Association between anesthesia technique and complications after hip surgery in the elderly population

BACKGROUND Spinal anesthesia is superior to general anesthesia for postoperative recovery in older patients(≥65 age).However,evidence for this is lacking.AIM To evaluate the effect of anesthesia on postoperative complications in older patients undergoing hip surgery.METHODS This is a retrospective,propensity score-matched,cohort study.Patients≥65-years-old who underwent hip surgery at the Traditional Chinese Medicine of Guangdong Provincial Hospital in China from October 2016 to June 2020 were included.The operative methods were femoral fracture’s internal fixation and hip replacement.The orthopedic doctors in different hospitals of our group have varied requirements for patients’out-of-bed time after surgery.Therefore,spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia was selected according to the requirements of the orthopedic doctors.The primary outcome of this study was complications during the hospitalization of the postoperative patient.The length of hospital stay,postoperative blood transfusion,routine blood analysis,renal function,coagulation function,and inflammatory correlations were secondary outcomes.Propensity score matching(PSM)was performed utilizing logistic regression.RESULTS Among the 864 patients identified from the electronic medical record data database,we screened out those with incomplete medical record data.After PSM of the baseline values of the two groups of patients,data of 309 patients(206 patients in spinal anesthesia group and 103 patients in general anesthesia)were utilized in this study.67/309 patients had complications,including postoperative limb dysfunction,pulmonary infection,delirium,lower extremity venous thrombosis,and shock.The incidence of complications was not related to anesthesia methods(P>0.05),but the levels of D-Dimer(P=0.017),fibrinogen(P=0.005),and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs CRP)(P=0.002)in the spinal anesthesia group were significantly higher than those in the general anesthesia group.CONCLUSION Anesthesia technology is not a risk factor for postoperative complications of hip surgery.The levels of D-Dimer and hs CRP were higher in the spinal anesthesia group.

The effect of intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy in patients under anesthesia for gastrointestinal surgery

BACKGROUND Intraoperative fluid management is an important aspect of anesthesia mana-gement in gastrointestinal surgery.Intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy(GDFT)is a method for optimizing a patient's physiological state by monitoring and regulating fluid input in real-time.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative GDFT in patients under anesthesia for gastrointestinal surgery.METHODS This study utilized a retrospective comparative study design and included 60 patients who underwent gastrointestinal surgery at a hospital.The experimental group(GDFT group)and the control group,each comprising 30 patients,received intraoperative GDFT and traditional fluid management strategies,respectively.The effect of GDFT was evaluated by comparing postoperative recovery,com-plication rates,hospitalization time,and other indicators between the two patient groups.RESULTS Intraoperative blood loss in the experimental and control groups was 296.64±46.71 mL and 470.05±73.26 mL(P<0.001),and urine volume was 415.13±96.72 mL and 239.15±94.69 mL(P<0.001),respectively.The postoperative recovery time was 5.44±1.1 days for the experimental group compared to 7.59±1.45 days(P<0.001)for the control group.Hospitalization time for the experimental group was 10.87±2.36 days vs 13.65±3 days for the control group(P<0.001).The visual analogue scale scores of the experimental and control groups at 24 h and 48 h INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal surgery is one of the most common procedures in the field of general surgery[1],involving the stomach,intestines,liver,pancreas,spleen,and other internal abdominal organs[2,3].With advancements in surgical technology and anesthesia methods,the safety and success rates of surgery have significantly improved[4,5].However,intraop-erative fluid management remains a critical challenge[6].Traditional fluid management strategies often rely on experience and basic physiological parameters,which may lead to excessive or insufficient fluid input,thereby affecting postoperative recovery and complication rates.Intraoperative goal-directed fluid therapy(GDFT)is an emerging fluid management strategy that dynamically adjusts fluid input volume by monitoring the patient's hemodynamic parameters in real-time to optimize the patient's physiological state[7,8].GDFT has shown superiority in many surgical fields;however,its application in gastrointestinal surgery requires further research and verification[9,10].The application of intraoperative GDFT in clinical settings has gradually increased in recent years[11,12].Studies have demonstrated that GDFT can optimize tissue perfusion and oxygenation by precisely controlling fluid input and reducing the occurrence of postoperative complications[13,14].For example,in cardiac and major vascular surgeries,GDFT significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury and cardiovascular events[15,16].Similarly,in abdominal surgery,GDFT effectively reduced postoperative infections and expedited recovery[17].However,studies on the utilization of GDFT in gastrointestinal surgery are relatively limited and they are confounded by contradictory findings[18].Traditional fluid management strategies typically rely on estimating fluid input volume based on the patient's weight,preoperative status,and basic physiological parameters[19].However,this method lacks real-time dynamic adjustment,which may result in either insufficient or excessive fluid input,consequently affecting postoperative recovery.Insufficient fluid input can lead to hypovolemia and inadequate tissue perfusion,whereas excessive fluid input can cause tissue edema and postoperative complications,such as pulmonary edema and heart failure.GDFT involves dynamically adjusting fluid input volume by monitoring the patient's hemodynamic parameters in real-time,such as cardiac output,pulse pressure variability,and central venous pressure.Commonly used monitoring equipment include esophageal Doppler and pulse wave profile analyzers[20].These devices provide real-time hemo-dynamic data to assist anesthesiologists in tailoring fluid therapy to a patient's specific condition.Firstly,the patient's volume responsiveness is assessed by preloading fluid;secondly,fluid input volume is dynamically adjusted based on real-time monitoring data;finally,vasoactive and inotropic drugs are administered in combination to further optimize the patient’s hemodynamic status.Through personalized fluid management,GDFT can more accurately maintain intraop-erative hemodynamic stability and reduce complications[21].Gastrointestinal surgery involves procedures on multiple organs,often requiring prolonged operative times and extensive tissue trauma,which presents challenges for intraop-erative fluid management.Surgical procedures can lead to significant bleeding and fluid loss,requiring prompt and effective fluid replenishment.In addition,the slow recovery of gastrointestinal function after surgery and susceptibility to complications such as intestinal obstruction and delayed gastric emptying elevate the necessity for postoperative fluid management.

