Outcome Heterogeneity in Prehabilitation Trials-Are We Comparing Apples and Oranges?

INTRODUCTION

Over the last decade, the number of prehabilitation randomised controlled trials (RCTs) has increased significantly. Therefore, this review aimed to describe the outcomes reported in prehabilitation RCTs in patients undergoing cancer surgery.

METHODS

A search was conducted in Embase, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature from inception to July 2021. We included RCTs evaluating the effectiveness of preoperative exercise, nutrition, and psychological interventions on postoperative complications and length of hospital stay in adult oncology patients who underwent thoracic and gastrointestinal cancer surgery. The verbatim outcomes reported in each article were extracted, and each outcome was assessed to determine whether it was defined and measured using a validated tool. Verbatim outcomes were grouped into standardized outcomes and categorized into domains. The quality of outcome reporting in each identified article was assessed using the Harman tool (score range 0-6, where 0 indicated the poorest quality).

RESULTS

A total of 74 RCTs were included, from which 601 verbatim outcomes were extracted. Only 110 (18.3%) of the verbatim outcomes were defined and 270 (44.9%) were labeled as either "primary" or "secondary" outcomes. Verbatim outcomes were categorized into 119 standardized outcomes and assigned into one of five domains (patient-reported outcomes, surgical outcomes, physical/functional outcomes, disease activity, and intervention delivery). Surgical outcomes were the most common outcomes reported (n = 71 trials, 95.9%). The overall quality of the reported outcomes was poor across trials (median score: 2.0 [IQR = 0.00-3.75]).

CONCLUSIONS

Prehabilitation RCTs display considerable heterogeneity in outcome reporting, and low outcome reporting quality. The development of standardized core outcome sets may help improve article quality and enhance the clinical utility of prehabilitation following cancer surgery.

Surgical and survival outcomes of early-onset colorectal cancer patients: a single-centre descriptive Australian study

BACKGROUND

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) incidence is increasing in Australia. However, no Australian studies have reported on EOCRC patients' surgical management and survival patterns.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 111 EOCRC patients treated at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPAH), Sydney, Australia between January 2013 and December 2021 was performed. RPAH is a quaternary referral centre for pelvic exenteration (PE) and cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC).

RESULTS

Most patients had left-sided tumours (76.58%) and stage IV disease at the time of presentation (37.85%). 27.93% of patients underwent either CRS/HIPEC and PE and 72.07% of patients underwent other colorectal resections of which the most common was low anterior resection (19.82%). A stoma was fashioned in 50.54% of patients. Complications occurred in 54.95% of patients of which most were Clavien-Dindo grade II (47.54%). Absolute 1-, 3- and 5-year time intervals were 93.69%, 87.39% and 85.48%. Disease-free and overall survival were poorer in stage IV patients who had PE, followed by CRS/HIPEC then other colorectal resections (P < 0.001 and P = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Stoma formation, PE and CRS/HIPEC and minor postoperative complications were common in our EOCRC cohort. Despite this, the 5-year absolute survival rate was acceptable. Thus, an aggressive surgical approach in EOCRC patients at a quaternary referral centre may be feasible at the cost of greater postoperative morbidity. This information is imperative in the surgical consent and preoperative counselling of EOCRC patients and highlights the need for further research to assess the postoperative functional outcomes and quality of life of EOCRC patients.

Evaluating geographical disparities on clinical outcomes following cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

Rural Australians typically encounter disparities in healthcare access leading to adverse health outcomes, delayed diagnosis and reduced quality of life (QoL) parameters. These disparities may be exacerbated in advanced malignancies, where treatment is only available at highly specialised centres with appropriate multidisciplinary expertise. Thus, this study aims to determine the association between patient residence on oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes following cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on consecutive patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital from January 2017 to March 2022. On the basis of their postcode of residence, patients were stratified into metropolitan and regional groups. Data encompassing demographics, oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes were compared. Statistical analysis included chi-square test, t-tests and Kaplan-Meier survival curves.

RESULTS

Among the 317 patients, 228 (72%) were categorised as metropolitan and 89 (28%) as regional. Metropolitan patients presented higher rates of recurrence (61.8% versus 40.0%, p = 0.014) and shorter overall mean survival [3.8 years (95% CI: 3.44-4.09) versus 4.2 years (95% CI: 3.76-4.63), p = 0.019] compared with regional patients. No other statistically significant differences were observed in oncological, surgical and QoL outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Most oncological, surgical and QoL parameters did not differ by geographical location of patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal malignancies at a high-volume quaternary referral centre. Observed differences in recurrence and survival may be attributed to the selective nature of surgical referrals and variable follow-up patterns. Future research should focus on characterising referral pathways and its influence on post-operative outcomes.

Establishing a hierarchy of total knee arthroplasty patients' goals and its congruity to health professionals' perceptions: a cohort study

BACKGROUND

To formulate a hierarchy of primary goals of patients prior to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and evaluate the agreement between patients and health professionals regarding this hierarchy of patient goals.

METHODS

The five most important goals for each of 110 consecutive patients booked for total knee arthroplasty between June and October 2019 were identified. Goals were grouped into themes and then a hierarchy formulated. This hierarchy was randomized and provided to 94 health professionals, including orthopaedic surgeons (n = 49), rheumatologists (n = 16), physiotherapists (n = 16) and general practitioners (n = 13). These health professionals ranked the provided goals based on their belief of what was most important to patients.

RESULTS

Ten overarching goals were identified, with the five most important goals to patients being improving mobility, reducing knee pain, improving daily tasks, participating in social & leisure activities and regaining knee range of motion. Health professionals ranked these goals highly similar to patients with the exceptions being that health professionals ranked quality of life near the top of the hierarchy (much higher than patients) and ranked improving mobility in the bottom half (much lower than patients). Ranking of these goals was similar between each health professional group.

CONCLUSION

Pain and mobility are the most important goals to patients, with health professionals correctly identifying these as such. However, health professionals ranked quality of life higher, and mobility lower in the hierarchy than patients. This incongruity should be considered by health professionals when educating and communicating treatment outcomes.

Gestational diabetes in mice induces hematopoietic memory that affects the long-term health of the offspring

Gestational diabetes is a common medical complication of pregnancy that is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and an increased risk of metabolic diseases and atherosclerosis in adult offspring. The mechanisms responsible for this delayed pathological transmission remain unknown. In mouse models, we found that the development of atherosclerosis in adult offspring born to diabetic pregnancy can be in part linked to hematopoietic alterations. Although they do not show any gross metabolic disruptions, the adult offspring maintain hematopoietic features associated with diabetes, indicating the acquisition of a lasting diabetic hematopoietic memory. We show that the induction of this hematopoietic memory during gestation relies on the activity of the advanced glycation end product receptor (AGER) and the nucleotide binding and oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, which lead to increased placental inflammation. In adult offspring, we find that this memory is associated with DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) upregulation and epigenetic changes in hematopoietic progenitors. Together, our results demonstrate that the hematopoietic system can acquire a lasting memory of gestational diabetes and that this memory constitutes a pathway connecting gestational health to adult pathologies.

Slow cycling and durable Flt3+ progenitors contribute to hematopoiesis under native conditions

The dynamics of the hematopoietic flux responsible for blood cell production in native conditions remains a matter of debate. Using CITE-seq analyses, we uncovered a distinct progenitor population that displays a cell cycle gene signature similar to the one found in quiescent hematopoietic stem cells. We further determined that the CD62L marker can be used to phenotypically enrich this population in the Flt3+ multipotent progenitor (MPP4) compartment. Functional in vitro and in vivo analyses validated the heterogeneity of the MPP4 compartment and established the quiescent/slow-cycling properties of the CD62L- MPP4 cells. Furthermore, studies under native conditions revealed a novel hierarchical organization of the MPP compartments in which quiescent/slow-cycling MPP4 cells sustain a prolonged hematopoietic activity at steady-state while giving rise to other lineage-biased MPP populations. Altogether, our data characterize a durable and productive quiescent/slow-cycling hematopoietic intermediary within the MPP4 compartment and highlight early paths of progenitor differentiation during unperturbed hematopoiesis.

