Trend of robot-assisted surgery system in gastrointestinal and liver surgery: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND Robot-assisted gastrointestinal and liver surgery has been an important development direction in the field of surgery in recent years and it is also one of the fastest developing and most concerning fields in surgical operations.AIM To illustrate the major areas of research and forward-looking directions over the past twenty-six years.METHODS Using the Web of Science Core Collection database,a comprehensive review of scholarly articles pertaining to robot-assisted gastrointestinal and liver surgery was researched out between 2000 and 2023.We used Citespace(Version 6.2.4)and Bibliometrix package(Version 4.3.0)to visualize the analysis of all publications including country,institutional affiliations,authors,and keywords.RESULTS In total,346 articles were retrieved.Surgical Endoscopy had with the largest number of publications and was cited in this field.The United States was a core research country in this field.Yonsei University was the most productive institution.The current focus of this field is on rectal surgery,long-term prognosis,perioperative management,previous surgical experience,and the learning curve.CONCLUSION The scientific interest in robot-assisted gastrointestinal and liver surgery has experienced a significant rise since 1997.This study provides new perspectives and ideas for future research in this field.

Application of aspirin and low molecular weight heparin in major orthopedic surgery:Meta analysis of a randomized controlled trial

Objective:The perioperative period of major orthopedic surgery is associated with a high risk of thrombosis,but the best chemopreventive agent for thrombosis prophylaxis is still inconclusive.For this reason,this paper evaluated the efficacy and safety of aspirin versus low-molecular heparin using a Meta-analysis.Methods:Ten randomized controlled studies on the application of aspirin and low-molecular heparin for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in orthopedic major surgery were retrieved by computer searches of PubMed,CochraneLibrary,WebofScience,China Knowledge Network,Wanfang,and Vipul databases according to inclusion and exclusion criteria,and the literature was managed using Endnote software,and the data were analyzed using Revman 5.3 software was used to perform Meta-analysis of the extracted data,focusing on the effects of these two drugs on pulmonary embolism,deep vein thrombosis,major bleeding events,minor bleeding events,wound complications,mortality and blood loss within 90 days after major orthopedic surgery.Results:(1)Ten randomized controlled trials of high quality were included,with a total of 12,974 patients,7,026 in the aspirin group and 5,948 in the low-molecular heparin group;(2)Meta-analysis showed that aspirin had a higher incidence of pulmonary embolism(OR=1.59,95%CI:1.02 to 2.49,P=0.04)and deep vein thrombosis(OR=1.60,95%CI:1.26 to 2.02,P=0.0001)than low molecular heparin;(3)The incidence of major bleeding events(OR=0.85,95%CI:0.47 to 1.55,P=0.60),minor bleeding events(OR=0.79,95%CI:0.55 to 1.12,P=0.18),adverse wound reactions(OR=0.79,95%CI:0.48 to 1.31,P=0.36),mortality within 90 days(OR=0.69,95%CI:0.20 to 2.31,P=0.55)and perioperative blood loss(MD=0.69,95%CI:0.20 to 2.31,P=0.55)in both drug groups,mortality within 90 days(OR=0.69,95%CI:0.20 to 2.31,P=0.55)and perioperative blood loss(MD=0.69,95%CI:0.20 to 2.31,P=0.55)were not statistically significant.Conclusion:Low-molecular heparin was superior to aspirin in the prevention of pulmonary embolism and lower extremity deep vein thrombosis after major orthopedic surgery,but the safety and adverse drug reactions of both groups were basically similar.Based on this,the authors recommend that low-molecular heparin should be preferred for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis in major orthopaedic surgery;however,the inclusion of randomized controlled trials remains limited,necessitating high-quality,large-sample,long-term follow-up clinical studies.