Effect of Right Supine Tracheal Extubation on Respiratory Complications and Airway Pressure in the Waking Period of General Anesthesia in Pediatric Stomatology

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of right supine endotracheal intubation on respiratory complications and airway pressure of general anesthesia, and to provide guidance for clinical application. Methods: Seventy-two children who received oral treatment under general anesthesia from November 2020 to November 2021 in Yantai Stomatological Hospital were randomly divided into three groups, 24 cases in each group. All three groups of children entered the PACU after the surgery. The children in Group I were extubated in the supine position, the children in Group II were immediately changed to the right decubitus after extubation in the horizontal position, and the children in Group III were extubated in the right decubitus. HR, MAP and SpO2 of T1 (the time point at the beginning of surgery), T2 (the time point at 1 hour after surgery), T3 (the time point after extubation), T4 (the time point at 1 minute after extubation), T5 (the time point at 3 minutes after extubation) in the three groups were observed, t1 (operation time) and t2 (the time of leaving the PACU) were recorded. The airway pressure (P1) in the recumbent position and the airway pressure (P2) in the right decubitus position before extubation were recorded in Group III. The number of sputum suction and complications after extubation were counted. Results: The t2 in Group III was shorter than that in Groups I and II, and the number of sputum suction in Group III was less than that in Groups I and II (P < 0.05). The HR at T3, T4 and T5 in Group III was lower than that in Group I, and the HR at T4 and T5 was lower than that in Group II (P < 0.05). There were significant differences in the incidence of respiratory complications among the three groups (P < 0.05). The incidence of asphyxia, bucking and glossocoma postoperative agitation in Group III was significantly lower than that in Group I, and the incidence of asphyxia and choking was lower than that in Group II (P < 0.05). The incidence of glossoptosis in Group II was significantly lower than that in Group I (P < 0.05). In Group III, the airway pressure P2 in the right decubitus position during endotracheal intubation was higher than that of P1 in the supine position during endotracheal intubation (P < 0.05). The 95% Confidence Interval (CI) of airway pressure difference was 1.416 - 1.834 cmH2O. Conclusion: For children undergoing intraoral therapy under general anesthesia, tracheal extubation in the right decubitus position can improve the circulation fluctuation before and after extubation, reducing the number of sputum suction and respiratory tract-related complications, and can shorten the departure time. The body position change during the tracheal intubation will slightly increase the airway pressure, but the supine position after extubation can better ensure the smooth spontaneous breathing of children, which can provide the reference for clinical application.

