Retinal small vessel dilatation in the systemic inflammatory response to surgery.

Retinal microvascular calibre has been proposed as a predictor of cardiac events. Surgery is a major stimulus for inflammation which potentially affects small vessel calibre. This study examined the effects of surgery on retinal, and thus systemic, small vessel size, and the potentially confounding effect of surgery when retinal vessel calibre is used to predict cardiac risk in hospital patients. Consecutive participants were recruited from a preoperative assessment clinic at a teaching hospital. They provided demographic and clinical details, and underwent retinal imaging before and again, within 3 days after surgery, with a non-mydriatic retinal camera. Images were graded for vessel calibre using semi-automated software based on the Parr-Hubbard formula with Knudtson's modification (IVAN, U Wisconsin). Differences were examined using Fisher's exact test or a paired t-test, and calibre determinants identified from univariate and multiple linear regression analysis (STATA version 11.2). Sixty-eight participants (23 men, 34%) with a mean age of 55 ± 14.5 years, were recruited. Fourteen (21%) underwent a laparotomy which was considered major surgery and 54 (79%) had Other surgery. Mean C-reactive protein (CRP) levels increased post-operatively from 7.8 ± 20.2 mg/L to 43.9 ± 55.1 mg/L (p < 0.01), and mean serum albumin decreased from 38.9 ± 4.4 g/L to 33.9 ± 5.5 g/L (p < 0.01). Mean central retinal arteriole and venular equivalent calibre (CRAE, CRVE) increased post-operatively (142.4 ± 13.3 µm to 146.4 ± 13.0 µm, p < 0.01 and 213.1 ± 16.8 µm to 217.9 ± 18.3 µm, p < 0.01, respectively). The systemic microvasculature dilates post-operatively possibly secondary to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. These changes were present within 3 days of surgery and may confound the use of small vessel calibre to predict cardiac risk in surgical inpatients. Microvascular dilatation in response to other inflammatory stimuli such as pneumonia is a known potential confounder in hospital patients.

Does deep neuromuscular blockade provide improved outcomes in low pressure laparoscopic colorectal surgery? A single blinded randomized pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Low intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopic colorectal surgery may improve outcomes and reduce hospital stay, in addition to Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols. There is concern that low pressure reduces laparoscopic vision and may increase surgical complications. Deep neuromuscular blockade may abrogate any reduction in vision of low-pressure pneumoperitoneum. However, antagonism of deep neuromuscular blockade at completion of surgery necessitates the use of sugammadex, which is prohibitively expensive, if there are no surgical benefits and warrants further study. METHODS: A single institution, single blinded randomized controlled pilot study was performed comparing deep to moderate neuromuscular blockade in major laparoscopic colorectal surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were randomized to deep or moderate neuromuscular blockade. There were no statistically significant differences between groups, when comparing key patient demographics, or surgeon satisfaction with view, which required increased pressure or further relaxation demands. The deep blockade group had increased QoR15 scores and a decrease in pain, C-Reactive Protein (CRP) measurements and operating times, although were non-significant. The moderate group had slightly higher incidents of Medical Emergency Team (MET) calls and more severe complications, although were non-significant. CONCLUSIONS: Low intra-abdominal pressure in laparoscopic colorectal surgery is feasible and allows adequate surgical visualization, regardless of the degree of neuromuscular blockade. Potential benefits of deep neuromuscular blockade may include improved pain and quality of recovery and a possible reduction of complications; however a larger cohort is required to confirm this. Future ERAS protocols may consider deep neuromuscular blockade with low intra-abdominal pressure to further benefit patients.

