Pulmonary complications and mortality among COVID-19 patients undergoing a surgery: a multicenter cohort study (preprint)

Background Managing COVID-19-positive patients requiring surgery is complex due to perceived heightened perioperative risks. However, Canadian data in this context remains scarce. To address this gap, we conducted a multicenter cohort study in the province of Québec, the Canadian province most affected during the initial waves of the pandemic, to comprehensively assess the impact of COVID-19 symptoms, and recovery time, on postoperative outcomes in surgical patients. Methods We included adult surgical patients with either active COVID-19 at time of surgery or those who had recovered from the disease, from March 13, 2020, to April 30, 2021. We evaluated the association between symptoms or recovery time and postoperative pulmonary complications and hospital mortality using multivariable logistic regression and Cox models. Results We included 105 patients with an active infection (47 were symptomatic and 58 were asymptomatic) and 206 who had healed from COVID-19 in seven hospitals. Among patients with an active infection, those who were symptomatic had a higher risk of pulmonary complications (odds ratio = 3.19; 95% CI, from 1.12 to 9.68; p = 0.03) and hospital mortality (hazard ratio = 3.67; 95% CI, from 1.19 to 11.32; p = 0.02). We did not observe any significant effect of the duration of recovery prior to surgery on patients who had healed from their infection. Their postoperative outcomes were also similar to those observed in asymptomatic patients. Interpretation Symptomatic status should be considered in the decision to proceed with surgery in COVID-19-positive patients. Our results may help optimize surgical care in this patient population. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04458337, Registration Date: July 7, 2020.

Home-based prehabilitation improves physical conditions measured by ergospirometry and 6MWT in colorectal cancer patients: a randomized controlled pilot study. (preprint)

Purpose/ Background Prehabilitation aims to improve physical condition in the preoperative period and, therefore, decrease the loss of cardiopulmonary capacity postoperatively, with the aim of reducing complications and promoting an early recovery. This study aims to evaluate the impact of home-based prehabilitation on the physical condition of patients treated surgically for colorectal cancer. Methods A prospective and randomized clinical study was conducted in 60 patients during two periods, October 2018 - September 2020, in a single university hospital. Patients were randomized into two study groups (30 per group): prehabilitation vs standard care. Changes in physical condition, measured at diagnosis, the day before surgery, and at 6-8 weeks after surgery using Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were evaluated. Results Prehabilitation reduce postoperative complications (17.4% vs 33.3%, p=0.22) and hospital stay (5.74 vs 6.67 days, p=0.30). 6MWT showed a significant improvement in prehabilitation group (+78.9 meters). Six weeks after surgery, prehabilitation showed a significant improvement in the 6MWT (+ 68.9 meters vs - 27.2 meters, p=0.01). Significant differences were also observed in the ergospirometry between the diagnosis and postoperative study (+ 0.79 METs vs - 0.84 METs, p=0.001). A strong correlation was observed between CPET and 6MWT (0.767 (p<0.001)). Conclusion Home prehabilitation achieved lower overall postoperative complications than standard care and reached significant improvements in 6MWT and CET. Strong correlation was observed between CET and 6MWT, which allows validation 6MWT as a valid and reliable measure of functional exercise capacity in colorectal patiens when other more specific and expensive tests are not available. Registration number Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov in August 2018 with registration number NCT03618329. Initial results published in Supportive Care in Cancer:Effect of home‐based prehabilitation in an enhanced recovery after surgery program for patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-021-06343-1

Newly discovered Pituitary Adenoma in the Emergency Center during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Serbia: Treatment and Early Postoperative Outcome (preprint)

