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Background: Perforated peptic ulcer (PPU) is a surgical emergency associated with high short-term mortality. However, studies on long-term outcomes are scarce. Our aim was to investigate long-term survival after surgery for PPU. Materials and Methods: A population-based, consecutive cohort of patients who underwent surgery for PPU between 2001 and 2014 was reviewed, and the long-term mortality was assessed. Survival was investigated by univariate analysis (log-rank test) and displayed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Multivariable analysis of risk factors for long-term mortality was assessed by Cox proportional hazards regression and reported as hazard ratio (HR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Results: A total of 234 patients were available for the calculation of ninety-day, one-year and two-year mortality, and the results showed rates of 19.2 % (45/234), 22.6 % (53/234) and 24.8 % (58/234), respectively. At the end of follow-up, a total of 109 of the 234 patients (46.6 %) had died. Excluding 37 (15.2 %) patients who died within 30 days of surgery, 197 patients had long-term follow-up (median 57 months, range 1-168) of which 36 % (71/197) died during the follow-up period. In multivariable analyses, age >60 years (HR 3.95, 95 % CI 1.81-8.65), active cancer (HR 3.49, 95 % CI 1.73-7.04), hypoalbuminemia (HR 1.65, 95 % CI 0.99-2.73), pulmonary disease (HR 2.06, 95 % CI 1.14-3.71), cardiovascular disease (HR 1.67, 95 % CI 1.01-2.79) and severe postoperative complications (HR 1.76, 95 % CI 1.07-2.89) during the initial stay for PPU were all independently associated with an increased risk of long-term mortality. Cause of long-term mortality was most frequently (18 of 71; 25 %) attributed to new onset sepsis and/or multiorgan failure. Conclusion: The long-term mortality after surgery for PPU is high. One in every three patients died during follow-up. Older age, comorbidity and severe postoperative complications were risk factors for long-term mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Comparing trauma registry data from different countries can help to identify possible differences in epidemiology, which may help to improve the care of trauma patients., Methods: This study directly compares the incidence, mechanisms of injuries and mortality of severe TBI based on population-based data from the two national trauma registries from New Zealand and Norway. All patients prospectively registered with severe TBI in either of the national registries for the 4-year study period were included. Patient and injury variables were described and age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates were calculated., Results: A total of 1378 trauma patients were identified of whom 751 (54.5%) from New Zealand and 627 (45.5%) from Norway. The patient cohort from New Zealand was significantly younger (median 32 versus 53 years; p < 0.001) and more patients from New Zealand were injured in road traffic crashes (37% versus 13%; p < 0.001). The age-adjusted incidence rate of severe TBI was 3.8 per 100,000 in New Zealand and 2.9 per 100,000 in Norway. The age-adjusted mortality rates were 1.5 per 100,000 in New Zealand and 1.2 per 100,000 in Norway. The fatality rates were 38.5% in New Zealand and 34.2% in Norway (p = 0.112)., Conclusions: Road traffic crashes in younger patients were more common in New Zealand whereas falls in elderly patients were the main cause for severe TBI in Norway. The age-adjusted incidence and mortality rates of severe TBI among trauma patients are similar in New Zealand and Norway. The fatality rates of severe TBI are still considerable with more than one third of patients dying., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Resuscitative emergency thoracotomy is a potential life-saving procedure but is rarely performed outside of busy trauma centers. Yet the intervention cannot be deferred nor centralized for critically injured patients presenting in extremis. Low-volume experience may be mitigated by structured training. The aim of this study was to describe concurrent development of training and simulation in a trauma system and associated effect on one time-critical emergency procedure on patient outcome., Methods: An observational cohort study split into 3 arbitrary time-phases of trauma system development referred to as 'early', 'developing' and 'mature' time-periods. Core characteristics of the system is described for each phase and concurrent outcomes for all consecutive emergency thoracotomies described with focus on patient characteristics and outcome analyzed for trends in time., Results: Over the study period, a total of 36 emergency thoracotomies were performed, of which 5 survived (13.9%). The "early" phase had no survivors (0/10), with 2 of 13 (15%) and 3 of 13 (23%) surviving in the development and mature phase, respectively. A decline in 'elderly' (>55 years) patients who had emergency thoracotomy occurred with each time period (from 50%, 31% to 7.7%, respectively). The gender distribution and the injury severity scores on admission remained unchanged, while the rate of patients with signs on life (SOL) increased over time., Conclusion: The improvement over time in survival for one time-critical emergency procedure may be attributed to structured implementation of team and procedure training. The findings may be transferred to other low-volume regions for improved trauma care.

