Triglyceride-glucose index for predicting in-stent restenosis in patients with iliac artery stenosis after percutaneous intervention with stents

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) for predicting in-stent restenosis in patients with iliac artery stenosis after percutaneous intervention with stents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Subjects with iliac artery stenosis, who underwent an iliac stent intervention and were followed up for at least 2 years were included in the study. Subjects were grouped according to TyG index (Group A, TyG index ≤8.848; Group B 8.849 ≤TyG index ≤9.382 and Group C TyG index ≥9.383). The subject's baseline characteristics, blood parameters, claudication distance, Transatlantic Intersociety Consensus classification, target lesion localization, stent direction, number of stents that were applied, and stent type were noted. Pre- and 1st and 2nd-year post-procedure Rutherford statuses, ankle-brachial index, and stenosis degree were recorded. To calculate the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), Group B and Group C were combined and compared with Group A.

RESULTS

In total, 255 subjects were evaluated (female, n=77-30.2%, male, n=178-69.8%). The mean age of the subjects was 66.00±10.00 years (range from 39 to 90 years). The pre-procedure Rutherford measurements were significantly different among the groups (p=0.001). The rates of mild claudication and resting pain in Group A were higher than those in Groups B and C. The rate of moderate claudication in Group C was higher than that in Groups A and B. The rate of severe claudication in Group B was higher than that in Groups A and C. One year after the procedure, there were more asymptomatic cases in Group A than in Groups B and C (p=0.001). The rate of mild claudication in Group C was lower than that in Groups A and B. The rate of moderate claudication in Group C was higher than that in Group A. The rate of severe claudication in Group C was higher than that in Groups A and B. Two years after the procedure, the Rutherford measurements and the rates of mild claudication in Groups A and B were higher than those in Group C. The rate of severe claudication in Group C was higher than that in Groups A and B (p=0.001). One year after the procedure, the computed tomography angiography (CTA) measurements and the rate of full patency in Group A were higher than that in Groups B and C. The rate of 0-50% stenosis in Group B was higher than that in Groups A and C. The rate of 50-70% stenosis in Group C was higher than that in Group A. Two years after the procedure, the CTA measurements and the rates of 70-99% stenosis and 100% occlusion in Group C were higher than those in Groups A and B. The TyG index has high specificity and NPV. However, specificity and PPV levels were found to be quite low.

CONCLUSIONS

The TyG index was found to be an easy-to-use marker for predicting in-stent restenosis in patients with iliac artery stenosis after percutaneous intervention with stents.

Effect of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in the regulation of vascular tone and inflammation in human saphenous vein

Specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs), derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids are important mediators in the resolution of inflammation. Recent studies have focused on the effects of SPMs in cardiovascular health and diseases. However, little is known about the effect SPMs on human vascular tone. Therefore, in this study it is aimed to investigate the effect of various SPMs including resolvin D- and E-series, maresin-1 (MaR1) and lipoxin-A4 (LxA4) on the vascular tone of human isolated saphenous vein (SV) preparations under inflammatory conditions. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the effects of SPMs on the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF- α) from human SV. Pretreatment of isolated of human SV with resolvin E1 (RvE1), resolvin D1 (RvD1) and MaR1 (100 nM, 18 h) significantly reduced the contractile responses to thromboxane A2 mimetic, U46619 whereas pretreatment with LxA4 and RvD2 (100 nM, 18 h) had no significant effect on the vascular tone of SV. Moreover, RvE1, RvD1 and MaR1 but not LxA4 and RvD2 (100 nM, 18 h) pretreatment diminished the release of MCP-1 and TNF-α from SV. In conclusion, our findings suggest that pre-treatment with RvE1, RvD1, and MaR1 could have potential benefits in decreasing graft vasospasm and vascular inflammation in SV.

The influence of anastomotic techniques on postoperative anastomotic complications: Results of the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit

BACKGROUND

The optimal anastomotic techniques in esophagectomy to minimize rates of anastomotic leakage and conduit necrosis are not known. The aim of this study was to assess whether the anastomotic technique was associated with anastomotic failure after esophagectomy in the international Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit cohort.

