Surgery (Austin & Northern Health) - Research Publications

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    Intraoperative low tidal volume ventilation and the risk of ICD-10 coded delirium and the use for antipsychotic medications
    Karalapillai, D ; Weinberg, L ; Serpa Neto, A ; Peyton, PJ ; Ellard, L ; Hu, R ; Pearce, B ; Tan, C ; Story, D ; O'Donnell, M ; Hamilton, P ; Oughton, C ; Galtieri, J ; Appu, S ; Wilson, A ; Eastwood, G ; Bellomo, R ; Jones, DA (BMC, 2022-05-16)
    BACKGROUND: Low tidal volume (VT) ventilation and its associated increase in arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) may affect postoperative neurologic function. We aimed to test the hypothesis that intraoperative low VT ventilation affect the incidence of postoperative ICD-10 coded delirium and/or the need for antipsychotic medications. METHODS: This is a post-hoc analysis of a large randomized controlled trial evaluating low vs. conventional VT ventilation during major non-cardiothoracic, non-intracranial surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of ICD-10 delirium and/or the use of antipsychotic medications during hospital stay, and the absolute difference with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated. RESULTS: We studied 1206 patients (median age of 64 [55-72] years, 59.0% males, median ARISCAT of 26 [19-37], and 47.6% of ASA 3). ICD-10 coded delirium and /or antipsychotic medication use was diagnosed in 11.2% with similar incidence between low and conventional VT ventilation (11.1% vs. 11.3%; absolute difference, -0.24 [95%CI, -3.82 to 3.32]; p = 0.894). There was no interaction between allocation group and type of surgery. CONCLUSION: In adult patients undergoing major surgery, low VT ventilation was not associated with increased risk of ICD-10 delirium and/or the use of antipsychotic medications during hospital stay. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ANZCTR Identifier: ACTRN12614000790640 .
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    Intra-operative ventilator mechanical power as a predictor of postoperative pulmonary complications in surgical patients A secondary analysis of a randomised clinical trial
    Karalapillai, D ; Weinberg, L ; Neto A, S ; Peyton, P ; Ellard, L ; Hu, R ; Pearce, B ; Tan, CO ; Story, D ; O'Donnell, M ; Hamilton, P ; Oughton, C ; Galtieri, J ; Wilson, A ; Eastwood, G ; Bellomo, R ; Jones, DA (LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, 2022-01)
    BACKGROUND: Studies in critically ill patients suggest a relationship between mechanical power (an index of the energy delivered by the ventilator, which includes driving pressure, respiratory rate, tidal volume and inspiratory pressure) and complications. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the association between intra-operative mechanical power and postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs). DESIGN: Post hoc analysis of a large randomised clinical trial. SETTING: University-affiliated academic tertiary hospital in Melbourne, Australia, from February 2015 to February 2019. PATIENTS: Adult patients undergoing major noncardiothoracic, nonintracranial surgery. INTERVENTION: Dynamic mechanical power was calculated using the power equation adjusted by the respiratory system compliance (CRS). Multivariable models were used to assess the independent association between mechanical power and outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the incidence of PPCs within the first seven postoperative days. The secondary outcome was the incidence of acute respiratory failure. RESULTS: We studied 1156 patients (median age [IQR]: 64 [55 to 72] years, 59.5% men). Median mechanical power adjusted by CRS was 0.32 [0.22 to 0.51] (J min-1)/(ml cmH2O-1). A higher mechanical power was also independently associated with increased risk of PPCs [odds ratio (OR 1.34, 95% CI, 1.17 to 1.52); P < 0.001) and acute respiratory failure (OR 1.40, 95% CI, 1.21 to 1.61; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In patients receiving ventilation during major noncardiothoracic, nonintracranial surgery, exposure to a higher mechanical power was independently associated with an increased risk of PPCs and acute respiratory failure. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry no: 12614000790640.
