Impact of risk factors on the incidence of tunneled dialysis catheter infections: a systematic review and meta-analysisvan Meurs, Stijn; Hopman, Jonne; Hubens, Guy; Komen, Niels; Hendriks, Jeroen M. H.; Ysebaert, Dirk; Nellensteijn, David; Plaeke, Philip
2025 Acta Chirurgica Belgica
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2397177pmid: 39233670
Abstract Introduction Tunneled dialysis catheters (TDCs) are important for hemodialysis in patients awaiting a permanent surgical solution, kidney transplantation or without feasible surgical access. Infection of a TDC is a common and severe complication, which often requires removal of the TDC and causes high morbidity and mortality. To date, several risk factors for TDC infections have been reported. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide an overview of currently known risk factors. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted, including all studies describing patient-, catheter-, and dialysis-related risk factors for TDC infections. In case sufficient data was available for a risk factor, a meta-analysis with random effects model was performed. Results Out of 1273 studies, 30 were included describing a total of 71 risk factors. A meta-analysis was conducted for 26 risk factors. The average incidence of TDC infections was 1.16 ± 0.70/1000 catheter days. Diabetes (odds ratio, OR 1.96), coronary artery disease (OR 2.16), peripheral artery disease (OR 2.28), history of sepsis (OR 2.79), and the number of prior TDCs (OR 1.24) were the most significant risk factors for infection. Conclusion Several risk factors are associated with increased TDC infection rates. Most of these risk factors are also linked with infection in other populations and most likely reflect the general frailty of hemodialysis patients. The association between many risk factors and TDC infections was often unclear due to the low number of studies available. Additional large cohort studies are necessary to demonstrate the relevance of these risk factors.
Blood group is a long-term cardiovascular risk factor after carotid endarterectomyJácome, Filipa; Martins, Mariana Basílio; Sarmento, Alexandre; Coelho, Andreia; Dias-Neto, Marina; Khairy, Ahmed; Ocke-Reis, Eduardo; Andrade, José; Rocha-Neves, João
2025 Acta Chirurgica Belgica
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2371697pmid: 38904551
Abstract Background ABO blood group system has been clinically related to an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases. Preliminary data relating Rhesus (Rh) factor and these outcomes also have been published. Our aim was to analyse the impact of blood group on the short and long-term outcomes after carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Materials and methods From 2012 to 2019, patients from a referral centre who underwent CEA for atherosclerotic carotid stenosis were prospectively followed. Our primary outcomes were long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes were perioperative complications and myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS). Median follow-up was 50 months (interquartile range 21–69). Time-to-event analysis was used to determine the effect of ABO and Rh groups in long-term outcomes. Results One hundred and eighty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 70.1 ± 9.1 years. Eighteen (25.7%) patients with O type and 48 (42.1%) patients with non-O type presented coronary artery disease (odds ratio [OR]: 2.313, 5–95% confidence interval (CI) 1.245–4.297, p = .008). Patients Rh+ presented significantly more congestive heart failure, 23 (14.7%), p = .03. The incidence of MACE in the long-term was higher in non-O patients (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.034; CI: 1.032–4.010, p = .040). Rh− patients, presented a higher incidence of perioperative MINS. However, there was no statistically significant association with long-term risk of MACE. Conclusion The incidence of MACE in long-term analysis was higher in non-O blood type and 30-day MINS was significantly more common amongst Rh− patients. The benefit from a more complete preoperative cardiac study in these patients should be performed.
Brain natriuretic peptide is a long-term cardiovascular predictor in carotid endarterectomyClemente Gouveia de Gramilho, Gustavo Martim; Pereira-Macedo, Juliana; Dias, Lara Romana Pereira; Dias Ferreira, Ana Rita; Myrcha, Piotr; Alves Vieira Andrade, José Paulo; Rocha-Neves, João Manuel Palmeira da
2025 Acta Chirurgica Belgica
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2377889pmid: 38975870
Abstract Background In noncardiac surgery, several biomarkers are known to play a role in predicting long-term complications, such as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), myocardial infarction, or death. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is considered a low to medium-risk surgery for carotid stenosis aimed at preventing stroke events. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a biomarker with potential prognostic value regarding MACE. Since its role in patients undergoing CEA is unknown, this study aims to assess the potential role of BNP as a short and long-term predictor of all-cause mortality and MACE in patients undergoing CEA. Methods From a prospective database, patients who underwent CEA under regional anesthesia (RA) at a tertiary hospital center were enrolled, and a post hoc analysis was conducted. Patients on which BNP levels were measured up to fifteen days before surgery, and two groups based on the BNP threshold (200 pg/mL) were defined and compared. Kaplan Meier survival curves and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) were assessed by multivariable Cox regression. The primary outcome was the incidence of long-term MACE and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of AMI and AHF. Results A total of 89 patients were evaluated. The mean age of the cohort was 71.2 ± 8.7 years, with 71 (79.8%) males, and presented a median follow-up of 30 [13.5–46.4] months. BNP > 200 pg/mL has demonstrated positive predictive value for MACE (aHR: 5.569, confidence interval (CI): 2.441–12.7, p < 0.001) and all-cause mortality (aHR: 3.469, CI: 1.315–9.150, p = 0.018). Conclusion BNP has been demonstrated to independently predict long-term all-cause mortality, MACE and AMI following CEA. It serves as a low-cost, ready-to-use biomarker, although further studies are necessary.
