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Background: The elderly population (age >70 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.Methods: 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.Results: High-risk patients were more prevalent in the ONCAB group (p<0.05). OPCAB patients received fewer distal anastomoses than ONCAB patients (2.4±1.1 vs 3.3±1.0, p<0.001). 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).Conclusions: 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) has been established as the preferred intervention for coronary revascularisation in the high-risk population. Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) may further reduce mortality and morbidity in this population subgroup. This study presents the largest series of high-risk (AusSCORE > 5) OPCAB patients in Australia and New Zealand.Methods: We reviewed the Australian and New Zealand Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons' (ANZSCTS) database for high-risk patients (n=7822) undergoing isolated CABG surgery and compared the on-pump coronary artery bypass (ONCAB) (n=7277) with the OPCAB (n=545) technique. Preoperative and intraoperative risk factors, and postoperative outcomes were analysed. Survival analysis was performed after cross-matching the database with the national death registry to identify long-term mortality.Results: The ONCAB and OPCAB groups had similar risk profiles based on the AusSCORE. Thirty-day mortality (ONCAB vs OPCAB 3.9% vs 2.4%, p=0.067) and stroke (ONCAB vs OPCAB 2.4% vs 1.3%, p=0.104) were similar between the two groups. OPCAB patients received fewer distal anastomoses than ONCAB patients (2.5±1.2 vs 3.3±1.0, p<0.001). The rates of new postoperative atrial arrhythmia (28.3% vs 33.3%, p=0.017) and blood transfusion requirements (52.1% vs 59.5%, p=0.001) were lower in the OPCAB group, while duration of ICU stay in hours (97.4±187.8 vs 70.2±152.8, p<0.001) was longer. There was a non-significant trend towards improved 10-year survival in OPCAB patients (74.7% vs. 71.7%, p=0.133).Conclusions: In the high-risk population, CABG surgery has a low rate of mortality and morbidity suggesting that surgery is a safe option for coronary revascularisation. OPCAB reduces postoperative morbidity and is a safe procedure for 30-day mortality, stroke and long-term survival in high-risk patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. Tau2 and I2 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Several studies have shown that postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is associated with poorer short-term and long-term outcomes after general cardiac operations. There is, however, a paucity of data on the impact of POAF on outcomes after isolated aortic valve replacement (AVR). Methods: Data for all patients undergoing isolated first-time AVR between June 2001 and December 2009 was obtained from the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons (ASCTS) National Cardiac Surgery Database Program and a retrospective analysis was conducted. Preoperative characteristics, early postoperative outcome, and late survival were compared between patients in whom POAF developed and those in whom it did not. Propensity score matching was performed to correct for differences between the 2 groups. Results: Excluding patients with preoperative arrhythmia, isolated first-time AVR was performed in 2,065 patients. POAF developed in 725 (35.1%) of them. Patients with POAF were significantly older (mean age, 72 versus 65 years; p < 0.001) and presented more often with comorbidities, including hypertension, respiratory disease, and hypercholesterolemia (all p < 0.05). From the initial study population, 592 propensity-matched patient pairs were derived; the overall matching rate was 81.7%. In the matched groups, 30-day mortality was not significantly different between the POAF and non-POAF groups (1.5% versus 1%; p = 0.48). Patients with POAF were, however, at an independently increased risk of perioperative complications, including new renal failure, gastrointestinal complications, and 30-day readmission (p < 0.05). Seven-year mortality was not significantly different between POAF and non-POAF groups (78% versus 83%; p = 0.63). Conclusions: POAF is a risk factor for short-term morbidity but is not associated with a higher rate of early or late mortality after isolated AVR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. The current study evaluates the impact of sex as an independent risk factor for early and late morbidity and mortality following isolated CABG surgery. METHODS Data obtained between June 2001 and December 2009 by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons Cardiac Surgery Database Program was retrospectively analysed. Demographic, operative data and post-operative complications were compared between male and female patients using chi-square 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 CABG surgery was undertaken in 