Infected pancreatic necrosis: outcomes and clinical predictors of mortality. A post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study

: The identification of high-risk patients in the early stages of infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is critical, because it could help the clinicians to adopt more effective management strategies. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the MANCTRA-1 international study to assess the association between clinical risk factors and mortality among adult patients with IPN. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify prognostic factors of mortality. We identified 247 consecutive patients with IPN hospitalised between January 2019 and December 2020. History of uncontrolled arterial hypertension (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.135-15.882; aOR 4.245), qSOFA (p = 0.005; 95% CI 1.359-5.879; aOR 2.828), renal failure (p = 0.022; 95% CI 1.138-5.442; aOR 2.489), and haemodynamic failure (p = 0.018; 95% CI 1.184-5.978; aOR 2.661), were identified as independent predictors of mortality in IPN patients. Cholangitis (p = 0.003; 95% CI 1.598-9.930; aOR 3.983), abdominal compartment syndrome (p = 0.032; 95% CI 1.090-6.967; aOR 2.735), and gastrointestinal/intra-abdominal bleeding (p = 0.009; 95% CI 1.286-5.712; aOR 2.710) were independently associated with the risk of mortality. Upfront open surgical necrosectomy was strongly associated with the risk of mortality (p < 0.001; 95% CI 1.912-7.442; aOR 3.772), whereas endoscopic drainage of pancreatic necrosis (p = 0.018; 95% CI 0.138-0.834; aOR 0.339) and enteral nutrition (p = 0.003; 95% CI 0.143-0.716; aOR 0.320) were found as protective factors. Organ failure, acute cholangitis, and upfront open surgical necrosectomy were the most significant predictors of mortality. Our study confirmed that, even in a subgroup of particularly ill patients such as those with IPN, upfront open surgery should be avoided as much as possible. Study protocol registered in ClinicalTrials.Gov (I.D. Number NCT04747990)

Elective cancer surgery in COVID-19-free surgical pathways during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: An international, multicenter, comparative cohort study

PURPOSE As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19–free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19–free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19–free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19–free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score–matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19–free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19–free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Elective Cancer Surgery in COVID-19-Free Surgical Pathways During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: An International, Multicenter, Comparative Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: As cancer surgery restarts after the first COVID-19 wave, health care providers urgently require data to determine where elective surgery is best performed. This study aimed to determine whether COVID-19-free surgical pathways were associated with lower postoperative pulmonary complication rates compared with hospitals with no defined pathway. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This international, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent elective surgery for 10 solid cancer types without preoperative suspicion of SARS-CoV-2. Participating hospitals included patients from local emergence of SARS-CoV-2 until April 19, 2020. At the time of surgery, hospitals were defined as having a COVID-19-free surgical pathway (complete segregation of the operating theater, critical care, and inpatient ward areas) or no defined pathway (incomplete or no segregation, areas shared with patients with COVID-19). The primary outcome was 30-day postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, unexpected ventilation). RESULTS: Of 9,171 patients from 447 hospitals in 55 countries, 2,481 were operated on in COVID-19-free surgical pathways. Patients who underwent surgery within COVID-19-free surgical pathways were younger with fewer comorbidities than those in hospitals with no defined pathway but with similar proportions of major surgery. After adjustment, pulmonary complication rates were lower with COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.2% v 4.9%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.86). This was consistent in sensitivity analyses for low-risk patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists grade 1/2), propensity score-matched models, and patients with negative SARS-CoV-2 preoperative tests. The postoperative SARS-CoV-2 infection rate was also lower in COVID-19-free surgical pathways (2.1% v 3.6%; aOR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.76). CONCLUSION: Within available resources, dedicated COVID-19-free surgical pathways should be established to provide safe elective cancer surgery during current and before future SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Evaluation of the Correlation Between Tear Meniscus Parameters and Conventional Dry Eye Tests

