bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of the Tool for Pharmacists to Predict 30-day hospital readmission in patients with Heart Failure (ToPP-HF)
Authors: Riester Melissa R , McAuliffe Laura , Collins Christine , Zullo Andrew R
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Pharmacists are well positioned to provide transitions of care (TOC) services to patients with heart failure (HF); however, hospitalizations for patients with HF likely exceed the capacity of a TOC pharmacist. We developed and validated a tool to help pharmacists efficiently identify high-risk patients with HF and maximize their potential impact by intervening on patients at the highest risk for 30-day all-cause readmission.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including adults with HF admitted to a health system between October 1, 2016, and October 31, 2019. We randomly divided the cohort into development (n = 2,114) and validation (n = 1,089) subcohorts. Nine models were applied to select the most important predictors of 30-day readmission. The final tool, called the Tool for Pharmacists to Predict 30-day hospital readmission in patients with Heart Failure (ToPP-HF) relied upon multivariable logistic regression. We assessed discriminative ability using the C statistic and calibration using the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test.

Results

The risk of 30-day all-cause readmission was 15.7% (n = 331) and 18.8% (n = 205) in the development and validation subcohorts, respectively. The ToPP-HF tool included 13 variables: number of hospital admissions in previous 6 months; admission diagnosis of HF; number of scheduled medications; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease diagnosis; number of comorbidities; estimated glomerular filtration rate; hospital length of stay; left ventricular ejection fraction; critical care requirement; renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor use; antiarrhythmic use; hypokalemia; and serum sodium. Discriminatory performance (C statistic of 0.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.65-0.73) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow P = 0.28) were good.

Conclusions

The ToPP-HF performs well and can help pharmacists identify high-risk patients with HF most likely to benefit from TOC services.
A new clinical severity score for the management of acute small bowel obstruction
Authors: Wassmer C -H , Revol R , Uhe I , Chevallay M , Toso C , Gervaz P , Morel P , Ris F , Schwenter F , Perneger T , Meier R
Published: May 2021

Objective

Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common hospital admission diagnosis. Identification of patients who will require a surgical resection because of a non-viable small bowel remains a challenge. We aimed to identify risk factors for intestinal resection in patients with SBO and to develop a practical clinical score designed to guide surgical vs. conservative management.

Methods

We performed a prospective cohort study and included all patients admitted for an acute SBO between 2007 and 2016 in our center. Patients were divided in three categories: conservative management, surgical treatment with or without bowel resection. Clinical variables were assessed and compared between groups. Logistic regression models were used to identify the best predictors.

Results

604 patients were included in this study. 438 (73%) had surgery of which 127 (21%) had small bowel resection. 166 (27%) patients were treated conservatively. Among 13 clinical variables, univariate and multivariate logistic regression models identified 8 variables with a strong association with small bowel resection: age ≥70 years, a first episode of SBO, absence of bowel movement for ≥3 days, abdominal guarding, C-reactive protein ≥50, and 3 signs on abdominal CT-scan, namely, small bowel transition point, lack of small bowel contrast enhancement, and the presence of > 500 mL of intra-abdominal fluid. Each variable was given one point. We observed that 71-100% of patients with ≥4 points required a surgical resection. Sensitivity and specificity of this score were 65% and 88%, respectively and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.84 (95% CI 0.80-0.89). Additionally, we propose two variants of the 8-tem score: a 7-item score excluding the lack of contrast enhancement, specifically designed for patient with contrast allergies or renal insufficiency, and a simplified 4-item score leaving age, guarding, transition zone on CT-scan, and the presence of 500 mL of fluid on CT scan. Both scores showed similar performances compared to the 8-item score with an AUC of 0.83 and 0.80 for the 7- and 4-item scores, respectively.

Conclusion

We developed a practical clinical severity score designed to tailor management of patients presenting with a SBO. A score of ≥ 4 points indicates the need for surgical exploration given the high likelihood of small bowel ischemia in these patients.
RefluxStopTM, a novel device to address gastroesophageal reflux disease: Short-term results
Authors: Prevost G A , Di Pietro Martinelli C , Candinas D , Borbély Y
Published: May 2021

Objective

To report safety, feasibility, and patient’s functional short-term outcome of novel RefluxStop anti reflux operation.

Methods

All patients (n = 20) who received laparoscopic implantation of the RefluxStop device from September 2018 to November 2020 in a university hospital were included for retrospective analysis.

Incidence of adverse device-effects and procedure-related adverse events are reported as safety endpoints.

Feasibility was assessed reporting operation duration, rate of conversion to open surgery and technically correct position of the device by control radiography during patient’s follow up. Subjective (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease - Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) - questionnaires; after 6 weeks and every six-month thereof) and objective data (24h-pH-manometry, barium swallows and upper endoscopies) are reported as functional outcome parameters. Comparison between values at baseline versus post-procedure follow-up are performed using the paired samples T-test, if appropriate.

Results

Median follow up was 4 (1 – 22) month. Three out of 20 patients had previous upper gastrointestinal surgery (EndoStim implantation). No serious adverse device related events occurred. One patient with dysphagia required balloon dilatation at the oesophageal gastric junction 4 weeks postoperatively.

Median duration of surgery was 85 (59-188) minutes. There was no conversion to open surgery. There was significant reduction in the mean of total GERD-HRQL score at baseline compared to 6-weeks after surgery with 23.9 and 4.3 (p < 0.001) as well as at baseline and 6 month after surgery with 28.4 and 6.8 (p = 0.021), respectively. At 6 weeks follow up, all of the subjects had over 50% improvement of the GERD-HRQL score compared to baseline. One patient with acceptable device positioning developed symptom recurrence and received conversion to laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication after 10 months.