Denial of Cerebrovascular Events in a National Clinical Quality Registry for Stroke: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate cerebrovascular event (CVE) denials reported by registered patients to the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry, and to examine the factors associated with CVE denial. MATERIAL AND METHODS: CVE denials reported from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 were followed up with hospitals to verify their discharge diagnosis. CVE denials were compared with all non-CVE denial registrants and a 5% random sub-sample of non-CVE deniers according to patient and clinical characteristics, quality of care indicators and health outcomes. Multilevel, multivariable logistic regression models were used. Factors explored were age, sex, stroke severity, type of stroke, treatment in a stroke unit, length of stay and discharge destination. Level was defined as hospital. RESULTS: Overall, 339/23,830 (<2%) CVE denials were reported during the 18-month period. Hospitals confirmed 117 (61%) of CVE denials as a verified diagnosis of stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA). Compared to non-CVE deniers, CVE deniers were younger, had a shorter median length of stay (four days versus one day) and were more likely to be diagnosed with a TIA (64%) compared to the other types of stroke (11% intracerebral haemorrhage; 20% ischaemic; 5% undetermined). CONCLUSION: Very few patients denied their CVE, with the majority of denials subsequently confirmed as eligible for registry inclusion. Diagnosis of a TIA and shorter length of stay were associated with CVE denial. These findings provide evidence that very few cases are incorrectly entered into a national registry, and highlight the characteristics of those unlikely to accept their clinical diagnosis where further education of diagnosis may be needed.

Pathways to a cancer-free future: a protocol for modelled evaluations to minimise the future burden of colorectal cancer in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: With almost 50% of cases preventable and the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program in place, colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prime candidate for investment to reduce the cancer burden. The challenge is determining effective ways to reduce morbidity and mortality and their implementation through policy and practice. Pathways-Bowel is a multistage programme that aims to identify best-value investment in CRC control by integrating expert and end-user engagement; relevant evidence; modelled interventions to guide future investment; and policy-driven implementation of interventions using evidence-based methods. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Pathways-Bowel is an iterative work programme incorporating a calibrated and validated CRC natural history model for Australia (Policy1-Bowel) and assessing the health and cost outcomes and resource use of targeted interventions. Experts help identify and prioritise modelled evaluations of changing trends and interventions and critically assess results to advise on their real-world applicability. Where appropriate the results are used to support public policy change and make the case for optimal investment in specific CRC control interventions. Fourteen high-priority evaluations have been modelled or planned, including evaluations of CRC outcomes from the changing prevalence of modifiable exposures, including smoking and body fatness; potential benefits of daily aspirin intake as chemoprevention; increasing CRC incidence in people aged <50 years; increasing screening participation in the general and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations; alternative screening technologies and modalities; and changes to follow-up surveillance protocols. Pathways-Bowel is a unique, comprehensive approach to evaluating CRC control; no prior body of work has assessed the relative benefits of a variety of interventions across CRC development and progression to produce a list of best-value investments. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval was not required as human participants were not involved. Findings are reported in a series of papers in peer-reviewed journals and presented at fora to engage the community and policymakers.

Occupational Performance Issues of Adults Seeking Bariatric Surgery for Obesity.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe the occupational performance issues of a sample of bariatric surgery candidates and to explore the relationships among occupational performance, satisfaction with performance, demographic characteristics, and mental health factors. METHOD: We reviewed the health records of 241 bariatric surgery candidates and analyzed their scores on the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and standardized mental health questionnaires. RESULTS: Exercise and eating behavior were the most common occupational performance issues. Cognitive and affective issues were reported more frequently than physical issues. Occupational performance and satisfaction correlated negatively with anxiety and depression and positively with self-esteem. Self-esteem contributed 27% of the variance in occupational performance. CONCLUSION: COPM scores revealed a wide range of occupational performance issues and significant associations with mental health factors, supporting a psychosocial approach to occupational therapy with this population. Routine mental health screening can help ensure that mental health factors are adequately addressed.

Effects of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery programme on emergency surgical patients.

