Objective To determine the safety and efficacy of surgical biliary bypass on the elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer. Methods The clinical data of 55 cases with unresectable pancreatic head cancer treated with palliation methods from July 2002 to June 2009 in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into three groups according to different age and therapeutic program: Nineteen patients, 65 years of age or older, were managed with surgical biliary bypass (group A), 19 patients under 65 years of age were treated by surgical biliary bypass (group B) and 17 patients with the age of 65 years or older received percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (group C). Then the therapeutic results were compared.Results With respect to the postoperative level of serum bilirubin, the incidence of early complications, postoperative hospitalization and mean survival time, no statistically significant difference was found between group A and B (Pgt;0.05). There was one case of recurrent jaundice and one case of gastric output obstruction in group B, while no one suffered postoperative complication in group A, and the difference was statistically significant (Plt;0.01). Compared with group A, the postoperative level of serum bilirubin, the number of patient readmitted, the rate of recurrent jaundice and gastric output obstruction were higher in group C (Plt;0.05 or Plt;0.01). The mean postoperative hospitalization and overall survival time were significantly shorter in group C than group A (Plt;0.05 or Plt;0.01, respectively). Conclusion Surgical palliation does not increase the morbidity rate, but it does improve the quality of life in elderly patients with unresectable pancreatic head cancer.
Objective To evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopic rectal resection (LR) in elderly and younger patients with rectal cancer. Methods From January 2008 to March 2009, 76 patients with rectal cancer undergoing elective rectal resection were included in this study. Older than 70 years named elderly group, in which LR was given to 16 cases, and open resection (OR) to 18 cases. Younger than 70 years named younger group, in which LR was performed in 23 cases, and OR in 19 cases. The results after LR and OR in rectal cancer between 2 groups of patients were compared. Results No surgery-assisted death occurred in either group. In 2 groups, ventilation time, intake food time and hospitalization after operation in LR were shorter than those of OR (P＜0.05， P＜0.01); intraoperative blood loss and the proportion of postoperative analgesia in LR were less than those of OR in 2 groups (P＜0.01); there were no significant differences between LR and OR (Pgt;0.05) in mean operation time or number of lymph node resected. In addition to the incision infection rate, the other complications rates and the postoperative life self-care rate between LR and OR were no significantly different in younger group (Pgt;0.05). In the elderly group, every complication rates of LR were lower than those of OR (P＜0.05), oppositely, the postoperative life self-care rate was higher (P＜0.01). Conclusions LR of rectal cancer can be applied to both elderly and younger patients. It is suggested that advanced age should not be the contraindication for LR, and by contrary elderly patients may be particularly indicated for lower postoperative complications rate compared to open surgeries.
Objective To retrospectively analyze the effectiveness of percutaneous anterior odontoid and transarticular screw fixation for type II odontoid fracture treated in the elderly patients. Methods Between October 2009 and March 2012, 5 patients with odontoid fracture were treated with anterior triple screws fixation. There were 4 males and 1 female with an average age of 69.4 years (range, 65-74 years). Fracture was caused by falling injury from height in all cases. The average time between injury and operation was 6.8 days (range, 3-12 days). According to Anderson-D’Alonzo classification system, all 5 cases were classified as type II odontoid fractures; 1 case accompanied by anterior arch fracture. Four cases were rated as grade E and 1 case as grade D on the basis of Frankel classification system on nerve function evaluation. Percutaneous anterior odontoid and transarticular screw fixation were used in all cases. The operation time, intra-operative blood loss, X-ray exposure time, and complications were recorded. The X-ray films were taken to observe atlantoaxial stability and implant conditions. Results All patients were successfully complete the surgery, and no open operation was needed. The average operation time was 103.6 minutes (range, 93-114 minutes). The average intra-operative blood loss was 5.6 mL (range, 3-10 mL). The average X-ray exposure time was 24.2 seconds (range, 17-32 seconds). Good reduction of atlantoaxial joint and primary healing of incision were obtained in 5 patients. The average follow-up duration was 21.4 months (range, 12-35 months). Transient dysphagia occurred in 3 cases, and was cured after 5 days of expectant treatment. No major complications of carotid artery laceration, spinal cord injury, esophageal perforation, airway obstruction, and implant failure occurred. The X-ray films showed odontoid bony union, atlantoaxial stability and good position of screws. The average time of odontoid fracture union was 7 months (range, 5-10 months). Five patients had normal neurological function (Frankel grade E) at last follow-up. Three patients complained of neck discomfort and movement limitation and had normal daily activities without special therapy; the other 2 patients had no clinical symptom of discomfort. Conclusion Percutaneous anterior odontoid and transarticular screw fixation is a safe and effective procedure for treatment of type II odontoid fractures in the elderly patients with minimally invasive surgical advantages.
