Effect of preoperative inspiratory muscle training on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is the most prevalent disease worldwide and places a great burden on the health and economic welfare of patients.Cardiac surgery is an important way to treat cardiovascular disease,but it can prolong mechanical ventilation time,intensive care unit(ICU)stay,and postoperative hospitalization for patients.Previous studies have demonstrated that preoperative inspiratory muscle training could decrease the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications.AIM To explore the effect of preoperative inspiratory muscle training on mechanical ventilation time,length of ICU stay,and duration of postoperative hospitalization after cardiac surgery.METHODS A literature search of PubMed,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,EMBASE,China National Knowledge Infrastructure,WanFang,and the China Science and Technology journal VIP database was performed on April 13,2022.The data was independently extracted by two authors.The inclusion criteria were:(1)Randomized controlled trial;(2)Accessible as a full paper;(3)Patients who received cardiac surgery;(4)Preoperative inspiratory muscle training was implemented in these patients;(5)The study reported at least one of the following:Mechanical ventilation time,length of ICU stay,and/or duration of postoperative hospitalization;and(6)In English language.RESULTS We analyzed six randomized controlled trials with a total of 925 participants.The pooled mean difference of mechanical ventilation time was-0.45 h[95%confidence interval(CI):-1.59-0.69],which was not statistically significant between the intervention group and the control group.The pooled mean difference of length of ICU stay was 0.44 h(95%CI:-0.58-1.45).The pooled mean difference of postoperative hospitalization was-1.77 d in the intervention group vs the control group[95%CI:-2.41-(-1.12)].CONCLUSION Preoperative inspiratory muscle training may decrease the duration of postoperative hospitalization for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.More high-quality studies are needed to confirm our conclusion.

Cardiac rehabilitation after cardiac surgery:An important underutilized treatment strategy

Physical inactivity remains in high levels after cardiac surgery,reaching up to 50%.Patients present a significant loss of functional capacity,with prominent muscle weakness after cardiac surgery due to anesthesia,surgical incision,duration of cardiopulmonary bypass,and mechanical ventilation that affects their quality of life.These complications,along with pulmonary complications after surgery,lead to extended intensive care unit(ICU)and hospital length of stay and significant mortality rates.Despite the well-known beneficial effects of cardiac rehabilitation,this treatment strategy still remains broadly underutilized in patients after cardiac surgery.Prehabilitation and ICU early mobilization have been both showed to be valid methods to improve exercise tolerance and muscle strength.Early mobilization should be adjusted to each patient’s functional capacity with progressive exercise training,from passive mobilization to more active range of motion and resistance exercises.Cardiopulmonary exercise testing remains the gold standard for exercise capacity assessment and optimal prescription of aerobic exercise intensity.During the last decade,recent advances in healthcare technology have changed cardiac rehabilitation perspectives,leading to the future of cardiac rehabilitation.By incorporating artificial intelligence,simulation,telemedicine and virtual cardiac rehabilitation,cardiac surgery patients may improve adherence and compliance,targeting to reduced hospital readmissions and decreased healthcare costs.

