A comparison of outcomes including bile duct injury of subtotal cholecystectomy versus open total cholecystectomy as bailout procedures for severe cholecystitis: A multicenter real-world study.

BACKGROUND: Dense inflammation obscuring the hepatocystic anatomy can hinder the ability to perform a safe standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy in severe cholecystitis, requiring use of a bailout procedure. We compared clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and open subtotal cholecystectomy against the traditional standard of open total cholecystectomy to identify the optimal bailout strategy for the difficult gallbladder. METHODS: A multicenter, multinational retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent bailout procedures for severe cholecystitis. Procedures were compared using one-way analysis of variance/Kruskal-Wallis tests and χ2 tests with multiple pairwise comparisons, maintaining a family-wise error rate at 0.05. Multiple multivariate linear/logistical regression models were created. RESULTS: In 11 centers, 727 bailout procedures were conducted: 317 laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomies, 172 open subtotal cholecystectomies, and 238 open cholecystectomies. Baseline characteristics were similar among subgroups. Bile leak was common in laparoscopic and open fenestrating subtotal cholecystectomies, with increased intraoperative drain placements and postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(P < .05). In contrast, intraoperative bleeding (odds ratio = 3.71 [1.9, 7.22]), surgical site infection (odds ratio = 2.41 [1.09, 5.3]), intensive care unit admission (odds ratio = 2.65 [1.51, 4.63]), and length of stay (Δ = 2 days, P < .001) were higher in open procedures. Reoperation rates were higher for open reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomies (odds ratio = 3.43 [1.03, 11.44]) than other subtypes. The overall rate of bile duct injury was 1.1% and was not statistically different between groups. Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy had a bile duct injury rate of 0.63%. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic subtotal cholecystectomy is a feasible surgical bailout procedure in cases of severe cholecystitis where standard laparoscopic cholecystectomy may carry undue risk of bile duct injury. Open cholecystectomy remains a reasonable option.

Multiple logistic regression model to predict bile leak associated with subtotal cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: There are no prediction models for bile leakage associated with subtotal cholecystectomy (STC). Therefore, this study aimed to generate a multivariable prediction model for post-STC bile leakage and evaluate its overall performance. METHODS: We analysed prospectively managed data of patients who underwent STC by a single consultant surgeon between 14 May 2013 and 21 December 2021. STC was schematised into four variants with five subvariants and classified broadly as closed-tract or open-tract STC. A contingency table was used to detect independent risk factors for bile leakage. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to generate a model. Discrimination and calibration statistics were computed to assess the accuracy of the model. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients underwent the STC procedure. Twenty-eight patients (35%) developed bile leakage. Of these, 18 patients (64%) required secondary surgical intervention. Multivariable logistic regression revealed two independent predictors of post-STC bile leak: open-tract STC (odds ratio [OR], 7.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.191-25.89; P = 0.0170) and acute cholecystitis (OR, 5.449; 95% CI, 1.584-23.48; P = 0.0121). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 82.11% (95% CI, 72.87-91.34; P < 0.0001). Tjur's pseudo-R2 was 0.3189 and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit statistic was 4.916 (P = 0.7665). CONCLUSIONS: Open-tract STC and acute cholecystitis are the most reliable predictors of bile leakage associated with STC. Future prospective, multicentre studies with higher statistical power are needed to generate more specific and externally validated prediction models for post-STC bile leaks.

Review of the Literature on Partial Resections of the Gallbladder, 1898-2022: The Outline of the Conception of Subtotal Cholecystectomy and a Suggestion to Use the Terms 'Subtotal Open-Tract Cholecystectomy' and 'Subtotal Closed-Tract Cholecystectomy'.

Current descriptions of the history of subtotal cholecystectomy require more details and accuracy. This study presented a narrative review of the articles on partial resections of the gallbladder published between 1898 and 2022. The Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles items guided the style and content of this paper. The systematic literature search yielded 165 publications. Of them, 27 were published between 1898 and 1984. The evolution of the partial resections of the gallbladder began in the last decade of the 19th century when Kehr and Mayo performed them. The technique of partial resection of the gallbladder leaving the hepatic wall in situ was well known in the 3rd and 4th decades of the 20th century. In 1931, Estes emphasised the term 'partial cholecystectomy'. In 1947, Morse and Barb introduced the term 'subtotal cholecystectomy'. Madding and Farrow popularised it in 1955-1959. Bornman and Terblanche revitalised it in 1985. This term became dominant in 2014. From a subtotal cholecystectomy technical execution perspective, it is either a single-stage (when it includes only the resectional component) or two-stage (when it also entails closure of the remnant of the gallbladder or cystic duct) operation. Recent papers on classifications of partial resections of the gallbladder indicate the extent of gallbladder resection. Subtotal cholecystectomy is an umbrella term for incomplete cholecystectomies. 'Subtotal open-tract cholecystectomy' and 'subtotal closed-tract cholecystectomy' are terms that characterise the type of completion of subtotal cholecystectomy.