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    High Frequency, Low Background Rate Extrapleural Programmed Intermittent Bolus Ropivacaine Provides Superior Analgesia Compared with Continuous Infusion for Acute Pain Management Following Thoracic Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
    Bishop, B ; Pearce, B ; Willshire, L ; Kilpin, M ; Howard, W ; Weinberg, L ; Tan, C (Briefland, 2019-10)
    BACKGROUND: Thoracic surgery often results in severe postoperative pain. Regional analgesia via surgically placed extrapleural local anaesthetic (LA) and continuous infusion (CI) is an effective technique, however usually requires supplemental opioid to achieve satisfactory patient analgesia. We hypothesized that high frequency, low background rate extrapleural programmed intermittent boluses (PIB) of LA by could achieve superior patient analgesia and reduced oral morphine equivalent daily dosage (OMEDD) requirements for up to 3 days after thoracic surgery vs. CI. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed data from 84 adult patients receiving extrapleural analgesia after thoracic surgery in a single tertiary teaching hospital. The primary outcome measure was the effect of PIB vs. CI on maximum daily 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS-11) ratings as determined by multivariate linear regression analysis, corrected for OMEDD use, total daily LA dose, surgery type, age, opioid type, and use of ketamine analgesia. Secondary outcome measures were the effect on OMEDD use, the effect of total 'rescue' LA boluses, and univariate analyses of the above outcomes and variables. RESULTS: PIB on day 0, and a higher proportion of LA given as rescue boluses on day 1 were associated with reduced maximum NRS-11 ratings [standardized/ [unstandardized] beta coefficient -0.34/ [-0.92 NRS-11 if PIB] (P = 0.007); and -0.26/ [-0.029 NRS-11 per mg/kg extrapleural ropivacaine] (P = 0.03)], respectively. Only patient age was associated with reduced OMEDD use [day 0: -0.58/ [-4.4 OMEDDs per year of age] (P ≤ 0.005); day 1: -0.49/ [-3.56 OMEDDs per year of age] (P ≤ 0.005); day 2: -0.32/ [-1.9 OMEDDs per year of age] (P = 0.04)]. OMEDD use on day 2, however, was associated with slightly higher maximum NRS-11 ratings [+0.28/ +0.006 NRS-11 per mg OMEDD (P = 0.036)]. On univariate analysis, PIB patients achieved the largest difference in OMEDD use [-98 mg (95% CI -73 to -123 mg)] and NRS-11 ratings [-1.1 (-0.4 to -1.8)] against CI patients on day 3. CONCLUSIONS: Use of high frequency, low background rate PIB extrapleural LA after thoracic surgery appears to have a modest beneficial effect on acute pain, but not OMEDD use, over CI when adjusted for patient, surgical and other analgesic factors after thoracic surgery. Further work is required to elucidate the potential magnitude of effect that extrapleural LA given by PIB over CI can achieve.
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    The impact of fluid intervention on complications and length of hospital stay after pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple's procedure)
    Weinberg, L ; Wong, D ; Karalapillai, D ; Pearce, B ; Tan, CO ; Tay, S ; Christophi, C ; McNicol, L ; Nikfarjam, M (BIOMED CENTRAL LTD, 2014-05-14)
    BACKGROUND: There is limited information on the impact on perioperative fluid intervention on complications and length of hospital stay following pancreaticoduodenectomy. Therefore, we conducted a detailed analysis of fluid intervention in patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy at a university teaching hospital to test the hypothesis that a restrictive intravenous fluid regime and/or a neutral or negative cumulative fluid balance, would impact on perioperative complications and length of hospital stay. METHODS: We retrospectively obtained demographic, operative details, detailed fluid prescription, complications and outcomes data for 150 consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy in a university teaching hospital. Prognostic predictors for length of hospital stay and complications were determined. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty consecutive patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy were evaluated between 2006 and 2012. The majority of patients were, middle-aged, overweight and ASA class III. Postoperative complications were frequent and occurred in 86 patients (57%). The majority of complications were graded as Clavien-Dindo Class 2 and 3. Postoperative pancreatic fistula occurred in 13 patients (9%), and delayed gastric emptying occurred in 25 patients (17%). Other postoperative surgical complications included sepsis (22%), bile leak (4%), and postoperative bleeding (2%). Serious medical complications included pulmonary edema (6%), myocardial infarction (8%), cardiac arrhythmias (13%), respiratory failure (8%), and renal failure (7%). Patients with complications received a higher median volume of intravenous therapy and had higher cumulative positive fluid balances. Postoperative length of stay was significantly longer in patients with complications (median 25 days vs. 10 days; p < 0.001). After adjustment for covariates, a fluid balance of less than 1 litre on postoperative day 1 and surgeon caseloads were associated with the development of complications. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of pancreaticoduodenectomy, restrictive perioperative fluid intervention and negative cumulative fluid balance were associated with fewer complications and shorter length of hospital stay. These findings provide good opportunities to evaluate strategies aimed at improving perioperative care.