Optimizing outcomes:Implementing enhanced recovery after surgery in orthopedic surgery

In the realm of orthopedics,the adoption of enhanced recovery after surgery(ERAS)protocols marks a significant stride towards enhancing patient well-being.By embracing a holistic approach that encompasses preoperative counseling,dietary optimization,minimally invasive procedures,and early postoperative mobilization,these protocols have ushered in a new era of surgical care.Despite encountering hurdles like resistance to change and resource allocation challenges,the efficacy of ERAS protocols in improving clinical outcomes is undeniable.Noteworthy benefits include shortened hospital stays and bolstered improved patient-safety measures.Looking ahead,the horizon for ERAS in orthopedics appears bright,with an emphasis on tailoring care to individual needs,integrating cutting-edge technologies,and perpetuating research endeavors.This shift towards a more personalized,streamlined,and cost-efficient model of care underscores the transformative potential of ERAS in reshaping not only orthopedic surgery but also the journey to patient recovery.This editorial details the scope and future of ERAS in the orthopedic specialty.

Effect of ulinastatin combined rivaroxaban on deep vein thrombosis in major orthopedic surgery

Objective:To explore the effect of ulinastatin(UTI) continuous infusion combined Rivaroxaban on the deep vein thrombosis in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.Methods:Forty-five patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery were randomly divided into three groups:ulinastatin continuous infusion(Uc) group,ulinastatin single injection(Us) group and control(C) group.All patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia(PCIA) after operation,and took Rivaroxaban 10 mg orally 12 hours after operation.Ulinastatin(5 000 U/kg)was given intravenously to both Uc and Us groups preoperatively.Group C was given isometric normal saline,group Uc was pumped UTI continuous intravenously at the end of surgery(10 000U/kg) to 48 hours through PCIA pump.The values of hematocrit(HCT),thrombomodulin(TM),Interleukin(IL-6),thrombin-antithrombin complex(TAT),D-Dimer(D-D) were normally tested before surgery(T1),at the end of the surgery(T2),12 hours(T3).24 hours(T4) and 48 hours(T5)after surgery.Results:Compared with T1,there was an upward tendency in TM,IL-6,TAT,and D-D after operation in group C group(P <0.05).The values of them were significandy increased from nearly 24-hour after surgery in Us group(P<0.05).In group Uc.there were no significant changes in these indices after operation(P>0.05).Conclusions:During the perioperative period,ulinastatin continuous infusion combined Rivaroxaban can correct blood hypercoagulability through different approaches in patients undergoing major orthopedic surgery.

Current trends in three-dimensional visualization and real-time navigation as well as robot-assisted technologies in hepatobiliary surgery

With the continuous development of digital medicine,minimally invasive precision and safety have become the primary development trends in hepatobiliary surgery.Due to the specificity and complexity of hepatobiliary surgery,traditional preoperative imaging techniques such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging cannot meet the need for identification of fine anatomical regions.Imaging-based three-dimensional(3D)reconstruction,virtual simulation of surgery and 3D printing optimize the surgical plan through preoperative assessment,improving the controllability and safety of intraoperative operations,and in difficult-to-reach areas of the posterior and superior liver,assistive robots reproduce the surgeon’s natural movements with stable cameras,reducing natural vibrations.Electromagnetic navigation in abdominal surgery solves the problem of conventional surgery still relying on direct visual observation or preoperative image assessment.We summarize and compare these recent trends in digital medical solutions for the future development and refinement of digital medicine in hepatobiliary surgery.