Safety and effectiveness of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in cardiac surgery:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Lack of mobilization and prolonged stay in the intensive care unit(ICU)are major factors resulting in the development of ICU-acquired muscle weakness(ICUAW).ICUAW is a type of skeletal muscle dysfunction and a common complication of patients after cardiac surgery,and may be a risk factor for prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation,associated with a higher risk of readmission and higher mortality.Early mobilization in the ICU after cardiac surgery has been found to be low with a significant trend to increase over ICU stay and is also associated with a reduced duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU length of stay.Neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)is an alternative modality of exercise in patients with muscle weakness.A major advantage of NMES is that it can be applied even in sedated patients in the ICU,a fact that might enhance early mobilization in these patients.AIM To evaluate safety,feasibility and effectiveness of NMES on functional capacity and muscle strength in patients before and after cardiac surgery.METHODS We performed a search on Pubmed,Physiotherapy Evidence Database(PEDro),Embase and CINAHL databases,selecting papers published between December 2012 and April 2023 and identified published randomized controlled trials(RCTs)that included implementation of NMES in patients before after cardiac surgery.RCTs were assessed for methodological rigor and risk of bias via the PEDro.The primary outcomes were safety and functional capacity and the secondary outcomes were muscle strength and function.RESULTS Ten studies were included in our systematic review,resulting in 703 participants.Almost half of them performed NMES and the other half were included in the control group,treated with usual care.Nine studies investigated patients after cardiac surgery and 1 study before cardiac surgery.Functional capacity was assessed in 8 studies via 6MWT or other indices,and improved only in 1 study before and in 1 after cardiac surgery.Nine studies explored the effects of NMES on muscle strength and function and,most of them,found increase of muscle strength and improvement in muscle function after NMES.NMES was safe in all studies without any significant complication.CONCLUSION NMES is safe,feasible and has beneficial effects on muscle strength and function in patients after cardiac surgery,but has no significant effect on functional capacity.

Early serious adverse event in immediate postoperative period in children underwent cardiac surgery

Objective Despite dramatic advances in surgical technique and perioperative care,some children still suffered serious adverse event in early postoperative period which were associated with increased morbidity and mortality.There was little information regarding the impact of adverse events on the postoperative recovery,especially the serious adverse events occurring immediately after surgery.We sought to evaluate the early postoperative serious adverse events and examine the impact of them on postoperative recovery.

Comparison of Parasternal Intercostal Block Using Ropivacaine or bupivacaine for Postoperative Analgesia in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of 0.5% ropivacaine and 0.25% bupivacaine for parasternal intercostal block for postoperative analgesia in children undergoing cardiac surgery. Design: A randomized, controlled, prospective, double blind study. Setting: A tertiary care teaching hospital. Participants: One Hundred children scheduled for cardiac surgery through a median sternotomy were divided into 3 groups of at least 33 children each, receiving either ropivacaine, bupivacaine or saline (control). Interventions: A bilateral parasternal block performed either with 0.5% ropivacaine or 0.25% bupiacaine or 0.9% saline with 5 doses of 0.5 mL on each side in the 2nd to 6th parasternal intercostal spaces 1 to 1.5 cm lateral to the sternal edge, before sternal wound closure. Measurements and Main Results: The time to extubation was significantly less in children administered the parasternal blocks with ropivacaine or bupivacaine compared to the saline (control) group. The pain scores were lower and comparable in the ropivacaine and bupivacaine groups compared to the saline group. The cumulative fentanyl dose requirement over a 24-hour period was higher in the saline group than the ropivacaine (p < 0.001) and bupivacaine group. No side effects were observed in any of the children. Conclusions: Parasternal blocks either with ropivacaine or bupivacaine appear to be a simple, safe, and useful technique for supplementation of postoperative analgesia in children undergoing cardiac surgery with a median sternotomy.

Quality of life and functional capacity in patients after cardiac surgery intensive care unit

Coronary heart disease and aortic stenosis are prevalent cardiovascular diseases worldwide,leading to morbidity and mortality.Coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG)and surgical aortic valve replacement(SAVR)have therapeutic benefits,including improved postoperative quality of life(QoL)and enhanced patient functional capacity which are key indicators of cardiac surgery outcome.In this article,we review the latest studies of QoL outcomes and functional capacity in patients who underwent cardiac surgery.Many standardized instruments are used to evaluate QoL and functional conditions.Preoperative health status,age,length of intensive care unit stay,operative risk,type of procedure,and other pre-,intra-,and postoperative factors affect postoperative QoL.Elderly patients experience impaired physical status soon after cardiac surgery,but it improves in the following period.CABG and SAVR are associated with increases of physical and mental health and functional capacity in the immediate postoperative and the long long-term.Cardiac rehabilitation improves patient functional capacity,QoL,and frailty following cardiac surgery.

