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

Percutaneous surgery for overlapping fifth toe

Category: Lesser Toes Introduction/Purpose: Overlapping fifth toe is an unusual disease in which the fifth toe is adducted, rotated, and hyperextended. This pathology is often asymptomatic, however pain may occur with footwear. Although there are many surgical techniques available, there is yet no gold standard. While old techniques were aggressive and cosmetically inappropriate, newest techniques involve large surgical incisions and risk of neurovascular damage. Percutaneous surgery is a novel approach which avoids the disadvantages that old and new techniques present. It was originally described by De Prado but no case series have been reported in adults up to date. The aim of this study is to describe a percutaneous corrective technique of the overlapping fifth toe and to evaluate its functional results and patient satisfaction. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of 12 feet in 10 adult patients who were surgically treated between 2008 and 2016. The percutaneous surgical technique consisted in a dorsal capsulotomy and extensor tenotomy followed by an osteotomy of the proximal phalanx (as described by De Prado). We added to his procedure the use of a K-wire to stabilize the osteotomies. In 6 of these feet a percutaneous oblique osteotomy of the fifth metatarsal was also performed. This osteotomy was stabilized using the same K-wire, which was removed 1 month after surgery. All patients were clinically rated prior to surgery and at the final follow-up visit using the AOFAS Score for lesser toes. In addition, patients were asked to provide a subjective qualification of the results (pain/cosmetic) as “excellent”, “good”, “regular” and “poor” and to state if they would recommend the surgical procedure to one of their peers. Results: The average follow up was 48 months (104 - 9). Osteotomy consolidation was completely achieved in all patients. There were no infections or wound complications. Mean preoperative AOFAS score was 38 (20-55) and postoperative score was 84 (62-95). Patient subjective qualification after surgery was: excellent for 7 feet, good for 3 and regular and poor for the remaining 2 feet. Nine of the ten patients stated that they would recommend the procedure. Conclusion: Percutaneous treatment of the overlapping fifth toe is a reproducible surgical technique with good functional results, low postoperative complications and good cosmetic acceptance by the patients