Effect of laparoscopic cholecystectomy on 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and bone mineral density in post menopausal womenSharma, Kartik; Sakaray, Yashwant Raj; S N, Satish; Tandup, Cherring; Khare, Siddhant; Savlania, Ajay; Gupta, Ashish; Bhujade, Harish; Ram, Sant; Kaman, Lileswar
2025 Acta Chirurgica Belgica
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2384687pmid: 39046481
Abstract Background Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the gold standard management for benign gallbladder diseases. It has been observed that there is alteration in vitamin D levels and bone mineral density after cholecystectomy due to altered enterohepatic circulation. With increase in average age expectancy of the population, low levels of vitamin D levels and osteoporosis after cholecystectomies might cause increased health care burden. Methods A prospective observational study was planned between 1 January 2022 and 30 June 2023 in the Department of General Surgery at PGIMER Chandigarh, a tertiary care hospital in north India. One hundred and three post-menopausal women who underwent LC and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. All participants underwent estimation of vitamin D and bone mineral density preoperatively and third-post operative month (POM). Results The mean age of the patients was 58.46 ± 7.44. Pain abdomen was present in 68(66%) patients, 18 had epigastric discomfort and 17 had dyspepsia. The mean levels of vitamin D decreased from 21.92 at the baseline to 20.12 at third POM (p < .001). There was a significant change in t score Femoral Neck (−1.12 vs −1.15, p < .001) and Lumbar spine L1–L4 − 1.98 vs −1.98 (p = .033). z-scores of the femoral neck were −0.34 vs −0.54 (p < .001) and of lumbar spine L1–L4 were −0.95 vs 1.02 (p < .001). The decrease in fracture risk for the femoral neck (p = .344) and the lumbar spine (p = .223) was not statistically significant. Conclusion There is a significant decrease in vitamin D and BMD levels after LC in post-menopausal females.
Robotic subtotal D2-gastrectomy for gastric cancer after right hemiliver transplantation: case report and literature reviewCrafa, Francesco Maria; Vanella, Serafino; Caruso, Emanuele; Coppola Bottazzi, Enrico; Noviello, Adele; Amendola, Alfonso
2025 Acta Chirurgica Belgica
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2406603pmid: 39319792
Abstract Background With the progress achieved in transplant surgeries an improved long-term survival of patients is obtained due to more effective immunosuppressant therapy. De novo malignancy (DNM) has gained interest in this group of patients. DNM is a major cause of late mortality after liver transplantation. Methods We report the case of a patient who underwent orthotopic liver transplantation with right hemiliver (right split) 18 years ago who came to our attention for gastric cancer. We performed a robotic subtotal gastrectomy D2 lymphadenectomy with manual latero lateral trans mesocolic BII gastro jejunal anastomosis using da Vinci robotic surgery system at our hospital. Results The operation was successful, the operative time was 230 min, the intraoperative blood loss was 100 ml. The patient was discharged on day 8 after surgery, and no complications occurred. Postoperative pathological stages were pT2 N0 (0/25). During the follow-up period, the patient was in good health without long-term complications. Conclusion Robotic approach is feasible in patients after liver transplantation.
Pericardial fenestration and thoracic duct ligation for treatment of chylopericardium as first symptom of underlying generalized lymphatic anomaly: a case reportMakarian, Roza S.; Mirea, Oana; Verhamme, Peter; Smeyers, Karel M.; Berkmans, Evelien; Raicea, Victor; Berceanu, Mihaela; Van Raemdonck, Dirk; Ceulemans, Laurens J.
