

PURPOSE

To analyze the risk factors and develop a clinical prediction model for early biliary infection (EBI) after percutaneous transhepatic biliary stenting (PTBS) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO).

METHODS

The clinical data of 236 patients with MBO treated with PTBS from June 2012 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Independent risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression, and a nomogram model was constructed based on the results. Discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of this model were further assessed.

RESULTS

The technical success rate of PTBS was 100%, and EBI after PTBS was 20.3%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that hilar MBO (P = 0.020), diabetes (P = 0.001), previous surgical or endoscopic intervention (P = 0.007), procedure time > 60 min (P = 0.007), and intraprocedural biliary hemorrhage (P = 0.003) were independent risk factors for EBI after PTBS. A nomogram model was developed to predict the probability of EBI. ROC curves showed good discrimination of the model (area under curve = 0.831). The calibration plot indicated that the predicted probability of EBI by this model was in good agreement with the actual probability of EBI. The DCA curves showed that the net benefit of nomogram-assisted decisions was higher than or equal to the net benefit of treatment for all or none at a wide threshold probability (0-0.8).

CONCLUSION

The nomogram model based on the above independent risk factors can predict the probability of EBI and model-assisted treatment decisions contribute to improved clinical outcome. Therefore, MBO patients with probability of EBI > 0.20 based on the model should be recommended for perioperative broad-spectrum antibiotics and close monitoring.

Delayed return of gastrointestinal function after hepatectomy in an ERAS program: incidence and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Delayed return of gastrointestinal function (DGIF) after hepatectomy can involve increased morbidity and prolonged hospital stay. Yet, data on incidence and risks factors are lacking.

METHODS

All consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy between June 2018 and December 2020 were included. All patients were included in an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program. DGIF was defined by the need for nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion after surgery. DGIF risk factors were identified.

RESULTS

Overall, 206 patients underwent hepatectomy. DGIF occurred in 41 patients (19.9%) after a median time of 2 days (range, 1-14). Among them, 6 patients (14.6%) developed aspiration pneumonia, of which one required ICU for mechanical ventilation. DGIF developed along with an intraabdominal complication in 7 patients (biliary fistula, n = 5; anastomotic fistula, n = 1; adhesive small bowel obstruction, n = 1). DGIF was associated with significantly increased severe morbidity rate (p = 0.001), prolonged time to normal food intake (p < 0.001) and hospital stay (p < 0.001) and significantly decreased overall compliance rate (p = 0.001). Independent risk factors of DGIF were age (p < 0.001), vascular reconstruction (p = 0.007), anaesthetic induction using volatiles (p = 0.003) and epidural analgesia (p = 0.004). Using these 4 variables, a simple DGIF risk score has been developed allowing patient stratification in low-, intermediate- and high-risk groups.

CONCLUSION

DGIF after hepatectomy was frequently observed and significantly impacted postoperative outcomes. Identifying risk factors remains critical for preventing its occurrence.

Enhanced recovery after surgery: operation-related factors

Background: The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program, which has been recently introduced in the field of perioperative care, represents a multimodal strategy to attenuate the loss, and improve the restoration, of functional capacity after surgery. This program aims to reduce morbidity and enhance recovery by reducing surgical stress, optimizing pain control, and facilitating early resumption of an oral diet and early mobilization. Considering this perspective, protocols for enhanced recovery should include comprehensive and evidence-based guidelines for best perioperative care. Appropriate protocol implementation may reduce complication rates and enhance functional recovery and thereby reduce the duration of hospitalization.Current Concepts: In major abdominal surgeries, the recommended ERAS protocols involve common items such as preoperative counseling, preoperative optimization, prehabilitation, preoperative nutrition, fasting and carbohydrate loading, bowel preparation, thromboprophylaxis, antimicrobial prophylaxis, surgical access, drainage, nasogastric intubation, urinary drainage, early mobilization and prevention of postoperative ileus, postoperative glycemic control, and postoperative nutritional care. These items have been briefly reviewed with the relevant evidence.Discussion and Conclusion: ERAS is a comprehensive and evidence-based guideline for optimal perioperative care. Although a number of ERAS items still require high-level evidence through well-designed randomized controlled trials, the ERAS guidelines can serve as adequate recommendations for our practice. Thus, these items can be introduced and adopted with evidence. In addition, it is important to remove items that are not supported by evidence from routine procedures.

Nonoperative management without nasogastric tube decompression for adhesive small bowel obstruction

BACKGROUND

Although nasogastric tube (NGT) decompression is widely used in nonoperative management for adhesive small bowel obstruction (SBO), robust evidence is lacking to support this routine practice.

METHODS

Patients who received nonoperative management with a diagnosis of adhesive SBO were retrospectively reviewed. Those who received NGT or long-tube decompression at admission were categorized into the NGT group, while those who initially had no NGT placement were categorized into the non-NGT group. The incidence of vomiting after admission, pneumonia after admission, and the need for surgery were compared.

RESULTS

Among 288 patients, 148 (51.3%) had non-NGT conservative treatment. There were no significant differences in the incidence of vomiting (NGT vs non-NGT: 12.9% vs 18.9%, p = 0.16), pneumonia (1.4% vs 0%, p = 0.235), or need for surgery (12.9% vs 7.4%, p = 0.126).

CONCLUSIONS

While NGT decompression is a standard of care for adhesive SBO, selective NGT insertion for patients with persistent nausea or vomiting can become an option.

Impact of routine nasogastric decompression versus no nasogastric decompression after pancreaticoduodenectomy on perioperative outcomes: meta-analysis

Background

Consensus on the use of nasogastric decompression (NGD) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is lacking. This meta-analysis reviewed current evidence on the impact of routine NGD versus no NGD after PD on perioperative outcomes.

Methods

PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched for studies reporting on the role of NGD after PD on perioperative outcomes. Data up to January 2021were retrieved and analysed.

Results

Eight studies were included, with a total of 1301 patients enrolled, of whom 668 had routine NGD. Routine NGD was associated with a higher incidence of overall delayed gastric emptying (DGE) (odds ratio (OR) 2.51, 95 per cent c.i. 1.12 to 5.63, I² = 83 per cent; P = 0.03) and clinically relevant DGE (OR 3.64, 95 per cent c.i. 1.83 to 7.25, I² = 54 per cent; P < 0.01), a higher rate of Clavien–Dindo grade II or higher complications (OR 3.12, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 9.28, I² = 88 per cent; P = 0.04) and increased length of hospital stay (mean difference 2.67, 95 per cent c.i. 0.60 to 4.75, I² = 97 per cent; P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in overall complications (OR 1.07, 95 per cent c.i. 0.79 to 1.46, I² = 0 per cent; P = 0.66) or postoperative pancreatic fistula (OR 1.21, 95 per cent c.i. 0.86 to 1.72, I² = 0 per cent; P = 0.28) between patients with or those without routine NGD.

