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Background: We sought to evaluate the outcomes following right ventricle to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) conduit placement in pediatric patients, excluding those with a RV-PA conduit for the Ross procedure which is associated with improved conduit durability, partly related to its orthotopic position. Methods: Outcomes for 119 patients who underwent RV-PA conduit placement at a single institution from January 2004 to December 2016 were reviewed. Primary outcome measures were reintervention-free survival (RFS) and overall survival. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method, and risk factors associated with reintervention were evaluated. Results: The median age at the time of conduit placement was 6 months (interquartile range, IQR: 1-14), and the median length of follow-up was 63 months (range: 0-156). During follow-up, 39 patients required conduit-related reintervention, while 6 patients died perioperatively with an overall survival of 90% at 10 years. Among the remaining 113 patients, the RFS at one, five, and ten years was 91% (84%-95%), 72% (60%-80%), and 33% (16%-50%), respectively. The median time to conduit replacement in the series was 43.5 months (IQR: 19.3-76.2). The use of a pulmonary homograft was associated with improved RFS ( P = .03), and this was particularly pronounced in comparison with aortic homografts in neonates. Infection was the indication for replacement in only one patient. Conclusions: The majority of the conduits placed during the neonatal period required conduit replacement before the age of five years. Endocarditis was not a common indication for replacement. In neonates and infants, we prefer pulmonary homografts for most indications.

BACKGROUND Frailty is associated with poorer outcomes in cardiac surgery, but the heterogeneity in frailty assessment tools makes it difficult to ascertain its true impact in cardiac surgery. Slow gait speed is a simple, validated, and reliable marker of frailty. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the effect of slow gait speed on postoperative cardiac surgical patients. METHODS PubMED, MEDLINE, and EMBASE databases were searched from January 2000 to August 2021 for studies comparing slow gait speed and "normal" gait speed. Primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were composite mortality and major morbidity, AKI, stroke, deep sternal wound infection, prolonged ventilation, discharge to a healthcare facility, and ICU length of stay. RESULTS There were seven eligible studies with 36,697 patients. Slow gait speed was associated with increased likelihood of in-hospital mortality (risk ratio [RR]: 2.32; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.87-2.87). Additionally, they were more likely to suffer from composite mortality and major morbidity (RR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.38-1.66), AKI (RR: 2.81; 95% CI: 1.44-5.49), deep sternal wound infection (RR: 1.77; 95% CI: 1.59-1.98), prolonged ventilation >24 h (RR: 1.97; 95% CI: 1.48-2.63), reoperation (RR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.05-1.82), institutional discharge (RR: 2.08; 95% CI: 1.61-2.69), and longer ICU length of stay (MD: 21.69; 95% CI: 17.32-26.05). CONCLUSION Slow gait speed is associated with poorer outcomes in cardiac surgery. Frail patients are twofold more likely to die during hospital admission than nonfrail counterparts and are at an increased risk of developing various perioperative complications.

Objectives: Infective endocarditis is a disease with high mortality and morbidity. The primary outcome of this study is to assess factors associated with in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing valvular surgery for infective endocarditis. The secondary outcome of this study is to assess the incidence and factors associated with post-operative morbidity; namely post-operative stroke, renal failure and dialysis, complete heart block and return to theatre for bleeding or tamponade. Methods Between the years of 2015 to 2019, a total of 89 patients underwent surgery for infective endocarditis at Fiona Stanley Hospital. Data was collected from the Australia and New Zealand Cardiac Surgery Database from 2015 to 2019 as well as patients electronic medical record (EMR). A number of preoperative and perioperative factors were assessed in relation to patient mortality and morbidity. Univariate and multivariate logistical regression analysis was done to assess for the association between factors and in-hospital mortality and morbidity Results: A total of 89 patients underwent surgery for infective endocarditis, affecting 101 valves. The mean age of patients was 53.7. A total of 79 patients had a positive blood culture pre-operatively, with Staphylococcus Aureus being the most frequently cultured organism (39%). Fourteen patients (16%) were deemed emergent and underwent surgery within 24 hours of review. A total of five patients died within their hospital stay postoperatively. Variables significantly associated with mortality on univariate analysis were intravenous drug use, emergent surgery, perioperative dialysis, perioperative inotropes, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time and cross clamp time (CCT). Only CBP time was significantly associated with mortality on multivariate analysis. A total of 19 patients (21%) required hemodialysis after surgery, 10 patients sustained a postoperative stroke (11%), 15 patients required to return to theatre (17%) and 11 patients developed a complete heart block post operatively (12%). Conclusion There are a number of factors associated with mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing surgery with infective endocarditis. Our study demonstrates a lower mortality rate in these patients than previously quoted in literature. Exposure of prolonged CBP times was the only factor significantly associated with increased mortality on multivariate analysis, although a critical perioperative state was highly significant on univariate analysis.

Objective Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open repair (OR) of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are increasingly performed in elderly patients (>75 years of age) with satisfactory results. Quality of life (QOL) is increasingly considered a primary goal of intervention after AAA repair. However, there is currently no consensus on QOL after these procedures in elderly patients. Methods A systematic review was performed using strict eligibility criteria. Clinical studies reporting QOL in elderly patients (average age >75 years) after EVAR and OR were included. Quality appraisal and data tabulation were performed using predetermined forms. Data were synthesized by narrative review. Study quality was assessed. Results Thirteen studies with 1272 patients were included. After elective EVAR, disease-specific and generic QOL scores demonstrated an initial postoperative deterioration. By 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively, mental health components have improved to scores similar to or better than those at baseline. Physical health components take up to 3 months to return to baseline. After this, 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey and EuroQol-5 Dimension scores are maintained at preoperative levels for 1 to 3 years. In emergent EVAR, long-term survivors may have QOL comparable to that of the general population. Elective OR appears to have comparable QOL for up to 3 years compared with a matched population. QOL after emergent OR seems poor. Data on OR in elderly patients remain limited. Conclusions QOL after EVAR and OR declines early, with a 4- to 6-week delay in mental health recovery and 1- to 3-month delay in physical health recovery. QOL eventually returns to baseline and can be maintained in the long term. This review supports AAA repair in elderly patients from a QOL perspective.

