Outcomes from elective colorectal cancer surgery during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

This study aimed to describe the change in surgical practice and the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on mortality after surgical resection of colorectal cancer during the initial phases of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic

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

Comparison of fondaparinux with low molecular weight heparin for venous thromboembolism prevention in patients requiring rigid or semi-rigid immobilization for isolated non-surgical below-knee injury

Background: In several small studies, anticoagulant therapy reduced the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with isolated lower-limb injuries. Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of fondaparinux 2.5 mg (1.5 mg in patients with a creatinine clearance between 30 and 50 mL min-1) over nadroparin 2850 anti-factor Xa IU. Patients and Methods: In this international, multicenter, randomized, open-label study, patients with an isolated non-surgical unilateral below-knee injury having at least one additional major risk factor for VTE and requiring, in the Investigator's opinion, rigid or semi-rigid immobilization for 21-45 days with thromboprophylaxis up to complete mobilization received subcutaneously once-daily either fondaparinux or nadroparin. The primary efficacy outcome was the composite of VTE (symptomatic or ultrasonographically detected asymptomatic deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb or symptomatic pulmonary embolism) and death up to complete mobilization. The main safety outcome was major bleeding. Results: We randomized 1349 patients (mean age 46 years): 88.7% had a bone fracture, and 83.8% had a plaster cast fitted (mean duration of immobilization, 34 days). The primary efficacy outcome occurred in 15 of 584 patients (2.6%) in the fondaparinux group and 48 of 586 patients (8.2%) in the nadroparin group (odds ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15-0.54; P < 0.001). A single major bleed was experienced by fondaparinux-treated patients and none by nadroparin-treated patients. These results were maintained up to the end of follow-up. Conclusions: Fondaparinux 2.5 mg day-1 may be a valuable therapeutic option over nadroparin 2850 anti-FXa IU day-1 for preventing VTE after below-knee injury requiring prolonged immobilization in patients with additional risk factors