Change in Functional Status from Preoperative to One Year Postoperative in Patients Who Have Undergone Elective Open-Heart Surgery: A Repeated-Measures Study

Purpose: Although patient-related factors affect surgical outcomes, preoperative functional status is not measured by any cardiac risk score. Functional status can, however, be objectively measured using validated outcome tools such as the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). The purpose of this study was to determine 1) if there was a change over time in functional status, as measured by the LLFDI, in patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery, and if so, 2) what specific aspect(s) of functional status changed. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study of one year was conducted on elective cardiac surgery patients (n = 43) using the self-reported LLFDI, which measures Disability Frequency (frequency of participation in social tasks), Disability Limitation (ability to participate in social tasks) and Function Total (ease in performing routine activities). Higher scores indicate increased function and decreased disability. LLFDI scores were compared at three times (preoperative, six-week and one-year postoperative) using repeated measures ANOVA. Post hoc pairwise comparison was conducted for specific interactions. Results: Both Function Total and Disability Frequency significantly changed over time (p = 0.047 and p = 0.013, respectively). Specifically, patients’ function level was significantly higher one-year postoperative compared to preoperative (M difference = +3.48, SE = 1.48, p = 0.026). Likewise, Disability Frequency scores were significantly higher (i.e. more active) at one-year postoperative versus preoperative (M difference= +5.98, SE = 2.19, p = 0.033). Disability Limitation scores were not significantly different between any time points (p > 0.05). Conclusion: By one-year postoperative, patients demonstrated increased ease in their routine physical activities and were more participatory in social life tasks. Individuals who underwent elective cardiac surgery took more than six weeks to detect notable improvement in functional status, which was expected with a sternotomy approach. This study provides support for the use of the LLFDI as an effective tool to capture functional status in the cardiac population. These findings may assist cardiac patients in recovery timeline expectations.

Study of the intensive care unit activity scale in the early rehabilitation of patients after direct cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND Direct cardiac surgery often necessitates intensive post-operative care,and the intensive care unit(ICU)activity scale represents a crucial metric in assessing and guiding early rehabilitation efforts to enhance patient recovery.AIM To clarify the clinical application value of the ICU activity scale in the early recovery of patients after cardiac surgery.METHODS One hundred and twenty patients who underwent cardiac surgery between September 2020 and October 2021 were selected and divided into two groups using the random number table method.The observation group was rated using the ICU activity scale and the corresponding graded rehabilitation interventions were conducted based on the ICU activity scale.The control group was assessed in accordance with the routine rehabilitation activities,and the postoperative rehabilitation indexes of the patients in both groups were compared(time of tracheal intubation,time of ICU admission,occurrence of complications,and activity scores before ICU transfer).The two groups were compared according to postoperative rehabilitation indicators(time of tracheal intubation,length of ICU stay,and occurrence of complications)and activity scores before ICU transfer.RESULTS In the observation group,tracheal intubation time lasted for 18.30±3.28 h and ICU admission time was 4.04±0.83 d,which were significantly shorter than the control group(t-values:2.97 and 2.038,respectively,P<0.05).The observation group also had a significantly lower number of complications and adverse events compared to the control group(P<0.05).Before ICU transfer,the observation group(6.7%)had few complications and adverse events than the control group(30.0%),and this difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Additionally,the activity score was significantly higher in the observation(26.89±0.97)compared to the control groups(22.63±1.12 points)(t-value;-17.83,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Implementation of early goal-directed activities in patients who underwent cardiac surgery using the ICU activity scale can promote the recovery of cardiac function.

