Frailty index as a predictive preoperative tool in the elder population undergoing major abdominal surgery: a prospective analysis of clinical utility

PURPOSE

The geriatric population has increased considerably in the last decades. Such increases come along with new challenges for surgical practitioners, who now face a risen number of frail patients in need of major operations. The value of frailty indexes in this setting has been discussed recently. This study assessed the modified Rockwood frailty index (mRFI) as a predictive tool for postoperative complications in older adults subjected to major abdominal operations and correlated it with other scores widely utilized for this purpose.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study utilizing the mRFI including all patients older than 65 years subjected to major abdominal surgery between May 2017 and May 2019 in a third-level academic center. A comparison between frail (mRFI >0.25) and non-frail patients (mRFI <0.25) was performed. We performed logistic regression to identify predictors of postoperative complications and 30-day mortality. We analyzed the correlation between mRFI and ACS-NSQIP, P-POSSUM, PMP, and Charlson score risk calculators.

RESULTS

One hundred forty patients were included in our study, of whom 49 (35%) were identified as frail. Frail patients demonstrated significantly prolonged hospital stay (p<.0001), ICU admission rates (p=0.004), hospital readmissions (p=0.007), and higher mortality rates (p=0.02). Our univariate analysis associated frailty (mRFI>0.25), ASA >III, increased age, and BMI with postoperative complications. In our multivariate analysis, frailty remained an independent predictor for postoperative complications (OR 6.38, 95% CI [2.45-16.58], p<0.001). Frailty was also associated with length of stay (LOS) regardless of the type of surgery (OR 3.35, 95% CI [0.37-6.33], p= 0.03). mRFI>0.25 demonstrated a sensitivity (Se) of 70% and specificity (Sp) 67% with area under the curve (AUC) 0.75 for perioperative complications, Se 69% and Sp 70% with AUC 0.74 for ICU admissions, and Se 83% and Sp 68% with AUC 0.83 for mortality.

CONCLUSION

Frail patients demonstrated significantly prolonged hospital stay, ICU admission rates, hospital readmissions, and higher mortality rates. mRFI is an independent predictor for perioperative complications with a Se of 70% and Sp 67% and AUC 0.75.

Conversion from laparoscopic to open cholecystectomy: Risk factor analysis based on clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound parameters

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

The standard of care for gallbladder disease is laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Difficult dissection of the hepatocytic triangle and bleeding can result in conversion to open cholecystectomy, which is associated with increased morbidity. Identifying risk factors for conversion in the context of acute cholecystitis will allow patient care to be individualized and improve outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective case-control study included all patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis, according to the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines, admitted to a tertiary care academic center, from January 1991 to January 2012. Using logistic regression, we analyzed variables to identify risk factors for conversion. Variables that were found to be significant predictors of conversion in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate model. We then performed an exploratory analysis to identify the risk factor summation pathway with the highest sensitivity for conversion.

RESULTS

The study included 321 patients with acute cholecystitis. Their mean age was 49 years (±16.8 SD), 65% were females, and 35% were males. Thirty-nine cases (12.14%) were converted to open surgery. In the univariate analysis, older age, male sex, gallbladder wall thickness, and pericholecystic fluid were associated with a higher risk for conversion. In the multivariate analysis all of the variables, except pericholecystic fluid, were associated with conversion. Our risk factor summation model had a sensitivity of 84%.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative clinical data can be utilized to identify patients with a higher risk of conversion to open cholecystectomy. Being aware of such risk factors can help improve perioperative planning and preparedness in challenging cases.

Pregabalin as a premedication for anxiety in patients undergoing plastic surgery: randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of premedication with 75 mg pregabalin orally to reduce the degree of preoperative anxiety in patients scheduled for plastic surgery procedures.

Method

A controlled randomized double-blind clinical trial that analyzed two groups of patients: 75 mg pregabalin tablet (Pg) against placebo tablet (Pl). Efficacy was assessed using the visual anxiety scale (VAS) with two measurements, the first without medication and the second 70 minutes after the drug was taken.

