Effects of implementing an "enhanced recovery after surgery" program on patients undergoing resection of hepatocellular carcinoma

Safety and efficacy of the enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in hepatectomy for liver cancer

PURPOSE

The aim of this research was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in hepatectomy patients with liver cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched three databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library database, from inception to April 25, 2023. The outcomes were postoperative complications, and postoperative length of stay (PLOS). This study was performed by Stata (V. 16.0) software.

RESULTS

Twelve investigations involving 1,892 patients were included in this study. The ERAS group had lower overall postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR) = 0.49, I² = 54.89 %, 95 % confidence interval (CI) = 0.33-0.74, P = 0.00], postoperative Clavien-Dindo Grade 1-2 complications (OR = 0.39, I² = 55.14 %, 95 %CI = 0.23-0.69, P = 0.00), Clavien-Dindo Grade 3-4 complications (OR = 0.56, I² = 0.00 %, 95 %CI = 0.38-0.83, P = 0.00) , pneumonia (OR = 0.34, I² = 0.00 %, 95 %CI = 0.15-0.76, P = 0.01), ascites (OR = 0.25, I² = 0.00 %, 95 %CI = 0.09-0.68, P = 0.01), vomit (OR = 0.39, I² = 0.00 %, 95 %CI = 0.21-0.73, P = 0.00), intraoperative blood loss [mean difference (MD) = 1.69, I² = 0.00 %, 95 %CI = 1.15-2.47, P = 0.01], PLOS (MD = -0.42, I² = 94.87 %, 95 %CI = -0.86-0.03, P = 0.07), duration of abdominal drain (MD = -1.23, I² = 96.96 %, 95 %CI = -2.04 to -0.42, P = 0.00), and hospital readmission (OR = 0.44, I² = 0.00 %, 95 %CI = 0.23-0.85, P = 0.01) compared to the non-ERAS group.

CONCLUSION

For patients with liver cancer treated with ERAS. The ERAS protocol reduces the percentage of overall postoperative complications. Moreover, ERAS does not increase the rate of blood transfusions, hospital readmission, reoperation, or mortality.

A prospective randomized controlled study evaluating efficacy of Daikenchuto in the treatment of postoperative abdominal pain and bloating following hepatectomy

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TJ-100 TSUMURA Daikenchuto (DKT) Extract Granules in preventing post-hepatectomy digestive symptoms and the effects on small intestinal mucosal atrophy.

METHODS

Eligible patients were randomly assigned to the DKT therapy and usual care groups in a 1:1 ratio. The DKT therapy group was administered DKT for 14 days after surgery or until the day of discharge if the patient left the hospital before 14 days, and the usual care group did not receive DKT. We used the numeric rating scale to measure abdominal pain and bloating after surgery and compared the results between the two groups to determine the efficiency of DKT. We also evaluated postoperative small intestinal mucosal atrophy using diamine oxidase (DAO) and glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) activities in the serum, and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

No adverse effects were observed in the DKT group. No significant difference was observed in the area under the curve for postoperative abdominal pain or bloating throughout the study period. No differences were observed in DAO2, GLP2, and other nutrition assessment indicators. Four postoperative infections were observed in three patients (two with intra-abdominal surgical site infections [SSIs] and two with pneumonia). All cases of infection occurred in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Although DKT did not significantly improve postoperative symptoms, such as abdominal pain or bloating, it is widely used in Japan to improve bowel movement and is safely prescribed for patients undergoing hepatectomy with a tendency toward less postoperative infection.