Exploring the Role of Serum Cystatin C in Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury among On-Pump Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Single-Center Investigation in Bangladesh

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) stands as a prominent postoperative complication in on-pump cardiac surgery, with repercussions on morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization duration. Current diagnostic criteria relying on serum creatinine levels exhibit a delayed identification of AKI, prompting an exploration of alternative biomarkers. Aims and Objectives: This study is designed to overcome diagnostic constraints and explore the viability of serum Cystatin C as an early predictor of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in individuals undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery. The investigation aims to establish the relationship between serum Cystatin C levels and the onset of AKI in patients subjected to on-pump cardiac surgery. Primary objectives involve the assessment of the diagnostic effectiveness of serum Cystatin C, its comparison with serum creatinine, and the exploration of its potential for the early identification and treatment of AKI. Methodology: Conducted as a single-center study at the cardiac surgery department of BSMMU in Bangladesh from September 2020 to August 2022, a comparative cross-sectional analysis involved 31 participants categorized into No AKI and AKI groups based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Data collection encompassed preoperative, post-CBP (cardiopulmonary bypass) conclusion at 2 hours, postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2 intervals. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared tests, independent Student’s t-tests, and one-sample t-tests. Significance was set at P Results: The study revealed no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the No AKI and AKI groups, except for CPB time and cross-clamp time. Serum Cystatin C levels in the AKI group exhibited statistical significance at various time points, highlighting its potential as an early detector. Conversely, Serum Creatinine levels in the AKI group showed no statistical significance. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further supported the efficacy of serum Cystatin C, with an Area under the ROC Curve of 0.864 and a cut-off value of 0.55 (p Conclusion: This study supports the superior utility of serum Cystatin C as an early detector of AKI in on-pump cardiac surgery patients compared to serum creatinine. Its ability to identify AKI several hours earlier may contribute to reduced morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The findings underscore the significance of exploring novel biomarkers for improved post-cardiac surgery renal function assessment.

Effect of programmed comprehensive nursing on delirium incidence in intensive care unit children following severe cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND Programmed comprehensive nursing was adopted for intensive care unit(ICU)children following severe cardiac surgery to improve respiratory function and delirium incidence.AIM To explore how programmed comprehensive nursing impacts respiratory func-tion and delirium incidence in ICU children post cardiac surgery.METHODS Between January 2022 and January 2024,180 pediatric patients from the Chil-dren’s Hospital of Nanjing were admitted to the ICU after cardiac surgery and randomly grouped.The control group comprised 90 patients and received routine nursing care.The observation group comprised 90 patients and received program-med comprehensive nursing.Both groups received continuous nursing care until discharge.Their respiratory function,incidence of delirium,and clinical outcomes were compared.The memory state and sleep quality of both groups were com-pared.RESULTS The incidence of delirium was 5.56%in the observation group when admitted to ICU,which was lower than that in the control group(20.00%;P<0.05).The observation group demonstrated higher peak expiratory flow rate,respiratory frequency,deep breathing volume,and tidal volume in the ICU compared with the control group.Additionally,the observation group showed higher sleep depth,sleep latency,night awakening,return to sleep,and sleep quality com-pared with the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Programmed comprehensive nursing in ICU patients following severe cardiac surgery can reduce the impact on respiratory function,improve sleep quality,and alleviate postoperative delirium,showing significant promise for clinical application.

Cardiac Surgery at Yaoundé General Hospital by a Local Team: Activity Report from September 2022 to January 2024

Introduction: The practice of cardiac surgery (CS) in sub-Saharan Africa faces a number of challenges. We report on the surgical activities of the first 17 months of the program launched at the Yaoundé General Hospital (YGH), describing the types of interventions and the early results. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study including patients who underwent CS from September 2022 to January 2024 at the YGH. Clinical, operative and postoperative data were collected and analysed retrospectively by R software. Results: A total of 37 patients underwent CS during the study period, divided into 23 (62.2%) open-heart and 14 (37.8%) closed-heart cases. Males predominated (sex ratio 1.17). The median age and interquartile range (IQR) were 36 years (9 - 51). Isolated valve surgery, in 15 (40.5%) cases, was the most common procedure in open-heart surgery cases. Closed-heart surgery involved closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in 9 (24.3%) cases, coronary artery bypass grafting in 3 (8.1%) cases, and pericardectomy in 2 (5.4%) cases. The median duration of extracorporeal circulation and aortic cross-clamping was 101 min (IQR 84 - 143) and 74 min (IQR 54 - 112) respectively. The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 2 hours (IQR 2 - 3). The median intensive care unit stay and median hospital stay were 2 days (IQR 2 - 3) and 7 days (IQR 5 - 8) respectively. Operative mortality was 2 (5.4%). Conclusion: Cardiac surgery remains a major challenge for African populations. The early results achieved by the local team are satisfactory. An increase in surgical activity should be strongly encouraged to facilitate local training and ensure the sustainability of the activity.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Sub-syndromal Delirium in Patients after Cardiac Surgery

