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Health Technology Assessment... Dec 2016Fibrin sealants are used in different types of surgery to prevent the accumulation of post-operative fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma) or to arrest haemorrhage... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Fibrin sealants are used in different types of surgery to prevent the accumulation of post-operative fluid (seroma) or blood (haematoma) or to arrest haemorrhage (bleeding). However, there is uncertainty around the benefits and harms of fibrin sealant use.
OBJECTIVES
To systematically review the evidence on the benefits and harms of fibrin sealants in non-emergency surgery in adults.
DATA SOURCES
Electronic databases [MEDLINE, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library (including the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, the Health Technology Assessment database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials)] were searched from inception to May 2015. The websites of regulatory bodies (the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Administration) were also searched to identify evidence of harms.
REVIEW METHODS
This review included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies using any type of fibrin sealant compared with standard care in non-emergency surgery in adults. The primary outcome was risk of developing seroma and haematoma. Only RCTs were used to inform clinical effectiveness and both RCTs and observational studies were used for the assessment of harms related to the use of fibrin sealant. Two reviewers independently screened all titles and abstracts to identify potentially relevant studies. Data extraction was undertaken by one reviewer and validated by a second. The quality of included studies was assessed independently by two reviewers using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool for RCTs and the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination guidance for adverse events for observational studies. A fixed-effects model was used for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
We included 186 RCTs and eight observational studies across 14 surgical specialties and five reports from the regulatory bodies. Most RCTs were judged to be at an unclear risk of bias. Adverse events were inappropriately reported in observational studies. Meta-analysis across non-emergency surgical specialties did not show a statistically significant difference in the risk of seroma for fibrin sealants versus standard care in 32 RCTs analysed [ = 3472, odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.68 to 1.04; = 0.13; = 12.7%], but a statistically significant benefit was found on haematoma development in 24 RCTs ( = 2403, OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.86; = 0.01; = 0%). Adverse events related to fibrin sealant use were reported in 10 RCTs and eight observational studies across surgical specialties, and 22 RCTs explicitly stated that there were no adverse events. One RCT reported a single death but no other study reported mortality or any serious adverse events. Five regulatory body reports noted death from air emboli associated with fibrin sprays.
LIMITATIONS
It was not possible to provide a detailed evaluation of individual RCTs in their specific contexts because of the limited resources that were available for this research. In addition, the number of RCTs that were identified made it impractical to conduct independent data extraction by two reviewers in the time available.
CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of fibrin sealants does not appear to vary according to surgical procedures with regard to reducing the risk of seroma or haematoma. Surgeons should note the potential risk of gas embolism if spray application of fibrin sealants is used and not to exceed the recommended pressure and spraying distance. Future research should be carried out in surgery specialties for which only limited data were found, including neurological, gynaecological, oral and maxillofacial, urology, colorectal and orthopaedics surgery (for any outcome); breast surgery and upper gastrointestinal (development of haematoma); and cardiothoracic heart or lung surgery (reoperation rates). In addition, studies need to use adequate sample sizes, to blind participants and outcome assessors, and to follow reporting guidelines.
STUDY REGISTRATION
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42015020710.
FUNDING
The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme.
Topics: Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Hematoma; Humans; Length of Stay; Observational Studies as Topic; Operative Time; Pain, Postoperative; Postoperative Complications; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Reoperation; Seroma; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Surgical Wound Infection
PubMed: 28051764
DOI: 10.3310/hta20940 -
Resuscitation Aug 2001We present a case report of successful resuscitation following cardiac arrest in a patient undergoing surgery in the prone position. A systematic review of the... (Review)
Review
We present a case report of successful resuscitation following cardiac arrest in a patient undergoing surgery in the prone position. A systematic review of the literature identified 22 further cases. Risk factors for intra-operative cardiac arrest in patients in the prone position include: cardiac abnormalities in patients undergoing major spinal surgery, hypovolaemia, air embolism, wound irrigation with hydrogen peroxide, poor positioning and occluded venous return. Cardiac arrest is also a risk in the increasing number of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome ventilated in the prone position. Management of prone cardiac arrest may be improved by identification of high-risk patients, careful patient positioning, use of invasive monitoring and placement of self-adhesive defibrillator paddles. Suitable techniques for cardiopulmonary resuscitation including methods for chest compression, defibrillation and the management of air embolism are discussed.
Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; Female; Heart Arrest; Humans; Intraoperative Complications; Middle Aged; Prone Position; Risk Factors; Spinal Cord Compression; Thoracic Vertebrae
PubMed: 11719152
DOI: 10.1016/s0300-9572(01)00362-8 -
Journal of Bronchology & Interventional... Jan 2015The finding of a filling defect in a pulmonary artery (PA) sometimes raises the possibility of cancer. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The finding of a filling defect in a pulmonary artery (PA) sometimes raises the possibility of cancer. Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (TBNA) may confirm the underlying nature of the endovascular lesion. However, little is known about the use of this procedure for this purpose.