Rare complication:Tapia's syndrome following shoulder surgery under endotracheal general anesthesia

Tapia's syndrome is a rare disorder, characterized with paralysis of extracranial part of Nervus Vagus and Nervus Hypoglossus, effecting the ipsilateral vocal cord and the tongue. This complication is usually related to intubation and head positioning during surgery. In this study, we report a case with Tapia's syndrome under general anesthesia, following arthroscopic shoulder instability surgery. Patient recovered as short as 3 mo, following complication.

Pneumocephalus Following Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia: A Case Report Analysis

Background: Combined spinal-epidural anesthesia (CSEA) is widely used in clinical anesthesia due to its rapid onset, reliable anesthetic effect, and strong controllability. Although advancements in technique have reduced the frequency and severity of common complications, reports of rare and serious complications such as pneumocephalus, remain scarce. Case Report: This article presents a case of pneumocephalus following CSEA in a middle-aged female patient undergoing surgery for an intrauterine space-occupying lesion. The patient experienced severe headache postoperatively, and imaging confirmed the presence of intracranial air. After receiving active symptomatic treatment, the patient recovered and was discharged. Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of adhering to standard anesthesia protocols and increasing awareness of rare CSEA complications, particularly the risk of pneumocephalus. Early recognition and timely management are crucial. There is a need to further enhance training and research in anesthetic procedures to improve clinical anesthesia quality and ensure patient safety.

Regional anesthesia in a patient with primary ciliary dyskinesia:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary ciliary dyskinesia(PCD)is an inherited autosomal-recessive disorder of impaired mucociliary clearance characterized by chronic respiratory diseases,otolaryngological diseases,central nervous system abnormalities,reproductive system abnormalities,and cardiac function abnormalities.General anesthesia in these patients is associated with a higher incidence of respiratory complications than in patients without the disease.CASE SUMMARY A 16-year-old male patient was referred to the emergency room complaining of right ankle pain due to distal tibiofibular fracture.Three years prior,he had been diagnosed with PCD.At that time,he had experienced several episodes of pneumonia,sinusitis,and chronic middle ear infections,for which he underwent surgical interventions.At the current admission,he presented with cough and sputum but no other respiratory symptoms.A chest computed tomography scan revealed centrilobular ground-glass opacities in both lower lobes and a calcified nodule in the left lower lobe.For the surgical procedure and postoperative pain management,combined spinal-epidural anesthesia was employed.The patient’s postoperative pain score was measured by the numerical rating scale(NRS).On the day of surgery,his NRS was 5 points.By the second postoperative day,the NRS score had decreased to 2–3 points.The epidural catheter was removed on the fourth day following the operation.The patient was subsequently discharged no respiratory complications.CONCLUSION We performed combined spinal-epidural anesthesia in a patient with PCD.The patient experienced no additional respiratory complications and was discharged with a low NRS score for pain.

Application of Nursing Cooperation Path in Operating Room and Analysis of Complication Rate During Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

Objective:To explore the clinical benefits achieved by implementing the operating room nursing cooperation path for patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy.Methods:64 laparoscopic hysterectomy cases were divided into groups according to the order of admission.The control group received routine perioperative care.The observation group implemented the nursing cooperation path in the operating room on the same basis as the control group.The two groups’physiological responses,stimulus indicators,anxiety,and complication rates were compared.Results:The heart rate,blood pressure 0.5 hours after surgery,anxiety scores 1 day before and 3 days after surgery,and the total number of complications in the observation group were all lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The development of a nursing cooperation path in the operating room can help patients undergoing laparoscopic hysterectomy reduce heart rate,blood pressure,stress responses,and the risk of complications,and is worthy of promotion.