Enhanced recovery after surgery care to reduce surgical site wound infection and postoperative complications for patients undergoing liver surgery

This study comprehensively assessed the effect of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) on wound infection and postoperative complications in patients undergoing liver surgery. The PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, and Wanfang electronic databases were searched to collect published studies on the use of ERAS in liver surgery until December 2022. Literature selection was performed independently by two investigators according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and quality evaluation and data extraction were performed. RevMan 5.4 software was used in this study. Compared with the control group, the ERAS group showed a significantly lower incidence of postoperative wound infection (odds ratio [OR]: 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.41-0.84, P = .004) and overall postoperative complication rate (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.33-0.57, P < .001) and significantly shorter postoperative hospital stay (mean difference: -2.30, 95% CI: -2.92 to -1.68, P < .001). Therefore, ERAS was safe and feasible when applied to liver resection, reducing the incidence of wound infection and total postoperative complications, and shortening the length of hospital stay. However, further studies are required to investigate the impact of ERAS protocols on clinical outcomes.

Laparoscopic liver resection can be performed safely without intraoperative drain placement

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) has become a standardized procedure with advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management in the last decade; however, the necessity of routine drain placement in LLR has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the need for intraoperative drain placement (IDP) in LLR.

METHODS

A total of 607 patients who underwent LLR for liver tumor at our institution between January 2015 and August 2021 were studied. Clinicopathological data, including intraoperative factors and postoperative outcomes, were compared between patients with and without IDP before and after propensity score matching. Variables shown to be different between the two groups were used for matching. Then, risk analysis for additional drainage procedure after surgery was performed in the original and matched cohorts.

RESULTS

Of the 607 patients, 4 (0.7%) and 14 (2.3%) developed incisional and organ/space surgical site infections, respectively, and 9 (1.5%) required additional drainage procedure after surgery. Ninety-three patients (15.3%) underwent IDP. The incidence and severity of postoperative complications were similar between patients with and without IDP in both the original and matched cohorts. In the matched cohort, simultaneous colectomy (odds ratio, 14.051, 95% confidence interval, 1.103-178.987; P = 0.042), rather than IDP (odds ratio, 1.836, 95% confidence interval, 0.157-21.509; P = 0.629), was independently associated with the risk of additional drainage procedure after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that LLR could be performed safely without IDP.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in the Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Hemihepatectomy

BACKGROUND

This study aims to compare the effectiveness and safety of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing hemihepatectomy.

METHODS

From January 2017 to June 2019, 54 and 56 patients were enrolled into the control and ERAS group, retrospectively. All the indicators related to operation, liver functions, and postoperative outcomes were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis identified 72 patients for further analysis.

RESULTS

The clinicopathological characteristics were well-matched after PSM, and there were no significant differences in the operative duration, blood loss, blood transfusion, hospital costs, and most postoperative indicators in these 2 groups. In the ERAS group, D-dimer and fibrin degradation product values were significantly reduced (3.57 (2.874.60) μg/ml vs 4.81 (3.948.29) μg/ml and 11.90 (10.0418.02) μg/ml vs 15.80 (11.5529.24) μg/ml; P = .002 and P = .023, respectively). The days that semiliquid diet was allowed after surgery (2.00 (2.003.00) days vs 5.00 (4.006.00) days, P < .001), abdominal drainage tube indwelling duration (5.00 (4.005.00) days vs 5.00 (4.756.25) days, P = .004), and hospital stay after surgery (6.00 (6.007.00) days vs 8.00 (7.0010.00) days, P < .001) were also significantly shorter. The proportion of patients requiring analgesic treatment was significantly lower in the postoperative day 2 and day 4 (P < .001 and P = .025, respectively). The morbidity was significantly less (36.11% vs 69.44%, P = .005).

CONCLUSIONS

ERAS programs are feasible and safe in HCC patients undergoing hemihepatectomy. Postoperative anticoagulant therapy may be one of the necessary steps.

