Reducing cardiac risk in noncardiac surgery.
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BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The current risk of stroke after carotid endarterectomy may be worse than reported in the international trials. Because studies have suggested that most operative strokes follow surgeon error, the aim of the current study was to audit the impact of introducing a strategy of perioperative monitoring and quality control assessment on outcome. METHODS: A total of 500 patients underwent carotid endarterectomy with intraoperative transcranial Doppler scan monitoring, completion angioscopy, and 3 hours of postoperative transcranial Doppler scan monitoring. The last of these guided selective dextran therapy in patients with high rates of postoperative embolization, which in previous series has been shown to be highly predictive of progression to thromboembolic stroke. RESULTS: Intimal flaps were repaired in 3% of patients and luminal thrombus removed in 4% of patients. The rate of intraoperative stroke was 0.2%. A total of 313 patients had more than one embolus detected postoperatively (96% within 2 hours of flow restoration), but only 22 patients had sustained embolization requiring dextran. Embolization ceased in all but one patient receiving dextran, although the dose had to be increased in seven patients (36%). One patient was unable to receive adequate dextran therapy because of severe cardiac failure. Overall, the 30-day death/stroke rate was 2.2%, no patient had a perioperative stroke because of carotid thrombosis, and the rate of ipsilateral embolic stroke was 0.8%. Most complications resulted from cardiac pathology or intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: A program of monitoring and quality control assessment has been associated with a 60% decrease in the operative risk in comparison with that observed before implementation of the protocol.
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OBJECTIVE: To examine the mechanism of prosthesis extrusion and evaluate preoperative and postoperative variables associated with extrusion of hydroxyapatite prostheses for ossicular reconstruction. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case review. SETTING: Tertiary referral, university medical center. PATIENTS: Patients undergoing ossiculoplasty with a hydroxyapatite prosthesis and having at least six months follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Prosthesis extrusion, defined as loss of the tympanic membrane resulting in exposure of the prosthesis. Extrusion is further classified into early (< 2 months) and late (> 6 months). RESULTS: Early extrusion or tympanoplasty graft failure occurred in 15/195 cases (8%). Late extrusion was seen in 17/125 cases (14%). Cases exhibiting late extrusion had a significantly greater incidence of postoperative atelectasis (p < 0.0001), recurrent otitis media (p < 0.0001), and myringitis (p = 0.003) than those with retention of the prosthesis. Regression analysis found an abnormal contralateral ear increased the risk of postoperative recurrent otitis media, while staged surgery reduced the risk, odds ratios of 3.56 (95% confidence interval 2.20-9.37) and 6.84 (95% CI 4.24-17.76) respectively. There were no preoperative variables that predicted postoperative atelectasis or myringitis. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent otitis media, myringitis, and atelectasis developing after ossiculoplasty are associated with a greater risk of prosthesis extrusion. Predicting postoperative complications from preoperative and intraoperative findings proved difficult. Measures to prevent atelectasis, such as covering the prosthesis with cartilage, are recommended at the time of ossiculoplasty.
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In this issue, we evaluate two methods of providing safe, fire-resistant patient ventilation during laser surgery: ETTs marketed for use during laser surgery and wraps that can protect standard ETTs from laser energy under certain conditions. We evaluated five LRETTs from five manufacturers. The best protection from all types of laser energy to which we subjected the tubes - CO2, ND:YAG, and KTP - is offered by the Baxter Norton LRETT because it does not burn, although its use requires special ventilating techniques; it is rated Acceptable for all three types of laser surgery. Two other evaluated tubes provide protection from specific laser energies under limited conditions: the Bivona tube is rated Acceptable for CO2 laser surgery, and the Mallinckrodt tube is rated Acceptable for CO2 and KTP laser surgery. The Sheridan and Xomed tubes do not provide practical clinical protection and are rated Unacceptable. We also evaluated four wraps from three manufacturers. The Merocel wrap for standard ETTs, which is made of synthetic surgical sponge and adhesive-backed metal foil, is rated Acceptable and protects against typical surgical levels of CO2 and KTP laser energy. The Radio Shack metal sensing tape and 3M aluminum and copper foil tapes are rated Conditionally Acceptable for protecting against laser energy; they are Acceptable only on the condition that other means of laser protection are unavailable and alternative ventilation methods have been considered. These tapes are not marketed as laser-resistant wraps or FDA reviewed as medical devices; thus, users must assume full liability for a fire or any other adverse effects when using them. We recommend against using nonmedical metal tapes for most laser surgery on adults or larger pediatric patients since LRETTs or the Merocel wrap can be used for these applications. We further caution clinicians to base purchasing decisions for laser-resistant products on a thorough understanding of the issues behind our conclusions, which can be gained only by reading this evaluation in its entirety.