[Objectives]This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors associated with SSD in patients following cardiac surgery.[Methods]A total of 378 patients who underwent cardiac surgery in Taihe Hospital were recruited and screened.Diagnosis of delirium was made using evaluation methods and DSM-5 criteria.SSD was defined as the presence of one or more core features of delirium without meeting the full diagnostic criteria.Statistical analysis included independent samples t-test for group comparisons and binary logistic regression analysis to identify independent risk factors for SSD after cardiac surgery.[Results]Among the 378 subjects,112(29.63%)had SSD,28(7.41%)had delirium,and the remaining 238 patients(62.96%)did not present with delirium.Univariate analysis revealed that age,APACHE II score,duration of aortic clamping,length of ICU stay,duration of sedation use,and daily sleep time were significant risk factors for the occurrence of SSD(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis identified age>70 years old,APACHE II score>20 points,length of ICU stay>5 d,and duration of sedation use>24 h as independent risk factors for SSD after cardiac surgery(P<0.05).A functional model was fitted based on the analysis results of the binary logistic regression model,yielding the equation logit P=1.472X_(1)+2.213X_(2)+3.028X_(3)+1.306X_(4).[Conclusions]Comprehensive clinical assessment is crucial for patients undergoing cardiac surgery,and appropriate preventive measures should be taken for patients with identified risk factors.Close monitoring of the patient s consciousness should be implemented postoperatively,and timely interventions should be conducted.Further research should focus on model validation and optimization.

Association between hyperglycemia at ICU admission and postoperative acute kidney injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery:Analysis of the MIMIC-IV database

Background:This study aimed to explore the correlation between hyperglycemia at intensive care unit(ICU)admission and the incidence of acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients after cardiac surgery.Methods:We conducted a retrospective cohort study,in which clinical data were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care(MIMIC)-IV database.Adults(≥18 years)in the database who were admitted to the cardiovascular intensive care unit after cardiac surgery were enrolled.The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI within 7 days following ICU admission.Secondary outcomes included ICU mortality,hospital mortality,ICU length of stay,and the 28-day and 90-day mortality.Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to assess the association between ICU-admission hyperglycemia and AKI incidence within 7 days of ICU admission.Different adjustment strategies were used to adjust for potential confounders.Patients were divided into three groups according to their highest blood glucose levels recorded within 24 h of ICU admission:no hyperglycemia(<140 mg/dL),mild hyperglycemia(140-200 mg/dL),and severe hyperglycemia(≥200 mg/dL).Results:Of the 6905 included patients,2201(31.9%)were female,and the median(IQR)age was 68.2(60.1-75.9)years.In all,1836(26.6%)patients had severe hyperglycemia.The incidence of AKI within 7 days of ICU admission,ICU mortality,and hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with severe admission hyperglycemia than those with mild hyperglycemia or no hyperglycemia(80.3%vs.73.6% and 61.2%,respec-tively;2.8%vs.0.9% and 1.9%,respectively;and 3.4%vs.1.2% and 2.5%,respectively;all P<0.001).Severe hyperglycemia was a risk factor for 7-day AKI(Model 1:hazard ratio[HR]=1.4809,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.3126 to 1.6707;Model 2:HR=1.1639,95%CI:1.0176 to 1.3313;Model 3:HR=1.2014,95%CI:1.0490 to 1.3760;all P<0.050).Patients with normal glucose levels(glucose levels<140 mg/dL)had a higher 28-day mortality rate than those with severe hyperglycemia(glucose levels≥200 mg/dL)(4.0%vs.3.8%,P<0.001).Conclusions:In post-cardiac surgery patients,severe hyperglycemia within 24 h of ICU admission increases the risk of 7-day AKI,ICU mortality,and hospital mortality.Clinicians should be extra cautious regarding AKI among patients with hyperglycemia at ICU admission after cardiac surgery.