Neuraxial anesthesia versus general anesthesia in patients undergoing three-dimensional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy:Preliminary results of a prospective comparative study

Objective:Neuraxial anesthesia(NA)showed to reduce both morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing laparoscopic surgery.We aimed to investigate the use of NA in patients undergoing transperitoneal three-dimensional laparoscopic radical prostatectomy(t-3DLRP)and compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes with a control group of patients undergoing t-3DLRP under general anesthesia(GA).Methods:A prospective,double-center,double-surgeon study cohort of 84 consecutive patients undergoing t-3DLRP between June 2019 and June 2021 was analyzed.A study group of 42 patients undergoing t-3DLRP under NA was compared with a control group of 42 patients undergoing t-3DLRP under GA.Results:The two group were similar in all demographic,clinical,and pathological variables.Postoperative blood gas parameters were within physiologic limits in both groups.Muscle relaxation was adequate for surgery during both NA and GA.Median length of stay was 1 day shorter for NA group than GA group(5 days vs.6 days,p=0.05).t-3DLRP under NA had a statistically lower rate of minor complications(4.8%vs.19.0%,p=0.03)and less postoperative pain(median numeric rating scale 3 vs.4,p=0.01)compared to GA.No major complications were observed in both groups.Significantly more patients were willing to undergo a similar intervention under NA than GA(p=0.04).Conclusion:t-3DLRP under NA is a feasible and safe procedure,with less postoperative pain and fewer minor complications than the same procedure under GA.NA allows the maintenance of muscle relaxation and respiratory excursions without interfering with surgery.

Defining the association between the prolonged operative time and 90-day complications in patients undergoing radical cystectomy

Objective:Radical cystectomy is a complex lengthy procedure associated with postoperative morbidity.We aimed to assess the operative time(OT)in patients undergoing radical cystectomy and its impact on 90-day postoperative complications and readmission rates.Methods:The retrospective cohort study included 296 patients undergoing radical cystectomy and urinary diversion from May 2010 to December 2018 in our institution.The OT of 369 min was set as a cutoff value between short and long OT groups.The primary outcome was 90-day postoperative complication rates.Secondary outcomes were gastrointestinal recovery time,length of hospital stay,and 90-day readmission rates.Results:The overall incidence of 90-day postoperative complications was 79.7%where 43.2%representing low-grade complications according to the ClavieneDindo classification(Grade 1 and Grade 2),and 36.5%representing high-grade complications(Grade
3).Gastrointestinal tract and infectious complications are the most common complications in our data set(45.9%and 45.6%,respectively).On multivariable analysis,prolonged OT was significantly associated with odds of high-grade complications(odds ratio 2.340,95%confidence interval 1.288e4.250,p=0.005).After propensity score-matched analysis,a higher incidence of major complications was identified in the long OT group 55(51.4%)compared to 35(32.7%)in the short OT group(p=0.006).A shorter gastrointestinal tract recovery time was noticed in the short OT group(p=0.009).Prolonged OT was associated with a higher 90-day readmission rate on univariate and multivariate analyses(p<0.001,p=0.001,respectively).

Surgical Complications of Kidney Transplantation in a Resource Limited Country: Retrospective Study of the First Five Years

Background: Kidney transplantation is the most efficient treatment for renal failure but may be ruined by complications. Objective: To report the surgical complications of renal transplantation and the therapeutic means applied. Method: It was a retrospective study including 42 files of kidney transplantation in Côte d’Ivoire. We report 11 cases of surgical complications of the recipient’s intervention during the first five years. Results: The mean age was 42.64 years (±15.04). In 90.9% of the cases, there was a comorbidity factor. Lymphocele and stenosis of the uretero vesical anastomosis were the most frequent complications. One death was observed. Conclusion: Kidney transplantation is an effective way of managing chronic renal failure. Postoperative complications are polymorphic and unpredictable.

