Comparative Study Of Outcomes Research Articles

Traditional Hands-On Puzzle Method versus Fully Digital Approach in Teaching Tooth Morphology: A Comparative Study of Educational Outcomes.

Tooth morphology education is a critical component of dental curricula, providing a foundational understanding of the intricate structural anatomy of teeth. This study evaluates the learning outcomes in relation to tooth morphology of two student cohorts from different academic terms, comparing the traditional 'tooth puzzle' method to an alternative fully digital approach. Two groups of Master of Dentistry students were retrospectively analyzed. The control group (55 students) was taught via the 'tooth puzzle' method in 2021, while the experimental group (55 students) underwent a fully digital course in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. Both groups completed a digital examination involving the identification of 40 teeth, presented as images and videos. In the control group of 55 students, nearly half (49.1%) achieved faultless results, while 65.5% had at most two faults, and 74.5% had no more than four faults. The group had a total of 163 faults, averaging 3.0 per student, with only one student (1.8%) failing the test. In stark contrast, the experimental group had no students without faults, 9.1% had four or fewer faults, and a significant 61.8% made 10 or more faults, with 29.1% failing their first test attempt by exceeding 12 faults. Overall, the experimental group registered 582 faults, averaging 10.6 per student. The 'tooth puzzle' method, with its interactive and tactile elements, proved more effective in teaching tooth morphology than the digital-only approach. The increased number of faults and failed tests in the experimental group suggest that while digital tools offer meaningful support in learning tooth morphology, their main advantage is seen when coupled with traditional hands-on techniques, not unassisted and independently.

A comparative study on outcome of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with and without silicone intubation-otorhinolaryngology

Background: Epiphora or “tearing eye” is a functionally and socially, bothersome symptom. Dacryocystitis is an inflammatory condition of the nasolacrimal sac caused due to an obstruction within the nasolacrimal duct (NLD). Dacryocystitis can be classified as acute and chronic or acquired and congenital. Chronic dacryocystitis is almost always managed surgically. The present study was undertaken for comparative study of outcomes of endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) done with and without silicone intubation. Methods: The 50 cases dacryocystitis were selected. The patients were divided in group A cases (with intubation) and group B controls (without intubation) randomly. A detailed history was taken followed by general physical and clinical otorhinolaryngological examination. Patients were evaluated with nasal endoscopy, DCG (Dacrocystogram), through which site of obstruction was located. Results: In our study, Among the cases 18 subject presented with right dacryocystitis and 7 with left dacryocystitis. Similarly, among the controls, 20 subjects presented with right dacryocystitis and 5 presented with left dacryocystitis. According to modified Likert’s score, at the end of 6 months when a nasal endoscopy was done along with syringing 96% of the cases had patent rhinostomy while only 80% of the controls showed patency. Post operative epistaxis was evident in 6 cases and 4 controls. Conclusions: Endonasal DCR with and without stenting, had more or less similar results, with equal post op complications. Though, with stenting, success rates were high as shown in our study.

A Comparative Study of Functional Outcomes in Unstable Pelvic Ring Fractures Treated With Internal Fixator (INFIX) With and Without Sacroiliac Joint Screw Fixation.