Objective Methods of evidence-based medicine were used to make an individulized treatment plan concerning newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in elderly patients. Method After clinical problems were put forward, evidence was collected from third issue, 2003, Cochrane Library, Medline (PubMed 1990.1-2003.2) and http:// sumsearch.uthscsa.edu/ searchform4.htm according to the search strategy. Subject words were: diabetes mellitus non-insulin-dependent; self-monitor of blood glucose; micro-and macro-vascular complications; sulphonylureas; insulin ; aspirin; metformin; acarbose; self-monitor of blood glucose; older patient; hypertension management; Lipid management; RCT; human; meta-analysis；systmatic review. Results A total of 112 RCTs, and 24 systematic reviews were identified. A rational treatment plan was made upon a serious evaluation of the data. After one year follow-up, the plan was proved optimal. Conclusions The treatment efficacy in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus in the elderly has been improved by determining an individulized treatment plan according to evidence-based methods.
ObjectiveTo investigate the application of tension-free herniarepair under local anesthesia in senile inguinal hernia. MethodsClinical data of 163 cases of senile inguinal hernias with herniorrhaphy under local anesthesia in our department from October 2011 to October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively, including epidural anesthesia 90 patients and local anesthesia 73 patients. ResultsAll patients were successfully completed surgery. Hospital charges in local anesthesia were much cheaper than that in epidural anesthesia group (P=0.002). Hospital days in local anesthesia were much shorter than that in epidural anesthesia group (P=0.035). Lung complication in local anesthesia were much less than that in epidural anesthesia group (P=0.015). Other indicators were no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionTension-free herniorrhaphy under local anesthesia in elderly patients is safe, reliable, less invasive method with low costs, slight postoperative pain, and worthy of promotion.
Objective To discuss the safety and clinical differences among elderly people being treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy combined with operation. Methods To analyze retrospectively the data of patients diagnosed definitely as colorectal cancer in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from June 2007 to December 2007, and to compare the clinical effect differences between elderly group (≥60 years) and non-elderly group (lt;60 years) with combined therapy. Results Among preoperative indexes, the constituent ratios of elderly group combined with cardiac vessels system diseases, endocrine system diseases or other system diseases were all obviously higher than those of non-elderly group, the differences showed statistical significance (Plt;0.05); Constituent ratio of elderly patients with hypertension or diabetes mellitus was also higher than that of non-elderly patients, there were still statistical significance (Plt;0.05), but no statistical significances among other preoperative indexes (Pgt;0.05); Differences of indexes during operation between two groups showed no statistical significance (Pgt;0.05). But during postoperative indexes, complications in elderly group were higher than those of non-elderly group, and the differences had statistical significance (Plt;0.05), and the time of removing gastric canal, urinary catheter and drainage tube between two groups showed no statistical significance (Pgt;0.05); Meanwhile, the intake time, venting time and defecation time after operation and out-of-bed activity time after operation also had no statistical significance (Pgt;0.05). As to the adverse effect relate to chemotherapy, there were no statistical significances (Pgt;0.05). Conclusion Elderly patients may have more poor physical condition and it maybe more difficult to treat them. In spite of this, the comprehensive treatment of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy combined with surgical operation will not lead to the delay of surgical therapy, in addition, operating modus during surgical intervention will not be effected and its therapeutic effect in the near future was optimistic. So the application of this combined therapy has some clinical effects and would be safety.
Objective To study the effectiveness of anterolateral C-shaped approach in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur in elderly patient by comparing with traditional anterolateral approach. Methods Between April 2010 and November 2011, 66 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of the femur were analyzed retrospectively. Of 66 patients, 37 underwent improved anterolateral C-shaped approach combined with fixation of dynamic hip screw (DHS) (improved group), and 29 underwent traditional anterolateral approach combined with fixation of DHS (conventional group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, side, disease duration, fracture type, and complication between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospitalization time were recorded; and X-ray films were taken to observe the fracture healing. The hip function was evaluated according to self-established criterion. Results The operation was successfully completed in all patients, and primary healing of incision was achieved. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.8 months). Bone union was achieved in both groups; the fracture healing time was 3-6 months (mean, 4.8 months). No loosening or breaking of internal fixation was observed during follow-up period. The operation time and postoperative drainage volume of improved group were significantly less than those of conventional group (P lt; 0.05); no significant difference was found in intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization days between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). According to self-established criterion, improved group was significantly better than conventional group in recovery of hip joint motion and function at 6 and 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Anterolateral C-shaped approach combined with DHS could minimize muscle injury and scar formation, which is beneficial to surgical exposure and early postoperative rehabilitation.
