Manejo anestésico de pacientes con trombocitemia esencial / Anesthetic management of a patient with essential trombocythemia

La trombocitemia esencial forma parte del grupo de neoplasias mieloproliferativas. Se caracteriza por síntomas microvasculares y vasomotores, recuento plaquetario superior a 450 x 109/l, proliferación megacariocítica con morfología grande y madura, ausencia de proliferación eritroide y granulocítica, demostración de JAK2V617F u otro marcador clonal y ausencia de evidencia de trombocitosis reactiva. Se reporta el manejo anestésico en una paciente donde las principales consideraciones están relacionadas con la prevención de eventos hemorrágicos y trombóticos. La suspensión de la aspirina, el mantenimiento del tratamiento con hidroxiurea, la preparación con ácido tranexámico, el uso pre y posoperatorio de fraxiparina, hidratación adecuada, uso de medias elásticas en miembros inferiores, deambulación precoz, buena hemostasia quirúrgica y disponibilidad de concentrados de plaquetas son los elementos fundamentales en la conducción anestésica de esta paciente(AU)

Essential thrombocythemia is part of the group of myeloproliferative neoplasms. It is characterized by microvascular and vasomotor symptoms, platelet count over 450x109/L, megakaryocytic proliferation with large and mature morphology, absence of erythroid and granulocytic proliferation, demonstration of JAK2V617F or other clonal marker, and absence of evidence of reactive thrombocytosis. Anesthetic management is reported in a patient, whose case's main considerations are related to the prevention of hemorrhagic and thrombotic events. Aspirin suspension, maintenance of hydroxyurea treatment, preparation with tranexamic acid, pre- and post-operative use of fraxiparin, adequate hydration, use of elastic stockings in lower limbs, early ambulation, good surgical hemostasis, as well as availability of platelet concentrates are the fundamental elements in the anesthetic management of this patient(AU)

Anticoagulantes, Antiplaquetarios y sus implicaciones en cirugía: una revisión de la literatura / Anticoagulants, Anti-platelets, and their implications in Surgery: A Literature review

All health care providers should be aware of the impact of bleeding disorders on their patients during any surgical procedures. The knowledge of the mechanisms of hemostasis and optimized management are very important. Initial recognition of a bleeding disorder, in such patients with a systemic pathologic process, may occur in surgical practice. The surgical treatment of those patients might be complicated during the surgery due to the use of anticoagulant and/or antiplatelet medications raises a challenge in the daily practice of surgical professionals. Adequate hemostasis is critical for the success of any surgical procedure because bleeding problems can give rise to complications associated with important morbidity-mortality. Besides, prophylactic, restorative, and surgical care of patients with any bleeding disorders is handled skillfully by practitioners who are well educated regarding the pathology, complications which could arise, and surgical options associated with these conditions. The purpose of this paper is to review common bleeding disorders and their effects on the surgical aspect. Many authors consider that patient medication indicated for the treatment of background disease should not be altered or suspended unless so indicated by the prescribing physician. Local hemostatic measures have been shown to suffice for controlling possible bleeding problems resulting from surgery.

Adrenal gland injury due to gunshot / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Adrenal gland trauma is a rare phenomenon, due to the small size and retroperitoneal location of the organ. The majority of adrenal gland trauma is due to blunt force injury and is only rarely encountered due to the penetrating mechanisms. A 20-year-old male sustained a gunshot wound to the left abdomen. Upon exploration, he was found to have a through and through injury to the left adrenal gland, among other injuries. Injury to the adrenal gland due to penetrating trauma is exceptionally rare. The principles of management are to control bleeding from the gland with debridement and hemostasis rather than attempt to resect the entire organ. The management of a penetrating injury to the adrenal gland is straightforward and should not be a contributor to a patient's morbidity or mortality.

Controle de danos para lesão de artéria subclávia / Damage control for subclavian artery injury

Resumo Os traumas penetrantes de vasos subclávios atingem mortalidade de até 60% em um cenário pré-hospitalar. A mortalidade no intraoperatório varia de 5-30%. Apresenta-se um caso de estratégia de controle de danos para um paciente com lesão na origem da artéria subclávia esquerda, através de ligadura, sem necessidade de outra intervenção, mantendo a viabilidade do membro superior esquerdo por meio de circulação colateral. Os autores fazem uma revisão sobre vias de acesso e estratégias de tratamento com ênfase em controle de danos para lesões de vasos subclávios.