Conclusion

RefluxStop procedure seems to be a safe operation with promising short-term results. For high-level recommendation, further studies looking for long-term results and randomized comparisons to the standard anti reflux procedures like Nissen or Toupet fundoplication are required.
Continuously sutured versus linear-stapled anastomosis in 76 robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomies
Authors: Neuschütz K J , Fourie L , Schneider R , Bolli M , von Flüe M , Steinemann D C , Angehrn F V
Published: May 2021

Objective

We introduced robotic-assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomies (rob-E) using the da Vinci Xi in Oct. 2015. Two anastomotic techniques have been performed – continuously sutured (COSU) and linear-stapled (LIST). Aim of this study is to evaluate the two anastomotic techniques regarding perioperative outcomes in our experience.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data between Oct. 2015 and Dec. 2020 including 76 patients. 45 underwent COSU and 31 LIST. Techniques are demonstrated with video material. Minor (Clavien-Dindo < = 3a) and major (Clavien-Dindo > = 3b) morbidity, rate of anastomotic insufficiency, mortality, and duration of hospitalization were compared.

Results

Patient characteristics were as follows: median age of 69 (35-83) years in COSU and 70 (36-83) years in LIST (p = 0.575), male gender in 84.4% of COSU and 83.9% of LIST (p = 1.000), and physical status with American Society of Anesthesiologists score 3 in 62.2% of COSU and 67.7% of LIST (p = 0.771). Concerning tumor characteristics there were 91.1% adenocarcinomas in COSU and 96.8% in LIST (p = 0.642), whereas the others were squamous cell carcinomas and one neuroendocrine tumor in COSU. The tumors were stage II in 22.2% respectively 32.3% and stage III in 57.8% respectively 48.4% of COSU and LIST (p = 0.555). Comparison of minor morbidity occurring in 60.0% of COSU and 54.8% of LIST (p = 0.813), major morbidity in 8.9% respectively 16.1% (p = 0.473), incidence of anastomotic insufficiency in 8.9% of COSU and 6.5% of LIST (p = 1.000), rate of surgical reintervention necessary in 2.2% respectively 9.7% (p = 0.298) as well as mortality of 2.2% in COSU and 3.2% in LIST (p = 1.000) showed no difference. Median duration of hospitalization of 20 (13-49) days in COSU and 20 (14-62) in LIST (p = 0.423) did not differ.

Conclusion

In rob-E COSU and LIST show comparable results and a preferable technique cannot be determined yet. Our results do not support the results of previous reports (Cerfolio et al.) that demonstrated a superiority of LIST. While stapling the backside of the anastomosis in LIST impresses as an elegant way to overcome the surgical demanding part of the anastomosis, other disadvantages such as compromising perfusion of the gastric conduit may prevail and limit the benefits. Further studies with a larger cohort are planned in order to draw more decisive conclusions.
Pudendal nerve block in hemorrhoid surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mongelli F , Treglia G , La Regina D , Di Giuseppe M , Galafassi J , Majno-Hurst P , Christoforidis D
Published: May 2021

Objective

Postoperative pain represents an important issue in traditional hemorrhoidectomy. Optimal pain control is mandatory, in particular in a surgical day care setting.

The aim of this study was to investigate the use of pudendal nerve block (PNB) in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy.

Methods

PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases were searched up to December 2020. Randomized trials evaluating the PNB use on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy were selected. Opioid consumption, pain on the visual analogue scale, length of hospital stay and readmission rate were the main outcomes of interest and were plotted by using a random-effect model.

Results

The literature search revealed 749 articles, of which 14 with were deemed eligible. A total of 1,214 patients was included, of whom 565 received the PNB and 649 did not. After hemorrhoidectomy, patients in the PNB group received opioids less frequently (RR 0.364, 95%CI 0.292 to 0.454, p < 0.001) and in a lower cumulative dose (SMD -0.935, 95%CI -1.280 to -0.591, p < 0.001). Patients receiving PNB experienced less pain at 24 hours (SMD -1.862, 95%CI -2.495 to -1.228, p < 0.001), had a shorter length of hospital stay (SMD -0.742, 95%CI -1.145 to -0.338, p < 0.001) and a lower readmission rate (RR 0.239, 95%CI 0.062 to 0.916, p = 0.037). Sensitivity analysis excluded the occurrence of publication bias on the primary endpoint and the overall evidence quality was judged “high”.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis shows significant advantages of the PNB use. A reduction in opioid consumption, postoperative pain, complications and length of stay can be demonstrated. Despite limitations, PNB in patients undergoing hemorrhoidectomy should be taken into account.
Rate of local recurrence in a cohort of 125 patients treated by transanal total mesorectal excision due to rectal cancer
Authors: Gioia P , Gloor S , Troller R , Adamina M
Published: May 2021

Objective

Transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) is an alternative to conventional TME owing to its reported superior ability to achieve clear resection margins in low rectal cancers. Yet, nationwide Norwegian data claimed a 12-month local recurrence rate of up to 10%, a three-fold increase compared to conventional TME, questioning the oncological safety of taTME.

Methods

Consecutive patients with low rectal cancer treated by taTME were prospectively included. Patients who required a partial mesorectal excision were excluded. Perioperative outcomes were reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). Data were independently audited and certified.