Introduction Despite constituting only 3-8% of orthopedic trauma cases, pelvic injuries are associated with high mortality rates, emphasizing the critical need for stable fixation rather than merely anatomical alignment. The use of an anterior, subcutaneous, internal pelvic fixator (INFIX), a novel technique, has shown promise in treating these injuries. Posterior pelvic ring injuries are challenging because they require a significant level of surgical training and technical expertise, and each treatment method has disadvantages. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical and biomechanical outcomes of INFIX with and without sacroiliac screw fixation for unstable pelvic fractures. Methods and methodology Retrospectively, we selected 20 patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries who had come to a high-volume tertiary care hospital and medical college in the state of Maharashtra, India. All the patients were operated on with INFIX; 10 with a sacroiliac joint screw and 10 without a sacroiliac joint screw. We followed up with the patients for six months and evaluated them according to the Majeed score. Results Functional outcomesdiffered little between INFIX patients operated on with and without a sacroiliac joint screw. However, morbidity, hospital stay, the need for ICU, radiation exposure, and technical ease of surgery were improved in INFIX patients without the sacroiliac screw procedure. We noted an average Majeed score of 78 in the INFIX-alone group and 77.2 in the group that received INFIX with a sacroiliac joint screw. Six months after the surgery, the patients showed signs of a stable bony union, had achieved a full range of motion, and reported no problems in their day-to-day work. Conclusion Although this was a short-term study, we conclude that INFIX without a sacroiliac joint screw showed a comparable functional outcome compared to INFIX with a sacroiliac joint screw. Patients with INFIX alone showed better results; they had reduced surgical time, reduced radiation exposure, and less evidence of neurological harm to the L5-S1 nerve root. The procedure was less complicated and easier for surgeons to learn. Its simplicity and speed were especially beneficial for obese patients.

PlasmaBlade versus Electrocautery for Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Harvesting in Autologous Breast Reconstruction: A Comparative Clinical Outcome Study.

(1) Background: DIEP-based breast reconstruction necessitates wide undermining at the abdominal donor site, creating large wound areas. Flap harvesting is usually conducted using electrosurgical dissection devices. This study sought to compare the clinical outcomes in patients after using the PEAK PlasmaBlade (PPB) versus monopolar electrocautery (MPE). (2) Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 128 patients with DIEP-based breast reconstruction. Patient characteristics and information on the postoperative course were collected and a comparative evaluation was conducted. (3) Results: The MPE group exhibited significantly (p* = 0.0324) higher abdominal drainage volume (351.11 ± 185.96 mL) compared to the PPB group (279.38 ± 183.38 mL). A subgroup analysis demonstrated that PPB significantly reduced postoperative wound fluid in patients with BMI > 30 kg/m2 (p* = 0.0284), without prior neoadjuvant chemotherapy (p** = 0.0041), and among non-smokers (p = 0.0046). Furthermore, postoperative pain was significantly (p**** < 0.0001) lower in the PPB cohort. (4) Conclusions: This study confirms the non-inferiority of the PEAK PlasmaBlade to conventional electrocautery for abdominal flap harvesting. The PPB demonstrated advantages, notably reduced drainage volume and lower postoperative pain levels. Recognizing patient subsets that benefit more from the PPB highlights the importance of personalized device selection based on patient characteristics.

A Comparative Study of Endoscopic Septoplasty and Conventional Septoplasty Outcomes

A Comparative Study of Endoscopic Septoplasty and Conventional Septoplasty Outcomes

Comparative Study of Fetomaternal Outcome in Abruptio Placenta and Placenta Previa

Background: Abruptio placenta and placenta previa are obstetric complications associated with significant risks for both the fetus and the mother, potentially leading to severe hemorrhage, preterm birth, and maternal shock. Early detection and prompt medical intervention are crucial for optimizing outcomes and reducing maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality.&#x0D; Objective: The study aims to analyze the maternal and perinatal outcomes of APH cases due to placenta previa and abruptio placenta.&#x0D; Methods: This prospective study conducted at Ad Din Akij Medical College, Boyra, Khulna July 1, 2021, to June 30, 2023, included 150 APH cases, with 109 meeting inclusion criteria for comparison between placenta previa and abruptio placenta. Data collection encompassed maternal demographics, obstetric history, severity of hemorrhage, and neonatal outcomes. Diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation and ultrasound. Statistical analysis was performed using MS Excel.&#x0D; Results: In our Study, the distribution of causes of placental issues reveals that Placenta Previa accounts for the majority, comprising 71.55% of cases, while Abruptio Placentae represents 28.44% of instances. Placenta Previa predominantly affects individuals aged 26-30 years and over 35 years, with the highest occurrence among those with 2 pregnancies. Conversely, Abruptio Placentae shows a varied distribution across age groups, with the highest incidence among those aged 31-35 years and with gravidity of 1 pregnancy. Gestationally, the majority of Abruptio Placentae cases present between 31-33 weeks, while Placenta Previa cases peak at 34-36.6 weeks. Preterm births are prevalent in both conditions, with Placenta Previa leading in preterm deliveries. Placenta Previa is associated with a history of abortion and dilation and curettage (D&amp;C), while hypertension is a significant risk factor for Abruptio Placentae. Maternal complications include anemia, postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and shock, with Placenta Previa being associated with anemia and PPH, while Abruptio Placentae correlated with shock.&#x0D; Conclusion: Placenta previa emerged as the primary cause of APH, affecting multiparous women, while abruptio placenta correlated with hypertension and primigravida. Both conditions posed significant risks of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention.

