scholarly journals Collateral effects of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on oncologic surgery in Bavaria

BMC Surgery ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas Dienemann ◽  
Frank Brennfleck ◽  
Alexander Dejaco ◽  
Robert Grützmann ◽  
Johannes Binder ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The ongoing SARS-COV-2 pandemic has severe implications for people and healthcare systems everywhere. In Germany, worry about the consequences of the pandemic led to the deferral of non-emergency surgeries. Tumor surgery accounts for a large volume in the field of visceral surgery and cannot be considered purely elective. It is not known how the SARS-COV-2 pandemic has changed the surgical volume in tumor patients. Methods Retrospective analysis of the amount of oncological surgeries in three academic visceral surgery departments in Bavaria, Germany, in 2020. Procedures were split into subgroups: Upper Gastrointestinal (Upper GI), Colorectal, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary (HPB), Peritoneal and Endocrine. Procedures in 2020 were compared to a reference period from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st 2019. Surgical volume was graphically merged with SARS-COV-2 incidence and the number of occupied ICU beds. Results Surgical volume decreased by 7.6% from an average of 924 oncologic surgeries from 2017 to 2019 to 854 in 2020. The decline was temporally associated with the incidence of infections and ICU capacity. Surgical volume did not uniformly increase to pre-pandemic levels in the months following the first pandemic wave with lower SARS-COV-2 incidence and varied according to local incidence levels. The decline was most pronounced in colorectal surgery where procedures declined on average by 26% following the beginning of the pandemic situation. Conclusion The comparison with pre-pandemic years showed a decline in oncologic surgeries in 2020, which could have an impact on lost life years in non-COVID-19 patients. This decline was very different in subgroups which could not be solely explained by the pandemic.

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
F Serra ◽  
A Lenzi ◽  
R Pella ◽  
C Spinato ◽  
G Fatati ◽  
...  

Abstract Obesity places a significant burden on people affected, increasing their risk of unintended health consequences and reducing their life expectancy. Rising obesity levels have also had an adverse effect on society and economic prosperity, causing a decrease in economic activity through loss of productive life years, and by placing increasing demands on healthcare systems. Despite the scientific community recognising obesity as a multifactorial chronic disease which requires long-term management, it is often considered to be the responsibility of the individual by governments, healthcare systems and even people with obesity. Obesity is not recognition as disease in Italy, but it has a relevant impact on heath policy, clinical, social and economic. On November 13th 2019, the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian Parliament voted unanimously to approve a motion that recognises obesity as a chronic disease and asks the Government to implement specific actions to promote and improve obesity prevention and management. Among the various commitments there is also a national plan that harmonises the activities in the field of prevention and the fight against obesity; full access to the diagnostic procedures for comorbidities, to dietary-food treatments in the most serious cases, access to second-level centres to evaluate psychological, pharmacological and surgical approaches; guidelines concerning the “first 1,000 days of life” of the child and programs for the prevention of childhood obesity. Obesity now recognised as a chronic disease in Italy. The collaborative, multi-stakeholder effort was long in the making and includes a Charter of Human Rights for People Living with Obesity. The document enumerates actions necessary for the protection of health for obesity prevention and treatment of people living with obesity. The process implemented as a typical policy domino game. Key messages Obesity now recognised as a chronic disease. Policy domino game.


QJM ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 114 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eslam Ahmed Mohamed Elsamahi ◽  
Bassem P Ghobrail ◽  
Ghada Mohamed Samir ◽  
Hany Victor Zaki

