A rational approach to the prevention of thromboembolic complications in the surgical treatment of complicated forms of cholelithiasis in patients with liver cirrhosis

Background. It is known from scientific sources that a significant proportion of complications of liver cirrhosis is associated with negative impact of this pathology on the coagulation system. According to many scientists, liver cirrhosis in most cases poses a risk of developing both thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Objective: to identify a rational approach to the prevention of thromboembolic complications in the surgical treatment of complicated forms of cholelithiasis in patients with cirrhosis. Materials and methods. We retrospectively analyzed the hospital records of 62 patients who were treated for complicated forms of cholelithiasis with verified liver cirrhosis for the period from 2005 to 2018. The distribution of patients by nosology was as follows: acute calculous cholecystitis — 48 patients, Mirizzi syndrome — 7, choledocholithiasis — 7. Results. Based on a comparative analysis of two groups, the risk of intraoperative bleeding in patients with preoperative prophylaxis was higher (3 cases — 8.1 %), with a blood loss of more than 400 ml. Hematomas of postoperative wounds were observed in 5 cases in group 1 and in one case in group 2. In the group of preoperative prophylaxis, portal vein thrombosis (n = 1), thrombosis of small branches of the pulmonary artery (n = 1), and deep vein thrombosis of the leg (n = 1) developed. No such complications were observed in the group with postoperative prophylaxis. Conclusions. The decision on the prevention of thromboembolic complications in this category of patients should be balanced and include an assessment of the risks of developing both hemorrhagic disorders and complications associated with thrombosis.

Antibiotic stewardship in UK surgical departments: challenges and possible solutions

Antibiotics are one of the most widely used classes of drugs within hospitals in the UK. They have a wide range of uses within all surgical specialties, both as preoperative prophylaxis and for treatment of acute surgical conditions. Antimicrobial resistance has increasingly been seen as a major issue, as the production of new antibiotics has decreased and overall use worldwide has increased. With the COVID-19 pandemic increasing concerns about antimicrobial resistance, there is an ever-increasing need for action. This article examines the particular challenges of antibiotic stewardship in surgical departments within the UK, and outlines possible solutions for improving adherence and reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance in the future.

Bacteriological analysis of bile in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients

Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is commonly performed operation for symptomatic gall stone disease. The presence of stones within the biliary system is associated with the bacterial colonization of the bile. The aim of this study is to evaluate the bacteriological profile of the bile and to determine appropriate antibiotics for preoperative prophylaxis in laparoscopic cholecystectomy patients. Material & Methods: A prospective study was carried out in NMCTH, Biratnagar from June2017- May 2018. A total of 100 patients admitted through OPD of our hospital for laparoscopic cholecystectomy were studied. About 5ml of bile aspirated from gall bladder was transported to laboratory in sterile syringe for culture and sensitivity. All age groups and both sex were included. Results: Bile culture was positive in 16 patients. The most common organisms isolated from bile was Escherichia coli (50%) followed by Klebsiella species (25%). Histopathological report of all 16 cases revealed chronic cholecystitis. Wound infection was seen in 5% cases and all were bile culture positive. Most sensitive drug was found to be aminoglycoside group followed by piperacilin and tazobactam. Conclusion: Most common organism isolated from bile culture was Escherichia coli. Aminoglycoside group of drugs was found to be more promising compared to other group of drugs. It can be considered as a first line drug for preoperative prophylaxis for patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy for symptomatic cholelithiasis. Journal of Nobel Medical College Volume 7, Number 1, Issue 12, January-June 2018, Page: 41-44

Povidone-Iodine 3-Minute Exposure Time is Viable in Preparation for Cataract Surgery

Purpose Povidone-iodine (PI) is widely used to reduce the preoperative conjunctival bacterial load. This study aimed to evaluate the employment of PI 10% in an attempt to sterilize the ocular surface prior to cataract surgery, and to show that PI could be left in contact for 3 minutes. The viability of this exposure time in clinical practice, associated adverse events, and visual outcomes were documented. Methods In this prospective cohort study, phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed in 604 patients by a single surgeon. Preoperative preparation was undertaken with PI 10%, applied to the cornea, conjunctival sac, eyelids, and periorbital skin with sterile cotton gauze. Povidone-iodine was then flushed onto the ocular surface. Operating room staff timed the precise duration of exposure. After the 3-minute preparation, the lids were thoroughly dried with fresh dry gauze. Results The median PI exposure time was 3.17 minutes, with an interquartile range of 0.25. All cases were followed up postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month. There were no complications attributable to PI. Visual outcomes were satisfactory. Conclusions Implementation of a preoperative prophylaxis protocol that used PI 10% with a 3-minute exposure time can be performed in clinical practice. The 3-minute exposure time had no adverse sequelae.