A review of patient recruitment in randomised controlled trials of preoperative exercise

BACKGROUND

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are considered the gold standard design to determine the effectiveness of an intervention, as the only method of decreasing section bias and minimising random error. However, participant recruitment to randomised controlled trials is a major challenge, with many trials failing to recruit the targeted sample size accordingly to the planned protocol. Thus, the aim of this review is to detail the recruitment challenges of preoperative exercise clinical trials.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was performed on MEDLINE, Embase, The Cochrane Library, CINAHL, AMED and PsycINFO from inception to July 2021. Randomised controlled trials investigating the effectiveness of preoperative exercise on postoperative complication and/or length of hospital stay in adult cancer patients were included. Main outcomes included recruitment rate, retention rate, number of days needed to screen and recruit one patient and trial recruitment duration. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise outcomes of interest.

RESULTS

A total of 27 trials were identified, including 3656 patients screened (N = 21) and 1414 randomised (median recruitment rate (interquartile range) = 53.6% (25.2%-67.6%), N = 21). The sample size of the included trials ranged from 19 to 270 (median = 48.0; interquartile range = 40.0-85.0) and the duration of trial recruitment ranged from 3 to 50 months (median = 19.0 months; interquartile range = 10.5-34.0). Overall, a median of 3.6 days was needed to screen one patient, whereas 13.7 days were needed to randomise one participant. Over the trials duration, the median dropout rate was 7.9%. Variations in recruitment outcomes were observed across trials of different cancer types but were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The recruitment of participants to preoperative exercise randomised controlled trials is challenging, but patient retention appears to be less of a problem. Future trials investigating the effectiveness of a preoperative exercise programme following cancer surgery should consider the time taken to recruit patients. Strategies associated with improved recruitment should be investigated in future studies.

Measuring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on colorectal cancer presentation: a retrospective comparative study

BACKGROUNDS

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic provided challenges to surgical care in Australia. This study aimed to measure the potential impact of COVID-19 on colorectal cancer presentation through surgical volume and cancer staging at a major tertiary referral hospital in the city of Sydney Australia.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was performed using routinely collected data from consecutive colorectal cancer patients undergoing surgery during the COVID-19 period (1 March 2020 to 1 October 2021) and compared with the pre-COVID-19 period (1 March 2018 to 1 October 2019). The main outcomes included patient demographics, surgical volume (including overall, elective and emergency) and cancer staging. Differences in outcomes between the two studied periods were compared using Pearson's chi-squared test, Fisher test or t-test.

RESULTS

A total of 381 patients composed the COVID-19 group (Mean age = 62.4 years) and 364 patients composed the pre-COVID-19 group (Mean age = 65.6 years; P<0.001). No significant differences were observed for overall, elective or emergency surgical volumes. Patients in the COVID-19 group had a reduction in Stage I and an increase in Stage II and III disease, with Stage IV and recurrent disease being similar with a variation of <1% when compared to the pre-COVID-19 group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Disruptions in patient screening, diagnosis and management from elective surgery restrictions and patient hesitancy may not have resulted in observed changes to surgical volume, however, it may have contributed to an increase in Stages II and III colorectal cancer during COVID-19.

Stoma-free survival after anastomotic leak following rectal cancer resection: worldwide cohort of 2470 patients

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment of anastomotic leak after rectal cancer resection is unclear. This worldwide cohort study aimed to provide an overview of four treatment strategies applied.

METHODS

Patients from 216 centres and 45 countries with anastomotic leak after rectal cancer resection between 2014 and 2018 were included. Treatment was categorized as salvage surgery, faecal diversion with passive or active (vacuum) drainage, and no primary/secondary faecal diversion. The primary outcome was 1-year stoma-free survival. In addition, passive and active drainage were compared using propensity score matching (2 : 1).

RESULTS

Of 2470 evaluable patients, 388 (16.0 per cent) underwent salvage surgery, 1524 (62.0 per cent) passive drainage, 278 (11.0 per cent) active drainage, and 280 (11.0 per cent) had no faecal diversion. One-year stoma-free survival rates were 13.7, 48.3, 48.2, and 65.4 per cent respectively. Propensity score matching resulted in 556 patients with passive and 278 with active drainage. There was no statistically significant difference between these groups in 1-year stoma-free survival (OR 0.95, 95 per cent c.i. 0.66 to 1.33), with a risk difference of -1.1 (95 per cent c.i. -9.0 to 7.0) per cent. After active drainage, more patients required secondary salvage surgery (OR 2.32, 1.49 to 3.59), prolonged hospital admission (an additional 6 (95 per cent c.i. 2 to 10) days), and ICU admission (OR 1.41, 1.02 to 1.94). Mean duration of leak healing did not differ significantly (an additional 12 (-28 to 52) days).

CONCLUSION

Primary salvage surgery or omission of faecal diversion likely correspond to the most severe and least severe leaks respectively. In patients with diverted leaks, stoma-free survival did not differ statistically between passive and active drainage, although the increased risk of secondary salvage surgery and ICU admission suggests residual confounding.

Stoma-free Survival After Rectal Cancer Resection With Anastomotic Leakage: Development and Validation of a Prediction Model in a Large International Cohort

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a prediction model (STOMA score) for 1-year stoma-free survival in patients with rectal cancer (RC) with anastomotic leakage (AL).

BACKGROUND

AL after RC resection often results in a permanent stoma.

METHODS

This international retrospective cohort study (TENTACLE-Rectum) encompassed 216 participating centres and included patients who developed AL after RC surgery between 2014 and 2018. Clinically relevant predictors for 1-year stoma-free survival were included in uni and multivariable logistic regression models. The STOMA score was developed and internally validated in a cohort of patients operated between 2014 and 2017, with subsequent temporal validation in a 2018 cohort. The discriminative power and calibration of the models' performance were evaluated.

RESULTS

This study included 2499 patients with AL, 1954 in the development cohort and 545 in the validation cohort. Baseline characteristics were comparable. One-year stoma-free survival was 45.0% in the development cohort and 43.7% in the validation cohort. The following predictors were included in the STOMA score: sex, age, American Society of Anestesiologist classification, body mass index, clinical M-disease, neoadjuvant therapy, abdominal and transanal approach, primary defunctioning stoma, multivisceral resection, clinical setting in which AL was diagnosed, postoperative day of AL diagnosis, abdominal contamination, anastomotic defect circumference, bowel wall ischemia, anastomotic fistula, retraction, and reactivation leakage. The STOMA score showed good discrimination and calibration (c-index: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.66-0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

The STOMA score consists of 18 clinically relevant factors and estimates the individual risk for 1-year stoma-free survival in patients with AL after RC surgery, which may improve patient counseling and give guidance when analyzing the efficacy of different treatment strategies in future studies.

Increased Body Mass Index Augments Endothelial Injury and Clinical Outcomes after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Higher body mass index (BMI) is characterized as a chronic inflammatory state with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial injury after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) puts patients at risk for such complications as transplantation-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA) and acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD). To evaluate the impact of increased BMI on endothelial injury after allo-HSCT in pediatric and young adult patients, we conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating 476 consecutive allo-HSCT children and young adult recipients age 0 to 20 years. Our analysis was subdivided based on distinct age categories (<2 years and 2 to 20 years). BMI was considered as a variable but was also expressed in standard deviations from the mean adjusted for age and sex (z-score), based on established criteria from the World Health Organization (age <2 years) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (age 2 to 20 years) to account for differences associated with age. Primary endpoints included the incidences of TA-TMA and aGVHD. Increased BMI z-score was associated with TA-TMA after allo-HSCT in patients age <2 years (median, 18.1; IQR, 17 to 20; P = .006) and in patients age 2 to 20 years (median, 18.7; IQR, 16 to 21.9; P = .02). Higher BMI z-score correlated with TA-TMA risk in both age groups, with a BMI z-score of .9 in the younger cohort and .7 (IQR, -.4 to 1.6; P = .04) in the older cohort. Increased BMI z-score was associated with an increased risk of TA-TMA in a multivariate analysis of the entire cohort (odds ratio [OR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05 to 1.37; P = .008). Multivariate analysis also demonstrated that patients with BMI in the 85th percentile or greater had an increased risk of developing TA-TMA compared to those with a lower BMI percentile (OR, 2.66; 95% CI, 1.62 to 4.32; P < .001). Baseline and day +7 ST2 levels were elevated in subjects with TA-TMA compared to those without TA-TMA in both age groups. Baseline sC5b-9 concentration was not correlated with BMI z-score, but sC5b-9 concentration was increased markedly by 7 days post-allo-HSCT in patients age <2 years who later developed TA-TMA compared to those who never developed TA-TMA (P = .001). The median BMI z-score was higher for patients with aGVHD compared to patients without aGVHD (.7 [range, -3.9 to 3.9] versus .2 [range, -7.8 to 5.4]; P = .03). We show that high BMI is associated with augmented risk of endothelial injury after HSCT, specifically TA-TMA. These data identify a high-risk population likely to benefit from early interventions to prevent endothelial injury and prompt treatment of established endothelial injury.