METHODS
We searched PubMed and abstracts of major international conferences.
RESULTS
There was a total of 12 cases: 8 female, 3 male, and 1 unknown. The median (range) age was 60 (51 to 79) years. EBUS was performed to evaluate mass-like lesion involving the PA (n=5), persistent or progressive filling defects in the PA despite anticoagulation (n=3), filling defect in the PA with multiple areas of consolidation, air-fluid levels in the lung (n=1), and hilar density (n=1). Moreover, an endovascular lesion was incidentally noted in the PA during EBUS for evaluating lymph nodes (n=2). EBUS-TBNA was diagnostic in 9 of the 10 cases in which it was performed. The final diagnoses were: sarcoma (n=6), lung cancer (n=2), thyroid cancer (n=1), renal cell cancer (n=1), melanoma (n=1), and pulmonary embolism (n=1). The cancer was a recurrence in 6 of the 7 cases with a known history of cancer.
CONCLUSIONS
EBUS should be considered as a possible method for evaluating endovascular lesions when PA sarcoma or tumor macroembolism is suspected.
Topics: Aged; Bronchoscopy; Diagnosis, Differential; Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neoplasms; Pulmonary Artery; Sarcoma; Vascular Neoplasms
PubMed: 25590480
DOI: 10.1097/LBR.0000000000000133 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2013During caesarean section mothers can be in different positions. Theatre tables could be tilted laterally, upwards, downwards or flexed and wedges or cushions could be... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
During caesarean section mothers can be in different positions. Theatre tables could be tilted laterally, upwards, downwards or flexed and wedges or cushions could be used. There is no consensus on the best positioning at present.
OBJECTIVES
We assessed all available data on positioning of the mother to determine if there is an ideal position during caesarean section that would improve outcomes.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (20 August 2012), PubMed (1966 to 20 August 2012) and manually searched the references of retrieved articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of woman undergoing caesarean section comparing different positions.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 22 studies with a total of 857 women included. We included 11 studies and excluded 11. Included trials were of variably quality with small sample sizes. Most comparisons had data from single trials. This is a shortcoming and applicability of results is limited.The incidence of air embolism was not affected by head up versus horizontal position (average risk ratio (RR) 0.85; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.28 to 2.57; Tau² = 0.50; I² = 74%).We found no change in hypotensive episodes when comparing left lateral tilt (RR 0.11; 95% CI 0.01 to 1.94), right lateral tilt (RR 1.25; 95% CI 0.39 to 3.99), a right lumbar pelvic wedge (RR 0.85; CI 0.53 to1.37) and head down tilt (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.42) with horizontal positions. We found no change in hypotensive episodes when comparing full lateral tilt with 15-degree tilt (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.79). Hypotensive episodes were decreased with manual displacers (RR 0.11; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.45), and increased with a right lumbar wedge compared with a right pelvic wedge (RR 1.64; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.53) and increased with a right lateral tilt compared with a left lateral tilt (RR 3.30; 95% CI 1.20 to 9.08).Position did not affect systolic blood pressure when comparing left lateral tilt (MD 2.70; 95% CI -1.47 to 6.87) or head down tilt (MD -3.00; 95% CI -8.38 to 2.38) with horizontal positions, or full lateral tilt with 15-degree tilt (MD -5.00; 95% CI -11.45 to 1.45). Manual displacers showed decreased fall in mean systolic blood pressure compared with left lateral tilt (MD -8.80; 95% CI -13.08 to -4.52).Position did not affect diastolic blood pressures when comparing left lateral tilt versus horizontal positions (MD-1.90; 95% CI -5.28 to 1.48). The mean diastolic pressure was lower in head down tilt (MD -7.00; 95% CI -12.05 to -1.95) when compared with horizontal positions.There were no statistically significant changes in maternal pulse rate, five-minute Apgars, maternal blood pH or cord blood pH when comparing different positions.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is limited evidence to support or clearly disprove the value of the use of tilting or flexing the table, the use of wedges and cushions or the use of mechanical displacers. A left lateral tilt may be better than a right lateral tilt and manual displacers may be better than a left lateral tilt but larger studies with more robust data are needed to confirm these findings.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Cesarean Section; Embolism, Air; Female; Humans; Hypotension; Intraoperative Complications; Operating Tables; Patient Positioning; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 23543552
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007623.pub3 -
Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Mar 2023Breath-hold (BH) diving has known risks, for example drowning, pulmonary oedema of immersion and barotrauma. There is also the risk of decompression illness (DCI) from... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
INTRODUCTION
Breath-hold (BH) diving has known risks, for example drowning, pulmonary oedema of immersion and barotrauma. There is also the risk of decompression illness (DCI) from decompression sickness (DCS) and/or arterial gas embolism (AGE). The first report on DCS in repetitive freediving was published in 1958 and from then there have been multiple case reports and a few studies but no prior systematic review or meta-analysis.
