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World Journal of Gastroenterology Oct 2019Laparoscopy has been widely used in general surgical procedures, but total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (TLPD) is still a complex and challenging surgery that is... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Laparoscopy has been widely used in general surgical procedures, but total laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (TLPD) is still a complex and challenging surgery that is only performed in a small number of patients at a few large academic medical centers. Although the safety and feasibility of TLPD have been established, few studies have compared it with open pancreaticoduodenectomy (OPD) with regard to perioperative and oncological outcomes. Therefore, we carried out a meta-analysis to evaluate whether TLPD is superior to OPD.
AIM
To compare the treatment outcomes of TLPD and OPD in order to assess the safety and feasibility of TLPD.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of studies comparing TLPD with OPD that were published in the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases through December 31, 2018. The studies comparing TLPD and OPD with at least one of the outcomes we were interested in and with more than 10 cases in each group were included in this analysis. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale was used to assess the quality of the nonrandomized controlled trials and the Jadad scale was used to assess the randomized controlled trials. Intraoperative data, postoperative complications, and oncologic outcomes were evaluated. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager Software version 5.3. Random or fixed-effects meta-analyses were undertaken to measure the pooled estimates.
RESULTS
A total of 4790 articles were initially identified for our study. After screening, 4762 articles were excluded and 28 studies representing 39771 patients (3543 undergoing TLPD and 36228 undergoing OPD) were eventually included. Patients who underwent TLPD had less intraoperative blood loss [weighted mean difference (WMD) = -260.08 mL, 95% confidence interval (CI): (-336.02, -184.14) mL, < 0.00001], a lower blood transfusion rate [odds ratio (OR) = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.36-0.72, = 0.0001], a lower perioperative overall morbidity (OR = 0.82, 95%CI: 0.73-0.92, = 0.0008), a lower wound infection rate (OR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.34-0.67, < 0.0001), a lower pneumonia rate (OR = 0.72, 95%CI: 0.60-0.85, = 0.0002), a shorter duration of intensive care unit (ICU) stay [WMD = -0.28 d, 95%CI (-2.88, -1.29) d, < 0.00001] and a shorter length of hospital stay [WMD = -3.05 d, 95%CI (-3.93, -2.17), < 0.00001], a lower rate of discharge to a new facility (OR = 0.55, 95%CI: 0.39-0.78, = 0.0008), and a lower 30-d readmission rate (OR = 0.81, 95%CI: 0.68-0.95, = 0.10) than those who underwent OPD. In addition, the TLPD group had a higher R0 rate (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.13-1.44, = 0.0001) and more lymph nodes harvested (WMD = 1.32, 95%CI: 0.57-2.06, = 0.0005) than the OPD group. However, the patients who underwent TLPD experienced a significantly longer operative time (WMD = 77.92 min, 95%CI: 40.89-114.95, < 0.0001) and had a smaller tumor size than those who underwent OPD [WMD = -0.32 cm, 95%CI: (-0.58, -0.07) cm, = 0.01]. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the major morbidity, postoperative pancreatic fistula, delayed gastric emptying, postpancreatectomy hemorrhage, bile leak, gastroenteric anastomosis fistula, intra-abdominal abscess, bowel obstruction, fluid collection, reoperation, ICU admission, or 30-d and 90-d mortality rates. For malignant tumors, the 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- and 5-year overall survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis indicates that TLPD is safe and feasible, and may be a desirable alternative to OPD, although a longer operative time is needed and only smaller tumors can be treated.