BACKGROUND: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) programmes have been used in elective surgery since the 1990s to optimize peri-operative care, reducing post-operative complications, length of stay and overall costs. Following the local introduction of an ERAS programme for colorectal elective patients, it was suggested an increase in the use of ERAS-type principles in emergency patients may have occurred. The aims of this study were to determine whether management changes could be demonstrated and if there was a difference in outcomes. METHOD: A retrospective cohort study comparing emergency patients undergoing major abdominal surgery October 2008 to May 2010 (pre-ERAS) and January 2011 to December 2012 (post-ERAS) was performed. Details collected included admission and operative details, post-operative management and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 370 patients were studied. Baseline variables were comparable. Post-ERAS, intra-operative (P < 0.001) and post-operative 48 h totals (P < 0.001) of intravenous fluids were significantly reduced. Significantly fewer patients in the post-ERAS group had a catheter (P < 0.001), drain (P = 0.001) and patient controlled analgesia (P = 0.01) for more than two days. Major complications (P = 0.002) and individual minor complications such as urinary tract infections (P = 0.02), urinary retention (P = 0.001) and chest infections (P = 0.001) were all significantly reduced in the post-ERAS period. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a significant change in management towards ERAS principles in emergency patients following the introduction of such a programme in elective patients. The lack of increased complications in the second period suggests the use of ERAS principles is not harmful. The wider application of ERAS principles could improve outcomes in emergency surgery and deserves further study.

Nausea, vomiting and return of bowel function after colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Although patterns of return of bowel function (ROBF) following colorectal surgery with enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programmes have been well delineated, regular morphine use is uncommon. This study describes the patterns of post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and ROBF in this context. METHOD: Patients undergoing elective major colorectal surgery on an ERAS programme over 1 year were included. Patient details, intra-operative course, post-operative management, outcomes and complications were collected retrospectively from clinical records. Statistical analysis was performed using Stata version 12. RESULTS: A total of 136/142 (96%) patients received morphine for post-operative analgesia. Most (112/142, 79%) experienced either no vomiting (87/142, 61%) or small amounts (25/142, 18%). On average, patients without an ileostomy passed flatus and opened their bowels after 2.4 and 4.3 days, those with an ileostomy taking 1.5 and 2.1 days. Vomiting was not related to ROBF (P = 0.370) or overall complications; wound complications (odds ratio (OR) = 8.1, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0-32.5), electrolyte abnormalities (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.2-7.1) and length of stay (hazard ratio = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.2-1.5) were related. CONCLUSION: Most patients do not experience PONV in this context. ROBF is predictable without prolonged delays. This information could be used to allow confident early discharge and identify patients whose deviation from normal may indicate complications.

Measurement properties of eating behavior self-assessment tools in adult bariatric surgery populations: a systematic review.

The present study aims to identify the range of eating behavior self-assessment tools reported in the adult bariatric surgery literature and evaluate the measurement properties of these tools using pre-established criteria. This systematic review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. This review revealed the use of 20 distinct tools; however, evidence for measurement properties specific to bariatric surgery populations was limited to only ten of these tools, as reported in 14 papers. Validity varied extensively and there was a widespread lack of information regarding measurement of change over time and patient burden. According to the evaluation criteria, there was adequate support for two tools. Several other tools show potential but would benefit from additional investigation of their measurement properties prior to continued use with bariatric surgery patients.

Socio-economic disadvantage and demographics as factors in stage of colorectal cancer presentation and survival.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is common, and early diagnosis improves outcome. Overseas studies have suggested that low socio-economic status (SES) is related to advanced cancer stage at presentation and reduced survival. The situation in Australia is unclear. This study examines the effect of demographic and SES on CRC stage at presentation and survival in a single tertiary centre. METHODS: Patients undergoing surgical resection for CRC (1 January 2005 to 31 December 2010) were identified, and socio-demographic and histopathological information obtained. Four socio-economic indices using 2006 Australian Census data were assigned by residential postcode. Factors contributing to tumour (T) and American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage at presentation and survival were assessed. RESULTS: Five hundred and fifty-seven patients were included. Results did not support a relationship between SES and either advanced stage at presentation or survival. Only one index (economic resources) was related to a more advanced T stage at presentation (P = 0.011); none were related to AJCC stage or survival. No significant relationship was found between an individual's country of birth, language spoken, private insurance or employment status and presenting with a later T or AJCC stage. Age, AJCC and T stage at diagnosis and emergency presentation significantly affected survival on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: SES and most demographic factors did not appear to significantly influence CRC stage at presentation and outcome. A focus on obtaining equivalent access to health care both nationally and internationally could prove beneficial in improving outcomes for CRC.