Abstract Mortality from penetrating traumas involving the subclavian vessels can be as high as 60% in pre-hospital settings. Operating room mortality is in the range of 5-30%. This paper presents a case in which a strategy for damage control was employed for a patient with an injury to the origin of the left subclavian artery, using subclavian ligation, with no need for any other intervention, and maintaining viability of the left upper limb via collateral circulation. The authors also review surgical approaches and treatment strategies with a focus on damage control in subclavian vessel injuries.

Analysis of early treatment of multiple injuries combined with severe pelvic fracture / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#To summarize and analyze the early treatment of multiple injuries combined with severe pelvic fractures, especially focus on the hemostasis methods for severe pelvic fractures, so as to improve the successful rate of rescue for the fatal hemorrhagic shock caused by pelvic fractures.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was conducted in 68 cases of multiple trauma combined with severe pelvic fractures in recent 10 years (from Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2015). There were 57 males and 11 females. Their age ranged from 19 to 75 years, averaging 42 years. Causes of injury included traffic accidents in 34 cases (2 cases of truck rolling), high falling injuries in 17 cases, crashing injuries in 15 cases, steel cable wound in 1 case, and seat belt traction injury in 1 case. There were 31 cases of head injury, 11 cases of chest injury, 56 cases of abdominal and pelvic injuries, and 37 cases of spinal and limb injuries. Therapeutic methods included early anti-shock measures, surgical hemostasis based on internal iliac artery devasculization for pelvic hemorrhage, and early treatment for combined organ damage and complications included embolization and repair of the liver, spleen and kidney, splenectomy, nephrectomy, intestinal resection, colostomy, bladder ostomy, and urethral repair, etc. Patients in this series received blood transfusion volume of 1200-10,000 mL, with an average volume of 2850 mL. Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 months to 1.5 years.@*RESULTS@#The average score of ISS in this series was 38.6 points. 49 cases were successfully treated and the total survival rate was 72.1%. Totally 19 patients died (average ISS score 42.4), including 6 cases of hemorrhagic shock, 8 cases of brain injury, 1 case of cardiac injury, 2 cases of pulmonary infection, 1 case of pulmonary embolism, and 1 case of multiple organ failure. Postoperative complications included 1 case of urethral stricture (after secondary repair), 1 case of sexual dysfunction (combined with urethral rupture), 1 case of lower limb amputation (femoral artery thrombosis), and 18 cases of consumptive coagulopathy.@*CONCLUSION@#The early treatment of multiple injuries combined with severe pelvic fractures should focus on pelvic hemostasis. Massive bleeding-induced hemorrhagic shock is one of the main causes of poor prognosis. The technique of internal iliac artery devasculization including ligation and embolization can be used as an effective measure to stop or reduce bleeding. Consumptive coagulopathy is difficult to deal with, which should be detected and treated as soon as possible after surgical measures have been performed. The effect of using recombinant factor VII in treating consumptive coagulopathy is satisfactory.

Effectiveness of harmonic scalpel in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy: systematic review with meta-analysis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the harmonic scalpel compared to the conventional technique in patients submitted to total thyroidectomy. METHOD: This is a systematic review with inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared both techniques. An electronic search was carried out in the Medline and Lilacs databases until June 2017. The outcomes analysed were operation time, intraoperative bleeding, surgical morbidity, and costs. RESULTS: Data from 31 primary studies were included. The use of the harmonic scalpel correlates to a shorter operation time (p <0.001) and a lower volume of intraoperative bleeding (p <0.001). There were no differences in the risk of transient (p = 0.53) and permanent (p = 0.70) hypocalcaemia, transient (p = 0.61) and permanent (p = 0.50) dysfunctions of the inferior laryngeal nerve and hematoma (p = 0.14). CONCLUSION: Total thyroidectomy using a harmonic scalpel is effective and safe compared to the conventional technique.