Topics: Blood Transfusion; Clinical Trials as Topic; Disease-Free Survival; Feasibility Studies; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Laparoscopy; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Operative Time; Pancreas; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreaticoduodenectomy; Postoperative Complications; Tumor Burden
PubMed: 31602170
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i37.5711 -
HPB : the Official Journal of the... Dec 2022Surgical site infections (SSI) cause significant morbidity. Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may promote wound healing and decrease SSI. The objective... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Surgical site infections (SSI) cause significant morbidity. Prophylactic negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) may promote wound healing and decrease SSI. The objective is to evaluate the effect of prophylactic NPWT on SSI in patients undergoing pancreatectomy.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched from inception until April 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing prophylactic NPWT to standard dressings in patients undergoing pancreatectomy were included. The primary outcome was the risk of SSI. Secondary outcomes included the risk of superficial and deep SSI and organ space infection (OSI). Random effects models were used for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Four single-centre RCTs including 309 patients were identified. Three studies were industry-sponsored, and two were at high risk of bias. There was no significant difference in the risk of SSI in patients receiving NPWT vs. control (14% vs. 21%, RR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.32-1.60, p = 0.42, I = 53%). Likewise, there was no significant difference in the risk of superficial and deep SSI or OSI. No significant difference was found on subgroup analysis of patients at high risk of wound infection or on sensitivity analysis of studies at low risk of bias.
CONCLUSION
Prophylactic NPWT does not significantly decrease the risk of SSI among patients undergoing pancreatectomy. Insufficient evidence exists to justify the routine use of NPWT.
Topics: Humans; Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; Surgical Wound Infection; Bandages; Wound Healing; Pancreatectomy
PubMed: 36244906
DOI: 10.1016/j.hpb.2022.08.010 -
Annals of Medicine 2023Acute pancreatitis is a common condition of the digestive system, but sometimes it develops into severe cases. In about 10-20% of patients, necrosis of the pancreas or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND/AIMS
Acute pancreatitis is a common condition of the digestive system, but sometimes it develops into severe cases. In about 10-20% of patients, necrosis of the pancreas or its periphery occurs. Although most have aseptic necrosis, 30% of cases will develop infectious necrotizing pancreatitis. Infected necrotizing pancreatitis (INP) requires a critical treatment approach. Minimally invasive surgical approach (MIS) and endoscopy are the management methods. This meta-analysis compares the outcomes of MIS and endoscopic treatments.
METHODS
We searched a medical database until December 2022 to compare the results of endoscopic and MIS procedures for INP. We selected eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported treatment complications for the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Five RCTs comparing a total of 284 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Among them, 139 patients underwent MIS, while 145 underwent endoscopic procedures. The results showed significant differences ( < 0.05) in the risk ratios (RRs) for major complications (RR: 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.49-0.97), new onset of organ failure (RR: 0.29, 95% CI: 0.11-0.82), surgical site infection (RR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.07-0.92), fistula or perforation (RR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.12-0.64), and pancreatic fistula (RR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05-0.45). The hospital stay was significantly shorter for the endoscopic group compared to the MIS group, with a mean difference of 6.74 days (95% CI: -12.94 to -0.54). There were no significant differences ( > 0.05) in the RR for death, bleeding, incisional hernia, percutaneous drainage, pancreatic endocrine deficiency, pancreatic exocrine deficiency, or the need for enzyme use.
CONCLUSIONS
Endoscopic management of INP performs better compared to surgical treatment due to its lower complication rate and higher patient life quality.
Topics: Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Endoscopy; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing; Pancreas; Necrosis; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 37930932
DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2276816 -
Cureus Apr 2024Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune condition characterized by insulin deficiency resulting from loss of function of beta cells in the pancreas, leading to... (Review)
Review
Type 1 diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune condition characterized by insulin deficiency resulting from loss of function of beta cells in the pancreas, leading to hyperglycemia and associated long-term systemic complications and even death. Immunotherapy demonstrates beta cell function-preserving potential; however, its impact on C-peptide levels, a definitive biomarker of beta cell function, and endogenous insulin secretion remain unclear. A systematic review of various immunotherapeutic interventions is hence needed for a comprehensive assessment of their effectiveness as well as identifying research gaps and influencing future research and clinical decisions. An extensive literature search was done in PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases using precise keywords and filters to identify relevant studies. Three independent reviewers assessed eligibility according to predetermined eligibility criteria, and data was extracted. The Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool (RoB 2.0) was used to evaluate the quality and validity of the included studies. A senior reviewer resolved discrepancies and differences of opinion between independent reviewers. A total of 11 studies were included, with 1464 study participants. Both Phase II and III trials were included. Within the included studies, four studies assessed the anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody otelixizumab as an intervention. Another anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, teplizumab, was assessed as an intervention in four studies, whereas two studies assessed the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab and one study assessed abatacept as its interventional drug. Otelixizumab demonstrated benefits at higher doses but was associated with adverse effects like Ebstein-Barr virus reactivation and cytomegalovirus infection, while at lower doses it failed to show a significant difference in C-peptide levels or glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Teplizumab, on the other hand, showed promise in reducing C-peptide loss and exogenous insulin requirements and was associated with adverse events such as rash, lymphopenia, urinary tract infection, and cytokine release syndrome. However, these reactions were only associated with therapy initiation, and they subsided on their own. Rituximab improved C-peptide responses, and abatacept therapy demonstrated reduced loss of C-peptide, improved C-peptide levels, and lowered HbA1c. Teplizumab, rituximab, otelixizumab, and abatacept show potential for preserving beta cell function by reducing C-peptide loss in patients with type I diabetes mellitus. However, careful monitoring of adverse reactions, particularly viral infections and cytokine release syndrome, is necessary for the safe implementation of these therapies.