Combining robot-assisted surgical system and 3D visualization system for teaching minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery

AIM:To investigate the feasibility of teaching minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery with a robot-assisted surgical system and a three-dimensional(3D) visualization system.METHODS:Enucleated porcine eyes were established as an animal model for removing foreign bodies.Forty medical students were recruited to remove foreign bodies to compare the traditional microscope and the 3D system.One junior resident performed the surgical task with manual and robot-assisted operations on 20 porcine eyes for each group.One senior surgeon evaluated the retinal invasion by a graded injury degree.The learning curve for minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery was described.RESULTS:Compared with the robot-assisted group,the injury degree was higher in the manual group.For the first ten surgeries,the manual and robot-assisted groups had injuries of 2.60±1.35(4 to 0) and 1.80±1.62(4 to 0),respectively.For the last ten surgeries,the injury degrees were 1.90±1.20(3 to 0) and 0.80±0.42(1 to 0).Considering the manual and robot-assisted groups together,95%,75% and 60% of the students considered surgical manipulation with the 3D visualization system to be more comfortable,easier and clearer,respectively.CONCLUSION:The robot-assisted surgical system and 3D visualization system may have value in teaching minimally invasive vitreoretinal surgery.

Artificial intelligence awareness and perceptions among pediatric orthopedic surgeons:A cross-sectional observational study

BACKGROUND Artificial intelligence(AI)is a branch of computer science that allows machines to analyze large datasets,learn from patterns,and perform tasks that would otherwise require human intelligence and supervision.It is an emerging tool in pediatric orthopedic surgery,with various promising applications.An evaluation of the current awareness and perceptions among pediatric orthopedic surgeons is necessary to facilitate AI utilization and highlight possible areas of concern.AIM To assess the awareness and perceptions of AI among pediatric orthopedic surgeons.METHODS This cross-sectional observational study was conducted using a structured questionnaire designed using QuestionPro online survey software to collect quantitative and qualitative data.One hundred and twenty-eight pediatric orthopedic surgeons affiliated with two groups:Pediatric Orthopedic Chapter of Saudi Orthopedics Association and Middle East Pediatric Orthopedic Society in Gulf Cooperation Council Countries were surveyed.RESULTS The pediatric orthopedic surgeons surveyed had a low level of familiarity with AI,with more than 60%of respondents rating themselves as being slightly familiar or not at all familiar.The most positively rated aspect of AI applications for pediatric orthopedic surgery was their ability to save time and enhance productivity,with 61.97%agreeing or strongly agreeing,and only 4.23%disagreeing or strongly disagreeing.Our participants also placed a high priority on patient privacy and data security,with over 90%rating them as quite important or highly important.Additional bivariate analyses suggested that physicians with a higher awareness of AI also have a more positive perception.CONCLUSION Our study highlights a lack of familiarity among pediatric orthopedic surgeons towards AI,and suggests a need for enhanced education and regulatory frameworks to ensure the safe adoption of AI.