Conclusion

Routine NGD was associated with increased rates of DGE, major complications and longer length of stay after PD.

Effect of enhanced recovery after surgery protocol on recovery after open hepatectomy: a randomized clinical trial

Purpose

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) is beneficial to patients undergoing digestive surgery. However, its efficacy in patients undergoing open hepatectomy remains unclear.

Methods

Consecutive patients scheduled for open hepatectomy were randomly assigned to undergo either ERAS or conventional postoperative management. The primary endpoint was the amount of time that elapsed before patients were considered medically fit for discharge (MFD) and length of hospital stay (LOHS). Secondary endpoints included morbidity, mortality, the time to first flatus, defecation, first walk, and freedom from infusion. Perioperative serum nutritional markers, insulin resistance, respiratory quotient (RQ), and resting energy expenditure (REE) were also assessed.

Results

Between August 2014 and March 2017, 57 patients were randomized into 2 groups; ERAS group (n = 29) and conventional management (n = 28). The median MFD was not significantly different between the ERAS and conventional management groups (6.5 vs. 7 days; P = 0.381). Recovery from gastrointestinal paresis was significantly quicker in the ERAS group (1.8 vs. 2.4 days; P = 0.004). There were no significant differences in serum markers, insulin resistance, RQ, and REE.

Conclusion

This trial did not demonstrate greater efficacy of the ERAS protocol following open hepatectomy in terms of the MFD and LOHS. However, the ERAS protocol was associated with better recovery from postoperative gastrointestinal paresis, suggesting that it is useful for patients undergoing open hepatectomy.

Nasogastric Decompression vs No Decompression After Pancreaticoduodenectomy: The Randomized Clinical IPOD Trial

Importance

Although standardization of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) has improved postoperative outcomes, morbidity remains high. Fast-track surgery programs appear to improve morbidity, and avoiding nasogastric tube decompression (NGTD), already outdated in most major abdominal surgery, is strongly suggested after PD by fast-track surgery programs but lacks high-level evidence, especially regarding safety.

Objective

To assess in a randomized clinical trial whether the absence of systematic NGTD after PD reduces postoperative complications.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The IPOD study (Impact of the Absence of Nasogastric Decompression After Pancreaticoduodenectomy) was an open-label, prospective, single-center, randomized clinical trial conducted at a high-volume pancreatic surgery university hospital in France. In total, 155 patients who were 18 to 75 years of age and required PD for benign or malignant disease were screened for study eligibility. Key exclusion criteria were previous gastric or esophageal surgery and severe comorbidities. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to systematic NGTD or to no nasogastric decompression and were followed up until 90 days after surgery.

Interventions

For patients without NGTD, the NGT was removed immediately after surgery, whereas for patients with NGTD, the NGT was removed 3 to 5 days after surgery.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary end point was the occurrence of postoperative complications grade II or higher using the Clavien-Dindo classification. The primary end point and safety were evaluated in the intent-to-treat population.

Results

From January 2016 to August 2018, 125 screened patients were considered eligible for the study, and 111 were randomized to no NGTD (n = 52) or to NGTD (n = 59). No patient was lost to follow-up. The 2 groups had similar patient demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline. The median (interquartile range) age was 63.0 (57.0-66.5) years in the group with NGTD (38 [64.4%] were males) and 64.0 (58.0-68.0) years in the group without NGTD (31 [59.6%] were males). The postoperative complication rates grade II or higher were similar between the 2 groups (risk ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.66-1.47; P > .99). Pulmonary complication rates (risk ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.18-1.95; P = .44) and delayed gastric emptying rates (risk ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.52-2.21; P > .99) were not significantly different between the groups. Median (interquartile) length of hospital stay for patients without NGTD was not significantly different compared with those with NGTD (10.0 [9.0-16.3] vs 12.0 [10.0-16.0] days; P = .14).

Conclusions and Relevance

The present study found no significant difference in postoperative complication occurrence of Clavien-Dindo classification grade II or higher between systematic NGTD and no NGTD after PD, suggesting that avoiding systematic nasogastric decompression is safe for this indication.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02594956.

Early Versus Late Oral Refeeding After Pancreaticoduodenectomy for Malignancy: a Comparative Belgian-French Study in Two Tertiary Centers

BACKGROUND

In the era of fast-track surgery, because pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) carries a significant morbidity, surgeons hesitate to begin early oral feeding and achieve early discharge. We compared the outcome of two different approaches to the postoperative management of PD in two tertiary centers.

METHODS

Of patients having undergone PD for malignancy from 2008 to 2017, 100 patients who received early postoperative oral feeding (group A) were compared to 100 patients from another center who received early enteral feeding and a delayed oral diet (group B). Surgical indication and approach and type of pancreatic anastomosis were similar between both groups. Postoperative outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Patient characteristics were similar between both groups, except significantly more neoadjuvant treatment in group A (A = 20% vs. B = 9%, p < 0.01). Mortality rates were 3% and 4% in groups A and B, respectively (p = 0.71). The rate of severe postoperative morbidity was significantly lower in group A (13% vs. 26%, p = 0.02), resulting in a lower reoperation rate (p < 0.01). Delayed gastric emptying and clinically relevant pancreatic fistula were similar between both groups but chyle leaks were more frequent in group A (10% vs. 3%, p = 0.04). The median hospital stay was shorter in group A (16 vs. 20 days, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, early postoperative oral feeding after PD was associated with a shorter hospital stay and did not increase severe postoperative morbidity or the rate of pancreatic fistula. However, it resulted in more chyle leaks and did not prevent delayed gastric emptying.

ERAS in minimally invasive hepatectomy

Open hepatectomy is associated with significant post-operative morbidity and mortality profile. The use of minimally invasive approach for hepatectomy can reduce the post-operative complication profile and total length of hospital stay. Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs involve evidence-based multimodal care pathways designed to achieve early recovery for patients undergoing major surgery. This review will discuss the published evidence, challenges and future directions for ERAS in minimally invasive hepatectomy.

Efficacy of gastric decompression after pancreatic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Gastric decompression after pancreatic surgery has been a routine procedure for many years. However, this procedure has often been waived in non-pancreatic abdominal surgeries. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the necessity of routine gastric decompression (RGD) following pancreatic surgery.

Methods

PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify relevant studies comparing outcomes of RGD and no gastric decompression (NGD) after pancreatic surgery. The overall complications, major complications, mortality, delayed gastric emptying (DGE); clinically relevant DGE (CR-DGE), postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF), clinically relevant POPF (CR-POPF), secondary gastric decompression, and the length of hospital stay were evaluated.