Despite advances in modern surgery, congenital heart disease remains a medical challenge and major cause of infant mortality. Valved conduits are routinely used to surgically correct blood flow in hearts with congenital malformations by connecting the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery (RV-PA). This review explores the current range of RV-PA conduits and describes their strengths and disadvantages. Homografts and xenografts are currently the primary treatment modalities, however both graft types have limited biocompatibility and durability, and present a disease transmission risk. Structural deterioration of a replaced valve can lead to pulmonary valve stenosis and/or regurgitation. Moreover, as current RV-PA conduits are of a fixed size, multiple subsequent operations are required to upsize a valved conduit over a patient's lifetime. We assess emerging biomaterials and tissue engineering techniques with a view to replicating the features of native tissues, including matching the durability and elasticity required for normal fluid flow dynamics. The benefits and limitations of incorporating cellular elements within the biomaterial are also discussed. Present review demonstrates that an alignment of medical and engineering disciplines will be ultimately required to produce a biocompatible and high-functioning artificial conduit.

The impact of concomitant urologic procedures (UPs) on perioperative and long-term outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is uncertain.In total, 935 consecutive CRS/HIPEC procedures were performed between 1996 and 2016 in Sydney, Australia. Among these, 73 (7.8%) involved concomitant UP. The association of concomitant UP with 21 perioperative outcomes and overall survival was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.In-hospital mortality was 1.8%. Patients requiring UP were more likely to require transfusion of ≥5 units of red blood cells (P=0.031) and have a complete cytoreduction (79% vs. 60%, P0.001). On multivariate analysis, UP was not associated with in-hospital mortality (2.7% vs. 1.7%, P=0.407) or grade III/IV morbidity (52% vs. 41%, P=0.376). The incidence of ureteric fistula (4% vs. 1%, P=0.004), return to theater (26% vs. 14%, P=0.005) and digestive fistula (22% vs. 11%, P=0.005) was higher in the UP group. The addition of a UP did not significantly impact overall survival for appendiceal cancer (P=0.162), colorectal cancer (P=0.315), or pseudomyxoma peritonei (P=0.120).Addition of a UP was not associated with an increased risk of grade III/IV morbidity or poorer long-term survival after CRS/HIPEC.

BACKGROUND Indigenous Australians have higher rates of cardiovascular disease and comorbidities compared to their non-indigenous counterparts. AIMS We sought to evaluate whether indigenous status per se portends a worse prognosis following isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS The outcomes of 778 Indigenous Australians (55 ± 10 years; 32% female) enrolled in the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons registry were compared to 36 124 non-Indigenous Australians (66 ± 10 years; 21% female) following isolated CABG. In a secondary analysis, patients were propensity-matched by age, sex, renal function, diabetes and ejection fraction (778 individuals in each group). RESULTS Indigenous Australians were younger and more likely to be female and current smokers and to have diabetes, hypertension, renal impairment, heart failure and previous CABG (all P < 0.04). Indigenous patients had fewer bypasses with arterial conduits (including less internal mammary artery use) and a higher number of distal vein anastomoses (P < 0.001). Postoperative bleeding rates were higher in indigenous patients (P = 0.001). However, in-hospital and 30-day all-cause mortality and rates of 30-day readmission were similar between both groups, although cardiac mortality was higher in the indigenous cohort (1.5% vs 0.8%, P = 0.02). With propensity-matching, rates of postoperative complications were similar among the two groups, with the exception of bleeding, which remained higher in Indigenous Australians (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Despite procedural differences and higher rates of baseline comorbidities, Indigenous Australians do not have worse short-term outcomes following isolated CABG. Given the higher rates of baseline comorbidities and lower rates of arterial conduit use, it will be essential to determine long-term outcomes.

Background Cardiac surgical units must balance trainee education with the duty to provide optimal patient care. This is particularly challenging with valvular surgery, given the lower volume and increased complexity of these procedures. The present meta-analysis was conducted to assess the impact of trainee operator status on clinical outcomes following valvular surgery. Methods Medline, Embase and CENTRAL databases were systematically searched for studies reporting clinical outcomes according to the training status of the primary operator (consultant or trainee). Data were extracted and meta-analysed according to pre-defined endpoints. Results Eleven observational studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting on five patient cohorts undergoing mitral valve surgery (n=3975), six undergoing aortic valve replacement (AVR) (n=6236) and three undergoing combined AVR and coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (n=3495). Perioperative mortality was not significantly different between trainee and consultant cases for mitral valve surgery (odds ratio [OR] 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.62–1.37), AVR (OR 0.67; 95% CI, 0.37–1.24), or combined AVR and CABG (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 0.40–2.85). The incidences of perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, arrhythmias, acute renal failure, reoperation or wound infection were not significantly different between trainee and consultant cases. There was a paucity of mid-term survival data. Conclusions Valvular surgery cases performed primarily by trainees were not associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. These findings suggest the rigorous design of cardiac surgical trainee programs can sufficiently mitigate trainee deficiencies. However, studies with longer follow-up duration and echocardiographic data are required to assess long-term durability and safety.

INTRODUCTION There is uncertainty about whether hepatic resection (HR) combined with cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is effective. METHODS Nine hundred and thirty-five consecutive CRS/HIPEC procedures were performed between 1996 and 2016 of which 132(14%) involved concomitant HR. Peri-operative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo Classification. The association of concomitant HR with 19 peri-operative outcomes and overall survival (OS) was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS Patients undergoing HR had a lower peritoneal disease burden (peritoneal cancer index

Background The aortic root replacement procedure (ARR), is often considered the gold standard in the management of aortic root and ascending aorta aneurysms. Our aim was to review the Australian experience with this procedure to ascertain early and late outcomes of mortality and morbidity. Methods We reviewed the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons' (ANZSCTS) database for patients undergoing ARR. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were analysed. Multiple regression was performed to determine independent predictors of 30-day mortality and permanent stroke, and predictors of late death. Survival estimates were obtained by cross-linking the ANZSCTS database with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's National Death Index database. Results Between January 2001 and December 2011, 954 patients underwent ARR with a mean age of 56±15.2 years. The overall 30-day mortality was 5.9% (n=56) with a permanent stroke rate of 2.3% (n=21). The elective surgery mortality was 3.6%. Long-term survival was estimated as 84.4% and 68.7% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Conclusions Aortic root replacement surgery reveals acceptable early mortality, low postoperative stroke rates, and acceptable long-term survival.