PubMed: 38800168
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58981 -
Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine Dec 2020Cardiovascular events are among the most common causes of late death in the transplant recipient (Tx) population. Moreover, major cardiac surgical procedures are more... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Cardiovascular events are among the most common causes of late death in the transplant recipient (Tx) population. Moreover, major cardiac surgical procedures are more challenging and risky due to immunosuppression and the potential impact on the transplanted organ's functional capacity. We aimed to assess open cardiac surgery safety in abdominal solid organ transplant recipients, comparing the postoperative outcomes with those of nontransplant (N-Tx) patients. Electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS were searched. The endpoints were: overall rate of infectious complications (wound infection, septicemia, pneumonia), cardiovascular and renal events (stroke, cardiac tamponade, acute kidney failure), 30-days, 5-years, and 10-years mortality post-cardiac surgery interventions in patients with and without prior solid organ transplantation. This meta-analysis included five studies. Higher rates of wound infection (Tx vs. N-Tx: OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.54 to 2.67, I2 = 0%), septicemia (OR: 3.91, 95% CI: 1.40 to 10.92, I2 = 0%), cardiac tamponade (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.28 to 2.62, I2 = 0%) and kidney failure (OR: 1.70, 95 %CI: 1.44 to 2.02, I2 = 89%) in transplant recipients were reported. No significant differences in pneumonia occurrence (OR: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.71 to 1.27, I2 = 0%) stroke (OR: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.54 to 1.48, I2 = 78%) and 30-day mortality (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 0.97 to 3.80, I2 = 0%) were observed. Surprisingly, 5-years (OR: 3.74, 95% CI: 2.54 to 5.49, I2 = 0%) and 10-years mortality rates were significantly lower in the N-Tx group (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 2.35 to 4.69, I2 = 0%). Our study reveals that open cardiac surgery in transplant recipients is associated with worse postoperative outcomes and higher long-term mortality rates.
Topics: Aged; Cardiac Surgical Procedures; Female; Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Liver Transplantation; Male; Middle Aged; Pancreas Transplantation; Postoperative Complications; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33388004
DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm.2020.04.192 -
World Journal of Gastroenterology Sep 2020Pancreatic duct stones can lead to significant abdominal pain for patients. Per oral pancreatoscopy (POP)-guided intracorporal lithotripsy is being increasingly used for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Pancreatic duct stones can lead to significant abdominal pain for patients. Per oral pancreatoscopy (POP)-guided intracorporal lithotripsy is being increasingly used for the management of main pancreatic duct calculi (PDC) in chronic pancreatitis. POP uses two techniques: Electrohydraulic lithotripsy (EHL) and laser lithotripsy (LL). Data on the safety and efficacy are limited for this procedure. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis with a primary aim to calculate the pooled technical and clinical success rates of POP. The secondary aim was to assess pooled rates of technical success, clinical success for the two individual techniques, and adverse event rates.