Renal cell carcinoma metastasis of the spine: bleeding control methods / Metástase de carcinoma de células renais da coluna vertebral: métodos de controle de sangramento / Metástasis espinal de carcinoma de células renales: métodos de control de sangrado

ABSTRACT Objective: This report compares various methods of bleeding control, and their influence on outcome and survival after decompression procedures for spinal metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (MRCC). Methods: A retrospective study. All patients underwent palliative decompression procedures. We compared 3 groups of patients stratified by methods of bleeding control. The first group (EMB) included 22 patients who underwent preoperative embolization of a tumor. The second group (HEM) consisted of 20 patients, treated surgically using intraoperative local hemostatic agents. In the third group (COMBI) 15 patients were treated with a combination of methods. Results: The average intraoperative blood loss for the EMB group was slightly less than the average for the HEM and COMBI groups, but without significant differences. The postoperative drainage loss in the HEM and COMBI groups was significantly less than in EMB group. The complication rate (infections, hematomas, neurological deficit) was practically equal in all groups. No statistically significant differences in local tumor recurrence and overall survival were found between groups. Conclusions: The overall results did not show that usage of different bleeding control methods can affect early or long-term outcomes. Level of Evidence III; retrospective study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este artigo compara vários métodos de controle de sangramento, sua influência no resultado e sobrevida após procedimentos de descompressão para metástases espinhais de carcinoma de células renais (MRCC). Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a procedimentos de descompressão paliativa. Comparamos três grupos de pacientes estratificados por métodos de controle de sangramento. O primeiro grupo (EMB) incluiu 22 pacientes submetidos à embolização pré-operatória de um tumor. O segundo grupo (HEM) consistiu em 20 pacientes tratados cirurgicamente usando agentes hemostáticos locais intra operatórios. No terceiro grupo (COMBI), 15 pacientes foram tratados com uma combinação de métodos. Resultados: A perda de sangue intra-operatória média para o grupo EMB foi ligeiramente inferior à média nos grupos HEM e COMBI ,sem diferenças significativas. A perda de drenagem pós-operatória nos grupos HEM e COMBI foi significativamente menor do que no grupo EMB. A taxa de complicações (infecções, hematomas, déficit neurológico) foi quase igual em todos os grupos. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na recorrência local do tumor e a sobrevida global foi encontrada entre os grupos. Conclusões: Os resultados globais não mostraram que o uso de diferentes métodos de controle de sangramento pode afetar os resultados precoce e de longo prazo. Nível de Evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Este estudio compara varios métodos de control de sangrado, su influencia en el resultado y la supervivencia después de los procedimientos de descompresión de metástasis espinal de carcinoma de células renales (CCR). Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo en el que todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a procedimientos de descompresión paliativa. Comparamos 3 grupos de pacientes estratificados por métodos de control de sangrado. El primer grupo (EMB) incluyó a 22 pacientes sometidos a embolización preoperatoria de un tumor. El segundo grupo (HEM) consistió en 20 pacientes, tratados quirúrgicamente con agentes hemostáticos locales intraoperatorios. En el tercer grupo (COMBI) 15 pacientes fueron tratados con una combinación de métodos. Resultados: La pérdida de sangre intraoperatoria promedio en el grupo EMB fue ligeramente menor que el promedio en los grupos HEM y COMBI, pero sin diferencias significativas. La pérdida por drenaje posoperatorio en los grupos HEM y COMBI fue significativamente menor que en el grupo EMB. La tasa de complicaciones (infecciones, hematomas, déficit neurológico) fue prácticamente igual en todos los grupos. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la recurrencia local del tumor y la supervivencia general entre los grupos. Conclusiones: Los resultados generales no mostraron que el uso de diferentes métodos de control de sangrado pueda afectar los resultados a corto o largo plazo. Nivel de Evidencia III; Estudio retrospectivo.

Advancement in liver laparoscopic resection - development of a new surgical device

Liver resection is the standard treatment for any liver lesion. Laparoscopic liver resection is associated with lower intra-operative blood loss and fewer complications than open resection. Access to the posterior part of the right liver lobe is very uncomfortable and difficult for surgeons due the anatomic position, especially when employing laparoscopic surgery. Based on these experiences, a new laparoscopic device was developed that is capable of bending its long axis and allowing the application of radiofrequency energy in areas that were not technically accessible. The device is equipped with four telescopic needle electrodes that cause tissue coagulation after the delivery of radiofrequency energy. Ex vivo testing was performed in 2012 and 2014 at the University Hospital, Ostrava, on a porcine liver tissue. The main goal of this testing was to verify if the newly proposed electrode layout was suitable for sufficient tissue coagulation and creating a safety zone around lesions. During the ex vivo testing, the material of needle electrodes was improved to achieve the lowest possibility of adhesion. The power supply was adjusted from 20 to 120 W and the ablation time, which varied from 10 to 110 s, was monitored. Subsequently, optimal power delivery and time for coagulation was determined. This experimental study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the newly developed device. Based on the ex vivo testing, LARA-K1 can create a safety zone of coagulation. For further assessment of the new device, an in vivo study should be performed.