A Comparative Study of Functional Outcome Following Philos Plating Versus Percutaneous Pinning in Proximal Humerus Fractures

A Comparative Study of Functional Outcome Following Philos Plating Versus Percutaneous Pinning in Proximal Humerus Fractures

Comparative study of feto-maternal outcome during 1st and 2nd wave of COVID-19 in department of obstetrics and gynaecology at a tertiary health care centre, South Gujarat

Comparative study of feto-maternal outcome during 1st and 2nd wave of COVID-19 in department of obstetrics and gynaecology at a tertiary health care centre, South Gujarat

A Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: External Beam Radiotherapy (EBRT) and Sequential High Dose Rate Intracavitary Brachytherapy (HDRICBT) with or without Concurrent Cisplatin on the Day of ICBT Insertion - A Tertiary Care Center Randomized Controlled Trial in India.

The current study aimed to delve into the comparative clinical outcomes between external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and sequential High Dose Rate Intracavitary Brachytherapy (HDRICBT) with or without concurrent cisplatin administration on the day of intracavitary brachytherapy (ICBT) insertion in women with locally advanced cervical cancer. In this study, conducted between January 2017 and July 2018 at a leading institute in India, diagnosed and untreated patients of locally advanced carcinoma cervix were randomized into two groups. Arm 1 received concurrent cisplatin before each course of brachytherapy, while Arm 2 underwent brachytherapy alone. The outcomes were compared in terms of acute and late toxicities, treatment response, and follow-up. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 16, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Both study arms showed similar complete response (CR) rates of 73.3%, with no significant advantage of concurrent cisplatin before brachytherapy. However, a noteworthy trend emerged during follow-up. In the concurrent cisplatin group, the CR rate increased from 73.3% post 1 month of brachytherapy to 86.7% at 3 months and 83.3% at 6 months. Contrastingly, the control group showed CR rates of 73.3% post 1 month, 80% at 3 months, and 76.6% at 6 months. While not statistically significant, this observation suggests a possible enhancement in response rates with concurrent cisplatin and ICBT. Future studies focusing on the optimal drug, dosage, scheduling, and combining cisplatin with other agents are recommended to further explore the potential benefits observed in this study.

Comparative Effectiveness of Partial Gland Cryoablation Versus Robotic Radical Prostatectomy for Cancer Control