Results

A total of six comparative studies with a total of 940 patients were included. There were no differences between RGD and NGD groups in terms of the overall complications (OR = 1.73, 95% CI: 0.60–5.00; p = 0.31), major complications (OR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.00–4.91; p = 0.05), incidence of secondary gastric decompression (OR = 1.19, 95% CI: 0.60–2.02; p = 0.61), incidence of overall DGE (OR = 2.74; 95% CI: 0.88–8.56; p = 0.08; I² = 88%), incidence of CR-POPF (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.76–2.15; p = 0.36), and incidence of POPF (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 0.81–2.14; p = 0.27). However, RGD was associated with a higher incidence of CR-DGE (OR = 5.45; 95% CI: 2.68–11.09; p < 0.001, I² = 35%), a higher rate of mortality (OR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.05–2.24; p = 0.03; I² = 83%), and a longer length of hospital stay (WMD = 5.43, 95% CI: 0.30 to 10.56; p = 0.04; I² = 93%).

Conclusions

Routine gastric decompression in patients after pancreatic surgery was not associated with a better recovery, and may be unnecessary after pancreatic surgery.

Is routine nasogastric decompression after hepatic surgery necessary? A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Currently the nasogastric tube (NGT) is routinely inserted in clinical after abdominal surgery for decompression in China, yet the practice varies between regions, the role of NGT for the patients after hepatic surgery remains unclear. Therefore, this present meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of NGT placement after hepatic surgery.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis DATA SOURCES: PUBMED, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Wanfang Database (until Mar 30, 2019) were systematically searched.

REVIEW METHODS

Randomized controlled studies (RCTs) comparing the efficacy and safety of NGT and no NGT treatment after hepatic surgery were included. Data were synthesized using a random-effects or fixed effect model according to the heterogeneity. Outcomes were presented as Mantel-Haenszel style odd ratios (ORs) or mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

RESULTS

Seven studies with 1306 patients were eligible for inclusion. Compared with NGT treatment, the no NGT decompression could shorten the time to first defecation (MD -0.59; -0.79, -0.39), reduce the time to start diet (MD -0.46; -0.90, -0.03), and decrease the length of hospital stay (MD 0.48; -0.93, -0.03), but it could also increase the risk of NGT re-intubation (OR 6.8; 1.77, 26.72), no significant differences were detected on the first passage of flatus (MD -0.34; -0.86, 0.18), the incidence of nausea (OR 0.81; 0.40, 1.67), vomiting (OR 1.06; 0.19, 5.93), abdominal distention (OR 0.87; 0.60, 1.25).

CONCLUSION

Given that very limited information for some endpoints in this present meta-analysis, the routinely insertion of NGT after hepatic surgery is not justified, the no NGT decompression seems to be more beneficial to the prognosis of patients after hepatic surgery, more related studies on this issue are needed.

ENHANCED RECOVERY (ERAS) AFTER LIVER SURGERY:COMPARATIVE STUDY IN A BRAZILIAN TERCIARY CENTER

BACKGROUND

After the publication of the first recommendations of ERAS Society regarding colonic surgery, the proposal of surgical stress reduction, maintenance of physiological functions and optimized recovery was expanded to other surgical specialties, with minimal variations.

AIM

To analyze the implementation of ERAS protocols for liver surgery in a tertiary center.

METHODS

Fifty patients that underwent elective hepatic surgery were retrospectively evaluated, using medical records data, from June 2014 to August 2016. After September 2016, 35 patients were prospectively evaluated and managed in accordance with ERAS protocol.

RESULTS

There was no difference in age, type of hepatectomy, laparoscopic surgery and postoperative complications between the groups. In ERAS group, it was observed a reduction in preoperative fasting and in the length of hospital stay by two days (p< 0.001). Carbohydrate loading, j-shaped incision, early oral feeding, postoperative prevention of nausea and vomiting and early mobilization were also significantly related to ERAS group. Oral bowel preparation, pre-anesthetic medication, sub-costal incision, prophylactic nasogastric intubation and abdominal drainage were more common in control group.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of ERAS protocol is feasible and beneficial for health institutions and patients, without increasing morbidity and mortality.

Postoperative Infectious Complications Impact Long-Term Survival in Patients Who Underwent Hepatectomies for Colorectal Liver Metastases: a Propensity Score Matching Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Postoperative complications strongly impact the postoperative course and long-term outcome of patients who underwent liver resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). Among them, infectious complications play a relevant role. The aim of this study was to evaluate if infectious complications still impact overall and disease-free survival after liver resection for CRLM once patients were matched with a propensity score matching analysis based on Fong's criteria.

METHODS

A total of 2281 hepatectomies were analyzed from a multicentric retrospective cohort of hepatectomies. Patients were matched with a 1:3 propensity score analysis in order to compare patients with (INF+) and without (INF-) postoperative infectious complications.

RESULTS

Major resection (OR = 1.69 (1.01-2.89), p = 0.05) and operative time (OR = 1.1 (1.1-1.3), p = 0.05) were identified as risk factors of infectious complications. After propensity score matching, infectious complications are associated with overall survival (OS), with 1-, 3-, 5-year OS at 94, 81, and 66% in INF- and 92, 66, and 57% in INF+ respectively (p = 0.01). Disease-free survival (DFS) was also different with regard to 1-, 3-, 5-year survival at 65, 41, and 22% in R0 vs. 50, 28, and 17% in INF+ (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Infectious complications are associated with decreased overall and disease-free survival rates.

Guidelines for Perioperative Care for Liver Surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Society Recommendations

BACKGROUND

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) is a multimodal pathway developed to overcome the deleterious effect of perioperative stress after major surgery. In colorectal surgery, ERAS pathways reduced perioperative morbidity, hospital stay and costs. Similar concept should be applied for liver surgery. This study presents the specific ERAS Society recommendations for liver surgery based on the best available evidence and on expert consensus.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed on ERAS for liver surgery by searching EMBASE and Medline. Five independent reviewers selected relevant articles. Quality of randomized trials was assessed according to the Jadad score and CONSORT statement. The level of evidence for each item was determined using the GRADE system. The Delphi method was used to validate the final recommendations.

RESULTS

A total of 157 full texts were screened. Thirty-seven articles were included in the systematic review, and 16 of the 23 standard ERAS items were studied specifically for liver surgery. Consensus was reached among experts after 3 rounds. Prophylactic nasogastric intubation and prophylactic abdominal drainage should be omitted. The use of postoperative oral laxatives and minimally invasive surgery results in a quicker bowel recovery and shorter hospital stay. Goal-directed fluid therapy with maintenance of a low intraoperative central venous pressure induces faster recovery. Early oral intake and mobilization are recommended. There is no evidence to prefer epidural to other types of analgesia.

CONCLUSIONS

The current ERAS recommendations were elaborated based on the best available evidence and endorsed by the Delphi method. Nevertheless, prospective studies need to confirm the clinical use of the suggested protocol.