OBSERVATION ON THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ACUPUNCTURE IN 206 CASES WITH POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATION OF ANUS AND INTESTINE

The authors have treated postoperative complication of anus and intestine by usingacupuncture at main point Chengshan(BL 57) with cool-producing needling manipulation. Therapeuticeffects of the treatment on postoperative severe pain, retention of urine, constipation, and bleedingwere observed clinically. Results indicated that the cure rate was 97. 6 % and the total effective ratewas 100%. Strong stimulation of Chengshan(BL 57) point improved mainly postoperative edema,spasm, local edema. The improvement of hyperemia and spasm is a ma jor factor of curing various postoperative complication of the anus and intestine. The therapeutic method has advantages of using lesspoints, rapidly producing effects, shorter therapeutic course, suffering little for patients, and no sideeffect.

Early Post-Operative Complications in Surgeries Pertaining Oral and Maxillofacial Region in MNH, Tanzania

The Oral and maxillofacial region is one of the complex regions of the body considering the vast anatomical structures that are found in this region;head and neck surgery has potential for many complications, yet inadequate information on occurrence of post-operative complications in oral and maxillofacial surgeries in our setting has been documented. The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of common early post-operative complications after oral and maxillofacial surgery in relationship to the underlying systemic condition. A descriptive postoperative study was done whereby patients who underwent oral and maxillofacial surgery were included. The included patients were those who underwent surgery for different pathological conditions, trauma, developmental/congenital conditions and inflammatory conditions to mention few. Demographic data, complications developed within one week post operative, and underlying systemic comorbidities before and after surgery were documented and analysed. A total of 102 patients were included in the study. The mean age of participants was 30.00 ± 17.01 years with a range of 2 to 81 years. Majority 43.1% (n = 44) had benign tumors with a leading diagnosis of ameloblastoma. In general, the most common complications which were noted in the cases included Pain 98% (n = 100) and Post-operative Swelling 97.1% (n = 99). The presence of underlying systemic comorbid conditions has a significant role in occurrence of some severe complications. The occurrence of complications does increase the duration of stay in the hospital hence increasing cost of treatment for which bearers are both patients and the hospital.

Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair under General Anesthesia Does Not Decrease Perioperative Myocardial Ischemic Events Compared with Open Repair

Objectives: Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a common procedure for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), based on minimal invasiveness compared with open surgical repair (OSR). However, general anesthesia can cause considerable perturbations in patients with AAA undergoing operative repair. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of myocardial ischemic events in association with hemodynamic changes during EVAR and OSR under general anesthesia. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the anesthetic and medical records of patients who underwent elective abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. ST segment changes on electrocardiography and hemodynamic changes were reviewed by the attending physicians. Results: Among 120 patients, EVAR and OSR were performed in 81 and 39 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences in preoperative morbidity between the two groups. The amount of estimated blood loss was significantly lower in EVAR than OSR. The incidence of ST?segment changes in the two groups (EVAR: 16%, OSR: 23%) was not statistically different. ST segment changes occurred mainly postoperatively at resolution of anesthesia in EVAR, compared with intraoperatively in OSR. ST segment changes were mostly accompanied by tachycardia in EVAR patients, whereas they were associated with hypotension in OSR. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated a comparable incidence of perioperative ST segment changes under general anesthesia in EVAR and OSR. Patients who undergo EVAR and develop tachycardia are at risk of myocardial ischemia at resolution of anesthesia.

Post-operative abdominal complications in Crohn's disease in the biological era: Systematic review and meta-analysis

AIM: To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on post-operative complications after surgery for Crohn's disease(CD) comparing biological with no therapy.METHODS: Pub Med, Medline and Embase databases were searched to identify studies comparing postoperative outcomes in CD patients receiving biological therapy and those who did not. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was used to calculate pooled odds ratios(OR) and confidence intervals(CI) for each outcome measure of interest. RESULTS: A total of 14 studies were included for metaanalysis, comprising a total of 5425 patients with CD 1024(biological treatment, 4401 control group). After biological therapy there was an increased risk of total infectious complications(OR = 1.52; 95%CI: 1.14-2.03, 8 studies) and wound infection(OR = 1.73; 95%CI: 1.12-2.67; P = 0.01, 7 studies). There was no increased risk for other complications including anastomotic leak(OR = 1.19; 95%CI: 0.82-1.71; P = 0.26), abdominal sepsis(OR = 1.22; 95%CI: 0.87-1.72; P = 0.25) and re-operation(OR = 1.12; 95%CI: 0.81-1.54; P = 0.46) in patients receiving biological therapy. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative use of anti-TNF-α therapy may increase risk of post-operative infectious complications after surgery for CD and in particular wound related infections.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Post-Operative Complications: Single Center Data, Review of Literature and Guidelines for Practicing Internists and Surgeons