Purpose: To evaluate the correlation between clinical tests, patient symptoms and spectral optical coherence tomography (OCT; RTVue, Optovue)-derived lower tear meniscus (TM) parameters and to verify sensitivity and specificity of TM parameters in the diagnosis of dry eye disease. Material and Method: 38 eyes of 38 patients (22 dry eye patients, 16 healthy subjects) were examined in this prospective study. After routine ophthalmologic examination, anterior segment OCT-derived TM height (TMH), TM depth (TMD), and TM area (TMA) were measured, and tear break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer test with anesthesia were assessed in all patients. For evaluation of symptoms, the participants completed ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. Correlation between tests was assessed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r). Results: There was a significant positive correlation between Schirmer test results and TMH, TMA and TMD (r=0.79, 0.58, 0.58, respectively). TBUT was positively correlated with TMH, however, it was not correlated with TMA and TMD (r=0.63, 0.14 and 0.10, respectively). There was no significant correlation between OSDI score and 3 parameters of TM. TM measurements were significantly lower in dry eyes than in controls. Sensitivity and specificity for dry eye diagnosis were 81.5% and 86.8% for TMH, 78.9% and 76.3% for TMA, and 76.3%, and 52.6% for TMD, respectively. Discussion: OCT-derived TM parameters were correlated with Schirmer test, but there was no correlation between TM parameters and patient symptoms. TM measurements have high sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of dry eye. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2013; 43: 446-50

Multifokal Göz İçi Lensleri

Katarakt cerrahisi giderek refraktif bir prosedür halini almaktadır. Biyometrik ölçümler içinoptik cihazlar tercih edilmeli, gerektiğinde ölçümler kornea topografisi ile desteklenmelidir. İnternetsiteleri sayesinde güncel optimize göz içi lensi (GİL) sabitlerine ulaşılabilmekte,yeni formüllerkullanılabilmekte, torik GİL hesaplamaları yapılabilmekte, refraktif cerrahi geçiren hastalardetaylı değerlendirilebilmektedir.Teknolojideki ilerlemeler sayesinde sert kataraktlarda, posteriorstafilomu olan yada silikon dolu gözlerde daha güvenilir ölçümler alınabilmekte, yeni formüllerlekısa ve uzun gözlerde daha iyi değerler elde edilebilmektedir.Normal uzunluktaki gözlerde tümformüller yakın sonuçlar vermekte, formüller ± 0.50 D’lik hata payını %72-80 oranında yakalayabilmektedir.Tüm aksiyel uzunluk değerleri göz önüne alındığında en iyi sonuçlar Barret UniversalII ve Olsen formülleri ile alınmakta; Olsen formülüne lens kalınlığı değeri girilmediğinde, HofferQ formülü uzun gözlerde kullanıldığında kötü sonuçlarla karşılaşılmaktadır. Refraktif cerrahi geçirenhastalarda, refraktif cerrahi öncesi hikaye önem kazanmakta, bir çok değişik yönteme rağmendiğer hastalardaki başarı yakalanamamıştır. Matür kataraktlarda,opak kornealarda yada mobilizasyonukısıtlı hastalarda ultrasonik biyometri halen görevini sürdürmektedir

The Effect of Artificial Tears on Corneal Higher Order Aberrations in Dry Eye Patients

Purpose: To assess the effects of artificial tears on corneal higher order aberrations in dry eye patients. Materials and Methods: 30 right eyes of 30 newly diagnosed dry eye patients were evaluated in this prospective study. After routine ophthalmological examination, Schirmer test and tear break-up time (TBUT) test were performed in all patients. Anterior corneal aberrations were derived from conversion of the corneal elevation profile into corneal wavefront data with 6.0 mm pupil diameter using Zernike polynomails by corneal topography before and 5 minutes after instillation of artificial tear (Eyestil®). Corneal optical aberrations were compared before and after instillation of eyedrop. Results: The study included 17 women and 13 men; the average age of the patients was 44.36±13.22 years. Mean TBUT was 4.78±2.78 seconds and mean Schirmer value was 3.58±2.45 mm/5 minutes. After instillation of artificial tear, significant reductions in corneal total aberration from 1.120±0.35 µm to 0.960±0.34 µm, higher order aberration from 0.674±0.26 µm to 0.464±0.18 µm, coma-like aberration from 0.283±0.10 µm to 0.238±0.09 µm, and spherical-like aberration from 0.254±0.11 µm to 0.221±0.08 µm were detected (all, p<0.001). After eyedrop instillation, statistically significant increment was observed in Strehl ratio (p<0.001). Conclusion: As well as reducing the dry eye symptoms, artificial tears also cause increment in optical quality of the eye. Benefits of artificial tears on visual quality can be evaluated objectively via corneal wavefront aberrations. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2014; 44: 119-22