Results

125 patients (88 men : 37 women) with a low rectal cancer (7 cm to anal verge, IQR 5-9) underwent a taTME. Age and body mass index were 65 years (IQR 56-76) and 26 kg/m2 (IQR 23-29). 87 (70%) patients had neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy. Surgery time was 357 minutes (IQR 303-435), including an ileostomy in all patients. 1 patient (0.8%) required a conversion to laparotomy. Performing taTME in a 2-team technique saved 94 minutes or 19% operating time (p < 0.005, t-test one-team (n = 52, 420 minutes, IQR 349-494) vs. 2-team (n = 73, 326 minutes, IQR 285-372). 30-day morbidity amounted to 36% minor complications (Dindo Clavien I-II) and 25% major complications (Dindo Clavien III-V), including 11 anastomotic leaks (9%) and 3 reoperations (3%). Most of the leaks could be managed endoscopically and the ileostomy reversed at last. Median length of hospital stay was 10 days (IQR 8-14).

Median follow-up was 45 months (IQR 25-67; range 13-95). Dissection of the mesorectum was excellent (Quirke 1 incomplete mesorectal excision rate: 1.6%) with 100% clear margins (distal margin 16mm, IQR 10-30; circumferential margin 10mm, IQR 5-15). Median T stage was 3 (IQR 2-3). 24 patients had positive lymphnodes (median 27, IQR 21-38). Local recurrence occurred in 7 (6%) patients and development of metachronous metastasis was present in 36 (29%) patients. This led to a 5-year disease-free survival of 56% and a 5-year overall survival of 86%.

Conclusion

Transanal total mesorectal excision allows good surgical and oncologic quality to the expenses of a reasonable surgery time and morbidity.
Mapping of aetiologies and clinical presentation of acute colitis: Results from a prospective cohort study in a tertiary centre
Authors: Meyer J , Schrenzel J , Balaphas A , Delaune V , Abbas M , Morel P , Puppa G , Rubbia-Brandt L , Bichard P , Frossard J -L , Toso C , Buchs N , Ris F
Published: May 2021

Objective

Our objective was to describe the aetiologies of acute colitis and to identify patients who require diagnostic endoscopy.

Methods

Patients with symptoms of gastrointestinal infection and colonic inflammation on computed tomography were prospectively included. Those immunosuppressed, with history of colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) were excluded. Stools were screened with BD-Max and BioFire FilmArray GI panel. Faecal calprotectin was determined. Patients with negative BD-Max underwent colonoscopy. The study was registered into clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02709213).

Results

One hundred and seventy-nine patients were included. BD-Max was positive in 93 patients (52%) and FilmArray in 108 patients (60.3%). Patients with infectious colitis (n = 103, 57.5%) were positive for Campylobacter spp (n = 57, 55.3%), Escherichia coli spp (n = 8, 7.8%), Clostridium difficile (n = 23, 22.3%), Salmonella spp (n = 9, 8.7%), viruses (n = 7, 6.8%), Shigella spp (n = 6, 5.8%), Entamoeba histolytica (n = 2, 1.9%) and others (n = 4, 3.9%). Eighty-six patients underwent colonoscopy, which was compatible with ischemic colitis in 18 patients (10.1%) and IBD in 4 patients (2.2%). Among patients with negative FilmArray, a faecal calprotectin >625μg/g allowed identifying patients with IBD with an area under ROC curve of 85.1%. Introduction of a diagnostic management algorithm including FilmArray and faecal calprotectin could allow decreasing unnecessary colonoscopies from 82 to 29 (corresponding to a decrease of 64.6%).

Conclusion

Computed tomography-proven colitis was mostly of infectious aetiology. Diagnostic management of patients with acute colitis should include broad molecular testing of the stools and, in patients with a calprotectin concentration >625μg/g, colonoscopy to exclude IBD.
Parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases reduces postoperative morbidity while maintaining equivalent oncologic outcomes compared to non-parenchymal-sparing resection
Authors: Andreou A , Gloor S , Inglin J , Di Pietro Martinelli C , Banz V , Lachenmayer A , Kim-Fuchs C , Candinas D , Beldi G
Published: May 2021

Objective

Modern chemotherapy and repeat hepatectomy allow to tailor the surgical strategies for the treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CRLM). This study addresses the hypothesis that parenchymal-sparing hepatectomy reduces postoperative complications while ensuring similar oncologic outcomes compared to the standardized non-parenchymal-sparing procedures.

Methods

Clinicopathological data of patients who underwent liver resection for CRLM between 2012 and 2019 at a major hepatobiliary center in Switzerland were assessed. Patients were stratified according to the tumor burden score [TBS2 = (maximum tumor diameter in cm)2 + (number of lesions)2)] and were dichotomized in a lower and a higher tumor burden cohort according to the median TBS. Postoperative outcomes, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of patients following parenchymal-sparing resection (PSR) for CRLM were compared with those of patients undergoing non-PSR.