Obstructive sleep apnea has been linked to higher rates of post-operative complications in some studies. We examined the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea and its impact on post-operative complications in 125 patients (21 prospective, 104 retrospective) undergoing various elective outpatient surgeries at our institution. Ten percent of these patients had OSA, and half of them were on continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP). Patients who were on CPAP as outpatients received CPAP post-operatively as well. No patients died, and the prevalence of post-operative complications was low. There was no difference in complication rates between patients with and without OSA. We also review the existing literature on this subject and make practical recommendations regarding pre-operative evaluation and post-operative management of these patients for practicing internists and surgeons based on the current literature.

Effects of preoperative other diseases on the complications of senile cervical Tertebral operation in perioperative period

AIM：To investigate the effects of preoperative other diseases on the complications of senile cerical vertebral operation in perioperative period.METHODS:800 senile cervical vertebral cases were divided into two group:group A included the cases without other comorbidities,and group B included the cases with hypertension,diabetes mellitus,coronary heart disease (GHD) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).We retrospectively analyzed the changes of BP,oxygen saturation (SaO2) and the incidence of cardiac arrhythmia during operation of group A and B.RESULTS:In perioperative period,the incidence of B reduction or rising and cardiac arrhythmia in group B was more than that of group A.Incidence of SaO2 decreasing increases apparently in each stage and incidence of cerebrovascular,pulmonary complications and asphyxia led by incision bleeding increases apparently.CONCLUSION:The hypertension,CHD,diabetes mellitus and COPD were the main reasons of complications of the heart,the cerebral vessels and the lung,kidney and the incision bleeding in perioperative period of senile patients.

Regional anesthesia for orthopedic procedures:What orthopedic surgeons need to know

Regional anesthesia is an integral component of successful orthopedic surgery.Neuraxial anesthesia is commonly used for surgical anesthesia while peripheral nerve blocks are often used for postoperative analgesia.Patient evaluation for regional anesthesia should include neurological,pulmonary,cardiovascular,and hematological assessments.Neuraxial blocks include spinal,epidural,and combined spinal epidural.Upper extremity peripheral nerve blocks include interscalene,supraclavicular,infraclavicular,and axillary.Lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks include femoral nerve block,saphenous nerve block,sciatic nerve block,iPACK block,ankle block and lumbar plexus block.The choice of regional anesthesia is a unanimous decision made by the surgeon,the anesthesiologist,and the patient based on a risk-benefit assessment.The choice of the regional block depends on patient cooperation,patient positing,operative structures,operative manipulation,tourniquet use and the impact of postoperative motor blockade on initiation of physical therapy.Regional anesthesia is safe but has an inherent risk of failure and a relatively low incidence of complications such as local anesthetic systemic toxicity(LAST),nerve injury,falls,hematoma,infection and allergic reactions.Ultrasound should be used for regional anesthesia procedures to improve the efficacy and minimize complications.LAST treatment guidelines and rescue medications(intralipid)should be readily available during the regional anesthesia administration.

