Interactive cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
-
Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Feb 2011
Comparative StudyRemoval of aprotinin from low-dose aprotinin/tranexamic acid antifibrinolytic therapy increases transfusion requirements in cardiothoracic surgery.
This retrospective study investigated whether withdrawal of aprotinin from combined low-dose aprotinin/tranexamic acid (TXA) antifibrinolytic therapy altered postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements in patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery employing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The study included data from patients receiving a combination of low-dose aprotinin (2×10(6) KIU in CPB prime; n=615) and 2000 mg TXA or patients receiving TXA only (n=587). In both groups, TXA was given after protamine administration. ⋯ Postoperative blood loss (0.80±0.69 vs. 0.66±0.52 l; P=0.001) and transfusion of fresh frozen plasma (0.6±0.7 vs. 0.4±0.6 U; P<0.001), packed cells (3.9±5.5 vs. 2.7±3.3 U; P<0.001) and platelets (0.7±0.6 vs. 0.5±0.6 U; P<0.001) was higher in the TXA group than in patients receiving combined therapy, respectively. There were more reoperations for bleeding in the TXA group (53 vs. 34, respectively; P=0.03) with similar mortality and deterioration in glomerular filtration rate. In conclusion, withdrawal of aprotinin from combined antifibrinolytic therapy is associated with increased blood loss, transfusion requirements and reoperations.
-
Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Feb 2011
Comparative StudyWhat is the best treatment of postpneumonectomy empyema?
A best evidence topic in thoracic surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether an open surgical approach is superior to minimally invasive surgery in patients with postpneumonectomy empyema (PPE). Overall 171 papers were found using the reported search, of which 12 represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. ⋯ The Clagett procedure resulted in a mean hospital stay of 12.9 days, an operative mortality rate of 7.1% and an overall success rate of 81%. Thoracomyoplasty led to a mean hospital stay of 34 days with a mortality rate of 6%. The shorter hospital stay, lower empyema recurrence rates and lower mortality rates may make open surgical approaches a more effective treatment option to minimally invasive options.
-
Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Feb 2011
Review Comparative StudyIn patients with concomitant aortic and mitral valve disease is aortic valve replacement with mitral valve repair superior to double valve replacement?
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was: in patients with concomitant aortic and mitral valve disease is aortic valve replacement with mitral valve plasty (MVP) superior to double valve replacement (DVR) in terms of improved long-term survival? Altogether 156 papers were found using the reported search, of which seven represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. ⋯ All data presented derive from level 2b evidence. Critical appraisal of these studies is constricted by the large heterogeneity of the patients, diversity in treatment protocols and inherent selection bias. We conclude that currently the available evidence is insufficient to prove that AVR with MVP is superior to DVR in patients with double valve disease.
-
Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg · Feb 2011
Treatment of intrathoracic esophageal anastomotic leaks by means of endoscopic stent implantation.
Intrathoracic anastomotic leakage in patients with esophagectomy is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Until recently surgical reexploration was the preferred way of dealing with this life-threatening complication. But mortality remained significant. ⋯ Because of early recurrence of very malign small cell cancer the stent remained in situ in one patient. In conclusion, stent implantation for intrathoracic esophageal anastomotic leaks is feasible and compares favorable with the results of surgical reexploration. It is an easily available minimally-invasive procedure which may reduce leak-related mortality and morbidity.