Agentes hemostáticos tópicos em cirurgia: revisão e perspectivas / Topical hemostatic agents in surgery: review and prospects

RESUMO A hemostasia tem papel crítico e importância fundamental em todos os procedimentos cirúrgicos. Seu manejo possui diversos pontos chaves, que se iniciam por boa técnica operatória e adequado suporte anestésico. Determinadas situações, como hemorragias graves resultantes de trauma penetrante, por exemplo, não dependem exclusivamente do controle da equipe cirúrgica e necessitam do apoio de novas soluções que diminuam ou controlem a hemorragia. Desde os tempos antigos, um marco da medicina é atuar no controle da hemorragia e, mais recentemente, na facilitação da hemostasia pela aplicação de agentes tópicos, seja por compressão manual ou agentes modernos. Na última década, o número de diferentes agentes hemostáticos tópicos cresceu drasticamente. Para que o cirurgião moderno escolha o agente correto no momento correto, é essencial que conheça o mecanismo de ação, entenda a eficácia e os possíveis efeitos adversos relacionados a cada agente. Assim, a grande variedade de hemostáticos tópicos, somada à ausência de um artigo de revisão na literatura nacional sobre este tópico, nos estimulou a elaborar este manuscrito. Aqui relatamos uma revisão detalhada sobre os agentes hemostáticos tópicos mais comumente utilizados nas especialidades cirúrgicas.

ABSTRACT Hemostasis plays a critical and fundamental role in all surgical procedures. Its management has several key points that start with good operative technique and adequate anesthetic support. Certain situations, such as severe bleeding resulting from penetrating trauma, do not depend exclusively on the control of the surgical team and require the support of new solutions that decrease or control bleeding. Since ancient times, a hallmark of medicine has been to act in the control of hemorrhage, and more recently, in the facilitation of hemostasis by the application of topical agents by either manual compression or modern agents. In the last decade, the number of different topical hemostatic agents has grown dramatically. For the modern surgeon to choose the right agent at the right time, it is essential that he/she understands the mechanisms of action, the effectiveness and the possible adverse effects related to each agent. Thus, the great variety of topical hemostatics, coupled with the absence of a review article in the national literature on this topic, stimulated us to elaborate this manuscript. Here we report a detailed review of the topical hemostatic agents most commonly used in surgical specialties.

Use of fibrinogen and thrombin sponge in pediatric split liver transplantation

Abstract Purpose: To analyze the use of this sponge in pediatric patients undergoing split-liver transplantation. Methods: Retrospective study, including 35 pediatric patients undergoing split-liver transplantation, divided into two groups according to the use of the sponge: 18 patients in Group A (no sponge) and 17 in Group B (with sponge). Results: The characteristics of recipients and donors were similar. We observed greater number of reoperation due to bleeding in the wound area in Group A (10 patients - 55.5%) than in Group B (3 patients - 17.6%); p = 0.035. The median volume of red blood cells transfused in Group A was significantly higher (73.4 ± 102.38 mL/kg) than that in Group B (35.1 ± 41.67 mL/kg); p = 0.048. Regarding bile leak there was no statistical difference. Conclusion: The use of the human fibrinogen and thrombin sponge, required lower volume of red blood cell transfusion and presented lower reoperation rates due to bleeding in the wound area.

Cirugía hepática: algunas consideraciones más allá de la técnica quirúrgica / Liver surgery: Considerations beyond the surgical technique

