Discriminative Ability of Dye Injected Into a Meat Model to Determine Accuracy of Ultrasound-Guided Injection.

INTRODUCTION: The utility of using meat models for ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia simulation training has been well established. Feedback is considered the most important element of successful simulation-based education, and simulation offers an opportunity for evaluation. The objective of this study was to establish the discriminative ability of dye injected into a meat model to determine whether injectate is properly placed in the perineural (PN) space, thus providing an additional tool for learner feedback and evaluation. METHODS: Meat models containing a beef tendon (simulating a nerve) were injected with dye in one of 3 locations: PN, intraneural, and intramuscular. Blinded assessors then independently interpreted the dye staining on the models, marked the interpreted injection location, ease of interpretation, and whether staining was present on the beef tendon. RESULTS: Thirty meat models were injected with dye and independently assessed. Determining the location of injection was deemed to be easy or very easy in 72% of the models. Assessors correctly identified PN, intraneural, and intramuscular injections 100%, 95%, and 85% of the time, respectively. Assessor agreement was 87%. CONCLUSIONS: The location of dye injected into a meat model, simulating a peripheral nerve blockade, can be accurately and reliably scored to provide feedback to learners. This technique offers a novel means of providing feedback to trainees and assessing block success in ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia simulation.

A Mixed-Methods Cohort Study Evaluating the Impact of a One-Day Well-Being Course for Anesthesia Providers Working in Low-Resource Settings.

BACKGROUND: Burnout, depression, and anxiety are increasingly recognized as common among health care providers. Risks for these conditions are exacerbated in low-resource settings by excessive workload, high disease burden, resource shortage, and stigma against mental health issues. Based on discussions and requests to learn more about burnout during the Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST), our team developed VAST Wellbeing, a 1-day course for health care providers in low-resource settings to recognize and mitigate burnout and to promote personal and professional well-being. METHODS: This mixed-methods study used quantitative pre- and postcourse surveys using validated mental health measures and qualitative semistructured interviews to explore participants' experience of VAST Wellbeing during and after the course. Quantitative outcomes included burnout and professional fulfillment as measured by the Professional Fulfillment Index and general well-being as measured by the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. RESULTS: Twenty-six participants from 9 countries completed the study. In the immediate postcourse survey, study participants rated the course overall as "very good" (60.7%) and "excellent" (28.6%). Quantitative analysis showed no statistical differences in levels of work exhaustion, interpersonal disengagement, burnout, professional fulfillment, or general mental well-being 2 months after the course. Five themes on the impact of VAST Wellbeing were identified during qualitative analysis: (1) raising awareness, breaking taboos; (2) not feeling alone; (3) permission and capacity for personal well-being; (4) workplace empowerment; and (5) VAST Wellbeing was relevant, authentic, and needed. CONCLUSIONS: Causes of burnout are complex and multidimensional. VAST Wellbeing did not change measures of burnout and fulfillment 2 months postcourse but did have a meaningful impact by raising awareness, reducing stigma, fostering connection, providing skills to prioritize personal well-being, and empowering people to seek workplace change.

Comparative efficacy and safety of non-neuraxial analgesic techniques for midline laparotomy: a systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: Fascial plane blocks provide effective analgesia after midline laparotomy; however, the most efficacious technique has not been determined. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials to synthesise the evidence with respect to pain, opioid consumption, and adverse events. METHODS: We searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central, and Scopus databases for studies comparing commonly used non-neuraxial analgesic techniques for midline laparotomy in adult patients. The co-primary outcomes of the study were 24-h cumulative opioid consumption and 24-h resting pain score, reported as i.v. morphine equivalents and 11-point numerical rating scale, respectively. We performed a frequentist meta-analysis using a random-effects model and a cluster-rank analysis of the co-primary outcomes. RESULTS: Of 6115 studies screened, 67 eligible studies were included (n=4410). Interventions with the greatest reduction in 24-h cumulative opioid consumption compared with placebo/no intervention were single-injection quadratus lumborum block (sQLB; mean difference [MD] -16.1 mg, 95% confidence interval [CI] -29.9 to -2.3, very low certainty), continuous transversus abdominis plane block (cTAP; MD -14.0 mg, 95% CI -21.6 to -6.4, low certainty), single-injection transversus abdominis plane block (sTAP; MD -13.7 mg, 95% CI -17.4 to -10.0, low certainty), and continuous rectus sheath block (cRSB; MD -13.2 mg, 95% CI -20.3 to -6.1, low certainty). Interventions with the greatest reduction in 24-h resting pain score were cRSB (MD -1.2, 95% CI -1.8 to -0.6, low certainty), cTAP (MD -1.0, 95% CI -1.7 to -0.2, low certainty), and continuous wound infusion (cWI; MD -0.7, 95% CI -1.1 to -0.4, low certainty). Clustered-rank analysis including the co-primary outcomes showed cRSB and cTAP blocks to be the most efficacious interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current evidence, continuous rectus sheath block and continuous transversus abdominis plane block were the most efficacious non-neuraxial techniques at reducing 24-h cumulative opioid consumption and 24-h resting pain scores after midline laparotomy (low certainty). Future studies should compare techniques for upper vs lower midline laparotomy and other non-midline abdominal incisions. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42021269044.