Conjunctival Flora in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Individuals

Objectives: To evaluate the conjunctival bacterial flora in diabetic patients and nondiabetic subjects. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three diabetic patients and 43 nondiabetic healthy individuals were included in the study. A specimen was taken from each participant for the study by rubbing a sterile cotton-tipped swab on the inferior palpebral conjunctiva of the right eye. Samples were incubated in blood agar, chocolate agar, eosin methylene-blue lactose sucrose agar and sabouraud 4% dextrose agar. Isolated microorganisms were identified using routine microbiological methods. Results: Rates for bacterial isolations were determined as 38.5% in diabetic patients and 34.9% in nondiabetic controls. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 30% of cases in the diabetic patient group, while 20% tested positive for Escherichia coli, 10% for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, 10% for Klebsiella pneumoniae and 30% for multiple bacteria. In the non-diabetic group, 53.3% of patients were positive for Staphylococcus aureus while coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was isolated in 26.7%, Klebsiella pneumoniae in 6.7% and multiple bacteria in 13.3% of patients. Although there was no statistically significant difference in the number of isolated bacteria between the diabetic and nondiabetic groups, gram-negative bacterial colonization was significantly higher in diabetic patients (χ2=0.129, p=0.719 and χ2=5.60, p=0.018, respectively). Conclusion: Gram-negative bacteria are more common in the conjunctival flora of diabetic patients. This should be considered by clinicians when treating ocular infections in diabetic patients. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2015; 45: 193-196

Optical Coherence Tomography Pachymetry Mapping in Diagnosis of Keratoconus

Purpose: To evaluate abnormal corneal thinning using optical coherence tomography (OCT) pachymetry mapping in keratoconus patients. Material and Method: In this prospective study, 57 eyes of 33 keratoconus patients and 50 eyes of 25 control subjects without ocular pathology were compared. After routine ophthalmologic examination, corneal topography and corneal pachymetry mapping by OCT with anterior segment module were performed in all subjects. Central corneal thickness (CCT), minimum corneal thickness (Min), superior-inferior (S-I), minimum-median (Min-Med), superonasal-inferotemporal (SN-IT), superotemporal-inferonasal (ST-IN), minimum-maximum (MinMax) and minimum corneal vertical localization(MCVL) parameters were evaluated from the OCT pachymetric maps. Measurements were performed three times in all patients, and the means of these data were used for statistical analysis and comparisons. Cut-off values were determined for all OCT-derived parameters. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (AROC) curve were also calculated for these parameters. Results: Keratoconic corneas were thinner. Minimum corneal thickness was 425±63 µm in the keratoconus group, and 513.7±3 µm in the control group (p<0.001). The thinnest corneal location was inferiorly displaced in the keratoconus group. MCVL value was -845.6±427.9 µm in the keratoconus group and -419.6±240.1 µm in the control group (p<0.001). Min-med was -46.3±23.8 µm and 18.4±16.3 µm in keratoconus and control groups, respectively. Corneal thinning was more asymmetric in the keratoconus group ( S-I, SN-IT, ST-IN parameters were statistically different between the groups, p<0.001). Sensitivity, specificity, and AROC values of the OCT pachymetric parameters were within the range of 82-92%, 54-89%, and 0.674-0.922, respectively. Discussion: OCT pachymetry maps have high sensitivity and specificity for keratoconus diagnosis. OCT provides additional information in patients whose corneal topography was inconsistent with clinical signs and interpretation of both devices together would be more valuable in the diagnosis of keratoconus. (Turk J Ophthalmol 2013; 43: 236-4