La mortalidad de la cirugía resectiva hepática es de 1-2%. Mejorar esto requerirá optimizar detalles que involucran a todos los encargados del cuidado de estos pacientes. El primero de estos puntos es la evaluación de la función hepática postoperatoria. Diversos métodos han sido utilizados para tratar de estimarla, sin resultados concluyentes respecto a cuál es el más adecuado. Estudios que evalúan la cantidad de parénquima residual y su relación con el desarrollo de falla hepática postoperatoria recomiendan que en presencia de un hígado sano debería quedar 20-25% del volumen hepático, 30-60% en casos de condiciones que deterioran la funcionalidad, y 40-70% en casos de cirrosis. El aporte de volumen y su relación con la morbilidad, el sangrado y el desarrollo de insuficiencia renal han sido muy estudiados. La restricción del volumen y el mantenimiento de presiones venosas bajas aparecen como estrategias recomendadas, pero no deben comprometer la perfusión sistémica. A diferencia de lo observado en pacientes críticos, especialmente sépticos, el uso de almidones aparece como una alternativa segura en pacientes sanos sometidos a procedimientos resectivos o trasplante hepático. Las alteraciones de exámenes de coagulación deben ser evaluadas y corregidas cuando corresponda, idealmente a través de métodos que permitan identificar la causa. El tromboelastograma aparece como una alternativa adecuada. La administración profiláctica de hemocomponentes no está indicada, pudiendo ser origen de morbilidad. La analgesia debe ser optimizada, siendo la peridural una buena alternativa en presencia de hígado sano y en procedimientos no mayores de una lobectomía.

The mortality of liver resection surgery is 1-2%. Improve this will require optimizing details involving all caregivers of these patients. The first of these points is the evaluation of postoperative liver function. Various methods have been used to estimate it, without conclusive results regarding what is the most appropriate. Several studies evaluating the amount of residual parenchyma and its relationship to the development of postoperative liver failure recommend that in the presence of a healthy liver should be 20-25% of liver volume, 30-60% in cases of conditions that impair the functionality and 40-70% in cases of cirrhosis. The contribution of fluids administration and its relationship with morbidity, bleeding and development of renal failure have been studied. The volume restriction, maintenance of low central venous pressures appear as recommended strategies but must not compromise systemic perfusion that can determine organ dysfunction. Unlike what was observed in critically ill patients, the use of starches appears as a safe alternative in healthy patients and those undergoing liver transplantation. Alterations in coagulation tests should be evaluated, ideally through methods that allow to identify the cause. The thromboelastography appears as a suitable alternative. Prophylactic administration of blood components is not indicated and can be a source of morbidity. Analgesia should be optimized, being epidural analgesia a good alternative in the presence of healthy liver and procedures involving no more than a lobectomy.

Safety of Surgical Tracheostomy during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: The risk of bleeding during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a potential deterrent in performing tracheostomy at many centers. To evaluate the safety of surgical tracheostomy (ST) in critically ill patients supported by ECMO, we reviewed the clinical correlation between preoperative coagulation status and bleeding complication-related ST during ECMO. METHODS: From April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2016, ST was performed on 38 patients supported by ECMO. We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the medical records including complications related to ST. RESULTS: Heparin was administered to 23 patients (60.5%) for anticoagulation during ECMO, but 15 patients (39.5%) underwent ECMO without anticoagulation. Of the 23 patients administered anticoagulation therapy, heparin infusion was briefly paused in 13 prior to ST. The median platelet count, international normalized ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time before ST were 126 ×109/L (range, 46 to 434 ×109/L), 1.2 (range, 1 to 2.3) and 62 seconds (27 to 114.2 seconds), respectively. No peri-procedural clotting complications related to ECMO were observed. Two patients (5.3%) suffering from ST-related major bleeding required surgical hemostasis. Minor bleeding after ST occurred in two cases (5.3%). No significant difference was found according to anticoagulation management (P = 0.723). No fatality was attributable to ST. CONCLUSIONS: The complication rates of ST in the patients supported by ECMO were low. Therefore, ST performed by an experienced operator, and with careful optimization of coagulation status, is a relatively safe procedure; the use of ST with ECMO should thus not be dismissed on account of the potential for bleeding caused by the administration of anticoagulants.