Introduction:Pituitary tumors represent 10-15% of all intracranial tumors. Clinical manifestations depend on the size of the tumor such as microadenoma, macroadenoma or giant adenoma, and type of the tumor (secreting or non-secreting). Surgical treatment of pituitary adenoma can be managed via transcranial or transsphenoidal approach. Depending on the approach, there is a possibillity of postoperative complications such as meningitis, pneumocephalus, liquorrhea, transient diabetes insipidus and ect. Aim:The aim of this study was to establish the frequency of newly discovered pituitary tumors in the Emergency Center, University Clinical Center Of Serbia, during the COVID-19 pandemic in Serbia, and early postoperative complications in patients treated with an endoscopic and microscope transsphenoidal approach. Material and methods: During the time period during the pandemic, the study contains 119 patients, from January 1, 2020 to March 1, 2023, of which 64 are male (53.8%) and 55 are female (46.2%), age range is 14 to 85 years with a mean of 52.10. As for statistical analysis, assessment of frequency rate and relative numbers were used as methods of descriptive statistics. Results:Macroadenoma was present in 95 patients (79.83%), microadenoma in 22 patients (18.49%), and giant adenoma in 2 patients (1.69%). Transient DI developed postoperatively in 11 patients (9.24%). The average duration of hospitalization after surgery was 8 days. Conclusion: The duration of hospitalization depends on numerous factors where the COVID-19 pandemic can serve as an example for future similar crisis situations so that better organization and preoperative preparation of patients can be implemented.

Death following pulmonary complications of surgery before and during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the impact of pulmonary complications on death after surgery both before and during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. METHODS: This was a patient-level, comparative analysis of two, international prospective cohort studies: one before the pandemic (January-October 2019) and the second during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (local emergence of COVID-19 up to 19 April 2020). Both included patients undergoing elective resection of an intra-abdominal cancer with curative intent across five surgical oncology disciplines. Patient selection and rates of 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications were compared. The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative mortality. Mediation analysis using a natural-effects model was used to estimate the proportion of deaths during the pandemic attributable to SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: This study included 7402 patients from 50 countries; 3031 (40.9 per cent) underwent surgery before and 4371 (59.1 per cent) during the pandemic. Overall, 4.3 per cent (187 of 4371) developed postoperative SARS-CoV-2 in the pandemic cohort. The pulmonary complication rate was similar (7.1 per cent (216 of 3031) versus 6.3 per cent (274 of 4371); P = 0.158) but the mortality rate was significantly higher (0.7 per cent (20 of 3031) versus 2.0 per cent (87 of 4371); P < 0.001) among patients who had surgery during the pandemic. The adjusted odds of death were higher during than before the pandemic (odds ratio (OR) 2.72, 95 per cent c.i. 1.58 to 4.67; P < 0.001). In mediation analysis, 54.8 per cent of excess postoperative deaths during the pandemic were estimated to be attributable to SARS-CoV-2 (OR 1.73, 1.40 to 2.13; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Although providers may have selected patients with a lower risk profile for surgery during the pandemic, this did not mitigate the likelihood of death through SARS-CoV-2 infection. Care providers must act urgently to protect surgical patients from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

This study compared death rates in patients who developed pulmonary complications of surgery before and during the pandemic in two large, international studies. Patients who underwent surgery during the pandemic tended to be younger and fitter. Overall, 4.3 per cent were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection after surgery in the pandemic cohort. Deaths within 30 days after surgery tripled during the first wave of the pandemic (from 0.7 to 2.0 per cent), whereas the rate of pulmonary complications remained the similar (7.1 to 6.3 per cent). Over half of these excess deaths (54.8 per cent) were estimated to be related to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Efficacy of CytoSorb®: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cytokine adsorption using the CytoSorb® adsorber has been proposed in various clinical settings including sepsis, ARDS, hyperinflammatory syndromes, cardiac surgery or recovery after cardiac arrest. The aim of this analysis is to provide evidence for the efficacy of the CytoSorb® adsorber with regard to mortality in various settings. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library database and the database provided by Cytosorbents™ (01.1.2010-29.5.2022). We considered randomized controlled trials and observational studies with control groups. The longest reported mortality was defined as the primary endpoint. We computed risk ratios and 95%-confidence intervals and used DerSimonian and Lairds random effects model. We analysed all studies combined and divided them into the subgroups: sepsis, cardiopulmonary bypass surgery (CPB), other severe illness, SARS-CoV-2 infection and recovery from cardiac arrest. The meta-analysis was registered in advance (PROSPERO: CRD42022290334). RESULTS: Of an initial 1295 publications, 34 studies were found eligible, including 1297 patients treated with CytoSorb® and 1314 controls. Cytosorb® intervention did not lower mortality (RR [95%-CI]: all studies 1.07 [0.88; 1.31], sepsis 0.98 [0.74; 1.31], CPB surgery 0.91 [0.64; 1.29], severe illness 0.95 [0.59; 1.55], SARS-CoV-2 1.58 [0.50; 4.94]). In patients with cardiac arrest, we found a significant survival advantage of the untreated controls (1.22 [1.02; 1.46]). We did not find significant differences in ICU length of stay, lactate levels, or IL-6 levels after treatment. Of the eligible 34 studies only 12 were randomized controlled trials. All observational studies showed moderate to serious risk of bias. INTERPRETATION: To date, there is no evidence for a positive effect of the CytoSorb® adsorber on mortality across a variety of diagnoses that justifies its widespread use in intensive care medicine.