Early recovery pathway for hepatectomy: data-driven liver resection care and recovery

In recent years, great progress has been made toward safer hepatobiliary surgical interventions. This has resulted in more widely available treatments for patients who in the past were ineligible for curative resection of primary liver tumors, liver metastases, and advanced biliary tumors. However, the rise in procedures has seen increasingly heterogeneous perioperative management, yielding strikingly disparate outcomes. A number of groups have attempted to standardize perioperative care in an effort to create enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) and provide clinicians with a dependable roadmap to success following hepatectomy. In the future, each aspect of perioperative care could be pre-ordained with emphasis on nutrition, anesthesia, prophylaxis, use of surgical drains, post-operative fluid and electrolyte management, and contact with physician extenders following discharge. This article reviews the data behind ERPs preceding and following hepatectomy. It includes primary data justifying practices in post-hepatectomy support. It also touches on the benefits of minimally invasive hepatectomy and offers future directions for research in peri-hepatectomy ERPs. Overall, this article seeks to formulate a pathway for practice based on data, with enough details to allow creation of rational order sets for efficient and superior practice.

Reassessment of different criteria for diagnosing post-hepatectomy liver failure: a single-center study of 1683 hepatectomy

Assessing the incidence and severity of post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) can be based on different criteria, and we wished to compare the diagnostic efficiency and specificity of different PHLF criteria. Data from patients (n=1683) who received hepatectomies in the liver surgery department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital from April 2008 to August 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Possible PHLF patients were screened according to the criteria of the International Study Group of Liver Surgery (ISGLS). Subsequently, other PHLF evaluation methods, including Child-Pugh score, “50-50” criteria, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and Clavien-Dindo classification were used to assess the suspected PHLF patients, and statistical analysis was performed for correlation of these methods with clinical prognoses. Using ISGLS grading, 40 cases (2.38%) were suspected to have PHLF, among whom 5 (0.30%) patients died. Of the 40 cases there were 9 patients of ISGLS grade A, 21 of grade B, and 10 of grade C. Among the entire group, Child-Pugh scoring showed 3 patients in grade A, 35 in grade B, and 2 in grade C, while only 5 patients met the “50-50” criteria. Interestingly, MELD scores ≥11 points were found only in 3 cases. Twenty-eight patients were classified as Clavien-Dindo grade I, 8 as grade II, 3 as grade III, and 1 as grade IV. Prothrombin time on postoperative day 5 (PT5), ISGLS, and Clavien-Dindo were found to have significant correlation with the prognosis of PHLF (r>0.5, p <0.05), thus can be used as prognosis predictors for PHLF patients.

Fast track for open hepatectomy: A systemic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Liver resection (LR) is preferred treatment for malignancies or benign masses of liver. Using multiple elements, fast track (FT) program was introduced to abdominal surgery associating with fast functional recovery and shorter hospital length of stay (LoS). This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of FT program for patients following liver resection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched the PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase for trials up to December 2015 to compare the FT program to the conventional group. The main outcome was assessed of complication rate (including liver specific or general complication rate), thirty-day postoperative mortality, readmission rate and the length of hospital stay.

RESULTS

Four randomized control trials (RCTs) and three cohort trials (CTs) were to make a quantitative synthesis including 1027 patients. The LoS was reduced following FT groups (weighted mean difference [WMD], 2.24 days; 95% CI 3.69-0.79; P < 0.005). No significant differences were noted in overall complication (risk ratio [RR], 0.94; 95% CI, 0.79-1.12; p = 0.49), mortality (RR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.19-2.15; p = 0.46) and readmission rate (RR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.54-1.79; p = 0.97). However, the general complication showed a difference favoring FT group (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.49-0.95; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

This review, firstly using the quantitative synthesis in FT program following LR, indicates that FT program can shorten the length of hospital stay and accelerate the postoperative recovery in a safe and effective ways without increasing in mortality, morbidity and readmission rate.

Nonstrict and individual enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in partial hepatectomy

Background

We aimed to evaluate postoperative recovery and short-term outcomes of patients undergoing partial hepatectomy managed with a nonstrict and individual enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 168 partial hepatectomy patients in our institution was included. The discharged day and the respective impact of element application throughout the duration were analyzed.

Results

When all the required elements of ERAS were fully implemented, the median discharge day was 6. The more deviation occurred, the more delayed the patient discharged (P < 0.01). Preoperative ASA score, basic conditions of patients and ages were revealed closely associated with discharge day (P < 0.001). Without or an early removal of tubes and early oral feeding reduced hospital stay statistically (P < 0.01). Early discharge of patients (<3 days) did not show an increased complication incidence or readmission (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Nonstrict and individual use of ERAS in partial hepatectomy reduced postoperative length of stay without increasing complication rate. Our study proposes a modulation of ERAS according to the needs and acceptance of patients. In a word, better optionally required rather than mandatorily meet.

The implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) program following pancreatic surgery in an academic medical center of China

INTRODUCTION

The experience of implementing enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs in pancreatic surgery is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ERAS program in pancreatic surgery in an academic medical center of China.

METHODS

Between May 2014 and August 2015, 124 patients managed with an ERAS program following pancreatic surgery (ERAS group), were compared to a historical cohort of 63 patients, treated with traditional perioperative care between August 2013 and April 2014 (no-ERAS group). Postoperative hospital stay (POPH), unplanned reoperation, unplanned readmissions, mortality and complications were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

Mean POPH of all patients was significantly reduced (p = 0.007) from 17.1 days (no-ERAS group) to 11.7 days (ERAS group). Especially, mean POPH was reduced significantly in ERAS group of patient with no (7.0 vs. 8.7, p = 0.020) or grade I-II (10.6 vs. 14.4, p = 0.001) complications. There was no difference of complication grades and types between two groups, as well as the rate of mortality, unplanned reoperation and readmission.

CONCLUSION

The ERAS program is safe and feasible for patients undergoing pancreatic surgery, and it can decrease the postoperative hospital stay.

Randomized Controlled Trial for Evaluation of the Routine Use of Nasogastric Tube Decompression After Elective Liver Surgery

BACKGROUND

The value of routine nasogastric tube (NGT) decompression after elective hepatetctomy is not yet established. Previous studies in the setting of non-liver abdominal surgery suggested that the use of NGT decreased the incidence of nausea or vomiting, while increasing the frequency of pulmonary complications.

STUDY DESIGN

Out of a total of 284 consecutive patients undergoing hepatectomy, 210 patients were included in this study. The patients were randomized to a group that received NGT decompression (NGT group; n = 108), in which a NGT was left in place after surgery until the patient passed flatus or stool, or a group that did not receive NGT decompression (no-NGT group; n = 102), in which the NGT was removed at the end of surgery.