Background Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion is the treatment of choice for invasive bladder cancer. Quality of life (QOL) is an important outcome of surgery. This review compares the QOL after continent and incontinent urinary diversion in radical cystectomy for patients with primary invasive bladder cancer. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies published after January 2000 was performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Quality appraisal and data tabulation were performed using pre-determined forms. Data were synthesised by narrative review and random-effects meta-analysis using standardized response means. Heterogeneity and bias was assessed by Tau 2 and I 2 values and Funnel plots. Results Twenty-nine studies (3754 patients) were included for review. Pooled post-operative FACT and SF-36 scores showed no difference in overall QOL between continent and incontinent diversion ( p = 0 . 31 ). Subgroup analysis demonstrated greater improvement in physical health for incontinent ( p = 0 . 002 ) compared to continent diversions, but no differences in mental health ( p = 0 . 35) and social health ( p = 0 . 81) . Qualitative analysis showed patients with neobladder had superior emotional function and body image compared to cutaneous diversion. QOL may improve to similar or better levels compared to baseline after 1 year, but data remains scarce. Patients report poor urinary and sexual function after surgery compared the general population. Long-term QOL is unclear. Levels of heterogeneity and bias were low. Conclusions QOL after radical cystectomy is comparable after either continent or incontinent urinary diversion. Post-operative QOL may improve, but urinary and sexual dysfunction remains inferior to the general population. Patient choice is key to selection of reconstruction method.

Background Valve sparing aortic root reconstruction (VSARR) has become an alternative to traditional aortic root replacement with a valved conduit. There have been various modifications but the two broad types are aortic root reimplantation and the aortic root remodelling procedure. We present the early and late outcomes following valve sparing aortic root reconstruction surgery in Australia. Methods We reviewed the ANZSCTS database for patients undergoing these procedures. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were analysed. Multivariable regression was performed to determine independent predictors of 30-day mortality. We also obtained five- and 10-year survival estimates by cross-linking the ANZSCTS database with the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare's National Death Index. Results Between January 2001 and January 2012, 169 consecutive patients underwent VSARR procedures. The mean age of the study population was 54.4 years with 31.4% being females. Overall, nine patients (5.9%) died within 30 days post procedure and five patients (3%) had permanent strokes. However, out of 132 elective cases, only five patients died (3.8%). Independent predictors of 30-day mortality were female gender [OR 5.65(1.24-25.80), p=0.025], preoperative atrial arrhythmia [OR 6.07(1.14-32.35), p=0.035] and acute type A aortic dissection [OR 7.71(1.63-36.54), p=0.01]. Long-term survival was estimated as 85.3% and 72.7% at five- and 10-years, respectively. Conclusions Along with an acceptable rate of early mortality and stroke, VSARR procedures provide good long-term survival according to the ANZSCTS database. As promising procedure for pathologies that impair the aortic root integrity, they can be adopted more widely, especially in Australian and New Zealand centres with experienced aortic units. Future studies are planned to assess freedom from valve deterioration and repeat surgery.

Risk assessment tools are increasingly used in surgery. In cardiac surgery, risk models are used for patient counselling, surgical decision-making, performance benchmarking, clinical research, evaluation of new therapies and quality assurance, among others. However, they have numerous disadvantages which need to be considered. This article evaluates the utility of risk assessment tools in cardiac surgery including a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages.

SUMMARY In this article, we review two liver-directed therapies that are currently used for the palliative treatment of primary and secondary hepatic malignancies, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), including a new type of TACE with drug-eluting beads, and radioembolization. Important developments and administration techniques for all therapies are discussed, as well as their integration into the current routine clinical care for management of metastatic colorectal cancer. According to published data from clinical trials, as presented in this review, both radioembolization and TACE/TACE with drug-eluting beads have been proven to be safe and effective in selected patients with chemorefractory liver metastases from colorectal cancer. For patients with unresectable liver-only or liver-dominant disease who have failed standard chemotherapy options or for whom chemotherapy is contraindicated, new modalities, such as those discussed, are particularly valid and promising if clinical guidelines for patient selection and treatment administration are followed.

The elderly population (age70 years) incurs greater mortality and morbidity following CABG. Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) may mitigate these outcomes. A retrospective analysis of the results of OPCAB in this population was performed.We reviewed the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons' (ANZSCTS) database for elderly patients (n=12697) undergoing isolated CABG surgery and compared the on-pump coronary artery bypass (ONCAB) (n=11676) with OPCAB (n=1021) technique. Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes were analysed. Survival analyses was performed after cross-matching the database with the national death registry to identify long-term mortality.High-risk patients were more prevalent in the ONCAB group (p0.05). OPCAB patients received fewer distal anastomoses than ONCAB patients (2.4±1.1 vs 3.3±1.0, p0.001). Thirty-day mortality and stroke rates between OPCAB and ONCAB were not significantly different (2% vs 2.5% and 1.1% vs 1.8%, respectively). There was a non-significant trend towards improved 10-year survival in OPCAB patients using multivariate analysis (78.8% vs. 73.3%, p=0.076, HR 0.83; 95% CI 0.67-1.02).Mortality and stroke rates following CABG surgery are extremely low in the elderly suggesting that surgery is a safe management option for coronary artery disease in this population. OPCAB did not offer a significant advantage over ONCAB with regards to 30-day mortality, stroke and long-term survival. Further prospective randomised trials will be necessary to clarify risks or benefits in the elderly.

ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of preoperative atrial fibrillation (pre-op AF) on early and late mortality after isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.MethodsData obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analyzed. Patients who underwent concomitant atrial arrhythmia surgery/ablation were excluded. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients with and without pre-op AF. The independent association of pre-op AF on early mortality, perioperative complications, and late mortality was determined.ResultsIsolated CABG surgery was performed in 21,534 patients; 1312 (6.1%) presented with pre-op AF. Pre-op AF patients were older (mean age, 71 years vs. 65 years, p