Foot and ankle surgery:Tourniquet placement site to cause as little postoperative pain as possible

There is controversy in the literature on where to place the tourniquet(thigh,calf,ankle)for foot and ankle surgery.While some authors prefer the ankle tourniquet to the calf tourniquet,others state that the surgeon can decide between using the thigh tourniquet or the ankle tourniquet,since there was no difference in postoperative pain between them.Where to place the tourniquet during foot and ankle surgery to cause the least possible postoperative pain to the patient as a result of the tourniquet is a common question in clinical practice.The reality is that,unfortunately,there is no consensus on this issue.Perhaps the only possible way to answer this question would be to conduct a comparative study with sufficient statistical power to reach scientifically sound conclusions.It does not seem easy to carry out such a study,but it would be important to be able to answer the question posed in the title of this Editorial once and for all.

Ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block enhances postoperative analgesia and recovery in thoracoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND The serratus anterior muscle,located in the lateral aspect of the thorax,plays a crucial role in shoulder movement and stability.Thoracoscopic surgery,while minimally invasive,often results in significant postoperative pain,complicating patient recovery and potentially extending hospital stays.Traditional anesthesia methods may not adequately address this pain,leading to increased complications such as agitation due to inadequate pain management.AIM To evaluate the application value of ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block(SAPB)in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery,focusing on its effects on postoperative analgesia and rehabilitation.METHODS Eighty patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery between August 2021 and December 2022 were randomly divided into two groups:An observation group receiving ultrasound-guided SAPB and a control group receiving standard care without SAPB.Both groups underwent general anesthesia and were monitored for blood pressure,heart rate(HR),oxygen saturation,and pulse.The primary outcomes measured included mean arterial pressure(MAP),HR,postoperative visual analogue scale(VAS)scores for pain,supplemental analgesic use,and incidence of agitation.RESULTS The observation group showed significantly lower cortisol and glucose concentrations at various time points post-operation compared to the control group,indicating reduced stress responses.Moreover,MAP and HR levels were lower in the observation group during and after surgery.VAS scores were significantly lower in the observation group at 1 h,4 h,6 h,and 12 h post-surgery,and the rates of analgesic supplementation and agitation were significantly reduced compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Ultrasound-guided SAPB significantly improves postoperative analgesia and reduces agitation in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery.This technique stabilizes perioperative vital signs,decreases the need for supplemental analgesics,and minimizes postoperative pain and stress responses,underscoring its high application value in enhancing patient recovery and rehabilitation post-thoracoscopy.

Incidence and Management of Early Postoperative Hypoxemia after Abdominal Surgery at Teaching Hospital

Background: Oxygen saturation refers to the quantity of oxygenated hemoglobin in the blood, that is to say the level of oxygen measurable in the red blood cells when they have passed through the lungs. The aim of this study was to describe the management of early postoperative hypoxemia after abdominal surgery at the Yaounde General Hospital (YGH). Method: This is a quantitative, observational study, with a descriptive aim, which took place in the anesthesiology department of the YGH, over a period of 2 months from August 1st to October 1st, 2023. The study included all the patients ≥18 years, of both sexes who had abdominal surgery under general anesthesia and were willing to participate during the time of data collection. The variables studied were the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors for oxygen desaturation, postoperative variations in SPO2 and therapeutic tools. Results: We collected 30 patients among whom 11 presented with early postoperative hypoxemia i.e. a frequency of 36.7%. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 63 years and the mean was 42.47 ± 13.5 years on average. The sex ratio was 0.5. Hysterectomy was the most commonly performed surgery (23.3%). The most common comorbidity was high blood pressure (30%). Half of the patients had midline incision. Supra-umbilical surgery predominated (56.7%), intraoperative blood loss ≥500 ml in 46.7% of cases. Upper abdominal surgery with, subcostal incision and blood loss ≥500 ml are statistically significant risk factors for the occurrence of early postoperative hypoxemia (P Conclusion: Hypoxemia is the result of impaired respiratory function favored by the conditions encountered during the early postoperative period.