Abstract Background In the modern medicine, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy has become a definitive tool for diagnosis and management of many diseases. It is usually preformed in separate unit as day-case procedure and for outpatient clinic. The search of a safe and effective sedation for these patients is still an open topic. Objective The aim of the study is to compare the use of propofol and dexmedetomedine in upper GI endoscopy regarding the hemodynamics, sedative effect and the patient satisfaction. Methods Double – blinded, randomized controlled trial with allocation ratio 1:1 arranged in two parallel groups. This study was conducted in the endoscopy unit of Ainshams University Hospital, Cairo, Egypt within a period of 6 months started from April 2019. All recruited patients were adults undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. They were included in the study according to the following criteria: Age 21-60 years; elective procedures under general anesthesia with patients who completed eight hours of fasting; and physical Status: ASA I and II Patients after taking written and informed consent. Results Concerning the results of the study, there was no statistically significant difference considering the heart rate in relation to base line readings. The changes of heart rate between the two groups were significantly different with dexmedetomidine associated with lower readings. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation were insignificantly different in both groups. Time of induction was significantly shorter in propofol than dexmedetomidine (P < 0.001) and time to reach full recovery identified by modified Alderete’s score 10/10 was significantly shorter in dexmedetomidine than propofol (P < 0.014). There was a significant difference between the two dugs concerning the patients and endoscopists satisfaction. The patients were more satisfied with propofol (P 0.047), while the endoscopists were more satisfied with dexmedetomidine (P 0.034). Conclusion Dexmedetomidine and propofol are equally effective and safe to provide enough sedation for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a day-case manner. Advantages of dexmedetomidine were providing analgesic effect, rapid recovery from sedation and stability of respiratory rate and oxygen saturation. However, there were some disadvantages such as the bradycardia and patient dissatisfaction although the bradycardia can be utilized in cardiac patients as a safety factor against myocardial ischemia. Other point noticed that using dexmedetomidine for sedation was more costly than propofol and requires the usage of a syringe pump for accurate dosing. On the contrary, propofol is cheap and available in all centers with rabid onset of induction but it causes hypotension and respiratory depression which might be risky in cardiac patients.


2010 ◽  
Vol 92 (10) ◽  
pp. 354-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Agrawal

With fierce competition for the best consultant posts in surgery, a fellowship is almost becoming an essential requirement. There are numerous fellowships available but finding the right one and organising family life around it is extremely difficult. After a lot of scepticism from some trainees about the post-Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) national surgical fellowships scheme, it was advertised in July 2008 through The Royal College of Surgeons of England in partnership with the surgical specialist associations. I was extremely fortunate to be successful in the interview in November 2008 as the first Fellow in Bariatric and Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) Surgery under the scheme and opted for the fellowship at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, for one year.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Benzing ◽  
Helmut Weiss ◽  
Felix Krenzien ◽  
Matthias Biebl ◽  
Johann Pratschke ◽  
...  

Background. In laparoscopic upper-gastrointestinal (GI) surgery, an adequate retraction of the liver is crucial. Especially in single-port surgery and obese patients, problems may occur during liver retraction. The current study seeks to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the LiVac trocar-free liver retractor in laparoscopic upper-GI surgery. Methods. The present study is a nonrandomized dual-center clinical series describing our preliminary results using the LiVac system for liver retraction. The primary end points of the present study included the effectiveness and safety of the LiVac device as well as complications and documentation of problems with the device during surgery. Results. The device was used in 11 patients for simple and complex laparoscopic procedures. The mean age of the study population was 59.6 years (SD = 20.6; range = 30-84). There were 6 female and 5 male patients with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 31.9 kg/m2 (SD = 8.1; range = 26.0-45.3). The efficacy of the device was excellent in all cases, reducing the number of trocars needed. There were no device-related complications. Conclusion. The LiVac liver retractor is easy to use and provides a good exposure of the operative field in upper-GI laparoscopic surgery, even in obese patients with a high BMI.


2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (06) ◽  
pp. 528-532
Author(s):  
Thomas Sebastian Bott ◽  
Thekla von Kalle ◽  
Alexander Schilling ◽  
Oliver Heinz Diez ◽  
Sarah Besch ◽  
...  