Update on perioperative management of patients undergoing surgery for liver cancer

Hepatocellular carcinoma is often accompanied by chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. Preoperative evaluation of liver function and postoperative nutritional management are critical in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who undergo liver surgery. Although the incidence of postoperative complications and death has declined in Japan over the last 10 years, postoperative complications have not been fully overcome. Therefore, surgical procedures and perioperative management must be improved. Accurate preoperative evaluations of liver function, nutrition, inflammation, and body skeletal muscle are required. Determination of the optimal surgical procedure should consider not only tumor characteristics but also the physical reserve of the patient. Nutritional management of chronic liver disorders, especially maintaining protein synthesis for postoperative protein/energy, is important. Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended for short‐term use within 24 hours after surgery. Abdominal drainage is recommended for patients with cirrhosis who may develop large amounts of ascites, who are at risk of postoperative bleeding, or who may have bile leakage due to a large resection area. Postoperative exercise therapy may improve insulin resistance in patients with chronic liver damage. Implementation of an early/enhanced recovery after surgery program is recommended to reduce biological invasive responses and achieve early independence of physical activity and nutrition intake. We review the latest information on the perioperative management of patients undergoing liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Laparoscopic Hepatectomy

Objective: To compare the effectiveness and safety of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Methods: From September 2016 to June 2019, 282 patients were enrolled, and ERAS was implemented since March 2018. All indicators related to surgery, liver function, and postoperative outcomes were included in the analysis. Propensity score matching (PSM) identified 174 patients for further comparison.

Results: After PSM, the clinicopathological baselines were well-matched. The group showed significantly less intraoperative blood loss (100.00 [100.00–200.00] vs. 200.00 [100.00–300.00] ml, P = 0.001), fewer days before abdominal drainage tube removal (4.00 [3.00–4.00] days vs. 4.00 [3.00–5.00] days, P = 0.023), shorter hospital stay after surgery (6.00 [5.00–6.00] days vs. 6.00 [6.00–7.00] days, P < 0.001), and reduced postoperative morbidity (18.39 vs. 34.48%, P = 0.026). The proportion of patients with a pain score ≥ 4 was significantly lower in the ERAS group within the first 2 days after surgery (1.15 vs. 13.79% and 8.05 vs. 26.44%, P = 0.002 and P = 0.001, respectively). Pringle maneuver was performed more frequently in the ERAS group (70.11 vs. 18.39%, P < 0.001), and a significantly higher postoperative alanine aminotransferase level was also observed (183.40 [122.85–253.70] vs. 136.20 [82.93–263.40] U/l, P = 0.026). The 2-year recurrence-free survival was similar between the two groups (72 vs. 71%, P = 0.946).

Conclusions: ERAS programs are feasible and safe and do not influence mid-term recurrence in HCC patients undergoing laparoscopic hepatectomy.

Enhanced recovery after hepatopancreaticobiliary surgery: A single-center case control study

Backgrounds/Aims

The aim of this study was to find the safety and effectiveness of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in patients who undergo hepatopancreaticobiliary (HPB) surgeries and its association with the postoperative complications and survival rate of the patients.

Methods

This study was conducted on patients who underwent HPB surgeries in Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Iran from 2018 to 2020. Patients who underwent surgery after from 2019 to February 2020 considered as the ERAS group (n=47) in which ERAS was implemented postoperatively including removing nasogastric tube and initiating surgical diet at 6 hours post operation, and removing intraabdominal drains and Foley catheter at postoperative day one. Other patients (n=43) were considered as the control group in which conventional postoperative care was implemented.

Results

Ninety patients with the mean age of 47.3±13.3 yrs/old (range= 17-76) including 39 females were enrolled into the study. There were no significant differences between the demographic and preoperative comorbidities between the two groups. Pain severity of the patients in the ERAS group was significantly lower than the control group (visual analogue scales of 3.4±0.77 vs. 4.47±0.88, p<0.001). However, there were no significant differences between the other postoperative data between the two groups. One patient in each group died during hospitalization period due to myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

ERAS may be safe and effective in patients who undergo HPB surgery and may be associated with less severe postoperative pain.

Is routine abdominal drainage necessary for patients undergoing elective hepatectomy? A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate comparative outcomes of routine abdominal drainage (RAD) and non-routine abdominal drainage (NRAD) during elective hepatic resection for hepatic neoplasms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science. The searching phrases included "liver resection," "hepatic resection," "hepatectomy," "abdominal drainage," "surgical drainage," "prophylactic drainage," "intraperitoneal drainage," "drainage tube," "hepatectomy," "abdominal drainage" and "drainage tube." Two independent reviewers critically screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias. Post-operative morbidity and mortality were the outcome parameters. Combined overall effect sizes were calculated using fixed-effect or random-effect model.