METHODS

This prospective observational multicenter cohort study included patients undergoing esophagectomy for esophageal cancer over 9 months during 2018. The primary exposure was the anastomotic technique, classified as handsewn, linear stapled, or circular stapled. The primary outcome was anastomotic failure, namely a composite of anastomotic leakage and conduit necrosis, as defined by the Esophageal Complications Consensus Group. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to identify the association between anastomotic techniques and anastomotic failure, after adjustment for confounders.

RESULTS

Of the 2238 esophagectomies, the anastomosis was handsewn in 27.1%, linear stapled in 21.0%, and circular stapled in 51.9%. Anastomotic techniques differed significantly by the anastomosis sites (P < .001), with the majority of neck anastomoses being handsewn (69.9%), whereas most chest anastomoses were stapled (66.3% circular stapled and 19.3% linear stapled). Rates of anastomotic failure differed significantly among the anastomotic techniques (P < .001), from 19.3% in handsewn anastomoses, to 14.0% in linear stapled anastomoses, and 12.1% in circular stapled anastomoses. This effect remained significant after adjustment for confounding factors on multivariable analysis, with an odds ratio of 0.63 (95% CI, 0.46-0.86; P = .004) for circular stapled versus handsewn anastomosis. However, subgroup analysis by anastomosis site suggested that this effect was predominantly present in neck anastomoses, with anastomotic failure rates of 23.2% versus 14.6% versus 5.9% for handsewn versus linear stapled anastomoses versus circular stapled neck anastomoses, compared with 13.7% versus 13.8% versus 12.2% for chest anastomoses.

CONCLUSIONS

Handsewn anastomoses appear to be independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic failure compared with stapled anastomoses. However, this effect seems to be largely confined to neck anastomoses, with minimal differences between techniques observed for chest anastomoses. Further research into standardization of anastomotic approach and techniques may further improve outcomes.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

Background

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

Methods

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

Results

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter ‘no major postoperative complication’ had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P &lt; 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P &lt; 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

Conclusion

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Textbook outcome following oesophagectomy for cancer: international cohort study

BACKGROUND

Textbook outcome has been proposed as a tool for the assessment of oncological surgical care. However, an international assessment in patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer has not been reported. This study aimed to assess textbook outcome in an international setting.

METHODS

Patients undergoing curative resection for oesophageal cancer were identified from the international Oesophagogastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA) from April 2018 to December 2018. Textbook outcome was defined as the percentage of patients who underwent a complete tumour resection with at least 15 lymph nodes in the resected specimen and an uneventful postoperative course, without hospital readmission. A multivariable binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors independently associated with textbook outcome, and results are presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95 per cent confidence intervals (95 per cent c.i.).

RESULTS

Of 2159 patients with oesophageal cancer, 39.7 per cent achieved a textbook outcome. The outcome parameter 'no major postoperative complication' had the greatest negative impact on a textbook outcome for patients with oesophageal cancer, compared to other textbook outcome parameters. Multivariable analysis identified male gender and increasing Charlson comorbidity index with a significantly lower likelihood of textbook outcome. Presence of 24-hour on-call rota for oesophageal surgeons (OR 2.05, 95 per cent c.i. 1.30 to 3.22; P = 0.002) and radiology (OR 1.54, 95 per cent c.i. 1.05 to 2.24; P = 0.027), total minimally invasive oesophagectomies (OR 1.63, 95 per cent c.i. 1.27 to 2.08; P < 0.001), and chest anastomosis above azygous (OR 2.17, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 2.98; P < 0.001) were independently associated with a significantly increased likelihood of textbook outcome.

CONCLUSION

Textbook outcome is achieved in less than 40 per cent of patients having oesophagectomy for cancer. Improvements in centralization, hospital resources, access to minimal access surgery, and adoption of newer techniques for improving lymph node yield could improve textbook outcome.

Postoperative outcomes in oesophagectomy with trainee involvement

BACKGROUND

The complexity of oesophageal surgery and the significant risk of morbidity necessitates that oesophagectomy is predominantly performed by a consultant surgeon, or a senior trainee under their supervision. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of trainee involvement in oesophagectomy on postoperative outcomes in an international multicentre setting.

