Christoffer C. Jørgensen

Role of patient characteristics for fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Patient age and comorbidity have been found to increase the length of hospital stay (LOS), readmissions, and mortality after surgery, including in elective primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Whether the same applies in fast-track THA and TKA with early mobilization and an LOS aim of 2-4 days remains unanswered. METHOD A prospective study on patient characteristics and comorbidity in consecutive unselected patients undergoing fast-track THA and TKA was cross-referenced with the Danish National Health Registry and medical charts allowing complete 90 days follow-up. RESULTS A total of 3112 THA/TKAs were performed in 3020 patients. The mean age was 67 (range 18-97) years. The median LOS was 3 (inter-quartile range: 1) and the mean 3.0 days (range 1-34), with 91% having LOS ≤4 days. Age 76-80 [odds ratio (OR): 1.57; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.99-2.47], 81-85 (OR: 2.40; 1.45-4.00), and >85 yr (OR: 4.10; 2.15-7.82), preoperative cardiopulmonary disease (CPD) (OR: 1.40; 1.03-1.91), preoperative use of a mobility aid (OR: 1.95; 1.46-2.54), and living conditions (OR: 1.92; 1.44-2.54) were related to LOS >4 days. However, more than 75% of those aged over 80 yr or with these conditions had an LOS ≤4 days. Mortality and readmission rate were 0.22% and 6.6%, respectively, at 30 days and 0.42% and 9.3% at 90 days. Readmissions were similarly related to older age, CPD, and use of mobility aids. CONCLUSIONS Fast-track THA and TKA with LOS of ≤4 days and discharge to home is feasible and safe, including in elderly patients with comorbidities.

Role of preoperative anemia for risk of transfusion and postoperative morbidity in fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty

Preoperative anemia has been associated with increased risk of allogeneic blood transfusion and postoperative morbidity and mortality. The prevalence of preoperative anemia and its association with postoperative outcomes has not previously been reported in relation to fast‐track elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of preoperative anemia in elective fast‐track THA and TKA and its association with risk of perioperative transfusion, prolonged length of hospital stay (LOS), and postoperative readmission.

Thromboprophylaxis only during hospitalisation in fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty, a prospective cohort study

Objectives International guidelines recommend thrombosis prophylaxis after total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for up to 35 days. However, previous studies often have hospital stays (length of stay; LOS) of 8–12 days and not considering early mobilisation, which may reduce incidence of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). We investigated the incidence of any symptomatic thromboembolic events (TEEs) with only in-hospital prophylaxis if LOS ≤5 days after fast-track THA and TKA. Design A prospective descriptive multicentre cohort study in fast-track THA and TKA from February 2010 to December 2011, with complete 90-day follow-up through the Danish National Patient Registry and patient files. Setting 6 Danish high-volume centres with a similar standardised fast-track setup, including spinal anaesthesia, opioid-sparing analgesia, early mobilisation, functional discharge criteria and discharge to own home. Participants 4924 consecutive unselected unilateral primary THA and TKAs in patients ≥18 years with no preoperative use of continuous ‘potent’ anticoagulative therapy (vitamin K antagonists). Exposure Prophylaxis with low-molecular-weight heparin or factor Xa-inhibitors only during hospitalisation when LOS ≤5 days. Outcomes Incidence of symptomatic TEE-related, VTE-related and VTE-related mortality ≤90 days postoperatively. Results LOS ≤5 days and thromboprophylaxis only during hospitalisation occurred in 4659 procedures (94.6% of total). Median LOS and prophylaxis duration was 2 days (IQR 2–3) with 0.84% (95% CI 0.62% to 1.15%) TEE and 0.41% (0.26% to 0.64%) VTE during 90-day follow-up. VTE consisted of five pulmonary embolisms (0.11% (0.05% to 0.25%)) and 14 deep venous thrombosis (0.30% (0.18% to 0.50%)). There were four (0.09% (0.04% to 0.23%)) surgery-related deaths, of which 1 (0.02% (0.00% to 0.12%)) was due to pulmonary embolism, and 6 (0.13% (0.06% to 0.28%)) deaths of unknown causes after discharge. Conclusions The low incidence of TEE and VTE suggests that in-hospital prophylaxis only, is safe in fast-track THA and TKA patients with LOS of ≤5 days. Guidelines on thromboprophylaxis may need reconsideration in fast-track elective surgery. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01557725

