scholarly journals SP4.1.3 The effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on case selection and perioperative outcomes of emergency laparotomies: a UK-based multicentre cohort study

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sri Thrumurthy ◽  
Derrick Tsang ◽  
Abdulazeez Bello ◽  
Ahsan Zaidi ◽  
Georgios Vasilikostas ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Evaluating the effect of Covid-19 on case selection and perioperative outcomes of emergency laparotomies across South West London (SWL). Methods A retrospective cohort study including all emergency laparotomies performed at three SWL-based NHS hospitals from 01/04/2020-31/12/2020 (i.e., “pandemic” cohort; from the first national lockdown), versus a “pre-pandemic” cohort (01/04/2019-31/12/2019). Data was extracted from the NELA database and hospital records, and analysed by two independent clinicians. Results 414 patients met the inclusion criteria. 17.6% fewer (227 vs. 187) laparotomies were performed during the pandemic period. There were no significant sociodemographic differences between cohorts (mean age 64.5 vs. 62.7 years, p = 0.284; M:F ratio 1:1.154 vs. 1:0.928, p = 0.221). Pre-operative NELA risk scores were higher before the pandemic (mean 13.05% vs. 9.55%, p = 0.020). The commonest indication for laparotomy in both cohorts was small bowel obstruction (32.6% vs. 37.4%), treated most commonly with adhesiolysis. Postoperatively, fewer patients received HDU/ITU care during the pandemic than before (ward-based recovery 4.7% vs. 13.8%, HDU/ITU recovery 93.4% vs. 79.4%, χ2=15.4, p < 0.005). Mean duration of ITU stay was significantly shorter during the pandemic (4.5 vs. 2.7 days, p < 0.005), as was total length of inpatient stay (20.2 vs. 14.3 days, p = 0.0156). Conclusions The overall reduction in emergency laparotomies observed during the pandemic period was potentially secondary to tighter case selection guided by objective risk stratification. Fewer patients were recovered postoperatively on HDU/ITU, and patients were generally discharged from hospital earlier. Such trends in perioperative care served to support organizational prioritization in response to Covid-19 service provision.

2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sri Thrumurthy ◽  
Vasha Kaur ◽  
Abdulazeez Bello ◽  
Ahsan Zaidi ◽  
Georgios Vasilikostas ◽  
...  

Abstract Aims Recent case reports have described occult gastrointestinal perforation secondary to Covid-related microcirculatory thromboembolic phenomena. This study aims to evaluate the effect of Covid-19 on the incidence of gastrointestinal perforations across South West London (SWL). Methods A retrospective cohort study included all patients with gastrointestinal perforations presenting to three SWL-based NHS hospitals from 01/04/2020-31/12/2020 (i.e. “pandemic” cohort; from the first national lockdown), versus a representative “pre-pandemic” cohort (01/04/2019-31/12/2019). Data was extracted from the hospital coding records, patient case-notes, and the NELA database, and analysed by two independent clinicians. Results A total of 448 patients were included. 9.3% more (214 vs. 234, p = 0.286) gastrointestinal perforations presented during the pandemic period than beforehand. Comparing both periods, there were no significant differences between the numbers of colonic diverticular perforations (183 vs. 185), gastrojejunal ulcer perforations (1 per period), and terminal ileal perforations (1 per period). There were 78% more peptic ulcer perforations (9 vs. 16) and 55% more gallbladder perforations (20 vs. 31) during the pandemic period, although no overall significant difference was derived at the 95% confidence interval (Χ2=3.458, p = 0.484). Conclusions While there was no significant overall increase in spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation during Covid-19, this study clearly suggests increased rates of peptic and gallbladder perforations. Larger-scale epidemiological data are warranted to ascertain whether this is secondary to increased consumption of alcohol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication or other pro-ulcerative drug regimes during the pandemic. Further data will also be vital to highlight delays in investigation and/or presentation resulting in these increased perforation rates.


Gerontology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Jing Jiao ◽  
Na Guo ◽  
Lingli Xie ◽  
Qiaoyan Ying ◽  
Chen Zhu ◽  
...  

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Frailty has gained increasing attention as it is by far the most prevalent geriatric condition amongst older patients which heavily impacts chronic health status. However, the relationship between frailty and adverse health outcomes in China is far from clear. This study explored the relation between frailty and a panel of adverse health outcomes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We performed a multicentre cohort study of older inpatients at 6 large hospitals in China, with two-stage cluster sampling, from October 2018 to April 2019. Frailty was measured according to the FRAIL scale and categorized into robust, pre-frail, and frail. A multivariable logistic regression model and multilevel multivariable negative binomial regression model were used to analyse the relationship between frailty and adverse outcomes. Outcomes were length of hospitalization, as well as falls, readmission, and mortality at 30 and 90 days after enrolment. All regression models were adjusted for age, sex, BMI, surgery, and hospital ward. <b><i>Results:</i></b> We included 9,996 inpatients (median age 72 years and 57.8% male). The overall mortality at 30 and 90 days was 1.23 and 1.88%, respectively. At 30 days, frailty was an independent predictor of falls (odds ratio [OR] 3.19; 95% CI 1.59–6.38), readmission (OR 1.45; 95% CI 1.25–1.67), and mortality (OR 3.54; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.10–5.96), adjusted for age, sex, BMI, surgery, and hospital ward clustering effect. At 90 days, frailty had a strong predictive effect on falls (OR 2.10; 95% CI 1.09–4.01), readmission (OR 1.38; 95% CI 1.21–1.57), and mortality (OR 6.50; 95% CI 4.00–7.97), adjusted for age, sex, BMI, surgery, and hospital ward clustering effect. There seemed to be a dose-response association between frailty categories and fall or mortality, except for readmission. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Frailty is closely related to falls, readmission, and mortality at 30 or 90 days. Early identification and intervention for frailty amongst older inpatients should be conducted to prevent adverse outcomes.


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