Results

One hundred patients were evaluated, fifty received pregabalin and fifty placebo, baseline VAS score showed an general average of 4.6 ± 1.9 points, significantly higher in the Pg group (Pg 5.2 ± 2.1 points vs 4.1 ± 1.6 points Pl; p = 0.0035). The VAS score after premedication was 3.9 ± 2.1 points, significantly lower in the Pg group (Pg 3.2 ± 1.6 points vs 4.6 ± 2.3 Pl points, p = 0.0006).

Conclusion

Premedication 75 mg pregabalin orally decreases the degree of preoperative anxiety in adult patients scheduled for plastic surgery procedures.

Repair of a complex abdominal wall defect with anterolateral thigh flap: a good surgical alternative

Introduction

Reconstruction of the abdominal wall with major defects usually represents a surgical challenge, especially in cases where the defects are recurrent and have a large size that avoids the use of adjacent tissues for an adequate closure. According to each region the abdomen topography is divided into three regions: upper, middle and lower. Several reconstructive alternatives have been described according to the affected area of the abdomen that include the separation of the muscularis aponeurotic components of the abdominal rectus sheath, the flap of the rectus abdominus muscle with or without cutaneous island, the flap dependent on the dorsal muscle and muscular or musculocutaneous thigh flaps to reconstruct the lower area of the abdomen which is called anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. The ALT flap has become the best option for large recurrent defects in any of the thirds due to its great versatility.

Case report

We present the case of a 50-year-old patient with an abdominal wall defect, loss of domain and exposure of prosthetic material. Patient had a surgical history of open cholecystectomy, necrosectomy due to acute pancreatitis with open abdomen management and attempted repair of the abdominal defect twice with mesh placement. The abdominal wall was reconstructed with an ALT free flap with a fascia lata component with anastomosis to superior epigastric vessels in a successful manner. Nowadays patient remains without evidence of recurrence of the hernia at 1 year follow-up.

Discussion/conclusion

The aim of this paper is to illustrate the ALT flap with a fascia lata component anastomosed to the superior epigastric vessels as a good option to reconstruct complex defects of the upper third of the abdomen.

Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in the treatment of obesity: evidence based update through randomized clinical trials and meta-analyses

Bariatric surgery was introduced in 1953, but during the last 20 years its popularity has increased after the development of significant Romaevidenced based breakthroughs in the field. Currently, approximately 150 long-term randomized clinical trials and 40 meta-analyses support and give credibility to the surgical approaches for the treatment of obesity and its related metabolic disturbances. Bariatric surgery has demonstrated improved outcomes compared to medical treatment, conduct therapy, and endoscopic procedures. Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (RYGB) and Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) are the surgical procedures most frequently performed, due to their satisfactory results and security profile. There is sufficient evidence in medical literature to perform these procedures when indicated; however, there are still several controversies regarding technical aspects that need to be further explored.

Total esophageal replacement by transmediastinal transposition of the stomach in a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the thoracic esophagus: a rare surgical case report

Background

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are the most common mesenchymal tumors of the digestive tract. A rare site of localization of these tumors is the esophagus. Evidence-based consensus regarding the type of surgery for patients with esophageal GIST remains unclear.

Clinical case

A female without history of diseases experienced dysphagia, weight loss (6 kg) and malaise. Computed tomography revealed thickening of the esophagus. During the endoscopic ultrasonography a localized lesion was observed in the esophagus that depended on the muscularis propria. We opted to treat with an esophagectomy with replacement by transmediastinal transposition of the stomach. Patient recovered well from the surgery and she was discharged home in stable condition in post-operative day seven. At 6 months she has no symptoms.