Introduction The development of stenoses after correction of an esophageal atresia or acid and lye burn of the esophagus are well-known problems in pediatric surgery. Currently, stenoses are treated in the majority of cases by repeated balloon dilatations. The diameter of the balloons used is not standardized; standard curves do not exist. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diameter of the esophagus correlated to the body weight of the children as measured in upper gastrointestinal (GI) studies to answer the important question to what extent a stenosis should be dilated. Materials and Methods Within the time period from 2011 through 2016, 60 patients with upper GI studies were selected. Evaluations were blinded to two different examiners. The diameters were measured under maximum contrast filling between the second and third rib (cranial point of measurement) and between the seventh and eighth rib (caudal point of measurement). For both, the anteroposterior and lateral aspect was examined. The diameter was calculated as the arithmetic average of both measurements within one level. The diameters were correlated to the weight of the children. Results All children (n = 38) within the 3rd to 97th weight percentile were analyzed. Linear correlation and coefficients of 0.67 at the cranial point and 0.70 at the caudal point were found. Mean diameter at the cranial point of measurement was 6.75 mm at the lowest weight (2.6 kg) and 14 mm at 74 kg. Mean weight of these children (standard deviation [SD]) was 25.3 (18.8) kg and median age was 7 years. Within weight groups (0–10 kg; 10–20 kg; 20–35 kg; 35–50 kg; >50 kg), we calculated SD and two side tested critical 95% confidence interval for all measurements (n = 74). Conclusion Although the variation in measurements is considerable, this evaluation gives a reliable hint to which extent esophageal stenoses should be dilated in relation to the body weight. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation to evaluate the diameter of the esophagus in children in relation to the body weight.


2017 ◽  
Vol 117 (03) ◽  
pp. 491-499 ◽  
Author(s):  
Niklas Wallvik ◽  
Joakim Eriksson ◽  
Jonas Höijer ◽  
Matteo Bottai ◽  
Margareta Holmström ◽  
...  

SummaryThe optimal timing of vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) resumption after an upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding, in patients with continued indication for oral anticoagulation, is uncertain. We included consecutive cases of VKA-associated upper GI bleeding from three hospitals retrospectively. Data on the bleeding location, timing of VKA resumption, recurrent GI bleeding and thromboembolic events were collected. A model was constructed to evaluate the ‘total risk’, based on the sum of the cumulative rates of recurrent GI bleeding and thromboembolic events, depending on the timing of VKA resumption. A total of 121 (58 %) of 207 patients with VKA-associated upper GI bleeding were restarted on anticoagulation after a median (interquartile range) of one (0.2–3.4) week after the index bleeding. Restarting VKAs was associated with a reduced risk of thromboembolism (HR 0.19; 95 % CI, 0.07–0.55) and death (HR 0.61; 95 % CI, 0.39–0.94), but with an increased risk of recurrent GI bleeding (HR 2.5; 95 % CI, 1.4–4.5). The composite risk obtained from the combined statistical model of recurrent GI bleeding, and thromboembolism decreased if VKAs were resumed after three weeks and reached a nadir at six weeks after the index GI bleeding. On this background we will discuss how the disutility of the outcomes may influence the decision regarding timing of resumption. In conclusion, the optimal timing of VKA resumption after VKA-associated upper GI bleeding appears to be between 3–6 weeks after the index bleeding event but has to take into account the degree of thromboembolic risk, patient values and preferences.


2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 178-183
Author(s):  
Kush Raj Dewan ◽  
Bhanumati Saikia Patowary ◽  
Subash Bhattarai ◽  
Gaurav Shrestha