Heightened 30-Day Postoperative Complication Risk Persists After COVID-19 Infection.

BACKGROUND: Current literature describing the riskiness of operating on actively infected COVID-19 patients far outnumbers that on the risk of operating on recovered patients. The purpose of this study was to analyze a single, tertiary referral center experience regarding postoperative complications and readmissions in COVID-19-recovered patients versus COVID-19-naïve (never previously infected) patients undergoing elective and emergency surgery across all surgical subspecialties. METHODS: All PCR positive COVID-19 patients that underwent a surgical procedure between February 1, 2020, and November 1, 2020, were included in the COVID-positive cohort. These patients were then matched to COVID-naïve controls that underwent similar procedures within the same time frame. Primary outcomes included 30-day postoperative complications as well as 90-day readmissions. Multivariable analyses were also performed. RESULTS: 112 COVID-positive patients met inclusion criteria and were all matched to COVID-naïve controls. 76 patients (68%) underwent surgery > 30 days from their COVID diagnosis. COVID-positive patients were at significantly higher risk of 30-day complications compared to the COVID-naïve cohort (22% versus 8%, respectively; p < 0.01). Multivariable analyses found ambulatory/asymptomatic infections, undergoing surgery between 30 and 120 days from diagnosis, initial presentation to the emergency department and elevated ASA scores to be significantly associated with 30-day complications. No differences were found for 90-day readmissions. CONCLUSION: Patients with previous COVID-19 infections carry a higher perioperative risk profile for 30-day complications compared to COVID-naïve counterparts in unvaccinated populations.

Does Liver Transplant Improve Neurological Symptoms in Wilson Disease? Report of 24 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: Wilson disease is an inherited disorder that results in copper accumulation in the tissues with liver injury and failure. Orthotopic liver transplant is one of the treatments of choice for this disease. The aim of this study was to compare the neurological symptoms, before and after orthotopic livertransplant, of patients with liver cirrhosis due to Wilson disease, who represent a special group of patients with liver failure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2020, there were 24 patients with Wilson disease resistant to medical treatment who underwent deceased donor orthotopic livertransplant and were followed up for 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years for evaluation with neurological scoring systems. Patients were also evaluated for postoperative complications and survival. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients evaluated, there were 13 (54.2%) female patients and 11 (45.8%) male patients, and the mean age was 34 years (range, 14-57 years). One of the patients died from early postoperative sepsis. After orthotopic livertransplant, disease scores returned to normal in 16 patients and improved in the remaining patients. Before transplant, all patients required help in their daily activities. After transplant, there were significant improvements in some symptoms, and the patients became more independent in their daily lives. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that orthotopic liver transplant provides significant improvement in neurological symptoms and quality of life in patients with Wilson disease.