Postoperative meningitis is a well known complication of transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). The objective of this study was to evaluate whether postoperative external cerobrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage in case of intraoperative CSF-leakage, reduces the risk of postoperative meningitis. We retrospectively reviewed a series of 278 consecutive transsphenoidal operations. In all operations with intraoperative CSF leakage, an external lumbar drain (ELD) was inserted directly postoperatively, and removed after at least 5 days. The incidence of postoperative meningitis was compared with that in a previously studied series of 228 consecutive transsphenoidal operations, without insertion of an ELD in cases with intraoperative CSF leakage. In the present series, postoperative meningitis occurred in 2/278 (0.7%) operations, compared to 7/228 (3.1%) operations in the previous study period (P < 0.05). Intraoperative CSF leakage was noted in 70/278 (25.2%) operations. All these patients received an ELD immediately after surgery for at least 5 days. There were no reported complications of ELD insertion. In the present series, 1 of 70 (1.4%) patients with intraoperative CSF leakage developed meningitis, compared to 3 of 22 (13.6%) patients in the previous study (P < 0.05). The present report on 278 consecutive transsphenoidal operations shows that the routine insertion of an ELD in patients in whom intraoperative CSF leakage is observed significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative meningitis. Possibly, diversion of CSF prevents the formation of a CSF fistula and thereby the risk of infection. The role of prophylactic antibiotic treatment in patients with CSF rhinorrhea after TSS remains to be established.
BACKGROUND: Anxiety is defined as a set of behavioural manifestations that can be divided into state- and trait-anxiety. State-anxiety is a transitory emotional condition that varies in intensity and fluctuates over time. Trait-anxiety is a personality trait which remains relatively stable over time. The objective of this study was to identify and quantify perioperative risk factors for immediate postoperative anxiety in children. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was performed with 90 schoolchildren, ages ranging from 7 to 13 years old, ASA physical status I-II, submitted to elective surgery. The measuring instruments were verbal scale of pain, visual analogue scale (VAS), Trait-State Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), Trait-State Anxiety Inventory (STAI) for parents, and structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients not submitted to analgesic block and patients with moderate and intense pain presented an estimated risk 5- and 13-fold greater for high levels of postoperative state-anxiety, respectively. High levels of preoperative state-anxiety and administration of doses of midazolam less than 0.056 mg x kg(-1) constituted an estimated risk for postoperative state-anxiety of 3- and 4-fold, respectively. A positive history of previous surgery was associated with lower risk for postoperative anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: High levels of preoperative state-anxiety, administration of less than 0.056 mg x kg(-1) of midazolam, absence of analgesic block and presence of moderate and intense postoperative pain constituted risk factors for immediate postoperative state-anxiety in children. Previous surgery reduced the risk for postoperative anxiety.
UNLABELLED: Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax is a rare and severe complication of percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation, usually caused by obstruction of the upper airway or displacement of the tracheal catheter. Nevertheless, it is our preferred technique for endoscopic laryngeal laser surgery. We report a patient with acute subcutaneous emphysema and pneumothorax during laser surgery, caused by unobserved laser damage and discuss the associated risk factors. IMPLICATIONS: The percutaneous transtracheal jet ventilation for elective laryngeal laser surgery reduces the risk of airway fires and gives a free endoscopic operative field. This case report suggests that, even when using a teflon catheter, laser-induced damage with severe complications might occur.
BACKGROUND: Clinically significant mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are associated with increased susceptibility for breast and ovarian cancer. Although these mutations are uncommon, public interest in testing for them is growing. PURPOSE: To determine benefits and harms of screening for inherited breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility in the general population of women without cancer presenting for primary health care in the United States. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (1966 to 1 October 2004), Cochrane Library databases, reference lists, reviews, Web sites, and experts. STUDY SELECTION: Eligibility was determined by inclusion criteria specific to key questions about risk assessment, genetic counseling, mutation testing, prevention interventions, and potential adverse effects. DATA EXTRACTION: After review of studies, data were extracted, entered into evidence tables, and summarized by using descriptive or statistical methods. Study quality was rated by using predefined criteria. DATA SYNTHESIS: Tools assessing risks for mutations and referral guidelines have been developed; their accuracy, effectiveness, and adverse effects in primary care settings are unknown. Risk assessment, genetic counseling, and mutation testing did not cause adverse psychological outcomes, and counseling improved distress and risk perception in the highly selected populations studied. Intensive cancer screening studies are inconclusive. Chemoprevention trials indicate risk reduction for breast cancer in women with varying levels of risk, as well as increased adverse effects. Observational studies of prophylactic surgeries report reduced risks for breast and ovarian cancer in mutation carriers. LIMITATIONS: No data describe the range of risk associated with BRCA mutations, genetic heterogeneity, and moderating factors; studies conducted in highly selected populations contain biases; and information on adverse effects is incomplete. CONCLUSIONS: A primary care approach to screening for inherited breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility has not been evaluated, and evidence is lacking to determine benefits and harms for the general population.