BACKGROUND: Total knee replacement is a highly successful and frequently performed operation. Technical outcomes of surgery are excellent, with favorable early postoperative health-related quality of life. This study reviews intermediate and long-term quality of life after surgery. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of all studies published from January 2000 onward was performed to evaluate health-related quality of life after primary total knee replacement for osteoarthritis in patients with at least three years of follow-up. Key outcomes were postoperative quality of life, function, and satisfaction compared with the preoperative status. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Quality appraisal and data tabulation were performed with use of predefined criteria. Data were synthesized by narrative review and random-effects meta-analysis utilizing standardized mean differences. Heterogeneity was assessed with the tau(2) and I(2) statistics. RESULTS: Nineteen studies were included in the review. Intermediate and long-term postoperative quality of life was superior to the preoperative level in qualitative and quantitative analyses. The pooled effect in combined WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and KSS (Knee Society Score) outcomes was a marked improvement from baseline with respect to the total score (2.17; 95% CI [confidence interval], 1.13 to 3.22; p < 0.0001) and the pain (1.72; 95% CI, 0.97 to 2.46; p < 0.00001) and function (1.26; 95% CI, 0.87 to 1.64; p < 0.00001) domains. Most patients were satisfied with the surgery and derived substantial benefits for daily functional activities. Tau(2) (0.20 to 1.10) and I(2) (90% to 98%) values implied significant clinical and statistical heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS: Total knee replacement confers significant intermediate and long-term benefits with respect to both disease-specific and generic health-related quality of life, especially pain and function, leading to positive patient satisfaction. Recommendations for necessary future studies are provided. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Background Peritoneal dissemination of small bowel adenocarcinoma (SBA) is rare but is associated with a dismal prognosis. Cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) is a promising treatment option. We evaluated our experience of CRS-HIPEC for the treatment of SBA. Patients and methods Sixteen consecutive patients underwent CRS-HIPEC for small bowel malignancy between 2003 and 2016. Clinopathological and treatment-related factors were obtained from a prospective database. The study's endpoints of disease-free (DFS) and overall (OS) survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic variables were identified through univariate and multivariate analyses. Results Follow-up was complete in all patients. The median follow-up was 20.6 (range=0.2-62) months. The was no in-hospital mortality and grade III/IV morbidity was 25%. The median OS after CRS-HIPEC was 24.7 months, with a 36-month survival of 34%. The median DFS was 11.3 months, with a 36-month DFS of 8%. Two factors were associated with a poorer OS on univariate analysis; only peritoneal cancer index >10 was associated with a poorer OS on multivariate analysis (p=0.032). Conclusion CRS-HIPEC in selected patients with peritoneal dissemination of SBA is associated with reasonable mid-term survival outcomes but treatment failure is common. High disease burden, quantified by the PCI is associated with poor outcomes. A large, prospective, multi-institutional study is needed to further evaluate the outcomes of CRS-HIPEC for SBA.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the impact of splenectomy on peri-operative outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). We report the largest series to date which addresses this topic. Methods: Nine hundred and thirty six consecutive patients underwent CRS/HIPEC from 1996 to 2016 at a high-volume institution in Sydney, Australia. Of these, 418 (45%) underwent splenectomy. Peri-operative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo Classi cation. The association of splenectomy with 19 peri-operative outcomes was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: In-hospital mortality was 1.8%. Patients undergoing splenectomy had a higher disease burden (peritoneal cancer index ≥17) (71% vs . 22%, P vs . 34%, P Conclusions: Splenectomy is an independent risk factor for poorer peri-operative outcomes. Minimizing the likelihood of inadvertent splenic injury through careful dissection and routine vaccination can improve outcomes.

INTRODUCTION This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of preoperative atrial fibrillation (preAF) on early and late outcomes after aortic valve replacement (AVR). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Medline, EMBASE, and CENTRAL were systematically searched for studies that reported AVR outcomes according to the presence or absence of preAF. Data were independently extracted by two investigators; a meta-analysis was conducted according to predefined clinical endpoints. Studies including patients undergoing concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery were excluded. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Six observational studies with 8 distinct AVR cohorts (AVR± concomitant surgery) met criteria for inclusion, including a total of 6693 patients. Of these, 1014 (15%) presented with preAF. Overall, perioperative mortality was increased in patients with preAF (odds ratio [OR] 2.33; 95% CI: 1.48-3.67; P

Objective To review the effect of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. Background CRS and HIPEC is increasingly performed with curative intent for peritoneal carcinomatosis. Significant morbidity rates are reported in the context of limited life-expectancy, necessitating accurate post-operative HRQOL outcome data. Methods A systematic review of clinical studies published after January 2000 was performed using strict eligibility criteria. Key outcomes measures were post-operative HRQOL compared to pre-operative levels and reference populations. Quality appraisal and data tabulation were performed using pre-determined forms. Data were synthesised by narrative review and random-effects meta-analysis. Tau 2 and I 2 values and Funnel plots were analysed for consistency and bias. Results 15 studies (1583 patients) were included. HRQOL declines at the 3–4 month time-point before becoming similar or better compared to pre-operative levels at 1 year. The pooled-effects of combined post-operative functional assessment of cancer therapy and European organisation for research and treatment quality of life questionnaire scores were significantly improved from baseline on overall health status ( p = 0.001) and emotional health ( p = 0.001). Physical health ( p = 0.83), social health ( p = 0.48) and functional health ( p = 0.24) remain similar. HRQOL after 1 year is less clear, but benefits may persist up to 5 years especially on overall and physical health domains. Evidence is conflicted and inconclusive on HRQOL compared to reference populations. Levels of consistency and bias were acceptable. Conclusions CRS and HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis can confer small to medium benefits for HRQOL. These results should be interpreted with in caution due to the small studies and absence of more randomised controlled trials.

Introduction: There is controversy regarding the role of yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization in the management of advanced, unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Forty-five consecutive patients underwent resin-based 90Y radioembolization for unresectable, HCC between 2006 and 2013 in Sydney, Australia. All patients were followed up with imaging studies at regular intervals until death. Radiologic response was evaluated with the Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria. Clinical toxicities were prospectively recorded. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method and potential prognostic variables were identified on univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Follow-up in the complete cohort was 7.8 (range, 0.1–41.8) months. The median survival after 90Y radioembolization was 27.7 months with a 36-month survival of 26%. By RECIST criteria of the 40 patients followed-up beyond 2 months, a complete response (CR) to treatment was observed in 1 patients (3%), partial response (PR) in 18 (45%), stable disease (SD) in 11 (22%) and progressive disease (PD) in 10 (25%). On multivariate analysis only radiological response to treatment was independently associated with improved survival: CR/PR to treatment vs. SD vs. PD; p

We report the largest series to date on the safety and efficacy of yttrium-90 (90Y) radioembolization for the treatment of unresectable, chemorefractory colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM).A total of 302 patients underwent resin-based 90Y radioembolization for unresectable, chemorefractory CRCLM between 2006 and 2013 in Sydney, Australia. All patients were followed up with imaging studies at regular intervals until death. Radiologic response was evaluated with the response criteria in solid tumors criteria. Clinical toxicities were prospectively recorded. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and potential prognostic variables were identified on univariate and multivariate analysis.Median follow-up in the complete cohort was 7.2 months (range 0.2-72.8), and the median survival after 90Y radioembolization was 10.5 months with a 24-month survival of 21%. On imaging follow-up of 293 patients who were followed up beyond 2 months, complete response to treatment was observed in 2 patients (1%), partial response in 111 (38%), stable disease in 96 (33%), and progressive disease in 84 (29%). Four factors were independently associated with a poorer prognosis: extensive tumor volume, number of previous lines of chemotherapy, poor radiological response to treatment, and low preoperative hemoglobin. One hundred fifteen (38%) developed clinical toxicity after treatment; most complications were minor (grade I/II) and resolved without active intervention.90Y radioembolization is a safe and effective treatment for unresectable, chemorefractory CRCLM.