Cholecystectomy: Advances and Issues.

The introduction and rationalization of the terms 'Critical View of Safety' (CVS) in 1995-2000 [...].

A nationwide analysis of gallbladder surgery in England between 2000 and 2019.

BACKGROUND: There are no reports on nationwide trends in subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) and cholecystostomy in England. We hypothesized that, as in the United States, a substantial increase in the utilization of these surgical procedures, over time, may be observed. We aimed to generate a reliable report on 4 of the most common gallbladder surgical procedures in England to allow cross-procedure comparisons and highlight significant changes in the management of benign gallbladder disease over time. METHODS: We obtained data from NHS Digital and extracted population estimates from the Office of National Statistics. We examined the trends in the use of STC, cholecystostomy, cholecystolithotomy and total cholecystectomy (TC) between 2000 and 2019. RESULTS: Of the 1,234,319 gallbladder surgeries performed, TC accounted for 96.8% (n = 1,194,786) and the other 3 surgeries for 3.2% (n = 39,533). The total number of gallbladder surgeries performed annually increased by 80.4% from 2000 to 2019. We detected increases in the counts of cholecystostomies by 723.1% (n = 290 in 2000 vs n = 2,387 in 2019) and STCs by 716.6% (n = 217 in 2000 vs n = 1,772 in 2019). Consequently, there was a decrease in the ratio of TC to STC (180:1 in 2000 vs 38:1 in 2019). A similar decrease was observed in the ratio of cholecystectomy to cholecystostomy (135:1 in 2000 vs 29:1 in 2019). CONCLUSION: Increased utilization of STC and cholecystostomy was detected in England. These findings highlight the importance of regular monitoring of nationwide trends in gallbladder surgery and the associated clinical outcomes.

Post-COVID-19 vaccination occurrence of splenic infarction due to arterial thrombosis.

We present the case of an 82-year-old woman admitted to a regional emergency general surgery centre with severe left upper quadrant abdominal pain and tenderness within 21 days of receiving the first dose of the ChAdOx1 nCov-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria, AstraZeneca). Following further investigation through CT imaging, a thrombus was discovered in the patient's splenic artery resulting in a large splenic infarct. Splenic infarcts are rare and it is important to note the association between time of administration of the first dose of vaccine and the occurrence of thromboembolic complications in the noted absence of other risk factors for this condition. We hypothesise a link between Vaxzevria vaccine injection and a rare form of thromboembolic complication: thrombosis of the splenic artery.

Rising incidence of colorectal cancer in individuals younger than 50 years and increasing mortality from rectosigmoid cancer in England.

AIM: The aim was to describe changes in incidence and mortality from colorectal cancer (CRC) in England by analysing data available from the National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS, 2001-2017). METHODS: Data analysis was undertaken to interpret trends and patterns in age-standardized incidence and death rates from CRC, including sub-analyses by six age groups (0-24, 25-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+) and three sites of cancer-colonic, rectosigmoid and rectal. RESULTS: Overall CRC incidence remained relatively stable-70.1 cases per 100 000 individuals (95% CI 69.3-71.0) in 2001 and 68.8 cases (95% CI 68.0-69.5) in 2017. Sub-analysis demonstrates a quarter fewer incidence of rectosigmoid cancer (-27%). This is counterbalanced by a 3% rise in colon cancers. The age-standardized incidence rate of CRC increased by 59% in the 25-49 age group. In the over 50s, CRC incidence remained stable, with reductions seen in rectosigmoid cancer (50-59 years, -19%; 60-69, -26%; 70-79, -39%; 80+, -27%). Overall, mortality improved (-18.7%), primarily as a result of the reduction in deaths from colon (-31.6%) and rectal cancers (-25.1%). Deaths from the small incident number of rectosigmoid cancers, however, demonstrated a significant increase overall (+166.7%). Grouped age-standardized death rate analyses showed increasing death rates in the under 50s (+28.3%) compared to declining rates in the over 50s (-15.8%). CONCLUSIONS: There is a clear trend in increased incidence and mortality in individuals under 50 years old. There is also a trend to increased mortality from rectosigmoid cancer. These findings should have implications for national screening programme extension to under 50s and a call to arms for appropriate identification, staging and treatment of rectosigmoid cancers.