RESULTS

We have identified 9 RCTs and 3 comparative studies reporting total of 5726 patients undergoing elective hepatectomy under RAD (n = 3084) or NRAD (NRAD group, n = 2642). RAD was associated with significantly higher overall complication rate [odds risk  = 1.79, 95% CI (1.10, 2.93), P = .02] and biliary leakage rate [odds risk  = 2.41, 95% CI (1.48, 3.91), P = .0004] compared with NRAD. Moreover, it significantly increased hospital stays [mean difference  = 0.95, 95% CI (0.02, 1.87), P = .04] compared with NRAD. RAD showed no difference regarding intra-abdominal hemorrhage, wound complications, liver failure, subphrenic complications, pulmonary complications, infectious complications, reoperation and mortality compared with NRAD.

CONCLUSIONS

Although routine abdominal drainage may help surgeons to observe post-operative complication, it seems to be associated with increased post-operative morbidity and longer hospital stays. Non-routine abdominal drainage may be an appropriate option in selected patients undergoing hepatic resection. Higher level of evidence is needed.

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.

The impact of enhanced recovery on open and laparoscopic liver resections

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs (ERP) have been implemented in many surgical specialties. Their impact in liver surgery is poorly understood and approach-specific ERPs have not yet been assessed. This retrospective study aims to analyse the effect of such programs on liver resection. All patients undergoing liver resection at a tertiary referral centre between January 2009 and April 2019 were identified. Primary outcome was the length of stay (LOS), secondary outcomes were functional recovery, complications and readmission rates. Patients in the ERP with different protocols for open, laparoscopic, major and minor resections were compared to a historical cohort. Of 1056 patients, 644 were treated within the ERP. A comparable duration of hospital stay [7 days (IQR (interquartile range) 6-12) vs 7 days (IQR 5-9) p = 0.047] and faster functional recovery with fewer complications was found in the ERP group [94 (50.5%) vs 103 (35.9%) p < 0.002]. Those advantages were smaller after open minor compared to open major resection. In patients undergoing laparoscopic resection no differences were observed except for a lower readmission rate [21 (9.3%) vs 13 (3.6%) p = 0.005]. Multivariable analysis showed that laparoscopy was associated with a shorter LOS. ERPs offer significant advantages in open liver surgery. Those advantages are less evident after laparoscopic resection.

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.

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Reduces Hospital Costs and Improve Clinical Outcomes in Liver Surgery: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are evidence-based, multimodal and patient-centred approach to optimize patient care and experience during their perioperative pathway. It has been shown to be effective in reducing length of hospital stay and improving clinical outcomes. However, evidence on its effective in liver surgery remains weak. The aim of this review is to investigate clinical benefits, cost-effectiveness and compliance to ERAS protocols in liver surgery.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using CINAHL Plus, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Cochrane for randomized control trials (RCTs) and cohort studies published between 2008 and 2019, comparing effect of ERAS protocols and standard care on hospital cost, LOS, complications, readmission, mortality and compliance.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 6 RCTs and 21 cohort studies of 3739 patients (1777 in ERAS and 1962 in standard care group). LOS was reduced by 2.22 days in ERAS group (MD = -2.22; CI, -2.77 to -1.68; p < 0.00001) compared to the standard care group. Fewer patients in ERAS group experienced complications (RR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.65-0.77; p = < 0.00001). Hospital cost was significantly lower in the ERAS group (SMD = -0.98; CI, -1.37 to - 0.58; p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Our review concluded that the introduction of ERAS protocols is safe and feasible in hepatectomies, without increasing mortality and readmission rates, whilst reducing LOS and risk of complications, and with a significant hospital cost savings. Laparoscopic approach may be necessary to reduce complication rates in liver surgery. However, further studies are needed to investigate overall compliance to ERAS protocols and its impact on clinical outcomes.

