1.Postoperative Complications and 30-day Readmission in Patients Older than 80 Years with Chronic Kidney Disease after Hip Fracture.
Hua-Wen ZHANG ; Lu-Lu MA ; Xue-Rong YU
Chinese Medical Sciences Journal 2025;40(3):188-196
OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to explore the impact of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on prognosis of patients older than 80 years after hip fracture.
METHODS:
This retrospective, observational, single-center study included patients older than 80 years who underwent hip fracture operations between Feburary 2013 to June 2021 at our hospital. Patients were divided into CKD and non-GKD groups based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/(min·1.73m2)] or not. Outcomes were the incidence of in-hospital postoperative infectious and non-infectious complications, 30-day readmission, and in-hospital death. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of CKD on these outcomes.
RESULTS:
A total of 498 patients were included, 165 in the CKD group and 333 in the non-CKD group. Eighty-seven (52.7%) CKD patients experienced 140 episodes of postoperative complications. In comparison, 114 (34.2%) non-CKD patients had 158 episodes of postoperative complications. CKD patients were more likely to have postoperative complications than non-CKD patients (OR = 2.143, 95% CI: 1.465-3.134, P < 0.001). CKD increased the risk of cardiovascular complications (OR = 2.044, 95% CI: 1.245-3.356, P = 0.004), acute kidney injury (OR = 3.401, 95% CI: 1.905-6.072, P < 0.001), delirium (OR = 2.276, 95% CI: 1.140-4.543, P = 0.024), and gastrointestinal bleeding (OR = 4.151, 95% CI: 1.025-16.812, P = 0.031). The transfusion rate (OR = 2.457, 95% CI: 1.668-3.618, P < 0.001) and incidence of 30-day readmission (OR = 2.426, 95% CI:1.203-4.892, P = 0.011) in CKD patients were significantly higher than those in patients without CKD.
CONCLUSIONS
CKD is associated with poor postoperative outcomes in geriatric hip fracture patients. Special attention should be paid to patients with CKD.
Humans
;
Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/physiopathology*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Postoperative Complications/epidemiology*
;
Hip Fractures/complications*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Patient Readmission/statistics & numerical data*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Glomerular Filtration Rate
2.Clinical study of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty versus open reduction and internal plate fixation for treatment of Neer three/four-part proximal humeral fractures in elderly.
Yuhui YANG ; Zhantao DENG ; Qingtian LI ; Xiurui ZHANG ; Yunzhi PENG ; Ruiying ZHANG ; Yuanchen MA ; Qiujian ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(4):412-419
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the effectiveness and shoulder function of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of Neer three/four-part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly.
METHODS:
Randomized controlled analysis was conducted on 68 patients over 70 years old with Neer three/four-part proximal humeral fractures treated with RTSA or ORIF between January 2020 and June 2022. The patients were randomly divided into RTSA group ( n=32) and ORIF group ( n=36). There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in the baseline data such as age, gender, body mass index, injured side, Neer classification, and preoperative Charlson comorbidity index, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant shoulder score, Oxford shoulder score (OSS), and hemoglobin (Hb). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, reduction of Hb on the 3rd day after operation, hospital stay, total cost of hospitalization, complication incidence, range of motion of shoulder joint at 2 years after operation, VAS score before operation and at 5 days and 1 month after operation, Constant shoulder score and OSS score before operation and at 2 years after operation, and imaging results during follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
Compared with the ORIF group, the RTSA group had longer operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, and higher total cost of hospitalization ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Hb reduction on the 3rd day after operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The VAS scores significantly improved in both groups at 5 days and 1 month after operation ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 26-35 months, with an average of 31.2 months. In the RTSA group, there were 2 cases of poor healing of superficial incision and 1 case of transient nerve injury. There was no complication such as bone resorption around the prosthesis, lucent band, prosthesis loosening, or periprosthetic fracture in all patients. In the ORIF group, there was 1 case of poor healing of superficial incision, 3 cases of nonunion of fracture, 1 case of arthritis secondary to humeral head necrosis, and 1 case of bone absorption of large tuberosity, and no displacement or fracture failure of internal fixation was found in all patients. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications [9.4% (3/32) vs 16.7% (6/36)] between the two groups [ OR (95% CI): 0.828 (0.171, 4.014), P=0.814]. In the RTSA group, 28 cases were graded 0 and 4 cases were graded 1 at 2 years after operation. Constant and OSS scores of RTSA group were significantly better than those of ORIF group ( P<0.05). The Constant score was significantly better than ORIF group in activity and strength, range of motion, lifting, abduction, and external rotation ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in pain, daily function, and internal rotation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The RTSA group had a significantly greater range of motion in lifting, abduction, and external rotation than ORIF group ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in internal rotation between the two groups ( P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Application of RTSA as the initial treatment of Neer three/four-part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly can achieve better rehabilitation of joint activity and lower risk of early reoperation, and improve the quality of life of elderly fracture patients. However, the difficulty of revision and the high cost of treatment require the surgeon to pay full attention and strictly grasp the indications.