METHODS
We undertook a systematic literature review to identify articles available from PubMed and Google Scholar concerning breath-hold diving and DCI up to August 2021.
RESULTS
The present study identified 17 articles (14 case reports, three experimental studies) covering 44 incidences of DCI following BH diving.
CONCLUSIONS
This review found that the literature supports both DCS and AGE as potential mechanisms for DCI in BH divers; both should be considered a risk for this cohort of divers, just as for those breathing compressed gas while underwater.
Topics: Humans; Barotrauma; Decompression; Decompression Sickness; Diving; Embolism, Air
PubMed: 36966520
DOI: 10.28920/dhm53.1.31-41 -
Vibration and bubbles: a systematic review of the effects of helicopter retrieval on injured divers.Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Dec 2018Vibration from a helicopter during aeromedical retrieval of divers may increase venous gas emboli (VGE) production, evolution or distribution, potentially worsening the...
INTRODUCTION
Vibration from a helicopter during aeromedical retrieval of divers may increase venous gas emboli (VGE) production, evolution or distribution, potentially worsening the patient's condition.
AIM
To review the literature surrounding the helicopter transport of injured divers and establish if vibration contributes to increased VGE.
METHOD
A systematic literature search of key databases was conducted to identify articles investigating vibration and bubbles during helicopter retrieval of divers. Level of evidence was graded using the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines. A modified quality assessment tool for studies with diverse designs (QATSDD) was used to assess the overall quality of evidence.
RESULTS
Seven studies were included in the review. An in vitro research paper provided some evidence of bubble formation with gas supersaturation and vibration. Only one prospective intervention study was identified which examined the effect of vibration on VGE formation. Bubble duration was used to quantify VGE load with no difference found between the vibration and non-vibration time periods. This study was published in 1980 and technological advances since that time suggest cautious interpretation of the results. The remaining studies were retrospective chart reviews of helicopter retrieval of divers. Mode of transport, altitude exposure, oxygen and intravenous fluids use were examined.
CONCLUSION
There is some physical evidence that vibration leads to bubble formation although there is a paucity of research on the specific effects of helicopter vibration and VGE in divers. Technological advances have led to improved assessment of VGE in divers and will aid in further research.
Topics: Air Ambulances; Decompression Sickness; Diving; Embolism, Air; Humans; Prospective Studies; Retrospective Studies; Vibration
PubMed: 30517957
DOI: 10.28920/dhm48.4.241-251 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Jun 2010During caesarean section mothers can be in different positions. Theatre tables could be tilted laterally, upwards, downwards or flexed and wedges or cushions could be... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
During caesarean section mothers can be in different positions. Theatre tables could be tilted laterally, upwards, downwards or flexed and wedges or cushions could be used. There is no consensus on the best positioning at present.
OBJECTIVES
We assessed all available data on positioning of the mother to determine if there is an ideal position during caesarean section that would improve outcomes.
SEARCH STRATEGY
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (September 2009), PubMed (1966 to 14 September 2009) and manually searched the references of retrieved articles.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised trials of woman undergoing caesarean section comparing different positions.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two authors assessed eligibility, trial quality and extracted data.
MAIN RESULTS
We identified 17 studies with a total of 683 woman included. We included nine studies and excluded eight studies. Included trials were of variably quality with small sample sizes. Most comparisons had data from single trials. This is a shortcoming and applicability of results is limited.The incidence of air embolism was not affected by head up versus horizontal position (risk ratio (RR) 0.91; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 1.26). We found no change in hypotensive episodes when comparing left lateral tilt (RR 0.11; 95% CI 0.01 to 1.94), right lateral tilt (RR 1.25; 95% CI 0.39 to 3.99) and head down tilt (mean difference (MD) -3.00; 95% CI -8.38 to 2.38) with horizontal positions or full lateral tilt with 15-degree tilt (RR 1.20; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.79). Hypotensive episodes were decreased with manual displacers (RR 0.11; 95% CI 0.03 to 0.45), a right lumbar wedge compared to a right pelvic wedge (RR 1.64; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.53) and increased in right lateral tilt (RR 3.30; 95% CI 1.20 to 9.08) versus left lateral tilt.Position did not affect systolic blood pressure when comparing left lateral tilt (MD 2.70; 95% CI -1.47 to 6.87) or head down tilt (RR 1.07; 95% CI 0.81 to 1.42) to horizontal positions, or full lateral tilt with 15-degree tilt (MD -5.00; 95% CI -11.45 to 1.45). Manual displacers showed decreased fall in mean systolic blood pressure compared to left lateral tilt (MD -8.80; 95% CI -13.08 to -4.52).Position did not affect diastolic blood pressures when comparing left lateral tilt versus horizontal positions. (MD-1.90; 95% CI -5.28 to 1.48). The mean diastolic pressure was lower in head down tilt (MD -7.00; 95% CI -12.05 to -1.95) when compared to horizontal positions.There were no statistically significant changes in maternal pulse rate, five-minute Apgars, maternal blood pH or cord blood pH when comparing different positions.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
There is limited evidence to support or clearly disprove the value of the use of tilting or flexing the table, the use of wedges and cushions or the use of mechanical displacers. Larger studies are needed.