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    Randomised controlled trial to investigate the relationship between mild hypercapnia and cerebral oxygen saturation in patients undergoing major surgery
    Wong, C ; Churilov, L ; Cowie, D ; Tan, CO ; Hu, R ; Tremewen, D ; Pearce, B ; Pillai, P ; Karalapillai, D ; Bellomo, R ; Weinberg, L (BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP, 2020-02)
    OBJECTIVES: The effects of hypercapnia on regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO2) during surgery are unclear. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to investigate the relationship between mild hypercapnia and rSO2. We hypothesised that, compared with targeted normocapnia (TN), targeted mild hypercapnia (TMH) during major surgery would increase rSO2. DESIGN: A prospective, randomised, controlled trial in adult participants undergoing elective major surgery. SETTING: A single tertiary centre in Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. PARTICIPANTS: 40 participants were randomised to either a TMH or TN group (20 to each). INTERVENTIONS: TMH (partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood, PaCO2, 45-55 mm Hg) or TN (PaCO2 35-40 mm Hg) was delivered via controlled ventilation throughout surgery. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary endpoint was the absolute difference between the two groups in percentage change in rSO2 from baseline to completion of surgery. Secondary endpoints included intraoperative pH, bicarbonate concentration, base excess, serum potassium concentration, incidence of postoperative delirium and length of stay (LOS) in hospital. RESULTS: The absolute difference between the two groups in percentage change in rSO2 from the baseline to the completion of surgery was 19.0% higher in both hemispheres with TMH (p<0.001). On both sides, the percentage change in rSO2 was greater in the TMH group than the TN group throughout the duration of surgery. The difference between the groups became more noticeable over time. Furthermore, postoperative delirium was higher in the TN group (risk difference 0.3, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.5, p=0.02). LOS was similar between groups (5 days vs 5 days; p=0.99). CONCLUSION: TMH was associated with a stable increase in rSO2 from the baseline, while TN was associated with a decrease in rSO2 in both hemispheres in patients undergoing major surgery. This resulted in a clear separation of percentage change in rSO2 from the baseline between TMH and TN over time. Our findings provide the rationale for larger studies on TMH during surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12616000320459).
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    Intrathecal morphine is associated with reduction in postoperative opioid requirements and improvement in postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing open liver resection
    Tang, J ; Churilov, L ; Tan, CO ; Hu, R ; Pearce, B ; Cosic, L ; Christophi, C ; Weinberg, L (BMC, 2020-08-19)
    BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to test the hypothesis that the addition of intrathecal morphine (ITM) results in reduced postoperative opioid use and enhanced postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing open liver resection using a standardized enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol with multimodal analgesia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 216 adult patients undergoing open liver resection between June 2010 and July 2017 at a university teaching hospital was conducted. The primary outcome was the cumulative oral morphine equivalent daily dose (oMEDD) on postoperative day (POD) 1. Secondary outcomes included postoperative pain scores, opioid related complications, and length of hospital stay. We also performed a cost analysis evaluating the economic benefits of ITM. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-five patients received ITM (ITM group) and 91 patients received usual care (UC group). Patient characteristics were similar between the groups. The primary outcome - cumulative oMEDD on POD1 - was significantly reduced in the ITM group. Postoperative pain scores up to 24 h post-surgery were significantly reduced in the ITM group. There was no statistically significant difference in complications or hospital stay between the two study groups. Total hospital costs were significantly higher in the ITM group. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing open liver resection, ITM in addition to conventional multimodal analgesic strategies reduced postoperative opioid requirements and improved analgesia for 24 h after surgery, without any statistically significant differences in opioid-related complications, and length of hospital stay. Hospital costs were significantly higher in patients receiving ITM, reflective of a longer mandatory stay in intensive care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) under ACTRN12620000001998 .