Effects of a new perioperative enhanced recovery after surgery protocol in hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

PURPOSE

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are becoming the standard of care in many surgical procedures, although data on their use following hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a new ERAS pathway in terms of the patient nutrition status after hepatectomy for HCC.

METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of 97 consecutive patients treated with open or laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC between January 2011 and August 2014. We compared the perioperative outcomes between patients whose treatment incorporated the ERAS pathway and control patients. The nutritional status was evaluated using the controlling nutritional status score.

RESULTS

The length of hospital stay (LOS) after both open and laparoscopic hepatectomy was shorter for the ERAS group than the control group. The days of ambulation and cessation of intravenous infusion were earlier and the postoperative nutrition status was statistically better in the ERAS group than in the control group. A multivariate analysis showed that being in the non-ERAS group was a risk factor of delayed discharge. There were no marked differences in the rate of severe complications between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The ERAS pathway seems feasible and safe and results in a faster recovery, reduced LOS, improved nutrition status, and fewer severe complications.

Multicomponent hospital-led interventions to reduce hospital stay for older adults following elective surgery: a systematic review

Background

Elective older adult inpatient admissions are increasingly common. Older adults are at an elevated risk of adverse events in hospital, potentially increasing with lengthier hospital stay. Hospital-led organisational strategies may optimise hospital stay for elective older adult inpatients.

Objectives

To evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of hospital-led multicomponent interventions to reduce hospital stay for older adults undergoing elective hospital admissions.

Data sources

Seven bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, EMBASE, Health Management Information Consortium, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database) were searched from inception to date of search (August 2017), alongside carrying out of web searches, citation searching, inspecting relevant reviews, consulting stakeholders and contacting authors. This search was duplicated, with an additional cost-filter, to identify cost-effectiveness evidence.

Review methods

Comparative studies were sought that evaluated the effectiveness or cost-effectiveness of relevant interventions in elective inpatients with a mean or median age of ≥ 60 years. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were completed independently by two reviewers. The main outcome was length of stay, but all outcomes were considered. Studies were sorted by procedure, intervention and outcome categories. Where possible, standardised mean differences or odds ratios were calculated. Meta-analysis was performed when multiple randomised controlled trials had the same intervention, treatment procedure, comparator and outcome. Findings were explored using narrative synthesis.

Findings

A total of 218 articles were included, with 80 articles from 73 effectiveness studies (n = 26,365 patients) prioritised for synthesis, including 34 randomised controlled trials conducted outside the UK and 39 studies from the UK, of which 12 were randomised controlled trials. Fifteen studies included cost-effectiveness data. The evidence was dominated by enhanced recovery protocols and prehabilitation, implemented to improve recovery from either colorectal surgery or lower limb arthroplasty. Six other surgical categories and four other intervention types were identified. Meta-analysis found that enhanced recovery protocols were associated with 1.5 days’ reduction in hospital stay among patients undergoing colorectal surgery (Cohen’sd = –0.51, 95% confidence interval –0.78 to –0.24;p < 0.001) and with 5 days’ reduction among those undergoing upper abdominal surgery (Cohen’sd = –1.04, 95% confidence interval –1.55 to –0.53;p < 0.001). Evidence from the UK was not pooled (owing to mixed study designs), but it echoed findings from the international literature. Length of stay usually was reduced with intervention or was no different. Other clinical outcomes also improved or were no worse with intervention. Patient-reported outcomes were not frequently reported. Cost and cost-effectiveness evidence came from 15 highly heterogeneous studies and was less conclusive.

Limitations

Studies were usually of moderate or weak quality. Some intervention or treatment types were under-reported or absent. The reporting of variance data often precluded secondary analysis.

Conclusions

Enhanced recovery and prehabilitation interventions were associated with reduced hospital stay without detriment to other clinical outcomes, particularly for patients undergoing colorectal surgery, lower limb arthroplasty or upper abdominal surgery. The impacts on patient-reported outcomes, health-care costs or additional service use are not well known.