Pandemic-related factors predicting physician burnout beyond established organizational factors: cross-sectional results from the COPING survey.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased physician burnout beyond high baseline levels. We aimed to determine whether pandemic-related factors contribute to physician burnout beyond known organizational factors. This was a cross-sectional survey of Canadian physicians using a convenience sample. Eligible participants included any physician currently holding a license to practice in Canada. Responses were gathered from May 13 to 12 June 2020. Risk factors measured included the newly developed Pandemic Experiences and Perceptions Scale (PEPS) subscales, contact with virus, pandemic preparation, and provincial caseload. The primary outcome was the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The primary outcome was completed by 309 respondents. Latent profile analysis found 107 (34.6%) respondents were burned out. In multivariate analysis, exhaustion was independently associated with PEPS adequacy, risk perception, and worklife subscales (adjusted R2 = 0.236, P < 0.001). Cynicism was associated with exhaustion, and PEPS worklife (adjusted R2 = 0.543, P < 0.001). Efficacy was associated with cynicism, PEPS worklife, and active cases (adjusted R2 = 0.152, P < 0.001). Structural equation modelling showed statistically significant direct paths between PEPS areas of worklife and all MBI subscales. Contact with virus, preparation, and PEPS risk perception added to the prediction of MBI exhaustion. Among a sample of Canadian physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, adequacy of resources, risk perception, and quality of worklife were associated with burnout indices. To mitigate physician burnout organizations should work to improve working conditions, ensure adequate resources, and foster perceived control of risk of transmission.Trial Registration: NCT04379063.

Cost comparison between spinal versus general anesthesia for hip and knee arthroplasty: an incremental cost study.