Background: Few studies have addressed the effect of “trainee surgeon” status on outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods and Results: A retrospective analysis of data, collected by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program between June 2001 and December 2009 was performed. Patient demographics, intra-operative characteristics and early morbidity were compared between trainee and staff cases. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the independent association of training status with 30-day and late mortality. Isolated AVR was performed in 2747 patients; of these, 369 (13.4%) were by trainees. Compared to staff cases, trainee cases were less likely to present with renal failure (1.1% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.010) or in a critical preoperative state (1.4% vs. 3.7%, p = 0.020). The mean EuroSCORE was lower in trainee patients, compared to staff patients (8.11 ± 2.80 vs. 8.81 ± 3.09, p < 0.001). Trainee cases had longer mean perfusion (117.9 min vs. 98.9 min, p < 0.001) and cross-clamp (88.8 min vs. 73.2 min, p < 0.001) times. The incidence of early complications was similar between the two groups, except for post-operative myocardial infarction (1.1% vs. 0.3%, p = 0.008) and red blood cell transfusion (43.9 vs. 40.0%, p = 0.006). On multivariate analysis, trainee status was not associated with an increased risk of 30-day mortality (2.2% vs. 2.4%, p = 0.823). Moreover, there was no significant difference in long-term outcomes and 5-year survival was comparable in both groups (89.9% vs. 84.8%, p = 0.274). Conclusions: Isolated AVR can be safely and effectively performed by trainee surgeons who are strictly supervised in the operating theatre especially during the technically complex parts of the procedure.

Aims: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is being increasingly performed on elderly patients with acceptable peri-procedural outcomes and long-term survival. We aim to systematically review the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) following PCI in the elderly which is an important measure of procedural success. Methods: A systematic review of clinical studies before September 2012 was performed to identify HRQOL in the elderly after PCI. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Quality appraisal of each study was also performed using pre-defined criteria. HRQOL results were synthesised through a narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies. Results: Elderly patients have significant improvements in cardiovascular well-being. Early HRQOL appears improved from baseline, but recovery in physical health may be slower than in younger patients. HRQOL is comparable to an age-matched general population and younger patients undergoing PCI. Conservative management is not able to offer the same HRQOL benefits. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery may be superior to PCI in the very elderly. Significant heterogeneity and bias exists. Lack of appropriate data precluded meta-analysis. Conclusion: HRQOL after PCI in the elderly can improve for at least 1 year across a broad range of health domains, and is comparable to an age-matched general population and younger patients undergoing PCI. Given a limited number of articles and patients included, more prospective studies are needed to better identify the benefits for elderly patients.

There are a paucity of data on the treatment of unresectable, chemoresistant breast cancer liver metastases (BRCLM) with yttrium-90 (Y90) radioembolization.Forty patients underwent resin-based Y90 radioembolization for unresectable, chemoresistant BRCLM between 2006 and 2012 in a single institution. All patients were followed up with imaging studies at regular intervals as clinically indicated until death. Radiologic response was evaluated with the Response Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. Clinical toxicities were prospectively recorded as per the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria. Survival was calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method and potential prognostic variables were identified on univariate and multivariate analysis.Follow-up was complete in all patients. The median follow-up was 11.2 (range 0.6-30.5) months and the median survival after Y90 radioembolization was 13.6 months, with a 24-month survival of 39 %. On imaging follow-up of 38 patients who survived beyond 1 month of treatment, a complete response (CR) to treatment was observed in two patients (5 %), partial response (PR) in 10 patients (26 %), stable disease (SD) in 15 patients (39 %), and progressive disease (PD) in 11 patients (29 %). Two factors were associated with an improved survival on multivariate analysis: CR/PR to treatment (vs. SD vs. PD; p0.001) and chemotherapy after radioembolization (vs. no chemotherapy; p = 0.004). Sixteen patients (40 %) developed clinical toxicity after treatment; all complications were minor grade I/II and resolved without active intervention.This study provides supportive evidence of the safety and efficacy on Y90 radioembolization for the treatment of unresectable, chemoresistant BRCLM. Further prospective investigation is required to assess the suitability of this treatment in this population.

Background: We assessed the accuracy of three different methods measuring the angle between two fixed Kirschner wires for the potential purpose of determining correction during rotational osteotomy of long bones. Methods: Thirty-one orthopaedic consultants and registrars were prospectively asked to measure the angle between two fixed Kirschner wires in four saw bones models using three different techniques: visual estimation (VE), osteotomy templates (OT), and a contemporary smartphone (iPhone4; SP) with its gyroscopic function. These three methods were compared with the value obtained by computed tomography (CTV), which we considered the preferred value. Results: For the pooled data for all four bone models, the mean difference of the VE compared with the CTV was 5.4° ± 5.3°; the mean difference of the OT compared with the CTV was 2.9 ± 3.8°; and the mean difference of the SP compared with the CTV was 0.8 ± 0.9°. Using the pooled data, the difference between using each of these methods was highly significant, as demonstrated by the one-way analysis of variance across groups (P ! 0.001). In addition, for the pooled data the independent t-test between each pair of the three methods (VE and OT, VE and SP, and OT and SP) also demonstrated these differences were highly significant (P ! 0.001) for all three comparisons. In this study, the number of years of orthopaedic experience did not significantly influence the ability of individual test subjects. Conclusion: Measurement of a rotational deformity using a SP app was significantly more accurate and consistent than both VE and OT. We believe the currently available SP technology provides orthopaedic surgeons with a significantly better alternative method of determining the magnitude of rotational deformity when performing corrective osteotomies.

Background Surgical aortic valve replacement is being increasingly performed in elderly patients with good perioperative outcomes and long-term survival. Evidence is limited on health-related quality of life after aortic valve replacement, which is an important measure of operative success in the elderly. Methods A systematic review of clinical studies after January 2000 was performed to identify health-related quality of life in the elderly after aortic valve replacement. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Quality appraisal of each study also was performed using predefined criteria. Health-related quality of life results were synthesized through a narrative review with full tabulation of the results of all included studies. Results Health-related quality of life improvements were shown across most or all domains in different health-related quality of life instruments. Elderly patients experienced marked symptomatic improvement. Health-related quality of life was equivalent or superior to both an age-matched population and younger patients undergoing identical procedures. There were excellent functional gains after surgery, but elderly patients remain susceptible to geriatric issues and mood problems. Concomitant coronary artery bypass did not affect health-related quality of life. There was a diverse range of study designs, methods, and follow-up times that limited direct comparison between studies. Conclusions Aortic valve replacement results in significant health-related quality of life benefits across a broad range of health domains in elderly patients. Age alone should not be a precluding factor for surgery. Data are heterogeneous and mostly retrospective. We recommend future studies based on consistent guidelines provided in this systematic review.

