Psoas Muscle Index as a Predictor of Perioperative Outcomes in Geriatric Patients Undergoing Spine Surgery

Study Design Single-center retrospective study. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of psoas muscle mass defined sarcopenia with perioperative outcomes in geriatric patients undergoing elective spine surgery. Methods We included geriatric patients undergoing thoracolumbar spinal surgery. Total psoas surface area (TPA) was measured on preoperative axial computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging at the L3 vertebra and normalized to the L3 vertebral body area. Patients were divided into quartiles by normalized TPA, and the fourth quartile (Q4) was compared to quartiles 1–3 (Q1-3). Outcomes included perioperative transfusions, length of stay (LOS), delirium, pseudoarthrosis, readmission, discharge disposition, revision surgery, and mortality. Results Of the patients who met inclusion criteria (n = 196), the average age was 73.4 y, with 48 patients in Q4 and 148 patients in Q1-3. Q4 normalized TPA cut-off was <1.05. Differences in Q4 preoperative characteristics included significantly lower body mass index, baseline creatinine, and a greater proportion of females (Table 1). Q4 patients received significantly more postoperative red blood cell and platelet transfusions and had longer ICU LOS ( P < .05; Table 2). There was no difference in intraoperative transfusion volumes, delirium, initiation of walking, discharge disposition, readmission, pseudoarthrosis, or revision surgery (Tables 2 and 3). Mortality during follow-up was higher in Q4 but was not statistically significant ( P = .075). Conclusion Preoperative TPA in geriatric patients undergoing elective spine surgery is associated with increased need for intensive care and postoperative blood transfusion. Preoperative normalized TPA is a convenient measurement and could be included in geriatric preoperative risk assessment algorithms.

Development and validation of a novel predictive model and web calculator for evaluating transfusion risk after spinal fusion for spinal tuberculosis: a retrospective cohort study

Objectives The incidence and adverse events of postoperative blood transfusion in spinal tuberculosis (TB) have attracted increasing attention. Our purpose was to develop a prediction model to evaluate blood transfusion risk after spinal fusion (SF) for spinal TB. Methods Nomogram and machine learning algorithms, support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), multilayer perceptron (MLP), Naive Bayesian (NB), k-nearest neighbors (K-NN) and random forest (RF), were constructed to identified predictors of blood transfusion from all spinal TB cases treated by SF in our department between May 2010 and April 2020. The prediction performance of the models was evaluated by 10-fold cross-validation. We calculated the average AUC and the maximum AUC, then demonstrated the ROC curve with maximum AUC. Results The collected cohort ultimately was consisted of 152 patients, where 56 required allogeneic blood transfusions. The predictors were surgical duration, preoperative Hb, preoperative ABL, preoperative MCHC, number of fused vertebrae, IBL, and anticoagulant history. We obtained the average AUC of nomogram (0.75), SVM (0.62), k-NM (0.65), DT (0.56), NB (0.74), MLP (0.56) and RF (0.72). An interactive web calculator based on this model has been provided (https://drwenleli.shinyapps.io/STTapp/). Conclusions We confirmed seven independent risk factors affecting blood transfusion and diagramed them with the nomogram and web calculator.

Hidden blood loss in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery: a retrospective study of 765 cases at a single centre

Background In scoliosis corrective surgery, total blood loss is composed of visible blood loss, including intraoperative haemorrhage and drainage, and hidden blood loss in which blood extravasates into the tissues and accumulates in the surgical field. The purpose of this study was to investigate hidden blood loss (HBL) and its potential risk factors in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery and elucidate the influence of HBL on the necessity for postoperative blood transfusion. Methods We retrospectively studied adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from January 2014 to December 2018 at our hospital. The patients’ demographics, blood loss-related parameters, surgeries and blood loss data were extracted. The association between patient characteristics and HBL was analyzed by Pearson or Spearman correlation analyses. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors associated with HBL. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of HBL on the necessity for postoperative blood transfusion. Results A total of 765 patients, of whom 128 were male and 637 were female (age range 10–18 years), were included in this study. The mean volume of HBL was 693.5 ± 473.4 ml, accounting for 53.9 % of the total blood loss. The multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that preoperative Hct (p = 0.003) and allogeneic blood transfusion (p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for HBL, while tranexamic acid (p = 0.003) was negatively correlated with HBL. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that HBL > 850 ml (P < 0.001, OR: 8.845, 95 % CI: 5.806–13.290) was an independent risk factor for the necessity for postoperative blood transfusion. Conclusions Substantial HBL occurred in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgeries. Allogeneic blood transfusion and preoperative Hct were independent risk factors for HBL, while tranexamic acid was negatively related to HBL. HBL and its influencing factors should be considered when planning perioperative transfusion management. Patients with HBL greater than 850 ml should be closely monitored in cases of postoperative anaemia. Level of evidence Level III.