Risks associated with subtotal cholecystectomy and the factors influencing them: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 85 studies published between 1985 and 2020.

BACKGROUND: Subtotal cholecystectomy is recognized as a rescue procedure performed in grossly suboptimal circumstances that would deem a total cholecystectomy too risky to execute. An earlier systematic review based on 30 studies published between 1985 and 2013 concluded that subtotal cholecystectomy had a morbidity rate comparable to that of total cholecystectomy. This systematic review appraises 17 clinical outcomes in patients undergoing subtotal cholecystectomy. METHODS: The study protocol was registered with the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (CRD42020172808). MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane bibliographic databases, and Google Scholar were used to identify papers published between 1985 and June 2020. Data related to the surgical setting, approach, intervention on the hepatic wall of the gallbladder, type of completion of subtotal cholecystectomy, year of study, and study design were collected. Seventeen clinical outcomes were considered. Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effects model, and the effect size was presented as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: From 1,017 records, 85 eligible studies were identified and included. These included 3,645 patients who underwent subtotal cholecystectomy. Laparoscopic (80.1%, n = 2,918) and reconstituting (74.6%, n = 2,719) approaches represented the majority of all subtotal cholecystectomy cases. Seven (0.2%) cases of injury to the bile duct were reported. Bile leak was reported in 506 (13.9%) patients. Reconstituting subtotal cholecystectomy was associated with a lower risk for 11 clinical outcomes. Open subtotal cholecystectomy was associated with an increased rate of 30-day mortality and wound infections. CONCLUSION: Subtotal cholecystectomy is associated with significant morbidity. Laparoscopic and reconstituting surgery may reduce the risks of some perioperative complications and long-term sequelae after subtotal cholecystectomy.

A profile of a major trauma centre of North West England between 2011 and 2018.

This study examined the trends and patterns of major trauma (MT) activities, causes, mortality and survival at the Aintree Major Trauma Centre (MTC), Liverpool, between 2011 and 2018. The number of trauma team activations (TTAs) rose sharply over time (n = 699 in 2013; n = 1522 in 2018). The proportion of TTAs that involved MT patients decreased from 75.1% in 2013 to 67.4% in 2018. The leading cause of MT was a fall from less than 2 m (36%). There has been a fivefold increase in the overall number of trauma procedures between 2011 and 2018. Orthopaedic surgeons have performed 80% of operations (n = 7732), followed by neurosurgeons, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and general trauma surgeons. Both types of fall (> 2 m and < 2 m) and road traffic accidents were the three leading causes of death during the study period. The observed mortality rates exceeded that of expected rates in years 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2017. The all-cause observed to expected mortality ratio was 1.08 between 2012 and 2018. A change in care for MT patients was not directly associated with improved survival, although the marginally ascending trend line in survival rates between 2012 and 2018 reflects a gradual positive change.

SARS-CoV-2 infection in acute pancreatitis increases disease severity and 30-day mortality: COVID PAN collaborative study.

OBJECTIVE: There is emerging evidence that the pancreas may be a target organ of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This aim of this study was to investigate the outcome of patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) and coexistent SARS-CoV-2 infection. DESIGN: A prospective international multicentre cohort study including consecutive patients admitted with AP during the current pandemic was undertaken. Primary outcome measure was severity of AP. Secondary outcome measures were aetiology of AP, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of hospital stay, local complications, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), persistent organ failure and 30-day mortality. Multilevel logistic regression was used to compare the two groups. RESULTS: 1777 patients with AP were included during the study period from 1 March to 23 July 2020. 149 patients (8.3%) had concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection. Overall, SARS-CoV-2-positive patients were older male patients and more likely to develop severe AP and ARDS (p<0.001). Unadjusted analysis showed that SARS-CoV-2-positive patients with AP were more likely to require ICU admission (OR 5.21, p<0.001), local complications (OR 2.91, p<0.001), persistent organ failure (OR 7.32, p<0.001), prolonged hospital stay (OR 1.89, p<0.001) and a higher 30-day mortality (OR 6.56, p<0.001). Adjusted analysis showed length of stay (OR 1.32, p<0.001), persistent organ failure (OR 2.77, p<0.003) and 30-day mortality (OR 2.41, p<0.04) were significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 co-infection. CONCLUSION: Patients with AP and coexistent SARS-CoV-2 infection are at increased risk of severe AP, worse clinical outcomes, prolonged length of hospital stay and high 30-day mortality.