Prevention, diagnosis and treatment of perioperative complications of bariatric and metabolic surgery / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Surgical operation in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes is popularizing rapidly in China. Correct prevention and recognition of perioperation-related operative complications is the premise of ensuring surgical safety. Familiar complications of the operation include deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary artery embolism, anastomotic bleeding, anastomotic fistula and marginal ulcer. The prevention of deep venous thrombosis is better than treatment. The concrete measures contain physical prophylaxis (graduated compression stocking and intermittent pneumatic compression leg sleeves) and drug prophylaxis (unfractionated heparin and low molecular heparin), and the treatment is mainly thrombolysis or operative thrombectomy. The treatment of pulmonary artery embolism includes remittance of pulmonary arterial hypertension, anticoagulation, thrombolysis, operative thrombectomy, interventional therapy and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Hemorrhage is a rarely occurred but relatively serious complication after bariatric surgery. The primary cause of anastomotic bleeding after laparoscopic gastric bypass is incomplete hemostasis or weak laparoscopic repair. The common bleeding site in laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is gastric stump and close to partes pylorica, and the bleeding may be induced by malformation and weak repair technique. Patients with hemodynamic instability caused by active bleeding or excessive bleeding should timely received surgical treatment. Anastomotic fistula in gastric bypass can be divided into gastrointestinal anastomotic fistula and jejunum-jejunum anastomotic fistula. The treatment of postoperative anastomotic fistula should vary with each individual, and conservative treatment or operative treatment should be adopted. Anastomotic stenosis is mainly related to the operative techniques. Stenosis after sleeve gastrectomy often occurs in gastric angle, and the treatment methods include balloon dilatation and stent implantation, and surgical treatment should be performed when necessary. Marginal ulcer after gastric bypass is a kind of peptic ulcer occurring close to small intestine mucosa in the junction point of stomach and jejunum. Ulcer will also occur in the vestige stomach after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, and the occurrence site locates mostly in the gastric antrum incisal margin. Preoperative anti-HP (helicobacter pylorus) therapy and postoperative continuous administration of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) for six months is the main means to prevent and treat marginal ulcer. For patients on whom conservative treatment is invalid, endoscopic repair or surgical repair should be considered. Different surgical procedures will generate different related operative complications. Fully understanding and effectively dealing with the complications of various surgical procedures through multidisciplinary cooperation is a guarantee for successful operation.

Uso do curativo hemostático de gelatina absorvível no cuidado pós-operatório do pedículo vascular dos retalhos interpolados / Use of absorbable hemostatic gelatin sponge in postoperative care of the vascular pedicle of interpolated flaps

Os retalhos interpolados têm sido um dos mais importantes e funcionais retalhos no arsenal da cirurgia plástica reconstrutiva, tornando-se uma opção segura mesmo nos casos mais difíceis. O pedículo do retalho interpolado necessita de curativo para evitar sangramento e a contaminação local. Este curativo frequentemente falha na prevenção de pequenos sangramentos que ocorrem durante as primeiras 24-48 horas, forçando a troca recorrente do mesmo, em média de três a cinco trocas. A técnica proposta neste trabalho consiste na aplicação direta de uma camada de GELFOAM®, envolto por gaze petrolizada, para prevenção do sangramento da área cruenta do pedículo do retalho, acarretando melhor hemostasia e menos manipulação do pedículo vascular.

Interpolated flaps are among the most important and functional flaps in reconstructive plastic surgery, representing a safe option even in the most difficult cases. The pedicle of the interpolated flap requires a dressing to avoid bleeding and local contamination. This dressing often fails to prevent minor bleedings, which occurs within the first 24-48 hours. As a result, it needs to be continuously changed, from three to five times on average. The technique proposed in this study consists in a direct application of a GELFOAM® layer. This is subsequently wrapped with petroleum gauze to prevent bleeding of the open area in the pedicle flap, improving hemostasis and reducing the manipulation of the vascular pedicle.

Efficacy of Oxidized Regenerated Cellulose, SurgiGuard®, in Porcine Surgery

PURPOSE: Adequate hemostasis is important for postoperative outcomes of abdominal surgery. This study evaluated the hemostatic effects and accompanying histopathological changes of a novel oxidized regenerated cellulose, SurgiGuard®, during abdominal surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten pigs underwent wedge resection of the spleen (1×1 cm) and liver (1.5×1.5 cm). The resected surface was covered with Surgicel® fabric or fibril type (Group A) or SurgiGuard® fabric or fibril type (Group B). Surgicel® and SurgiGuard® were randomized for attachment to the resected surface by fabric type (n=5) or fibril type (n=5). Blood loss was measured 5, 7, and 9 min after resection. Pigs were necropsied 6 weeks postoperatively to evaluate gross and histopathological changes. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in total blood loss between groups [spleen fabric: Group A vs. Group B, 4.38 g (2.74–6.43) vs. 3.41 g (2.46–4.65), p=0.436; spleen fibril: Group A vs. Group B, 3.44 g (2.82–6.07) vs. 3.60 g (2.03–6.09), p=0.971; liver fabric: Group A vs. Group B, 4.51 g (2.67–10.61) vs. 6.93 g (3.09–9.95), p=0.796; liver fibril: Group A vs. Group B, 3.32 g (2.50–8.78) vs. 3.70 g (2.32–5.84), p=0.971]. Histopathological analysis revealed no significant difference in toxicities related to Surgicel® or SurgiGuard® [inflammation, fibrosis, foreign bodies, and hemorrhage (spleen: p=0.333, 0.127, 0.751, and 1.000; liver: p=0.155, 0.751, 1.000, and 1.000, respectively)]. CONCLUSION: SurgiGuard® is as effective and non-toxic as Surgicel® in achieving hemostasis after porcine abdominal surgery.