Results

During the study period, 153 patients underwent liver resection for CRLM with curative intent. PSR was performed in 79 patients with TBS < 4.5, and in 42 patients with TBS ≥ 4.5. In patients with lower tumor burden (TBS < 4.5), PSR was associated with lower complication rate (15.2% vs. 46.2%, p = 0.009), and shorter length of hospital stay (5 vs. 9 days, p = 0.006) in comparison to non-PSR. For TBS < 4.5, PSR resulted in equivalent 5-year OS (48% vs. 39%, p = 0.479) and equivalent 5-year DFS rates (DFS, 44% vs. 29%, p = 0.184) compared to non-PSR. For TBS ≥ 4.5, PSR resulted in lower postoperative complication rate (33.3% vs. 63.2%, p = 0.031), lower length of hospital stay (6 vs. 9 days, p = 0.005), equivalent 5-year OS (29% vs. 22%, p = 0.314), and equivalent 5-year DFS rates (29% vs. 22%, p = 0.896) compared to non-PSR. Among all patients treated with PSR, patients undergoing minimal-invasive hepatectomy had equivalent 5-year OS (42% vs. 37%, p = 0.261) and equivalent 5-year DFS (34% vs. 34%, p = 0.613) rates compared to patients undergoing open hepatectomy.

Conclusion

PSR for CRLM is associated with lower postoperative morbidity, shorter length of hospital stay, and equivalent oncologic outcomes compared to non-PSR independently from tumor burden. Our findings suggest that minimal-invasive PSR should be considered as the preferred method for the treatment of curatively resectable CRLM if allowed by tumor size and location.
Inhibition of SUMOylation enhances responses to irreversible electroporation in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Erdem S , Narayanan J S , Worni M , Chen Y , White R
Published: May 2021

Objective

The revolutionary results of immunotherapy have not yet translated to pancreatic cancer (PC).

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a non-thermal ablative therapy that can generate tumor-specific immune responses, yet not sufficient to eradicate distant metastatic disease. Post-translational protein modification (PTM) by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) is involved in carcinogenesis and PD-L1 mediated immunosuppression. TAK-981 is a novel inhibitor of SUMOylation that has demonstrated induction anti-tumor immune responses in preclinical models. Our hypothesis is that TAK-981 will augment the effects of IRE in an immunocompetent orthotopic mouse model of PC.

Methods

The PC cell line (KPC4580P) was derived from an autochthonous tumor arising in a genetically engineered mouse model (KPC). The tumors were implanted orthotopically into the pancreas via laparotomy. Once tumors reached 5-7 mm in diameter, mice were randomized to one of four treatment groups: IRE alone, TAK-981 alone, IRE + TAK-981, or no treatment. IRE versus sham laparotomy (150 x 90 microsec pulses at 1500 V/cm) was performed once through second laparotomy. TAK-981 (7.5mg/kg) versus vehicle was delivered via subcutaneous injection twice weekly x four doses, starting on the day of IRE. Tumors were harvested on day 14 for flow cytometric analysis.

Results

Ultrasound was performed on days 8, 14 and 20 after initiation of treatment. Tumor growth in the IRE + TAK-981 group was significantly inhibited compared to sham-treated tumors (Fig. 1, *p=0.0002), and this effect persisted to day 20, even after treatment with TAK-981 was stopped on day 11 (p < 0.01). Flow cytometry revealed a greater than 2-fold increase in CD8+ T-cells (Fig. 2a, *p <0.05) and 4-fold increase in IFN-gamma+ CD8+ T-cells (Fig. 2b, *p=0.01) in tumors treated with the combination relative to sham-treated tumors.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the combination of IRE with TAK-981 is associated with better local tumor control and a significant increase of CD8+ T-cells and IFN-gamma+ CD8+ T-cells. We expect that this combination might contribute systemic immune responses that would prevent or even eradicate distant metastasis. Given that immunosuppression mediated by PD-L1 is regulated by ubiquitination and is seen in 50% of PC tumors, targeting PTM with TAK-981 might also render PC responsive to immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors.
Measurement of serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) at the end of total thyroidectomy: A reliable parameter for hypocalcemia?
Authors: Lalos A , Linke K , von Flüe M , Kern B
Published: May 2021

Objective

Total thyroidectomy represents the gold standard surgical procedure for patients with malignant thyroid disease. Over the past decades, the total thyroidectomy gradually replaced the subtotal thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disorders as well. Postoperative hypocalcemia remains the most frequent complication. The close proximity of parathyroid glands to the thyroid capsule leads often to devascularization or adventitious removal of parathyroid tissue. Clinical symptoms like paresthesia, tingling, muscle cramps or seizures often occur. Combined measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and calcium after the operation are used worldwide to predict postoperative hypoparathyroidism. The purpose of this study was to find out the incidence of decreased iPTH at the end of surgery and its reliability in predicting hypocalcemia.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 534 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy at our institution between 2000 and 2019. Medical records were reviewed to analyze the patient characteristics, indication of the procedure, laboratory and histological results, postoperative management and complications. The iPTH was measured before and at the end of the surgery, while the calcium was measured at the first postoperative day. The iPTH assay at our hospital has a normal range between 15.0 and 80.0 pg/ml. Meanwhile hypocalcemia was defined as a calcium measurement < 2.2 mmol/l.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 55.34 years. The female to male ratio was 4.6:1. The mean preoperative iPTH of our cohort was 48.35 pg/ml, while the postoperative iPTH was 31.74 pg/ml, indicating a mean reduction of 35.75%. A total of 174 patients (32.6%) had a iPTH < 15.0 pg/ml at the end of the surgery, indicating a reduction of 75.6%. 22 of these 174 patients (12.6%) developed clinical symptoms of hypocalcemia. In contrast only 3 patients (0.08%) with normal iPTH developed symptoms. Whole parathyroid glands were identified in 95/534 (17.8%), whereas from the 174 patients with iPTH < 15.0 pg/ml, 56 (32.2%) had at least one parathyroid gland in the operative specimens.