Research Priorities in Prehabilitation for Patients Undergoing Cancer Surgery: An International Delphi Study

BACKGROUND

Recently, the number of prehabilitation trials has increased significantly. The identification of key research priorities is vital in guiding future research directions. Thus, the aim of this collaborative study was to define key research priorities in prehabilitation for patients undergoing cancer surgery.

METHODS

The Delphi methodology was implemented over three rounds of surveys distributed to prehabilitation experts from across multiple specialties, tumour streams and countries via a secure online platform. In the first round, participants were asked to provide baseline demographics and to identify five top prehabilitation research priorities. In successive rounds, participants were asked to rank research priorities on a 5-point Likert scale. Consensus was considered if > 70% of participants indicated agreement on each research priority.

RESULTS

A total of 165 prehabilitation experts participated, including medical doctors, physiotherapists, dieticians, nurses, and academics across four continents. The first round identified 446 research priorities, collated within 75 unique research questions. Over two successive rounds, a list of 10 research priorities reached international consensus of importance. These included the efficacy of prehabilitation on varied postoperative outcomes, benefit to specific patient groups, ideal programme composition, cost efficacy, enhancing compliance and adherence, effect during neoadjuvant therapies, and modes of delivery.

CONCLUSIONS

This collaborative international study identified the top 10 research priorities in prehabilitation for patients undergoing cancer surgery. The identified priorities inform research strategies, provide future directions for prehabilitation research, support resource allocation and enhance the prehabilitation evidence base in cancer patients undergoing surgery.

Trial of Vancomycin and Cefazolin as Surgical Prophylaxis in Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The addition of vancomycin to beta-lactam prophylaxis in arthroplasty may reduce surgical-site infections; however, the efficacy and safety are unclear.

METHODS

In this multicenter, double-blind, superiority, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned adult patients without known methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization who were undergoing arthroplasty to receive 1.5 g of vancomycin or normal saline placebo, in addition to cefazolin prophylaxis. The primary outcome was surgical-site infection within 90 days after surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 4239 patients underwent randomization. Among 4113 patients in the modified intention-to-treat population (2233 undergoing knee arthroplasty, 1850 undergoing hip arthroplasty, and 30 undergoing shoulder arthroplasty), surgical-site infections occurred in 91 of 2044 patients (4.5%) in the vancomycin group and in 72 of 2069 patients (3.5%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94 to 1.73; P = 0.11). Among patients undergoing knee arthroplasty, surgical-site infections occurred in 63 of 1109 patients (5.7%) in the vancomyin group and in 42 of 1124 patients (3.7%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.23). Among patients undergoing hip arthroplasty, surgical-site infections occurred in 28 of 920 patients (3.0%) in the vancomyin group and in 29 of 930 patients (3.1%) in the placebo group (relative risk, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.63). Adverse events occurred in 35 of 2010 patients (1.7%) in the vancomycin group and in 35 of 2030 patients (1.7%) in the placebo group, including hypersensitivity reactions in 24 of 2010 patients (1.2%) and 11 of 2030 patients (0.5%), respectively (relative risk, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.08 to 4.49), and acute kidney injury in 42 of 2010 patients (2.1%) and 74 of 2030 patients (3.6%), respectively (relative risk, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of vancomycin to cefazolin prophylaxis was not superior to placebo for the prevention of surgical-site infections in arthroplasty among patients without known MRSA colonization. (Funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12618000642280.).

Consumer Perspectives on the Adoption of a Prehabilitation Multimodal Online Program for Patients Undergoing Cancer Surgery

This study aimed to explore patients' perspectives on the adoption of a prehabilitation multimodal online program. Patients recovering from gastrointestinal cancer surgery at a tertiary hospital between October 2021 and November 2022 were invited to participate. An e-Health program including intensity exercises, nutrition and psychological counselling was used. Patients were instructed to navigate the e-Health program over 24 h using an iPad and then complete the study survey. Patients' characteristics, use of technology, views and minimal expected outcomes from a preoperative online program were collected. Of the 30 patients included, most were female, most reported confidence in the use of technology, most considered the online program safe and most agreed it would be beneficial for their health. "Poor preoperative health" and "lack of motivation and encouragement" were identified as the main barriers to the uptake of a preoperative online program, while program 'simplicity' and perceived 'benefits' were the main facilitators. Significant improvement in postoperative outcomes is perceived to influence patients' willingness to participate in a preoperative multimodal e-Health program. Gastrointestinal cancer patients perceived the adoption of a preoperative multimodal e-Health application as safe to be performed at home and of potential benefit to their health. A range of patient's characteristics, barriers and facilitators to the uptake of an online program were identified. These should be considered in future preoperative multimodal online programs to enhance patient experience, adherence and efficacy. The safety and efficacy of the online prehabilitation program will need to be determined in a larger randomized controlled trial.

Grading Complications in Pelvic Exenteration: Limitations of Current Classification Systems

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively report complications associated with pelvic exenteration and to determine the strength of associations between 3 different grading methodologies and length of stay, quality of life, and physical outcomes.

BACKGROUND

It is generally accepted that pelvic exenteration is associated with high rates of surgical morbidity. However, methods of reporting in the literature are inconsistent, making it difficult to compare surgical outcomes across studies to determine the impact of surgery on patients.

DESIGN

A retrospective study.

SETTINGS

This study was conducted at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

PATIENTS

It included patients who underwent pelvic exenteration between December 2016 and August 2019.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, Comprehensive Complication Index, and number of postoperative complications. Correlations between length of stay, physical component score, 6-minute walk test, and sit-to-stand test, and complications as graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification, Comprehensive Complication Index, and the number of complications were explored using Pearson's or point biserial correlation tests.

RESULTS

In this study, 198 patients were included. The Clavien-Dindo classification was moderately positively correlated with length of stay ( r = 0.519; p < 0.0001), whereas Comprehensive Complication Index ( r = 0.744; p < 0.0001) and the number of complications ( r = 0.751; p < 0.0001) showed a strong correlation with length of stay. All these methodologies were moderately inversely correlated with a predischarge 6-minute walk test (Clavien-Dindo classification: r = -0.359, p = 0.008; Comprehensive Complication Index: r = -0.388, p = 0.007; number of complications: r = -0.467, p < 0.0001).

LIMITATIONS

This single-center retrospective study involves a small sample size. Classification of grade I and II complications in this cohort of patients who tend to have complex postoperative recovery was challenging and therefore incomplete. The incomplete data may have affected the correlations.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive Complication Index and the number of postoperative complications were more strongly correlated with length of stay than the Clavien-Dindo classification in patients undergoing pelvic exenteration. Comprehensive Complication Index may be a better grading system to classify postoperative complications following pelvic exenteration. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B906 .

