Search

Despite advances in opioid-sparing analgesia, opioid prescribing in breast surgery remains suboptimal. Besides delayed rehabilitation, excess post-operative opioids may contribute significantly to opioid dependence. This systematic review of guidelines evaluates current opioid-prescribing recommendations after breast surgery to identify trends in prescribing. Additionally, it compares recommendations on different non-opioid and non-pharmacological adjuncts.Electronic databases were searched systematically using terms "breast surgery", "analgesia", "opioid" and "guidelines". The grey literature was used to supplement the search. All articles that provided guidance on opioid prescribing in breast surgery were included. Quality of the guidelines were assessed using the AGREE II tool. Recommendations pertaining to opioid prescribing, analgesic adjuncts and non-pharmacological interventions were summarised and reported with descriptive statistics.Eight guidelines pertaining to mastectomies, breast conserving surgery and breast reconstructions were included in this review. Although an opioid-sparing approach was unanimous, there were conflicting recommendations on opioid doses. Opioid requirements were stratified by procedure in 3 guidelines, and by patient risk factors in 2 guidelines. There was significant variability in the recommended multimodal adjuncts. Notably, non-pharmacological interventions such as patient education were infrequently included in guidelines.There is a lack of high-quality guidance on opioid prescribing after breast surgery. The optimum approach for personalised opioid prescribing remains unknown. Significant variability between guidelines provide little actionable interventions for prescribers. This could be driven by the paucity in evidence supporting a single efficacious analgesic regimen for patients undergoing breast surgery. Future guidelines should also regularly incorporate non-pharmacological adjuncts to reduce opioid prescribing.

Background Tranexamic acid (TXA) is a synthetic anti-fibrinolytic agent used in various surgical procedures to achieve haemostasis and reduce blood loss. Recently TXA has seen an increase in perioperative utility as a result of its ease of administration, high therapeutic index and low cost. Its safety and effectiveness in oncological breast surgery (OBS) remain understudied. Method PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS and other relevant sources were searched for studies investigating the effect of TXA in OBS, published up to October 2020. Primary outcomes of interest were local wound effects. Estimates of effect, when quantitative data was available, were pooled with a random effects model to estimate summary hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Qualitative data was reported using descriptive statistics. Evidence quality was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. Results 7 studies involving 1844 patients were included. Quantitative data was available for: mean total drainage volume, duration of drain in-situ and rates of seroma and haematoma formation. A significant reduction in rate of haematoma formation (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18-0.89, P = 0.02, I2=28%) was observed in the TXA group. There were no significant differences in the other outcomes. There was no significant increase in rates of adverse events. Conclusions Trends were observed in the present meta-analysis, although TXA did not appear to significantly alter the OBS outcomes. Current studies are insufficiently powered to isolate the effects of TXA on surgical morbidity. Further large prospective studies are needed to assess complications and determine the ideal dosage regime. At this juncture, prophylactic TXA in OBS cannot be recommended.

Background A gastropleural fistula (GPF) is a rare pathological connection between the stomach and pleural cavity. GPFs have been reported following traumatic diaphragmatic ruptures, perforated hiatal hernias and gastric fundal ulcers, and more recently, after bariatric surgery. Diagnosis and treatment are frequently delayed due to the lack of specific clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. Method We describe a case of a 53-year-old gentleman who presented to our institution with acute respiratory distress and clinical findings of a pleural effusion. Uniquely he was discharged a week prior following an admission for a traumatic fall down a flight of stairs that resulted in a Grade-IV splenic injury, requiring an emergency splenectomy. A CT-proven massive haemothorax resulted in haemodynamic instability requiring resuscitation and chest drain insertion in the intensive care unit. On commencement of enteral diet, purulent exudate with evidence of food particulates was seen in his chest drain. Results Further diagnostic evaluation of drainage contents demonstrated gut flora and a subsequent positive dye test suggested an aero-digestive connection. Repeat CT revealed a fistula between the fundus of the stomach and the left pleural cavity through a ruptured diaphragm. He underwent an open sleeve gastrectomy and primary repair of the diaphragm. Conclusions This is the first case in literature reporting a ‘gastropleural fistula’ presenting in such a fashion. Thorough assessment and decisive action led to a satisfactory outcome. Although rare, a persistent effusion with a history of blunt abdominal and thoracic trauma may herald a GPF, which, if not diagnosed promptly, may result in significant morbidity.