Some believe that carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for carotid near occlusion is a necessary emergency procedure while others call it dangerous. We used the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) data to perform an observational study to examine the safety and benefit of CEA for carotid near occlusion. We divided the data of 659 patients into stenosis groups: 70 to 79%, 80 to 89%, 90 to 94%, and near occlusion. The 106 carotid-near-occlusion patients were subdivided into those with a string-like lumen (n = 29) and those without a string-like lumen (n = 77). Of the 48 patients with near occlusion treated with CEA, 3 (6.3%) had perioperative strokes, similar to the 70-94% stenosis group. Only 1 of 58 patients (1.7%) with near occlusion treated medically had a stroke in the first month, suggesting that CEA is not needed on an emergency basis in this circumstance. For medically treated patients, the 1-year risk of stroke increases with escalating degrees of carotid stenosis, where the risk is 35.1% for patients with 90-94% stenosis. For patients with near occlusion, the 1-year stroke risk diminishes to 11.1%, which approximates the risk for patients with 70-89% stenosis. A comparison of treatment differences indicates that surgery reduces the risk of stroke at 1 year by approximately one-half (p < 0.001), regardless of the degree of stenosis or the subcategory of carotid near occlusion (p = 0.89). Our data suggest that CEA is beneficial for near occlusion and not more dangerous than in patients with 70-94% stenosis, provided that the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon with a low complication rate.
We present a technique that uses intracameral lidocaine to induce pupil dilation without using preoperative mydriatic eyedrops. After 1 or 2 drops of topical lidocaine hydrochloride 1% (Xylocaine-MPF 1%) are applied to the ocular surface, a 1.0 mm side-port incision is created through which Xylocaine-MPF 1% is injected into the anterior chamber. The lidocaine paralyzes the pupil sphincter, and adequate mydriasis occurs within 90 seconds. Epinephrine (0.3 cc of 1:1000) is added to the irrigation fluid comprising balanced salt solution (BSS), and standard phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation is performed. Pupil dilation is maintained or increased during the procedure. Postoperatively, the pupil returns more quickly to normal size and reaction. Using lidocaine for mydriasis instead of standard dilating drops eliminates the cardiac risk of topical sympathetic agents, decreases the time patients wait in the holding area before surgery, reduces the risk of superficial punctate keratopathy, and provides faster recovery of normal pupil function.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We reviewed surgically treated patients with pediatric moyamoya disease and examined whether vasoreconstructive surgeries reduced the risk of recurrent ischemic attacks and changed overall outcomes in terms of the patients' performance and intellectual status. METHODS: Sixty-four hemispheric sides in 34 pediatric moyamoya disease patients who received surgical treatment were examined. We performed superficial temporal artery to middle cerebral artery (STA-MCA) bypass and encephalo-duro-arterio-myo-synangiosis (EDAMS) on 48 sides (combined group) and indirect bypass surgery such as EDAMS on 16 sides (indirect group). These 34 patients were observed postoperatively from 1 to 14 years (mean +/- SD, 6.6 +/- 3.8 years) and were examined for the incidence of recurrent ischemic attack. Of the 34 patients, 23 were followed up for > 5 postoperative years, and their overall outcomes in terms of their performance and intellectual status were determined. RESULTS: Perioperative ischemic events (< or = 2 weeks after surgery) occurred in 5 surgeries (31%) of the indirect group and in 6 (13%) of the combined group (P = NS). The incidence of postoperative ischemic events (> 2 weeks after surgery) was significantly reduced in the combined group (10%) compared with the indirect group (56%; P < .01). Of the 23 patients observed > 5 years, 7 patients (30%) were mentally retarded and regarded as having a fair outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Combined surgery (STA-MCA bypass with EDAMS) for pediatric moyamoya disease was effective in reducing the risk of postoperative ischemic attacks compared with indirect surgery. Surgical revascularization may be effective in preventing intellectual deterioration and improving overall outcome.
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Fondaparinux, a selective inhibitor of factor Xa, is the first of a new class of antithrombotic compounds, the synthetic pentasaccharides. Its benefit-to-risk ratio in preventing venous thromboembolism after major orthopedic surgery was investigated in four randomized, double-blind international phase III trials in patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture, elective hip replacement, and major knee surgery. Compared to enoxaparin, fondaparinux administered at a subcutaneous dose of 2.5 mg qd, starting postoperatively, reduced the overall incidence of venous thromboembolism up to day 11 by 55.2% (p < 0.001). The incidence of clinically relevant bleeding was low and did not differ between the two groups. Overall, fondaparinux achieved optimal efficacy and safety when treatment was initiated > or =6 h after the surgical procedure. In a further randomized double-blind trial, 4 weeks of prophylaxis with fondaparinux after hip fracture surgery reduced the risk of venous thromboembolism by 96% as compared to 1 week of prophylaxis, and was well tolerated. Fondaparinux has been recently approved for use in thromboprophylaxis after major orthopedic surgery. The clinical development of fondaparinux in other thromboprophylactic indications is ongoing.