Background and objectiveThere is an absence of high-level evidence comparing oncologic endpoints for partial gland ablation, and most series used prostate-specific antigen (PSA) rather than biopsy endpoints. Our aim was to compare oncologic outcomes between partial gland cryoablation (PGC) and radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. MethodsThis was a retrospective, single-center analysis of subjects treated with PGC (n = 98) or RP (n = 536) between January 2017 and December 2022 as primary treatment for intermediate-risk (Gleason grade group [GG] 2–3) prostate cancer. Oncologic endpoints included protocol surveillance biopsies after PGC in comparison to serial PSA testing after RP. The primary outcome was treatment failure, defined as a need for any salvage treatment or development of metastatic disease. Treatment failure and survival analyses were conducted using Cox proportional-hazard regression and Kaplan Meier survival curves. Key findings and limitationsAfter applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the PGC (n = 75) and RP (n = 298) groups were compared. PGC patients were significantly older (71 vs 64 yr; p < 0.001) but there were no differences in PSA, biopsy GG, or treatment year between the groups. The PGC group had higher rates of treatment failures at 24 mo (33% vs 11%; p < 0.001) and 48 mo (43% vs 14%; p < 0.001). One PGC patient (2.1%) and one RP patient (0.7%) had developed metastases by 48-mo follow-up (p = 0.4). On adjusted analysis, PGC was associated with a higher risk of treatment failure (hazard ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval 2.7–7.9; p < 0.001). Limitations include observational biases associated with the retrospective study design. ConclusionsThis is the first comparative effectiveness study of cancer control outcomes for PGC versus RP. The results demonstrate an almost fivefold higher risk of treatment failure with PGC during short-term follow-up. Patient summaryWe compared cancer control outcomes for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with partial prostate gland cryoablation versus radical prostatectomy. We found that partial gland cryoablation had an almost fivefold higher risk of treatment failure. Men with prostate cancer should be counseled regarding this difference in treatment failure.

‘’Comparative outcome study between simple closure and flap technique in Pilonidal sinus disease’’

I have read the interesting article ‘’Comparative outcome study between simple closure and flap technique in Pilonidal sinus disease’’ by Dr. Ram Magar and Dr. Rupali Magar published in your journal on 15th March 2022. According to this valuable study; Limberg flap method has has been found to have better outcome with less wound infection, wound disruption, postoperative discharge and recurrence rate compared to simple closure group. And as stated, it is safe and easy procedure. So it is recommended that Limberg flap method should be used in the treatment of pilonidal sinus disease over other modalities.[1]&#x0D; In our 767 patients study group results, we had recommended Limberg Flap Repair Technique for surgical treatment of pilonidal sinus disease. This technique had an acceptable “short” ‘Return to Work Outcome’ when compared with open techniques. Also had the smallest postoperative infection rate and low recurrence rate.&#x0D; Still in our daily surgical practice, earlier healing, shorter return to work, lower rates of infection and recurrence are the major factors that make us to use Limberg Flap Repair Technique mostly. Moreover, it is easy, fast, and practical to apply.[2]

Comparative study of percutaneous transfacet screw and pedicle screw in oblique lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of single-level lumbar spinal stenosis

Objective: To conduct a comparative study of radiological and clinical outcomes between percutaneous transfacet screw (TFS) and pedicle screw (BPS) in oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) for single-level lumbar spinal stenosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study. Patients who underwent OLIF with TFS or BPS for the treatment of single-level lumbar spinal stenosis at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2019 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Radiological parameters and clinical indicators were compared between the two groups. Radiological parameters included preoperative, immediate postoperative (within 5 days), and 1-year postoperative measurements of disc height and segmental lordosis angle, as well as interbody fusion status at 1 year postoperatively. Clinical indicators included operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, complications, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS) scores for back pain, and leg pain before and 1 year after surgery. Results: Four male and 10 female patients with an average age of (61.0±11.2) years underwent OLIF with TFS, while 9 male and 12 female patients underwent OLIF with BPS, with a mean age of (60.9±6.7) years. There was no statistically significant difference in preoperative disc height between the TFS and BPS groups (P>0.05). The immediate postoperative disc height was (12.9±2.1) mm and it was (10.4±1.7) mm at 1-year follow-up in the TFS group; in the BPS group, it was (12.9±2.1) mm immediately postoperatively and (11.9±2.1) mm at 1-year follow-up; there was statistically significant difference between the two groups at 1-year follow-up (P=0.037). The segmental lordosis angle showed no significant differences within each group or between the two groups at preoperative, immediate postoperative, or 1-year postoperative follow-up (all P>0.05). At 1-year postoperative follow-up, the fusion rates was 92.9%(13/14) in the TFS group and 95.2%(20/21) in the BPS group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The TFS group had a significantly shorter operative time and less blood loss compared to the BPS group [(164.3±33.9) minutes vs (191.7±31.8) minutes and (74.3±46.9) ml vs (124.8±54.0) ml, respectively] (both P<0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in ODI and VAS scores at 1 year postoperatively compared to those preoperatively, but with no statistically significant difference was found between the groups (both P>0.05). Conclusions: OLIF with TFS fixation can effectively restore disc height and alleviate back and leg pain in patients with single-level lumbar spinal stenosis. Compared to the OLIF with BPS procedure, OLIF with TFS has shorter operative time and less blood loss.