Aim A group and hold (G&H) forms part of the pretransfusion compatibility testing and is commonly requested in anticipation of a possible blood transfusion. Requests made in the context of elective procedures with a low transfusion probability, such as a mastectomy, are associated with added financial burden and increases workload in a healthcare system. This audit aims to analyse the cost-benefit associated with the routine request for a preoperative G&H in patients undergoing mastectomies. Method A total of 100 patients undergoing mastectomies from the period of September 2019 to October 2020 were included in the audit. Data regarding blood order requests, units of blood transfused, perioperative haemoglobin and the type of mastectomy (right, left or bilateral) were collected. Results All patients had a routine G&H as part of their preoperative assessment. The average age in this cohort was 60.3. Right-sided mastectomy was the commonest procedure in this cohort (N = 52). The average preoperative haemoglobin was 13.0g/dL. 2/100 patients received post-operative blood transfusions. The transfusion probability in this cohort was 2%. Only 15% of the cohort had a post-operative haemoglobin level checked. The average drop in haemoglobin in this cohort was 2.3g/dL. Conclusions This audit demonstrates the low prevalence of blood transfusions in patients undergoing mastectomies, consistent with current literature. The projected cost savings associated with selective requests for G&H are significant. However, the implementation of a safe and targeted blood ordering approach in patients with high bleeding risks will require a validated stratification system.

A gastropleural fistula (GPF) is a rare pathological connection between the stomach and pleural cavity. Diagnosis and treatment are frequently delayed due to the lack of specific clinical, laboratory and radiological findings. We describe a case of a 53-year-old gentleman who presented to our institution with respiratory sepsis and a massive haemopneumothorax on imaging. Uniquely, he was discharged a week prior after a splenectomy for a traumatic fall. Gut flora in the pleural fluid and a subsequent positive dye test suggested an aero-digestive connection. Repeat imaging revealed a fistula between stomach and the left pleural cavity through a ruptured diaphragm. He underwent an open sleeve gastrectomy and primary repair of the diaphragm. This is the first GPF in literature presenting in such a fashion. Although rare, a persistent effusion with a history of blunt thoracoabdominal trauma may herald a GPF, which, if not diagnosed promptly, may result in significant morbidity.

Background. Modern surgical research has broadened to include an interest into the investigation of surgical workflow. Rigorous analysis of the surgical process has a particular focus on distractions. Operating theatres are inherently full of distractions, many not pertinent to the surgical process. Distractions have the potential to increase surgeon stress, operative time, and complications. Our study aims to objectively identify, classify, and quantify distractions during the surgical process. Methods. 46 general surgical procedures were observed within a tertiary Irish hospital between June 2019 and October 2019. An established observational tool was used to apply a structured observation to all operations. Additionally, a nine-point ordinal behaviourally anchor scoring scale was used to assign an interference level to each distraction. Results. The total operative observation time was 4605 minutes (mean = 100.11 minutes, std. deviation: 45.6 minutes). Overall, 855 intraoperative distractions were coded. On average, 18.58 distractions were coded per operation (std. deviation: 6.649; range: 5–34), with 11.14 distractions occurring per hour. Entering/exiting (n = 380, 42.88%) and case irrelevant communication (n = 251, 28.32%) occurred most frequently. Disruption rate was highest within the first (n = 275, 32%) and fourth operative quartiles (n = 342, 41%). Highest interference rates were observed from equipment issue and procedural interruptions. Anaesthetists initiated CIC more frequently (2.72 per operation), compared to nurses (1.57) and surgeons (1.17). Conclusion. Our results confirm that distractions are prevalent within the operating theatre. Distractions contribute to significant interferences of surgical workflow. Steps can be taken to reduce overall prevalence and interference level by drawing upon a systems-based perspective. However, due to the ubiquitous nature of distractions, surgeons may need to develop skills to help them resume interrupted primary tasks so as to negate the effects distraction has on surgical outcomes. Data for the above have been presented as conference abstract in 28th International Congress of the European Association for Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) Virtual Congress, 23–26 June 2020.