BackgroundThere are limited data on the impact of smoking status on outcomes after isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.MethodsData obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients who were non-smokers, previous smokers, and current smokers. The independent impact of smoking status on 14 short-term complications and long-term mortality was determined using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively.ResultsIsolated CABG surgery was performed in 21 534 patients; smoking status was recorded in 21486 (99.8%). Of these, 7023 (32.6%) had no previous smoking history, 11183 (59.1%) were previous smokers, and 3290 (15.2%) were current smokers. The 30-day mortality rate was 1.8% in non-smokers, 1.5% in previous smokers, and 1.5% in current smokers (p=NS). The incidence of peri-operative complications was generally similar in the three groups, but current smokers were at an increased risk of pneumonia (p

ObjectiveNo previous studies have specifically addressed the effect of training on outcomes after concomitant aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting. This study evaluated the early and late outcomes after concomitant aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting performed by surgeons in training.MethodsA retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database between June 2001 and December 2009 was performed. Concomitant aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass grafting was performed in 2540 patients; of these procedures, 290 (11.4%) were by trainees. Patient demographics, intraoperative characteristics, and early morbidity were compared between trainee and staff cases using chi-square analysis and t tests. Multivariate analyses were used to determine the independent association of training status with 30-day and late mortality.ResultsCompared with staff cases, trainee cases were younger (mean age, 73.0 vs 74.2 years; P = .025) and less likely to present with triple vessel disease (27.9% vs 38.3%, P = .001) or previous cardiac surgery (6.3% vs 2.8%, P = .016). Trainee cases had longer mean perfusion (160.4 vs 144.6 minutes, P

OBJECTIVES: Preoperative atrial fibrillation (PAF) has been associated with poorer early and mid-term outcomes after isolated valvular or coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Few studies, however, have evaluated the impact of PAF on early and mid-term outcomes after concomitant aortic valve replacement and coronary aortic bypass graft (AVR-CABG) surgery. METHODS: Data obtained prospectively between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program was retrospectively analysed. Patients who underwent concomitant atrial arrhythmia surgery/ablation were excluded. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients undergoing concomitant AVR-CABG who presented with PAF and those who did not using chi-square and t-tests. The independent impact of PAF on 12 short-term complications and mid-term mortality was determined using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. RESULTS: Concomitant AVR-CABG surgery was performed in 2563 patients; 322 (12.6%) presented with PAF. PAF patients were generally older (mean age 76 vs 74 years; P< 0.001) and presented more often with comorbidities including congestive heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease and cerebrovascular disease (all P< 0.05). PAF was associated with 30-day mortality on univariate analysis (P= 0.019) but not multivariate analysis (P= 0.53). The incidence of early complications was not significantly higher in the PAF group. PAF was independently associated with reduced mid-term survival (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.14–2.19; P= 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: PAF is associated with reduced mid-term survival after concomitant AVR-CABG surgery. Patients with PAF undergoing AVR-CABG should be considered for a concomitant surgical ablation procedure.

Background: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is associated with improved survival in selected patients with peritoneal carcinomatosis. This treatment, however, has been associated with a relatively high rate of perioperative mortality and morbidity. Method: A review of clinical studies before March 2013 was performed to examine the impact of CRS-HIPEC on early mortality and morbidity. Factors associated with a poor perioperative outcome were identified. The importance of the learning curve was examined. Clinical outcomes were synthesized through a narrative review. Results: In-hospital mortality in high-level centres (>100 patients) ranged from 0.9 to 5.8%. The morbidity rate ranged from 36 to 84%; the overall rate of major or grade III/IV morbidity ranged from 0 to 52%. Factors that were consistently associated with a poor perioperative outcome included extensive peritoneal disease and markers of increased operative effort such as operation length, blood loss, and number of peritonectomy procedures performed. Several studies showed that morbidity decreases as operating volume increases. Moving forward, there is a need to evaluate strategies to reduce perioperative mortality whilst not compromising oncological outcomes. Conclusion: CRS-HIPEC is associated with an acceptable rate of perioperative mortality and morbidity. Morbidity decreases with increased experience and is strongly associated with the extent of disease.

There is a paucity of data on the impact of allogenic blood transfusion (ABT) on morbidity and survival outcomes after cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC). Nine hundred and thirty-five consecutive CRS/HIPEC procedures were performed between 1996 and 2016 at a high-volume institution in Sydney, Australia. Of these, 337(36%) patients required massive ABT (MABT) (≥5 units). Peri-operative complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. The association of concomitant MABT with 21 peri-operative outcomes and overall survival (OS) was assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses. In-hospital mortality was 1.8%. Patients requiring MABT had more extensive disease as reflected by a higher peritoneal cancer index (≥17) (70 vs. 29%, p

Summary Purpose To compare the outcomes (survival and adverse events) of the authors' use of 90Y microsphere radioembolisation in patients with chemotherapy-refractory liver metastases with published data from other groups using radioembolisation. To retrospectively evaluate the efficiency, in particular survival benefits, of radioembolisation in the treatment of liver metastases. Methods and Materials Over 5 years, 339 patients underwent 90Y microsphere radioembolisation for unresectable liver metastases and were evaluated for adverse events at the time of treatment and 1 and 3 months after treatment. Overall survival (OS) was calculated by the Kaplan–Meier method. The results from the present retrospective study were compared with a number of prospective and retrospective clinical trials which have addressed the use of 90Y microspheres as a salvage treatment for liver metastases. Results The OS time of the present study (12.0 months) compares favourably with survival times reported by other groups. The incidence of late grade 2 adverse events (e.g. duodenal or gastric ulceration, radiation-induced liver disease, gall bladder complications) is comparable to previous studies, with a lower prevalence of grade 2/3 ulcerations (3.7%) at our centre. Conclusions The survival results, together with the low acute and late toxicity observed in our data and previous studies, support the use of radioembolisation to aid in the local control of unresectable liver metastases in the salvage setting. The present study contributes to the growing evidence for efficiency, in particular survival gains, of radioembolisation in the treatment of liver metastases.