AIM
To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of POP, EHL and LL for management of PDC in chronic pancreatitis.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of multiple electronic databases and conference proceedings including PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases (from 1999 to October 2019) to identify studies with patient age greater than 17 and any gender that reported on outcomes of POP, EHL and LL. The primary outcome assessed involved the pooled technical success and clinical success rate of POP. The secondary outcome included the pooled technical success and clinical success rate for EHL and LL. We also assessed the pooled rate of adverse events for POP, EHL and LL including a subgroup analysis for the rate of adverse event subtypes for POP: Hemorrhage, post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP), perforation, abdominal pain, fever and infections. Technical success was defined as the rate of clearing pancreatic duct stones and clinical success as the improvement in pain. Random-effects model was used for analysis. Heterogeneity between study-specific estimates was calculated using the Cochran statistical test and statistics. Publication bias was ascertained, qualitatively by visual inspection of funnel plot and quantitatively by the Egger test.
RESULTS
A total of 16 studies including 383 patients met the inclusion criteria. The technical success rate of POP was 76.4% (95%CI: 65.9-84.5; = 64%) and clinical success rate was 76.8% (95%CI: 65.2-85.4; = 66%). The technical success rate of EHL was 70.3% (95%CI: 57.8-80.3; = 36%) and clinical success rate of EHL was 66.5% (95%CI: 55.2-76.2; = 19%). The technical success rate of LL was 89.3% (95%CI: 70.5-96.7; = 70%) and clinical success rate of LL was 88.2% (95%CI: 66.4-96.6; = 77%). The incidence of pooled adverse events for POP was 14.9% (95%CI: 9.2-23.2; = 49%), for EHL was 11.2% (95%CI: 5.9-20.3; = 15%) and for LL was 13.1% (95%CI: 6.3-25.4; = 31%). Subgroup analysis of adverse events showed rates of PEP at 7% (95%CI: 3.5-13.6; = 38%), fever at 3.7% (95%CI: 2-6.9; = 0), abdominal pain at 4.7% (95%CI: 2.7-7.8; = 0), perforation at 4.3% (95%CI: 2.1-8.4; = 0), hemorrhage at 3.4% (95%CI: 1.7-6.6; = 0) and no mortality. There was evidence of publication bias based on funnel plot analysis and Egger's test.
CONCLUSION
Our study highlights the high technical and clinical success rates for POP, EHL and LL. POP-guided lithotripsy could be a viable option for management of chronic pancreatitis with PDC.
Topics: Calculi; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde; Humans; Lithotripsy; Pancreatic Diseases; Pancreatic Ducts; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32982119
DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i34.5207 -
Asian Journal of Surgery Nov 2020A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to estimate the incidence of possible complications following EUS-guided pancreas biopsy. Pancreatic cancer has a... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to estimate the incidence of possible complications following EUS-guided pancreas biopsy. Pancreatic cancer has a very poor prognosis with a high fatality rate. Early diagnosis is important to improve the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. We searched Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus databases for studies published from inception to Augest, 2018. Meta-analysis were conducted with random-effect models and heterogeneity was calculated with the Q, I and τ statistics. We enrolled 78 studies from 71 articles in the meta-analysis, comprising 11,652 patients. Pooled data showed that the whole complication incidences were low 0.210 × 10(95%CI -0.648 × 10, 1.068 × 10). And they were in bleeding 0.002 × 10 (95%CI -0.092 × 10, 0.097 × 10), pancreatitis 0.002 (95%CI -0.082 × 10, 0.086 × 10), abdominal pain 0 (95%CI -0.037 × 10, 0.038 × 10), fever 0 (95%CI -0.032 × 10, 0. 032 × 10), infection 0 (95%CI -0.030 × 10, 0.031 × 10), duodenal perforation 0 (95%CI -0.033 × 10, 0.034 × 10), pancreatic fistula 0 (95%CI -0.029 × 10, 0.029 × 10), abscess 0 (95%CI -0.029 × 10, 0.029 × 10) and sepsis 0 (95%CI -0.029 × 10, 0.030 × 10). Subgroup analysis based on the tumor size, site, needle type and tumor style also showed robust results. The pooled data showed EUS-guided pancreas biopsy could be a safe approach for the diagnosis of pancreatic lesions. More large-scale studies will be necessary to confirm the findings across different population.