Future work

Further studies evaluating of the effectiveness of new enhanced recovery pathways are not required in colorectal surgery or lower limb arthroplasty. However, the applicability of these pathways to other procedures is uncertain. Future studies should evaluate the implementation of interventions to reduce service variation, in-hospital patient-reported outcomes, impacts on health and social care service use, and longer-term patient-reported outcomes.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017080637.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

Preoperative Risk Assessment for Loss of Independence Following Hepatic Resection in Elderly Patients: A Prospective Multicenter Study

OBJECTIVE

To establish a preoperative risk assessment method for loss of independence after hepatic resection.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Hepatic resection often results in loss of independence in preoperatively self-sufficient elderly people. Elderly patients should therefore be carefully selected for surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective, multicenter study, 347 independently-living patients aged ≥65 years, scheduled for hepatic resection, were divided into study (n = 232) and validation (n = 115) cohorts. We investigated the risk factors for postoperative loss of independence in the study cohort and verified our findings with the validation cohort. Loss of independence was defined as transfer to a rehabilitation facility, discharge to residence with home-based healthcare, 30-day readmission for poor functionality, and 90-day mortality (except for cancer-related deaths).

RESULTS

In the study cohort, univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that frailty, age ≥ 76 years, and open surgery were independent risk factors for postoperative loss of independence. Proportions of patients with postoperative loss of independence in the study and validation cohorts were respectively 3.0% and 0% among those with no applicable risk factors, 8.1% and 12.5% among those with 1 applicable risk factor, 25.5% and 25.0% among those with 2 applicable risk factors, and 56.3% and 50.0% among those with all 3 factors applicable (P < 0.001 for both cohorts). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the study and validation groups were 0.777 and 0.783, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative risk assessments using these 3 factors may be effective in predicting and planning for postoperative loss of independence after hepatic resection in elderly patients.

Perioperative management for gastrointestinal surgery after instituting interventions initiated by the Japanese Society of Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition

BACKGROUND

In 2012, the Japanese Society for Surgical Metabolism and Nutrition introduced the Essential Strategy for Early Normalization after Surgery with Patient's Excellent Satisfaction (ESSENSE) program to improve the perioperative management of gastrointestinal surgery. The ESSENSE program aimed to minimize ineffective perioperative management practices, and achieve adequate analgesia to expedite the return to work and activities of daily living.

METHODS

After educating relevant facilities about the ESSENSE program in 2012, we conducted questionnaire-based surveys in selected institutions in 2013 and 2016.

RESULTS

ESSENSE was implemented in 65% of the specified gastrointestinal surgical procedures in 2016. Oral fluids were discontinued >10 h before anesthesia induction by 33% and 9% of respondents in 2013 and 2016, respectively, and 2 h before anesthesia induction by 23% and 38% in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Fasting was initiated >10 h before anesthesia induction by 75% and 29% of respondents in 2013 and 2016, respectively, and 6-8 h before anesthesia induction by 20% and 60% in 2013 and 2016, respectively. Oral rehydration with a carbohydrate-containing beverage was performed 2 h preoperatively by 23% and 47% of respondents in 2013 and 2016, respectively. The median postoperative periods after which water and solids intakes were resumed were significantly shorter in 2016 than in 2013 after five surgical procedures; the exceptions were esophagectomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, and hepatectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a high level of implementation of the ESSENSE program in participating institutions in 2016, suggesting that it is possible to achieve widespread implementation of a preoperative management protocol.

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.

Surrogate indicators of quality are associated with survival following surgical treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Quality/core measures have been collected for over 10 years. Studies have demonstrated hospital performance is related to postoperative outcomes. We hypothesize that hospital quality measures are associated with long-term survival following surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The National Cancer Data Base was queried for all HCC cases. Individual hospitals were deidentified. Quality markers were defined as hospital-specific median length of stay (LOS), 30-day mortality rate and readmit rate. A Cox regression stratified by stage estimated survival. To minimize confounding, a landmark analysis was estimated for patients that survived greater than 30 days.

