ABSTRACT
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a major undertaking with profound peri-operative metabolic and haemodynamic alterations. It requires standardised protocols for immediate postoperative intensive care management to improve patient-related outcomes. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained data-base of 244 patients who underwent CRS and HIPEC between June 2017 and July 2022 in our institute was done. Based on the audit, six strategies were implemented, namely, (1) dynamic multiparameter-based IVF therapy to aggressively correct the hyperlactatemia, (2) initiation of IV 20% human albumin infusion from POD-0, (3) correction of serum iCa2+ levels, (4) initiation of diuresis from POD-1, (5) prophylactic use of HFNO immediately post-extubation and (6) serum procalcitonin level-based empiric escalation of IV antibiotics. Patients were divided into two cohorts, pre-protocol group of 145 patients (from June 2017 to December 2020) and post-protocol group comprising of 99 patients (from January 2021 to July 2022), and were analysed for compliance and patient-related outcomes. Implementation of these strategies improved the patient-related outcomes among the two cohorts with significant reduction of Clavien-Dindo grade III/IV complications and improvement in failure to rescue (FTR) index (p < 0.05). There was highly significant reduction in median ICU and hospital stay among the two cohorts (p < 0.001). The formulated protocols of management strategies especially multiparameter-based dynamic fluid therapy, planned diuresis and prophylactic HFNO have improved the outcomes in our patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC.
ABSTRACT
Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is a standard procedure in evaluating the status of node negative axilla. Numerous techniques have been described in literature. We hereby describe a new technique of intradermal injection of blue dye called the lymphatic flare technique. Methods: The study was conducted in two phases over a year from August 2020 to May 2021with an internal audit to validate and standardize the technique in January 2021. Results: Between August 2020 and December 2020, 32 patients were evaluated for validation of this technique by two senior surgeons, which yielded a SLN identification rate of 93.75% (30 out of 32). After validating, standardizing, and educating the entire surgical team of the technique, another consecutive 27 patients were evaluated. The SLN identification rate increased to 100% (27 out of 27). Overall, SLN positivity for cancer was 16.6% (10 out of 60). Conclusion: SLN identification by the lymphatic flare technique is feasible, accurate, and reproducible.