METHODS

Data from the multicentre Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Study Group (OGAA) cohort study were analysed, which comprised prospectively collected data from patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April 2018 and December 2018. Procedures were grouped by the level of trainee involvement, and univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to compare patient outcomes across groups.

RESULTS

Of 2232 oesophagectomies from 137 centres in 41 countries, trainees were involved in 29.1 per cent of them (n = 650), performing only the abdominal phase in 230, only the chest and/or neck phases in 130, and all phases in 315 procedures. For procedures with a chest anastomosis, those with trainee involvement had similar 90-day mortality, complication and reoperation rates to consultant-performed oesophagectomies (P = 0.451, P = 0.318, and P = 0.382, respectively), while anastomotic leak rates were significantly lower in the trainee groups (P = 0.030). Procedures with a neck anastomosis had equivalent complication, anastomotic leak, and reoperation rates (P = 0.150, P = 0.430, and P = 0.632, respectively) in trainee-involved versus consultant-performed oesophagectomies, with significantly lower 90-day mortality in the trainee groups (P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Trainee involvement was not found to be associated with significantly inferior postoperative outcomes for selected patients undergoing oesophagectomy. The results support continued supervised trainee involvement in oesophageal cancer surgery.

Comparative study of coronary artery bypass graft materials: reduced contraction and ADMA levels in internal mammary artery versus saphenous vein

BACKGROUND

Vasospasm and atherosclerosis due to low endothelial capacity are the most important causes of coronary artery bypass graft failure observed in internal mammary artery (IMA) and saphenous vein (SV). Vasospasm can be mimicked in in vitro studies by inducing vasoconstriction of graft materials. In the present study, we aimed to compare the vascular contraction induced by several spasmogens including prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2α), phenylephrine (PE), leukotriene C4 (LTC4), LTD4, potassium chloride (KCl), and arachidonic acid between IMA and SV preparations. Furthermore, endothelial capacity, nitrite and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels were compared between two grafts.

METHODS

By using organ bath, contractile responses induced by different spasmogens were compared between IMA and SV preparations derived from patients underwent coronary artery bypass surgery (n=35). The endothelial capacity was determined by acetylcholine (ACh) -induced relaxation in PE-precontracted vessels. Nitrite and ADMA levels were measured in organ culture supernatant of IMA and SV preparations.

RESULTS

Contractile responses induced by PGE2, PGF2α, PE, LTC4, LTD4, KCl and arachidonic acid were significantly lower in IMA preparations versus SV preparations. ACh-induced relaxation was significantly more prominent in IMA than SV preparations. Nitrite levels were greater and ADMA levels were lower in IMA versus SV preparations.

CONCLUSIONS

IMA has reduced capacity to constrict to several vasoconstrictor agents. Furthermore, IMA has greater endothelial capacity associated with higher nitrite levels and lower ADMA levels. Our results support the greater patency rate observed in IMA versus SV preparations.

Mortality from esophagectomy for esophageal cancer across low, middle, and high-income countries: An international cohort study

BACKGROUND

No evidence currently exists characterising global outcomes following major cancer surgery, including esophageal cancer. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise impact of high income countries (HIC) versus low and middle income countries (LMIC) on the outcomes following esophagectomy for esophageal cancer.

METHOD

This international multi-center prospective study across 137 hospitals in 41 countries included patients who underwent an esophagectomy for esophageal cancer, with 90-day follow-up. The main explanatory variable was country income, defined according to the World Bank Data classification. The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative mortality, and secondary outcomes were composite leaks (anastomotic leak or conduit necrosis) and major complications (Clavien-Dindo Grade III - V). Multivariable generalized estimating equation models were used to produce adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI95%).

RESULTS

Between April 2018 to December 2018, 2247 patients were included. Patients from HIC were more significantly older, with higher ASA grade, and more advanced tumors. Patients from LMIC had almost three-fold increase in 90-day mortality, compared to HIC (9.4% vs 3.7%, p < 0.001). On adjusted analysis, LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day mortality (OR: 2.31, CI95%: 1.17-4.55, p = 0.015). However, LMIC were not independently associated with higher rates of anastomotic leaks (OR: 1.06, CI95%: 0.57-1.99, p = 0.9) or major complications (OR: 0.85, CI95%: 0.54-1.32, p = 0.5), compared to HIC.