Conclusion

Measurement of iPTH at the end of total thyroidectomy is a good predictor to detect patient who are at risk for developing symptomatic hypocalcemia and calcium substitution can be started at the same day. A normal iPTH almost excludes symptomatic hypocalcemia.
Robotic inguinal hernia repair (rTAPP) – A series of 300 cases
Authors: Ramser M , Baur J , Dietz U
Published: May 2021

Objective

While inguinal hernia repair using mesh is the recommended standard for most patients, minimal invasive techniques experienced a prolonged process until broad acceptance and sufficient expertise. Lately, a reluctance towards the integration of robotic hernia repair as a standard procedure is observed in Europe compared to the US. Nevertheless, robotic technology is a powerful tool for increasing quality in standardized procedures. We present a large case series of inguinal hernias repaired by robotic surgery.

Methods

All consecutive patients receiving a robotic inguinal hernia repair with a transabdominal approach (rTAPP) in the first 18 months (May 2018 up to October 2019) after introduction of the DaVinci Xi system at our institution were included in this study.

Results

Overall, 302 groin hernias in 225 patients were operated in the defined period. 77 patients presented with bilateral hernias. Mean age of patients was 58.7 years, 87.6% were men. Mean BMI 25.5kg/m2.

Nearly half of all operations were teaching operations making use of the available double consoles. While in the first 6 months only 20.0% of operations were teaching procedures, the rate increased to 60.3% in the last 6 months of the observation period.

While overall 35.6% of procedures were performed as day-surgery, the rate varied over the course of the study with 35.6% in the first 6 months, 46.0% in the second and 33.3% in the last 6 months.

Operation time was 82.6min. (range 40-186) with 72min. (range 40-186) for unilateral repairs and 101.3min. (range 52-169) for bilateral repairs. Further subgroup analysis showed that in bilateral repairs in primary hernias teaching vs. no-teaching operations differed only marginally in time (108.9min., range 66-149 vs. 91.6min., range 52-159).

Follow-up data was available for 93.8% of patients. There were no cases of recurrence; two patients experienced postoperative pain lasting more than 30 days. Seroma was observed in 8.9%, haematoma in 4.4% cases. Urinary retention occurred in 3.6% of patients, PE in 0.4%, DVT in 0.4%, epididymitis in 3.1%.

Conclusion

Robotic inguinal hernia repair is an outstanding and safe procedure. The operative accuracy of the system is impressive. The availability of two consoles makes it an ideal teaching tool, allowing to train residents in inguinal hernia repair, in a high standard of safety and with good outcomes.
Damage-control surgery in patients with non-traumatic abdominal emergencies: A meta-analysis
Authors: Haltmeier T , Falke M , Quaile O , Candinas D , Schnüriger B
Published: May 2021

Objective

After the successful implementation in trauma patients, damage control surgery (DCS) is being increasingly used in non-traumatic abdominal emergencies, too. However, non-trauma DCS (NT-DCS) is currently a matter of debate and has not yet been comprehensively assessed. The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the effect of NT-DCS on mortality in patients with abdominal emergencies.

Methods

Systematic literature search using PubMed. Original articles addressing mortality in patients undergoing NT-DCS or non-trauma conventional surgery (NT-CS) for abdominal emergencies were included. Descriptive statistics and two meta-analyses were performed. Meta-analysis 1 compared mortality in patients undergoing NT-DCS vs. NT-CS. Meta-analysis 2 assessed the observed vs. expected mortality rate, based on APACHE, POSSUM and SAPS scores, in the NT-DCS group. Continuous and categorical variables were reported as weighted means and proportions. Effect sizes were described as risk differences (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Literature search revealed 1314 articles. Of these, 21 studies published 2004-2019 were included. NT-DCS was performed in 1238 and NT-CS in 936 patients. In the NT-DCS vs. NT-CS group mean age was 61.0 vs. 64.9 years and the proportion of male patients 58.6% vs. 52.9%, respectively. Most frequent indications for NT-DCS were hollow viscus perforation (28.4%), mesenteric ischemia (26.5%), anastomotic leak (19.6%), haemorrhage (18.4%), abdominal compartment syndrome (17.4%), bowel obstruction (15.5%), and pancreatitis (13.1%). In meta-analysis 1, mortality was not significantly different in the NT-DCS vs. NT-CS group (RD 0.09, 95% CI -0.06/0.24). Meta-analysis 2 revealed a significantly lower observed than the expected mortality rate in patients undergoing NT-DCS (RD -0.18, 95 % CI -0.29/-0.06). Heterogeneity of included studies was high in both meta-analyses (I2=89.0% and 79.9%, respectively).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis revealed no significantly different mortality in patients with abdominal emergencies undergoing NT-DCS vs. NT-CS. However, observed mortality was significantly lower than the expected mortality rate in the NT-DCS group, suggesting a benefit of the DCS approach. Based on these results, the effect of DCS in patients with non-traumatic abdominal emergencies remains unclear. Further prospective investigation into this topic is warranted.
IBM WATSON Trauma Pathway Explorer outperforms the TRISS score to predict early death after polytrauma
Authors: Niggli C , Pape H -C , Mica L
Published: May 2021

Objective

In recent years, several big data-based artificial intelligence (AI) systems have found its way in health care, one of which we present here: The IBM WATSON Trauma Pathway Explorer, a visual analytics tool to predict early death in polytrauma patients. The aim of this study was to compare the predictive performance of the Trauma Pathway Explorer for early in-hospital mortality with an established trauma scoring system, the Trauma Revised Injury Severity Score (TRISS).