Hidden Blood Loss in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Patients Undergoing Posterior Spinal Fusion Surgery: A Retrospective Study of 765 Cases in a Single Center

Purpose: To investigate Hidden blood loss (HBL) and its potential risk factors in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery and elucidate the influence of HBL on postoperative blood transfusion. Methods: We retrospectively studied 765 patients undergoing posterior spine fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis from January 2014 to December 2018. The patient’s demographics, blood loss related parameters, operation and blood loss information were extracted. The association between patient’s characteristics and HBL was analyzed by Pearson or Spearman correlation analysis. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors associated with HBL. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influence of HBL on postoperative blood transfusion.Results: A total of 765 patients including 128 males and 637 females (age range 10-18 years) were included in this study. The mean amount of HBL was 693.5±473.4 ml, accounting for 53.9% of the total blood loss. In multivariate linear regression analysis, we found that preoperative Hct (p=0.003) and allogeneic blood transfusion (p<0.0001) were independent risk factors for HBL, while tranexamic acid (p=0.003) was negatively related to HBL. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that HBL > 850 ml ( P < 0.001, OR: 8.845, 95%CI: 5.806-13.290) was the independent risk factor for postoperative blood transfusion.Conclusion: a large amount of HBL was incurred in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgeries. Allogeneic blood transfusion and preoperative Hct were independent risk factors for HBL, while tranexamic acid was negatively related to HBL. HBL and its influential factors should be taken into account when considering the perioperative transfusion management. These patients with HBL greater than 850 ml should be paid more attention in case of postoperative anemia.Level of evidence: Level III

441 Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Given at Femoral Fragility Fracture Surgery Reduces Blood Transfusion Requirements Four-Fold

Introduction Tranexamic acid (TXA) is proven to reduce blood loss in several surgical fields, but its use in femoral fragility fracture (FFF) management is ill defined. This study examined the effect of intraoperative TXA on the rate of postoperative blood transfusion following FFF. Method A prospective non-randomized case-control study of 361 consecutive patients admitted to the study centre with FFFs over a 4-month period was performed. Intravenous TXA 1g was administered intraoperatively at the discretion of the operating team: 178 patients received TXA and 183 did not. Results Patients given TXA required fewer blood transfusions: 15/178 (8.4%) vs controls 58/183 (31.7%), (p &lt; 0.001). Calculated blood loss (mean difference -222ml (-337 to -106, 95%CI), p &lt; 0.001) and percentage drop in Hb (mean difference -4.3% (-6.3 to -2.3, 95%CI), p &lt; 0.001) were significantly lower in the TXA group. The difference in CBL was greatest following intramedullary nail (n = 49: mean difference -394ml, p = 0.030) and DHS (n = 101, mean difference -216ml, p = 0.032). There was no significant difference in complication rates: venous thromboembolism TXA 2/178 vs control 1/182 (p = 0.620); MI/stroke/TIA 2/178 vs 0/182 (p = 0.244) Conclusions Intraoperative intravenous TXA significantly reduced calculated blood loss and blood transfusion requirements following femoral fragility fracture surgery without increasing the rate of complications.

Outcomes following Craniosynostosis Surgery at a Tertiary Care Center in the Middle East

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Despite advancements in craniosynostosis surgery, open surgical approaches remain crucial for the management of infants &#x3e;6 months of age and in those with complex synostosis. The clinical features of craniosynostosis remain poorly characterized in the Middle East. This study sought to assess the clinical features and outcomes of infants undergoing craniosynostosis surgery at a tertiary care center in Lebanon. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent craniosynostosis surgery from December 2006 to December 2018 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Lebanon. Clinicodemographic characteristics, complications, and recurrence outcomes were recorded and evaluated using descriptive statistics. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Thirty-five infants met the inclusion criteria, with a mean age of 9.0 ± 4.0 months. The most common site of suture involvement was metopic (28.6%), followed by unilateral coronal (25.7%), sagittal (20.0%), bicoronal (8.6%), and multiple sites (17.1%). Five patients (14.3%) had syndromic synostosis. Median estimated blood loss was 200 mL, and median volume of transfused packed red blood cells was 180 mL. Two patients (5.7%) experienced postoperative complications, including postoperative blood transfusion (<i>n</i> = 1)and wire protrusion requiring removal (<i>n</i> = 1). Three patients (8.6%) required reoperation: 2 (5.7%) for resynostosis and 1 for traumatic fracture repair. Caregivers of all patients reported high satisfaction with cosmetic outcomes 4 weeks postoperatively. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> With appropriate perioperative precautions, open craniosynostosis surgery can be performed with minimal complications, low recurrence rates, and satisfactory cosmetic outcomes. Additional population-level data are needed to better characterize craniosynostosis patterns and outcomes in the Middle East.

Are Routine Postoperative Laboratory Tests Really Necessary after High Tibial Osteotomy surgery?