CONCLUSION

Resections in LMIC were independently associated with higher 90-day postoperative mortality, likely reflecting a failure to rescue of these patients following esophagectomy, despite similar composite anastomotic leaks and major complication rates to HIC. These findings warrant further research, to identify potential issues and solutions to improve global outcomes following esophagectomy for cancer.

Comparison of short-term outcomes from the International Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA), the Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG), and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA)

BACKGROUND

The Esophagectomy Complications Consensus Group (ECCG) and the Dutch Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer Audit (DUCA) have set standards in reporting outcomes after oesophagectomy. Reporting outcomes from selected high-volume centres or centralized national cancer programmes may not, however, be reflective of the true global prevalence of complications. This study aimed to compare complication rates after oesophagectomy from these existing sources with those of an unselected international cohort from the Oesophago-Gastric Anastomosis Audit (OGAA).

METHODS

The OGAA was a prospective multicentre cohort study coordinated by the West Midlands Research Collaborative, and included patients undergoing oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer between April and December 2018, with 90 days of follow-up.

RESULTS

The OGAA study included 2247 oesophagectomies across 137 hospitals in 41 countries. Comparisons with the ECCG and DUCA found differences in baseline demographics between the three cohorts, including age, ASA grade, and rates of chronic pulmonary disease. The OGAA had the lowest rates of neoadjuvant treatment (OGAA 75.1 per cent, ECCG 78.9 per cent, DUCA 93.5 per cent; P < 0.001). DUCA exhibited the highest rates of minimally invasive surgery (OGAA 57.2 per cent, ECCG 47.9 per cent, DUCA 85.8 per cent; P < 0.001). Overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts (OGAA 63.6 per cent, ECCG 59.0 per cent, DUCA 62.2 per cent), with no statistically significant difference in Clavien-Dindo grades (P = 0.752). However, a significant difference in 30-day mortality was observed, with DUCA reporting the lowest rate (OGAA 3.2 per cent, ECCG 2.4 per cent, DUCA 1.7 per cent; P = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Despite differences in rates of co-morbidities, oncological treatment strategies, and access to minimal-access surgery, overall complication rates were similar in the three cohorts.

A Study on Isolation and Molecular Identification of Bordetella avium from Iranian Commercial and Backyard Broiler Turkeys within 2016-2018

Bordetellosis or turkey coryza, caused by Bordetella avium, has been an issue for turkey industry since its first description in 1967 when it was reported for the first time. Bordetella avium causes a highly contagious upper respiratory disease in turkeys. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate and characterize this species from commercial and backyard turkeys in Tehran, Isfahan, and Northern provinces of Iran. For the purpose of the study, 625 tracheal swabs were taken from 425 commercial poults and 200 backyard poults aged 2-6 weeks from September 2016 to September 2018. The swabs were immediately plated on MacConkey and blood agar plates and then pooled (5 swabs/pool) in tubes, containing 2 mL distilled water, to perform direct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the identification of B. avium. A total of 17 swab pools were found to be positive for B. avium. A subset of seven positive samples were sequenced for the flanking region of piuA gene. The analysis of the sequences indicated that the sequences were 98%, 96%, and 98% similar to B. avium 197N (AM167904.1), 4142 (AY925058.1), and 4156 (AY925068.1) sequences, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, the current study is the first attempt toward the molecular detection and characterization of B. avium in Iran. It is highly recommended to perform further studies to isolate, characterize, and differentiate the regional isolates in order to help the developing turkey industry of Iran meet the increasing demands for protein in the diet of the citizenry.

Thyroid nodules classified as atypia or follicular lesions of undetermined significance deserve further research: Analysis of 305 surgically confirmed nodules

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the present study was to determine the malignancy risk for nodules categorised as atypia or follicular lesions of undetermined significance atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) and to investigate the predictors of malignancy.