Humans
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Shoulder Fractures/surgery*
;
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Shoulder/methods*
;
Aged
;
Bone Plates
;
Open Fracture Reduction/methods*
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Shoulder Joint/physiopathology*
;
Aged, 80 and over
;
Operative Time
;
Postoperative Complications/epidemiology*
;
Length of Stay
3.Effectiveness and safety analysis of simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty in treatment of patients aged 65 years and younger with bilateral knee osteoarthritis.
Jie ZHAO ; Qiang WANG ; Weijie HE ; Huazheng HE ; Xiao LU ; Fangxing WANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(7):855-860
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness and safety of simultaneous bilateral total knee athroplasty (SB-TKA) for the treatment of patients aged 65 years and younger with bilateral knee osteoarthritis (KOA) by comparing with patients undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty (U-TKA).
METHODS:
A clinical data of patients, who underwent primary TKA for KOA and met the selection criteria between June 2019 and July 2023, was retrospectively analyzed, including 181 patients in the U-TKA group and 52 patients in the SB-TKA group. The baseline data of age, gender, disease duration, body mass index, and preoperative hemoglobin (Hb), knee range of motion (ROM), Oxford knee score (OKS), and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain were compared between the two groups, with no significant difference ( P>0.05). The operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and all complications related to knee arthroplasty were recorded. Hb was measured at 2 days after operation and the difference between pre- and post-operation was calculated. The knee function and pain were evaluated by using ROM, OKS score, and VAS score and compared between the two groups.
RESULTS:
The operation time and postoperative hospital stay duration were significantly shorter in the U-TKA group than in the SB-TKA group ( P<0.05). The difference of Hb was significantly lower in the U-TKA group ( P<0.05). All patients were followed up 12-61 months (mean, 37.2 months). There was no significant difference in follow-up time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the ROM, OKS score, and VAS score of both groups were better than the preoperative ones, and the differences were significant ( P<0.05); there were significant differences between the two groups in the ROM and OKS score ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was found in the VAS score ( P>0.05). Mild complications were observed in 31 cases (17.13%) and severe complications in 3 cases (1.66%) in the U-TKA group, while mild complications were observed in 14 cases (26.92%) in the SB-TKA group, and no severe complication occurred. There was no significant difference in the incidences of mild and severe complications between the two groups ( P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
In patients aged 65 years and younger with bilateral KOA, knee function and mobility can significantly improved when treated by SB-TKA. While patients had lower postoperative knee mobility and function scores compared with U-TKA, there was no significant difference in pain scores or overall incidence of complication. Strict patient selection and scientific perioperative management are important to achieve good effectiveness after operation in patients with SB-TKA.
Humans
;
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology*
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Middle Aged
;
Operative Time
;
Length of Stay
;
Knee Joint/physiopathology*
;
Pain Measurement
;
Postoperative Complications/epidemiology*
;
Aged
4.Progress in prevention and treatment of knee laxity after posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Zhaohui RUAN ; Zhengliang SHI ; Ping YUAN ; Xianguang YANG ; Yanlin LI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(10):1333-1341
OBJECTIVE:
To summarize the research progress on knee laxity of biomechanics and prevention and treatment after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction.
METHODS:
The domestic and international literature on the prevention and treatment of knee laxity after PCL reconstruction in recent years was extensively reviewed and analyzed.