PURPOSE: Wait list times for total joint arthroplasties have been growing, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Increasing operating room (OR) efficiency by reducing OR time and associated costs while maintaining quality allows the greatest number of patients to receive care. METHODS: We used propensity score matching to compare parallel processing with spinal anesthesia in a block room vs general anesthesia in a retrospective cohort of adult patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We compared perioperative costs, hospital costs, OR time intervals, and complications between the groups with nonparametric tests using an intention-to-treat approach. RESULTS: After matching, we included 636 patients (315 TKA; 321 THA). Median [interquartile range (IQR)] perioperative costs were CAD 7,417 [6,521-8,109], and hospital costs were CAD 10,293 [9,344-11,304]. Perioperative costs were not significantly different between groups (pseudo-median difference [MD], CAD -47 (95% confidence interval [CI], -214 to -130; P = 0.60); nor were total hospital costs (MD, CAD -78; 95% CI, -340 to 178; P = 0.57). Anesthesia-controlled time and total intraoperative time were significantly shorter for spinal anesthesia (MD, 14.6 min; 95% CI, 13.4 to 15.9; P < 0.001; MD, 15.9; 95% CI, 11.0 to 20.9; P < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences in complications. CONCLUSION: Spinal anesthesia in the context of a dedicated block room reduced both anesthesia-controlled time and total OR time. This did not translate into a reduction in incremental cost in the spinal anesthesia group.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Les temps d'attente pour les arthroplasties articulaires totales ont augmenté, en particulier à la suite de la pandémie de COVID-19. Une augmentation de l'efficacité de la salle d'opération (SOP) fondée sur une réduction du temps en salle d'opération et des coûts associés, tout en maintenant la qualité, permettrait à un plus grand nombre de patients de recevoir des soins. MéTHODE: Nous avons utilisé l'appariement par score de propension pour comparer en parallèle des traitements par rachianesthésie dans une salle de bloc vs par anesthésie générale dans une cohorte rétrospective de patients adultes bénéficiant d'une arthroplastie totale de la hanche (ATH) et d'une arthroplastie totale du genou (ATG) primaires. Nous avons comparé les coûts périopératoires, les coûts hospitaliers, les intervalles de temps en SOP et les complications entre les groupes avec des tests non paramétriques en utilisant une approche d'intention de traiter. RéSULTATS: Après appariement, nous avons inclus 636 patients (315 ATG; 321 ATH). Les coûts périopératoires médians [écart interquartile (ÉIQ)] étaient de 7417 $ CA [6521 ­ 8109] et les coûts hospitaliers de 10 293 $ CA [9344 ­ 11 304]. Les coûts périopératoires n'étaient pas significativement différents entre les groupes (différence pseudomédiane [DM], −47 $ CA (intervalle de confiance à 95 % [IC], −214 à −130; P = 0,60), pas plus que les coûts hospitaliers totaux (DM, −78 $ CA; IC 95 %, −340 à 178; P = 0,57). Le temps sous anesthésie et le temps peropératoire total étaient significativement plus courts pour la rachianesthésie (DM, 14,6 min; IC 95 %, 13,4 à 15,9; P < 0,001; DM, 15,9; IC 95 %, 11,0 à 20,9; P < 0,001, respectivement). Aucune différence significative n'a été observée dans les complications. CONCLUSION: La rachianesthésie dans un contexte de salle de bloc dédiée a réduit à la fois le temps sous anesthésie et le temps total de SOP. Cela ne s'est pas traduit par une réduction du coût différentiel dans le groupe recevant une rachianesthésie.

Qualities of Effective Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training Facilitators Delivering Simulation-Based Education in Resource-Limited Settings.

BACKGROUND: Lack of access to safe and affordable anesthesia and surgical care is a major contributor to avoidable death and disability across the globe. Effective education initiatives are a viable mechanism to address critical skill and process gaps in perioperative teams. Vital Anaesthesia Simulation Training (VAST) aims to overcome barriers limiting widespread application of simulation-based education (SBE) in resource-limited environments, providing immersive, low-cost, multidisciplinary SBE and simulation facilitator training. There is a dearth of knowledge regarding the factors supporting effective simulation facilitation in resource-limited environments. Frameworks evaluating simulation facilitation in high-income countries (HICs) are unlikely to fully assess the range of skills required by simulation facilitators working in resource-limited environments. This study explores the qualities of effective VAST facilitators; knowledge gained will inform the design of a framework for assessing simulation facilitators working in resource-limited contexts and promote more effective simulation faculty development. METHODS: This qualitative study used in-depth interviews to explore VAST facilitators' perspectives on attributes and practices of effective simulation in resource-limited settings. Twenty VAST facilitators were purposively sampled and consented to be interviewed. They represented 6 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and 3 HICs. Interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide. Data analysis involved open coding to inductively identify themes using labels taken from the words of study participants and those from the relevant literature. RESULTS: Emergent themes centered on 4 categories: Persona, Principles, Performance and Progression. Effective VAST facilitators embody a set of traits, style, and personal attributes (Persona) and adhere to certain Principles to optimize the simulation environment, maximize learning, and enable effective VAST Course delivery. Performance describes specific practices that well-trained facilitators demonstrate while delivering VAST courses. Finally, to advance toward competency, facilitators must seek opportunities for skill Progression.Interwoven across categories was the finding that effective VAST facilitators must be cognizant of how context, culture, and language may impact delivery of SBE. The complexity of VAST Course delivery requires that facilitators have a sensitive approach and be flexible, adaptable, and open-minded. To progress toward competency, facilitators must be open to self-reflection, be mentored, and have opportunities for practice. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this study will help to develop a simulation facilitator evaluation tool that incorporates cultural sensitivity, flexibility, and a participant-focused educational model, with broad relevance across varied resource-limited environments.

Critical structures in the needle path of the costoclavicular brachial plexus block: a cadaver study.