Methods

A retrospective comparative accuracy study in a level I trauma center including patients with an Injury Severity Score (ISS) ≥16 and age ≥16 was performed. The compared outcome was early death within 72 hours since admission of the patient. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to measure discrimination. Hosmer-Lemeshow statistics was calculated to analyse calibration of the two predictive models. The Brier score assessed the overall performance of the two models.

Results

The cohort included 107 polytrauma patients with a death rate of 10.3% at 72 hours since patient admission. The Trauma Pathway Explorer and TRISS showed similar AUCs to predict early death (AUC 0.90, 95% CI 0.79-0.99 vs. AUC 0.88, 95% 0.77-0.97; p = 0.75). The calibration of the Trauma Pathway Explorer was superior to that of TRISS (chi-squared 8.19, Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.42 vs. chi-squared 31.93, Hosmer-Lemeshow p < 0.05). The Trauma Pathway Explorer had a lower Brier score than TRISS (0.06 vs. 0.11).

Conclusion

The IBM WATSON Trauma Pathway Explorer showed equal results in discrimination as TRISS but outperformed in calibration. In addition to being able to provide a prediction of early death, this visual analytics tool for polytrauma patients can also show the quantitative flow of patient sub-cohorts through different events, such as coagulopathy, hemorrhagic shock class, surgical strategy and the above-mentioned outcome. Here, we can present an accurate and valid alternative to TRISS for predicting early death in polytrauma patients.
Temporary extracorporeal femoro-femoral crossover bypass to treat critical limb ischemia due to occlusive femoral transaortic microaxial left ventricular assist device – a novel technique and case series
Authors: Richarz S , Siegemund M , D`Amico R , Bachofen B , Döbele T , Gürke L , Mujagic E
Published: May 2021

Objective

The Impella transaortic microaxial left ventricular assist device (MLVAD) bears the risk of severe ipsilateral limb ischemia due to it´s percutaneous insertion through the common femoral artery (CFA). As long as the MLVAD is required for cardio-circulatory support, treatment options are limited. Therefore, we developed a temporary extracorporeal femoro-femoral crossover bypass to restore and maintain perfusion of the affected leg.

Methods

From October 2018, we treated all patients with severe limb ischemia due to the MLAVD with a femoro-femoral crossover bypass. For comparison, a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing placement of the MLAVD between January 2011 and July 2019 was identified.

For those patients who experienced limb ischemia after Impella placement, data on age, gender, BMI and diabetes, underlying cardiac condition, duration of Impella pump in place, limb complications, limb salvage procedure, need for additional surgical procedure on the affected limb (e.g. fasciotomy) were recorded.

The primary outcome is the feasibility and safety of our percutaneously established extracorporeal femoro-femoral crossover bypass. As secondary outcomes, we report overall 30 day mortality and limb salvage rates.

Results

Between January 2011 and July 2019, 25 of 245 (10.3%) patients developed a severe ipsilateral limb ischemia following the MLVAD placement.

Until October 2018, 20 patients were treated conventionally (C-cohort) and since October 2018, five (consecutive) patients have been treated by an extracorporeal femoro-femoral cross over bypass (BP-Cohort).

Following the BP-procedure, an immediate improvement of the perfusion was seen in all patients. The bypass remained in place during a median of 5 days. Limb salvage was documented in 100% of our patients and 30 days mortality was 60% in both groups.

Conclusion

This is the first case series reporting on this novel technique. We demonstrated that the percutaneous creation of an extracorporeal femoro-femoral crossover bypass is feasible, safe and effective and should therefore be promoted in the future.
First experience with percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation using the Ellipsys® vascular access system
Authors: Isaak A , Mallios A , Gürke L , Wolff T
Published: May 2021

Objective

Percutaneous creation of arteriovenous fistulae (pAVF) has been developed as an alternative to the creation of an upper arm cephalic or basilic vein fistula. Several studies have shown high technical success rates and comparable time of maturation. To our knowledge, the technique has not been used in Switzerland before.

Methods

Prospective data collection of the first consecutive patients undergoing the creation of pAVF between April and July 2020 at two vascular surgery centres.

Results

Seven patients underwent pAVF creation with the Ellipsys® vascular access system under regional anaesthesia for maximum vasodilation. The procedures were performed entirely under sonographic control without the use of fluoroscopy. The cephalic or basilic vein was punctured and the puncture needle advanced under sonographic control through the cubital perforator vein into the proximal radial artery. The Ellipsys® catheter was advanced over a guidewire and activated to create the fistula between the proximal radial artery and the perforator vein. The fistula was further dilated with a 5mm PTA balloon. We achieved technical success in 6 patients. In one patient with small and spastic vessels, the needle could not be advanced into the radial artery. A conventional upper arm cephalic fistula was created during the same procedure. In three patients primary maturation was achieved and the cephalic vein or distal basilic vein could be punctured for dialysis without any adjunct procedures. One patient required three additional procedures before the fistula could be used successfully (additional angioplasty of the fistula, superficialisation of the basilic vein and correction of a cubital vein stenosis by excision and end-to-end anastomosis). One patient required superficialisation of the basilic vein and one patient transposition of the arterialised brachial vein. Maturation was achieved in six pAVF after a mean of 158 days with a mean fistula flow of 920 ml/ min.