RESULTS:
Different degrees of knee laxity often occur after PCL reconstruction, which can lead to poor prognosis in patients. The causes are associated with a variety of factors, including abnormal graft remodeling (such as differences in healing time and biomechanics among different types of grafts), tunnel position deviation (such as graft wear caused by the "killer turn" effect), and mechanical factors in postoperative rehabilitation (such as improper early weight-bearing and range of motion). These factors may promote graft elongation, increase early posterior tibial translation, and thereby induce knee laxity.
CONCLUSION
While PCL reconstruction improves knee stability, it is crucial to focus on and prevent postoperative knee laxity. However, current surgical methods are limited by factors such as graft characteristics, surgical technique flaws, and rehabilitation protocols, and thus can not fully correct the issue of abnormal postoperative laxity. Surgical techniques and treatment strategies still need further improvement and optimization to enhance patients' postoperative outcomes and quality of life.
Humans
;
Joint Instability/surgery*
;
Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/adverse effects*
;
Posterior Cruciate Ligament/surgery*
;
Knee Joint/physiopathology*
;
Biomechanical Phenomena
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Postoperative Complications/prevention & control*
;
Knee Injuries/surgery*
5.Effectiveness comparison of medial-lateral approach and posteromedian approach in release of elbow stiffness after distal humeral fractures surgery.
Lingzhe XUAN ; Hongru MA ; Fengfeng LI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(11):1395-1401
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the difference of effectiveness between medial-lateral approach and posteromedian approach in the release of elbow stiffness after distal humeral fracture surgery.
METHODS:
A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 41 patients with elbow stiffness following medial and lateral plate fixation for distal humeral fractures, admitted between January 2021 and June 2023 and meeting selection criteria. Patients were divided into the medial-lateral approach release group (study group, 20 cases) and the posteromedian approach release group (control group, 21 cases) based on surgical approach. Baseline data including age, gender, affected side, body mass index, disease duration, and preoperative extension angle, flexion angle, range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, Mayo elbow performance score, ulnar nerve symptoms, and heterotopic ossification showed no significant difference between groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complication incidence were recorded and compared between groups. Clinical effectiveness was evaluated using pre- and postoperative Mayo score, VAS score, elbow extension/flexion angles, and range of motion on the affected side. Statistical analysis focused on changes in these indicators relative to preoperative values.
RESULTS:
There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 15-36 months, with a mean of 23.8 months; there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups ( t=-1.542, P=0.131). In the control group, 1 patient had obvious subcutaneous hematoma and 5 patients had poor wound healing within 2 months after operation, all of which were cured by symptomatic treatment, while no related complications occurred in the study group, there was a significant difference in poor wound healing incidence between the two groups ( P<0.05). At last follow-up, 2 patients in the study group and 3 patients in the control group had mild symptoms of ulnar nerve numbness, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of ulnar nerve symptoms ( P>0.05). All patients had no recurrence or new onset of heterotopic ossification, no skin necrosis or reoperation due to complications. At last follow-up, elbow extension angle, flexion angle, flexion-extension range of motion, VAS score, and Mayo score significantly improved in both groups when compared with the preoperative ones ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the change values in elbow extension angle and VAS score between the two groups ( P>0.05); the change values in flexion angle, range of motion, and Mayo score in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The medial-lateral approach can release the elbow stiffness and concurrently remove the medial, lateral, or posterior lateral plates. The incision minimizes disruption to rehabilitation exercises and reduces complications like inadequate wound healing, ultimately leading to improved treatment outcomes.
Humans
;
Humeral Fractures/surgery*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Elbow Joint/physiopathology*
;
Middle Aged
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/adverse effects*
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Adult
;
Bone Plates
;
Postoperative Complications/surgery*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Aged
;
Humeral Fractures, Distal
6.Risk factors for cardiopulmonary dysfunction after ligation of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.
Chong-Chong LIU ; Yong LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Dai-Cheng HAN ; Rui-Jing HE ; Shi-Wen XIA
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(4):425-431
OBJECTIVES:
To investigate the risk factors for the occurrence of cardiopulmonary dysfunction following ligation of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm infants.