Background: Acute upper GI bleeding is a common medical emergency with a hospital mortality of approximately 10%. Higher mortality rate is associated with rebleeding. Complete Rockall scoring system identifies patients at higher risk of rebleed and mortality. Methods: This is a descriptive hospital based study conducted in Gastroenterology unit of College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal from January 2012 to December 2014. It included 200 patients at random presenting with manifestations of UGI bleed. Complete Rockall score was calculated in each patient and its correlation with mortality and rebleed was determined. Scores of >5 has been considered as one category as it comprises of patients with very high risks and scores of 0-4 as another category of low or lesser risks for the purpose of comparison of different risk factors. Results: Males were predominant (71%). Age ranged from 14 to 90 years, mean being 50.43+17.75 years. At presentation 110 patients (55%) had both hematemesis and malena, 56 patients (28%) had only malena and 34 patients (17%) had only hematemesis. Shock was detected in 21%, severe anemia and high blood urea were found in 31% and 41% respectively. Median hospital stay was 6.5+3.10 days.  Comorbidities were present in 83.3%. Complete Rockall score ranged from 0 to 9, mean being 4.30+2.19. One hundred and thirteen (56.5%) had complete Rockall score <4 and 87 (43.5%) >5. Rebleeding was found in 16 (8%) patients. One hundred and eighty eight patients (94%) recovered and discharged from the hospital and 12 patients (6%) expired. The correlations between high Rockall scores (>5) and the occurrence of rebleeding  (p=0.001) and mortality (p=0.001) were statistically significant. Conclusion: Acute Upper GI bleeding is a medical emergency. Predictors of mortality in this series were high complete Rockall score >5, esophageal varices with Child Pugh score C,  massive initial bleed as well as rebleed and multiple comorbidities. Keywords:  acute upper gastrointestinal  bleed, complete Rockall score, comorbiditis, rebleed, mortality        


2018 ◽  
Vol 09 (01) ◽  
pp. 022-025
Author(s):  
Gazal Singla ◽  
Shikha Sood ◽  
Sanjeev Sharma

ABSTRACTUpper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is a widely used diagnostic and therapeutic procedure. Gastric perforation causing pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, pneumorrhachis, and subcutaneous emphysema after upper GI endoscopy is an extremely rare complication. We present an interesting case of a 58‑year‑old male who presented to the Emergency Department with recurrent vomiting, abdominal pain and diffuse swelling over abdomen, chest, neck bilateral arms, and thighs after undergoing an endoscopy for a gastric mass.


1970 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
VN Ravikumar ◽  
K Rudresh ◽  
U Jalihal ◽  
R Satish ◽  
R Manjunath

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected patient frequently report upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms; however their prevalence and diagnostic approach is not well known. Objective: The objective of this study was to study clinical, endoscopic and histopathological changes in HIV infected patients with upper GI symptoms and their correlation with CD4 count. Materials and methods: We evaluated 50 HIV infected patients who presented to M.S. Ramaiah hospital with upper GI symptoms. All patients answered questionnaire assessing upper GI symptoms and underwent upper GI endoscopy. Mucosal biopsy was taken wherever mucosal abnormality seen. Results: In our study, the mean age of patients was 40.98 yrs, of which 80% were males. Vomiting (36%), epigastric pain (36 %), weight loss (34 %) and anorexia (34%) were the predominant symptoms. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) findings revealed- Oesophageal candidiasis in 28.0%, esophagitis in 22.0%, gastritis in 20.0 %, duodenitis in 14 %, normal upper GI mucosa in 18 % patients. Oesophageal candidiasis was the most common finding on histopathological examination and the mean CD4 count was 157.92 cells/μl. Conclusion: Vomiting, epigastric pain, weight loss and anorexia were most frequent symptoms. Oral candidiasis was the most common oral lesion. Oesophageal candidiasis, oesophagitis and oesophageal ulcers were the common findings on EGD. Patient with CD4 count less than 200cells/μl had more frequent upper GI mucosal involvement than in patients with CD4 count more than 200. Majority of the patients with GI symptoms had upper GI mucosal changes and opportunistic infections. Thus endoscopic and histopathological evaluation is advisable for the early diagnosis and treatment of upper GI complications in patients with HIV infection. Key words: AIDS; Oesophageal candidiasis; Esophagogastroduodenoscopy; HIV; Upper gastrointestinal symptoms. DOI: 10.3126/kumj.v8i1.3217 Kathmandu University Medical Journal (2010), Vol. 8, No. 1, Issue 29, 25-28


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