Subtotal Cholecystectomy: Results of a Single-Center, Registry-Based Retrospective Cohort Study of 180 Adults in 2011-2018.

Introduction: Data on subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) as an alternative to conventional cholecystectomy in difficult surgical situations are limited. This multiaspectual report aims to reduce the STC-specific knowledge gap and inform clinical decision-making strategies. Materials and Methods: All 180 patients who underwent STC at a single center between 2011 and 2017 were assessed in this retrospective cohort study. Their outcomes were followed up until March 23, 2018. Six subgroups stratified by surgical setting (elective/nonelective), surgical approach used (open/laparoscopic), and type of STC (reconstituting/fenestrating) were compared. Results: The ratio of conventional to STC procedures was 13:1. Of the 180 patients, 150 had a history of hospitalization for the acute biliary disease. The proportion of all cholecystectomies that were STC ranged from 1% to 71% between individual surgeons; similarly, laparoscopic STC comprised 0%-97% of all STCs. STC was associated with high intraoperative (n = 19; 10.6%) and short-term postoperative (n = 159; 88.3%) complication rates. There were three significant intraoperative complications-bleeding (n = 8; 4.4%), bile duct injury (n = 7; 3.9%), and intestinal injury (n = 4; 2.2%). The most common postoperative surgical site complications were external bile leak (21%), wound infection (17%), and biloma (10%). Associations between fenestrating STC and the rates of postoperative bile leak and retained gallstones, mainly in the main bile duct, were detected. Conclusions: STC-associated perioperative morbidity is significant. There is a substantial investigation burden. Injuries can be avoided when conversion to STC is timely, and its technical variant is correctly selected. The STC rate is a potential key performance indicator monitoring gallbladder surgery practice.

Evaluating the Patient and Setting-Specific Factors That Influenced the Quality of Informed Consent in a Retrospective Cohort of Subtotal Cholecystectomy Patients.

Introduction: Cholecystectomy is the most frequently performed procedure in general surgery. The consent procedure for cholecystectomy needs to inform patients about the possibility of subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) as an alternative procedure used for "difficult gallbladders" as it is associated with increased postoperative morbidity. We sought to determine the quality of informed consent for patients who were scheduled for cholecystectomy but underwent STC, and evaluate whether patient or procedural factors influenced the information discussed in consenting. Materials and Methods: We classified 57 components of information necessary for a patient to give informed consent for cholecystectomy. We retrospectively reviewed the consent forms of patients scheduled for conventional cholecystecomy but instead undergoing STC between 2011 and 2017. Consent quality was measured as the percentage of components completed. Subgroup analyses were conducted to determine whether age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade, setting (elective/nonelective), operation mode (open/laparoscopic), or the responsible surgeon affected consent quality. Results: Across 174 patients, just 9 (5.2%) had been informed about the possibility of undergoing STC, whereas the overall quality of consent was 37.5%. Patient and setting-specific factors affected the completion of specific consent components. Patients were more likely to receive a patient information leaflet if they were female (relative risk [RR] 2.76; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-7.00), <60 years (RR 3.32; 95% CI 1.39-7.90) or undergoing laparoscopic surgery (RR 8.04; 95% CI 2.50-25.88). Conclusion: The suboptimal quality of consent and multiple inconsistencies in the information disclosed to different patient cohorts emphasize the need for a more transparent and consistent consenting process.

Laparoscopic Surgery Is Safe and Beneficial in True Functional High-Risk Patients with Colorectal Cancer: Utilization of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test.