Topics: Abdominal Pain; Cohort Studies; Duodenum; Early Detection of Cancer; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Hemorrhage; Incidence; Intestinal Perforation; Pancreas; Pancreatic Fistula; Pancreatic Neoplasms; Pancreatitis; Safety
PubMed: 31974051
DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2019.12.011 -
Medicine Sep 2019The use of octreotide prophylaxis following pancreatic surgery is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of octreotide for the prevention of postoperative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The use of octreotide prophylaxis following pancreatic surgery is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of octreotide for the prevention of postoperative complications after pancreatic surgery through this systematic review and meta-analysis.
METHODS
Literature databases (including the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases) were searched systematically for relevant articles. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were eligible for inclusion in our research. We extracted the basic information regarding the patients, intervention procedures, and all complications after pancreatic surgery and then performed the meta-analysis.
RESULTS
Thirteen RCTs involving 2006 patients were identified. There were no differences between the octreotide group and the placebo group with regard to pancreatic fistulas (PFs) (relative risk [RR] = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.62-0.99, P = .05), clinically significant PFs (RR = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.68-1.50, P = .95), mortality (RR = 1.21, 95% CI = 0.78-1.88, P = .40), biliary leakage (RR 0.84, 95% CI = 0.39-1.82, P = .66), delayed gastric emptying (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.54-1.27, P = .39), abdominal infection (RR = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.66-1.52, P = 1.00), bleeding (RR = 1.16, 95% CI = 0.78-1.72, P = .46), pulmonary complications (RR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.45-1.18, P = .20), overall complications (RR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.64-1.01, P = .06), and reoperation rates (RR = 1.18, 95% CI = 0.77-1.81, P = .45). In the high-risk group, octreotide was no more effective at reducing PF formation than placebo (RR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.67-1.00, P = .05). In addition, octreotide had no influence on the incidence of PF (RR = 0.38, 95% CI = 0.14-1.05, P = .06) after distal pancreatic resection and local pancreatic resection.
CONCLUSION
The present best evidence suggests that prophylactic use of octreotide has no effect on reducing complications after pancreatic resection.
Topics: Gastrointestinal Agents; Humans; Octreotide; Pancreas; Pancreatectomy; Postoperative Complications
PubMed: 31567967
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017196 -
Legal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) Feb 2022The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Almost 17 months after...
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Almost 17 months after the first COVID-19 case was reported, the exact pathogenesis of the virus is still open to interpretation. Postmortem studies have been relatively scarce due to the high infectivity rate of the virus. We systematically reviewed the literature available for studies that reported gross, histological, microscopic, and immunohistochemical findings in COVID-19 fatalities with the aim of reporting any recurrent findings among different demographics. PubMed and Scopus were searched up till the second of May 2021 and 46 studies with a total of 793 patients were shortlisted after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected studies reported gross, histological, microscopic, and immunohistochemical autopsy findings in the lungs, heart, liver, gallbladder, bowels, kidney, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, CNS, pancreas, endocrine/exocrine glands, and a few other miscellaneous locations. The SARS-CoV-2 virus was detected in multiple organs and so was the presence of widespread microthrombi. This finding suggests that the pathogenesis of this highly infectious virus might be linked to some form of coagulopathy. Further studies should focus on analyzing postmortem findings in a larger number of patients from different demographics in order to obtain more generalizable results.
