Lower Limb Amputation Rates in Germany

Background and Objectives: The current epidemiology of lower limb amputations is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine (1) lower extremity amputation rates as a function of age, gender, and amputation level between 2015 and 2019, (2) main diagnoses indicating amputation, (3) revision rates after lower extremity amputation. Materials and Methods: Lower extremity amputation rates were quantified based on annual Operation and Procedure Classification System (OPS) and International Classifications of Disease (ICD)-10 codes from all German medical institutions between 2015 through 2019, provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis). Results: In 2019, 62,016 performed amputations were registered in Germany. Out of these 16,452 procedures (26.5%) were major amputations and 45,564 patients (73.5%) underwent minor amputations. Compared to 2015, the incidence of major amputations decreased by 7.3% to 24.2/100,000 inhabitants, whereas the incidence of minor amputation increased by 11.8% to 67.1/100,000 inhabitants. Highest incidence was found for male patients aged 80–89 years. Patients were mainly diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (50.7% for major and 35.7% for minor amputations) and diabetes mellitus (18.5% for major and 44.2% for minor amputations). Conclusions: Lower limb amputations remain a serious problem. Further efforts in terms of multidisciplinary team approaches and patient optimization strategies are required to reduce lower limb amputation rates.

Demographic, Comorbidity, and Episode of Care Trends in Primary Hip Arthroplasty: 2008 to 2018

Background While previous studies have provided insight into time-trends in age and comorbidities of total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients, there is limited recent literature from within the past decade. The implication of these findings is relevant due to the projected THA volume increase and continued emphasis on healthcare system cost-containment policies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify trends in THA patient demographics, comorbidities, and episode of care from 2008 to 2018. Methods The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) was queried to identify patient demographics, comorbidities, and episodes of care outcomes in patients undergoing primary THA from 2008 to 2018 (n = 216,524). Trends were analyzed using analysis of variances for continuous variables, while categorical variables were analyzed using chi-squared or Monte Carlo tests, where applicable. Results From 2008 to 2018, there were no clinically significant differences in age and body mass index (BMI) in patients with BMI over 40 kg/m2. However, modifiable comorbidities including patients with hypertension (60.2% in 2008, 54.3 in 2018%, p < 0.001) and anemia (19% in 2008, 11.2%, in 2016, p < 0.001) improved. Functional status and the overall morbidity probability have improved with a decrease in hospital lengths of stay (4.0 ± 2.8 days in 2008, 2.1 ± 2.2 days in 2018, p < 0.001), 30-day readmissions (4.2% in 2009, 3.3% in 2018, p < 0.001), and significant increase in home-discharges (70.1% in 2008, 87.3% in 2018, p < 0.001). Conclusion Patient overall health status improved from 2008 to 2018. While conjectural, our findings may be a reflection of a global shift toward value-based comprehensive care centering on patient optimization prior to arthroplasty, quality-of-care, and curtailing costs by mitigating perioperative adverse events.This study's level of evidence is III.

A Literature-Based Resource for the Development of Outpatient Arthroplasty Patient Selection Criteria

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is moving towards the outpatient setting. Teams must develop patient selection criteria to ensure appropriate candidates are treated at the optimal site of care. Protocols and recommendations have been developed to aid care teams in developing patient selection criteria, but these come from multiple disparate sources. We review the available literature on patient selection criteria and optimization in the outpatient TJA population, and synthesize this information into a workable format for care design. We hope to provide a resource to stakeholders that can be tailored to their unique outpatient facility. Keywords: Total joint arthroplasty, outpatient, same day discharge, selection criteria, patient optimization.

TP6.1.6 The management of pancreatic fluid collections with AXIOS stenting in Belfast HSCT

Aims To assess the viability of using lumen-apposing self-expandable AXIOS stents, inserted under endoscopic ultrasound guidance, in the management of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Methods Data for all AXIOS stents inserted endoscopically between May 2016 and July 2019 were included. Electronic care records (ECR) and Radiology reports were reviewed for each patient. PFCs were categorised into walled-of pancreatic necrosis (WOPN) and pseudocysts, and the number of repeat procedures, OGDs with lavage, or the need for definitive surgery were recorded. The timeframe to surgery and whether PFCs recollected was also noted. Results 45 AXIOS stents were inserted for PFCs in the audit period. n = 17 (37.8%) were for WOPN, n = 28 (62.2%) for pseudocysts. Mean duration of stenting was 38 ± 19.7 days. n = 11 (35.6%) patients were readmitted for sepsis with stent in situ, and n = 16 (35.6%) required OGD and lavage for stent blockage (n = 11 WOPN; n = 5 pseudocyst). n = 2 (4.4%) stents accidentally dislodged during lavage necessitating surgical removal. n = 4 (8.9%) patients required a second AXIOS stent following removal, n = 2 (4.4%) required CT guided drainage and n = 8 (17.8%) ultimately required surgical intervention. Conclusions Despite some drawbacks, including the need for intermittent OGD and lavage to maintain patency, AXIOS stenting appears to be effective first-line management for PFCs. Our audit showed they were successful in 71% of cases, requiring no further intervention. In PFCs that do require surgical management, AXIOS stenting may represent an effective bridge to surgery allowing for patient optimization before definitive care.