Background: Early mortality in ruptured abdominal aneurysm (rAAA) is high, but data on long-term outcome are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome in survivors after open surgery for rAAA in well-defined population., Methods: This is a population-based, observational long-term follow-up (beyond 30-day mortality) study of patients surgically treated for rAAA from 2000 through 2014. Long-term survival was analysed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and compared to the general population by analyses of relative survival., Results: Out of 178 patients operated for rAAA, 95 patients (55%) either died in the perioperative period, were referred from other hospitals or were lost to follow-up (two patients). Altogether 83 patients were eligible for long-term outcomes: 72 men and 11 women. Estimated median crude survival time was 6.5 years [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.8-8.2]. Men had a median survival of 7.3 years (95% CI 5.1-9.4) versus 5.4 years in females (95% CI 3.5-7.3) (P = 0.082). Reinterventions during follow-up occurred in 31 (37%). Relative survival demonstrated a slightly higher risk of death in the rAAA population compared to the general age- and gender-matched population. Age, but not comorbidities, had a significant influence on long-term survival., Conclusion: For survivors beyond 30 days after surgery for rAAA, long-term survival compares well to that of an age- and sex-matched population. A high frequency of cardiovascular comorbidities did not seem to affect long-term survival.

Objectives: To investigate the epidemiology of acute upper limb thromboembolism in a well-defined Norwegian population., Methods: This study was a retrospective, single-center, observational population-based cohort study of acute upper limb thromboembolism. The study included all patients from the hospital's primary catchment area from January 2000 to December 2015. Age- and gender-adjusted incidence rates were calculated using population demographics from Statistics Norway., Results: A total of 54 patients were identified, of which 49 were included in the analyses: 27 (55%) females (median age 83 years, range 40-96) and 22 (45%) males (median age 70 years, range 42-95) (P = .053). The adjusted incidence rate for the period was 1.6 patients per 100,000 inhabitants per year (95% confidence interval 1.2-2.2) and did not change significantly during the period studied. Atrial fibrillation was detected by electrocardiography in 30 (61%) patients; in this group, 10 patients were on warfarin but only two had an international normalized ratio > 1.9 and the remaining 20 were not anticoagulated. Altogether, 38 (78%) patients underwent surgery, 1 (2%) was treated with thrombolysis, and the remaining patients were treated conservatively; no amputations were performed. Four patients (8%) died within 30 days, and 12 of the surviving 45 patients (27%) had recurrent thromboembolism., Conclusion: The incidence rate was stable during the study period. Patients with upper limb thromboembolism due to atrial fibrillation were inadequately anticoagulated. One in four patients experienced a recurrent thromboembolic event. Lifelong anticoagulation should be considered in all patients with upper limb thromboembolism.