Complication Rate of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in Critically Ill Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance: Obesity has traditionally been described as a relative contraindication to percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). Increased familiarity with the technique and use of bronchoscopy or real-time ultrasonography to enhance visualization have led many practitioners to expand the indication for PDT to patients historically deemed to have high risk of perioperative complications. Objective: To assess the reported complication rate of PDT in critically ill adults with obesity and compare it with that of open surgical tracheostomies (OSTs) in this patient population and with that of PDT in their counterparts without obesity. Data Sources: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from January 1, 2000, to March 1, 2022. Key terms related to percutaneous tracheostomy and obesity were included. Study Selection: Original investigations of critically ill adult patients (age ≥18 years) with obesity who underwent PDT that reported at least 1 complication of interest were included. Case reports or series with fewer than 5 patients were excluded, as were studies in a language other than English or French. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) were used, with independent extraction by multiple observers. Frequencies were reported for all dichotomous variables. Relative risks for complications were calculated using both fixed-effects and random-effects models in the meta-analysis. Main Outcomes and Measures: Main outcomes included mortality directly associated with the procedure, conversion to OST, and complications associated with the procedure (subclassified into life-threatening or non-life-threatening adverse events). Results: Eighteen studies were included in the systematic review, comprising 1355 patients with obesity who underwent PDT. The PDT-related complication rate was 16.6% among patients with obesity overall (791 patients, 17 studies), most of which were non-life-threatening. Only 0.6% of cases (8 of 1314 patients, 17 studies) were aborted or converted to an OST. A meta-analysis of 12 studies (N = 4212; 1078 with obesity and 3134 without obesity) showed that patients with obesity had a higher rate of complications associated with PDT compared with their counterparts without obesity (risk ratio, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.38-2.28). A single study compared PDT with OST directly for critically ill adults with obesity; thus, the intended meta-analysis could not be performed in this subgroup. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings suggest that the rate of complications of PDT is low in critically ill individuals with obesity, although the risk of complications may be higher than in individuals without obesity.

Surgical management of tension pneumomediastinum in mechanically ventilated coronavirus disease 2019 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Tension pneumomediastinum is an increasingly common condition since the COVID-19 pandemic's onset. It is a life-threatening complication with severe hemodynamic instability that is refractory to catecholamines. Surgical decompression with drainage is the key point of treatment. Various surgical procedures are reported in the literature, but no cohesive approach has yet been developed. AIM: The aim was to present the available options for surgical treatment of tension pneumomediastinum, as well as the post-interventional results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine cervical mediastinotomies were performed on intensive-care unit (ICU) patients who developed a tension pneumomediastinum during mechanical ventilation. The age and sex of patients, surgical complications, pre- and post-intervention basic hemodynamic parameters, as well as oxygen saturation levels, were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 62±16 years (6 males and 3 females). No postoperative surgical complications were recorded. The average preoperative systolic blood pressure was 91±12 mmHg, the heart rate was 104±8 bpm, and the oxygen saturation level was 89±6%, while the short-term postoperative values changed to 105±6 mmHg, 101±4 bpm, and 94±5%, respectively. There was no long-term survival benefit, with a mortality rate of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical mediastinotomy is the operative method of choice in the presence of tension pneumomediastinum allowing an effective decompression of the mediastinal structures and improving the condition of the affected patients without improving the survival rate.

Evolución de la cirugía urgente en un servicio de cirugía general durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y comparación con una cohorte histórica.

BACKGROUND: Acute care surgery decreased during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE: To study the evolution of acute care surgery and its relationship with the pandemic severity. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study which compared patients who underwent acute care surgery during the pandemic to a control group. RESULTS: A total of 660 patients were included (253 in the control group, 67 in the first-wave, 193 in the valley, and 147 in the second wave). The median daily number of acute care surgery procedures was 2 during the control period. This activity decreased during the first wave (1/day), increased during the valley (2/day), and didn't change in the second wave (2/day). Serious complications were more common during the first wave (22.4%). A negative linear correlation was found between the daily number of acute care surgery procedures, number of patients being admitted to the hospital each day and daily number of patients dying because of COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Acute care surgery was reduced during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, increased during the valley, and returned to the pre-pandemic level during the second wave. Thus, acute care surgery was related to pandemic severity, with fewer surgeries being performed when the pandemic was more severe.