PURPOSE: The costoclavicular block is a relatively novel alternative to the infraclavicular block. We aimed to determine the anatomical structures vulnerable to needle injury during a costoclavicular block. METHODS: The needle path consistent with a costoclavicular block approach was performed bilaterally on four lightly embalmed cadavers using ultrasound guidance. Careful dissection was performed with 18-G Tuohy needles in situ and photographs were taken. RESULTS: The needle penetrated the deltoid in six of eight cases and the pectoralis minor in three of eight cases. The subclavius tendon or its fascia were punctured in two of eight cases. The lateral cord was in contact with the needle in six procedures and punctured in three. The posterior cord was contacted in two instances, and the medial cord in one. In a single dissection, the needle was in contact with the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve. The needle was close to the medial brachial cutaneous nerve in one case and close to the pectoral nerves in two of eight cases. While the cephalic vein and thoracoacromial artery were consistently nearby, there were no cases of vascular puncture. CONCLUSION: We found that the needle path may be close to the medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve, medial brachial cutaneous nerve, and pectoral nerves but did not traverse any critical structures aside from the lateral cord. This suggests relative safety when compared with other approaches to the infraclavicular brachial plexus. Structures dans la trajectoire de l'aiguille du bloc de plexus brachial costoclaviculaire : une étude cadavérique.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Le bloc costoclaviculaire est une alternative relativement nouvelle au bloc infraclaviculaire. Notre objectif était de déterminer quelles structures anatomiques étaient vulnérables aux lésions provoquées par l'aiguille pendant un bloc costoclaviculaire MéTHODE: Nous avons simulé, sous échoguidage, une trajectoire d'aiguille correspondant à l'approche pour un bloc costoclaviculaire en bilatéral sur quatre cadavres légèrement embaumés. Une dissection minutieuse a ensuite été exécutée avec des aiguilles Tuohy 18-G laissées in situ et des photographies ont été prises. RéSULTATS: L'aiguille a pénétré le deltoïde dans six des huit cas et le muscle petit pectoral dans trois des huit cas. Le tendon sous-clavier ou son fascia ont été perforés dans deux des huit cas. Le cordon latéral a été en contact avec l'aiguille dans six interventions et perforé dans trois cas. Le cordon postérieur a été touché dans deux cas, et le cordon médial dans un cas. L'aiguille a touché le nerf cutané antébrachial médial dans une seule dissection. L'aiguille était proche du nerf cutané brachial médial dans un cas et proche des nerfs pectoraux dans deux des huit cas. Alors que la veine céphalique et l'artère thoraco-acromiale étaient toujours à proximité, il n'y a eu aucun cas de ponction vasculaire. CONCLUSION: Nous avons constaté que la trajectoire de l'aiguille peut être à proximité du nerf cutané antébrachial médial, du nerf cutané brachial médial et du nerf pectoral, mais l'aiguille n'a pas traversé de structures critiques hormis le cordon latéral. Ceci suggère l'innocuité relative de ce type de bloc par rapport à d'autres approches du plexus brachial infraclaviculaire.

Factors associated with rebound pain after peripheral nerve block for ambulatory surgery.

BACKGROUND: Rebound pain is a common, yet under-recognised acute increase in pain severity after a peripheral nerve block (PNB) has receded, typically manifesting within 24 h after the block was performed. This retrospective cohort study investigated the incidence and factors associated with rebound pain in patients who received a PNB for ambulatory surgery. METHODS: Ambulatory surgery patients who received a preoperative PNB between March 2017 and February 2019 were included. Rebound pain was defined as the transition from well-controlled pain (numerical rating scale [NRS] ≤3) while the block is working to severe pain (NRS ≥7) within 24 h of block performance. Patient, surgical, and anaesthetic factors were analysed for association with rebound pain by univariate, multivariable, and machine learning methods. RESULTS: Four hundred and eighty-two (49.6%) of 972 included patients experienced rebound pain as per the definition. Multivariable analysis showed that the factors independently associated with rebound pain were younger age (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-0.99), female gender (OR 1.52 [1.15-2.02]), surgery involving bone (OR 1.82 [1.38-2.40]), and absence of perioperative i.v. dexamethasone (OR 1.78 [1.12-2.83]). Despite a high incidence of rebound pain, there were high rates of patient satisfaction (83.2%) and return to daily activities (96.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Rebound pain occurred in half of the patients and showed independent associations with age, female gender, bone surgery, and absence of intraoperative use of i.v. dexamethasone. Until further research is available, clinicians should continue to use preventative strategies, especially for patients at higher risk of experiencing rebound pain.