Background: The available literature on ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAA) centers on survival after operation and commonly, reasons why some patients do not undergo surgery are not addressed. The aim of the present study is to examine, in a population-based cohort, the characteristics, stratification and time to death of patients admitted to hospital, but not undergoing operation for rAAA., Methods: A retrospective, single-center study. All patients admitted to Stavanger University Hospital from the primary catchment area with rAAA on admission or in-hospital from 2000 to 2014 were included., Results: Altogether 214 patients with rAAA were identified; 57 (27%) patients did not undergo surgery. The proportion of women was significantly higher (37 vs. 14%; p < .001) in patients not having surgery. The reasons for not undergoing operation were patient 'not fit for surgery' (30%), 'dying or agonal' at time of diagnosis (26%), 'did not want operation' (21%) and 'diagnosed at autopsy' (23%). Of the non-operated patients, 45 had rAAA on arrival to hospital, 12 had in-hospital rupture and 21 patients had previously been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Non-operative treatment was uniformly fatal. The 45 patients with rAAA on arrival were scored using four scoring systems, the predicted mortality varied widely, and the median time from admission to death was 7.4 h (range 0-1337)., Conclusion: In about half of patients, a decision not to operate was made by the consultant vascular surgeon or the patient. In the subgroup of patients not diagnosed until autopsy or having an in-hospital rupture, an earlier diagnosis might have altered the outcome.

Background: Perioperative use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with risk of anastomotic leak (AL). However, concomitant use of other drugs could infer a bias in risk assessment. Thus, we aimed to interrogate the risk of AL associated with NSAIDs and steroids used perioperatively., Methods: This study includes a consecutive series of patients having surgery involving an intestinal anastomosis from Jan 2007 to Dec 2009. Data records included demographic, perioperative, and surgical characteristics; AL rates; and use of NSAIDs and steroids. Risk of leak were estimated using unadjusted and multivariable (propensity score)-adjusted logistic regression models and reported as odds ratios (ORs)., Results: A total of 376 patients underwent 428 operations of which 67 (15.7 %) had AL. With no medication receivers as reference, the OR for leak when adjusted for age, sex, and propensity score was 1.07 (p = 0.92) for ketorolac, 1.63 (p = 0.31) for diclofenac and 0.41 (p = 0.19) for dexamethasone. Risk was increased for malignancy (OR 1.88, p = 0.023), use of a vasopressor (OR 2.52, p = 0.007), blood transfusions (OR 1.93, p = 0.026), and regular use of steroids (OR 7.57, p = 0.009)., Conclusions: Other factors than perioperative drugs are crucial for risk of AL. Perioperative dexamethasone was associated with a nonsignificant reduced risk of AL., Competing Interests: Compliance with ethical standards Conflict of interests None.

Background: Acute colonic diverticulitis is a common clinical condition. Severity of the disease is based on clinical, laboratory, and radiological investigations and dictates the need for medical or surgical intervention. Recent clinical trials have improved the understanding of the natural history of the disease resulting in new approaches to and better evidence for the management of acute diverticulitis., Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library (years 2004-2015), MEDLINE (years 2004-2015), and EMBASE (years 2004-2015) databases. We used the search terms "diverticulitis, colonic" or "acute diverticulitis" or "divertic*" in combination with the terms "management," "antibiotics," "non-operative," or "surgery." Registers for clinical trials (such as the WHO registry and the https://clinicaltrials.gov/ ) were searched for ongoing, recruiting, or closed trials not yet published., Results: Antibiotic treatment can be avoided in simple, non-complicated diverticulitis and outpatient management is safe. The management of complicated disease, ranging from a localized abscess to perforation with diffuse peritonitis, has changed towards either percutaneous or minimally invasive approaches in selected cases. The role of laparoscopic lavage without resection in perforated non-fecal diverticulitis is still debated; however, recent evidence from two randomised controlled trials has found a higher re-intervention in this group of patients., Conclusions: A shift in management has occurred towards conservative management in acute uncomplicated disease. Those with uncomplicated acute diverticulitis may be treated without antibiotics. For complicated diverticulitis with purulent peritonitis, the use of peritoneal lavage appears to be non-superior to resection.