ANTECEDENTES: La cirugía urgente disminuyó durante la primera ola de la pandemia de COVID-19. OBJETIVO: Estudiar la evolución de la cirugía urgente y su relación con la gravedad de la pandemia. MÉTODO: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo que compara los pacientes intervenidos de forma urgente durante la pandemia con un grupo control. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 660 pacientes (253 en el grupo control, 67 en primera ola de la pandemia, 193 en el periodo valle y 147 en la segunda ola). La mediana del número de cirugías urgentes fue de 2 (intervalo intercuartílico: 1-3) durante el periodo control, disminuyó durante la primera ola (1/día), aumentó durante el valle (2/día) y no se modificó en la segunda ola (2/día). Las complicaciones mayores fueron más comunes durante la primera ola (22.4%). Se encontró una correlación lineal negativa entre el número de procedimientos quirúrgicos urgentes diarios y el número de ingresos hospitalarios y fallecimientos diarios por COVID-19. CONCLUSIONES: La cirugía urgente se redujo durante la primera ola, aumentó durante el periodo valle y volvió a niveles prepandémicos durante la segunda ola. Además, la cirugía urgente se relaciona con la gravedad de la pandemia, ya que se realizaron menos cirugías urgentes durante el periodo de mayor gravedad de la pandemia.

ERAS Protocol Options for Perioperative Pain Management of Substance Use Disorder in the Ambulatory Surgical Setting.

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of ambulatory surgeries and ambulatory patients presenting with substance use disorder were increasing, and the end of lockdown has further catalyzed the increasing rates of ambulatory patients presenting for surgery with substance use disorder (SUD). Certain subspecialty groups of ambulatory procedures have already established protocols to optimize early recovery after surgery (ERAS), and these groups have subsequently enjoyed improved efficiency and reduced adverse outcomes as a result. In this present investigation, we review the literature as it relates to substance use disorder patients, with a particular focus on pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles, and their resulting impact on the acute- or chronic user ambulatory patient. The systematic literature review findings are organized and summarized. We conclude by identifying areas of opportunity for further study, specifically with the aim of developing a dedicated ERAS protocol for substance use disorder patients in the ambulatory surgery setting. - Healthcare in the USA has seen an increase in rates of both substance use disorder patients and separately in ambulatory surgery cases. - Specific perioperative protocols to optimize outcomes for patients who suffer from substance use disorder have been described in recent years. - Agents of interest like opioids, cannabis, and amphetamines are the top three most abused substances in North America. - A protocol and recommend further work should be done to integrate with concrete clinical data, in which strategies should be employed to confer benefits to patient outcomes and hospital quality metrics like those enjoyed by ERAS protocol in other settings.

Efficacy of Reinforced Stapler Versus Hand-sewn Closure of the Pancreatic Stump During Pure Laparoscopic Distal Pancreatectomy to Reduce Pancreatic Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy (L-DP) is the standard procedure for treating left-sided pancreatic tumors. Stapler closure of the pancreas is the preferred method for L-DP; however, postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) remains a challenging problem. The present study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of staple closure using a reinforcing stapler (RS) and transection using an ultrasonic dissector followed by hand-sewn (HS) closure in a fish-mouth manner in pure L-DP and to determine independent perioperative risk factors for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among the 85 patients who underwent pure L-DP between February 2011 and August 2021, 80 of whom the pancreatic stump was closed with RS (n = 59) or HS (n = 21) were retrospectively investigated. Associations between potential risk factors and POPF were assessed using univariate analysis. The factors, of which the P value was determined to be <0.1 by univariate analysis, were entered into a multivariate regression analysis to ascertain independent predictive factors. RESULTS: The surgery time and estimated blood loss were not significantly different between the two groups. Overall, 13 patients (16.3%) developed CR-POPF ( B = 12 and C = 1). The rate of CR-POPF was lower in RS than in HS; however, the difference was not statistically significant (RS vs HS: 11.9% vs 28.9%, P = 0.092). Consistent with the results for CR-POPF, the rate of Clavien-Dindo IIIa or more postoperative complications and the length of hospital stay were also not significantly different between the two groups (RS vs HS: 10.2, 12% vs 14.3%, 14 d). In the univariate analysis of risk factors for CR-POPF, the pancreatic thickness at the transection site, procedure for stump closure, and estimated blood loss were associated with a significantly higher rate of CR-POPF. The multivariate analysis revealed that the pancreatic thickness at the transection site (cutoff: 12 mm) was the only independent risk factor for CR-POPF (odds ratio: 6.5l, 95% CI: 1.4-30.4, P = 0.018). The rate of CR-POPF was much lower in RS than in HS for pancreatic thickness <12 mm (RS vs HS: 4.1% vs 28.6%), whereas that was rather higher in RS than in HS for pancreatic thickness ≥12 mm (RS vs HS: 50% vs 28.6%). CONCLUSIONS: RS closure was superior to HS closure for pancreatic thickness <12 mm and for prevention of CR-POPF after pure L-DP. It is necessary to seek more reliable procedures for pancreatic stump closure in patients with a pancreatic thickness of ≥12 mm.