Surgical extirpation of neuroendocrine neoplasms hepatic metastases (NENHM) provides the best opportunity of long-term survival but is not feasible in the majority of patients given the widespread presentation of liver disease. Combining resection with local ablation can potentially expand the resection criteria and thereby improve survival. The present study critically evaluates the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients with NENHM who underwent concomitant hepatic resection and cryoablation.Forty patients with NENHM underwent concomitant hepatic resection and cryoablation between December 1992 and June 2010. PFS and OS were determined; clinicopathologic and treatment-related factors associated with PFS and OS were evaluated through univariate and multivariate analyses.The median follow-up for the patients who were alive was 61 months (range, 1 to 162 mo). The median PFS and OS after hepatic resection were 22 and 95 months, respectively. Five-year and 10-year OS rate was 61% and 40%, respectively. One independent factor was associated with OS: histologic grade (P=0.001). One independent factor was associated with PFS: extrahepatic disease (P=0.003).Concomitant hepatic resection and cryoablation to achieve tumor debulking is associated with excellent survival outcomes in selected patients. This approach may increase the number of patients with borderline resectable disease undergoing surgical management of advanced NENHM.

Background Recent data suggest that hepatectomy for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CLM) with concomitant extrahepatic disease (EHD) achieve encouraging survival result. The authors examine the clinical efficacy of this treatment approach through a systematic review of the published literature. Methods Electronic search of the MEDLINE and PubMed databases (January 2000 to January 2011) to identify studies reporting outcomes of hepatectomy for CLM with resection of EHD was undertaken. Two reviewers independently appraised each study using a predetermined protocol. Clinical efficacy was synthesised through a narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies. Results Twenty-two studies were examined. This comprised 1142 patients. The median disease-free survival was 12 (range, 4–22) months, median overall survival was 30 (range, 14–44) months and median 5-year survival rate was 19% (range, 0–42%). Median 5-year survival of patients with R0 hepatectomy with resection of EHD was 25% (range, 19–36%). Survival based on site of EHD include lung; median survival (M/S) was 41 (range, 32–46) months, porto-caval lymph node; M/S was 25 (range, 19–48) months, peritoneal metastases; M/S was 25 (range, 18–32) months. Conclusion In the era of effective systemic therapies, surgical resection of CLM and concomitant EHD in carefully selected patients may achieve survival results superior to non-surgically treated patients. This treatment strategy may be considered appropriate especially when a R0 hepatectomy and complete resection of EHD may be achieved.

Several studies have shown that postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with poorer short- and long-term outcomes after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. Nevertheless, there is considerable debate as to whether this reflects an independent association of POAF with poorer outcomes or confounding by other factors. We sought to investigate this issue. Data obtained from June 2001 through December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons National Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic and operative data were compared between patients who developed POAF and those who did not using chi-square and t tests. The independent impact of POAF on 14 short-term complications and long-term mortality was determined using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Excluding patients with preoperative arrhythmia, isolated coronary artery bypass grafting surgery was performed in 19,497 patients. Of these, 5,547 (28.5%) developed POAF. Patients with POAF were generally older (mean age 69 vs 65 years, p

Background Surgery confers the best chance of long-term survival in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasm hepatic metastases (NENHM). Disease progression invariably occurs in the majority of patients. No previous study has addressed the outcomes after treatment of hepatic disease progression in patients who initially underwent surgical extirpation of NENHM. This was the principal aim of the current study. Methods Seventy-four patients with NENHM underwent surgery for NENHM between December 1992 and December 2009. Of these, 50 patients developed disease progression in the liver. These patients were then treated with specific liver-directed therapies according to consensus of a multidisciplinary team. The current study evaluates progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) following treatment of hepatic disease progression with specific liver-directed therapies. Results No patient was lost to follow up. The median follow-up after treatment of progression was 29 months (range = 2–137). The median PFS and OS after diagnosis of disease progression were 15 and 48 months, respectively. Specific liver-directed therapies included surgery in 10 patients, radioembolization in 15, cytotoxic chemotherapy in 14, and conservative therapy in 11. Four independent factors associated with PFS and OS were identified through a multivariate analysis. These were initial progression-free survival (PFS, P = 0.006, HR= 0.32), extra-hepatic disease (OS, P = 0.029, HR = 4.04; PFS, P = 0.004, HR = 4.03), histological grade (PFS, P = 0.006, HR = 4.08), and type of secondary intervention (PFS, P = 0.024, HR = 0.63). Conclusion A multimodality approach towards treatment of disease progression as shown in this study that includes repeat surgery or radioembolization has been shown to achieve a superior outcome in the setting of disease progression/recurrence. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012;105:342–350. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background Systemic chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment for metastatic breast cancer with the role of surgery being strictly limited for palliation of metastatic complications or locoregional relapse. An increasing number of studies examining the role of therapeutic hepatic metastasectomy show encouraging survival results. A systematic review was undertaken to define its safety, efficacy and to identify prognostic factors associated with survival. Methods Electronic search of the MEDLINE and PubMed databases (January 2000–January 2011) to identify studies reporting outcomes of hepatectomy for breast cancer liver metastases (BCLM) with hepatectomy was undertaken. Two reviewers independently appraised each study using a predetermined protocol. Safety and clinical efficacy was synthesised through a narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies. Results Nineteen studies were examined. This comprised of 553 patients. Hepatectomy for BCLM was performed at a rate of 1.8 (range, 0.7–7.7) cases per year in reported series. The median time to liver metastases occurred at a median of 40 (range, 23–77) months. The median mortality and complication rate were 0% (range, 0–6%) and 21% (range, 0–44%), respectively. The median overall survival was 40 (range, 15–74) months and median 5-year survival rate was 40% (range, 21–80%). Potential prognostic factors associated with a poorer overall survival include a positive liver surgical margin and hormone refractory disease. Conclusion Hepatectomy is rarely performed for BCLM but the studies described in this review indicate consistent results with superior 5-year survival for selected patients with isolated liver metastases and in those with well controlled minimal extrahepatic disease. To evaluate its efficacy and control for selection bias, a randomised trial of standard chemotherapy with or without hepatectomy for BCLM is warranted.