CLASIFICACIN DE LAS COMPLICACIONES EN LA EXENTERACIN PLVICA LIMITACIONES DE LOS SISTEMAS DE CLASIFICACIN ACTUALES

OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo informar de manera integral las complicaciones asociadas con la exanteración pélvica y determinar la rlacion de las asociaciones entre tres metodologías de clasificación diferentes y la duración de la estadía, la calidad de vida y los resultados físicos.ANTECEDENTES:En general, se acepta que la exanteración pélvica se asocia con altas tasas de morbilidad quirúrgica. Sin embargo, los métodos de notificación en la literatura son inconsistentes, lo que dificulta la comparación de los resultados quirúrgicos entre estudios para determinar el impacto de la cirugía en los pacientes.DISEÑO:Este fue un estudio retrospectivo.AJUSTES:Este estudio se realizó en el Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney. Australia.PACIENTES:Se incluyeron pacientes a las que se les realizó exenteración pélvica entre diciembre de 2016 y agosto de 2019.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Las complicaciones se clasificaron de acuerdo con la Clasificación de Clavien-Dindo, el Índice Integral de Complicaciones y el número de complicaciones posoperatorias. Correlaciones entre la duración de la estadía, la puntuación del componente físico, la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos y la prueba de sentarse y levantarse; y las complicaciones según la clasificación de Clavien-Dindo, el CCI y el número de complicaciones se exploraron mediante las pruebas de correlación biserial de Pearson o Point.RESULTADOS:Un total de 198 pacientes fueron incluidos en este estudio. La clasificación de Clavien-Dindo se correlacionó moderadamente positivamente con la duración de la estancia ( r = 0,519, p < 0,0001), mientras que el índice de complicaciones integrales ( r = 0,744, p < 0,0001) y el número de complicaciones ( r = 0,751, p < 0,0001) mostraron una fuerte correlación con la duración de la estancia. Todas estas metodologías se correlacionaron moderadamente inversamente con la prueba de caminata de 6 minutos antes del alta (Clasificación de Clavien-Dindo: r = -0,359, p = 0,008; Índice de Complicaciones Integrales: r = -0,388, p = 0,007; número de complicaciones: r = -0,467, p < 0,0001).LIMITACIONES:Un estudio retrospectivo de un solo centro incluye un tamaño de muestra pequeño. La clasificación de las complicaciones de grado I y II en esta cohorte de pacientes que tienden a tener una recuperación postoperatoria compleja fue un desafío y, por lo tanto, incompleta. Los datos incompletos pueden haber afectado las correlaciones.CONCLUSIONES:El Índice Integral de Complicaciones y el número de complicaciones postoperatorias se correlacionaron más con la duración de la estancia que la Clasificación de Clavien-Dindo en pacientes con exenteración pélvica. El Índice Integral de Complicaciones puede ser un mejor sistema de clasificación para clasificar las complicaciones posoperatorias después de la exenteración pélvica. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B906 . (Traducción-Dr. Yolanda Colorado ).

Development of a risk prediction tool for patients with locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer undergoing pelvic exenteration: protocol for a mixed-methods study

INTRODUCTION

Pelvic exenteration (PE) surgery represents the only potentially curative treatment option for patients with locally advanced or recurrent rectal cancer (LARRC). Given the potential morbidity, whether or not PE should be recommended for an individual patient presents a major decisional conflict. This study aims to identify the outcomes of PE for which there is consensus among patients, carers and clinicians regarding their importance in guiding treatment decision-making, and to develop a risk prediction tool which predicts these outcomes.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study will be conducted at a specialist PE centre, and employ a mixed-methods study design, divided into three distinct phases. In phase 1, outcomes of PE will be identified through a comprehensive systematic review of the literature (phase 1a), followed by exploration of the experiences of individuals who have undergone PE for LARRC and their carers (phase 1b, target sample size 10-20 patients and 5-10 carers). In phase 2, a survey of patients, their carers and clinicians will be conducted using Delphi methodology to explore consensus around the outcomes of highest priority and the level of influence each outcome should have on treatment decision-making. In phase 3 a, risk prediction tool will be developed using data from a single PE referral centre (estimated sample size 500 patients) to predict priority outcomes using multivariate modelling, and externally validated using data from an international PE collaboration.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethical approval has been granted for phases 1 and 2 (X22-0422 and 2022/ETH02659) and for maintenance of the database used in phase 3 (X13-0283 and HREC/13/RPAH/504). Informed consent will be obtained from participants in phases 1b and 2; a waiver of consent for secondary use of data in phase 3 will be sought. Study results will be submitted for publication in international and/or national peer reviewed journals.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42022351909.

Effect of Aspirin vs Enoxaparin on 90-Day Mortality in Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Secondary Analysis of the CRISTAL Cluster Randomized Trial

Importance

Ischemic heart disease remains the leading cause of mortality following hip and knee arthroplasty. Due to its antiplatelet and cardioprotective properties, aspirin has been proposed as an agent that could reduce mortality when used as venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following these procedures.

Objective

To compare aspirin with enoxaparin in reducing 90-day mortality for patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty procedures.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study was a planned secondary analysis of the CRISTAL cluster randomized, crossover, registry-nested trial performed across 31 participating hospitals in Australia between April 20, 2019, and December 18, 2020. The aim of the CRISTAL trial was to determine whether aspirin was noninferior to enoxaparin in preventing symptomatic VTE following hip or knee arthroplasty. The primary study restricted the analysis to patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty for a diagnosis of osteoarthritis only. This study includes all adult patients (aged ≥18 years) undergoing any hip or knee arthroplasty procedure at participating sites during the course of the trial. Data were analyzed from June 1 to September 6, 2021.

Interventions

Hospitals were randomized to administer all patients oral aspirin (100 mg daily) or subcutaneous enoxaparin (40 mg daily) for 35 days after hip arthroplasty and 14 days after knee arthroplasty procedures.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was mortality within 90 days. The between-group difference in mortality was estimated using cluster summary methods.

Results

A total of 23 458 patients from 31 hospitals were included, with 14 156 patients allocated to aspirin (median [IQR] age, 69 [62-77] years; 7984 [56.4%] female) and 9302 patients allocated to enoxaparin (median [IQR] age, 70 [62-77] years; 5277 [56.7%] female). The mortality rate within 90 days of surgery was 1.67% in the aspirin group and 1.53% in the enoxaparin group (estimated difference, 0.04%; 95% CI, -0.05%-0.42%). For the subgroup of 21 148 patients with a nonfracture diagnosis, the mortality rate was 0.49% in the aspirin group and 0.41% in the enoxaparin group (estimated difference, 0.05%; 95% CI, -0.67% to 0.76%).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this secondary analysis of a cluster randomized trial comparing aspirin with enoxaparin following hip or knee arthroplasty, there was no significant between-group difference in mortality within 90 days when either drug was used for VTE prophylaxis.

Trial Registration

http://anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12618001879257.

High and low value care recommended and undertaken prior to knee or hip arthroplasty: a survey study

INTRODUCTION

National and international clinical practice guidelines have stratified the value of osteoarthritis (OA) interventions. Interventions with strong evidence supporting effectiveness and benefit are 'high value care'. Appointment attendance, audits and practitioner surveys are widely used to determine frequency of recommendations and adherence to high value care. Greater patient reported data is needed in this evidence base.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the frequency of high and low value care being recommended and undertaken by individuals awaiting OA-related lower limb arthroplasty. To examine sociodemographic or disease-related variables associated with being recommended different levels of care.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey of 339 individuals was conducted in metropolitan and regional hospitals and surgeon consultation rooms across New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Individuals attending pre-arthroplasty clinics/appointments for primary arthroplasty of the hip and/or knee were invited to participate. Respondents were asked what intervention(s) they were recommended by healthcare practitioners, or other sources of information, and what they had undertaken within two years prior to hip or knee arthroplasty. Interventions were classified as core, recommended, and low value care aligned with the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines. We considered core and recommended interventions high value. The proportion of recommended and undertaken interventions were calculated. We used backwards stepwise multivariate multinomial regression to address aim three.

RESULTS

Simple analgesics were most frequently recommended (68% [95% CI 62.9 to 73.1]). 24.8% [20.2 to 29.7] of respondents were recommended high value care only. 75.2% [70.2 to 79.7] of respondents were recommended at least one low value intervention. More than 75% of recommended interventions were undertaken. Respondents awaiting hip arthroplasty, living outside a major city and without private health insurance had greater odds of recommended rather than core interventions being advised.