Assessing the safety of continued perioperative antithrombotic therapy in endoscopic airway surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis.

PURPOSE: Given the increasing utilization of endoscopic surgery, particularly for airway stenosis management in the era of COVID-19 due to prolonged intubation, it is important to examine whether continuing antithrombotic therapy perioperatively influences bleeding complications. We examined the impact of perioperative antithrombotic use on postoperative bleeding complications following endoscopic airway surgery for laryngotracheal stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study from January 2016 to December 2021 of cases of patients ≥18 years who underwent endoscopic airway surgery for posterior glottic, subglottic, and tracheal stenosis at a single institution. Cases were excluded if they were an open airway surgery. The primary outcome was the occurrence of postoperative bleeding complications across cases of patients naive to and on baseline antithrombotic therapy, and those with preoperative continuation versus cessation of antithrombotic therapy. RESULTS: 258 cases across 96 patients met inclusion criteria. Of these 258 cases, 43.4 % (n = 112) were performed for patients on baseline antithrombotic therapy and 56.6 % (n = 146) for those not on antithrombotic therapy. Likelihood of perioperative continuation of apixaban was 0.052 (odds ratio, 95 % Confidence Interval: 0.002-0.330, p < 0.001). Likelihood of perioperative continuation of aspirin was 9.87 (odds ratio, 95 % Confidence Interval: 2.32-43.0, p < 0.001). Two instances of postoperative bleeding were found: both in patients who were on aspirin without perioperative cessation for COVID-related coagulopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that perioperative continuation of aspirin is relatively safe in the setting of endoscopic surgery for airway stenosis management. Prospective investigations to increase understanding of perioperative antithrombotics for COVID-related coagulopathy are warranted.

Postoperative awake prone position in geriatric patients with hip fractures: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial on the efficacy of postoperative prone position in reducing pulmonary complications and improving oxygenation.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are prevalent in geriatric patients with hip fractures. Low oxygen level is one of the most important risk factors for PPCs. Prone position has been proven efficacy in improving oxygenation and delaying the progress of pulmonary diseases, especially in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by multiple etiologies. The application of awake prone position (APP) has also attracted widespread attention in recent years. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) will be carried out to measure the effect of postoperative APP in a population of geriatric patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. METHODS: This is an RCT. Patients older than 65 years old admitted through the emergency department and diagnosed with an intertrochanteric or femoral neck fracture will be eligible for enrollment and assigned randomly to the control group with routine postoperative management of orthopedics or APP group with an additional prone position for the first three consecutive postoperative days (PODs). Patients receiving conservative treatment will not be eligible for enrollment. We will record the difference in the patient's room-air-breathing arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) values between the 4th POD (POD 4) and emergency visits, the morbidity of PPCs and other postoperative complications, and length of stay. The incidence of PPCs, readmission rates, and mortality rates will be followed up for 90 PODs. DISCUSSION: We describe the protocol for a single-center RCT that will evaluate the efficacy of postoperative APP treatment in reducing pulmonary complications and improving oxygenation in geriatric patients with hip fractures. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol was approved by the independent ethics committee (IEC) for Clinical Research of Zhongda Hospital, Affiliated to Southeast University, and is registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry. The findings of the trial will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals. ETHICS APPROVAL NUMBER: 2021ZDSYLL203-P01 TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR ChiCTR2100049311 . Registered on 29 July 2021. TRIAL STATUS: Recruiting. Recruitment is expected to be completed in December 2024.