Orthopedic surgery and its complication in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE) is a multi-systemic immune-complex mediated autoimmune condition which chiefly affects women during their prime year. While the management of the condition falls into the specialty of internal medicine, patients with SLE often present with signs and symptoms pertaining to the territory of orthopedic surgery such as tendon rupture, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteonecrosis, osteoporotic fracture and infection including septic arthritis, osteomyelitis and spondylodiscitis. While these orthopedicrelated conditions are often debilitating in patients with SLE which necessitate management by orthopedic specialists, a high index of suspicion is necessary in diagnosing these conditions early because lupus patients with potentially severe orthopedic conditions such as osteomyelitis frequently present with mild symptoms and subtle signs such as low grade fever, mild hip pain and back tenderness. Additionally, even if these orthopedic conditions can be recognized, complications as a result of surgical procedures are indeed not uncommon. SLE per se and its various associated pharmacological treatments may pose lupus patients to certain surgical risks if they are not properly attended to andmanaged prior to, during and after surgery. Concerted effort of management and effective communication among orthopedic specialists and rheumatologists play an integral part in enhancing favorable outcome and reduction in postoperative complications for patients with SLE through thorough pre-operative evaluation, careful peri-operative monitoring and treatment, as well as judicious postoperative care.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy during anesthesia recovery for older orthopedic surgery patients: A prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Hypoxemia is a common complication in older patients during postoperative recovery and can cause pulmonary complications.Therefore,reducing the incidence of postoperative hypoxemia is a clinical concern.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen(HFNCO)in the resuscitation period of older orthopedic patients.METHODS In this prospective randomized controlled trial,60 older patients who underwent orthopedic surgery under general anesthesia were randomly divided into two groups:those who used conventional face mask and those who used HFNCO.All patients were treated with 60%oxygen for 1 h after extubation.Patients in the conventional face mask group were treated with a combination of air(2 L)and oxygen(2 L)using a traditional mask,whereas those in the HFNCO group were treated with HFNCO at a constant temperature of 34℃ and flow rate of 40 L/min.We assessed the effectiveness of oxygen therapy by monitoring the patients’arterial blood gas,peripheral oxygen saturation,and postoperative complications.RESULTS The characteristics of the patients were comparable between the groups.One hour after extubation,patients in HFNCO group had a significantly higher arterial partial pressure of oxygen(paO_(2))than that of patients in conventional face mask group(P<0.001).At extubation and 1 h after extubation,patients in both groups showed a significantly higher arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide(paCO_(2))than the baseline levels(P<0.001).There were no differences in the saturation of peripheral oxygen,paO_(2),and paCO_(2) between the groups before anesthesia and before extubation(P>0.05).There were statistically significant differences in paO_(2) between the two groups before anesthesia and 1 h after extubation and immediately after extubation and 1 h after extubation(P<0.001).However,there were no significant differences in the oxygen tolerance score before leaving the room,airway humidification,and pulmonary complications 3 d after surgery between the two groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION HFNCO can improve oxygen partial pressure and respiratory function in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery under general endotracheal anesthesia.Thus,HFNCO can be used to prevent postoperative hypoxemia.

Postoperative Outcome in Children Aged between 6 and 10 Years in Major Abdominal Surgery, Neurosurgery and Orthopedic Surgery

Background: Anticipating postoperative evolution in surgical patients is an important issue in our daily practice. We demonstrated in a previous study that there were multiple predictors of postoperative outcome, including American Society of Anesthesiologists status (ASA), transfusion, emergency, surgery and age. A secondary analysis describing intraoperative and postoperative outcomes was undertaken in children aged between 6 and 10 years old included in the initial study. Objective: To describe intraoperative and postoperative outcomes in children aged between 6 and 10 years old included in the initial cohort in abdominal surgery, neurosurgery and orthopedics. Methods: The secondary analysis of postoperative outcomes in children aged between 6 and 10 years old was retrospectively included in the initial study of 594 patients. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee. Results: There were 88 patients with a mean age of 98.7 ± 13.8 months. The most common surgical interventions were scoliosis in 23 patients (26.1%), limb tumor resection in 8 patients (9.1%), femoral osteotomy in 6 patients (6.8%), intracerebral tumor resection in 6 patients (6.8%), intestinal resection in 5 patients (5.6%), Chiari’s malformation in 4 patients (4.5%), pelvic osteotomy in 4 patients (4.5%) and renal transplantation in 4 patients (4.5%). Most patients (45%) were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 3 (ASA 3), and 13 (14.8%) were ASA grade 4. Twenty-two (25%) patients had intraoperative and/or postoperative complications (organ dysfunction or sepsis). Two patients (2.3%) had intraoperative hemorrhage, 1 patient (1.1%) had intraoperative difficult intubation, and 1 patient experienced intraoperative anaphylaxis. Nine patients (10.2%) had postoperative neurologic failure, and 2 (2.3%) had postoperative cardio-circulatory failure. Three patients (3.4%) had postoperative septicemia, 2 patients (2.3%) had postoperative pulmonary and urinary sepsis, and 1 patient (1.1%) had postoperative abdominal sepsis. 3 patients (3.4%) had re-operations. 42 (47.7%) patients had intra-operative transfusion. There was 1 in-hospital death (1.1%). The median total length of hospital stay was 9 days [5 - 16]. Conclusion: Twenty-five percent of the patients had intraoperative and/or postoperative complications, and most of them were ASA grade 3 3. Integrating goal-directed therapies to optimize intraoperative management in these patients could be necessary to improve postoperative outcomes in surgical pediatric patients.