21 534 patients at 18 Australian institutions; 22.2% were female. Female patients were generally older (mean age, 68 vs. 65 years, P < 0.001) and presented more often with congestive heart failure (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), diabetes mellitus (P < 0.001) and cerebrovascular disease (P < 0.001). Women demonstrated a greater 30-day mortality (2.2% vs. 1.5%, P < 0.001) on univariate analysis but not on multivariate analysis (P = 0.638). Similarly, women demonstrated a greater late mortality than men on univariate analysis (P = 0.006) but not on multivariate analysis (P = 0.093). Women had a decreased risk of early complications including new renal failure (P = 0.001) and deep sternal wound infection (P = 0.017) but were more likely to require red blood cell transfusion (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Female patients undergoing isolated CABG surgery have a greater 30-day mortality which may be accounted for by a poorer pre-operative risk factor profile. Further investigation is required into the reasons for differential outcome after CABG based on sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The proportion of elderly (≥80 years) patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) is increasing. Methods: 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. Isolated CABG was performed in 21,534 patients; of these, 1,664 (7.7%) were at least 80 years old (group 1). Patient characteristics, morbidity, and short-term mortality of these patients were compared with those aged less than 80 years (group 2). The long-term outcome of group 1 patients after CABG surgery was compared with an age and sex-matched Australian population. Results: Patients over 80 years old were more likely to be female (36.6% vs 17.3%, p < 0.001) and presented significantly more often with heart failure, hypertension, and triple-vessel disease (all p < 0.05). The 30-day mortality was higher in group 1 patients (4.2% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001). Group 1 patients also had an increased risk of complications, including prolonged (>24 hours) ventilation (14.2% vs 8.2%, p < 0.001), renal failure (7.3% vs 3.4%, p < 0.001), and mean intensive care unit stay (60.7 vs 42.5 hours, p < 0.001). The 5-year survival of elderly patients (73%) was comparable with the age-matched Australian population. Independent risk factors for 30-day mortality in group 1 patients included preoperative renal failure (p = 0.010), congestive heart failure (p = 0.014), and a nonelective procedure (p = 0.016). Conclusions: Elderly patients who undergo isolated CABG have significantly lower perioperative risks than have been previously reported. The long-term survival of these patients is comparable with an age-adjusted population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented which is concerned with early and late outcomes after concomitant aortic valve replacement and coronary artery bypass graft surgery in octogenarians.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cytoreductive surgery and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (PIC) is recognized as an effective treatment modality for patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei. This study investigates its role as a secondary definitive treatment procedure after earlier primary treatments. Study design: Patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei undergoing secondary cytoreduction combined with PIC were identified from a prospective database. Retrospective analysis investigated the outcomes, prognostic factors, critical time points, and impact of malignant dedifferentiation. Survival analysis was performed via the Kaplan-Meier method and compared via the log-rank test. Results: The median time to progression after secondary cytoreduction was 28 months (95% CI 14 to 41 months), median survival was 97 months (95% CI 82 to 113 months), and 10-year survival was 25%. Median overall survival from initial diagnosis was 17 years and 10-year survival rate was 75%. Forty-five patients remained disease free (63%). Requiring an urgent treatment (waiting time < 60 days) after disease progression (p = 0.045) and having moderate or severe symptoms (p = 0.033) were associated with a shorter time to progression. Improved survival was associated with patients who had low-grade tumors (p = 0.029), and those who required less urgent treatment (wait > 30 days) after disease progression (waiting up to 15 days, p = 0.010; waiting up to 30 days, p = 0.005). Malignant dedifferentiation appeared to affect survival from initial diagnosis (p = 0.062) and after secondary cytoreduction (p = 0.006). Conclusions: Secondary cytoreduction with PIC achieves long-term survival. Tumors that undergo malignant dedifferentiation appear to adversely affect survival, and this may support the rationale for early definitive treatment with cytoreduction and PIC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]