CONCLUSION

While high value interventions are being recommended to individuals living with OA, in most cases they are combined with recommendations for low value care. This is concerning given the high rates of uptake for recommended interventions. Based on patient reported data, disease-related and sociodemographic variables influence the level of care recommended.

Feasibility, Reliability, and Safety of Remote Five Times Sit to Stand Test in Patients with Gastrointestinal Cancer

Background: To determine the feasibility, reliability, and safety of the remote five times sit to stand test (5STS) test in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Methods: Consecutive adult patients undergoing surgical treatment for lower gastrointestinal cancer at a major referral hospital in Sydney between July and November 2022 were included. Participants completed the 5STS test both face-to-face and remotely, with the order randomised. Outcomes included measures of feasibility, reliability, and safety. Results: Of fifty-five patients identified, seventeen (30.9%) were not interested, one (1.8%) had no internet coverage, and thirty-seven (67.3%) consented and completed both 5STS tests. The mean (SD) time taken to complete the face-to-face and remote 5STS tests was 9.1 (2.4) and 9.5 (2.3) seconds, respectively. Remote collection by telehealth was feasible, with only two participants (5.4%) having connectivity issues at the start of the remote assessment, but not interfering with the tests. The remote 5STS test showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.957), with limits of agreement within acceptable ranges and no significant systematic errors observed. No adverse events were observed within either test environment. Conclusions: Remote 5STS for the assessment of functional lower extremity strength in gastrointestinal cancer patients is feasible, reliable, and safe, and can be used in clinical and research settings.

Surgeon Estimations of Acetabular Cup Orientation Using Intraoperative Fluoroscopic Imagining Are Unreliable

Background

Accurate acetabular cup orientation is associated with decreased revision rates and improved outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty. This study assesses surgeon's ability to estimate both the acetabular component inclination and anteversion angles via intraoperative fluoroscopy (IF) images.

Methods

We surveyed orthopedic surgeons to estimate acetabular component inclination and anteversion based on 20 IF images of total hip arthroplasty through a direct anterior approach. Postoperative computed-tomography scans were used to calculate the true inclination and anteversion component angles. The absolute difference between the true and estimated values was calculated to determine the mean and standard deviation of the survey results. Interrater reliability was determined through interclass correlation coefficients.

Results

A majority of surgeons preferred the direct anterior approach (83.3%) and utilized IF during surgery (70%). Surgeons surveyed were on average 5.9° away from the true value of inclination (standard deviation = 4.7) and 8.8° away from the true value of anteversion (standard deviation = 6.0). Respondents were within 5° of both inclination and anteversion in 19.7% of cases, and within 10° in 57.3% of cases. All surgeons were determined to have poor reliability in estimating anteversion (interclass correlation coefficient < 0.5). Only 2 surgeons were determined to have moderate reliability when estimating inclination.

Conclusions

Surgeons, when solely relying on IF for the estimation of anteversion and inclination, are unreliable. Utilization of other techniques in conjunction with IF would improve observer reliability.

Patterns of DNA mismatch repair protein expression for primary and recurrent colorectal cancer at an advanced surgical unit: A retrospective audit

AIM

Lynch syndrome is an inherited cancer syndrome associated with an increased lifetime risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and characterized by germline mutations to one of four DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Immunohistochemical (IHC) testing is used to screen for Lynch syndrome; however, despite routine completion following resection of primary CRC, it is only variably completed following resection of recurrent disease. This may be significant, as MMR protein expression can change from primary to recurrent CRC. The primary aim of this study is to investigate how MMR profiles change from primary to recurrent CRC; the secondary aim is to assess rates of MMR testing of primary and recurrent disease.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgery for recurrent CRC from 2018-19 at a high-volume institution. MMR profiles were obtained following both primary and recurrent resection of CRC, and MMR protein expression was evaluated from both time points.

RESULTS

A total of 107 patients met the inclusion criteria and IHC results were obtained for both primary and recurrent resections in 85 cases. MMR profiles changed in nine patients (10.6%), with a loss of staining from primary to recurrent disease in six (7.1%) and a gain of staining in three (3.5%). IHC testing was completed following 88.7% of primary and 39.3% of recurrent resections.

CONCLUSION

MMR profiles can change from primary to recurrent CRC and repeat MMR testing for recurrent CRC is completed in only a minority of cases.

Phallus Preservation for Locally Advanced Proximal Primary Urethral Carcinoma: Technique and Outcomes

INTRODUCTION

To describe a novel method of penile sparing perineal urethrectomy for locally advanced proximal primary urethral cancers (PUC).

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

In mid-2021, 2 cases underwent pelvic exenterative surgery for pT3 and pT4 PUC. The procedure comprised of a complete urethrectomy, proximal penectomy, en bloc pubectomy and excision of pelvic diaphragm in both cases. One case included a wide excision of scrotum, whilst the other required a prostatectomy and abdominoperineal resection of the rectum to achieve complete tumor resection. A complete R0 resection was achieved in both cases. At 6 months follow up, there is no evidence of ischemic necrosis of the penis and cosmesis is satisfactory to both patients. We provide a comprehensive operative description of both cases, together with illustrations, and discuss the underlying principles of penile preservation in the surgical treatment of locally advanced proximal PUC.

CONCLUSION

Complete perineal urethrectomy with phallic preservation is feasible in men with locally advanced proximal bulbar urethral cancer in the absence of tumor invasion of the penile shaft. The remnant penis survives off arterial supply from the superficial penile arteries arising from the external pudendal arteries. Phallic preservation may benefit patient's psychological quality of life post-procedure.

Healthcare experiences of people with advanced colorectal cancer: A qualitative study

PURPOSE

Qualitative research examining healthcare experiences and needs of people with advanced (metastatic or recurrent) colorectal cancer CRC-A is limited. This study aimed to fill this gap in CRC-A survivors treated with surgical or palliative chemotherapy, through a qualitative study.

METHOD

Australian adults treated for CRC-A were recruited 0.5-2 years post-surgery or post-diagnosis of CRC-A (for palliative chemotherapy groups). Semi-structured telephone interviews, analysed via framework analysis, explored healthcare experiences. Demographic, clinical, and quality of life data characterised the sample and informed framework analyses. Data was compared against the Institute of Medicine's framework for quality healthcare.

RESULTS

Interviews from 38 participants (22 female) of median age 59 years (range 27-84) revealed six overarching themes relating to the safety, effectiveness, timeliness, patient-centredness, efficiency, and equity of CRC-A care: 1) Early experiences influence later perceptions; 2) Trusting the system, trusting the professionals; 3) The benefits of multidisciplinary care co-ordination; 4) Feeling lost in follow-up; 5) Whose role is it anyway? Gaps in responsibility for survivorship care; and 6) Useful or useless? Perceptions of psychosocial support.

CONCLUSIONS

Healthcare systems for CRC-A can be improved through delivery of repeated information, upskilling general practitioners and/or implementing written survivorship care plans or survivorship clinics, to ensure quality healthcare.

Functional Outcomes Following Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: A Prospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Pre-operative physical status and its association with post-operative surgical outcomes is poorly understood in patients with peritoneal malignancy who undergo cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The aims of this study were to determine the pre-operative physical function in patients having CRS-HIPEC and investigate the association between physical function and post-operative outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC between 2017 and 2021 were recruited at a single quaternary referral hospital in Sydney, Australia. The primary physical function measures were the 6-min walk test (6MWT) and the five-times sit to stand test (5STS). Data were collected pre-operatively and at post-operative day 10, and were analysed according to pre-operative patient characteristics and post-operative outcomes such as length of hospital stay (LOS) and complications.

RESULTS

The cohort of patients that participated in functional assessments consisted of 234 patients, with a median age of 56 years. Patients having CRS-HIPEC performed worse on the 6MWT pre-operatively compared with the general Australian population (p < 0.001). Post-operatively, these patients experienced a further deterioration in 6MWT and 5STS performance and the degree of the post-operative decline in function was associated with post-operative morbidity. A higher level of pre-operative physical function was associated with shorter LOS and minor post-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who have undergone CRS-HIPEC were functionally impaired pre-operatively compared with the general population and experience a further deterioration of physical function post-operatively. A higher level of pre-operative physical function is associated with minor post-operative morbidity, which is highly relevant for pre-operative optimisation of patients with cancer.