Conclusion

This case illustrates the clinical presentation of an esophageal GIST which represents only 1% of all sites where GISTs have been reported; open surgery was successfully performed with minimal morbidity, complete resolution of symptoms and improvement of the patient's quality of life. Esophagectomy with replacement by transmediastinal transposition of the stomach should be performed when the center has experience to do so with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Percutaneous cholecystostomy as treatment for acute cholecystitis: What has happened over the last five years? A literature review

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most frequent diseases faced by the general surgeon. In recent decades, different prognostic factors have been observed, and effective treatments described, to improve the results in patients with said pathology (lower morbidity and mortality, shorter hospital stay, and minimum conversion of laparoscopic to open procedures). In general, laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the standard treatment for acute cholecystitis, but it is not exempt from complications, especially in patients with numerous comorbidities or those that are critically ill. Percutaneous cholecystostomy emerged as a less invasive alternative for the treatment of acute cholecystitis in patients with organ failure or a prohibitive surgical risk. Even though it is an effective procedure, its usefulness and precise indications are subjects of debate. In addition, there is little evidence on cholecystostomy catheter management. We carried out a review of the literature covering the main aspects physicians involved in the management of acute cholecystitis should be familiar with.

Clinical characteristics and surgical treatment of schwannomas of the esophagus and stomach: A case series and systematic review

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal schwannomas are slow-growing benign mesenchymal neoplasms that originate from Schwann cells of the nerve sheath of Auerbach´s plexus or less frequently from Meissner´s plexus. The main differential diagnosis of gastric schwannomas are the gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), which are classified by their immunohistochemistry. The treatment of choice for gastric schwannomas is surgery where laparoscopy plays an important role. Wedge resection, subtotal or total gastrectomy can be done. In its counterpart, esophageal schwannomas are benign tumors of the esophagus that are very uncommon since they comprise less than 2% of all esophageal tumors. The main differential diagnosis is the leiomyoma which corresponds to the most common benign esophageal tumor, followed by GIST. The treatment consists on tumoral enucleation or esophagectomy.

AIM

To review the available literature about gastrointestinal schwannomas; especially lesions from de stomach and esophagus, including diagnosis, treatment, and follow up, as well as, reporting our institutional experience.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes guidelines. The following databases were used for reviewing process: PubMed, Ovid, MEDLINE, and Scopus. Only English language manuscripts were included. All gastrointestinal schwannomas specifically located in the esophagus and stomach were included. Cases that did not report long-term follow-up were excluded.

RESULTS

Gastric localization showed a higher prevalence in both, the literature review and our institution: 94.95% (n = 317) and 83% (n = 5) respectively. With a follow-up with disease-free survival greater than 36 mo in most cases: 62.01% (n = 80) vs 66.66% (n = 4). In both groups, the median size was > 4.1 cm. Surgical treatment is curative in most cases

CONCLUSION

Schwannoma must be taken into account in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors. It has a good prognosis, and most are benign. A disease-free survival of more than 36 mo can be achieved by surgery.

"Expanding the limits". Three-year follow-up of renal transplant recipients from a deceased donor with creatinine greater than 5 mg/dl. Report of three cases

Due the shortage of organ donors and the increase in the waiting list of kidney transplant recipients (KTR), alternative strategies have been considered with the aim of increasing the number of organs available. The use of kidneys from donors with acute renal failure and elevated serum creatinine has been considered as a way to increase the number of donors. The objective of this work is to report the 3-year follow-up of three KTR patients of a deceased donor with serum creatinine greater than or equal to 5 mg/dL.

Myths and realities in the management of the open abdomen with negative pressure systems. A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

The open abdomen is a useful resource for treating patients with abdominal hypertension and abdominal compartment syndrome. Currently, early closure assisted with negative pressure devices is considered standard of treatment, and its use has demonstrated favorable outcomes and a decreased rate of complications.

PRESENTATION OF A CASE

We present a case of a 32-year-old male patient with diagnosis of non-seminomatous germinal testicular tumor (Stage IIIB (T3-N3-M1), which was summited to surgery, as a complication he presented massive bleeding, that culminated in acute compartment syndrome. With the aforementioned findings the patient re entered the operating room and was managed with open abdomen combined with a medial retraction technique of the abdominal fascia. Currently, the patient has not presented recurrence or late complications after a year.