Safety of Surgical Tracheostomy during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation / 대한중환자의학회지

BACKGROUND: The risk of bleeding during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a potential deterrent in performing tracheostomy at many centers. To evaluate the safety of surgical tracheostomy (ST) in critically ill patients supported by ECMO, we reviewed the clinical correlation between preoperative coagulation status and bleeding complication-related ST during ECMO. METHODS: From April 1, 2012 to March 31, 2016, ST was performed on 38 patients supported by ECMO. We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the medical records including complications related to ST. RESULTS: Heparin was administered to 23 patients (60.5%) for anticoagulation during ECMO, but 15 patients (39.5%) underwent ECMO without anticoagulation. Of the 23 patients administered anticoagulation therapy, heparin infusion was briefly paused in 13 prior to ST. The median platelet count, international normalized ratio, and activated partial thromboplastin time before ST were 126 ×109/L (range, 46 to 434 ×109/L), 1.2 (range, 1 to 2.3) and 62 seconds (27 to 114.2 seconds), respectively. No peri-procedural clotting complications related to ECMO were observed. Two patients (5.3%) suffering from ST-related major bleeding required surgical hemostasis. Minor bleeding after ST occurred in two cases (5.3%). No significant difference was found according to anticoagulation management (P = 0.723). No fatality was attributable to ST. CONCLUSIONS: The complication rates of ST in the patients supported by ECMO were low. Therefore, ST performed by an experienced operator, and with careful optimization of coagulation status, is a relatively safe procedure; the use of ST with ECMO should thus not be dismissed on account of the potential for bleeding caused by the administration of anticoagulants.

Is the Modified AIMS65 Score Suitable for Distinguishing the Low Risk Group and the High Risk Group for Patients with Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to increase the performance of the AIMS65 score in the prediction of outcomes in upper gastrointestinal bleeding by modifying the AIMS65 score. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively between January 2015 and June 2015. A total of 212 adult patients, who visited the emergency department with an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage during this period were included for analysis. High risk patients were defined as follows: those who needed an endoscopic or surgical hemostasis, suffered rebleeding, hospitalized in an intensive care unit, and those who were deceased within 30 days or required a blood transfusion. The seven parameters of the modified AIMS65 score were as follows: Albumin levels, international normalized ratio (prothrombin time), altered mental status, systolic blood pressure, age>65 years, hemoglobin levels, and heart rate. RESULTS: The high-risk group was comprised of 163 patients, while the low risk group was comprised of 49 patients. The areas under the curve for AIMS65 and modified AIMS65 scores were 0.727 (95% confidence interval, 0.662-0.786) and 0.847 (95% confidence interval, 0.791-0.892), respectively, which were significantly different (p<0.001). The AIMS65 score had a sensitivity of 53.0% and a specificity of 78.5% at a score of 0. The modified AIMS65 score had a sensitivity of 22.4% and a specificity of 99.3% at a score of 0. For the modified AIMS65 score of 3 or lower, the sensitivity was 97.9% with a specificity of 21.4%. CONCLUSION: The modified AIMS65 score was effective in distinguishing between the low-risk group and the high-risk group among patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Factores asociados a mal pronóstico en pacientes con sangrado digestivo bajo en un hospital público / Poor outcome factors associated to patients with lower digestive bleeding in a public hospital