METHODS:
A retrospective collection of clinical data was conducted on preterm infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks who were admitted to the Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from January 2018 to August 2024. These infants underwent hsPDA ligation after 1-2 courses of failed ibuprofen treatment. Based on the occurrence of blood pressure changes and oxygenation or ventilation failure postoperatively, the infants were divided into a cardiopulmonary dysfunction group (19 cases) and a non-cardiopulmonary dysfunction group (40 cases). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to explore risk factors for postoperative cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
RESULTS:
Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that a faster average weight gain rate preoperatively and low levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3) within one week before surgery were risk factors for cardiopulmonary dysfunction following hsPDA ligation (P<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that an average weight gain rate >11.45 g/(kg·d) and FT3 levels <2.785 pmol/L within one week before surgery had predictive value for postoperative cardiopulmonary dysfunction (P<0.05). The combination of these two indicators provided the highest predictive value (P<0.05), with an area under the curve of 0.825, a sensitivity of 79%, and a specificity of 75%.
CONCLUSIONS
An average weight gain rate exceeding 11.45 g/(kg·d) and FT3 levels below 2.785 pmol/L within one week before surgery are risk factors affecting cardiopulmonary function after hsPDA ligation. Preoperative assessment and intervention should be strengthened to reduce the risk of postoperative complications.
Humans
;
Ductus Arteriosus, Patent/physiopathology*
;
Risk Factors
;
Female
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Male
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Infant, Premature
;
Ligation/adverse effects*
;
Hemodynamics
;
Postoperative Complications/etiology*
;
Logistic Models
;
Lung Diseases/etiology*
7.Phrenic Nerve Cryotherapy for Preventing Prolonged Air Leak During VATS Lobectomy.
Qingyu MENG ; Yongkun WU ; Yufei WANG ; Zhanlin GUO
Chinese Journal of Lung Cancer 2025;28(6):405-414
BACKGROUND:
Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) lobectomy is the primary surgical treatment for lung cancer. A significant factor affecting postoperative recovery is prolonged air leak (PAL). Despite numerous clinical strategies could prevent and manage postoperative PAL, its incidence remains high. Phrenic nerve cryotherapy (PNC) temporarily inhibits phrenic nerve function, causing diaphragm elevation, which reduces thoracic cavity volume, enhances pleural apposition, and mitigates air leakage. This study investigates the efficacy of PNC in preventing postoperative PAL during VATS lobectomy.
METHODS:
A total of 108 eligible lung cancer patients who underwent surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, from June 2023 to January 2025, were enrolled and randomly assigned to the control group (n=54) and the experimental group (n=54). The patients in both the two groups received VATS lobectomy and systematic lymph node dissection, with the experimental group also undergoing PNC during the operation. The baseline characteristics, intraoperative, postoperative indicators and dynamic changes in air leakage between the two groups were compared.
RESULTS:
The baseline clinical characteristics were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The incidence of pulmonary air leakage at 24 h after surgery (31.5% vs 29.6%) and the incidence of postoperative PAL (20.4% vs 14.8%) showed no significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). The intraoperative air leak test to 24 hours after surgery revealed that air leakage ceased in 8 cases (32.0%) in the control group, compared to 14 cases (46.7%) in the experimental group. Moreover, during the progression from air leakage at 24 hours post-surgery to postoperative PAL, air leakage ceased in 6 cases (35.3%) in the control group and 8 cases (50.0%) in the experimental group, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.001). Compared to the control group, the patients in the experimental group exhibited more pronounced postoperative diaphragmatic elevation that recovered to a slightly higher than preoperative level by 3 mon after surgery.
CONCLUSIONS
The combination of PNC and active lung repair can serve as an important intervention for patients at high risk of intraoperative air leakage, reducing the occurrence of postoperative PAL.
Humans
;
Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Lung Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Aged
;
Phrenic Nerve/physiopathology*
;
Cryotherapy
;
Pneumonectomy/adverse effects*
;
Postoperative Complications/etiology*
;
Adult
8.Expert consensus on the protection of pelvic organ function in rectal cancer surgery (version 2025).
Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery 2025;28(6):575-586
With the development of surgical techniques, adjuvant therapy and neoadjuvant therapy, the survival time of rectal cancer patients after surgery has been significantly improved, but organ dysfunction is still an important problem affecting the quality of life of patients after surgery. With the continuous deepening of clinical research and practice and the updating of relevant theories, more detailed and reliable evidence-based medical evidence has been accumulated in the field of pelvic organ function protection in rectal cancer surgery, and has been continuously verified in the clinical real world at home and abroad. In order to further improve the awareness of domestic physicians on the protection of organ function during the treatment of rectal cancer, standardize the evaluation methods and surgical methods, reduce the incidence of organ dysfunction, and thus improve the quality of life of patients, Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons of Chinese College of Surgeons of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Section of Colorectal Surgery of Branch of Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, National Health Commission Capacity Building and Continuing Education Center Colorectal Surgery Committee, and Colorectal and Anal Function Surgeons Committee of China Sexology Association organized the discussion among relevant experts. On the basis of the 2021 edition of the Chinese Expert Consensus on the Protection of Pelvic Organ Function in Rectal Cancer Surgery, the recent evidence-based medical evidence was analyzed and summarized, and the definition, risk factors, evaluation methods, prevention and other issues of organ dysfunction after rectal cancer surgery were analyzed with reference to relevant domestic and foreign studies and combined with clinical practice. Proposed the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of pelvic organ dysfunction in rectal cancer surgery, and finally formed the "Chinese expert Consensus on the protection of pelvic organ function in rectal cancer surgery (version 2025)".
Humans
;
Rectal Neoplasms/surgery*
;
Consensus
;
Pelvis/physiopathology*
;
Quality of Life
;
Postoperative Complications/prevention & control*
9.Multiple arterial grafts does not increase perioperative or short- to medium-term risks of postoperative MACE in patients with impaired left ventricular function: 3-year follow-up results.
Ziru LI ; Shengwei BAI ; Jian ZHANG ; Hao XU ; Suhua ZANG ; Xin ZHANG
Journal of Southern Medical University 2025;45(2):239-244
OBJECTIVES:
To compare perioperative and mid-term results of multiple versus single arterial off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCABG) in patients with impaired left ventricular function.
METHODS:
This study was conducted among 86 patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <50%, who underwent OPCABG at our hospital between January, 2018 and December, 2021. Of these patients, 22 underwent OPCABG with multiple arterial grafts (multiple graft group) and 64 received a single arterial graft in OPCABG (single graft group). The preoperative, intraoperative, and perioperative data were collected, and the patients were followed up for a mean of 29.28±14.84 months. The perioperative outcomes and follow-up results of the patients were compared, and the factors influencing major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) were identified using logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to compare the postoperative survival rate without MACE.
RESULTS:
The patients in multiple graft group had a significantly younger age than those in single graft group (P<0.05), but the other baseline data were similar between the two groups (P>0.05). Perioperative mortality, 24-h postoperative drainage volume, length of ICU stay, intubation time, and the incidence of new-onset atrial fibrillation were all similar between the two groups (P>0.05), but the rate of postoperative hypotension was significantly higher in multiple graft group (34.78% vs 11.54%, P=0.009). No significant differences were found in the incidence of MACE or echocardiographic data during the follow-up. Logistic regression identified the female sex (OR: 0.191, 95% CI: 0.049-0.075) and creatinine level (OR: 1.016, 95% CI: 1.000-1.033) as factors affecting postoperative MACE occurrence. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in MACE-free survival rate between the two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
OPCABG with multiple arterial grafts does not increase severe perioperative complications or the risk of mid-term MACE in patients with impaired left ventricular function.
Humans
;
Follow-Up Studies
;
Postoperative Complications/epidemiology*
;
Ventricular Dysfunction, Left/physiopathology*
;
Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump/adverse effects*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Ventricular Function, Left
;
Middle Aged
;
Risk Factors
;
Aged
;
Perioperative Period
;
Stroke Volume
10.Imaging and clinical features of diaphragm dysfunction after cardiac sternotomy.
Xinyuan ZHU ; Dawei WU ; Hao ZHANG ; Chen LIN ; Hongyan ZHAI
Chinese Critical Care Medicine 2025;37(7):657-663
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the imaging and clinical features of diaphragm dysfunction in patients who underwent selective cardiac sternotomy with diaphragm ultrasound and chest CT.