Functional intravascular volume deficit in patients before surgery

Background: Stroke volume (SV) maximization with a colloid infusion, referred to as individualized goal‐directed therapy, improves outcome in high‐risk surgery. The fraction of patients who need intravascular volume to establish a maximal SV has, however, not been evaluated, and there are only limited data on the volume required to establish a maximal SV before the start of surgery. Therefore, we estimated the occurrence and size of the potential functional intravascular volume deficit in surgical patients.

Postoperative morbidity and mortality in type-2 diabetics after fast-track primary total hip and knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND:Diabetes is a risk factor for postoperative morbidity, which includes total hip and knee arthroplasty. However, no previous studies have been done in a fast-track setting with optimized perioperative care, including spinal anesthesia, multimodal opioid-sparing analgesia, early mobilization, and discharge to home, which improved postoperative outcome. METHODS:We performed an observational cohort study using prospective data in primary total hip and total knee arthroplasty with a standardized fast-track approach. Eight hundred ninety type 2 diabetics were successfully propensity matched with 7165 nondiabetics. Subanalyses on antihyperglycemic treatment were done using the Danish National Database of Reimbursed Prescriptions for information on dispensed prescriptions 6 months preoperatively. Length of hospital stay (LOS), 90-day readmissions, and mortality were found through the Danish National Health Registry and medical charts. Multiple logistic regression analyses on LOS > 4 days and readmissions were used to further adjust for demographics, comorbidity, and department of surgery. To further evaluate the clinical relevance of type 2 diabetes, we estimated the number of surgical type 2 diabetics needed for 1 more occurrence of LOS > 4 days or readmissions (adjusted number needed to harm [NNH]). RESULTS:Although more type 2 diabetics (11.3%) than nondiabetics (8.1%) had LOS > 4 days (unadjusted P = 0.001), there was no association between type 2 diabetes and LOS > 4 days when adjusting for covariates (odds ratio: 1.19 [0.93–1.54]; P = 0.172). Correspondingly, the NNH was 78 but ranged between 31 and infinity. Type 2 diabetes was not associated with 30- (1.02 [0.75–1.39]; P = 0.897) or 90-day readmissions (1.22 [0.87–1.71]; P = 0.254), and with an NNH of 957 (59–∞) and 115 (35–∞), respectively. Insulin-treated type 2 diabetes was associated with increased risk of specific “diabetes-related” morbidity (1.95 [1.13–3.35]; P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS:Type 2 diabetes per se has limited influence on postoperative morbidity in fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Fall-related admissions after fast-track total hip and knee arthroplasty – cause of concern or consequence of success?

Background Total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA) are common procedures in elderly persons, who are at potential increased risk of postoperative fall due to loss of muscle strength and impaired balance. Fast-track surgery with early mobilization and opioid-sparing analgesia have improved outcomes after these procedures, but early mobilization and short hospitalization length of stay (LOS) could potentially increase the risk of falls after discharge. We investigated injuries, circumstances, and the timing of fall-related hospital admissions 90 days after fasttrack THA and TKA. Methods This was a prospective, descriptive multicenter study on fall-related hospital admissions, in 5145 elective fast-track THA and TKA patients, with complete 90-day follow up through the Danish National Patient registry and medical charts. Results Of 83 (1.6%) fall-related hospital admissions, 43 (51.8%) were treated in the Emergency Room and 40 (48.2%) were admitted to a regular ward. The median LOS after surgery was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 2–3) in fallers versus (vs) 2 days (IQR: 2–3) (P=0.022) in patients without falls. Injuries were classified as “none” or minor in 39.8%, moderate in 9.6%, and major in 50.6%. Most falls (54.8%) occurred within 1 month of discharge. Falls due to physical activity (12.0%) and extrinsic factors (14.5%) occurred later than did surgery-related falls (73.5%), contributing to 40% of all falls >30 days after discharge. In multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–1.08) (P=0.001), living alone (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.20–3.62) (P=0.009), and psychiatric disease (OR: 2.80; 95% CI: 1.42–5.50) (P=0.001) were associated with surgery-related falls, whereas the use of a walking aid (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.67–2.16) (P=0.544) and LOS ≤4 days (OR:1.19; 95% CI: 0.52–1.28) (P=0.680) was not. Conclusion Hospital admissions due to falls are most frequent within the first month after fast-track THA and TKA. The overall incidence of surgery-related falls amongst these patients is low, declines after the first month, and is related to patient characteristics rather than short LOS. The effect of interventions aimed at surgery-related falls should focus on the first 30 days after surgery and differentiate between the causes of falling.