Analysis of the Influence of Operating Room Nursing Care Management on the Incidence Rate of Nosocomial Infection in Orthopedic Surgery Patients

Objective:To analysis the influence of operating room nursing care management on the incidence rate of nosocomial infection in orthopedic surgery patients.Methodology:Fifty six orthopedic surgery patients who admitted into the hospital between January to December 2018 were enrolled into this study and randomly divided into two groups,which were the control group(under general management)and the observation group(under the operating room nursing care management).Further,the incidence rate of nosocomial infections,the incidence rate of irregular nursing care phenomena,the satisfaction score of nursing care management,and the quality of life score were observed and recorded.Result:The incidence rate of nosocomial infection,the incidence rate of irregular nursing care management,the satisfaction score of nursing care management,and the quality of life score of the observation group were compared to that of the control group,and the result showed P<0.05,indicates the statistical significance between the data indicators.Conclusion:The use of operating room nursing care management in patients with orthopedic surgery has shown a significant effect.

Impact of the Rapid Recovery Concept on Complications and Patient Quality of Life in the Perioperative Nursing of Robot-Assisted Radical Oesophageal Cancer

Aim: This study evaluates the impact of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) nursing on postoperative complications and quality of life in patients undergoing robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE). Methods: A total of 150 patients who underwent RAMIE from January 2020 to January 2022 at our hospital were randomly assigned to either the observation group or the control group, with 75 patients in each. The control group received standard perioperative management and nursing care, while the observation group was treated with ERAS nursing strategies. Interventions continued until discharge, and outcomes such as postoperative complications, quality of life, and nutritional status were compared between the groups. Results: The observation group exhibited a significantly lower incidence of postoperative adverse reactions compared to the control group (P ionally, all dimension scores of the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), including the total score, were higher in the observation group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the Nutritional Risk Screening (NRS) scores for impaired nutritional status and disease severity, along with the total NRS score, were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (P Conclusion: Implementing ERAS nursing in the perioperative care of patients undergoing RAMIE is associated with reduced postoperative complications and enhanced postoperative quality of life and nutritional status. .

An effective algorithm for needle tip displacement compensation in robot-assisted percutaneous surgery

This paper presents an automatic compensation algorithm for needle tip displacement in order to keep the needle tip always fixed at the skin entry point in the process of needle orientation in robot-assisted percutaneous surgery. The algorithm, based on a two-degree-of-freedom （2-DOF） robot wrist （not the mechanically constrained remote center of motion （RCM） mechanism） and a 3-DOF robot ann, firstly calculates the needle tip displacement caused by rotational motion of robot wrist in the arm coordinate frame using the robotic forward kinematics, and then inversely compensates for the needle tip displace- ment by real-time Cartesian motion of robot arm. The algorithm achieves the function of the RCM and eliminates many mechanical and virtual constraints caused by the RCM mechanism. Experimental result demonstrates that the needle tip displacement is within 1 inm in the process of needle orientation.

Evaluation of Different Strategies for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Elective Orthopedic Surgery

