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Background: Sarcopenia is highly prevalent among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Computed tomography (CT)‐based assessment of low skeletal muscle index (SMI) is widely used for diagnosing sarcopenia. However, there are conflicting findings on the association between low SMI and overall survival (OS) in CRC patients. The objective of this study was to investigate whether CT‐determined low SMI can serve as a valuable prognostic factor in CRC. Methods: We collected data from patients with CRC who underwent radical surgery at our institution between June 2020 and November 2021. The SMI at the third lumbar vertebra was calculated using CT scans, and the cutoff values for defining low SMI were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the associations between clinical characteristics and postoperative major complications. Results: A total of 464 patients were included in the study, 229 patients (46.7%) were classified as having low SMI. Patients with low SMI were older and had a lower body mass index (BMI), a higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and higher nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS2002) scores compared to those with normal SMI. Furthermore, patients with sarcopenia had a higher rate of major complications (10.9% vs. 1.3%; p < 0.001) and longer length of stay (9.09 ± 4.86 days vs. 8.25 ± 3.12 days; p = 0.03). Low SMI and coronary heart disease were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative major complications. Moreover, CRC patients with low SMI had significantly worse OS. Furthermore, the combination of low SMI with older age or TNM stage II + III resulted in the worst OS in each subgroup analysis. Conclusions: CT‐determined low SMI is associated with poor prognosis in patients with CRC, especially when combined with older age or advanced TNM stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the standard of care for selected cases of peritoneal surface malignancy. However, due to its morbidity and learning curve, it is only delivered in six centres in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ). In this study, we report peri‐operative morbidity and mortality following CRS/HIPEC at Waikato and Braemar Hospitals, which have treated patients from all regions of AoNZ since 2008. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed a database of all patients undergoing CRS and HIPEC from 01/01/2008 to 01/11/2020 at Waikato and Braemar Hospitals. Results: Two‐hundred and forty procedures were performed for 221 patients with a mean age of 55, including 22 (9.2%) re‐do procedures. One hundred and eighty‐six cases were European, 32 were Māori, and 16 were Pasifika. There were 152 pseudomyxoma peritonei, 39 colorectal adenocarcinomas, 29 appendiceal cancers, 8 ovarian cancers, 6 peritoneal mesothelioma, and 6 other tumour types. The median PCI was 16. HIPEC was administered to 196 out of 196 CC0/1 cases (100%) and 3 out of 44 CC2/3 cases (6.8%). Fifty‐six cases (23.3%) had at least one major complication. There were two mortalities (0.8%) within 30 days. The median length of stay was 11 days. Operative duration was identified as an independent risk factor for major complications. There was considerable variation in the number of referrals from different regions of AoNZ. Over time, a decline in major complication rate is seen with increased case volume. Conclusion: The Waikato region has achieved favourable short‐term outcomes following CRS/HIPEC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been used in patients with dysphagia and inadequate food intake via an oral route. Despite being a procedure with a high success rate, complications and death have been reported. The aim was to identify the factors related to major complications and mortality, as well as PEG removal prognostic factors due to improvement of their general condition. Methods: Patient characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory data, concomitant medication, sedation, and indication for PEG placement were collected. Major complications, mortality, and PEG removal factors were assessed. Results: A total of 388 patients were enrolled. There were 15 (3.9%) cases of major complications, with major bleeding being the most frequent in 6 (1.5%) patients. Corticosteroids were the independent variable associated with major complications (odds ratio [OR] 5.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.71–20; P = <0.01). Advanced cancer (hazard ratio [HR] 0.5; 95% CI 0.3–1; P = 0.05), albumin (HR 0.6; 95% CI 0.4–0.9; P = <0.01), and C‐reactive protein (CRP) (HR 1.1; CI 1–1.2; P = 0.01) were considered risk factors for mortality. Previous pneumonia (HR 0.4; CI 0.2–0.9; P = 0.02) was a factor for permanent use of a PEG; however, oncological indication (HR 8.2; CI 3.2–21; P = <0.01) was factors for PEG withdrawal. Conclusions: Chronic corticosteroid users potentially present with major complications. Low albumin levels and elevated CRP were associated with death. Previous aspiration pneumonia was a factor associated with permanent use of PEG; however, patients with oncological indication were the most benefited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little population‐level data evaluating risk factors for postoperative complications after total laryngectomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the American College of Surgeons National Quality Improvement Program identifying patients who underwent total laryngectomy as a primary procedure from 2005 to 2014. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables that were independently associated with overall and major complications. Results: Eight hundred seventy‐one cases met inclusion criteria. Three hundred twenty‐eight patients (37.7%) had complications, with operative time (hours; P <.0001), class III (P <.001) wound status, and patient age (decade; P =.003) associated with overall complications. Two hundred one patients had major complications that were associated with steroid use (P =.01) and class III (P =.0083) wound classification. Preoperative hematocrit was correlated with a reduction of all and major complications on multivariate analysis (P <.0001 and P =.036). Conclusion: Identifying and optimizing risk factors may improve outcomes in total laryngectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key content Injury of the urinary tract is the most common major complication of gynaecological laparoscopic surgery., Injury to either bladder or ureter results in significant morbidity for the patient and may lead to litigation., Knowledge of pelvic anatomy, training and meticulous technique are of paramount importance in reducing the incidence of urinary tract injury., Ideally an injury should be identified and repaired during the primary operation, but vigilance in the immediate postoperative period may result in early recognition and intervention., Learning objectives To understand the common risk factors of urinary tract injury at laparoscopy., To learn strategies to prevent injury where possible., To learn strategies for intraoperative and postoperative recognition and repair of such injuries., To understand the significance of multi-disciplinary management of such injuries., Ethical issues Limited evidence shows that laparoscopic hysterectomy may carry a higher risk of urinary tract injury compared with abdominal hysterectomy. Should patients be counselled accordingly? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the short-term complications arising after the treatment of localized prostate cancer using radiotherapy (RT). This treatment is commonly used for older men and men with comorbid illnesses. The rates of major short-term complications leading to hospitalization after RT have been reported by population-based studies. The reports suggest that post RT, such complications were relatively uncommon, generally increased with an increase in patient age and declined over time.

This prospective observational study aimed to assess the feasibility of adapting peritoneal hyperdistention to 25 mmHg during laparoscopy in an Australian hospital environment. A total of 1150 consecutive diagnostic or operative laparoscopies were performed. All cases were monitored for early detection of untoward physiological changes. All patients had Veress needle insufflation with distension to 25 mmHg prior to insertion of the primary trocar. No patients experienced any surgical entry complications or adverse clinical effects noted during anaesthetic. The aim of the current study is to assess the feasibility and safety of increasing the peritoneal insufflation pressure to 25 mmHg for primary trocar insertion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]