Continuous peripheral nerve blocks compared to thoracic epidurals or multimodal analgesia for midline laparotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNBs) have been investigated to control pain for abdominal surgery via midline laparotomy while avoiding the adverse events of opioid or epidural analgesia. The review compiles the evidence comparing CPNBs to multimodal and epidural analgesia. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review using broad search terms in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane. Primary outcomes were pain scores and cumulative opioid consumption at 48 hours. Secondary outcomes were length of stay and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). We rated the quality of the evidence using Cochrane and GRADE recommendations. The results were synthesized by meta-analysis using Revman. RESULTS: Our final selection included 26 studies (1,646 patients). There was no statistically significant difference in pain control comparing CPNBs to either multimodal or epidural analgesia (low quality evidence). Less opioids were consumed when receiving epidural analgesia than CPNBs (mean difference [MD]: -16.13, 95% CI [-32.36, 0.10]), low quality evidence) and less when receiving CPNBs than multimodal analgesia (MD: -31.52, 95% CI [-42.81, -20.22], low quality evidence). The length of hospital stay was shorter when receiving epidural analgesia than CPNBs (MD: -0.78 days, 95% CI [-1.29, -0.27], low quality evidence) and shorter when receiving CPNBs than multimodal analgesia (MD: -1.41 days, 95% CI [-2.45, -0.36], low quality evidence). There was no statistically significant difference in PONV comparing CPNBs to multimodal (high quality evidence) or epidural analgesia (moderate quality evidence). CONCLUSIONS: CPNBs should be considered a viable alternative to epidural analgesia when contraindications to epidural placement exist for patients undergoing midline laparotomies.

Efficacy of Surgical Simulation Training in a Low-Income Country.

INTRODUCTION: Simulation training has evolved as an important component of postgraduate surgical education and has shown to be effective in teaching procedural skills. Despite potential benefits to low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), simulation training is predominately used in high-income settings. This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulation training in one LMIC (Rwanda). METHODS: Twenty-six postgraduate surgical trainees at the University of Rwanda (Kigali, Rwanda) and Dalhousie University (Halifax, Canada) participated in the study. Participants attended one 3-hour simulation session using a high-fidelity, tissue-based model simulating the creation of an end ileostomy. Each participant was anonymously recorded completing the assigned task at three time points: prior to, immediately following, and 90 days following the simulation training. A single blinded expert reviewer assessed the performance using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) instrument. RESULTS: The mean OSATS score improvement for participants who completed all the assessments was 6.1 points [95 % Confidence Interval (CI) 2.2-9.9, p = 0.005]. Improvement was sustained over a 90-day period with a mean improvement of 4.1 points between the first and third attempts (95 % CI 0.3-7.9, p = 0.038). Simulation training was effective in both study sites, though most gains occurred with junior-level learners, with a mean improvement of 8.3 points (95 % CI 5.1-11.6, p < 0.001). Significant improvements were not identified for senior-level learners. CONCLUSION: This study supports the benefit for simulation in surgical training in LMICs. Skill improvements were limited to junior-level trainees. This work provides justification for investment in simulation-based curricula in Rwanda and potentially other LMICs.

The impact of adverse events on health care costs for older adults undergoing nonelective abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative complications have been identified as an important and potentially preventable cause of increased hospital costs. While older adults are at increased risk of experiencing complications and other adverse events, very little research has specifically examined how these events impact inpatient costs. We sought to examine the association between postoperative complications, hospital mortality and loss of independence and direct inpatient health care costs in patients 70 years or older who underwent nonelective abdominal surgery. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled consecutive patients 70 years or older who underwent nonelective abdominal surgery between July 1, 2011, and Sept. 30, 2012. Detailed patient-level data were collected regarding demographics, diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. Patient-level resource tracking was used to calculate direct hospital costs (2012 $CDN). We examined the association between complications, hospital mortality and loss of independence cost using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: During the study period 212 patients underwent surgery. Overall, 51.9% of patients experienced a nonfatal complication (32.5% minor and 19.4% major), 6.6% died in hospital and 22.6% experienced a loss of independence. On multivariate analysis nonfatal complications (p < 0.001), hospital mortality (p = 0.021) and loss of independence at discharge (p < 0.001) were independently associated with health care costs. These adverse events respectively accounted for 30%, 4% and 10% of the total costs of hospital care. CONCLUSION: Adverse events were common after abdominal surgery in older adults and accounted for 44% of overall costs. This represents a substantial opportunity for better patient outcomes and cost savings with quality improvement strategies tailored to the needs of this high-risk surgical population.