Introducción: El sangrado digestivo bajo (SDB) es una entidad cuyas tasas de complicaciones y mortalidad se han incrementado en las últimas décadas. Si bien se han identificado algunos factores relacionados a mal pronóstico, aún quedan variables por evaluar. Objetivo: Identificar factores de mal pronóstico en pacientes que presentaron SDB en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins de Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional analítico de tipo cohorte retrospectivo. Se realizó un censo de todos los pacientes que presentaron SDB agudo entre enero 2010 y diciembre 2013. Las variables principales a evaluar fueron frecuencia cardiaca ≥100/min, presión arterial sistólica <100 mmHg y hematocrito bajo (≤35%) al ingreso. Se definió mal pronóstico como cualquiera de los siguientes criterios: muerte durante la hospitalización, sangrado que requiera transfusión de ≥4 unidades de sangre, reingreso dentro del primer mes, o necesidad de cirugía de hemostasia. Resultados: Se incluyó un total de 341 pacientes con SDB, de los cuales el 27% tuvo mal pronóstico y 2% fallecieron. Se encontró como variables asociadas a mal pronóstico: frecuencia cardiaca ≥100/min al ingreso (RR: 1,75, IC 95% 1,23-2,50), presión arterial sistólica <100 mmHg al ingreso (RR: 2,18, IC 95% 1,49-3,19), hematocrito ≤35% al ingreso (RR: 1,98, IC 95% 1,23-3,18) y sangrado de origen no determinado (RR: 2,74, IC 95% 1,73-4,36). Conclusiones: Frecuencia cardiaca elevada al ingreso, hipotensión sistólica al ingreso, hematocrito bajo al ingreso y presentar un sangrado en el cual no se encuentra el punto de origen son factores que incrementan el riesgo de presentar mal pronóstico, por lo que se recomienda un monitoreo más estricto en estos pacientes

Background: Lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is an event that has shown an increase in complications and mortality rates in the last decades. Although some factors associated with poor outcome have been identified, there are several yet to be evaluated. Objective: To identify risk factors for poor outcome in patients with LGIB in the Hospital Edgardo Rebagliati Martins of Lima, Peru. Material and methods: A prospective analytic observational cohort study was made, and a census was conducted with all patients with acute LGIB between January 2010 and December 2013. The main variables were heart rate ≥100/min, systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg and low hematocrit (≤35%) at admission. Poor outcome was defined as any of the following: death during hospital stay, bleeding requiring transfusion of ≥4 blood packs, readmission within one month of hospital discharge, or the need for hemostatic surgery. Results: A total of 341 patients with LGIB were included, of which 27% developed poor outcome and 2% died. Variables found to be statistically related to poor outcome were: heart rate ≥ 100/min at admission (RR: 1.75, IC 95% 1.23-2.50), systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg at admission (RR: 2.18, IC 95% 1.49-3.19), hematocrit ≤35% at admission (RR: 1.98, IC 95% 1.23-3.18) and LGIB of unknown origin (RR: 2.74, IC 95% 1.73-4.36). Conclusions: Elevated heart rate at admission, systolic hypotension at admission, low hematocrit at admission and having a LGIB of unknown origin are factors that increase the risk of developing poor outcome, and these patients should be monitored closely due to their higher risk of complications

A case of spontaneous hemoperitoneum by uterine vessel rupture in pregnancy

A 27-year-old pregnant woman, para 1, was transferred to our hospital at 29+3 weeks of gestation complaining of abdominal pain. She was diagnosed with hemoperitoneum based on ultrasonography. An emergency laparotomy was performed, and the bleeding was confirmed to be caused by ruptured surface blood vessels on the uterine fundus. Hemostasis with compression was successfully performed to sustain the pregnancy, and the patient delivered a full-term baby. Spontaneous hemoperitoneum during pregnancy caused by rupture of uterine blood vessels is very rare. It requires rapid diagnosis and surgical treatment because it increases the morbidity of the fetus and mother. In most incidences of spontaneous hemoperitoneum during pregnancy, a cesarean delivery is performed along with a simultaneous emergency laparotomy. However, in this case, the pregnancy was maintained to full term after surgical hemostasis, which prevented neonatal complications due to premature birth.

Use of Bovine Pericardium and Sutureless Biological Glue in Left Ventricular Rupture After Mitral Valve Replacement, Five Years of Follow-up

ABSTRACT Rupture of the left ventricular wall after mitral valve replacement is an infrequent but lethal complication. Reporting correction technique of ventricular rupture with bovine pericardium patch secured with glue and without suturing: a 51 years-old female patient, with double rheumatic mitral lesion, severe stenosis and discrete insufficiency, who had a mitral valve replacement. During surgery, the patient presented a ventricular rupture of the posterior wall (atrioventricular disruption), which was successfully repaired using bovine pericardium with sutureless biological glue over the epicardium of the damaged area. Sixty months after surgery the patient has no symptoms.