Topics: Autopsy; COVID-19; Humans; Lung; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34952452
DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2021.102001 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2018Risky consumption of alcohol is a global problem. More than 3.3 million deaths annually are associated with risky use of alcohol, and global alcohol consumption... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Risky consumption of alcohol is a global problem. More than 3.3 million deaths annually are associated with risky use of alcohol, and global alcohol consumption continues to increase. People who have high alcohol consumption often require planned and emergency surgical procedures.Risky drinking is associated with increased postoperative complications such as infections, cardiopulmonary complications, and bleeding episodes. Alcohol causes disorders of the liver, pancreas, and nervous system. Stopping consumption of alcohol can normalize these organ systems to some degree and may reduce the occurrence of complications after surgery.This review was first published in 2012 and was updated in 2018.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of perioperative alcohol cessation interventions on rates of postoperative complications and alcohol consumption.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the following databases up until 21 September 2018: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), in the Cochrane Library; MEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL via EBSCOhost; and two trials registers. We scanned the reference lists and citations of included trials and any identified relevant systematic reviews for further references to additional trials. When necessary, we contacted trial authors to ask for additional information.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of perioperative alcohol cessation interventions on postoperative complications and alcohol consumption. We included participants with risky consumption of alcohol who were undergoing all types of elective or acute surgical procedures under general or regional anaesthesia or sedation, who were offered a perioperative alcohol cessation intervention or no intervention.We defined 'risky drinking' as alcohol consumption equivalent to more than 3 alcoholic units (AU)/d or 21 AU/week (with 1 AU containing 12 grams of ethanol) with or without symptoms of alcohol abuse or dependency. This corresponds to the amount of alcohol associated with increased postoperative complication rates in most clinical studies.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used guidance provided in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. We presented main outcomes as dichotomous variables in a meta-analysis. When data were available, we conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to explore the risk of bias. Primary outcome measures were postoperative complications and in-hospital and 30-day mortality. Secondary outcomes were successful quitting at the end of the programme, postoperative alcohol use, and length of hospital stay. We assessed the quality of evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included in this updated review one new study (70 participants), resulting in a total of three RCTs (140 participants who drank 3 to 40 AU/d). All three studies were of moderate to good quality. All studies evaluated the effects of intensive alcohol cessation interventions, including pharmacological strategies for alcohol withdrawal symptoms, patient education, and relapse prophylaxis. We identified one ongoing study.Overall, 53 of the 122 participants from three studies who underwent surgery developed any type of postoperative complication that required treatment. Of 61 participants in the intervention groups, 20 had complications, compared with 33 of 61 participants in the control groups (risk ratio (RR) 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40 to 0.96). Results show differences between the three clinical studies regarding outcome measurement and intensity of the interventions. However, all alcohol cessation programmes were intensive and included pharmacological therapy. The overall quality of evidence for this outcome is moderate.In-hospital and 30-day postoperative mortality rates were low in the three studies. Researchers reported one death among 61 participants in the intervention groups, and three deaths among 61 participants in the control groups (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.07 to 2.96). The quality of evidence for this outcome is low.Investigators describe more successful quitters at the end of the intervention programme than among controls. Forty-one out of 70 participants in the intervention groups successfully quit drinking compared with only five out of 70 participants in the control groups (RR 8.22, 95% CI 1.67 to 40.44). The quality of evidence for this outcome is moderate.All three studies reported postoperative alcohol consumption (grams of alcohol/week) at the end of the programme as median and range values; therefore it was not possible to estimate the mean and the standard deviation (SD). We performed no meta-analysis. All three studies reported length of stay, and none of these studies described a significant difference in length of stay. Data were insufficient for review authors to perform a meta-analysis. No studies reported on the prevalence of participants without risky drinking in the longer term.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review assessed the efficacy of perioperative alcohol cessation interventions for postoperative complications and alcohol consumption. All three studies showed a significant reduction in the number of participants who quit drinking alcohol during the intervention period. Intensive alcohol cessation interventions offered for four to eight weeks to participants undergoing all types of surgical procedures to achieve complete alcohol cessation before surgery probably reduced the number of postoperative complications. Data were insufficient for review authors to assess their effects on postoperative mortality. No studies reported an effect on length of stay, and no studies addressed the prevalence of risky drinking in the longer term.Included studies were few and reported small sample sizes; therefore one should be careful about drawing firm conclusions based on these study results. All three studies were conducted in Denmark, and most participants were men. The included participants may represent a selective group, as they could have been more motivated and/or more interested in participating in clinical research or otherwise different, and effects may have been overestimated for both intervention and control groups in these studies. Trial results indicate that these studies are difficult to perform, that strong research competencies are necessary for future studies, and that further evaluation of perioperative alcohol cessation interventions in high-quality randomized controlled trials is needed. Once published and assessed, the one 'ongoing' study identified may alter the conclusions of this review.
Topics: Alcohol Abstinence; Alcohol Drinking; Elective Surgical Procedures; Female; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Male; Perioperative Care; Postoperative Complications; Preoperative Care; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Secondary Prevention; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; Surgical Procedures, Operative
PubMed: 30408162
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD008343.pub3