Perioperative hypothermia in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Perioperative hypothermia occurs frequently and can have serious health-related and financial consequences. Despite multiple warming methods available, perioperative hypothermia remains prevalent. To be effective, preventative measures must be timely and target patients most at risk. The aim of this retrospective review was to document the incidence and patterns of hypothermia in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery. METHODS: Hospital records were used to obtain demographic and clinical information on 255 patients undergoing major colorectal surgery over one year. Temperatures were recorded from five perioperative time-points and correlated with potential contributing factors. RESULTS: Most patients (74%) experienced mild hypothermia, which was most common intraoperatively. Elective patients experienced the greatest drop in temperature between admission and commencement of surgery while emergency patients experienced a similar drop intraoperatively. The most significant determinant of intraoperative hypothermia was core temperature at the start of surgery (P < 0.01). Factors increasing hypothermia at the start of surgery were an elective presentation, an arrival temperature below 36.5°C (P < 0.01) and an age greater than 70 years (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mild hypothermia in patients undergoing major colorectal surgery is common, despite preventative measures. Core temperatures prior to commencement of the operation should be optimized with both active and passive warming measures, particularly for older patients and those arriving with lower core temperatures. Elective patients should also have their temperatures monitored as closely, if not more closely, than emergency patients. Preventing early declining trends in core temperature may positively influence later perioperative temperatures and improve outcomes.

Accelerated biological ageing in HIV-infected individuals in South Africa: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVES: Little is known about the impact of HIV infection on biological ageing in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to assess biological ageing in South African HIV-infected adults and HIV-seronegative individuals using two validated biomarkers, telomere length and CDKN2A expression (a mediator of cellular senescence). DESIGN: A case-control study. METHODS: Two hundred and thirty-six HIV-infected adults aged at least 30 years and 250 age and sex frequency matched HIV-seronegative individuals were recruited from clinics in township communities in Cape Town. Biological ageing was evaluated by measurement of telomere length and CDKN2A expression in peripheral blood leukocytes. RESULTS: The median ages of the HIV-infected and HIV-seronegative participants were 39 and 40 years, respectively. Among HIV-infected participants, 87.1% were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), their median CD4⁺ cell count was 468 cells/µl and 84.3% had undetectable viral load. Both biomarkers were validated against chronological age in HIV-seronegative individuals. Telomere length was significantly shorter in HIV-infected individuals than in HIV-seronegative individuals (mean relative T/S ratio ±SE:0.91 ± 0.007 vs. 1.07 ± 0.008, P < 0.0001). CD2NKA expression was higher in HIV-infected participants than in HIV-seronegative individuals (mean expression: 0.45 ± 0.02 vs. 0.36 ± 0.03, P = 0.003). Socioeconomic factors were not associated with biological ageing in HIV-infected participants. However, in participants on ART with undetectable viral load, biomarker levels indicated greater biological ageing in those with lower current CD4⁺ cell counts. CONCLUSION: Telomere length and CDKN2A expression were both consistent with increased biological ageing in HIV-infected individuals. Prospective studies of the impact of HIV on biological ageing in sub-Saharan Africa are warranted.

The contribution of IPS to recovery from serious mental illness: a case study.

BACKGROUND: Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an effective, evidence-based intervention to support transition to paid work for individuals who have a serious mental illness. Currently, there is a lack of qualitative reporting from the people receiving IPS and their support networks. APPROACH: A case study of a 42-year-old-man who has schizophrenia and who attends a community mental health team in a Canadian urban centre is presented. His experience and that of his mother, employer, and clinical supports are shared through semi-structured interviews. The authors of this paper include a peer researcher who has been a participant in an IPS program. FINDINGS: The enduring and individual support of IPS is credited with being central to the study subject's successful acquisition and maintenance of paid employment. His involvement in paid work is also associated with improved health outcomes, including a significant reduction in the frequency of medical appointments to monitor his mental health. Improved social skills and self-efficacy are also reported. CONCLUSION: Provision of IPS services within a multidisciplinary mental health team can promote the acquisition of durable employment for individuals in recovery from serious mental illness. Clinicians are reminded to check their assumptions regarding which individuals could benefit from IPS, and are encouraged to take their lead from clients in determining whether to commence or continue employment services.