Background: The purpose of this study was to assess the necessity and cost-effectiveness of routine postoperative laboratory tests for patients undergoing high tibial osteotomy (HTO) surgery.Methods: A prospective study was conducted and 513 patients with symptomatic isolated medial compartment osteoarthritis received HTO surgery from January 2015 to May 2020 were included in this study. The associations between different clinical factors and postoperative clinical treatment were analyzed. Finally, A logistic regression analysis was performed to detect independent risk factors for patients requiring postoperative clinical treatment. Results: In this study, 482 patients had completed the full set of postoperative laboratory studies within 3 days after surgery were included in the present study. However, only a small proportion of the patients with anemia (3.9%), hypoalbuminemia (4.1%), and abnormal serum potassium levels (3.5%) required clinical intervention after surgery. Binary logistic regression model analysis showed that body mass index (BMI), preoperative hemoglobin level, estimated blood loss and operative time were the independent risk factors correlated with postoperative blood transfusion in patients with HTO surgery. Female gender and preoperative albumin level were independent risk factors for patients who had requiring albumin supplementation after HTO surgery. Finally, preoperative potassium was the independent risk factors for patients required potassium supplementation postoperatively.Conclusions: based on the analysis, we conclude that routinely ordering postoperative laboratory studies after HTO surgery are both unnecessary and cost inefficient. However, for patients with identified risk factors, routine postoperative laboratory tests are still needed.

Effects of severe hydronephrosis on the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy with one-shot dilation method

Objective: To investigate the effect of the presence of severe hydronephrosis on percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) outcome in patients who underwent PNL operation with one-shot dilatation technique. Materials and methods: Medical data of 989 patients underwent PNL operation in our clinic between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. We included 373 of the patients underwent PNL operation due to renal pelvic stone, who were older than 18 years of age, who did not have any urinary tract abnormality, and had no previous history of open renal stone operation. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of severe hydronephrosis and absence of hydronephrosis. These two groups were compared in terms of age, gender, body mass index (BMI), number of stones, stone burden, operation duration, fluoroscopy time, hospitalization time, hemoglobin and creatinine change, complications, and stone free rate. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, gender, BMI, stone number, stone size, stone density, operation duration, fluoroscopy time, and hospitalization duration. The mean change in hemoglobin was 1.5 g/dL in group 1 and 1.1 g/dL in group 2. This difference was statistically significant ( p = 0.006). Postoperative blood transfusion was required for 3 patients (2.1%) in group 1 and 12 patients (5.1%) in group 2. This difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Conclusion: Only the presence of severe hydronephrosis was found to be associated with the change in hemoglobin and postoperative blood transfusion.

Radical cystectomy in bladder cancer: complications, prognosis, history of the method

The article is a review of domestic and foreign literature sources covering the development of complications and long-term prognoses during radical cystectomy, as well as the history of the development of the method. The gold standard for the treatment of muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is radical cystectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection. The high incidence of intra- and postoperative complications, as well as a large number of repeat visits (up to 25 %) in the first 30 days after open radical cystectomy necessitates a search and implementation of new methods of surgical treatment, one of which is robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). The robotic method reduces the need for intra- and postoperative blood transfusion, but does not significantly improve the patient’s quality of life compared to open surgery. The main disadvantage of the RARС is the long operation time. Urinary drainage is a necessary component of radical cystectomy. The most modern methods of derivation are «dry» stoma placement and orthotopic bladder surgery with urination along the native urethra. However, the choice of urinary drainage must be made based on a number of factors, including the patient’s comorbidities, surgical feasibility, postoperative care capacity, and patient preference.

Impact of the introduction of an enhanced recovery pathway in esophageal cancer surgery: a cohort study and propensity score matching analysis

Summary Enhanced recovery pathways (ERP) have the potential to improve clinical outcomes. Aim of this study was to determine the impact of ERP on perioperative results as compared with traditional care (TC) after esophagectomy. In this study, two cohorts were compared. Cohort 1 represented 296 patients to whom TC was provided. Cohort 2 consisted of 200 unselected ERP patients. Primary endpoints were postoperative complications. Secondary endpoints were the length of stay and 30-day readmission rates. To confirm the possible impact of ERP, a propensity matched analysis (1:1) was conducted. A significant decrease in complications was found in ERP patients, especially for pneumonia and respiratory failure requiring reintubation (39% in TC and 14% in ERP; P&lt;0.0001 and 17% vs. 12%; P&lt;0.0001, respectively) and postoperative blood transfusion (26.7%–11%; P&lt;0.0001). Furthermore, median length of stay was also significantly shorter: 13 days (interquartile range [IQR] 10–23) in TC compared with 10 days (IQR 8–14) in ERP patients (P&lt;0.0001). The 30-day readmission rate (5.4% in TC and 9% in ERP; P=0.121) and in-hospital mortality rate (4.4% in TC and 2.5% in ERP; P=0.270) were not significantly affected. A propensity score matching confirmed a significant impact on pneumonia (P=0.0001), anastomotic leak (P=0.047), several infectious complications (P=0.01–0.034), blood transfusion (P=0.001), Comprehensive Complications Index (P=0.01), and length of stay (P=0.0001). We conclude that ERP for esophagectomy is associated with significantly fewer postoperative complications and blood transfusions, which results in a significant decrease of length of stay without affecting readmission and mortality rates.