Conclusion

We achieved high technical success and maturation rates in our first patients undergoing pAVF creation with the Ellipsys® system. Prerequisites are suitable anatomy of the cubital perforator vein and good skills in sonography and endovascular techniques. We believe that pAVF is a promising alternative to the creation of a conventional upper arm fistula in patients unsuitable for a distal radio-cephalic fistula.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD+) improves lung function in rat lung ex-vivo lung perfusion model
Authors: Ehrsam J P , Arni S , Chen J , Rodriguez Cetina Biefer H , Opitz I , Inci I
Published: May 2021

Objective

Ischemia-reperfusion injury compromises short- and long-term outcome after lung transplantation. The scarce existing data on the natural co-enzyme NAD+ suggest an antagonistic effect on hypoxia induced vasoconstriction, removal capacity on reactive oxygen species, and anti-inflammatory effects. We therefore investigated the impact of NAD+ on ischemic rat lungs during ex-vivo lung perfusion (EVLP).

Methods

Lungs were retrieved from 12 outbred Sprague Dawley male rats and exposed to 14 hours of cold ischemic storage. All lungs were then perfused in a rat EVLP system for 4 hours. Lung grafts were injected after 1, 2 and 3 hours with 2000 uM NAD + (N = 6) or placebo (N = 6) in the perfusate in proximity of the pulmonary artery. EVLP physiology and biochemistry were monitored.

Results

During the 4 hours of EVLP, the lung function increased significantly in the NAD+ group when compared to the placebo group. We monitored a higher vascular flow (p = 0.018), a lower mean pulmonary pressure (p = 0.007) and increased oxygenation capacity (p = 0.003). Lung compliance and weight were comparable. Tissue inflammation measured by myeloperoxidase was significantly lower in the NAD+ group (p = 0.015). In the perfusate, we observed in the NAD+ group significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-18 (p = 0.033) and a trend towards high levels of anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (p = 0.080) and low levels of pro-inflammatory interleukin-12 (p = 0.146).

Conclusion

Findings from this preliminary study demonstrated that NAD+ is a promising agent with both anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to improve ischemic lung function. This observation should be validated in a large animal model.
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reduces oxygen and ATP consumption in the isolated perfused pig kidney
Authors: Agius T , Songeon J , Klauser A , Nastasi A , Ruttiman R , Meier R P H , Buhler L , Allagnat F , Corpataux J -M , Lazeyras F , Longchamp A
Published: May 2021

Objective

Organ donation after circulatory death [DCD] has the potential to reduce the shortage of kidneys available for transplantation. However, many DCD grafts are discarded because of long warm ischemia times. Strategies reducing oxygen demand may minimize damages caused by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Ex-vivo, Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) reduces oxygen and ATP consumption of the isolated perfused kidney, reduces inflammation and improves renal function following ischemia reperfusion injury in rodents. However, the benefits and applicability of H2S in clinically relevant model remain unknown.

Methods

To mimic DCD, pig kidneys underwent 0 or 60 min of warm ischemia, before oxygenated hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP). NaHS (100µM), an H2S donor, was added to the perfusion media or injected as an intra-arterial bolus before warm ischemia. After 2 hours of HMP, kidneys were transplanted and reperfused for 1 hour before harvest. Kidney function was assesses before, after and during ex vivo perfusion by measuring energy metabolites, Gadolinium elimination by pMRI and histopathological scoring.

Results

Warm ischemia (60 min) induced significant histological damages, delayed cortical and medullary Gadolinium elimination (perfusion), and reduced ATP levels, but not its precursors (AMP). As expected, ATP levels and kidney perfusion both inversely correlated with the severity of kidney histological injury. NaHS reduced metabolism during warm ischemia, and seemed to increase kidney ATP levels and viability after reperfusion.

Conclusion

Our preliminary data suggest that the H2S donor NaHS reduces kidney metabolism and protects from warm ischemia. Further experiments will identify the best administration protocol and the clinical relevance of H2S supplementation in the context of organ preservation.
Maternal metabolic syndrome induces liver injury and promotes tumor growth in the offspring
Authors: Moeckli B , Delaune V , Peloso A , Orci L , Slits F , Gex Q , Lacotte S , Toso C
Published: May 2021

Objective

Obesity is a growing disease entity affecting a third of women of reproductive age. Epidemiological studies show that children of obese mothers suffer from obesity, long-term morbidity and an increased rate of childhood cancers. However, the mechanisms of disease transmission remain unknown. The aim of this study is to test this hypothesis in a mouse model and shed light on the involved mechanisms of vertical transmission.

Methods

Female mice were fed a high fat or standard diet (HFD/SD) for 16 weeks before being mated with mice fed a normal diet. Corresponding diet was continued until weaning, all offspring were thereafter fed a SD. Metabolic profile, weight gain, liver enzymes and the gut microbiota profile were assessed in the offspring (n = 24). Additional groups of offspring (n = 48) were injected with a carcinogen (diethylnitrosamine) at week two, tumor characteristics were assessed by computed tomography scan at week 36.