Establishing a state-wide pelvic exenteration multidisciplinary team meeting in South Australia

BACKGROUND

Pelvic exenteration surgery is complex, necessitating co-ordinated multidisciplinary input and improved referral pathways. A state-wide pelvic exenteration multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting was established in SA and the outcomes of this were audited and compared with historical data.

METHODS

All patients referred for discussion between August 2021 and July 2022 to the SA State-wide Pelvic Exenteration MDT were included in this study. MDT discussion centred around disease resectability, risk versus benefit of surgery, and need for local or interstate referral. Prospective data collection included patient demographics and MDT recommendations of surgery, palliation, or referral. Patients referred for surgery locally or interstate were compared with a retrospective patient cohort treated previously between January and December 2020.

RESULTS

Over 12 months, 91 patients were discussed (including nine multiple times), by a mean of 18 meeting participants each month. Forty-eight patients (58.5%) had primary malignancy, 25 (30.5%) recurrent malignancy, and 9 (11.0%) had non-malignant disease. Colorectal cancer was the most common presentation (56.1%), followed by gynaecological (30.5%) and urological (6.1%) malignancy. Pelvic exenteration surgery was recommended to be performed locally in 53.7% of patients and the remainder for non-surgical treatment, palliation, or re-discussion. During this time, 44 patients underwent surgery locally (versus 34 in 2020) and only 4 referred interstate (versus 8 in 2020).

CONCLUSION

The establishment of a dedicated state-wide pelvic exenteration MDT has resulted in better coordination of care for patients with locally advanced pelvic malignancy in SA, and significantly reduced the need for interstate referral.

A desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) for periprosthetic joint infection - a Delphi analysis

Background: Treatment outcomes in studies on prosthetic joint infection are generally assessed using a dichotomous outcome relating to treatment success or failure. These outcome measures neither include patient-centred outcome measures including joint function and quality of life, nor do they account for adverse effects of treatment. A desirability of outcome ranking (DOOR) measure can include these factors and has previously been proposed and validated for other serious infections. We aimed to develop a novel DOOR for prosthetic joint infections (PJIs). Methods: The Delphi method was used to develop a DOOR for PJI research. An international working group of 18 clinicians (orthopaedic surgeons and infectious disease specialists) completed the Delphi process. The final DOOR comprised the dimensions established to be most important by consensus with > 75  % of participant agreement. Results: The consensus DOOR comprised four main dimensions. The primary dimension was patient-reported joint function. The secondary dimensions were infection cure and mortality. The final dimension of quality of life was selected as a tie-breaker. Discussion: A desirability of outcome ranking for periprosthetic joint infection has been proposed. It focuses on patient-centric outcome measures of joint function, cure and quality of life. This DOOR provides a multidimensional assessment to comprehensively rank outcomes when comparing treatments for prosthetic joint infection.

Long-term results of mesh pelvic floor reconstruction to address the empty pelvis syndrome

AIM

As the "empty pelvis syndrome" continues to pose challenges in patients undergoing radical pelvic exenteration, there remains an ongoing need to consider solutions to mitigate or avoid its associated morbidity. As such, this study aims to review the long-term outcomes of a proposed strategy of pelvic reconstruction with BioA mesh.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study, reviewing cases of pelvic exenteration and/or pelvic bone resection involving BioA mesh pelvic reconstruction between 2017 and 2021 at our quaternary institution, identified from a prospectively collected database. The primary outcome was pelvic complications including perineal fistula, wound breakdown and pelvic collections.

RESULTS

Over a 4-year period, there were a total of 36 patients who had pelvic exenteration and/or pelvic bone resection with BioA mesh pelvic reconstruction. The overall pelvic complication rate was 36% (n = 13), including 11 symptomatic pelvic collections, two enteroperineal fistulas, and no cases of perineal hernia. Reoperation was required in two patients. There was no perioperative mortality.

CONCLUSION

Given that pelvic complications post BioA mesh reconstruction are of an acceptable rate and can be considered minor, using this technique is a safe and practical strategy in patients undergoing major pelvic surgery with or without pelvic bone resection.

Fear of Cancer Progression and Death Anxiety in Survivors of Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Qualitative Study Exploring Coping Strategies and Quality of Life

This study aimed to examine coping strategies used by advanced colorectal cancer (CRC-A) survivors to manage death anxiety and fear of cancer progression, and links between these strategies and quality of life (QoL), distress, and death acceptance. Qualitative semi-structured interviews of 38 CRC-A survivors (22 female) were analysed via framework analysis. QoL and distress were assessed through the FACT-C and Distress Thermometer. Eleven themes were identified and mapped to active avoidance (keeping busy and distracted), passive avoidance (hoping for a cure), active confrontation (managing negative emotions; reaching out to others; focusing on the present; staying resilient), meaning-making (redefining one's identity; contributing to society; gaining perspective; remaining spiritual), and acceptance (accepting one's situation). Active confrontation (specifically utilising informal support networks) and meaning-making appeared beneficial coping strategies; more research is needed to develop and evaluate interventions which increase CRC-A survivors' use of these strategies to manage and cope with their death anxiety.

Risk taking propensity: Nurse, surgeon and patient preferences for diverting ileostomy

AIM

The decision-making process to defunction a pelvic colorectal anastomosis involves complex heuristics and is framed by surgeon personality factors. Risk taking propensity may be an important factor in these decisions and patient preferences have not been evaluated alongside surgeons and nurses.

METHODS

A prospective cross-sectional study involving a one-off interview and questionnaire assessing how risk taking propensity affects nurse, surgeon and patient preferences for a temporary defunctioning ileostomy (TDI) was performed. The risk taking index (RTI) was employed to evaluate risk taking propensity and the validated prospective measures of preference instruments to evaluate preferences for stoma avoidance in several scenarios by asking the individual to consider trading or gambling years of remaining life expectancy.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty participants met the inclusion criteria, which included 30 (20.0%) surgical nurses, 20 (13.3%) colorectal surgeons and 100 (66.7%) patients. Surgeons had a significantly higher RTI (mean ± SD: 26.8 ± 6.7) than patients (mean ± SD: 20.0 ± 9.8) and nurses (mean ± SD: 23.0 ± 6.6) p = 0.002. Surgeons would consider that it would be in a patient's best interest to have a TDI at an AL rate of 15% or greater, whereas nurses and patients would do so at 28% and 25%, respectively (p = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Surgeons were shown to have a higher risk taking propensity than patients and nurses but a significantly lower threshold of AL where they would consider a TDI is in the best interest of the patient.

Effect of Aspirin vs Enoxaparin on Symptomatic Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Undergoing Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: The CRISTAL Randomized Trial

IMPORTANCE

There remains a lack of randomized trials investigating aspirin monotherapy for symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis following total hip arthroplasty (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether aspirin was noninferior to enoxaparin in preventing symptomatic VTE after THA or TKA.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Cluster-randomized, crossover, registry-nested trial across 31 hospitals in Australia. Clusters were hospitals performing greater than 250 THA or TKA procedures annually. Patients (aged ≥18 years) undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty procedures were enrolled at each hospital. Patients receiving preoperative anticoagulation or who had a medical contraindication to either study drug were excluded. A total of 9711 eligible patients were enrolled (5675 in the aspirin group and 4036 in the enoxaparin group) between April 20, 2019, and December 18, 2020. Final follow-up occurred on August 14, 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Hospitals were randomized to administer aspirin (100 mg/d) or enoxaparin (40 mg/d) for 35 days after THA and for 14 days after TKA. Crossover occurred after the patient enrollment target had been met for the first group. All 31 hospitals were initially randomized and 16 crossed over prior to trial cessation.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was symptomatic VTE within 90 days, including pulmonary embolism and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (above or below the knee). The noninferiority margin was 1%. Six secondary outcomes are reported, including death and major bleeding within 90 days. Analyses were performed by randomization group.