Influence of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery on perioperative indicators, postoperative recovery, and serum inflammation in patients with colorectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND Conventional five-port laparoscopic surgery,the current standard treatment for colorectal carcinoma(CRC),has many disadvantages.AIM To assess the influence of reduced-port laparoscopic surgery(RPLS)on perioperative indicators,postoperative recovery,and serum inflammation indexes in patients with CRC.METHODS The study included 115 patients with CRC admitted between December 2019 and May 2023,52 of whom underwent conventional five-port laparoscopic surgery(control group)and 63 of whom underwent RPLS(research group).Comparative analyses were performed on the following dimensions:Perioperative indicators[operation time(OT),incision length,intraoperative blood loss(IBL),and rate of conversion to laparotomy],postoperative recovery(first postoperative exhaust,bowel movement and oral food intake,and bowel sound recovery time),serum inflammation indexes[high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-6(IL-6)],postoperative complications(anastomotic leakage,incisional infection,bleeding,ileus),and therapeutic efficacy.RESULTS The two groups had comparable OTs and IBL volumes.However,the research group had a smaller incision length;lower rates of conversion to laparotomy and postoperative total complication;and shorter time of first postoperative exhaust,bowel movement,oral food intake,and bowel sound recovery;all of which were significant.Furthermore,hs-CRP,IL-6,and TNF-αlevels in the research group were significantly lower than the baseline and those of the control group,and the total effective rate was higher.CONCLUSION RPLS exhibited significant therapeutic efficacy in CRC,resulting in a shorter incision length and a lower conversion rate to laparotomy,while also promoting postoperative recovery,effectively inhibiting the inflammatory response,and reducing the risk of postoperative complications.

Management Measures for Preventing Postoperative Incision Infections in General Surgery at Primary Hospitals

