Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Hader, E.
Catheters as a possible source for complication and infection in hip and knee arthroplasty patients. A retrospective study.
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2023. pp. 62
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Reinbacher Patrick
- Sandner-Kiesling Andreas
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction Joint replacement surgeries, especially those of the hip and knee joints, are among the most frequent operations in Austria. Reducing risk factors is therefore important to avoid potential postoperative complications. A rare but feared complication is a periprosthetic joint infection. Peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) are a possible risk factor for infections. The aim of the study is to show a possible influence of an increased use of PVCs on postoperative complications. Methods For this study, patients who underwent joint replacement of the knee or hip at the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma, Medical University of Graz, Austria, in the period from June to August 2021 were included. Starting with the time of surgery, a 3-month follow-up period was conducted in which complications of any kind occurring during this period were recorded. Furthermore, data on the inpatient stay and the operation were recorded, which could represent a risk factor for further complications. Results A total of 219 joint replacement operations were performed on 215 different patients, of which 124 were female (124/215, 57.67%) and 91 were male (91/215, 42.33%). The average age at the time of surgery was 69.55 years, with a minimum of 27 and maximum of 90 years. Patients had a PVK in place for an average of 5.5 days. Complications closely related to catheter use were documented 90 times (90/219, 41.1%). Sixteen (16/90, 17.78%) of these 90 complications were of infectious origin. A total of 69 complications (69/219, 32%) were recorded during the follow-up period. Thirty-six (36/69, 52.2%) of these complications were classified as mild, 15 (15/69, 21.7%) as moderate and 18 (18/69, 26.1%) as severe. A slight correlation was found between increased PVC use and increased complication rate (p=0.031, r=0.133). Conclusion Our study shows a higher complication rate correlating with increased use of PVC. This result speaks against the use of a PVC for parenteral drug administration. With the right indication, oral and parenteral administration are equally effective. Especially in the case of analgesic medication, an early switch to oral therapy even shows advantages for the patient. Studies have shown that the implementation of internal guidelines or digital support systems can promote early and correct conversion from parenteral to oral medication.