Operative Management of Acute Appendicitis Was Safe During the COVID-19 Pandemic Shutdown.

INTRODUCTION: In the spring of 2020, New York City was one of the first epicenters of the COVID outbreak. In this study, we evaluate the incidence and treatment of appendicitis in two New York City community hospitals during the COVID pandemic. METHODS: This retrospective study focused on the incidence and outcome of acute appendicitis in the adult population (>18 y old) during peak-COVID periods (March 16, 2020,-June 15, 2020) compared to pre-COVID and post-COVID periods. We compared the number of patients who underwent operative versus nonoperative management, patient demographics, length of stay (LOS), complications, and readmission rates within these time periods. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation (analysis of variance). RESULTS: From January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, 393 patients presented with acute appendicitis and 321 (81.7%) were treated operatively, compared to 441 total and 366 treated operatively (83%) in 2019 (P = 0.88). During the COVID outbreak, fewer patients presented with appendicitis (mean 6.9 ± 1 pre-COVID case/week, 4.4 ± 2.4 peak-COVID cases/week and 7.6 ± 0.65 post-COVID cases/week, P = 0.018) with no significant difference in the pre-COVID and post-COVID period. There was no difference in LOS between the pre-, peak-, and post-COVID periods with a median of 1 for all the three, (interquartile range (IQR): 0.8-2, 0.6-2, 0.6-2, respectively, P = 0.43). Additionally, there was no difference in 30-day readmission rates (4.2%, 0%, 3.9%, P = 0.99) and postoperative complications (4.2%, 0%, 2.9%, P = 0.98). CONCLUSIONS: During peak-COVID, there was a significant reduction in the number of patients who presented with acute appendicitis without a post rebound increase in presentation. Those who presented during peak-COVID were able to undergo operative management safely, without affecting LOS or postoperative complications.

The construction of patient quality management model in oral post anesthesia care unit in China: a grounded theory approach.

BACKGROUND: Nowadays, people have paid more and more attention to the quality of physical and mental health recovery after oral surgery anesthesia. As a remarkable feature of patient quality management, it can effectively reduce the risk of postoperative complications and pain in Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). However, the patient management model in oral PACU remains unknown, especially in China. The purpose of this study is to explore the management elements of patient quality management in the oral PACU and to construct the management model. METHODS: Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory method was used to explore the experiences of three anesthesiologists, six anesthesia nurses and three administrators working in oral PACU. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted using face-to-face in a tertiary stomatological hospital from March to June, 2022. The interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed according to QSR NVivo 12.0 qualitative analysis tool. RESULTS: Three themes and ten subthemes were identified through an active analysis process, including three of the core team members: stomatological anesthesiologists, stomatological anesthesia nurses and administrators, three of the main functions: education and training, patient care and quality control and four of the team operation processes: analysis, plan, do, check. CONCLUSION: The patient quality management model of the oral PACU is helpful for the professional identity and career development of stomatological anesthesia staff in China, which can accelerate the professional development of oral anesthesia nursing quality. According to the model, the patient's pain and fear will decrease, meanwhile, safety and comfort will increase. It can make contributions to the theoretical research and clinical practice in the future.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bone and soft tissue tumor treatment: A single-institution study.

OBJECTIVE: The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a great deal of damage to daily medical care. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on bone and soft tissue tumor treatment at our hospital. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective comparative study of two groups of patients at Osaka City University Hospital during the period of increasing COVID-19 infections (February-December 2020, group C) and the same period the previous year (February- December 2019, group NC). Clinical data, including patient's age, gender, type of tumor, neoplasms, number of surgical cases for inpatients and outpatients, operation time, use of implants, length of hospital stay, inpatient hospital costs, number of inpatients receiving anticancer drugs, and postoperative complications in these two groups were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The number of cases of malignant bone and soft tissue tumors that were resected during hospitalization was predominantly higher in group C than in group NC (P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in operation time, use of implants, and postoperative complications between group C and group NC, but there were significant differences in the length of hospital stay and hospital costs (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has been recognized throughout the world to have adverse effects in a variety of areas. It had a negative impact on hospital costs and the length of hospital stay in the field of bone and soft tissue tumor treatment.