Background: Many studies on gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) derive from tertiary referral centers, but few examine strictly population-based cohorts. Thus, we evaluated the clinical features, surgical treatments, clinical outcomes, and factors predicting the survival of patients with GISTs in a population-based series., Methods: Patients with GISTs diagnosed at Stavanger University Hospital over three decades (1980-2012) were analyzed. Data were retrieved from hospital records. Descriptive statistics and survival analyses (Kaplan-Meier) are presented. A limited number of colorectal GISTs (n = 6) restricted most analyses to those with a gastric or small bowel location., Results: Among 66 patients surgically treated for GISTs, 60 patients (91 %) had either a gastric or a small bowel localization. Females comprised 61 %. The median age at diagnosis was 63 (range, 15-88) years. Clinical symptoms were recorded in 43 patients (65 %). Complete tumor resection was achieved in 85 % of the patients. During follow-up, 6 patients were surgically treated for local recurrence or metastatic disease. The median follow-up time was 6.1 years. At last follow-up, 30 patients (46 %) were deceased, 10 of whom died from GISTs. The median overall survival was 10.4 years. For GISTs with a gastric or small bowel location, a 1- and 5-year disease-specific survival of 100 and 96 %, and a relapse-free survival of 96 and 78 % were observed. Male gender, incidental diagnosis, smaller tumor size, a low mitotic rate, an intact pseudocapsule, low-risk categorization, and an early stage were significantly associated with improved outcomes., Conclusion: Surgery in a low-volume, population-based setting yields enhanced long-term disease and recurrence-free survival for patients with GISTs of the stomach or small bowel. Incidental diagnosis, complete tumor resection, and low-risk categorization are good predictors of long-term prognosis.

Background: Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is the most frequently used marker for colorectal cancer (CRC). Influence of genetic instability on tumor marker expression is not known. The aim of this study was to investigate microsatellite instability (MSI) of CEA serum levels in locally advanced CRC., Methods: The observational cohort consisted of stage II-III CRC patients (n = 131) 75 years old or youngerwho underwent surgery with curative intent. CEA serum levels were measured before (preCEA) and immediately after surgery (postCEA). DNA from the extracted tumors was investigated for MSI. Survival was analyzed in univariate and multivariate analyses., Results: The median preCEA was 3 U/ml (IQR = 1-3, range = 1-136 U/ml). Stage III cancers with MSI had an elevated preCEA more often than those without MSI (25% vs. 0%; p = 0.026). A preCEA >10 U/ml was significantly associated with elevated postCEA (CEA >1 U/ml; odds ratio [OR] = 5.4, 95% CI = 2.1-14.2; p < 0.001). Survival wasnot significantly different between those with postCEA <10 U/ml vs. postCEA ≥ 10 U/ml or when stratified by MSI status. A cutoff of postCEA ≤ 1 U/ml conferred significantly improved survival compared to higher CEA levels. Stratified for MSI status, this difference was significant for microsatellite stable (MSS) cancers only (p = 0.021). In multivariate analysis, postCEA >1 U/ml (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.5, 95% CI = 1.7-7.3, p = 0.001) and stage III (HR = 6.7, 95% CI = 3.0-14.9; p < 0.001) were predictors of decreased survival., Conclusions: Preoperative CEA levels were significantly higher in stage III cancers with the MSI genotype, and high preoperative CEA was associated with increased postoperative CEA. Absent postoperative CEA in serum conferred improved long-term survival.