Our objective is to evaluate different pharmacologic strategies for VTE （venous thromboembolism） prophylaxis following orthopedic surgery at a tertiary academic medical center. This was a retrospective, observational study assessing the efficacy and safety of different strategies for VTE prophylaxis in elective total knee arthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty surgery patients. We evaluated warfarin at two different INR （international normalized ratio） goal ranges （1.5-2.5 and 1.8-2.3） and aspirin 325 mg once or twice daily. The main efficacy outcome was a composite of symptomatic deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The main safety outcome was incidence of major or minor bleeding. From January 2010 to June 2010, there were 190 patients in the warfarin group with INR range 1.5-2.5, 214 patients in the warfarin group with INR range 1.8-2.3, and 48 patients in the aspirin group. Of the three strategies, two primary events occurred in each of the warfarin groups （1.6% vs. 1.4%; P = 0.31）. There were no primary events in the aspirin group. Rates of major or minor bleeding were 4.2% in warfarin group INR 1.5-2.5 and 4.7% in warfarin group 1NR 1.8-2.3 （P = 0.19）, and 2.1% in the aspirin arm （P = 0.29）. There were no differences in the incidence of VTE in any of the treatment arms.

Robot-assisted lobectomy in a patient with poor lung function:Another advantage of robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Patients with poor lung function have a high-risk for pulmonary complications following lobectomy.The development of minimally invasive thoracic surgical techniques allows sicker patients to safely undergo lung resection.Robotic lobectomy could benefit these higher risk patients.Here we present a case of a 58-year-old female patient with poor lung function presented with a 3-cm mass in her lower left pulmonary lobe,who successfully underwent lobectomy via robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.Her forced expiratory volume in one second was slightly improved compared to the preoperative value.Her forced vital capacity continued to improve in the follow-up period.There was no recorded recurrence during the three years follow-up period.

Chinese Orthopedic Surgeons' Practice Regarding Postoperative Thromboembolic Prophylaxis after Major Orthopedic Surgery

Objective To assess Chinese surgeon practice of thromboprophylaxis following major orthopedic surgery. Methods A questionnaire survey was conducted amongst Chinese orthopedic surgeons. A total of 293 surgeons were surveyed concerning five key aspects of thromboembolic prophylaxis after major orthopedic surgery at the proseminar of Chinese guidelines for prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) after major orthopedic surgery in January of 2009. Results Totally, 208 surgeons (71.0%) responded, successfully completing the questionnaire. Of them, 57.6% respondents selected combined basic, mechanical, and pharmacologic methods for thromboprophylaxis; 51.0% respondents prefer starting prophylaxis 12-24 hours after surgery; 60.3% surgeons would use chemoprophylaxis for 7-10 days; 47.6% respondents prefer VTE prevention based on patients' special conditions and needs upon discharge. "Safety" was the most repeated and emphasized factor during VTE prophylaxis. Conclusions Multimodal thromboprophylaxis is frequently used after major orthopedic surgery. Half surgeons prefer to start chemoprophylaxis 12-24 hours after surgery. Thromboprophylaxis regimen varies for discharged patients.

MARKER-BASED MAPPING BETWEEN MEDICAL IMAGE AND ROBOT SPACE IN ROBOT-ASSISTED SURGERY

This paper focuses on the problems of matching a virtual and a real environments by means of hardware and software tools. The real space is represented by a patient’s bone where a set of cuts by means of robot system is to be made. The virtual space is a 3D model of the bone reconstructed from a set of CT slices. Robot system is then not only to machine bones but also to perform the fundamental step of registration between the two spaces. An external force sensor is used to adjust robot stiffness in order to perform the tactile searching necessary for the registration. A simple but reliable software algorithm is used to control the robot for matching between medical image and robot space in robot-assisted surgery. The results show the system proposed is precise enough for application, and tests been made also clarify the way to improve it.

Miniature 6-axis force/torque sensor for force feedback in robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery

In order to restore force sensation to robot-assisted minimally invasive surgery(RMIS),design and performance evaluation of a miniature 6-axis force/torque sensor for force feedback is presented.Based on the resistive sensing method,a flexural-hinged Stewart platform is designed as the flexible structure,and a straightforward optimization method considering the force and sensitivity isotropy of the sensor is proposed to determine geometric parameters which are best suited for the given external loads.The accuracy of this method is preliminarily discussed by finite element methods(FEMs).The sensor prototype is fabricated with the development of the electronic system.Calibration and dynamic loading tests for this sensor prototype are carried out.The working ranges of this sensor prototype are 30 N and 300 N·mm,and resolutions are 0.08 N in radial directions,0.25 N in axial direction,and 2.4 N·mm in rotational directions.It also exhibits a good capability for a typical dynamic force sensing at a frequency close to the normal heart rate of an adult.The sensor is compatible with surgical instruments for force feedback in RMIS.