RESULTS

There were no differences between the NGT group and no-NGT group in terms of the overall morbidity (34.3 vs 35.3 %; P = 0.99), incidence of pulmonary complications (18.5 vs 19.5 %; P = 0.84), frequency of postoperative vomiting (6.5 vs 7.8 %; P = 0.70), time to start of oral intake (median (range) 3 (2-6) vs 3 (2-6) days; P = 0.69), or postoperative duration of hospital stay (19 (7-74) vs 18 (9-186) days; P = 0.37). In the no-NGT group, three patients required reinsertion of the tube 0 (0-3) days after surgery. In the NGT group, severe discomfort was recorded in five patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine NGT decompression after elective hepatectomy does not appear to have any advantages.

A Conceptual Technique for Laparoscopic Right Hepatectomy Based on Facts and Oncologic Principles: The Caudal Approach

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate a new conceptual technique of laparoscopic right hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND

Despite significant improvements in surgical care in the last decades, morbidity is still high after major hepatectomy. Blood loss and transfusions are known to significantly increase the risk of postoperative complications and cancer recurrence after liver resection. A laparoscopic approach may improve perioperative outcomes in these cases, but data in literature are limited and the surgical technique is not yet standardized.

METHODS

A new conceptual technique of right hepatectomy was designed using evidence-based facts and oncologic rules: laparoscopy with pneumoperitoneum, low central venous pressure, intermittent pedicle clamping, anterior approach without mobilization, and parenchymal section with ultrasonic dissector. Thirty patients were prospectively enrolled between October 2011 and September 2013. Primary endpoint was intraoperative blood loss.

RESULTS

Eighty percent of patients underwent surgery for malignant disease and cirrhosis was present in 11 patients. Benign lesions accounted for 13% of indications, whereas living liver donation was performed in 2 cases. Median blood loss was 100 mL (50-700) and transfusion rate was 7%. Five patients (16.6%) required conversion to laparotomy, including 2 using hybrid technique. The median operative time was 360 minutes (210-510). R0 resection rate was 87% (21/24). Postoperative morbidity rate was 23% (7/30) with 8 complications including 6 Clavien III-IV. No respiratory complication occurred. The median hospital stay was 8 days. No patient died.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that several evidence-based facts could be combined to define a new conceptual technique of laparoscopic right hepatectomy allowing for low blood loss and morbidity.

Applicability of enhanced recovery program for advanced liver surgery

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery programs (ERPs) have been developed in various surgical fields and have been shown to accelerate postoperative recovery without increasing the incidence of adverse events. Whether ERP can be safely applied to patients undergoing complex liver surgery with a risk of liver failure remains unclear.

METHODS

We created an ERP by rearranging our conventional postoperative treatments and applied this program to patients undergoing major hepatectomy between 2008 and 2013. The ERP elements included greater perioperative education, individualized postoperative fluid therapy, and early mobilization. The success of the ERP was evaluated on postoperative day (POD) 6 based on the criterion of independence from continuous medical intervention with the exception of an abdominal drainage tube. Adherence to each item in the ERP was evaluated, and risk factors for delayed accomplishment were analyzed.

RESULTS

Altogether, 200 patients were included, and 165 patients (82.5 %) completed the ERP. Multivariate analyses showed that (1) an age of 65 years or older and (2) a red blood cell transfusion were independent risk factors for delayed accomplishment. The performance of thoracotomy or choledocojejunostomy did not significantly affect accomplishment of the ERP. Oral intake starting on POD 1 was achieved in 179 patients (89.5 %), and termination of intravenous drip infusions on POD 5 was feasible in 72.5 %.

CONCLUSIONS

An ERP for major hepatectomy was completed in more than 80 % of the patients. Earlier bowel movement can be challenged. The liquid in-out balance should be adjusted on an individual basis, rather than uniformly, especially for patients over 65 years of age or who required a red blood cell transfusion.

Safety and feasibility of an enhanced recovery pathway after a liver resection: prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In contrast to colorectal surgery, enhanced recovery pathways (ERPs) have not yet become standard practice after major upper abdominal surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and outcomes after implementation of an ERP after liver a resection.

METHODS

Patients who underwent a liver resection in two consecutive 6-month periods before (July-December 2013) and after (January-June 2014) implementation of an ERP were included in a prospective study. Patients who underwent live donation, ALPPS (associating liver partition with portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy) or concomitant procedures were excluded. Peri-operative outcomes were compared between groups, and multivariate analysis of factors influencing the length of hospital stay (LOS) was performed.

RESULTS

Two hundred and eleven patients (93 pre-ERP and 91 post-ERP patients) underwent a liver resection during the study period. There was no significant difference in the median LOS (P = 0.907) and 30-day readmission rates (P = 0.645) between the groups. Severe (Clavien grade III-V) complications were reduced in ERP patients (13.9% versus 4.3%; P = 0.039). On multivariate analysis, an increased age (< 0.001), open resection (< 0.001) and complications (< 0.001) were associated with an increased LOS.

CONCLUSION

Enhanced recovery after a liver resection appears to be safe, feasible and may reduce severe complications. However, the LOS was significantly influenced by patient age, open surgery and post-operative complications, but not by an ERP.

Anesthesia for hepatobiliary surgery

Hepatobiliary surgery outcomes have significantly improved since the early 1970s. Surgical and anesthetic advances related to patient selection, alternative surgical management options, and reduction of operative blood loss have been important. Postoperative analgesic regimens are being modified to include intrathecal opiates and to embrace enhanced recovery regimens.

Identification and validation of risk factors for postoperative infectious complications following hepatectomy

Postoperative infectious complications (PICs) are associated with significant morbidity after abdominal surgery. Using multivariate analysis of data from a prospective database, our study focused on the risk factors for PICs and the prevention of these complications after hepatectomy, with the goal of improving outcomes and reducing the length of hospital stays.

BACKGROUND

PICs following surgery are associated with significant morbidity, increase the length of hospital stays, and have a negative impact on long-term oncological outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for PICs following partial hepatectomy and to validate these results with an external database.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2009, 555 patients underwent elective partial hepatectomy. We prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed demographic data, pathological variables, associated pathological conditions, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. The dependent variables studied were the occurrence of PICs, defined as development of one or more of the following conditions: pneumonia, sepsis, Central line-associated bloodstream infection, urinary tract infection, wound infection, and infected intra-abdominal fluid collection. PICs were devised in medical (PIMCs) and surgical (PISCs) complications. The incidence of PICs and validation of the predictive score were determined using an external prospective database of 342 patients.