RESULTS

Enrollment was stopped after an interim analysis determined the stopping rule was met, with 9711 patients (median age, 68 years; 56.8% female) of the prespecified 15 562 enrolled (62%). Of these, 9203 (95%) completed the trial. Within 90 days of surgery, symptomatic VTE occurred in 256 patients, including pulmonary embolism (79 cases), above-knee DVT (18 cases), and below-knee DVT (174 cases). The symptomatic VTE rate in the aspirin group was 3.45% and in the enoxaparin group was 1.82% (estimated difference, 1.97%; 95% CI, 0.54%-3.41%). This failed to meet the criterion for noninferiority for aspirin and was significantly superior for enoxaparin (P = .007). Of 6 secondary outcomes, none were significantly better in the enoxaparin group compared with the aspirin group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among patients undergoing hip or knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis, aspirin compared with enoxaparin resulted in a significantly higher rate of symptomatic VTE within 90 days, defined as below- or above-knee DVT or pulmonary embolism. These findings may be informed by a cost-effectiveness analysis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ANZCTR Identifier: ACTRN12618001879257.

Outcomes of appendiceal cancer treated at a state peritonectomy service

3629

Background: Appendiceal cancers (AC) are rare with varied prognosis. Nomenclature refined by the WHO 2019 classification is: appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (AMNs), adenocarcinomas (AA) including mucinous (MAC), not otherwise specified (ANOS), signet ring (SRC) and goblet cell (GCA), and neuroendocrine tumours (NET). Cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS+HIPEC) is the definitive treatment. The role of chemotherapy remains unclear with conflicting outcomes and there is need to delineate the optimal regimen in different disease settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate AC treatment and clinical outcomes by the WHO 2019 classification and analyse the impact of perioperative chemotherapy. Methods: We reviewed prospective data from the database at an Australian state peritonectomy service, Apr 2017-Dec 2021. Variables included demographics, tumour characteristics, treatment details and survival outcomes. Analysis was by the Kaplan-Meier method using the log-rank test for statistical comparison (SPSSv27). Results: 115 patients (of 207 referred) with confirmed AC proceeded to CRS. Histopathology comprised 49 AMNs (43%), 62 (63%) AA, 3 SRCs and 1 NET. The mean age was 56y (21-78), 53% female. 94% had CRS+HIPEC (Mitomycin 85%). 70% had cytoreductive score 0. The median peritoneal cancer index was 23 (0-39). 20 (17%) had localised (M0) disease, 10 acellular mucin (M1a) and 85 (74%) metastases (M1b/c). 71% were lymph node negative (N0). 40% had chemotherapy (oxaliplatin/5-fluorouracil 57%). 8 of 15 who had molecular testing had a KRAS mutation. Median follow-up was 26m (1.9-167). The table shows univariate survival analysis. Conclusions: This is the first study evaluating outcomes of perioperative chemotherapy for AC in a cohort of patients since the WHO 2019 classification. MAC have worse survival compared to ANOS, but similar to GCAs. Peritoneal acellular mucin has a similarly improved prognosis to patients with no peritoneal disease compared to those with cellular disease. Chemotherapy demonstrated worse survival compared to no chemotherapy, also seen in the literature and likely influenced by selection of more aggressive disease. There is a need to develop biomarkers and better treatments to improve the survival of these patients. Further multivariate analysis for prognostic and predictive factors is planned.[Table: see text]

Lynch syndrome testing of colorectal cancer patients in a high-income country with universal healthcare: a retrospective study of current practice and gaps in seven australian hospitals

BACKGROUND

To inform effective genomic medicine strategies, it is important to examine current approaches and gaps in well-established applications. Lynch syndrome (LS) causes 3-5% of colorectal cancers (CRCs). While guidelines commonly recommend LS tumour testing of all CRC patients, implementation in health systems is known to be highly variable. To provide insights on the heterogeneity in practice and current bottlenecks in a high-income country with universal healthcare, we characterise the approaches and gaps in LS testing and referral in seven Australian hospitals across three states.

METHODS

We obtained surgery, pathology, and genetics services data for 1,624 patients who underwent CRC resections from 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2018 in the included hospitals.

RESULTS

Tumour testing approaches differed between hospitals, with 0-19% of patients missing mismatch repair deficiency test results (total 211/1,624 patients). Tumour tests to exclude somatic MLH1 loss were incomplete at five hospitals (42/187 patients). Of 74 patients with tumour tests completed appropriately and indicating high risk of LS, 36 (49%) were missing a record of referral to genetics services for diagnostic testing, with higher missingness for older patients (0% of patients aged ≤ 40 years, 76% of patients aged > 70 years). Of 38 patients with high-risk tumour test results and genetics services referral, diagnostic testing was carried out for 25 (89%) and identified a LS pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant for 11 patients (44% of 25; 0.7% of 1,624 patients).

CONCLUSIONS

Given the LS testing and referral gaps, further work is needed to identify strategies for successful integration of LS testing into clinical care, and provide a model for hereditary cancers and broader genomic medicine. Standardised reporting may help clinicians interpret tumour test results and initiate further actions.

PRehabIlitatiOn with pReoperatIve exercise and educaTion for patients undergoing major abdominal cancer surgerY: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled TRIAL (PRIORITY TRIAL)

Background

Radical surgery is the mainstream treatment for patients presenting with advanced primary or recurrent gastrointestinal cancers; however, the rate of postoperative complications is exceptionally high. The current evidence suggests that improving patients’ fitness during the preoperative period may enhance postoperative recovery. Thus, the primary aim of this study is to establish the effectiveness of prehabilitation with a progressive, individualised, preoperative exercise and education program compared to usual care alone in reducing the proportion of patients with postoperative in-hospital complications. The secondary aims are to investigate the effectiveness of the preoperative intervention on reducing the length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, improving quality of life and morbidity, and reducing costs.

Methods

This is a multi-centre, assessor-blinded, pragmatic, comparative, randomised controlled trial. A total of 172 patients undergoing pelvic exenteration, cytoreductive surgery, oesophagectomy, hepatectomy, gastrectomy or pancreatectomy will be recruited. Participants will be randomly allocated to prehabilitation with a preoperative exercise and education program (intervention group), delivered over 4 to 8 weeks before surgery by community physiotherapists/exercise physiologists, or usual care alone (control group). The intervention will comprise 12 to 24 individualised, progressive exercise sessions (including aerobic/anaerobic, resistance, and respiratory exercises), recommendations of home exercises (16 to 32 sessions), and daily incidental physical activity advice. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, the week prior to surgery, during the hospital stay, and on the day of discharge from hospital, and 1 month and 1 months postoperatively. The primary outcome will be the development of in-hospital complications. Secondary outcomes include the length of intensive care unit and hospital stay, quality of life, postoperative morbidity and costs.

Discussion

The successful completion of this trial will provide robust and high-quality evidence on the efficacy of a preoperative community- and home-based exercise and education intervention on important postoperative outcomes of patients undergoing major gastrointestinal cancer surgery.

Trial registration

This trial was registered prospectively with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000617864) on 24th May 2021.

Early-onset colorectal cancer: why it should be high on our list of differentials

Background

Early‐onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) (<50 years) incidence has increased in Australia and worldwide. However, the diagnosis of EOCRC is often delayed. Recent research has discovered some differences from later‐onset colorectal cancer (LOCRC) (>50 years). An awareness of the unique features of EOCRC is crucial to reduce time from symptom onset to diagnosis.

Methods

A literature search was conducted on electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library) using the search terms “early onset colorectal cancer” or “young onset colorectal cancer.”

Results

The American Cancer Society has reduced the colorectal cancer screening initiation age to 45 for average‐risk adults whilst screening programmes in the United Kingdom and Australia remain unchanged with initiation at 60 and 50, respectively. Exposures resulting in dysbiosis (obesity, westernised diet, alcohol, antibiotic and sugar‐sweetened beverage consumption) have been linked with increased EOCRC risk. EOCRC is often left‐sided presenting with rectal bleeding, altered bowel habit and constitutional symptoms. EOCRC is more commonly sporadic than hereditary, harbouring different genetic mutations than LOCRC. Comparative survival outcomes of EOCRC and LOCRC are conflicting with studies suggesting either better or poorer survival. Young patients better tolerate treatment‐related toxicities, which may account for their improved survival despite comparatively advanced stages and poorer histopathological features at diagnosis.