Orthostatic intolerance and the cardiovascular response to early postoperative mobilization

BACKGROUND A key element in enhanced postoperative recovery is early mobilization which, however, may be hindered by orthostatic intolerance, that is, an inability to sit or stand because of symptoms of cerebral hypoperfusion as intolerable dizziness, nausea and vomiting, feeling of heat, or blurred vision. We assessed orthostatic tolerance in relation to the postural cardiovascular responses before and shortly after open radical prostatectomy. METHODS Orthostatic tolerance and the cardiovascular response to sitting and standing were evaluated on the day before surgery and 6 and 22 h after operation in 16 patients. Non-invasive systolic (SAP) and diastolic arterial pressure (DAP) (Finometer), heart rate, cardiac output (CO, Modelflow), total peripheral resistance (TPR), and central venous oxygen saturation (Scv(O2)) were monitored. RESULTS Before surgery, no patients had symptoms of orthostatic intolerance. In contrast, 8 (50%) and 2 (12%) patients were orthostatic intolerant at 6 and approximately 22 h after surgery, respectively. Before surgery, SAP, DAP, and TPR increased (P<0.05), whereas CO did not change (P>0.05) and Scv(O2) decreased (P<0.05) upon mobilization. At 6 h after operation, SAP and DAP declined with mobilization (P<0.05) and the arterial pressure response differed from the preoperative response both upon sitting (P<0.05) and standing (P<0.05) due to both impaired TPR and CO. At approximately 22 h, the SAP and DAP responses to mobilization did not differ from the preoperative evaluation (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The early postoperative postural cardiovascular response is impaired after radical prostatectomy with a risk of orthostatic intolerance, limiting early postoperative mobilization. The pathogenic mechanisms include both impaired TPR and CO responses.

Outcomes in smokers and alcohol users after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty.

Smoking and alcohol use impair post‐operative outcomes. However, no studies include fast‐track surgery, which is a multimodal‐enhanced recovery programme demonstrated to improve outcome. We hypothesised that outcome is similar in smokers and alcohol users as in non‐users after fast‐track hip and knee arthroplasty.

Postoperative Morbidity and Discharge Destinations After Fast-Track Hip and Knee Arthroplasty in Patients Older Than 85 Years