RESULTS

The multivariate analysis identified three independent risk factors for PICs: the presence of a nasogastric tube (OR = 1.8), blood transfusion (OR = 1.9), and diabetes (OR = 2.4). The multivariate analysis identified only one independent risk factor for PISCs: an associated portal venous resection (OR = 5.5). The multivariate analysis identified four independent risk factors for PIMCs: presence of a biliary drainage (OR = 1.9), blood transfusion (OR = 2.1), diabetes (OR = 2.9), and presence of atrial fibrillation (OR = 3.6). According to the three predictive factors, the observed rates of PICs ranged from 18.8 % to 77.8 % and ranged from 24.2 % to 100 % in the external database. Predicted and observed risks of PICs were not statistically different.

CONCLUSIONS

The correction of modifiable risk factors among the identified factors could reduce the incidence of PICs and, as a consequence, improve patient outcomes and reduce the length of hospital stays.

Criteria for drain removal following liver resection

BACKGROUND

Abdominal drains have been placed prophylactically and removed in liver resection without robust evidence. The present study was designed to establish the optimal time for removal of such drains.

METHODS

Data on abdominal prophylactic drains were analysed in a consecutive series of patients who underwent liver resection for malignancy between 2006 and 2009. Bilirubin levels in drain fluid were measured and bacteriological cultures were taken on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after surgery. Drains were removed on day 3 if the drain-fluid bilirubin level was less than 5 mg/dl and bacteriological cultures were negative. Drains remained in situ until these conditions were met.

RESULTS

A total of 514 abdominal drains were placed in 316 patients operated on in the study period. Fifty-eight patients (18·4 per cent) had positive drain-fluid cultures and 14 (4·4 per cent) had bile leakage (drain-fluid bilirubin level 5 mg/dl or more). Only one patient required ultrasound-guided abdominal drainage. On multivariable analysis, drain-fluid bilirubin level on day 3 after surgery was the strongest predictor of infection (odds ratio 15·11, 95 per cent confidence interval 3·04 to 92·11; P < 0·001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve on day 3 had the highest predictive value: 83·6 per cent accuracy and 3·9 per cent false-positive rate for a drain-fluid bilirubin level of 3·01 mg/dl (51·5 µmol/l).

CONCLUSION

The '3 × 3 rule' (drain-fluid bilirubin level below 3 mg/dl on day 3 after operation) is an accurate criterion for removal of prophylactically placed abdominal drains in liver resection.

Open versus laparoscopic left lateral hepatic sectionectomy within an enhanced recovery ERAS® programme (ORANGE II-trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Background

The use of lLaparoscopic liver resection in terms of time to functional recovery, length of hospital stay (LOS), long-term abdominal wall hernias, costs and quality of life (QOL) has never been studied in a randomised controlled trial. Therefore, this is the subject of the international multicentre randomised controlled ORANGE II trial.

Methods

Patients eligible for left lateral sectionectomy (LLS) of the liver will be recruited and randomised at the outpatient clinic. All randomised patients will undergo surgery in the setting of an ERAS programme. The experimental design produces two randomised arms (open and laparoscopic LLS) and a prospective registry. The prospective registry will be based on patients that cannot be randomised because of the explicit treatment preference of the patient or surgeon, or because of ineligibility (not meeting the in- and exclusion criteria) for randomisation in this trial. Therefore, all non-randomised patients undergoing LLS will be approached to participate in the prospective registry, thereby allowing acquisition of an uninterrupted prospective series of patients. The primary endpoint of the ORANGE II trial is time to functional recovery. Secondary endpoints are postoperative LOS, percentage readmission, (liver-specific) morbidity, QOL, body image and cosmetic result, hospital and societal costs over 1 year, and long-term incidence of incisional hernias. It will be assumed that in patients undergoing laparoscopic LLS, length of hospital stay can be reduced by two days. A sample size of 55 patients in each randomisation arm has been calculated to detect a 2-day reduction in LOS (90% power and α = 0.05 (two-tailed)).

The ORANGE II trial is a multicenter randomised controlled trial that will provide evidence on the merits of laparoscopic surgery in patients undergoing LLS within an enhanced recovery ERAS programme.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00874224.

Multivariate analysis of risk factors for pulmonary complications after hepatic resection

OBJECTIVE

To generate the first evaluation of risk factors for postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) after surgery are associated with significant morbidity and have been shown to increase the length of hospital stays. Several studies have been conducted to identify the risk factors for PPCs after abdominal surgery.

METHODS

Between January 2006 and December 2009, 555 patients underwent elective hepatectomy. We prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed demographic data, pathological variables, associated pathological conditions, and preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. The dependent variables studied were the occurrence of PPCs, pleural effusion, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism.

RESULTS

Multivariate analysis identified 5 independent risk factors for global PPCs: prolonged surgery [odds ratio (OR) = 1], presence of a nasogastric tube (OR = 1.6), intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 1.7), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.7), and a transverse subcostal bilateral muscle cutting incision (OR = 3.4). There were 4 independent risk factors for pleural effusion: prolonged surgery (OR = 1), surgery on the right lobe of the liver (OR = 1.6), neoadjuvant chemotherapy (OR = 2), and a transverse subcostal bilateral muscle cutting incision (OR = 2.5). There were 3 independent risk factors for pneumonia: intraoperative blood transfusion (OR = 1.9), diabetes mellitus (OR = 2.2), and atrial fibrillation (OR = 3). For pulmonary embolism, history of previous thromboembolic events was identified as the only risk factor (OR = 8.8).

CONCLUSIONS

The correction of modifiable risk factors among the identified factors could reduce the incidence of PPCs and, as a consequence, improve patient outcomes and reduce the length of hospital stays.

Is routine nasogastric tube insertion necessary in pancreaticoduodenectomy?

Purpose

The necessity of nasogastric decompression after abdominal surgical procedures has been increasingly questioned for several years. Traditionally, nasogastric decompression is a mandatory procedure after classical pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD); however, we still do not know whether or not it is necessary for PD. The present study was designed to assess the clinical benefit of nasogastric decompression after PD.

Methods

Between July 2004 and May 2007, 41 consecutive patients who underwent PD were enrolled in this study. Eighteen patients were enrolled in the nasogastric tube (NGT) group and 23 patients were enrolled in the no NGT group.

Results

There were no differences in the demographics, pathology, co-morbid medical conditions, and pre-operative laboratory values between the two groups. In addition, the passage of flatus (P = 0.963) and starting time of oral intake (P = 0.951) were similar in both groups. In the NGT group, 61% of the patients complained of discomfort related to the NGT. Pleural effusions were frequent in the NGT group (P = 0.037); however, other post-operative complications, such as wound dehiscence and anastomotic leakage, occurred similarly in both groups. There was one case of NGT re-insertion in the NGT group.

Conclusion

Routine nasogastric decompression in patients undergoing PD is not mandatory because it has no clinical advantages and increases patient discomfort.