Conclusion

Current EOCRC literature is limited by American‐focused datasets and heterogenous EOCRC definitions and study designs (the greatest strength of evidence exists for EOCRC risk factor studies comprised of large retrospective cohorts). There is minimal research into the quality of life and surgical outcomes of EOCRC patients, and this area warrants further investigation.

Drain fluid amylase as a biomarker for the detection of anastomotic leakage after rectal resection without a diverting ileostomy

BACKGROUND

Anastomotic leak (AL) is the anathema of colorectal surgery. Early diagnosis is an essential segue to early intervention. A temporary diverting ileostomy (TDI) does not prevent an AL and presents inherent complications of its own. Numerous drain fluid biomarkers (BM) have been studied in colorectal surgery and extravasated intraluminal substances (EILS) such as amylase have shown promise. The aim of this study was to assess drain fluid amylase (DFA) as a BM of AL after minimally invasive rectal resection without a TDI.

METHODS

A single centre prospective cohort study performed from 2018 to 2021. The primary outcome was DFA measured daily whilst the drain was in situ. Rectal tube amylase was also measured for the first two post-operative days to quantitate the intra-luminal levels of the enzyme. DFA was compared between patients who experienced AL and those who did not.

RESULTS

Of the 62 patients studied, six (9.7%) experienced AL. There was a statistically significant difference in DFA between patients who experienced AL (Median:1373.5 U/L; IQR: 306-7953) and patients who did not experience an AL (Median: 27.0 U/L; IQR: 16-38); p < 0.0001.

CONCLUSIONS

The measurement of drain fluid amylase is a highly sensitive BM of early clinical anastomotic leak in patients undergoing a rectal resection with an extraperitoneal anastomosis and when a TDI is not incorporated. This simple, inexpensive and non-invasive test should be considered in all patients as an adjunct to the clinical diagnosis and differentiation of AL from other postoperative complications.

Can TKA outcomes be predicted with computational simulation? Generation of a patient specific planning tool

BACKGROUND

Computer simulations of knee movement allow Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) dynamic outcomes to be studied. This study aims to build a model predicting patient reported outcome from a simulation of post-operative TKA joint dynamics.

METHODS

Landmark localisation was performed on 239 segmented pre-operative computerized tomography (CT) scans to capture patient specific soft tissue attachments. The pre-operative bones and 3D implant files were registered to post-operative CT scans following TKA. Each post-operative knee was simulated undergoing a deep knee bend with assumed ligament balancing of the extension space. The kinematic results from this simulation were used in a Multivariate Adaptive Regression Spline algorithm, predicting attainment of a Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) score in captured 12 month post-operative Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS). An independent series of 250 patients was evaluated by the predictive model to assess how the predictive model behaved in a pre-operative planning context.

RESULTS

The generated predictive algorithm, called the Dynamic Knee Score (DKS) contained features, in order of significance, related to tibio-femoral force, patello-femoral motion and tibio-femoral motion. Area Under the Curve for predicting attainment of the PASS KOOS Score was 0.64. The predictive model produced a bimodal spread of predictions, reflecting a tendency to either strongly prefer one alignment plan over another or be ambivalent.

CONCLUSION

A predictive algorithm relating patient reported outcome to the outputs of a computational simulation of a deep knee bend has been derived (the DKS). Simulation outcomes related to tibio-femoral balance had the highest correlation with patient reported outcome.

An umbrella systematic review of drain fluid analysis in colorectal surgery for the detection of anastomotic leak: Not yet ready to translate research studies into clinical practice

AIM

Anastomotic leak (AL) is the most important complication of intestinal surgery with an anastomosis. Whilst a number of studies have defined risk factors for AL, frustratingly, low-risk patients still develop AL. Studies have looked at drain fluid analysis for detection of AL, but these findings have failed to translate into routine clinical practice. This umbrella systematic review aims to provide an overview of the promising candidate biomarkers (BMs) that show potential to translate into clinical practice.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane, KSR Evidence and the Epistemonikos databases on the 14 April 2021. Only systematic reviews of cohort or controlled studies measuring drain fluid biomarkers in humans were included. The methodological quality of the reviews was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 instrument. Clinical trial registries were searched for trials actively investigating drain fluid BMs. Candidate BMs were classified, and threshold values investigated.

RESULTS

Nine systematic reviews, published between 2007 and 2020, met the inclusion criteria, and contained a total of 36 cohort studies. A total of 38 different BMs were studied. The most promising category of drain fluid BM was the extravasated intra-luminal substances (EILS) and five registered trials of these BMs were found. Two of nine reviews were of moderate quality.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of BMs show inconsistent threshold values and are in the experimental stage. A number are not readily available for adoption into routine clinical practice. Most do not state a cut-off value to be considered as diagnostic.

Healthcare Costs of Laparoscopic versus Open Surgery for Rectal Cancer Patients in the First 12 Months: A Secondary Endpoint Analysis of the Australasian Laparoscopic Cancer of the Rectum Trial (ALaCaRT)

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer is widely used, however the healthcare costs are thought to be higher than for open resection. This secondary endpoint analysis of a randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate total healthcare costs of laparoscopic-assisted surgery compared with open resection for rectal cancer over a 12-month period.

METHODS

Patients in the Australasian Laparoscopic Cancer of the Rectum Trial (ALaCaRT) were included in a prospective costing analysis. All healthcare use for the index surgery and hospital admission, readmissions, and follow-up care over 12 months were included. Unit costs were valued in Australian dollars (AUD$) using scheduled Medicare fees and hospital cost weights. The primary outcome was mean per patient cost. Non-parametric bootstrapping with 10,000 replications was undertaken for robustness checks.

RESULTS

Data from 468 patients indicated that the laparoscopic-assisted surgical procedure incurred a mean cost of AUD$4542 (standard deviation [SD] AUD$1050)-AUD$521 higher than the open procedure mean cost of AUD$4021 (SD AUD$804) due to longer operative time and involvement of more costly equipment (95% confidence interval [CI] AUD$354-AUD$692). At 12 months, the average cost for the laparoscopic-assisted and open groups was AUD$43,288 (SD AUD$40,883) and AUD$45,384 (SD AUD$38,659), respectively, due to the shorter subsequent hospital stays. No overall significant cost difference between groups was found (95% CI -AUD$9358 to AUD$5003). One-way sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the results.

CONCLUSION

While initially higher, the costs of laparoscopic-assisted surgery for rectal cancer were similar to open resection at 12 months. Clinicians may choose a surgical approach based on clinical need.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group (AGITG) was the legal sponsor and trial coordination was performed by the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre. The trial was registered with the Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN12609000663257).

Observing the use of knee arthroplasty appropriateness tools in clinical practice: do appropriateness criteria tools predict surgeon decision-making?

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between surgeons and two validated total knee arthroplasty (TKA) appropriateness tools, and secondarily to compare Australian appropriateness rates to those reported internationally.

METHODS

A consecutive sample of patients from one public hospital arthroplasty clinic and a convenience sample from private rooms of surgeons in New South Wales, Australia (n = 11), referred for surgical opinion regarding TKA were enrolled over 1 year. Surgeons applied appropriateness tools created by Escobar et al. and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Correlation between the appropriateness tools and surgeon's decisions were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 368 patients enrolled, and contrasting rates of being "appropriate" for surgery were identified between the Escobar (n = 109, 29.6%) and AAOS (n = 292, 79.3%) tools. Surgeon agreement with the Escobar tool was substantial (ĸ = 0.61, 95%CI: 0.53-0.69) compared to slight with the AAOS tool (ĸ = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.06-0.16). Of those advised against TKA (n = 179, 48.6%), the AAOS tool suggested many patients (n = 111, 62.0%) were "appropriate" compared to the Escobar tool (n = 12, 6.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgeons rated patients seeking opinion for TKA as appropriate over half the time, however the AAOS tool had low correlation with surgeons as opposed to the Escobar tool. This was illustrated by both tools rating a majority of patients to be operated on as appropriate, but only the AAOS tool considering most patients not chosen for surgery to be appropriate. When comparing previously published appropriateness rates, appropriateness in Australia, USA, Spain and Qatar was found to be similar.