RESULTS

A total of 16 202 HCC patients underwent surgical resection and 996 (6.1%) died within 30 days following surgery. Calculated by unique hospital, median 30-day death rate was 4.6% (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.2% to 7.6%). Thirty-day readmit rate was 2.6% (IQR: 0% to 5.9%) and median LOS was 8.0 days (IQR: 6.5 to 9.2). In the multivariate Cox regression, 30-day death rate (hazard ratio [HR], 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32 to 2.71) and longer LOS (HR, 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.02) were associated with worse survival. Higher 30-day readmission rate was associated with improved survival (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.97).

CONCLUSIONS

Hospital-level surrogate markers of surgical quality appear to be significantly associated with HCC survival following resection. Patients treated in higher 30-day mortality centers, experienced worse outcomes. Individual hospitals should critically review disease-specific outcomes following resection to identify areas for improvement.

A combination of subcuticular suture and enhanced recovery after surgery reduces wound complications in patients undergoing hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of this study was to examine whether using subcuticular sutures during initial hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma is associated with shorter postoperative length of hospital stay (PLOS) than using staples for patients treated in the enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) approach. A total of 376 patients were randomized to receive either subcuticular sutures or staples (188 per group), and the two groups were compared in terms of the incidence of wound complications and PLOS. Independent risk factors for PLOS were identified by multivariate analysis. Sutures were associated with significantly lower incidence of wound infection (4.3% vs. 13.3%, P = 0.020) and significantly shorter PLOS (7.97 vs. 8.45 days, P = 0.048). Independent risk factors for wound infection after hepatectomy were advanced age, increased preoperative body mass index, decreased preoperative serum albumin, and skin closure using staples. These results suggest that subcuticular sutures may be more effective than staples for conducting hepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who receive ERAS care.

Effect of early oral feeding on length of hospital stay following gastrectomy for gastric cancer: a Japanese multicenter, randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This multicenter, randomized controlled study evaluates the safety of early oral feeding following gastrectomy, and its effect on the length of postoperative hospital stay.

METHODS

The subjects of this study were patients who underwent distal gastrectomy (DG) or total gastrectomy (TG) for gastric cancer between January 2014 and December 2015. Patients were randomly assigned to the early oral feeding group (intervention group) or the conventional postoperative management group (control group) for each procedure. We evaluated the length of postoperative hospital stay and the incidence of postoperative complications in each group.

RESULTS

No significant differences in length of postoperative stay were found between the intervention and control groups of the patients who underwent DG. The incidence of postoperative complications was significantly greater in the DG intervention group. In contrast, the length of postoperative stay was significantly shorter in the TG intervention group, although the TG group did not attain the established target sample size.

CONCLUSION

Early oral feeding did not shorten the postoperative hospital stay after DG. The higher incidence of postoperative complications precluded the unselected adoption of early oral feeding for DG patients. Further confirmative studies are required to definitively establish the potential benefits of early oral feeding for TG patients.

Incidence of orthostatic hypotension and cardiovascular response to postoperative early mobilization in patients undergoing cardiothoracic and abdominal surgery

BACKGROUND

In cardiothoracic and abdominal surgery, postoperative complications remain major clinical problems. Early mobilization has been widely practiced and is an important component in preventing complications, including orthostatic hypotension (OH) during postoperative management. We investigated cardiovascular response during early mobilization and the incidence of OH after cardiothoracic and abdominal surgery.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, we consecutively analyzed data from 495 patients who underwent elective cardiothoracic and abdominal surgery. We examined the incidence of OH, and the independent risk factors associated with OH during early mobilization after major surgery. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using various characteristics of patients to identify OH-related independent factors.