Synchronous versus metachronous spinal metastasis: a comparative study of survival outcomes following neurosurgical treatment

PurposePatients with spinal metastases (SM) from solid neoplasms typically exhibit progression to an advanced cancer stage. Such metastases can either develop concurrently with an existing cancer diagnosis (termed metachronous SM) or emerge as the initial indication of an undiagnosed malignancy (referred to as synchronous SM). The present study investigates the prognostic implications of synchronous compared to metachronous SM following surgical resection.MethodsFrom 2015 to 2020, a total of 211 individuals underwent surgical intervention for SM at our neuro-oncology facility. We conducted a survival analysis starting from the date of the neurosurgical procedure, comparing those diagnosed with synchronous SM against those with metachronous SM.ResultsThe predominant primary tumor types included lung cancer (23%), prostate cancer (21%), and breast cancer (11.3%). Of the participants, 97 (46%) had synchronous SM, while 114 (54%) had metachronous SM. The median overall survival post-surgery for those with synchronous SM was 13.5 months (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.1–15.8) compared to 13 months (95% CI 7.7–14.2) for those with metachronous SM (p = 0.74).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the timing of SM diagnosis (synchronous versus metachronous) does not significantly affect survival outcomes following neurosurgical treatment for SM. These results support the consideration of neurosurgical procedures regardless of the temporal pattern of SM manifestation.

Reducing Vascular Access Flow: A Comparative Study of Banding and Plication Outcomes

Reducing Vascular Access Flow: A Comparative Study of Banding and Plication Outcomes

168 (PB-075) Poster - Avoiding a visible scar in peripherally located UIQ tumors: Comparative study of Aesthetic and Surgical outcomes of the Modified Vs Standard Matrix Rotation Technique

168 (PB-075) Poster - Avoiding a visible scar in peripherally located UIQ tumors: Comparative study of Aesthetic and Surgical outcomes of the Modified Vs Standard Matrix Rotation Technique

Comparative study of surgical outcomes regarding tear meniscus area and high-order aberrations between two different interventional methods for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

To compare endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) with sheath-guided dacryoendoscopic probing and bicanalicular intubation (SG-BCI) by evaluating tear meniscus area (TMA) and total high-order aberrations (HOAs) for primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO). We retrospectively reviewed 56 eyes of 42 patients (7 men, 35 women; age, 72.7±13.1 years) who underwent EN-DCR or SG-BCI for PANDO in Toyama University Hospital from February 2020 to June 2022. In the EN-DCR and SG-BCI groups, we measured the patency of the lacrimal passage, preoperative and postoperative TMA, and HOAs of the central 4 mm of the cornea using optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), six months postoperatively. There was a positive correlation between preoperative TMA and preoperative HOAs in all cases. Postoperative patency of lacrimal passage was 100% in the EN-DCR and 80.8% in the SG-BCI group. There was a significant difference in the number of passages between the two groups (p = 0.01). Preoperative TMA and HOAs showed a significant postoperative decrease in both groups (EN-DCR group: p<0.01, p<0.01, SG-BCI group: p<0.01, p=0.03, respectively). We then calculated the rate of change of preoperative and postoperative TMA and HOAs and compared them between the two groups. The rate of change was significantly higher in the EN-DCR group than that in the SG-BCI group (TMA, p=0.03; HOAs, p=0.02). Although both EN-DCR and SG-BCI are effective for PANDO, our results suggest that EN-DCR is more effective in improving TMA and HOAs.