We present a case of acute appendicitis within an incarcerated femoral hernia. This is a rare complication of the phenomenon eponymously known as a ‘De Garengeot Hernia’, which describes a vermiform appendix in an incarcerated femoral hernia sac. Our case is somewhat unique in the manner by which the affected patient had presented. Attending hospital for an unrelated elective surgery, an incarcerated hernia was diagnosed at time of admission. Thorough assessment in advance of the procedure and decisive action led to a satisfactory outcome. This may be the first case in literature reporting a ‘De Garengeot Hernia’ presenting in such a fashion.

SUMMARYCancers of the esophagus and stomach are challenging to treat. With the advent of neoadjuvant therapies, patients frequently have a preoperative window with potential to optimize their status before major resectional surgery. It is unclear as to whether a prehabilitation or optimization program can affect surgical outcomes. This systematic review appraises the current evidence for prehabilitation and rehabilitation in esophagogastric malignancy. A literature search was performed according to PRISMA guidelines using PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Scopus. Studies including patients undergoing esophagectomy or gastrectomy were included. Studies reporting on at least one of aerobic capacity, muscle strength, quality of life, morbidity, and mortality were included. Twelve studies were identified for inclusion, comprising a total of 937 patients. There was significant heterogeneity between studies, with a variety of interventions, timelines, and outcome measures reported. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) consistently showed improvements in functional status preoperatively, with three studies showing improvements in respiratory complications with IMT. Postoperative rehabilitation was associated with improved clinical outcomes. There may be a role for prehabilitation among patients undergoing major resectional surgery in esophagogastric malignancy. A large randomized controlled trial is warranted to investigate this further.

Background Obesity is a chronic disease associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Bariatric surgery has been shown to significantly reduce both morbidity and mortality. Numerous surgical strategies exist, but the most frequently used worldwide are adjustable gastric banding, sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). It is not clear which of these strategies provides the optimal quality-of-life pay-off. Objective Modeled decision analysis allows comparison of different treatment interventions allowing for plausible differences in input variables. This facilitates establishment of the optimal intervention under numerous conditions. Setting University Hospital, Ireland. Methods Modeled decision analysis was performed from the patient's perspective comparing best medical therapy, adjustable gastric banding, SG, and RYGB. Input variables were calculated based on previously published decision analyses and a systematic search of obesity-related literature. Utilities were based on previously published studies. One-way sensitivity analysis was performed. Sensitive variables underwent 3-way analysis. Results The optimal treatment strategy in the base case was RYGB with a quality-adjusted life-year payoff (QALY) of 1.53 QALYs at 2 years postprocedure. Sleeve gastrectomy provided 1.49 QALYs. Medical therapy and adjustable gastric banding provided .98 and .96 QALYs, respectively. Rate of complications in RYGB and the utility of SG and RYGB proved sensitive. If complication rates are high, SG becomes the optimal strategy. Sensitive thresholds were established for the utility of SG and RYGB at .804 and .78, respectively. Conclusion SG and RYGB offer similar outcomes in terms of QALY payoffs. Decision making should be in line with institutional and patient preference.

Purpose The aim of the study was to determine whether a hydrogel plug, when placed in the needle tract after a computed tomography-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle lung biopsy, reduces the rate of complications. Materials and methods This retrospective analysis included biopsies of lung lesions from 200 consecutive patients. The first 100 consecutive biopsies made up the control group, in which no plug intervention was used. The next 100 consecutive biopsies made up the treatment group, in which a hydrogel plug was deployed through a 19-G coaxial needle system after 20-G core samples were obtained. Results The overall mean age was 64.92 years. No statistically significant differences in patient characteristics and procedure parameters were found between the control and treatment groups except for age (mean age, 62.92 vs. 66.92 y, P=0.022) and procedure duration (mean minutes, 7.81 vs. 6.47 min, P=0.021). The rate of pneumothorax in the control versus treatment group was 31% vs. 29% (P=0.498) and the rate of hemoptysis was 6% vs. 3% (P=0.354). The rate of chest tube insertion after pneumothorax was significantly higher in the control group than in the treatment group (10% vs. 2%, P=0.032) and the average length of hospital stay was longer in the control group (0.44 vs. 0.07 d, P=0.041). The difference was still statistically significant for the chest tube insertion rate (P=0.030) and close to statistically significant for the length of hospital stay (P=0.063), after adjusting for the confounding effect of age and procedure duration. Conclusion These data show that the deployment of a hydrogel plug after a computed tomography-guided lung biopsy significantly reduced the rate of chest tube insertion along with a reduced length of hospital stay.