20 YEARS OF RSP – THE 5 MOST IMPORTANT LESSONS I’VE LEARNED

Introduction and aim This paper reports on 5 key aspects to consider when planning a successful RSA procedure, including patient selection, glenosphere positioning, glenoid fixation, humeral fixation, and soft tissue management/tensioning. Material, methods, results, and discussion Key in patient selection for RSA is understanding the relationship between indications, outcomes, patient mental state, and their expectations. When placing a glenosphere, prioritize sound principles of shoulder kinematics but always consider bone preservation and ease of placement. Glenoid fixation must take advantage of structural features of individual implant designs while factoring in specific-bone morphology/morphometry to optimize the resultant glenohumeral loading. For the stem, fixation prioritizes press-fit where bone quality and quantity permit. Always aim to achieve anatomical pivot point restoration with planning for stem position and avoid distalization that may lead to nerve injury and scapular spine fractures. Conclusions To increase the chances of a successful RSA procedure, a surgeon should emphasize picking the right patient, placing the implant in an optimum position, ensuring adequate glenoid and humeral fixation, and correctly balancing soft tissues. Keywords: reverse shoulder arthroplasty, surgeon education, patient optimization

Prehabilitation and Nutrition in Hernia Surgery

Ventral hernia repair (VHR) is among the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States. Despite advancements in surgical technique, a significant number of VHR patients experience postoperative complications and hernia recurrence. A key strategy to reduce VHR morbidity is patient optimization before surgery with prehabilitation protocols. Prehabilitation aims to improve patients' functional status with physical conditioning, nutritional intervention, and psychological support. In other surgical disciplines, prompt preoperative action has proven to significantly reduce the negative influence of modifiable comorbidities and accelerate recovery. In this article, we review the literature to assess the applicability and benefits of prehabilitation in elective VHR cases. A review of the available evidence identified obesity, hyperglycemia, and smoking as significant modifiable risk factors that negatively affect VHR outcomes. Prehabilitation has the potential to mitigate and control these comorbidities. Physical conditioning with aerobic, resistance, and inspiratory muscle training is beneficial. Nutritional intervention to control diabetes and in severely malnourished patients is especially important in patients undergoing concomitant gastrointestinal procedures with VHR. Reasonable targets for prehabilitation protocols in elective VHR include a body mass index of 35 kg/m2, HbA1C of 6.5% and tobacco abstinence for at least 4 weeks. Prophylactic measures to minimize the rates of incisional hernia after primary laparotomy repairs include mesh reinforcement and a suture to wound length ratio of at least 4:1.

Two Decades from the Introduction of Microdissection Testicular Sperm Extraction: How This Surgical Technique Has Improved the Management of NOA

The treatment of men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) has improved greatly over the past two decades. This is in part due to the discovery of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), but also significantly due to improvements in surgical sperm retrieval methods, namely the development of microdissection testicular sperm extraction (mTESE). This procedure has revolutionized the field by allowing for identification of favorable seminiferous tubules while simultaneously limiting the amount of testicular tissue removed. Improving sperm retrieval rates is imperative in this cohort of infertile men as there are a limited number of factors that are predictive of successful sperm retrieval. Currently, sperm retrieval in NOA men remains dependent on surgeon experience, preoperative patient optimization and teamwork with laboratory personnel. In this review, we discuss the evolution of surgical sperm retrieval methods, review predictors of sperm retrieval success, compare and contrast the data of conventional versus mTESE, share tips for optimizing sperm retrieval outcomes, and discuss the future of sperm retrieval in men with NOA.

Adjustments to an Existing Colorectal Surgical Site Infection Prevention Bundle Lead to Fewer Infections

Background: Surgical site infections (SSI) related to colorectal procedures are detrimental to patients and publicly reportable events. Our institution implemented a successful bundle of interventions to decrease SSI rates in 2014. In 2018, compliance started to wane, with a concurrent increase in infections. In an effort to enhance compliance and incorporate up-to-date information, we convened a multidisciplinary team to streamline this process. Methods: Our team evaluated published studies on successful bundle components and updates to professional guidelines for SSI prevention to determine adjustments. Modifications included allowing surgeon preference for (rather than mandating) wound protector use and simplification of clean closure protocol (determined by intraoperative contamination, leading to more efficient closure time). In addition, measures were added to achieve perioperative patient optimization (maintenance of normothermia, prevention of intraoperative hypoxia, tighter glucose control and postoperative bathing). The bundle was implemented in stages starting January 2019. SSI rates were monitored throughout the process using NHSN definitions, and rates were compared using χ2 analysis (Epi Info, CDC). Results: From 2015 to 2017, bundle compliance was 90%, and 8 SSIs (rate, 3.8 per 100 procedures) were detected (Table 1). In 2018, compliance was 82%, with 4 SSIs (rate, 6.6 per 100 procedures). From January through September 2019, SSI rates decreased to a rate of 4.8 per 100 procedures, with notable increase in superficial SSI, with zero cases of deep or organ-space infections. Feedback from operating-room personnel indicated their commitment to bundle compliance and perceived intraoperative time savings. Conclusions: Revamping an existing colorectal SSI bundle, including relaxation of time-intensive and expensive intraoperative measures and increased focus on evidence-based guidelines, resulted in decreased deep-organ space SSI rates, as well as increased satisfaction from procedural team members. Successful implementation of care pathways to prevent infections is an iterative process and requires the engagement of practitioners.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None