Topics: Blood Pressure; Cesarean Section; Embolism, Air; Female; Humans; Hypotension; Intraoperative Complications; Patient Positioning; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 20556781
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007623.pub2 -
The Journal of the Royal College of... Mar 2023We present a case of syncopal episode in emergency department (ED) and subsequent admission to the geriatric assessment unit. The patient presented with self-limiting...
We present a case of syncopal episode in emergency department (ED) and subsequent admission to the geriatric assessment unit. The patient presented with self-limiting central abdominal pain. Given a history of previous aortic aneurysm repair, a contrast CT angiogram was performed. With no evidence of leaking aneurysm, the patient was discharged from the ED. The syncopal episode happened while waiting for a taxi. A review of the earlier CT scan showed the presence of air in the venous circulatory system. In hindsight, it was thought the syncopal episode occurred due to air embolism introduced during or shortly after venous cannulation. We discuss the aetiology of venous air embolism and highlight the lack of evidence regarding tolerable amounts of air in the circulatory system. Physiological changes associated with age may suggest that elderly patients are uniquely maladapted to overcome sudden insults to their cardiovascular status.
Topics: Aged; Humans; Embolism, Air; Emergency Service, Hospital; Syncope; Syncope, Vasovagal; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 36642954
DOI: 10.1177/14782715221147969 -
Surgery Today Feb 2022Although esophagectomy remains the preferred treatment for esophageal cancer, it is still associated with a number of complications, including post-operative venous...
PURPOSE
Although esophagectomy remains the preferred treatment for esophageal cancer, it is still associated with a number of complications, including post-operative venous thromboembolism (VTE). The aim of this study was to summarize the reported incidence of VTE after esophagectomy, its risk factors, and prevention strategies.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of the literature in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
RESULTS
Fourteen studies met our inclusion criteria and were selected in the present review. Overall, we identified 9768 patients who underwent esophagectomy, with a post-operative VTE rate of 4% (440 patients). The reported risk factors for VTE included advanced age, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class III or IV, a history of cardiovascular or pulmonary disease, and the implementation of preoperative chemo-radiotherapy. Postoperative acute respiratory distress syndrome was also associated with VTE. No universally applied prevention strategies for VTE after esophagectomy were identified in the literature.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite advances in perioperative care, VTE after esophagectomy still represents a source of morbidity for about 4% of patients. Low molecular weight heparin is suggested as the routine standard prophylactic regimen after esophageal cancer surgery.
Topics: Aged; Esophageal Neoplasms; Esophagectomy; Female; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Risk Factors; Venous Thromboembolism
PubMed: 33713198
DOI: 10.1007/s00595-021-02260-2 -
Journal of Emergencies, Trauma, and... 2019Missile embolism (ME) is a rare condition and was seen in 0.3% of gunshot wounds during the Vietnam War. It was first reported by Thomas Davis in 1834. ME occurs when a...
Missile embolism (ME) is a rare condition and was seen in 0.3% of gunshot wounds during the Vietnam War. It was first reported by Thomas Davis in 1834. ME occurs when a small caliber, slow velocity projectile penetrates a wall in the vasculature; loses its kinetic energy; and gets carried away along the bloodstream to occlude another vessel at a distant site. Civilian victims of low-velocity bullets account for 60% of such cases. ME can be arterial, venous, or paradoxical. Systemic arterial embolization accounts for 80% of published reports and occurs after the projectile penetrates the left chambers of heart, aorta, or very rarely pulmonary veins (PVs). There are only nine published reports of ME through PV till date. We report here, embolism of an air-gun pellet entering through the right thorax, into right PV, embolizing into right femoral artery, causing acute limb ischemia, in a young male. Emergency arteriotomy and removal of the embolic pellet saved the limb with good recovery. He did not require a thoracotomy. The clinical picture, radiological findings, operative details, and the management are presented and discussed with relevant literature. The purpose of this report is to highlight the unique presentation of ME through PV, as its management is different from other cases of arterial ME. Early diagnosis of the condition is imperative to prevent permanent ischemic damage of end organ and its sequelae. We present an analysis of all published reports of systemic ME through PV and also give our recommendations for its management.
PubMed: 31543646
DOI: 10.4103/JETS.JETS_59_19