Complications of hip fractures: A review

Nowadays, fracture surgery represents a big part of the orthopedic surgeon workload, and usually has associated major clinical and social cost implications. These fractures have several complications. Some of these are medical, and other related to the surgical treatment itself. Medical complications may affect around 20% of patients with hip fracture. Cognitive and neurological alterations, cardiopulmonary affections(alone or combined), venous thromboembolism, gastrointestinal tract bleeding, urinary tract complications, perioperative anemia, electrolytic and metabolic disorders, and pressure scars are the most important medical complications after hip surgery in terms of frequency, increase of length of stay and perioperative mortality. Complications arising from hip fracture surgery are fairly common, and vary depending on whether the fracture is intracapsular or extracapsular. The main problems in intracapsular fractures are biological: vascularization of the femoral head, and lack of periosteum-a major contributor to fracture healing- in the femoral neck. In extracapsularfractures, by contrast, the problem is mechanical, and relates to load-bearing. Early surgical fixation, the role of anti-thromboembolic and anti-infective prophylaxis, good pain control at the perioperative, detection and management of delirium, correct urinary tract management, avoidance of malnutrition, vitamin D supplementation, osteoporosis treatment and advancement of early mobilization to improve functional recovery and falls prevention are basic recommendations for an optimal maintenance of hip fractured patients.

Outcomes and complications of operative versus non-operative treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture： a meta-analysis

Background There is lack of consensus regarding the best option for the treatment of acute Achilles tendon rupture- operation or non-operation. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to identify and summarize the randomized controlled trials comparing the operative and non-operative lines of treatment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures. Methods We searched multiple databases in English （including EMBASE, PubMed, and OVID） and in Chinese （including CNKI, WANFANG, and VIP）, as well as reference lists of articles and main orthopaedic and sports medical journals. Two reviewers independently screened the studies for eligibility, evaluated the quality and extracted data from eligible studies, with confirmation by cross-checking. The major results and conclusions were concluded, and the different complication rates and functional outcomes were compared. Meta-analysis was processed by RevMan 5.0 software. Results Eight randomized controlled trials （RCTs） involving 777 patients met the inclusion criteria. The rerupture rate in non-operative group was significantly higher （Z=3.33, P 〈0.01）. However, the moderate （Z--4.27, P 〈0.01） and minor （Z--5.59, P 〈0.01） complication rate in the operative group were significantly higher. No significant difference in comparing the major and total complication rates. The return to work time in the operative group was shorter （Z=2.65, P 〈0.01）. The inability to return to previous level sporting rate and ankle joint decreased range of motion （ROM） rate showed no significant difference in the two groups. Other functional outcomes were similar in the two groups. Conclusions Operation could significantly reduce the risk of rerupture; however, it was associated with a higher risk of other complications. The functional outcomes were similar in two treatment methods except an earlier return to work in patients treated operatively. Thus operative treatment is preferable for patients with good physical condition. Non-operative treatment is an acceptable alternative especially for the older and patients with lower sporting requirements.

Role of epidural anesthesia in a fast track liver resection protocol for cirrhotic patients-results after three years of practice

AIM To evaluate the potential benefits and risks of the use of epidural anaesthesia within an enhanced recovery protocol in this specific subpopulation.METHODS A retrospective review was conducted, including all cirrhotic patients who underwent open liver resection between January 2013 and December 2015 at Bologna University Hospital. Patients with an abnormal coagulation profile contraindicating the placement of an epidural catheter were excluded from the analysis. The control group was composed by patients refusing epidural anaesthesia. RESULTS Of the 183 cirrhotic patients undergoing open liver resections, 57 had contraindications to the placement of an epidural catheter; of the remaining 126, 86 patients received general anaesthesia and 40 combined anaesthesia. The two groups presented homogeneous characteristics. Intraoperatively the metabolic data did not differ between the two groups, whilst the epidural group had a lower mean arterial pressure(P = 0.041) and received more colloid infusions(P = 0.007). Postoperative liver and kidney function did not differ significantly.Length of mechanical ventilation(P = 0.003) and hospital stay(P = 0.032) were significantly lower in the epidural group. No complications related to the epidural catheter placement or removal was recorded.CONCLUSION The use of Epidural Anaesthesia within a fast track protocol for cirrhotic patients undergoing liver resections had a positive impact on the patient's outcomes and comfort as demonstrated by a significantly lower length of mechanical ventilation and hospital stay in the epidural group. The technique appears to be safely manageable in this fragile population even though these results need confirmation in larger studies.