METHODS

All nodules diagnosed as AUS/FLUS on fine needle aspiration (FNAs) performed between January 2011 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical data, ultrasonographic features, follow-up data and the final pathological results were recorded. After further exclusion, only nodules that underwent surgical excision were included in the final analysis. The malignancy rate and the range of malignancy rates were calculated. Clinical and ultrasound features were examined to determine the predictors of malignancy.

RESULTS

During the study period, FNA was performed on 9938 nodules, and 1019 (10.2%) nodules were diagnosed as AUS/FLUS. After further exclusion, 976 nodules were evaluated. After the initial diagnosis of AUS/FLUS, 139 (14.2%) patients underwent surgery, 518 (53.1%) had repeated FNAs. A total of 305 (31%) had undergone surgical excision at different time points. For surgically confirmed nodules, the malignancy rate after the initial FNA was 34.5% (the lower and upper thresholds for the malignancy rate were 19.3% and 66.3%, respectively), and 37.9% after the repeated FNA. No ultrasound feature was determined as a predictor, whereas age (>55 years) was a predictor for malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall malignancy rate for nodules diagnosed as AUS/FLUS and the malignancy rate for nodules that underwent repeated FNA after AUS/FLUS were higher than the expected malignancy rates of the National Cancer Institute. It is, therefore, suggested that the current recommendations should be reconsidered.

Total Thyroidectomy for Management of Benign Multinodular Goitre in an Endemic Region: Review of 620 Case

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficiency of total thyroidectomy (TT) when performed by an experienced surgeon in benign multinodular goitre (BMNG) in an endemic region.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of six hundred and twenty consecutive patients, who underwent a total thyroidectomy for BMNG between July 2004 and May 2012, were reviewed in this study.

RESULTS

Of the one hundred and nine men and 511 women examined, the mean ± SD (standard deviation) ages were 48 ± 14 in men (range: 19-79) and 51 ± 16 in women (range: 18-84 years). The annual mean number of operation was 80 ± 14 (range: 68-86). The mean operation time lasted 64 ± 12 minutes (range: 48-95). About 2.3 ± 0.4 (range: 1-4) parathyroid glands were observed during thyroidectomy. Parathyroid auto transplantation was performed in seventy-eight patients (12.5%). Patient-stay in hospital was approximately 2.3 ± 0.3 days (range: 1-5). TT was performed in all patients as the primary operation. Pathologic findings revealed BMNG in four hundred and seventy (75.8%) cases, papillary carcinoma in 66 (10.3%), thyroiditis in 59 (9.5%), follicular carcinoma in 10 (1.6%), follicular adenoma in 5 (0.8%), and thyroid lymphoma in 3 cases (0.5%). Postoperatively, bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury was seen in one case (0.3%) and unilateral RLN injury in 5 (0.8%) cases. Three months later, only three cases (0.5%) were permanent. The histological diagnosis in all patients with permanent RLN injury was thyroiditis. Transient hypoparathyroidism was found in forty-eight cases (7.8%), three of which (0.5%) were permanent. Four cases were re-operated due to re-bleeding (0.6%). Seroma developed in three cases (0.5%) and wound infection in two (0.3%).

CONCLUSION

TT can be performed safely by an experienced surgeon with a minimal risk in a high volume hospital.

Routine intraoperative aspiration of gallbladder during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND

Technical modifications and methods for gallbladder dissection to minimize the risk of gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) are described. The authors aimed to investigate the effects of gallbladder aspiration during LC on the operative and postoperative course of patients.

METHODS

For this study, 200 patients undergoing LC for symptomatic cholelithiasis were randomly divided into two groups. Gallbladders were aspirated before dissection in group A (n = 100), and they were not aspirated in group B (n = 100). Operative and postoperative data on the patients were collected.

RESULTS

The rate of gallbladder perforation was significantly lower in group A than in group B (p = 0.0003). The operative time was significantly shorter in group A (46.70 +/- 15.93 min) than in group B (60.75 +/- 22.09 min) (p = 0.047). Postoperative complications were more numerous in group B. The hospital stay was significantly longer in group B (1.55 +/- 0.81 days) than in group A (1.3 +/- 0.5 days; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The findings demonstrate the advantages of gallbladder aspiration in elective cases.