To evaluate the role of modern systemic therapies and its role as palliative or curative therapy for patients with colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis with an emphasis on patient selection with the colorectal Peritoneal Surface Disease Severity Score (PSDSS). From three specialized treatment centers, patients with colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis were identified between December 1988 to December 2009 to receive best supportive care, standard, or modern systemic therapies. Intent was classified as palliative or curative (if treated by cytoreductive surgery combined with perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Patients were stratified according to the PSDSS. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Palliative and curative treatment achieved a median survival of 9 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 5.9–12.8) and 38 (95% CI 30.2–45.2) months, respectively (P

Objectives: Women undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery have been previously shown to be at an independently increased risk for post-operative morbidity and mortality. However, there are considerably less data on whether this trend remains true in patients undergoing concomitant aortic valve replacement (AVR) and CABG surgery. The aim of our study was to investigate this pertinent issue. Methods: Data obtained between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program were retrospectively analysed. Demographic, operative data and post-operative complications were compared between male and female patients using χ2 and t tests. Long-term survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier survival curves and the log-rank test. Independent risk factors for short- and long-term mortality were identified using binary logistic and Cox regression, respectively. Results: Concomitant AVR and CABG surgery was undertaken in 2,563 patients; 31.8% were female. Female patients were older (mean age 76 vs. 73 years; p < 0.001) and presented more often with hypertension (p < 0.001) but less often with severely impaired ejection fraction (p < 0.001), peripheral vascular disease (p < 0.001) and triple vessel disease (p < 0.001). Women did not demonstrate an increased risk of 30-day mortality (4.8 vs. 3.3%) on univariate (p = 0.069) or multivariate (p = 0.236) analysis. Female gender was independently associated with post-operative myocardial infarction (p = 0.022) and red blood cell transfusion (p < 0.001). There was no difference in long-term survival between men and women on multivariate analysis (p = 0.413). Conclusion: Female gender is not associated with poorer short- or long-term outcomes after concomitant CABG and AVR surgery.

Resection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is potentially curative; however, recurrence is common. To date, few or no effective adjuvant therapies have been adequately investigated. This study evaluates the efficacy of adjuvant iodine-131-lipiodol after hepatic resection through the experience of a single-center hepatobiliary service of managing this disease. All patients who underwent hepatic resection for HCC and received adjuvant iodine-131-lipiodol between January 1991 and August 2009 were selected for inclusion into the experimental group. A group composed of patients treated during the same time period without adjuvant iodine-131-lipiodol was identified through the unit’s HCC surgery database for comparison. The endpoints of this study were disease-free survival and overall survival. Forty-one patients who received adjuvant iodine-131-lipiodol after hepatic resection were compared with a matched group of 41 patients who underwent hepatic resection only. The median disease-free and overall survival were 24 versus 10 months (P = 0.032) and 104 versus 19 months (P = 0.001) in the experimental and control groups, respectively. Rates of intrahepatic-only recurrences (73 vs. 37%; P = 0.02) and surgical and nonsurgical treatments for recurrences (84 vs. 56%; P = 0.04) were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group. The finding of this study corroborates the current evidence from randomized and nonrandomized trials that adjuvant iodine-131-lipiodol improves disease-free and overall survival in patients with HCC after hepatic resection. The lengthened disease-free survival after adjuvant iodine-131-lipiodol allows for further disease-modifying treatments to improve the overall survival.

To evaluate the role of radioembolization and systemic chemotherapy as a combined modality therapy for unresectable colorectal liver metastases.Prospective database of a major yttrium-90 microsphere radioembolization treatment center in Sydney, Australia, that included 140 patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases was analyzed. Tumor response, overall survival, treatment-related complications and an evaluation of its role as a combined modality therapy with systemic chemotherapy were performed.One hundred and thirty-three patients (95%) had a single treatment, and seven patients (5%) had repeated treatments. Response following treatment was complete in two patients (1%), partial in 43 patients (31%), stable in 44 patients (31%), and 51 patients (37%) developed progressive disease. Combining chemotherapy with radioembolization was associated with a favorable treatment response (P = 0.007). The median overall survival was 9 (95% CI 6.4-11.3) months with a 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rate of 42, 22, and 20%, respectively. Primary tumor site (P = 0.019), presence of extrahepatic disease (P = 0.033), and a favorable treatment response (P0.001) were identified as independent predictors for survival.Combined modality therapy appears to improve tumor response rates. Survival is influenced by tumor site, presence of extrahepatic disease, and response to therapy. Yttrium-90 microsphere radioembolization is safe and may best be combined with systemic chemotherapy for patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases.

Identification of clinicopathological determinants that predict for risk of recurrence and overall survival after undergoing potentially curative hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma is a strategy towards personalizing therapy to improve outcome. Through evaluation of a center’s experience with treatment of a disease, determinants unique to the treated patient cohort may be identified. Ninety-seven patients with hepatocellular carcinoma underwent liver resection. Clinical, treatment, and histopathological variables were collected and evaluated using univariate and multivariate analyses with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) as the endpoints. The median follow-up period of 19 (range, 1 to 188) months from the time of hepatic resection. The median DFS and OS after resection of HCC were 17 and 41 months, respectively. Five-year overall survival rate was 45%. Eight independent factors associated with disease-free and overall survival were identified through a multivariate analysis. Three factors: Child–Pugh score (DFS p = 0.045, OS p = 0.001), histopathological grade (DFS p

Objectives This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the impact of pre-operative atrial fibrillation (preAF) on early and late outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Methods Medline, EMBASE and CENTRAL were systematically searched for studies that reported CABG outcomes according to the presence or absence of preAF. Data were independently extracted by two investigators; a meta-analysis was conducted according to predefined clinical endpoints. A subgroup analysis was performed based on revascularization strategy (off-pump or on-pump CABG). Results Twelve observational studies (n=389,998) met criteria for inclusion, with eight studies (n=381,479) reporting propensity-matched or adjusted analyses. Peri-operative mortality was higher overall in patients with preAF (odds ratio [OR] 1.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29–2.09; p Conclusion PreAF portends poorer peri-operative and long-term outcomes in patients undergoing CABG, regardless of revascularization strategy.

This systematic review objectively evaluates the safety and outcomes of extended pancreaticoduodenectomy with vascular resection for pancreatic cancer involving critical adjacent vessels namely the superior mesenteric-portal veins, hepatic artery, superior mesenteric artery, and celiac axis. Electronic searches were performed on two databases from January 1995 to August 2009. The end points were: firstly, to evaluate the safety through reporting the mortality rate and associated complications and, secondly, the outcome by reporting the survival after surgery. This was synthesized through a narrative review with full tabulation of results of all included studies. Twenty-eight retrospective studies comprising of 1,458 patients were reviewed. Vein thrombosis and arterial involvement were reported as contraindications to surgery in 62% and 71% of studies, respectively. The median mortality rate was 4% (range, 0% to 17%). The median R0 and R1 rates were 75% (range, 14% to 100%) and 25% (range, 0% to 86%), respectively. In high volume centers, the median survival was 15 months (range, 9 to 23 months). Nine of 10 (90%) studies comparing the survival after extended pancreaticoduodenectomy with vascular resection versus standard pancreaticoduodenectomy reported statistically similar (p > 0.05) survival outcomes. Undertaking vascular resection was not associated with a poorer survival. The morbidity, mortality, and survival outcome after undertaking extended pancreaticoduodenectomy with vascular resection for pancreatic cancer with venous involvement and/or limited arterial involvement is acceptable in the setting of an expert referral center and should not be a contraindication to a curative surgery.