2025 Acta Chirurgica Belgica
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2406606pmid: 39324580
Abstract Introduction: Chylopericardium represents a rare condition of chyle accumulation within the pericardial sac, caused by abnormal thoracic duct anatomy or prolonged increased pressure. Nothing by mouth (NPO) policy and total parenteral nutrition (TPN), even in combination with pericardial drainage, render only a temporary solution. Surgical intervention with thoracic duct ligation and creation of a pericardial window is believed to be the most effective treatment. Case presentation: An 18-year-old male was referred with a persisting idiopathic chylopericardium for five months. Various drainages and conservative treatment failed. To more permanently treat the chylopericardium, we created a pericardial window and ligated the thoracic duct by right-sided uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. Postoperative NPO and TPN for 1 week were initiated, followed by medium-chain-triglycerides diet for 1 week. Clinical improvement occurred and the chest drain was removed two weeks after surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging of the whole body showed multiple cystic lesions in spleen and skeleton compatible with generalized lymphatic anomaly (GLA), proven by the anatomopathological examination of the thoracic duct and lung biopsy. Sirolimus was initiated for further treatment. Conclusion: In this case of idiopathic chylopericardium, we successfully performed thoracoscopic thoracic duct ligation and creation of a pericardial window, diagnosing a GLA.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia with intrathoracic kidney: case report, review of the literature, and strategy for treatment in neonates and infantsVancampenhout, Yannick; Heyman, Stijn; Arnold, Daphne; Devriendt, Stefanie; Vervloessem, Dirk
2025 Acta Chirurgica Belgica
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2419705pmid: 39425972
Abstract Background Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a rare developmental defect in the diaphragm, occurring in 2 in 10,000 births. Herniation of intraperitoneal organs through the diaphragmatic opening is always present, however few cases mention the herniation of retroperitoneal organs, such as a kidney. Due to the rarity of this condition, the optimal treatment strategy remains unclear. Methods A PubMed search was conducted, gathering all published reports of CDH with intrathoracic herniation of the kidney. Cases of isolated intrathoracic kidney without CDH and cases of traumatic hernia were excluded. Patients who underwent surgical repair before the age of 5 years were included for further analysis. Results Thirty-seven cases were found from 1970 to 2022. The approach used for surgical repair was not mentioned in 55.6% of cases. 52.9% of the remaining patients were treated through laparotomy, whereas in 23.5% a thoracoscopy was performed. A primary repair of the hernia was performed in 88.6%. A hernia sac was noted in 70%. Most patients had a normal origin of the renal vessels and reduction of the intrathoracic kidney was achieved in 78.8%. Moreover, we report a case of CDH with intrathoracic kidney treated through thoracoscopic repair. Conclusion A thoracoscopic approach is effective for the treatment of CDH with an intrathoracic kidney case with an associated intrathoracic kidney. A therapeutic strategy for CDH with intrathoracic kidney is suggested based on data from published cases.
Two-staged repair of a giant iliac aneurysm and open repair of a true deep femoral artery aneurysm in Loeys-Dietz syndrome type V: a case report and review of literatureMauritz, Annefleur; Van Langenhove, Karen; Van Wiemeersch, Stijn; Dedrye, Lieven; Verbrugghe, Anneleen; Ceuppens, Stephan
2025 Acta Chirurgica Belgica
doi: 10.1080/00015458.2024.2420422pmid: 39450604
Abstract Background The syndrome of Loeys-Dietz (LDS) is a rare connective tissue disorder. A classic triad of symptoms is seen: hypertelorism, atypical uvula or clef palate, and multiple tortuous arteries and aneurysms of the aorta and main arterial branches. Mutations in genes involving the transforming growth factor-beta (TGFB) signaling pathway are the cause of this syndrome. There are six subtypes of LDS, categorized based on the gene mutation that is involved. LDS type V and VI, concerning the TGFB3 and SMAD2 gene respectively, are the two subtypes that are least frequently seen. Mostly, in the patients with LDS type V non-cardiovascular symptoms are most prominent and there is a lower prevalence of vascular abnormalities. Methods and results This case report illustrates extensive vascular disease in Loeys-Dietz syndrome type V. We present open repair of a true deep femoral artery aneurysm and two-staged repair of a giant common iliac aneurysm with coiling of an ipsilateral internal iliac artery aneurysm and subsequent endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). Conclusion Loeys-Dietz syndrome type V is a rare connective tissue disorder, that was thought to have non-cardiovascular symptoms at the forefront. However, this case represents multiple vascular abnormalities, including arterial tortuosity and iliac and femoral artery aneurysms, as the main symptom in LDS type V, presents our multi-stage treatment and discusses the different therapeutic strategies.