CONTEXTE: Les complications postopératoires sont une cause évitable qui contribue grandement aux coûts hospitaliers élevés. Malgré le fait que les personnes âgées courent un risque accru de subir des complications ou des événements indésirables, peu de recherches ont étudié l'incidence de ces éléments sur les coûts d'hospitalisation. Nous nous sommes penchés sur la relation entre les coûts des soins de santé assumés par les malades hospitalisés et les complications postopératoires, la mortalité hospitalière et la perte d'autonomie auprès d'une population de patients de 70 ans et plus ayant subi une intervention chirurgicale abdominale non facultative. MÉTHODES: La cohorte prospective a été formée de patients consécutifs âgés de 70 ans et plus ayant subi une intervention chirurgicale abdominale non facultative entre le 1er juillet 2011 et le 30 septembre 2012. Des données détaillées concernant leur profil démographique, leur diagnostic, leur traitement et leurs résultats ont été recueillies. Le calcul des coûts hospitaliers directs est basé sur un suivi des ressources utilisées par les patients (en dollars canadiens, 2012). Au moyen d'une régression linéaire multiple, nous avons analysé la relation entre les complications, la mortalité hospitalière et la perte d'autonomie. RÉSULTATS: Pendant la période à l'étude, 212 patients ont subi une intervention chirurgicale. Parmi eux, 51,9 % ont subi une complication non mortelle (mineure dans 32,5 % des cas; majeure dans 19,4 % des cas), 6,6 % sont décédés à l'hôpital, et 22,6 % ont subi une perte d'autonomie. Une analyse multivariable a permis de conclure que les complications non mortelles (p < 0,001), la mortalité hospitalière (p = 0,021) et la perte d'autonomie à la sortie de l'hôpital (p < 0,001) étaient indépendamment associées aux coûts des soins de santé et qu'elles représentaient respectivement 30 %, 4 % et 10 % des coûts d'hospitalisation totaux. CONCLUSION: Les événements indésirables étaient fréquents dans le contexte des interventions chirurgicales abdominales réalisées sur des personnes âgées et représentaient 44 % des coûts totaux. Nous devons saisir cette occasion et nous doter de stratégies d'amélioration de la qualité adaptées aux besoins de cette population, à risque élevé sur le plan chirurgical, afin d'améliorer les résultats pour les patients et de diminuer les coûts.

The Impact of Nonelective Abdominal Surgery on the Residential Status of Older Adult Patients.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the change in residential status at discharge and 6 months after hospitalization among older adults who have undergone nonelective abdominal surgery and to identify risk factors associated with discharge to institution. BACKGROUND: Surgery in older adults may lead to a loss of independence that prevents them from returning to their preadmission residential status. Understanding the impact of surgery on residential status and risk factors for institutionalization is important for patient counseling, discharge planning, and resource allocation. METHODS: Community-dwelling patients aged 70 years and older who underwent nonelective abdominal surgery over a 15-month period were prospectively enrolled. Residential status before admission, at discharge, and 6 months after admission was assessed. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with discharge to institution. RESULTS: Of the 197 patients who underwent surgery and survived to discharge, 30% were living alone before admission and 70% were living with others. At discharge, 72% of patients returned to their preadmission residential status and 22% were institutionalized. Six months after hospitalization, 55% of institutionalized patients had returned to community-living, and 79% of all patients had returned to their preadmission residential status. Change in residential status was associated with decreased quality of life. Increasing American Society of Anesthesiologists score, frailty, surgery for malignancy, and postoperative complications were associated with discharge to institution. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of older patients, including those who were discharged to an institution, returned to their preadmission residential status 6 months after nonelective abdominal surgery.