RESULTS

OH was observed in 191 (39%) of 495 patients. The incidence of OH in cardiac, thoracic, and abdominal groups was 39 (33%) of 119, 95 (46%) of 208, and 57 (34%) of 168 patients, respectively. Male sex (OR 1.538; p = 0.03) and epidural anesthesia (OR 2.906; p < 0.001) were independently associated with OH on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that approximately 40% patients experience OH during early mobilization after cardiothoracic and abdominal surgery. Sex was identified as an independent factor for OH during early mobilization after all three types of surgeries, while epidural anesthesia was only identified after thoracic surgery. Therefore, the frequent occurrence of OH during postoperative early mobilization should be recognized.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

University hospital Medical Information Network Center (UMIN-CTR) number UMIN000018632 . (Registered on 1st October, 2008).

Enhanced recovery after surgery program reduces length of hospital stay and complications in liver resection: A PRISMA-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Many enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) guidelines have already been established in several kinds of surgeries. But due to concerns of the specific complications, it has not yet been considered the standard of care in liver surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to assess the effect of ERAS in patients undergoing liver surgery.

METHODS

EMBASE, CNKI, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ERAS with conventional care in patients undergoing liver surgery. Subgroup meta-analysis between laparoscopic and open surgical approaches to liver resection was also conducted.

RESULTS

Seven RCTs were included, representing 996 patients. Length of stay (LOS) (MD -3.17, 95% CI: -3.99 to -2.35, P < .00001, I = 89%) and time to first flatus (MD -0.9, 95% CI: -1.36 to -0.45, P = .0001, I = 98%) were both reduced in the ERAS group. There were also fewer complications in the ERAS group (OR 0.52, 95% CI: 0.37-0.72, P < .0001, I = 0%).

CONCLUSION

The ERAS program can obviously enhance short-term recovery after liver resection. It is safe and worthwhile. A specific ERAS guideline for liver resection is recommended.

Both high and low plasma glutamine levels predict mortality in critically ill patients

PURPOSE

Plasma amino acids are important indicators for understanding human kinetics and amino acid dynamics. We aimed to investigate the association between the plasma glutamine levels and the mortality rates and determine whether plasma glutamine can predict the prognosis of critically ill patients.

METHODS

The clinical records of adult patients who were admitted to an ICU were retrospectively evaluated to investigate the plasma levels of amino acids, including glutamine.

RESULTS

Two hundred fourteen patients were included in this study (male, 62%; median age, 64 years; range 20-97 years). The patients' diagnoses included sepsis (45%), trauma (14%), cardiovascular disease (9%), fulminant hepatitis (9%), burns (4%), and others (19%). The mortality rates in patients with plasma glutamine <400 nmol/mL (group L; 39%, 28/71) or ≥700 nmol/mL (group H; 50%, 15/30) were significantly higher (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) than those in patients with plasma glutamine levels of 400-700 nmol/mL (group M; 21%, 24/113). Among patients with sepsis, the mortality rates of group L (46%) and group H (67%) were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01, respectively) in comparison with group M (26%).

CONCLUSION

Both lower and higher plasma glutamine levels were risk factors for mortality in critically ill patients.

Enhanced Recovery after Surgery Programs for Liver Resection: a Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Due to the limited number of high-quality randomized controlled trials on enhanced recovery after surgery for hepatectomy, previous reviews have not been sufficiently comprehensive. Our objectives were to evaluate and compare the safety and efficacy of enhanced recovery after surgery programs and traditional care in patients undergoing open or laparoscopic surgery and to assess the optimized items for hepatectomy.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases for all the relevant studies regardless of study design. We assessed the methodological quality of the included studies and excluded studies of poor quality. We performed a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

In total, 19 original studies with 2575 patients, including four randomized controlled trials and 15 non-randomized controlled trials, were analyzed. The meta-analysis demonstrated that enhanced recovery after surgery programs could reduce morbidity, hospital stays and cost, blood loss, and time to bowel function recovery for both open and laparoscopic surgery without increasing mortality, readmission rate, or transfusion rate. Twelve items were essential for liver surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Enhanced recovery after surgery programs for hepatectomy are feasible and efficient. Further studies should optimize perioperative outcomes for liver surgery.