The role of nasogastric tube in decompression after elective colon and rectum surgery: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Nasogastric tubes (NGT) have been routinely used after abdominal procedures, largely due to the accepted tradition, especially in China. However, studies recently questioned the role of routine NGT intubation by stating that it was overused and many complications occurred from its use.

METHODS

Herein, we performed a systematic review and a meta-analysis evaluating the role of NGT in decompression after elective colon and rectum surgery.

RESULTS

Four fixed-effect models and three randomized-effect models were used for statistics pooling of the relative risks (RR) for the different outcomes. A total of seven articles (1,416 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients in NGT group had less vomiting (p < 0.00001; RR = 2.85; 95% CI [2.12, 3.83]), less nasogastric tube replacement (p < 0.00001; RR = 3.90; 95% CI [2.34, 6.52]), but more pharyngolaryngitis (p < 0.00001 RR = 0.14; 95% CI [0.08, 0.26]) and more respiratory infection (p = 0.004; RR = 0.37; 95% CI [0.19, 0.74]). No statistically significant differences were noted in nausea, wound infection or intestinal obstruction.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, routine NGT decompression did no good to the time to return gastrointestinal function, but increased the morbidity of pharyngolaryngitis and respiratory infection significantly. Routine NGT was not recommended for patients after elective colon and rectum surgery.

Feasibility of randomized controlled trials in liver surgery using surgery-related mortality or morbidity as endpoint

BACKGROUND

There is a shortage of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on which to base guidelines in liver surgery. The feasibility of conducting an adequately powered RCT in liver surgery using the dichotomous endpoints surgery-related mortality or morbidity was examined.

METHODS

Articles published between January 2002 and November 2007 with mortality or morbidity after liver surgery as primary endpoint were retrieved. Sample size calculations for a RCT aiming to show a relative reduction of these endpoints by 33, 50 or 66 per cent were performed.

RESULTS

The mean operative mortality rate was 1.0 per cent and the total morbidity rate 28.9 per cent; mean rates of bile leakage and postresectional liver failure were 4.4 and 2.6 per cent respectively. The smallest numbers of patients needed in each arm of a RCT aiming to show a 33 per cent relative reduction were 15 614 for operative mortality, 412 for total morbidity, 3446 for bile leakage and 5924 for postresectional liver failure.

CONCLUSION

The feasibility of conducting an adequately powered RCT in liver surgery using outcomes such as mortality or specific complications seems low. Conclusions of underpowered RCTs should be interpreted with caution. A liver surgery-specific composite endpoint may be a useful and clinically relevant solution to pursue.

The Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications: five-year experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The lack of consensus on how to define and grade adverse postoperative events has greatly hampered the evaluation of surgical procedures. A new classification of complications, initiated in 1992, was updated 5 years ago. It is based on the type of therapy needed to correct the complication. The principle of the classification was to be simple, reproducible, flexible, and applicable irrespective of the cultural background. The aim of the current study was to critically evaluate this classification from the perspective of its use in the literature, by assessing interobserver variability in grading complex complication scenarios and to correlate the classification grades with patients', nurses', and doctors' perception.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Reports from the literature using the classification system were systematically analyzed. Next, 11 scenarios illustrating difficult cases were prepared to develop a consensus on how to rank the various complications. Third, 7 centers from different continents, having routinely used the classification, independently assessed the 11 scenarios. An agreement analysis was performed to test the accuracy and reliability of the classification. Finally, the perception of the severity was tested in patients, nurses, and physicians by presenting 30 scenarios, each illustrating a specific grade of complication.

RESULTS

We noted a dramatic increase in the use of the classification in many fields of surgery. About half of the studies used the contracted form, whereas the rest used the full range of grading. Two-thirds of the publications avoided subjective terms such as minor or major complications. The study of 11 difficult cases among various centers revealed a high degree of agreement in identifying and ranking complications (89% agreement), and enabled a better definition of unclear situations. Each grade of complications significantly correlated with the perception by patients, nurses, and physicians (P < 0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test).

CONCLUSIONS

This 5-year evaluation provides strong evidence that the classification is valid and applicable worldwide in many fields of surgery. No modification in the general principle of classification is warranted in view of the use in ongoing publications and trials. Subjective, inaccurate, or confusing terms such as "minor or major" should be removed from the surgical literature.

Perioperative management in distal pancreatectomy: results of a survey in 23 European participating centres of the DISPACT trial and a review of literature

BACKGROUND

Concomitant treatment in addition to intervention may influence the primary outcome, especially in complex interventions such as surgical trials. Evidence-based standards for perioperative care after distal pancreatectomy, however, have been rarely defined. This study's objective was therefore to identify and analyse the current basis of evidence for perioperative management in distal pancreatectomy.

METHODS

A standardised questionnaire was sent to 23 European centres recruiting patients for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) on open distal pancreatectomy that would compare suture versus stapler closure of the pancreatic remnant (DISPACT trial, ISRCTN 18452029). Perioperative strategies (e.g., bowel preparation, pain management, administration of antibiotics, abdominal incision, drainages, nasogastric tubes, somatostatin, mobilisation and feeding regimens) were assessed. Moreover, a systematic literature search in the Medline database was performed and retrieved meta-analyses and RCTs were reviewed.

RESULTS

All 23 centres returned the questionnaire. Consensus for thoracic epidural catheters (TECs), pain treatment and transverse incisions was found, as well as strong consensus for the placement of intra-abdominal drainages and perioperative single-shot antibiotics. Also, there was consensus that bowel preparation, somatostatin application, postoperative nasogastric tubes and intravenous feeding might not be beneficial. The literature search identified 16 meta-analyses and 19 RCTs demonstrating that bowel preparation, somatostatin therapy and nasogastric tubes can be omitted. Early mobilisation, feeding and TECs seem to be beneficial for patients. The value of drainages remains unclear.

CONCLUSION

Most perioperative standards within the centres participating in the DISPACT trial are in accordance with current available evidence. The need for drainages requires further investigation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN 18452029.

Outcome--more than just operative mortality

Historical reviews of outcome following major operations for cancer have focused on the readily measurable, operative mortality. The interrelationship of surgeon and institutional volume to improved perioperative outcome has been confirmed. More current studies now relate long term cancer survival to other issues of specialization, volume, payor and institution. The challenge is to determine what volume thresholds are sufficient for acceptable outcomes.

Life and death of the nasogastric tube in elective colonic surgery in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There is abundant evidence that the routine use of nasogastric decompression following elective abdominal surgery is ineffective in achieving any goals it is intended for. Nevertheless its use is still standard of care. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether it is possible to ban nasogastric decompression after elective colonic surgery.

METHODS

At first baseline measurements concerning elements of perioperative care, including nasogastric tubes, were recorded retrospectively over the year 2004. In 2006-2007 the implementation of a fast-track colonic surgery project was guided by the Dutch Institute for Quality of Healthcare CBO, using Berwick's Breakthrough approach.