BACKGROUND:Elderly patients are at risk of increased length of hospital stay (LOS), postoperative complications, readmission, and discharge to destinations other than home after elective total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Recent studies have found that enhanced recovery protocols or fast-track surgery can be safe for elderly patients undergoing these procedures and may result in reduced LOS. However, detailed studies on preoperative comorbidity and differentiation between medical and surgical postoperative morbidity in elderly patients are scarce. The aim of this study was to provide detailed information on postoperative morbidity resulting in LOS >4 days or readmissions <90 days after fast-track THA and TKA in patients ≥85 years. METHODS:This is a descriptive, observational study in consecutive unselected patients ≥85 years undergoing fast-track THA/TKA. The primary outcome was the causes of postoperative morbidity leading to an LOS of >4 days. Secondary outcomes were 90-day surgically related readmissions, discharge destination, 90-day mortality, and role of disposing factors for LOS >4 days and 90-day readmissions. Data on preoperative characteristics were prospectively gathered using patient-reported questionnaires. Data on all admissions were collected using the Danish National Health Registry, ensuring complete follow-up. Any cases of LOS >4 days or readmissions were investigated through review of discharge forms or medical records. Backward stepwise logistic regression was used for analysis of association between disposing factors and LOS >4 days and 90-day readmission. RESULTS:Of 13,775 procedures, 549 were performed in 522 patients ≥85 years. Median age was 87 years (interquartile range, 85–88) and median LOS of 3 days (interquartile range, 2–5). In 27.3% procedures, LOS was >4 days, with 82.7% due to medical causes, most often related to anemia requiring blood transfusion and mobilization issues. Use of walking aids was associated with LOS >4 days (odds ratio [OR], 1.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–3.15; P = 0.003), whereas preoperative anemia showed borderline significance (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 0.99–2.32; P = 0.057). Thirty-eight patients (6.9%) were not discharged directly home, of which 68.4% had LOS >4 days. Readmission rates were 14.2% and 17.9% within 30 and 90 days, respectively, and 75.5% of readmissions within 90 days were medical, mainly due to falls and suspected but disproved venous thromboembolic events. Preoperative anemia was associated with increased (OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.13–2.91; P = 0.014) and living alone with decreased (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31–0.80; P = 0.004) risk of 90-day readmissions. Ninety-day mortality was 2.0%, with 1.0% occurring during primary admission. CONCLUSIONS:Fast-track THA and TKA with an LOS of median 3 days and discharge to home are feasible in most patients ≥85 years. However, further attention to pre- and postoperative anemia and the pathogenesis of medical complications is needed to improve postoperative outcomes and reduce readmissions.

Psychiatric Disorders and Psychopharmacologic Treatment as Risk Factors in Elective Fast-track Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

Background:Psychiatric disorder (PsD) is rarely considered when evaluating perioperative risk factors. Studies on PsD are often limited by use of administrative coding, incomplete follow-up, and lack of preoperative data on psychopharmacological treatment. Methods:A multicenter study with prospective registration on preoperative comorbidity, complete 90-day follow-up, and information on dispensed prescriptions on psychopharmacological treatment (excluding benzodiazepines). All departments used similar fast-track approaches and discharge to home. Evaluation of postoperative morbidity was based on discharge records. Odds ratios for length of stay (LOS) more than 4 days and surgery-related readmissions were calculated using multiple logistic regression adjusting for potential confounders. Results:Of 8,757 procedures, 1,001 (11.4%) were in PsD patients. Of these, 43.4% used selective serotonin inhibitors (SSRIs), 31.6% used other antidepressants, 8.5% used a combination, and 16.5% used antipsychotics. PsD was associated with increased risk of LOS more than 4 days (16.5 vs. 7.3%; odds ratio, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.52 to 2.37), regardless of treatment with SSRIs (2.19; 1.62 to 2.97), other antidepressants (1.81; 1.25 to 2.61), or antipsychotics (1.90; 1.62 to 3.16). PsD was associated with increased 30- (9.9 vs. 5.1%; 1.93; 1.49 to 2.49) and 90-day surgery-related readmissions (12.8 vs. 7.4%; 1.68; 1.34 to 2.10), significant for SSRIs (1.97; 1.38 to 2.82 and 1.77; 1.29 to 2.43), other antidepressants (2.24; 1.51 to 3.32 and 1.82; 1.27 to 2.61), and antipsychotics (1.85; 1.03 to 3.31, 30 days only). In PsD patients, pain (1.4%), postoperative anemia (1.1%), and pulmonary complications (1.1%) were the most frequent causes of LOS more than 4 days. Hip displacements (2.8%) and falls (1.9%) were the most frequent readmissions, and 90-day surgery-related mortality was 0.7% with and 0.2% without PsD. Conclusions:Psychopharmacologically treated PsD is a risk factor for postoperative morbidity after fast-track arthroplasty, regardless of treatment type. This may be due to PsD per se and/or drug-related side effects.