Acute hospital-community hospital care bundle for elderly orthopedic surgery patients:A propensity score-matched economic analysis

BACKGROUND While Singapore attains good health outcomes,Singapore’s healthcare system is confronted with bed shortages and prolonged stays for elderly people recovering from surgery in acute hospitals.An Acute Hospital-Community Hospital(AHCH)care bundle has been developed to assist patients in postoperative rehabilitation.The core concept is to transfer patients out of AHs when clinically recommended and into CHs,where they can receive more beneficial dedicated care to aid in their recovery,while freeing up bed capacities in AHs.AIM To analyze the AH length of stay(LOS),costs,and savings associated with the AH-CH care bundle intervention initiated and implemented in elderly patients aged 75 years and above undergoing elective orthopedic surgery.METHODS A total of 8621:1 propensity score-matched patients aged 75 years and above who underwent elective orthopedic surgery in Singapore General Hospital(SGH)before(2017-2018)and after(2019-2021)the care bundle intervention period was analyzed.Outcome measures were AH LOS,CH LOS,hospitalization metrics,postoperative 30-d mortality,and modified Barthel Index(MBI)scores.The costs of AH inpatient hospital stay in the matched cohorts were compared using cost data in Singapore dollars.RESULTS Of the 862 matched elderly patients undergoing elective orthopedic surgery before and after the care bundle intervention,the age distribution,sex,American Society of Anesthesiologists classification,Charlson Comorbidity Index,and surgical approach were comparable between both groups.Patients transferred to CHs after the surgery had a shorter median AH LOS(7 d vs 9 d,P<0.001).The mean total AH inpatient cost per patient was 14.9%less for the elderly group transferred to CHs(S$24497.3 vs S$28772.8,P<0.001).The overall AH U-turn rates for elderly patients within the care bundle were low,with a 0%mortality rate following orthopedic surgery.When elderly patients were discharged from CHs,their MBI scores increased significantly(50.9 vs 71.9,P<0.001).CONCLUSION The AH-CH care bundle initiated and implemented in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery appears to be effective and cost-saving for SGH.Our results indicate that transitioning care between acute and community hospitals using this care bundle effectively reduces AH LOS in elderly patients receiving orthopedic surgery.Collaboration between acute and community care providers can assist in closing the care delivery gap and enhancing service quality.

The Relevant Roles of Plastic and Orthopedic Surgery in Hand Salvage

Over the recent past few years, there is a huge innovation in plastic surgery and orthopedic surgery through implantation of new techniques, which enabled a great level of success in hand salvage. Conditions such as trauma, tumor, sepsis, or vascular disease, may necessitate hand salvage. The most frequent argument among surgeon from different subspecialties (orthopedics, plastics, trauma, and vascular surgery) are characterized by in what way each one can do his own part of the salvage operation, be it bony fixation, revascularization, or soft-tissue coverage, but none of them is sure whether it should be endeavored. What is necessary in such clinical situations is an interdisciplinary team attitude led by individual or groups of clinicians who are conversant not only with their identifiable subspecialized skills but also with those of their coworkers and the consequences accompanying the joined efforts at hand salvage. The perception of orthoplastic surgery is based on such an indication, where the integrated skills and techniques of the orthopedic surgeon and reconstructive microsurgeon are performed in recital to direct efforts concerning hand salvage or choose against it when it is not designated. The current article reviews the roles of orthopedic and plastic surgery and how this team can deal with the existing techniques to improve outcomes in hand salvage surgery.