Background: At least 12 harvested lymph nodes are recommended for proper staging of colon cancer. The effect of tumor-related factors associated with lymph node harvest is not well understood as data are lacking. We investigated tumor-related factors in relation to the number of lymph nodes harvested., Methods: Patient and tumor characteristics were investigated in relation to harvested lymph nodes (LN >or= 12), number of metastatic nodes, LN ratio (LNR), and prognosis with univariate and multivariate analyses., Results: An LN harvest >or=12 nodes was achieved in 36% of the patients. Having <12 nodes harvested was not associated with increased risk for locoregional recurrence, distant metastasis, or decreased survival. Tumor size >5 cm, microsatellite instability (MSI), and proximal tumor location predicted a harvest of LN >or= 12. The highest rate (54%) of LN >or= 12 was found for MSI cancers [odds ratio (OR) 2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-6.5; P = 0.011]. Multivariate analysis identified a proximal location as an independent factor of LN >or= 12 (adjusted OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.5-8.2; P = 0.003), with MSI an independent factor in stage II to III colon cancer (adjusted OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.1-6.0; P = 0.026). To determine the best prognosticator, LNR was the only significant factor in the multivariate analysis (Cox proportional hazards) with a hazard ratio (HR) of 2.9 (95% CI 1.1-7.8; P = 0.038) for LNR 0.01-0.17 and an HR of 5.8 (95% CI 2.5-13.1; P < 0.001)., Conclusions: Proximal tumor location and microsatellite instability are associated with a higher number of lymph nodes harvested, pointing to possible underlying genetic and immunologic mechanisms. The LNR is an independent prognostic variable for colon cancer.

Background: The epidemiology of trauma deaths in Europe is less than well investigated. Thus, our goal was to study the contemporary patterns of trauma deaths within a defined population with an exceptionally high trauma autopsy rate., Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of 260 consecutive trauma autopsies for which we collected demographic, pre-hospital and in-hospital data. Patients were analyzed for injury severity by standard scoring systems (Abbreviated Injury Scale [AIS], Revised Trauma Score [RTS], and Injury Severity Score [ISS]), and the Trauma and Injury Severity Scale [TRISS] methodology., Results: The fatal trauma incidence was 10.0 per 100,000 inhabitants (17.4 per 100,000 age-adjusted > or = 55 years). Blunt mechanism (87%), male gender (75%), and pre-hospital deaths (52%) predominated. Median ISS was 38 (range: 4-75). Younger patients (<55 years) who died in the hospital were more often hypotensive (SBP < 90 mmHg; p = 0.001), in respiratory distress (RR < 10/min, or > 29/min; p < 0.0001), and had deranged neurology on admission (Glasgow Coma Score [GCS] < or = 8; p < 0.0001), compared to those > or = 55 years. Causes of death were central nervous system (CNS) injuries (67%), exsanguination (25%), and multiorgan failure (8%). The temporal death distribution is model-dependent and can be visualized in unimodal, bimodal, or trimodal patterns. Age increased (r = 0.43) and ISS decreased (r = -0.52) with longer time from injury to death (p < 0.001). Mean age of the trauma patients who died increased by almost a decade during the study period (from mean 41.7 +/- 24.2 years to mean 50.5 +/- 25.4 years; p = 0.04). The pre-hospital:in-hospital death ratio shifted from 1.5 to 0.75 (p < 0.007)., Conclusions: While pre-hospital and early deaths still predominate, an increasing proportion succumb after arrival in hospital. Focus on injury prevention is imperative, particularly for brain injuries. Although hemorrhage and multiorgan failure deaths have decreased, they do still occur. Redirected attention and focus on the geriatric trauma population is mandated.

Background: Benign peritoneal cystic mesothelioma (BPCM) is a rare tumor of unknown origin, most frequently encountered in women of reproductive age. Etiology is unknown; definitions and terminology are confusing, and preoperative diagnosis is difficult. Several differential diagnoses must be considered., Methods: Based on our own clinical experience and a review of the relevant literature, we address clinical challenges and controversies of importance., Results: Current literature on BPCM is mostly based on small case reports. Complete surgical resection is recommended if possible. Nevertheless, recurrent disease is not uncommon. Clinical positive effects of various adjuvant medical treatments remain to be shown., Conclusions: Lack of consistent definitions, various treatment approaches, and mostly short follow-up times make it difficult to draw any firm conclusions from published reports. The natural history of this rare disease is less than well clarified. When possible, in an individual patient, surgical resection with curative intent seems to be the treatment of choice.