Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research

La ecografía como método simple y rápido para evaluar la correcta colocación de sondas de alimentación enteral en pacientes críticos con ventilación mecánica

Abdominal X-rays (AXRs) is the classic radiological procedure used to assess placement of a nasoenteric tube (NET). As a disadvantage, AXRs expose the patient to a dose of ionizing radiation and can cause potential adverse effects in the future. There are few studies about NET placement and ultrasound (US) assessment. Authors studied 41 patients undergoing NET placement keeping the wire until correct placement US assessment. Correct placement occurred in 38 patients, with a 97% sensitivity (confidence interval, 95%: 84.9-99.8%) and a 100% specificity (CI 95%: 19.7-100%). NET placement evaluation with abdominal US is a safe and practical procedure, associated with accurate diagnostic outcomes.La radiografía (Rx) abdominal, el método diagnóstico utilizado para verificar la posición de la sonda de alimentación enteral (SAE), es una fuente de irradiación y de potenciales efectos adversos para los pacientes. Hay pocos estudios sobre colocación de SAE y ecografía. Los autores estudiaron 41 pacientes con inserción de SAE y mantenimiento de la guía hasta la comprobación de su correcta colocación con ecografía, detectando una correcta colocación en 38 pacientes frente a 3 pacientes con una inadecuada posición de la SAE, con una sensibilidad del 97% (IC 95%: 84.9-99.8%) y una especificidad del 100% (IC 95%: 19.7-100%). La evaluación de la posición de la SAE a través del abdomen mediante ecografía es práctica y segura, asociándose con resultados diagnósticos satisfactorios