Management and outcomes of small bowel obstruction in older adult patients: a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research was to examine the morbidity, mortality and rate of recurrent bowel obstruction associated with the treatment of small bowel obstruction (SBO) in older adults. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled all patients 70 years or older with an SBO who were admitted to a tertiary care teaching centre between Jul. 1, 2011, and Sept. 30, 2012. Data regarding presentation, investigations, treatment and outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Of the 104 patients admitted with an SBO, 49% were managed nonoperatively and 51% underwent surgery. Patients who underwent surgery experienced more complications (64% v. 27%, p = 0.002) and stayed in hospital longer (10 v. 3 d, p < 0.001) than patients managed nonoperatively. Nonoperative management was associated with a high rate of recurrent SBO: 31% after a median follow-up of 17 months. Of the patients managed operatively, 60% underwent immediate surgery and 40% underwent surgery after attempted nonoperative management. Patients in whom nonoperative management failed underwent surgery after a median of 2 days, and 89% underwent surgery within 5 days. The rate of bowel resection was high (29%) among those who underwent delayed surgery. Surgery after failed nonoperative management was associated with a mortality of 14% versus 3% for those who underwent immediate surgery; however, this difference was not significant. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that some elderly patients with SBO may be waiting too long for surgery.

CONTEXTE: Le but de cette recherche était d'analyser la morbidité, la mortalité et le taux de récurrence de l'occlusion intestinale associés au traitement de l'occlusion intestinale grêle (OIG) chez des adultes âgés. MÉTHODES: Nous avons inscrit de manière prospective tous les patients de 70 ans ou plus présentant une OIG qui ont été admis dans un établissement de soins tertiaires entre le 1er juillet 2011 et le 30 septembre 2012. Nous avons recueilli les données concernant les tableaux cliniques, les épreuves diagnostiques, les traitements et leurs résultats. RÉSULTATS: Parmi les 104 patients admis pour OIG, 49 % ont été traités non chirurgicalement et 51 % ont subi une intervention chirurgicale. Les patients soumis à la chirurgie ont présenté davantage de complications (64 % c. 27 %, p = 0,002) et ont séjourné plus longtemps à l'hôpital (10 j. c. 3 j., p < 0,001) comparativement aux patients qui n'ont pas été opérés. La prise en charge non chirurgicale a été associée à un taux élevé de récurrences de l'OIG : 31 % après un suivi médian de 17 mois. Parmi les patients opérés, 60 % ont subi une chirurgie immédiate et 40 % ont subi leur chirurgie après une tentative de prise en charge non chirurgicale. Les patients chez qui la prise en charge non chirurgicale a échoué ont subi leur chirurgie après une période médiane de 2 jours et 89 % en l'espace de 5 jours. Le taux de résection intestinale a été élevé (29 %) chez ceux dont la chirurgie a été retardée. La chirurgie après une intervention non chirurgicale infructueuse a été associée à un taux de mortalité de 14 %, contre 3 % chez les patients immédiatement soumis à la chirurgie. Toutefois, cette différence s'est révélée non significative. CONCLUSION: Ces données laissent penser que certains patients âgés présentant une OIG attendent peut-être trop longtemps pour leur chirurgie.

Robotic versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in obese adults ages 18 to 65 years: a systematic review and economic analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, 37.5 % of adults (78 million) are obese. The direct medical costs of treating obesity-related disease account for more than 6 % of the national health expenditure. Robotic bariatric surgery is becoming more common, but it is unclear whether robotic procedures result in lower complication rates. Additionally, some evidence is conflicting regarding the costs of robotic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) compared with those of laparoscopic RYGB. This study aimed to compare complication rates, operative characteristics, and expected costs between robotic and laparoscopic RYGB. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed with searches of five databases and grey literature, hand searches, and reference and forward citation searches. Studies comparing robotic versus laparoscopic RYGB involving patients ages 18-65 years who met the National Institutes of Health (NIH) criteria for bariatric surgery were included in the study if they reported overall or major complication rates. Outcomes were pooled using random-effects metaanalysis. A decision-tree economic analysis was performed to calculate expected costs associated with each technique. RESULTS: The systematic search strategy returned 1,374 potentially relevant studies. The inclusion criteria were met by 10 of these studies, which included results from 2,557 patients. The overall major and minor complications did not differ significantly between the robotic and laparoscopic groups. The rates for anastomotic leak, bleeding, stricture, and reoperation did not differ significantly. An economic analysis found that the expected costs for robotic RYGB ($15,447) were higher than for laparoscopic RYGB ($11,956). Sensitivity analyses produced similar results. CONCLUSION: The complication rates did not differ significantly between robotic and laparoscopic RYGB, but the expected costs were greater for robotic RYGB. Further cost effectiveness analyses are recommended before adoption of a robotic approach to RYGB.