Objective:To analyze the management measures and effects of preventing postoperative incision infections in the general surgery department of primary hospitals.Methods:Forty-nine surgical patients with 11 healthcare workers who were admitted to the general surgery department of the primary hospital between August 2021 and August 2022 were selected as the routine group for routine incision infection management.Forty-nine surgical patients with 11 healthcare workers admitted to the same department between September 2022 and September 2023 were selected as the prevention group for prophylactic management of postoperative incision infections.The incision infection rate,knowledge,attitude,and practice(KAP)scores,and management satisfaction of the patients as well as the management skill scores of healthcare workers were compared between the two groups.Results:The rate of postoperative incision infection in the prevention group was lower than that in the routine group;after implementing management measures,patients in the prevention group had higher KAP scores than those in the routine group;patients in the prevention group were more satisfied with the management than those in the routine group;and healthcare workers in the prevention group had higher scores than those in the routine group,with P<0.05 for the comparison between the groups.Conclusion:The implementation of preventive management for general surgery patients in primary hospitals can reduce the incidence of postoperative incision infection and improve the KAP of patients,with higher management satisfaction.It can also enhance the management skills of healthcare workers,thus improving their overall management level.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture on myocardial protection and postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass:a systematic review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture(EA)intervention on myocardial protection and postoperative rehabilitation in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB).METHODS:Eight databases,including Pub Med,Embase,the Cochrane Library,Web of Science,Chinese Bio Medical Literature Database,China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database,Wanfang Data,China Science and Technology Journal Database,and two clinical trial registries,were searched.All randomized controlled trials(RCTs)related to EA intervention in cardiac surgery with CPB were collected.Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria,two researchers independently screened articles and extracted data.After the quality evaluation,RevMan 5.3 software was used for analysis.RESULTS:Fourteen RCTs involving 836 patients were included.Compared with the control treatment,EA significantly increased the incidence of cardiac automatic rebeat after aortic unclamping[relative risk(RR)=1.15,95%confidence interval(CI)(1.01,1.31),P<0.05;moderate].Twenty-four hours after aortic unclamping,EA significantly increased the superoxide dismutase[standardized mean difference(SMD)=0.96,95%CI(0.32,1.61),P<0.05;low],and interleukin(IL)-2[SMD=1.33,95%CI(0.19,2.47),P<0.05;very low]expression levels and decreased the malondialdehyde[SMD=-1.62,95%CI(-2.15,-1.09),P<0.05;moderate],tumour necrosis factor-α[SMD=-1.28,95%CI(-2.37,-0.19),P<0.05;moderate],and cardiac troponin I[SMD=-1.09,95%CI(-1.85,-0.32),P<0.05;low]expression levels as well as the inotrope scores[SMD=-0.77,95%CI(-1.22,-0.31),P<0.05;high].There was no difference in IL-6 and IL-10 expression levels.The amount of intraoperative sedative[SMD=-0.31,95%CI(-0.54,-0.09),P<0.05;moderate]and opioid analgesic[SMD=-0.96,95%CI(-1.53,-0.38),P<0.05;low]medication was significantly lower in the EA group than in the control group.Moreover,the postoperative tracheal intubation time[SMD=-0.92,95%CI(-1.40,-0.45),P<0.05;low]and intensive care unit stay[SMD=-1.71,95%CI(-3.06,-0.36),P<0.05;low]were significantly shorter in the EA group than in the control group.There were no differences in the time to get out of bed for the first time,total days of antibiotic use after surgery,or postoperative hospital stay.No adverse reactions related to EA were reported in any of the included studies.CONCLUSIONS:In cardiac surgery with CPB,EA may be a safe and effective strategy to reduce myocardial ischaemia-reperfusion injury and speed up the recovery of patients after surgery.These findings must be interpreted with caution,as most of the evidence was of low or moderate quality.More RCTs with larger sample sizes and higher quality are needed to provide more convincing evidence.

Postoperative jaundice after cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND:The frequency and pattern of hyperbili-rubinemia after open-heart surgery and its severe perioperative complications are not well clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and nature of postoperative jaundice in patients undergoing cardiac operation,to analyze the determinants,and to identify the clinical significance of this complication with regard to the associated morbidity and mortality. METHODS:A prospective observational study was made during the period of 2003-2004 in a Surgical Intensive Care Unit of a Cardiac Surgery Center,Athens. One hundred twenty-eight adult patients for open heart surgery were divided into three groups. Group A included 50 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass crafting(CABG),group B 31 patients who were subjected to aortic valve replacement(AVR)+CABG and group C 47 patients who underwent mitral valve replacement(MVR)+CABG. Aminotransferases,alkaline phosphatase,gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase and both types of bilirubin were determined at admission,24 hours after the operation and thereafter according to clinical evolution. The presence of jaundice was associated with elevated serum bilirubin above 3 mg/dl. RESULTS:Hyperbilirubinemia developed in 34 patients(26.5%). The incidence of postoperative jaundice was higher in patients who were subjected to MVR+CABG than to CABG and AVR+CABG. Hyperbilirubinemia was correlated with prolonged cardiopulmonary by-passtime(P<0.001),aortic cross-clamping time(P<0.001),the use of intra aortic balloon pumping(P<0.001),the administration of inotrops and the number of blood and plasma transfusions. Postoperative jaundice resulted mainly from an increase in conjugated bilirubin. CONCLUSIONS:Although hyperbilirubinemia seems to be multifactorial,the type of operation,the preoperative hepatic dysfunction due to advanced heart failure(NYHA Ⅱ-Ⅲ) and the decreased hepatic flow during the operation seem to determine the incidence of jaundice.