Results

Mothers fed HFD developed obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Female offspring of mothers fed HFD gained significantly more weight (+33.7%, p = 0.001), had increased alanine transaminase levels (62 vs 18 IU/L, p = 0.003) and a significantly altered liver histology exemplified by an increased NAFLD activity score (3.8 vs 0.6, p = 0.016). Expression levels of several candidate genes were studied of which FGF21 showed the largest differential expression between HFD and SD offspring (9 vs 1 2^ΔΔCT, p = <0.001). However, epigenetic analysis of FGF21 in the liver revealed no changes in methylation level between HFD and SD offspring. Furthermore, offspring of HFD mothers had a distinctly altered gut microbiome with lower proportions of Bacteroides caccae, Bacteroidales and Parasutterella excrementihominis. Interestingly, the proportion of female offspring developing tumors was significantly higher in offspring of HFD mothers (83 vs 44%, p = 0.011), the average total tumor volume was larger (234 vs 3.5mm3, p = 0.022) and the offspring developed more tumors (3.5 vs 0.6, p = 0.010).

Conclusion

Maternal obesity promotes liver tumor growth in the offspring, alters metabolic patterns and induces liver suffering in the progeny in a sex-dependent manner. The gut microbiome seems to play a role in this transmission of disease. Yet further research is needed to determine the vectors of transmission and evaluate preventive interventions in obese mothers.
The use of single incision laparoscopic surgery techniques and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery – a nationwide survey
Authors: Fahrner R , Mazzola F , Adamina M
Published: May 2021

Objective

Since the first report of transgastric peritoneoscopic surgery in 2004, minimal invasive surgery (MIS) including conventional laparoscopy, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES), single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS), and robotic surgery have gained traction in general and visceral surgery. While laparoscopic surgery is now the gold standard in many institutions, other MIS approaches lag behind in spite of the enthusiasm of few promoters.

The present study investigates the current role of NOTES and SILS in Switzerland.

Methods

All Swiss surgical departments where queried. Heads of department were asked to complete a detailed questionnaire regarding the use of NOTES and SILS techniques, reminders were sent twice.

Results

Of 93 departments queried, 63 (68%) answered the survey and most were public hospitals (92%). One third of general surgery departments and 46% of visceral surgery departments had the highest accreditation level A and V1, respectively.

While up to 27% of the responding hospitals had performed NOTES in the past, only about 9% still use the technique today. Since January 2019, only two departments performed NOTES cholecystectomy, one department NOTES colectomy and three departments NOTES total mesorectal excision.

The main reasons for not performing NOTES anymore were lack of perceived benefits, higher costs, increased morbidity in routine procedures, no patient demand, and the lack of surgical expertise.

A similar picture was found regarding the use of SILS, with 37% of hospitals having past experience with SILS and only 13% still performing SILS procedures. Yet, significantly more institutions performed a broader range of SILS procedures today:

SILS appendectomy (n = 2), SILS cholecystectomy (n = 4), SILS thyroidectomy (n = 1), SILS small bowel resection (n = 2), SILS colonic resection (n = 5), and SILS rectal resection (n = 2). The main reasons for not performing routinely SILS were similar to the rationale against NOTES.

Conclusion

Due to technical limitations and lack of perceptible benefits, NOTES and SILS are less frequently performed nowadays than they were in the past. Only a minority of departments are still performing NOTES and SILS, including cholecystectomies, appendectomies, thyroidectomies, and bowel resections. Whether the rise in use of robotic techniques correlates with the decrease of NOTES and SILS needs further investigation.
Real-time clipper tip visibility detection using computer vision
Authors: Aspart F , Lindström Bolmgren J , Lavanchy J L , Beldi G , Woods M S , Padoy N , Hosgor E
Published: May 2021

Objective

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common laparoscopic procedures. The critical phase of this intervention consists in dissecting the hepatocystic triangle and clipping the cystic artery and duct. Poor visibility of the clipper tips can result in unintentional clipping of neighboring tissues (“past-pointing”) or improper enclosing of the artery or duct, leading to hemorrhage or bile leaks. To improve patient safety during this clipping phase, we propose real-time intraoperative feedback to alert a surgeon when departing from safe behavior, i.e., losing visibility of the clipper tip. This is achieved using a deep learning model which classifies the clipper tip visibility in each frame.

Methods

We tailored a dataset for our application by selecting frames containing a clipper that were selected from 300 laparoscopic cholecystectomy videos. These 122k frames were annotated with binary labels: clipper tip visible/invisible. A frame was labelled as tip visible when the tips of both clipper jaws were visible. Frames in which the clipper tip was occluded (e.g. by tissue) or frames with poor image quality (e.g., bad contrast, blurriness/smoke) were labelled as tip invisible. Frames from 29 videos were set aside for a test set; the remaining frames were used for training/validation (80%, 20% resp.).

Using a 5-fold cross-validation scheme, convolutional neural networks (Resnet50 architecture) were trained to classify the clipper tip visibility in each frame. Finally, 5 neural networks trained in the cross-validation were ensembled into a single model by averaging their predictions.

Results

On the test set, the ensembled model achieved an AUROC of 0.906 and a specificity of 64.5% at 95% sensitivity. Looking at per video performance, the median specificity across videos raised to 76.6% (at 95% sensitivity). That is, the model would correctly detect 95% of the clipper tip not visible cases; in the majority of the interventions, 7 out of 10 warnings would be justified.

Conclusion

We propose a novel safety feedback which warns on poor visibility of the clipper while clipping the cystic duct or artery. While being accurate, our technical solution runs in real-time, a requirement for intraoperative use. We believe this feedback can raise surgeons’ attentiveness when departing from safe visibility during this critical phase of laparoscopic cholecystectomy.