METHODS:
A prospective cohort study was conducted. The patients undergoing selective cardiac sternotomy in the cardiac and vascular surgery department of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital from June to September 2023 were enrolled. Bedside ultrasound was performed on the day before surgery, within 24 hours of extubation, and on the 7th day after surgery to measure diaphragm excursion (DE) and diaphragm thickness (DT), and to calculate the diaphragm thickening fraction (DTF). The distance from the diaphragm's apex to the thorax's apex in the chest CT scout view was measured before and after the operation, and the diaphragm elevating fraction (DEF) was calculated. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether diaphragm dysfunction (DE < 1 cm) occurred on the 7th day after surgery. The change patterns of imaging indicators were analyzed in both groups. The clinical data of both groups before, during, and after surgery were compared.
RESULTS:
In total, 67 patients who underwent cardiac sternotomy were enrolled. Among them, 24 patients developed diaphragm dysfunction within 24 hours after extubation; on the 7th day after surgery, 19 patients (28.4%) still exhibited diaphragm dysfunction, while 48 patients (71.6%) did not. Ultrasonic examination of the diaphragm revealed that, compared with the non-diaphragm dysfunction group, patients in the diaphragm dysfunction group exhibited varying degrees of decrease in DE and DTF before and after surgery, with a more significant decrease on the left side, and the differences were statistically significant on the 7th day after surgery [DE (cm): 1.06±0.77 vs. 1.59±0.63, DTF: 19.3% (14.8%, 21.1%) vs. 21.3% (18.3%, 26.1%), both P < 0.05]. There was no statistically significant difference in DT between the two groups at each time point. Changes in bilateral DE and DTF revealed that the non-diaphragm dysfunction group experienced early transient postoperative weakening of diaphragm function, followed by rapid recovery to the preoperative level on the 7th day after surgery, unlike the diaphragm dysfunction group. There were no significant differences between bilateral DE in the two groups on the day before surgery, and the left DE was significantly lower than the right DE within 24 hours after extubation and on the 7th day after surgery in the diaphragm dysfunction group (cm: 0.93±0.72 vs. 1.45±0.70 within 24 hours after extubation, 1.06±0.77 vs. 1.70±0.92 on the 7th day after surgery, both P < 0.05) but no significant difference was found in bilateral DT or DTF. The chest CT scan showed that, the incidence of postoperative diaphragm elevation was 61.2% (41/67), and 38.8% (26/67) did not, while no statistically significant difference in DEF was found between the two groups, nor within each group on both sides. Analysis of the clinical data showed a higher proportion of atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension before surgery [atrial fibrillation: 36.8% (7/19) vs. 10.4% (5/48), pulmonary hypertension: 15.8% (3/19) vs. 2.1% (1/48), both P < 0.05], a higher incidence of high-flow oxygenation and pneumonia during surgery [high-flow oxygenation: 52.6% (10/19) vs. 25.0% (12/48), pneumonia: 73.7% (14/19) vs. 45.8% (22/48), both P < 0.05], and a longer duration of mechanical ventilation and length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay [duration of mechanical ventilation (hours): 47.0 (38.0, 73.0) vs. 24.5 (20.0, 48.0), length of ICU stay (hours): 69.0 (65.0, 117.5) vs. 60.0 (42.3, 90.6), both P < 0.05] in the diaphragm dysfunction group as compared with those in the non-diaphragm dysfunction group.
CONCLUSIONS
There was a high incidence of diaphragm dysfunction after cardiac sternotomy, which reflected the early transient postoperative weakening of diaphragm function, followed by rapid recovery to the preoperative level in most patients, predominantly on the left side. Diaphragm dysfunction, which was associated with atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension significantly increased the incidence of postoperative pneumonia and prolonged the duration of mechanical ventilation and length of ICU stay.
Humans
;
Diaphragm/physiopathology*
;
Prospective Studies
;
Sternotomy/adverse effects*
;
Ultrasonography
;
Postoperative Complications/diagnostic imaging*
;
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
Cardiac Surgical Procedures/adverse effects*

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