DISCUSSION

The use of negative pressure techniques for open abdomen management began to be generalized in 1995. Subsequently, this technique evolved to V.A.C therapy (Vacuum-assisted closure therapy). Currently, these negative pressure techniques have become the most used method for the temporary closure and management of open abdomen. Controversies continue to limit its widespread use and effectiveness.

CONCLUSION

Adequate application of negative pressure therapy in combination with techniques of medial retraction of the abdominal fascia, have proved to be useful in management for patients with open abdomen.

Contrast-enhanced swallow study sensitivity for detecting esophagojejunostomy leakage

INTRODUCTION AND AIM

Sixty percent of the patients with gastric carcinomas are candidates for surgical resection through total gastrectomy and esophagojejunostomy, the latter of which is associated with leaks in up to 12.3% of cases. There is no standardized procedure for diagnosing anastomotic leaks. The aim of the present study was to establish the diagnostic sensitivity of the contrast-enhanced swallow study for detecting esophagojejunostomy leakage after total gastrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients that underwent total gastrectomy due to gastric adenocarcinoma, within the time frame of 2002 and 2017. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors were identified, emphasizing the clinical and radiologic detection of anastomotic leaks. Descriptive statistics were carried out and the sensitivity of the contrast-enhanced swallow study for diagnosing leakage was calculated.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients were included in the study. Their mean age was 61.5 years. A total of 55.2% of the patients were men and 44.8% were women. Gastric adenocarcinoma was the indication for gastrectomy in 100% of the cases. Anastomotic leak presented in 31.01% of the patients. Diagnostic sensitivity of the contrast-enhanced swallow study for detecting leaks was 66%.

CONCLUSIONS

According to our analysis, the contrast-enhanced swallow study had limited diagnostic efficiency for detecting anastomotic leaks, with a sensitivity of 66%. We suggest maintaining high diagnostic suspicion in patients with studies that are initially negative and basing decisions on a more extensive approach.

Esophageal schwannomas: A rarity beneath benign esophageal tumors a case report

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Esophageal Schwannoma is a rare tumor with only few cases reported in the literature.

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In general, Schwanommas are rarely found in the gastrointestinal tract.

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Esophagic schwanommas is the least common gastrointestinal form of presentation.

•

The knowledge about a new case of esophagic schwanomma, impacts in obtaining more information about the clinical course and surgical treatment of this tumor.

Introduction

Esophageal Schwannoma is a rare tumor that represents the least frequent mesenchymal tumor of the esophagus and represents a condition with only a few cases reported in the literature

Presentation of a case

We report a 40-year-old female with a 5 years history of gastroesophageal reflux, repeated history of pharyngitis, odynophagia that culminated in progressive oropharyngeal dysphagia to solids. A barium esophagogram revealed a filling defect in the superior and middle thirds of the esophagus. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a smooth elevated lesion in the upper third of the esophagus, impossible to resect by this mean. An open left cervical approach revealed an 80 × 45 × 20 mm large tumor, which was resected.

Discussion

In general, Schwanommas are rarely found in the gastrointestinal tract (GI), while the great majority occur in the stomach, esophagic is the least common GI form of presentation.

Conclusion

The knowledge about a new case, impacts in obtaining more information about the clinical course and surgical treatment of this tumor.

Recurrent giant Brunner's gland adenoma

Benign duodenal tumours are extremely rare, with an incidence of 0.008% among general population; those originating from Brunner's Gland represent 11% of this neoplasms. Most cases remain asymptomatic and are often diagnosed during routine endoscopic procedures, however their clinical presentation may be variable making resection treatment of choice in order to prevent complications. Recurrence has not been reported previously on literature. 59-year-old male presented to the emergency department nine months following endoscopic resection of a 2x1.5cm Brunner's gland adenoma complaining of bloating, weight loss and gastro intestinal bleeding, diagnostic approach revealed a 10x4cm mass occupying the duodenum. Tumour size did not allow for endoscopic resection and surgical removal was performed with excellent outcome and no further recurrence at 30 months.