RESULTS

A total of 2007 patients were enrolled. The baseline measurement showed that the use of nasogastric drainage is still common practice in the Netherlands. 953 patients (88.3%) had a nasogastric tube postoperatively. That tube was removed after a median of 2.5 days (range 1-3 days). After the implementation of the Perioperative Care Breakthrough project the percentage of patients having a nasogastric tube postoperatively dropped to 9.6% (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show using the Breakthrough Methodology it is possible to eradicate the inappropriate routine use of NG tubes.

Ultrasound-guided liver resection: Early experience in a district general hospital

INTRODUCTION

Intraoperative ultrasonography (IOUS) is the gold standard for tumor staging and operative decision making in liver surgery. Providing dynamic information on tumor-vessel relationships and distribution of intrahepatic veins, IOUS is also an important support for guiding the resection. Few authors report an extensive use of IOUS-guidance as a safe and effective approach. The aim of this study is to investigate the short-term results of an early experience of ultrasound (US) guided liver resection.

METHODS

From December 2005 to December 2007 an extensive use of IOUS-guided resection was applied in 11 consecutive patients (8 males and 3 females; median age 74 years). Perioperative data were collected prospectively to assess the influence of this approach on mortality, morbidity and early recurrence.

RESULTS

Four patients had hepatocellular carcinoma, 4 liver metastases, 1 peripheral cholangiocarcinoma, 1 hemangioma and 1 inflammatory pseudotumor. A median of 1 (range: 1-4) nodule per patient was resected. Median lesion size was 44 mm. Liver procedures included: 3 wedge resections, 3 subsegmentectomies, 4 segmentectomies and 3 bisegmentectomies. Median blood loss was 235 ml. Median surgical margin in cancer patients was 5 mm (range: 1-12). An average of 1 unit of blood transfusion was administered in 5 patients. Median postoperative hospital stay was 9 days. There was no mortality. Major complications occurred in 1 patient and minor complications in 5 patients. During a median follow-up of 14 months no recurrences were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, use of IOUS-guided liver resection performed in a district general hospital proved to be a safe and effective approach in terms of short-term outcome.

Evidence-based surgical care and the evolution of fast-track surgery

BACKGROUND

Optimization of postoperative outcome requires the application of evidence-based principles of care carefully integrated into a multimodal rehabilitation program.

OBJECTIVE

To assess, synthesize, and discuss implementation of "fast-track" recovery programs.

DATA SOURCES

Medline MBASE (January 1966-May 2007) and the Cochrane library (January 1966-May 2007) were searched using the following keywords: fast-track, enhanced recovery, accelerated rehabilitation, and multimodal and perioperative care. In addition, the synthesis on the many specific interventions and organizational and implementation issues were based on data published within the past 5 years from major anesthesiological and surgical journals, using systematic reviews where appropriate instead of multiple references of original work.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Based on an increasing amount of multinational, multicenter cohort studies, randomized studies, and meta-analyses, the concept of the "fast-track methodology" has uniformly provided a major enhancement in recovery leading to decreased hospital stay and with an apparent reduction in medical morbidity but unaltered "surgery-specific" morbidity in a variety of procedures. However, despite being based on a combination of evidence-based unimodal principles of care, recent surveys have demonstrated slow adaptation and implementation of the fast-track methodology.

CONCLUSION

Multimodal evidence-based care within the fast-track methodology significantly enhances postoperative recovery and reduces morbidity, and should therefore be more widely adopted. Further improvement is expected by future integration of minimal invasive surgery, pharmacological stress-reduction, and effective multimodal, nonopioid analgesia.

Initial experience with a multimodal enhanced recovery programme in patients undergoing liver resection

Background

Accelerated recovery from surgery has been achieved when patients are managed within a multimodal Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol. This study evaluated the benefit of an ERAS programme for patients undergoing liver resection.

Methods

The ERAS protocol of epidural analgesia, early oral intake and early mobilization was studied prospectively in a consecutive series of 61 patients. Outcomes were compared with those in a consecutive series of 100 patients who underwent liver resection before the start of the study. Endpoints were postoperative length of hospital stay, postoperative resumption of oral intake, readmissions, morbidity and mortality.

Results

Fifty-six patients (92 per cent) in the ERAS group tolerated fluids within 4 h of surgery and a normal diet on day 1 after surgery. Median hospital stay, including readmissions, was 6·0 days compared with 8·0 days in the control group (P &lt; 0·001). There were no significant differences in rates of readmission (13 and 10·0 per cent respectively), morbidity (41 and 31·0 per cent) and mortality (0 and 2·0 per cent) between ERAS and control groups.

Conclusion

The ERAS fast-track protocol is safe and effective for patients undergoing liver resection. It allows early oral intake, promotes faster postoperative recovery and reduces hospital stay.

Prophylactic nasogastric decompression after abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

Routine use of nasogastric tubes after abdominal operations is intended to hasten the return of bowel function, prevent pulmonary complications, diminish the risk of anastomotic leakage, increase patient comfort and shorten hospital stay.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the efficacy of routine nasogastric decompression after abdominal surgery in achieving each of the above goals.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Search terms were nasogastric, tubes, randomised, using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Central), and references of included studies, from 1966 through 2006.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Patients having abdominal operations of any type, emergency or elective, who were randomised prior tot he completion of the operation to receive a nasogastric tube and keep it in place until intestinal function had returned, versus those receiving either no tube or early tube removal, in surgery, in recovery or within 24 hours of surgery. Excluded will be randomised studies involving laparoscopic abdominal surgery and patient groups having gastric decompression through gastrostomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were abstracted onto a form that assessed study eligibility, as defined above, quality related to randomizations, allocation concealment, study size and dropouts, interventions, including timing and duration of intubation, outcomes that included time to flatus, pulmonary complications, wound infection, anastomotic leak, length of stay, death, nausea, vomiting, tube reinsertion, subsequent ventral hernia.

MAIN RESULTS

33 studies fulfilled eligibility criteria, encompassing 5240 patients, 2628 randomised to routine tube use, and 2612 randomised to selective or No Tube use. Patients not having routine tube use had an earlier return of bowel function (p<0.00001), a decrease in pulmonary complications (p=0.01) and an insignificant trend toward increase in risk of wound infection (p=0.22) and ventral hernia (0.09). Anastomotic leak was no different between groups (p=0.70). Vomiting seemed to favour routine tube use, but with increased patient discomfort. Length of stay was shorter when no tube was used but the heterogeneity encountered in these analyses make rigorous conclusion difficult to draw for this outcome. No adverse events specifically related to tube insertion (direct tube trauma) were reported. Other outcomes were reported with insufficient frequency to be informative.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Routine nasogastric decompression does not accomplish any of its intended goals and so should be abandoned in favour of selective use of the nasogastric tube.