ObjectiveTo present the safety and efficiency of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for hiatal hernia in elderly patients. MethodsClinical data of 35 elderly patients with hiatal hernia who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College between August 2013 and March 2014 was retrospectively analyzed. ResultsAll patients underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The operation time was 72-minute in average (65-105 minutes) and intraoperative blood loss was 30 mL in average (10-120 mL). The mean value of postoperative hospital stay was 5-day (3-23 days). Patients' stomachs and esophagus were restored to normal position after surgery. No complication was noted except 2 patients had mild gastroesophageal reflux after operation, and 1 patient suffered from transient dysphagia after operation, all the symptoms subsided after conservative treatment. Afterwards, 33 of them achieved follow-up for 6 to 12 months (mean of 8.5 months), the other 2 patients were lost to follow-up. During the follow-up period, a questionnaire regarding to the criteria for Reflux Diagnostic Questionnaire (RDQ) score were conducted in the 33 patients, and the results showed that the symptoms including acid reflux, heartburn, chest pain, cough, dyspnea, lump sensation in the pharynx, and hoarseness were improved significantly in 6 months after operation (P<0.05), and no recurrence was found during the follow-up period. ConclusionLaparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a safe operation for elderly patients with hiatal hernia, and it can achieve good clinical result.
ObjectiveTo investigate clinical outcomes and summarize perioperative management experience of heart valve replacement (HVR)in elderly patients. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 47 elderly patients undergoing HVR in Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College from January 2011 to May 2014. There were 19 male and 28 female patients with their age of 60-79 years. There were 35 patients with rheumatic heart disease, 10 patients with degenerative valvular disease, and 2 patients with congenital bicuspid aortic valve. Preoperatively, there were 23 patients in NYHA functional class Ⅱ, 19 patients in class Ⅲ, and 5 patients in class Ⅳ. All the patients received HVR under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), and some patients received concomitant tricuspid valvuloplasty (TVP), left atrial thrombectomy or coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Postoperative mortality, morbidity and heart function improvement were evaluated. ResultsTwenty-seven patients received mitral valve replacement (MVR), 15 patients received aortic valve replacement (AVR), and 5 patients received MVR+AVR. Concomitantly, 4 patients received TVP, 3 patients received left atrial thrombectomy, and 6 patients received CABG. Operation time was 138-412 (196±52)minutes, CPB time was 48-301 (108±33)minutes, aortic cross-clamping time was 34-196 (87±21)minutes, and length of hospital stay was 12-31 (19±5)days. There was no intraoperative death, and 2 patients (4.3%)died postoperatively because of left ventricular failure and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome respectively. Twenty-three patients (51.1%)had postoperative complications including respiratory failure in 6 patients, pulmonary infection in 5 patients, arrhythmias in 5 patients, wound infection in 2 patients, pleural effusion in 2 patients, low cardiac output syndrome in 2 patients, and acute renal failure in 1 patient. Forty-five survival patients were followed up by telephone, online video and at the outpatient department for 1-32 months, and follow-up rate was 100%. There were 11 patients in NYHA functional classⅠ, 32 patients in class Ⅱ, and 2 patients in class Ⅲ. ConclusionAccording to clinical characteristics of elderly patients with valvular heart disease, meticulous surgical techniques and perioperative management can effectively reduce mortality and morbidity after HVR.
Objective To investigate the impact of nutritional risk on unplanned readmissions in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), to provide evidence for clinical nutrition support intervention. Methods Elderly patients with COPD meeting the inclusive criteria and admitted between June 2014 and May 2015 were recruited and investigated with nutritional risk screening 2002 (NRS 2002) and unplanned readmission scale. Meanwhile, the patients’ body height and body weight were measured for calculating body mass index (BMI). Results The average score of nutritional risk screening of the elderly COPD patients was 4.65±1.33. There were 456 (40.07%) patients who had no nutritional risk and 682 (59.93%) patients who had nutritional risk. There were 47 (4.13%) patients with unplanned readmissions within 15 days, 155 (13.62%) patients within 30 days, 265 (23.28%) patients within 60 days, 336 (29.53%) patients within 180 days, and 705 (61.95%) patients within one year. The patients with nutritional risk had significantly higher possibilities of unplanned readmissions within 60 days, 180 days and one year than the patients with no nutritional risk (all P<0.05). The nutritional risk, age and severity of disease influenced unplanned readmissions of the elderly patients with COPD (all P<0.05). Conclusions There is a close correlation between nutritional risk and unplanned readmissions in elderly patients with COPD. Doctors and nurses should take some measures to reduce the nutritional risk so as to decrease the unplanned readmissions to some degree.