Background: Patients with colorectal cancer deemed to be high-risk may be denied an elective laparoscopic resection due to subjective reasons. A comparison of the 30-day outcomes in true functional high-risk patients who underwent either open or laparoscopic colorectal resection was undertaken. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort of all functional high-risk patients as assessed by cardiopulmonary exercise test between July 2015 and April 2018 were identified. Anaerobic threshold of <11 mL/kg/minute was used as a physiologic indicator to determine a high-risk patient. Adherence to the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) was ensured. P values were computed via two-sided Fisher's exact test, and the exact Mann-Whitney U-test. Forest plots for relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were displayed on a log scale. Results: One hundred forty-six patients were identified as high-risk. Outcomes demonstrated a trend to laparoscopic benefit in all Clavien-Dindo grades of postoperative complications, but especially in severe complications of grades 3-4 (3.5% versus 10.2%). Readmissions demonstrated a trend to laparoscopic surgery benefit (7% versus 11.8%), as did mortality (1.7% versus 3.4%). The rate of surgery-site complications was higher after open surgery (42.1% versus 22.4%, P = .0201). Wound infections were observed more frequently after open surgery (12.5% versus 1.72%, P = .0280). The estimated risk of all-grade complications was significantly higher after open anterior rectal resection (63.0% versus 29.6%, P = .0281) and there was significantly shorter stay after laparoscopic right colectomy (5 v. 7 days, P = .0490). Conclusions: Laparoscopic approach for colorectal resections in high-risk patients is safe and beneficial compared to open surgery, especially in patients undergoing laparoscopic resection of the rectum and right colon.

Falls in older aged adults in 22 European countries: incidence, mortality and burden of disease from 1990 to 2017.

INTRODUCTION: Falls in older aged adults are an important public health problem. Insight into differences in fall-related injury rates between countries can serve as important input for identifying and evaluating prevention strategies. The objectives of this study were to compare Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2017 estimates on incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) due to fall-related injury in older adults across 22 countries in the Western European region and to examine changes over a 28-year period. METHODS: We performed a secondary database descriptive study using the GBD 2017 results on age-standardised fall-related injury in older adults aged 70 years and older in 22 countries from 1990 to 2017. RESULTS: In 2017, in the Western European region, 13 840 per 100 000 (uncertainty interval (UI) 11 837-16 113) older adults sought medical treatment for fall-related injury, ranging from 7594 per 100 000 (UI 6326-9032) in Greece to 19 796 per 100 000 (UI 15 536-24 233) in Norway. Since 1990, fall-related injury DALY rates showed little change for the whole region, but patterns varied widely between countries. Some countries (eg, Belgium and Netherlands) have lost their favourable positions due to an increasing fall-related injury burden of disease since 1990. CONCLUSIONS: From 1990 to 2017, there was considerable variation in fall-related injury incidence, mortality, DALY rates and its composites in the 22 countries in the Western European region. It may be useful to assess which fall prevention measures have been taken in countries that showed continuous low or decreasing incidence, death and DALY rates despite ageing of the population.

Traumatic bruising of the hepatoduodenal ligament can conceal a catastrophic injury to the hepatic artery.

We present the case of a 22-year-old man transferred to the regional major trauma centre following a fall of ~15 m. He remained consistently haemodynamically stable for over 10 hours of observation until he deteriorated suddenly with major haemorrhagic shock requiring immediate trauma laparotomy. At laparotomy, 2 L of blood was drained from the abdomen but no source of active bleeding identified. 30 minutes after closure of the abdomen, 500 mL of fresh blood was noted in the drain so he was returned to the theatre where the bleeding source was found to be-after manual compression of a mildly bruised hepatoduodenal ligament-the proper hepatic artery (PHA). This case describes an unusual finding at relaparotomy and shows that even when there is no active bleeding from abdominal organs or classified vessels, it is possible to have isolated injury to PHA.

A systematic review of 3251 emergency department thoracotomies: is it time for a national database?

PURPOSE: Emergency department thoracotomy (EDT) is a potentially life-saving procedure, performed on patients suffering traumatic cardiac arrest. Multiple indications have been reported, but overall survival remains unclear for each indication. The objective of this systematic review is to determine overall survival, survival stratified by indication, and survival stratified by geographical location for patients undergoing EDT across the world. METHODS: Articles published between 2000 and 2016 were identified which detailed outcomes from EDT. All articles referring to pre-hospital, delayed, or operating room thoracotomy were excluded. Pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated comparing differing indications. RESULTS: Thirty-seven articles, containing 3251 patients who underwent EDT, were identified. There were 277 (8.5%) survivors. OR demonstrate improved survival for; penetrating vs blunt trauma (OR 2.10; p 0.0028); stab vs gun-shot (OR 5.45; p < 0.0001); signs of life (SOL) on admission vs no SOL (OR 5.36; p < 0.0001); and SOL in the field vs no SOL (OR 19.39; p < 0.0001). Equivalence of survival was demonstrated between cardiothoracic vs non-cardiothoracic injury (OR 1.038; p 1.000). Survival was worse for USA vs non-USA cohorts (OR 1.59; p 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating injury remains a robust indication for EDT. Non-cardiothoracic cause of cardiac arrest should not preclude EDT. In the absence of on scene SOL, survival following EDT is extremely unlikely. Survival is significantly higher in the non-USA publications; reasons for this are highly complex. A UK multicentre prospective study which collects standardised data on all EDTs could provide robust evidence for better patient stratification.