190 (PB-097) Poster - A comparative study of surgical, oncological and aesthetic outcomes in conventional breast-conserving versus oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery for excision of breast tumour

190 (PB-097) Poster - A comparative study of surgical, oncological and aesthetic outcomes in conventional breast-conserving versus oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery for excision of breast tumour

186 (PB-093) Poster - A comparative study of outcome of axillary lymph node dissection vs axillary radiotherapy in early breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph node

186 (PB-093) Poster - A comparative study of outcome of axillary lymph node dissection vs axillary radiotherapy in early breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph node

A comparative study of learning outcomes for hearing-impaired foundation phase learners

Background: Two intervention approaches are implemented in South Africa to alleviate the deleterious consequences of congenital or early onset hearing impairment on language acquisition and subsequent poor learning outcomes.Aim: This study investigated the learning outcomes of foundation phase learners with severe to profound hearing impairment who received Listening and Spoken Language – South Africa (LSL-SA) (adapted Auditory Verbal Therapy) therapy compared to those who received Traditional Speech-Language Therapy (TSLT).Setting: The study was conducted at four early intervention (EI) schools for children with hearing impairment across three provinces in South Africa.Methods: Data were collected through record reviews of their Speech-Language Therapy Outcomes and South African National Department of Basic Education academic report cards. Data were analysed using quantitative statistics.Results: Findings demonstrated that children with hearing impairment enrolled in LSL-SA outperformed those enrolled in TSLT in achieving age-equivalent language outcomes. A higher percentage of learners enrolled in LSL-SA achieved meritorious to outstanding learning outcomes. While a comparable number of learners progressed to mainstream schooling, children with hearing impairment enrolled in LSL-SA are enrolled for a shorter duration until discharge than those enrolled in TSLT. This is an important finding, particularly in low-middle income countries (LMICs).Conclusion: Listening and Spoken Language – South Africa graduates achieved superior learning outcomes dependent on language attainment, providing contextually relevant evidence supporting the effectiveness of the LSL-SA EI approach.Contribution: These context-specific outcomes stress the obligation to upscale and fast-track EI services. Implications for investment in LSL-SA are proposed through collaboration between families, educators, and early interventionists.

Factors Associated with Delayed Palatoplasty Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Cleft palatoplasty is typically performed around 10 to 12 months of age in the US, and delays can negatively affect speech development. Early during COVID-19, elective surgeries were canceled. The aims of this study were to (1) identify overall risk factors for greater age at palatoplasty and (2) analyze delays in palatoplasty during COVID-19. This study was part of a larger prospective, multicenter comparative study of speech outcomes in palatoplasty. Participants underwent palatoplasty between March 2019 and September 2022 at 18 pediatric hospitals in the United States. Ages were corrected for prematurity. Dates of palatoplasty were divided into 4 periods corresponding to different phases of the pandemic. Factors analyzed included region, language, adoption status, sex, ethnicity, race, rurality, health insurance type, and cleft type. Analyses were performed using ANOVA, Student's test, and multivariable linear regression, with a P value of ≤0.05 being significant. Nine hundred twenty-eight participants were included. Average corrected age at palatoplasty was 374 days. In univariable analysis, palatoplasty was performed later in children who were Hispanic (P=0.003), of a race other than White, Black, or Asian (P<0.001), and without private insurance (P<0.001). On multivariable regression, predictors of delayed palatoplasty were Hispanic ethnicity (P=0.015), from other race (P<0.001), and without private insurance (P<0.001). During COVID-19, disproportionate delays occurred in patients who were female, of other races, from nonrural areas, and on Medicaid. Palatoplasty was performed later in vulnerable populations. Some of these populations were also disproportionately affected by COVID-19 delays. Providers should be aware of these differences as they pertain to equitable access to craniofacial care. III.