Surgical or endoscopic management of malignant colon polyps.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate indications for colectomy in T1 polyps and possible risk factors for lymph node metastasis. METHODS: Between 2004 and 2017, 40 patients underwent colectomy after endoscopic removal of malignant polyps with T1 carcinoma. Resection was done based on at least one of the unfavourable histopathological criteria. We collected and prospectively studied histopathologic features, short-term results and the benefit-risk balance. Complications were assessed by Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (62.5%) underwent laparoscopic bowel resection. Twenty-nine patients (63.0%) had more than two unfavourable criteria in the polyp that justified colorectal resection. Thirty-five patients (76%) had G2 (moderately differentiated) cancer, 11 (24%) had G1 (well-differentiated). Five patients (12.5%) had lymph node metastases and one (2.5%) had residual adenocarcinoma. All five patients with lymph node metastasis had G2 cancer. Nine patients (22.5%) had residual adenoma. Overall complications were identified in six (15.0%) patients. Oncologic benefit (or risk factors for lymph node metastasis) was significantly associated with polyp size ≥18 mm (P = 0.006), lymphovascular invasion (P = 0.05) and budding (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Female gender, lymphovascular invasion, desmoplastic reaction, criteria for surgery ≥2 and polyp size ≥18 mm were all in complex significant risk factors for lymph node metastasis in T1 colorectal cancer. Acting as a single factor, these variables had no effect to increased risk of metastasis.

Incidence and mortality from adverse effects of medical treatment in the UK, 1990-2013: levels, trends, patterns and comparisons.

OBJECTIVE: To present an update on incidence and mortality from adverse effects (AEs) of medical treatment in the UK, its four countries and nine English regions between 1990 and 2013. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiological study on AEs of medical treatment. AEs are shown as a single cause-of-injury category from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2013 study. DATA SOURCES: The GBD 2013 interactive data visualisation tools 'Epi Visualisation' and 'GBD Compare'. OUTCOME MEASURES: The means of incidence and mortality rates with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). The estimates are age-standardised. RESULTS: Incidence rate was 175 and 176 cases per 100 000 men, 173 and 174 cases per 100 000 women in 1990 and 2013, in the UK (UI 170-180). The mortality from AEs declined from 1.33 deaths (UI 0.99-1.5) to 0.92 deaths (UI 0.75-1.2) per 100 000 individuals in the UK between 1990 and 2013 (30.8% change). Although mortality trends were descending in every region of the UK, they varied by geography and gender. Mortality rates in Scotland, North East England and West Midlands were highest. Mortality rates in South England and Northern Ireland were lowest. In 2013, age-specific mortality rates were higher in males in all 20 age groups compared with females. CONCLUSIONS: Despite gains in reducing mortality from AEs of medical treatment in the UK between 1990 and 2013, the incidence of AEs remained the same. The results of this analysis suggest revising healthcare policies and programmes aimed to reduce incidence of AEs in the UK.

An analogy between socioeconomic deprivation level and loss of health from adverse effects of medical treatment in England.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to show whether and how levels, trends and patterns obtained from estimates of premature deaths from adverse effects (AEs) of medical treatment depended on the deprivation level in England over the 24-year period, 1990-2013. We provide a report to inform decision-making strategies to reduce the burden of disease arising from AEs of medical treatment in the most deprived areas of the country. METHODS: Comparative analysis was driven by a single cause-of-injury category-AEs of medical treatment-from the Global Burden of Disease 2013 study. We report the mean values with 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs) for five socioeconomic deprivation areas of England. RESULTS: In the most deprived areas of England, the death rate declined from 2.27 (95% UI 1.65 to 2.57) to 1.54 (1.28 to 2.08) deaths (32.16% change). The death rate in the least deprived areas was 1.22 (0.88 to 1.38) in 1990; it was 1.17 (0.97 to 1.59) in 2013 (4.1% change). Regarding disability-adjusted life year (DALY) rates, the same trend is observed. Although the gap between the most deprived and least deprived populations of England narrowed with regards to number of deaths, and rates of deaths and DALYs from AEs of medical treatment, inequalities between marginal levels of deprivation remain. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that a relationship between deprivation level and health loss from the AEs of medical treatment across England is possible. This could then be used when devising and prioritising health policies and strategies.